Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 155 | Friday, October 9, 2020

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NEUTRAL PULONG Pulong refuses to take sides in House speakership row STORY ON PAGE 2

A young resident of Bankerohan jumps from Generoso Bridge along Matina, Davao City as he and his peers spend their Thursday morning swimming at the Davao River instead of attending their online classes. Edge Davao

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VOL.13 ISSUE 155 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

NEUTRAL PULONG

Pulong refuses to take sides in House speakership row

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eputy Speaker Paolo Duterte on Thursday refused to take sides in the ongoing speakership tussle at the House of Representatives.

Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte refuses to take sides in the ongoing speakership tussle at the House of Representatives. Duterte said he was saddened that the

chamber is “currently mired” in the speakership dispute, which has divided House members. Edge Davao

80% of Pinoys approve PRRD admin's handling of Covid-19 crisis: Pulse Asia

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ight out of 10 Filipinos approve of the Duterte administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Pulse Asia survey released Thursday.

The Sept. 14 to 20 poll found that 84 percent of Filipinos had a "positive opinion about the work done by the Duterte administration to control the

spread of the novel coronavirus."

Some 10 percent of the respondents were neutral on the government's actions in reining in the virus while 6 percent disapproved of their performance, showed the poll results.

The survey followed poll results showing President Rodrigo Duterte en-

Davao City reminds people on low-key celebrations

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he Local Government of Davao City is reminding the public to mark important personal and family milestones with low-key and modest celebrations as the city has monitored increasing transmissions due to social gatherings.

According to City Tourism Operations Officer Generose Tecson they are encouraging people to use the online platforms for celebrations.

Executive Order 25 series of 2020 which puts the City under a Period of Mourning and Vigilance states that (under Section 5) Private parties to mark personal and family milestones should be kept low-key and modest. As a guide low-key can mean a celebration in a private place with no more than 25 guests. Those who want a big celebration are advised to postpone it until 2021.

The public are also reminded that before booking events in venues they must check the venues for their Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) or Provisional Certificate of Authority to Operate (PCAO).

Event organizers and event venues should also have updated Business Permits and Tourism Licenses unless it is a private residence. It is imperative that before they are to conduct their events they should secure a Special Mayor’s Permit.

Increasing cases Based on data from Department of Health-XI, (on October 7, 2020), 16 new COVID cases were added to the City. This amounted to 2,163 cases for Davao City with 380 active cases (as of October 7, 2020).

As of October 7, the utilization rate of the ICU beds in the Southern Philippine

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joys a 91-percent approval rating in the middle of the unpredecented crisis.

As of Wednesday, the country has recorded 329,637 COVID-19 cases, putting it among countries with the highest levels of infection.

The nationwide caseload includes 5,925 fatalities, 273,723 recoveries and 49,989 active cases.

In a statement, Duterte said while Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco has the right to assert his claim to the speakership in line with the 15-21 term-sharing agreement, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano still has the support of a “considerable number” of lawmakers.

“As I am all for a unified House, and given the value, I place in every member of Congress, I refuse to make any statement that will favor or damage either of my two good friends who are both asserting their right to be our Speaker,” he added.

Duterte said he was saddened that the chamber is “currently mired” in the speakership dispute, which has divided House members.

“Due to this issue on the term-sharing agreement, Congress is currently mired in what seems to be a battle between two people I’m close with,” Duterte said. “I am saddened that it has come to this —a House

divided. And if we remain a House divided, we will fail in our mandate to serve the people as their representatives.”

Duterte said in the event that lawmakers are called to select the top leader of the House of Representatives, they should vote for a Speaker that can unify the chamber.

“When the day comes that we are called to select the leader of this House, I hope we vote for someone who is committed, who understands what we want to achieve for our constituents, and who can fight for and with us, and unify the 300 members of this House,” he said.

He also asked his colleagues to remain respectful and support whoever is the Speaker whatever the result of that election.

“At the end of this episode, I hope we can go beyond politics and remember that more than power, it is the relationships we’ve formed in these halls of Congress and our duties

to the people, that matter most,” he said.

Duterte earlier confirmed that he would ask the Mindanao bloc to move to declare the position of Cayetano and 22 Deputy Speakers vacant due to inequitable budget allocations for the legislative districts of congressmen under the proposed PHP4.5-trillion national budget for 2021.

However, no motion was raised to declare leadership posts, including the speakership, at the lower chamber vacant during the September 21 session.

The supposed speakership turnover for Velasco was set on Oct. 14, but the House suspended its session until Nov. 16.

The House has also approved the 2021 General Appropriations bill on second reading.

Under the term-sharing deal brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte, Cayetano would serve as the House Speaker for the first 15 months, or until October 2020, while Velasco would take over and assume the highest position at the House of Representatives for the remaining 21 months or until 18th Congress ends in 2022. (PNA)

Then Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Brigadier General Alexander Tagum interacts with members of the media in this undated photo. Tagum was recently appointed as the new Highway Patrol Group (HPG) chief. Edge Davao

VOL.13 ISSUE 155 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

NEWS 3

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City Health Officer Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, together with the other health officials in the region, lowers the time capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Davao City Health Office’s new 6-storey building along A. Pichon St. (formerly Magallanes St.), Thursday morning. CIO

Around 35,000 vehicles to E use SIDC connector daily

Digos LGU temporarily halts ops after employee tests positive for Covid-19

By MAYA M. PADILLO n average of 35,000 vehicles are expected to use the Samal Island-Davao City Connector each day once fully operation.

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Undersecretary Emil Sadain of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said in a text message the 35,000 vehicles include all types of passenger vehicles from both directions: Samal to Davao and Davao to Samal.

Corey Wong, associate director of Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong Ltd., said with expected traffic brought by the bridge due to the number of vehicles expected to use it, their study has recommended

for localized widening of the road networks.

“Padak-an pud nato ang atong mga kalsada to accommodate sa mga ramps, maka-comply ta with road safety requirements when it comes to the bridge, the curbs, etc, because of that properties will be affected on the Davao side diri sa Lizada area,” said Diana Kristina Velasco, land use specialist of Galerio Environmental Consultancy, in a virtual public hearing last September 28, 2020.

Velasco said properties are expected to be affected in the road widening in both Davao City and Samal sides.

“Sa taas circumferential road (Samal) will be widened. The project will not just affect structures and properties but will also affect utilities,” she said.

Velasco added that the study also include an inventory of all the affected utilities so that they can be integrated in the management plan when the project is finally implemented.

Meanwhile, the number of vehicles has concerned Wenifredo Gorrez, a resident of Barangay Hizon in Sasa, as he is expecting

ties in Talaingod no longer have any reason to go into rebellion after receiving an array of support from the government.

During the One Davao Presser on October 5, Talaingod Municipal Mayor Jonnie Libayao pointed this out in explaining the impact of government support to the lives of his indigenous people (IP) constituents.

“Unsa pamay pangita-on pa nila nga mag rebelde man sila, nga gihatag na sa ila tanan. Labi na sa

uban pang mga ahensya, gihatag na tanan para sa pag sustain sa ilang panginabuhian (What else are they going to reason to rebel when they have already been given everything.

From TESDA, DOLE, DTI, DSWD, and other agencies, everything has been given to them so they can sustain their livelihood),” he said.

Libayao especially cited the farm-to-market road project given by the government as “the most important thing” to the communities’ livelihood

ple to move and get access.

As well, one of the many programs of the government for Talaingod is the housing project, which Libayao confidently believes will make the IPs in Haran come back to Talaingod. “[Katong mga naa sa Haran] Syempre manguli gyud to sila kay naa naman gud silay puy-anan nga gwapo, ma ibog na sila sa ilang mga kauban nga gihatagan na silag desente nga puy-anan ([For those in Haran] Of course they will come back because they

that it will cause gridlock in their area.

“The traffic here in Barangay Hizon is getting worse. No matter what you say. You are talking about 35,000 vehicles daily ang tatawid sa Samal.

Saan dadaan yun sa coastal road? Hindi dadaan sa kalsada namin? There will be a massive gridlock in our place kung dito ilalagay sa amin yan,” he said.

The landing points of the bridge are specifically located in Davao City and Island Garden City of Samal, the barangays that will be affected are Vicente Hizon Sr., A. Angliongto and R. Castillo. While Barangay

fellows who have received their own decent house to live in),” he explained.

He explained that the reason why some of the IPs moved to Haran is because of their lack of homes.

“Ang mga IP nga kaigsuonan nato, bisag diin2 nalang sila mupuyo. Kay ilang balay dili concrete, sila man gud temporary lang jud pirmi ilang balay… Mao nang na abot sila sa Haran kay wala silay kapuy-an (Our IP brothers, they just go from place to place to

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mployees of the local government here temporarily stopped work and were ordered to go home shortly before noon Wednesday after one of their colleagues tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Mayor Josef Cagas ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to conduct disinfection inside various offices of the city hall and the Sangguniang Panlungsod buildings.

Vice-Mayor Johari Baña, in a phone patch interview on a local television station, confirmed that one of the employees in the city government contracted the disease.

Baña said there was no lockdown but they were just told to pack up and go home to pave the way for the disinfection of areas within the perimeter of the city hall and the legislative

buildings which are just a few meters apart.

Baña assured the public the city government is working to establish the identities of the patient's close contacts.

Dr. Ronald Jumilla, Digos City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit chief, said contact tracing is now being done.

As of October 6, the city government has 93 confirmed Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, with 70 recoveries, two deaths, and 21 active cases.

Cagas has issued advisory guidelines on October 2 declaring a stricter implementation of all the health protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases to prevent further spread of the disease in the city following the sudden surge of cases in some areas.

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No more reason for IPs to join rebellion after receiving support from gov't 6 skills, livelihood training programs he Indigenous Peo- livelihood, kaning sa TES- because without the road, now have houses to live in, offered for Davao City cooperatives ples (IP) communi- DA, DOLE, DTI, DSWD, ug it was too difficult for peo- they will be envious of their

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n celebration of October as Cooperative Month, the Davao City government opened six skills and livelihood training programs to help local cooperatives during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Edna V. Haspe, the program coordinator of the Cooperative Livelihood and Training Center (CLTC), said the four Skills Training Program includes Basic Fruits and Vegetable Processing scheduled on October 26; Basic Perfume

Making on October 12; Basic Meat processing on October 15 and 16; and Basic Chocolate (Tablea) Making on October 28.

The two Livelihood Development Programs are the Duck Raising Production scheduled on October 21 and 22 and Basic Homecare Skills Training With Provision of Seed Capital which is set on October 29 and 30.

Besides the six skills and livelihood training, the city government through

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 155 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

Davao Oriental Provincial Board Member Lito Macatabog confers with City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat during the regional consultative forum and promotions on the halal industry held in Mati City on Thursday. Hon. Dicky Fabrian, Consul General of the Consulate of Republic of Indonesia also attended the said forum. MATI CIO

Green finance needed to meet infrastructure financing gap C

CebPac to raise $500M fresh capital to support recovery from COVID-19

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new book by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) urges policy makers in Southeast Asia to use green and innovative financing approaches to help catalyze the estimated USD3.1 trillion investments required for climate-adjusted infrastructure in the region by 2030.

These investments from both public and private sources would be critical to the region’s economic recovery from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Green Finance Strategies for Post-Covid-19 Economic Recovery in Southeast Asia, which was launched Wednesday on the sidelines of the 7th Annual OECD Forum on Green Finance and Invest-

ment, explores innovative, environmentally sustainable, and climate-resilient financing instruments, such as green and transitions bonds for Covid-19 recovery, blue credits for oceans financing, and green securitization, while also providing examples of ADB-supported green initiatives.

“A green recovery for Southeast Asia is needed to encourage long-term,

sustainable job creation in a region with more than 650 million people,” said ADB Vice-President Ahmed Saeed, who will speak at the forum on October 9. “It will boost equitable growth, protect the environment, and help governments meet the Paris climate agreement targets. This timely book shows how green finance can spur growth in the region and overcome the challenges of climate change and a global pandemic.”

Green finance refers to all financing instruments, investments, and mechanisms that contribute to climate and environmental sustainability goals.

It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost climate resilience, and

improve environmental protection, such as air and water quality, ecosystems, and biodiversity.

The book recommends that governments use green finance catalytic approaches to build upon national green targets and programs and steer away from fossil fuel or carbon-intensive investments.

While some countries have embarked on green projects and bonds, much more needs to be done to help Southeast Asia’s economies meet their large financing needs and accelerate economic recoveries in a sustainable manner.

ADB has supported innovative financing mechanisms for green infrastructure, including thematic bonds, national green fi-

the Asian Institute of Management, is crafting the AI Roadmap for Industry that covers agribusiness, manufacturing, and services industries.

Lopez said prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak in the country, some industries were already rolling out AI in their operations particularly among banks.

There were also several startups offering AI solutions to consumers and businesses, making dayto-day transactions more

accessible to the public, the trade chief added.

Lopez said at the onset of the pandemic, AI technologies have been helping the country navigate the new normal.

“Aside from chatbots taking over as businesses limit human-to-human interaction, AI technologies have been used in contact tracing, health assessment and monitoring, knowledge management, and addressing supply chain issues,” he said.

Lopez added the coun-

try has several programs like the Philippine skills framework that will reskill and upskill the local workforce to adapt quickly on the future of work with AI. “With AI technologies, we can future-proof our country from the Fourth Industrial Revolution even as we gain more opportunities to create more inclusive economic growth.

Through AI, we can create a better normal in a postCovid-19 future even as we realize President Rodrigo

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DTI targets to roll out AI roadmap next year

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) targets to implement the roadmap for the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) next year, Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

At the virtual launch of AI Coalition Wednesday, Lopez said the roadmap will help the country to be an “AI center for excellence” in the region, backed by the rich local talent pool and vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The DTI, together with

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ebu Air Inc., the operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, announced Thursday its plan to raise $500 million (around P25 billion) additional capital to strengthen its position to recover from the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Cebu Air said it is seeking approval for the issuance of up to $250 million in new convertible preferred shares, as well as another $250 million in privately placed convertible bonds.

“It is envisioned that the approvals for the issuance of the preferred shares, as well as the convertible bond, will be taken up in a special shareholders meeting to take place on November 20, 2020,” the company said.

“The new convertible preferred shares will be made available to all stockholders, including JG Summit, giving opportunity for all investors to participate; while the privately placed convertible bonds, will be made available to a limited number of reputable international investors,” it said.

In the first six months of 2020, the Cebu Air recorded revenues amounting to P17.3 billion, down 61.2% from the P44.7 billion year-on-year.

The lockdowns imposed in various parts of the country led to cancellation of flights across the company’s entire network.

From March 15 to June 30, 2020 alone, around 44,000 flights were canceled and 2.1 million pas-

sengers were affected.

Cebu Air said it is operating only about 15% of its pre-COVID 19 operations.

“We need to create a longer runway for CEB so that we can continue providing affordable and accessible air transport services for everyjuan,” Lance Gokongwei, president and CEO of Cebu Pacific and JG Summit Holdings Inc., said.

Cebu Air said it is raising the additional capital as part of its multipronged approach to working with capital providers, creditors, suppliers and all other stakeholders, especially its employees, to further strengthen its financial position in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis.

Since the start of this pandemic, the company said it has been working on accelerating its transformation towards becoming an even more digitalized airline, resulting in a significantly reduced unit cost, allowing the carrier to continue offering affordable air travel.

This capital raising exercise will provide the airline with the needed runway to withstand the financial challenges it faces as it slowly goes back to pre-COVID business levels and settles into the “new normal,” according to the company.

Gokongwei said Cebu Air is an important part of JG Summit’s investment portfolio.

“We strongly believe in the airline’s vital mission

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ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 155 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

Globe eyes installation of 800 cell sites before end of 2020

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lobe Telecom said Thursday it planned to install at least 800 cell sites during the fourth quarter of 2020 to improve mobile signal and connectivity.

In Metro Manila, at least 319 cell sites are set to be constructed, 100 in North Luzon with Bulacan, Pampanga and Pangasinan as among the top 15 provinces with most builds, the telco said in a statement.

Globe said Cavite is on the top 12 provinces in South Luzon which was identified as a target area for expansion. The list also includes Albay, Batangas, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Quezon, Laguna, Marinduque, Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan and Romblon, it said.

At least 64 towers and small cell sites are being planned in the region, Globe said.

In Visayas, 147 sites are being eyed in Cebu.

Sites are also set in Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Samar and Negros Oriental. A total of 190 installations will be built in these provinces.

166 sites are also planned for Mindanao with Davao del Sur getting the

most number, Globe said.

“We expect mobile signals to improve moving forward especially in challenged areas. As we increase site density, connectivity will be made available and accessible to more communities,” Globe Senior Vice President for Program Delivery, Network Technical Group Joel Agustin said.

Agustin said the telco would use small cell sites and other technologies to build more capacity in areas where towers cannot be built immediately.

Its rival PLDT Inc has also announced plans to hasten tower builds to improve connectivity while third telco DITO Telecommunity said it might be able to build some 2,000 towers and base stations by yearend, ahead of its March 2021 commercial launch.

In his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte called on telcos to improve services by the end of the year or face closure or expropriation.

The Bayanahihan to Recover as One law also has provisions streamlining the permitting process to hasten telco tower builds in the next few years.

Term deposit facility rates rise across-the-board

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he average rates of all Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) term deposit facility (TDF) tenors increased Wednesday as demand remained high.

The rate of the seven-day facility increased to 1.8431 percent, the 14-day to 1.8492 percent, and the 28-day to 1.8445 percent.

These were at 1.8377 percent, 1.8485 percent, and 1.8426 percent for the seven-, 14-, and 28-day facilities during the auction last Sept. 30.

All tenors were oversubscribed but bid coverage ratio of the shortest tenor facility declined to 1.1697 from last week’s 1.3974 after this week’s PHP200-billion offering was met with tenders amounting to PHP233.945 billion.

Last week, this tenor was offered for PHP180 billion and bids amounted to PHP251.53 billion.

Bid coverage ratio of the two-week facility rose to 1.5288 from last week’s 1.4857 after bids totaled to

PHP336.33 billion, higher than the PHP200-billion offer.

This tenor was offered for PHP200 billion in the previous auction and tenders reached PHP297.14 billion.

Meanwhile, bid coverage ratio of the 28-day facility went down to 1.7952 from last week’s 1.9302 after tenders this week totaled PHP107.71 billion, higher than the PHP60-billion offer.

Tenders for this tenor in last week’s auction reached PHP96.51 billion, almost twice the PHP50-billion offer.

In a statement, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said domestic liquidity continues to remain high as shown by the TDF auction results.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will remain guided by its assessment of liquidity conditions and market developments in the conduct of its monetary operations,” he added. (PNA)

Gov’t reviews mining assets -- DOF chief

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he government is firm on reviving its mining assets to boost job opportunities and lift economies around the mine sites, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

“Definitely, we are pushing for the revival of the mining industry,” he said during the press conference of the two-day Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (PCCI) 46th Philippine Business Conference and Expo that started Wednesday.

Dominguez said the mining sector “provides jobs in areas where there

are no other alternative jobs”.

He said the Privatization Management Office (PMO) completed a few days ago the review of the mining assets held by the government.

He, however, did not disclose the results of the review.

Dominguez said he has asked for the revival of the privatization of Nonoc Nickel Mines in Surigao City and the copper mines in Basay, Negros Oriental, among others.

“We are also working

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A street hawker peddles motorcycle barriers along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

DBP installs 3 ATM units in 2 ‘unbanked’ Lanao towns

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efore the end of the year, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will establish three automated teller machine (ATM) units in the towns of Malabang and Balabagan and at the compound of cassava starch manufacturing company, Matling Industrial Commercial Corporation (MICC) in Lanao del Sur. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol announced this development, adding that cassava farmers in at least four Lanao Sur towns will no longer have to travel for two hours to reach either the city of Pagadi-

an or Cotabato to encash checks paid to them by the processing company.

“Upon the instructions of DBP President Emmanuel Herbosa, a DBP inspection team accompanied by officials of the MinDA checked the three locations for the ATMs.

DBP Branch Manager Wilfredo Kaamino, who led the inspection team, approved three sites for the ATMs,” the MinDA chair said.

Herbosa said the ATMs will be opened before the end of the year.

Malabang Mayor Tomas Macapodi and Balabagan Mayor Edna Benito thanked DBP and MinDA for working on the establishment of the ATMs in their towns.

“MICC officials had earlier brought the problem of the lack of banking facilities to me during a visit to the company’s processing facilities early this year,” Piñol added.

Ace Gaccad, chief op-

erations officer of MICC, said that farmers had to go to Pagadian City or Cotabato City to encash their checks or the money exchange outlets in the town, which charge very high service fees.

Among the concerns raised by the banks in refusing to open facilities in the area were the security risks.

“MinDA will address this concern by coordinating with the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces (Westmincom) of the Philippines (AFP) to provide ample security to the bank armored cars which will supply the ATMs with cash,” he further added.

extreme poverty percentage in about 20 years.

The 2019 extreme poverty rate was estimated at about 8.4% and had been expected to drop to 7.5% by 2021 before the coronavirus pandemic. The report said that without swift, substantial policy actions, a longstanding goal of cutting the rate to 3% by 2030 looked out of reach.

“The pandemic and global recession may cause over 1.4% of the world’s population to fall into extreme poverty,” World Bank President David Malpass said in a statement, calling it a “serious setback to development progress and poverty reduction.”

The report found that many of the new extreme poor are in countries that have high poverty rates already, but around 82% of these are in middle-income

countries, where the poverty line is defined as income of $3.20 a day for low-middle-income countries and $5.50 a day for upper-middle-income countries.

While extreme poverty has been concentrated in rural areas in the past, the World Bank report found that increasing numbers of urban dwellers have been thrown into extreme poverty as jobs dry up from coronavirus lockdowns and reduced demand.

Sub Saharan Africa has the highest concentration of those living on less than $1.90 a day, and could see an increase of over 50 million people by 2021 compared to pre-coronavirus estimates. About 42% of the region’s population could be living under extreme poverty by 2021 versus a pre-COVID estimate of 37.8%, the study

showed.

The coronavirus also has stagnated “shared prosperity,” defined as growing income for the poorest 40% of a country’s population. The World Bank said that from 2012 to 2017, income rose for this group by an average of 2.3% in 74 of 91 economies for which data was available.

The COVID-19 crisis could now reduce income for the poorest 40%, increasing income inequality and reducing social mobility, the bank said.

To get back on a track of poverty reduction, countries will need collective action to control the virus, provide support for households and build more resilient economies once the pandemic subsides, the World Bank said.

“Countries will need

Coronavirus may push 150M people into extreme poverty - World Bank

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he World Bank said on Wednesday that the coronavirus pandemic could push as many as 150 million people into extreme poverty by the end of 2021, wiping out more than three years of progress in poverty reduction.

Releasing its flagship biennial report on poverty and shared prosperity, the multilateral development lender said that an additional 88 million to 115 million people will fall into extreme poverty - defined as living on less than $1.90 a day -in 2020. The report said this could grow to 111 million to 150 million by the end of 2021.

That would mean that 9.1-9.4% of the world’s population would be living under extreme poverty this year, about the same as 2017’s 9.2% and representing the first rise in the

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 155 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

On the ongoing speakership tussle at the House of Representatives:

As I am all for a unified House, and given the value I place in every member of Congress, I refuse to make any statement that will favor or damage either of my two good friends who are both asserting their right to be our Speaker.”

Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte Deputy Speaker

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

FOOD

FRED C. LUMBA

A DINNER FEAST IN THE NEW NORMAL SPECKS OF LIFE

ARE THERE ANYMORE GOOD MEN LEFT

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

Or is it more like searching in a haystack?

The huge financial mess discovered – and exposed by a whistle-blower - in the Philhealth corruption scandal indicts the cultural impunity that has been in existence and in practice for many decades, nursed in fact by 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” BEFORE start navigate of the lawyers whothe smartly the legal waters with a restauvariety of pandemic, buffet “swimming” methods styles. rants are the bestand venues Yes, it can no longer be defor Durianburg’s food nied that our justice and penal

lovers to taste a wide selection of dishes without braking the bank too much. But with the current situation, many restaurants have stopped serving buffets. I, myself, have not dined out since March due to concerns on food safety and health protocols.

Last September 26, I finally decided to go and dine out thanks to the invitation of Dusit Davao’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Lannie Merilo, “The political is perto experience Dusitscene Davao’s haps the most public arena new normal at the hotel’s allwhere people have expressed day dining restaurant their distrust in those Mawho lead dayaw These Café. are not easy times them. in which to honest be a leader.”

-- Henry I will be that the and Richard Blackaby, experience of going out authors for of Spiritual dinner withLeadership face mask, face *** shield anditalcohol in tow And came to passwas that a bit concerning, but all the God saw the sufferings of His people in slowly Egypt.melted He had heard concerns away them crying out because of the as I remember all of the health miseries they were experiencand safety do’s and dont’s and ing. He wanted to rescue them being greeted

by Dusit Davao’s from their bondage.

So, He new Marketing and Commucalled a man named Moses to bring God’s chosenLish people nications Manager delaout of Egypt.

Torre Babela.

“Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the IsraelGood for theMoses Weekend ites outfood of Egypt,” asked.

Transitioning to the new Moses was terrified to become theMadayaw leader. InCafé their normal, of-book, Spiritual Leadership, fers a sumptuous dinnerauthors feast Henry and Richard Blackaby every Friday and Saturday, wrote: “Leadership. Everyone but instead of an open experiences it, having or the lack of it, in spread of different dishes, foodto their daily lives. Those called lead can find doing so a daunting is individually wrapped, portask. expected follow tionedThose and placed in a to food can experience frustration spread setup to ensure thatwhen their leader is unable to lead.” thereThere is noare contamination.

850 different Hot defifood items will also beThat cooked nitions of leadership. was what Warren Bennis and Burt fresh ala minute.

Nanus found they were “We are verywhen excited to bring writing their collaborative book, back the well-loved Weekend Leaders: Strategies for Taking Dinner because Filipinos Charge. Feast It is no wonder why tolove spend the weekend day’stoleaders have a hard with time measuring their level.

There their loved up ones while eating are too many standards meet! good food together.

Weto want Dr. John C. Maxwell, an our guests to enjoy deliciousau-

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 nothWe have tried everything ing – it seems – can solve or even possible under the sun but our minimize it to a tolerable level. government remains in bondage Perhaps, PRRD should ask to corruption, thievery and illefor a volunteer. galities.

Instead of scouting for talA volunteer-appointee I ented managers and executives think will do better under the that will man and head govern- circumstance because he is not ment offices, the President could indebted to anyone but to the apask the nation if there is anyone pointing authority alone. willing to volunteer and serve the Therefore, he will have much country in a position that has no leeway to hire and fire, whenevpolitical backing or support. er necessary and implement the In this way, the volunteer-ap- changes he sees to be effective slicesfrom of USpolitChuck Roast Beef. pointee willPreparing not suffer and efficient. ical pressures if he had been othAt least, PRRD need not erwise backed or recommended search in a haystack. by a powerful politician.

Napoleon Hill, author of the I believe there are still many much-acclaimed Think and Grow capable Filipinos out there will- Rich, said: “No man ever achieved ing to take up the challenge. worthwhile success who did not, These are the guys who silent- at one time or other, find himself ly do their jobs and accomplish with at least one foot hanging their tasks with noble objectivity well over the brink of failure.” and diligence.

Challenges will not stop darEnough of bureaucrats. ing us in the face.

Enough of the ‘padrino’ connecIt is up to us if we cower in tion. Enough of the old traditional fear or take the dare. (Email your “you and me” brotherhood. feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.

I would strongly espouse this com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPvolunteer-ism concept.

PINES.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

WHAT MAKES A TRUE LEADER? Christoph Kuch, Resident Manager of dusitD2 Davao, Dusit Thani Residence Davao and The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island.

thority on leadership, has writCommitment: “People do ever honored for what he re- himself.” -- Louis Nizer ten a very comprehensive book not follow uncommitted lead- ceived. Honor has been the reSecurity: “No man will make entitled, The 21 Indispensable ers.

Commitment can be disward for what he gave.”

-Calvin a great leader who wants to do One can order different dishes available at the Weekend Diner Feast directly from the table .

Qualities of a Leader. In his played in a full range of matters Coolidge, American president it all himself or get all the credit food while ensuring their these to include the work hours you introduction, he posed Initiative: “Success seems for doing it.” -- Andrew Carnegie, questions: “What makes people choose to maintain, how you to be connected with action. industrialist safety. We have redesigned want to follow a leader?

Why do work to improve your abilities, Successful people keep moving.

Self-discipline:“A man withthe dining layout at Madayaw people reluctantly comply with or what you do for your fellow They make mistakes, but they out decision of character can Café, and adapted contactless one leader while passionately workers at personal sacrifice.” don’t quit.” -- Conrad Hilton, ho- never be said to belong to himservice as another much astopossible,” following the ends of -- Stephen Gregg, chairman of tel executive self… He longs to whatever can explains Kuch, lead- Ethix Corporation the earth?Christoph What separates Listening: “The ear of the make captive of him.” -- John ership theorists from successful Communication: “You can leader must ring with the voices Foster, author Resident Manager of dusitD2 leaders who lead effectively in have brilliant ideas, but if you of the people.” -- Woodrow WilServanthood: “The true Davao, Dusit Thani Residence the real world?” can’t get them across, your ideas son, American president leader serves. Serves people.

Davao and The Beach Club at Maxwell enumerated the 21 won’t get you anywhere.” -- Lee Passion: “Without passion Serves their best interests, and Lubi Plantation Island. order Iacocca, American automobile man is a mere latent force and in so doing will not always be qualities -- in alphabetical Diners can also pick from -- as follows: character, charis- executive possibility, like the flint which popular, may not always imma, commitment, communiCompetence: “The soci- awaits the shock of the iron be- press. But because true leaders Madayaw Café’s signature cation, competence, courage, dishes straight from their table ety which scorns excellence in fore it can give forth its spark.” are motivated by loving concern discernment, focus, generosity, plumbing because plumbing -- Henri Frederic Amie, Swiss rather than a desire for personal thanks to Madayaw Cafe’s initiative, listening, passion, pos- is a humble activity and toler- moral philosopher glory, they are willing to pay the Menuattitude, Mat. Dishes include itive problem solving, ates shoddiness in philosophy Positive Attitude: “The price.” -- Eugene B. Habecker, aus signature Curry Chicken.

Fish Fillet with Tomato, Saffron, pre-packed salads such as Fern Dusit’ relationships, security, self-disbecause it isGreen an exalted activity greatest discovery of Capers, my generthor and Leek. cipline, servanthood, teachabiliwill have neither good plumbing ation is that human beings can Teachability: whatout you and Salted Egg Salad, Pomelo cols and sanitation practices. are provided instead of cloth down temporarily“It’s to dine ty and vision. nor good philosophy.

Neither its alter their lives by altering their learn after you know it all that and Shrimps Salad, and Caesar Dining layouts are thoughtnapkins. Sanitizers and disinwith confidence in the New Now, some piped nor its theories will hold attitude of wipes mind.”

William counts.”

Salad, Roasthere US Beefare Chuck fully-designed to ensure comfectant wet are--readily Normal.-- John Wooden, Basketthoughts from various leaders water.” -- John Gardner, Ameri- James, psychologist ball coach ToVision: celebrate itsfuture reopening, Roll, thinkers Fish Fillet, Green Currythe can pliance and social distance. available andSolving: all tableware, tent and from around novelist Problem “The mea“The belongs Madayaw Café is currently ofChicken, Pork Stroganoff, and Reservation highly encourcard holders, menus and bill world: Courage:is“Courage is right- sure of success is not whether to those who see possibilities Character: “Leadership is ly esteemed first of human you have tough and problem they become obvious.” fering the weekend dinner feast Seafood Brochettas.

A selection aged as seats the are in limited folders are acleaned sani- to before the capacity and will to Dusit’s rally men qualities… it isspacing. the qual- deal whether it is the -Scully, Chief Executive forJohn only Php980 nett per person of pasta, desserts, and capacity forbecause adequate tizedwith, everybut after use. Crockery and women to a common purity which guarantees all othsame problem you had last year.”

Officer famous cakes is also offered.

Contactless payments and and utensils are sanitized every until October 31, 2020. It is also pose and the character which ers.”-- Winston Churchill, British -- John Foster Dulles, US SecreTo end this piece, here is a offering Breakfastfrom BuffetChinese for digitalMinister ala carte menus are also tary afterofuse as well, while dining inspires confidence.” -- Bernard Prime State final statement Php680 nett per person.

New Norm ofBritish DiningField at Mar- available. and chairs are“The sanitized Montgomery, Discernment: “The first tables Relationships: most only philosopher Lao-Tzu: “To lead shal rule of holes: you’re single ingredient in people, walkCafé beside themfrom ... As Madayaw is open Madayaw Prior to beingWhen led into the in important before any new guests are Charisma: “How can you one, stop digging.”

-Molly Ivins, the formula of success is knowfor the best leaders, the people 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM, Fridays Madayaw Café recognizes restaurant, diners have their served. have charisma?dining Be more con- American columnist ingWhile how to alongunderstand with peo- do not notice existence. to Saturdays for their its Breakfast that restaurant is certemperatures checked. The weget should cerned about making others Focus: “What people say, ple.” -- Theodore Roosevelt, The next best, the people honor Feast, and 6:00 10:00 PM tainly oneabout that needs stringensame people is also done to staff that dining at home is still the feel good themselves than what do, and whatwho they American president and praise.

The PM next,tothe people Weekend Dinner cy especially during New wearthey masks, gloves, anddifferent face best Responsibility: and safest place to eat. It isa for you are making themthe feel good say do are entirely “When fear;itsand the next, theFeast. people about you.”

-- Dan Reiland, -- Margaret an- man a finger at someone hate ... Whenand thereservations, best leader’s For inquiries Normal.

In line with Dusit vice things.” shields when they areMead, on duty. with points these stringent sanitation president of leadership developthropologist else, he should remember that work is done the people say, ‘We you can call +63 (82) 2727500 Davao’s Dusit Care program, it To ensure utmost safety for details that made me feel reasment Generosity: “No person was four of his fingers are pointing at did it ourselves!’” or email davao@dusit.com. adheres to strict dining protodiners, disposable napkins sured to finally put my mask

8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 155 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

SAVING UPLANDS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE FARMING SYSTEMS

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(Second of Three Parts)

L

ee Mi-kyung, president of the staterun Korea International Cooperation Agency, told Philippine Daily Inquirer, that rural Filipino farmers, particularly those tilling the uplands, “remains on the outskirts of the benefits of development.”

He was right. The uplands are somewhat neglected in terms of development. To think, the Philippines is, geographically, an upland country since 60% of its 30 million hectares are classified as such.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the government’s lead agency in protecting and conserving our resources, classified uplands as “rolling to steep areas where both agriculture and forestry are practiced on slopes ranging 18% upward.”

In addition, uplands in the Philippines also include table lands and plateaus lying at higher elevations not normally suited to wet rice unless some form of terracing and groundwater exist.

The upland provinces include Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, Antique, Eastern and Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, Basilan, Agusan del Norte and Sur, Bukidnon, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao Occidental and Zamboanga del Sur. Uplanders – which comprised about 30% of the country’s total population with almost half of them living within forests – are often referred to as the “poorest of the poor” in the Philippine society since they survive below the poverty line.

Upland inhabitants are primarily poor farming

families with an insecure land tenure. “The upland farmer faces a very dark future unless something can be done for him soon,” says Jethro P. Adang, the new director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. The upland farmer, Adang believes, is “the least educated, least paid, least healthy, least hopeful, and most neglected (in terms of) agricultural development of all people in the Philippines.”

Most upland farmers are experiencing malnutrition as they have no sources of protein and other vitamins. “Malnutrition remains a public health problem in the Philippines particularly among infants and young children,” pointed out Mario G. Montejo when he was still the secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

“We’re still losing one generation after another to malnutrition and this just shouldn’t be happening anymore,” deplores Dr. Howart Bouis, a senior research fellow at the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute.

As such, Adang bats for the raising of goats to combat malnutrition, which is prevalent in the uplands.

“If farmers can raise their own source of fresh milk, they don’t need refrigerators anymore,” he says.

Refrigerators are needed

in order for the milk not to be spoiled.

“Studies conducted in the United States and other countries showed that goat’s milk is comparable to that of mother’s milk,” says Adang.

A research done by the DOST showed that goat’s milk per 200 milligram serving can provide 20 percent of the daily requirements for calcium, four percent for vitamin A, and eight percent for iron.

The fat and protein of goat’s milk are finely divided, which makes it more easily digestible.

“Goat’s milk can be digested within 20 minutes compared to cow’s milk which takes at least two to three hours to be digested,” says Alimoane.

Whereas cow’s milk is acid in reaction, goat’s milk is distinctly alkaline, thereby making it useful in cases of hyperacidity. For those who are lactose intolerant, goat’s milk would

be a good alternative.

The MBRLC has developed a farming system that integrates goat raising. It is called Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2), a modification of its famous Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT 1).

Under the SALT 2 scheme, 40 percent of the farm’s land is devoted to agricultural crops (like citrus, black pepper, beans, and corn), 40 percent to livestock (particularly goats), and 20 percent to forestry (mostly fruit trees and various nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs).

“Our model farm is only one-half hectare,” says Adang. Instead of raising cattle, which requires a land area of one hectare per animal, MBRLC recommends goats. “Although a goat is small, she can produce as much as four liters of milk every day if she is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements,” he says.

In SALT 2, 12 does and one buck are raised. The buck is separated from the does so that when it is time to milk the does, the milk won’t “catch” the “goaty smell” of the buck.

During breeding, a doe is brought to the cottage of the buck. The manure is utilized as fertilizer for the forage and the crops.

As it follows the original SALT system, hedgerows of various nitrogen fixing trees are planted all over the farm. At the lower portion, more forage crops are planted. The forages and hedgerows are cut every now and then and the cuttings are used as feed for goats.

The goat manure is uti-

lized as fertilizer for the forages and agricultural crops (which are planted at the upper portion of the farm). Studies have shown that goat manure contains 1.5 percent of nitrogen, 1.2 percent of potassium, and 0.5 percent of phosphorus.

The annual per capita consumption of dairy products in the Philippines is just 16 kilograms or roughly half of the recommended daily allowance. “At present, dairy production in the Philippines is heavily dependent on imports. There is a need for the industry to accelerate and increase the local production to lessen our dependency from import,” said Marilyn Mabale, the Mindanao department manager of the National Dairy Authority (NDA).

Indeed, there is a bright future for Filipino farmers who will be engaged in milk production. “With an average per capita consumption of 20 kilograms of dairy products and milk every year, a country with an estimated population of 110-million two years from now would be a virtual gold mine for dairy and milk producers,” said former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol.

“If only more and more farmers will raise goats in their farms, the health status of our children will improve,” Adang points out.

“Not only that, our importation of milk and other dairy products will further decrease.”

Goats may be known as ‘poor man’s cow,’ “but they can be farmers’ source of income should there be crop failure,” assures Adang.

Goats have been raised since time immemorial.

David Mackenzie, in his book Goat Husbandry, wrote: “When man began his farming operations in the dawn of history, the goat was the kingpin of the personal life, making possible the conquest of desert and mountain and the occupation of the fertile land that lay beyond.

The first of Man’s domestic animals to colonize the wilderness, the goat is the last to abandon the deserts that man leaves behind him.”

According to Adang, successful raising of dairy goats starts with the right breed. Highly recommended is the Anglo-Nubian goats. Its average weight is about 65 kilograms. Some are born with horns while others are hornless. It has long drooping ears, distinct Roman nose and prominent forehead. Some strains are predominantly black, others brown, and the coat is long.

“Nubian goats produce an average of two liters of milk daily,” Adang says.

The butterfat content of there is about 5.6 percent.

This breed is found to have a satisfactory performance in the Philippines.

If farmers cannot secure purebred stock, they can start with the best female goats available in the area. The stock should be mated with purebred or upgraded stock. From the offspring, the best kids are selected while the undesirable ones can either be sold or butcher for meat.

“I think the contribution of goats in the country’s milk production will greatly improve if farmers will include raising goats into their system of farming now,” Adang says. – (To be concluded)

9

VOL.13 ISSUE 155 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

Alpha southeast asia names BDO the best bank in the Philippines

A

lpha Southeast Asia named BDO Unibank, Inc. as the Best Bank in the Philippines during its 14th Financial Institution Awards, as well as the Best Cash Management Bank in the Philippines.

The financial publication also recognized the bank’s subsidiaries led by BDO Private Bank, which has won the Best Wealth Management Bank in the Philippines for the 13th straight year. Investment banking arm BDO Capital and Investment, for its part, was awarded the Best Equity House in the Philippines.

Alpha Southeast Asia evaluated the deals and transaction volumes of financial institutions based in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam from June 2019 to May 2020. After a “thorough and intensive” process, it arrived at this year’s list of awardees.

“These are truly important awards for BDO, especially during this time. They belong to the bank’s 38,000-strong workforce. Because of their commitment and resourcefulness to serve Filipinos amid the new normal, we are now operating at 100%—a true testament to the ‘We Find Ways’ philosophy of BDO,” said Nestor V. Tan, president and chief executive officer of BDO. Best Bank & Cash Management Bank BDO is a nine-time Best Bank in the Philippines Awardee in the Financial Institution Awards. This year, Alpha Southeast Asia noted the bank’s resiliency against a very challenging back-

drop: “Despite a global economic slowdown, the resilience of the local economy has helped banks like BDO surpass previous highs including significant improvement on profitability, net income, bank’s cost-to-income ratio, asset quality as well as total shareholder returns.”

The financial publication also underscored BDO’s strategy in ensuring cash accessibility to its clients for the fifth time

with the Best Cash Management Bank in the Philippines Award. It lauded the bank’s consultative approach and innovative solutions to meet its clientele’s constantly changing requirements.

Alpha Southeast Asia also highlighted BDO’s contribution to moving corporate payroll from manual cash distribution to automatic account crediting for maximum ease and efficiency.

Best Wealth Man-

agement Bank & Equity House “BDO Private Bank is a unique institution unlike any other in the Philippines, and elsewhere. In a country where the biggest exports are its own people… it has carved out a niche to service an emerging segment of wealthy individuals,” said Alpha Southeast Asia.

It attributed BDO Private Bank’s 13-year reign as the Best Wealth Management Bank in the

Philippines to its open architecture model, which provides clients with the freedom to design their investment strategy and achieve the best returns.

While many global private banks experienced cutbacks combined with an all-time low confidence level among high net worth individuals, the finance magazine noted that BDO Private Bank saw improvement in its balance sheet, “which is perhaps the greatest proof

why its business model inarguably works best.”

During the awards period, BDO Capital partnered with several small, medium, and very large firms from diverse industries and helped conclude their deals. For exemplifying its expertise throughout each successful transaction, Alpha Southeast Asia honored the BDO subsidiary with the Best Equity House in the Philippines Award for the 5th time, calling it “one of the most powerful equity market distribution platforms in the Philippines today.”

The financial publication predicts that with the country returning to the radar of foreign investors and the improving performance of the Philippine Stock Exchange, BDO Capital is poised to sustain the upward movement of its market share.

Recent Awards Earlier this year, BDO Unibank brought home other titles from Alpha Southeast Asia in the Philippines category.

11th Annual Fund Management Awards: · Best Asset Manager (Fixed Income Bonds) · Best Online & Mobile Platform (Asset Manager) · Best Fund with the optimal Sharpe ratio · Best Fund Manager for Pension Mandates & Private Retirement Schemes 10th Annual Treasury & Foreign Exchange (FX) Awards: · Best FX Bank for Structured Hedging Solutions and proprietary Trading Ideas · Best Corporate Treasury Sales and Structuring Team

he countrys biggest labor group the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) is warning of influx of more Chinese workers into the country's critical infrastructures and into across several more industries bringing more serious implications to local employment and to national security.

With this, labor groups welcomes the Senate initiative to investigate in aid

of legislation probing into the growing incidence of undocumented foreign workers not just in construction and POGO online gambling but also to look into the impact on national security concerns raised by TUCP. "The Chinese workers are present or are coming in to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines(which is partly owned by the Chinese state-owned nation-

al transmission corporation), through "tied-aid" projects such as water sector projects like the Kaliwa Dam, the third Telecommunications provider, and railways projects, " said TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay.

In short, the Chinese are in strategic sectors power, water, communications, transport, and construction where they not only take away jobs from Filipinos, but also embed

themselves into our economy. There are not only negative employment implications but also national security implications, Tanjusay explained.

The group said these are strategic industries that are of public interest and have national security implications. What is clear is that DOLE really doesn't have an employment strategy and is not coordinating at all with DOTR, DICT, DOE-NAPO-

COR, DPWH, NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES BOARD on big ticket items that have job generation potential.

With unemployment at 10% this surrender of jobs to Chinese is just going to make worse the plight of Filipino workers who can do the job that Chinese are being given in our own country.

For his part, the Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa

(Sentro) welcomes the Senate probe but not just discriminate on undocumented Chinese workers.

"We would certainly welcome that (the probe) to ascertain the truth and determine how best the country can protect migrant workers here - documented or undocumented. But such probes must look at all nationalities and not just Chinese. We can't be a party to a racist initiative, " Mata said.

has problems on court. I don’t know, maybe it’s the pressure or something that he needs to do it. But he continues playing normal, no? I don’t know if he’s in pain really, or he has mental [issues].”

If the 2016 champion is to win the title again he has to beat injury, an in-form Tsitsipas and, probably, the

12-time champion, Rafael Nadal, who plays Diego Schwartzman in the other semi-final. It is the sort of mountain Djokovic loves climbing, but the question remains: is he fit and strong enough to reach the summit?

Djokovic was cleared to play in Rome, where he beat Schwartzman in the

final, and in Paris after testing positive for coronavirus on his Balkans exhibition tour earlier in the summer – but he looked a physical mess in the first set.

Sweating and anxious, he grimaced, tugged at his arm and bandaged neck and tried to bang life into his upper legs with his racket as his opponent waited for

his chances.

The tournament physio massaged Djokovic’s arm during the break and the player told him: “It feels better now.” Yet he did not look remotely comfortable, even when he got his serve working and levelled at a set apiece. The trainer returned between the third and fourth games, and it

seemed to lift Djokovic’s spirits. Just when he looked as if he was slipping into a confused state again, he bounced back to level at a set apiece.

He broke early in the third, overcame a blip when Carreño Busta broke back for 2-3, then hit hard again to go a set up. But he looked far from commanding. Car-

reño Busta dug his heels into the Roland Garros clay in the fourth, and Djokovic had to fight for every point.

Carreño Busta chose a woeful option to hand him the break for 3-4, Djokovic saved break point to hold through deuce for 5-3 and served out to survive, his final sot a wicked crosscourt forehand.

TUCP warns of influx of more Chinese workers in critical industries, calls for Senate probe mounts

T

HURTING... FROM11

10 EDGEDAVAO

URGENT... FROM2

VOL.13 ISSUE 155 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

NO MORE... FROM3

live because they never had a concrete house to live in, they always just had temporary houses…That’s why they moved to Haran because they didn’t have a place to stay),” he said.

But now that there is the government’s housing project for the IPs, Libayao believes this will encourage the communities to stay in one place and work hard towards their livelihood.

“So karon nga gihatag sa gobyerno nga desente nga kapuy-anan nila, diha na gyud sila maningkamot nga mabuhi sa ilang panginabuhi-an (So now that the government gave

them a decent housing, that’s where they will work hard towards their livelihood),” he said.

He added that these houses are a complete package, since there will be water system, and electricity for the housing sites.

“So unsa pamay katarongan nga musupak pa sila sa gobyerno nga gihatag naman ang tanan sa ilaha. Kompleto na siya, naay mga water system, karon naa a puy programa sa atong probinsyana nga pasak-an ug kuryente didto(So what reason do they have to rebel? They have the complete pack-

age, there is water system, there is a program by the province to bring electricity there),” Libayao added.

Ever since the establishment of roads in the areas, Libayao has started to see the progress in livelihood among the IPs “Karon nakita na gyud nato ang pag asenso sa mga kaigsuonan nato tungod aning kalsada (Now we see that there is progression among our brothers because of these roads),” he pointed out.

Thus, the mayor assured that Talaingod is now at 99% in terms of peace and order, and that

its tourism industry is seeing growth.

“Kining Talaingod sa peace and order, mga 99% na gyud nga peaceful na gyud. Kay Makita nimo kining tourism diri sa Talaingod naga kusog na gyud tungod kay peaceful na gyud. Daghan na kaayog tourism site nato nga gi identify na (In terms of Peace and order, Talaingod is at 99%. You can see our tourism here has grown because it really is peaceful now. We have so many tourism sites identified,” Libayao concluded. (Jan Vincent Leuterio, PIA-XI/ jmda)

lishments are also required to provide log books or information sheets for their clients for contact tracing purposes.

There will be limited movement on Sundays where all modes of public transportation in the city are prohibited; private establishments, malls, and the city public markets will be closed; and religious activities are limited to 50 percent capacity. (PNA)

the CLTC also offered the Basic Candle Making and Basic Bakery Products Preparation conducted in September at the CLTC in S.I.R. Matina.

Haspe said all free training programs are designed for members of different cooperatives in Davao City, especially their members whose jobs were affected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"These programs aim to give livelihood through skills training to people who are in need especially marginalized coop members, women, PWDs, and the disadvantaged," she

said.

She said their annual skills and livelihood training programs were initially set in September, October, and November but were moved due to Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the skills and training programs under the new schedule will push through with 10 participants per session in compliance with the social distancing protocol.

"Based on our evaluation, marami naring nagnenegosyo (many have engaged in business) from those who have joined our training in the past," Haspe

said. As of 2019, Davao City has over 400 cooperatives.

The City Cooperative and Development Office (CCDO) is also currently processing its accreditation with Tesda so that by 2021 the office can award TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) certificates to their training beneficiaries.

Also, CCDO is completing the construction of its three-storey training center building and set to partner with the City Council in livelihood training programs such as backyard egg production for identi-

fied women beneficiaries of the city councilors. Startup capital will also be provided to beneficiaries.

In celebration of the Cooperative Month, CCDO will also hold the Coop's Tiktok Dance Contest from October 15 to 27 while the Cooperative Development Authority Regional Office will host the virtual Gawad Parangal 2020, a recognition of Koop Bayanihan efforts for the Covid-19 Pandemic.

This year's theme is "Cooperatives Amidst the Pandemic, Stand for Resiliency, Strive for Sustainability". CIO

of providing fundamental and value-for-money air travel in and out our country, and its crucial role as a driver for economic growth,” he said.

The capital raising exercise represents strong support and commitment on the part of JG Summit to provide financial support to Cebu Air. JG Summit, parent

and 67% owner of Cebu Air, will invest its proportionate share of the $250 million convertible preferred share, which will be offered to existing shareholders for subscription.

The conglomerate further commits to take on any balance of unsubscribed shares in this general offering, according to Cebu.

nance vehicles, green projects, and other initiatives.

The ADB-administered Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF) aims to spur more than USD1.4 billion in green infrastructure investments across Southeast Asia.

In recent years, rising investor interest in green

financing in developing Asia has been reflected in the growth of green, sustainability, and social bonds.

“Our book aims to emphasize the critical role that such instruments can play in leveraging scarce public sector funds to mobilize green funds from all sources, such as private pension and insurance

funds, commercial banks, and the capital markets.

Blending such funds will be critical to Southeast Asia’s recovery from Covid-19 amid the worsening infrastructure financing gap, which was at more than 60 percent before the pandemic hit,” ACGF Unit Head Anouj Mehta said.

With a growing green finance market in develop-

ing Asia, ADB committed USD6.5 billion in climate finance from its own resources in 2019.

ADB aims to reach a cumulative USD80 billion from 2019 to 2030 in climate financing under its Strategy 2030, with a commitment to make 75 percent of all ADB projects climate relevant by 2030.

(PR)

Roa Duterte’s dream of giving all Filipinos a bet-

ter quality of life,” he said.

(PNA)

to prepare for a different economy post-COVID, by allowing capital, labor,

skills and innovation to move into new businesses and sectors,” Malpass said.

very closely with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and the MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) to really push mining to operate,” he added.

Aside from these two mining areas, the government also has stakes in the pyrite and copper mines of Philippine Pyrite Corp. in Bagacay and Hinabangan, Western Samar, and the Sta. Inez and Batong Buhay mines of the Maricalum Mining Corp. in Sipalay, Ne-

gros Occidental.

The government has ordered an audit of the various mining areas around the country to address the impact of mining operations on the environment.

In 2018, the inter-agency Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) tapped experts from the mining industry and the academe to audit 26 firms that were ordered closed by then Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Regina Lopez. (PNA)

“MILO believes that active children are better learners. We recognize that health and fitness contribute to a child’s academic performance. This partnership with DepEd and the PJRA will equip our teachers with the tools and materials to help the nation’s youth espouse an active and healthy lifestyle,” Castilo said. “Through our established linkages with sports experts, MILO will lend its instructional materials developed in tandem with the PJRA so that kids can engage in sports and discover their love for jump rope.”

The first batch of jump ropes will be given to the Grade Six students of MES while PJRA will provide PE faculty members the foundational training for teach-

ing jump rope to students.

Lessons on the sport will be integrated to the Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) curriculum.

“The Department of Education welcomes the support of MILO and PJRA in empowering our teachers and students with the resources that will augment our blended learning program,” Umali said. “It is important that we optimize the expertise of our partners to be able to enrich our students’ learning experience, especially now that we have opened our academic year.”

Video lessons and exercises from MILO and PJRA will be available on the DepEd Learning COMMONS, the online module repository for students

and teachers, as well as on the MILO YouTube channel, along with other instructional videos from the MILO Sports Clinics Online.

The pilot run of the initiative is slated to run from October to December, including a mini virtual interschool competition among the three schools who will be receiving the first batch of jump ropes.

In the succeeding months, the program is geared for a bigger roll out to reach more children nationwide.

“We are glad to be of service to the education sector, especially to the teachers who are vital in nurturing the youth in today’s new learning system,” Agra said. “By giving our teachers the proper training, kids will be in-

troduced to a sport that can be a fun recreational activity, and at the same time, a viable competitive discipline.”

With PJRA’s involvement with MILO and DepEd, the newly-established organization aims to promote jump rope as a competitive sport.

In the long run, PJRA will pursue grassroots sports initiatives targeted at a national level, aiming to include the sport in competitions such as Palarong Pambansa. PJRA is a member of the International Jump Rope Federation.

“This partnership is an initial step for us and MILO to introduce the sport to more children and kick start their athletic aspirations,” Agra added. (PR)

do the talking,’’ James said before Game 4. “I believe the way I play the game is enough trash-talking in itself.’’

And so it was after James shook off five firsthalf turnovers. The Lakers led by five points after three

quarters and moved to 56-0 this season with a lead entering the final session.

“It’s winning time,’’ said James, who played the entire fourth. “You’ve got 12 minutes to buckle down defensively with the lead and win the game.’’

of the national team.

“The reason why my heart is in this field and in PSC is because ang passion ko nasa atleta. Naging atleta rin ako ng national team. I’m really on the side of development, looking at their progress and performance,” shared Reyes.

As executive director, Reyes will be responsible for the NAS’s administration and operation of the campus. She believes that producing world-class athletes is the main reason for the launching of the NAS and that education is important for the youth.

Supported with adequate facilities and funding, young Filipinos can develop their talent and potential and be motivated to excel in sports.

“We want them to excel also in academics at the same time, excelling in sports. Hindi lang sa sports, kailangan magka-

roon din sila ng balance para may future rin sila while staying in the national team and in the future.”

At present, Reyes continues to conduct virtual consultations with national athletes at home to ensure their physical and mental well-being.

Medical Center, the lone COVID referral hospital in Davao City is at 75.76% (25 beds occupied out of 33 bed capacity). While ward utilization rate is at

88.6% (219 beds occupied out of 247 bed capacity).

The utilization rates of the ICU and wards are now classified as Danger Zone.

(PIA/RG Alama)

Limao will be affected on the IGaCoS side.

Wong said that in the future the proposed bridge will not be the only thing that is bringing the traffic to the area as it is expected that Davao City and its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow, the traffic and the population will grow that will have a strong impact of the traffic situation in the future.

The SIDC which is included in the “Build, Build, Build” Program is proposed as a four-lane bridge

in southern corridor to connect Samal Circumferential Road in Barangay Limao, IGaCoS to Davao City between R. Castillo-Daang Maharlika junction.

The proposed bridge will provide a resilient and reliable transportation link between Metro Davao and IGaCoS, enhancing internal mobility and external linkage to support the growth potential of Davao Region as envision by President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Curfew hours were moved to 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from the previous 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The public is also discouraged from holding mass gatherings. The wearing of facemasks and face shields are required in public places while observing the prescribed physical distancing.

Tricycles-for-hire are only allowed two passengers and business estab-

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MILO to give 600 jump ropes to DepEd as online classes begins

S

aying health and fitness contribute to a child’s academic performance, MILO Philippines and partner sports organization Philippine Jump Rope Association (PJRA) on Wednesday said it will distribute over 600 jump ropes to the Department of Education (DepEd).

The pilot run of the initiative is in line with MILO and PJRA’s commitment to support the DepEd’s blended learning program for the new academic year that formally kicked off on Monday.

In a ceremonial turnover that was livestreamed on the DepEd Facebook page, MILO Sports Manager Lester P. Castillo and PJRA President Noel Agra handed out the first 200 jump

Lebron James fired up his teammates prior to Game 4.

ropes to Mandaluyong Elementary School (MES), represented by DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali and MES Principal Elvie Canilao.

The turnover of the equipment is an expansion of MILO’s online sports program, the MILO Home Court campaign that aims to empower parents to continue their kids’ champion journeys at home.

The tripartite partnership between MILO, PJRA and DepEd adds another dimension to MILO Home Court’s thrust by providing Physical Education teachers with instructional knowledge on the fundamentals of jump rope – it being a viable and accessible sport for kids to get active even while indoors.

The LeBron text that fired Lakers to cusp of NBA glory PSC Physio head to direct NAS

W

ho is “in trouble” now?

The Lakers took a commanding 3-1 lead in The NBA Finals as LeBron James put together a strong second half after a sloppy start and outplayed the Heat’s Jimmy Butler.

The Lakers’ 102-96 victory Tuesday (local) at Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, puts James one win away from his fourth title, with a third team.

It wasn’t fancy as the Lakers grinded on defence and James put up 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. After a lacklustre Game 3, Anthony Davis put up 22 points, played some defence on Butler and registered four blocks.

The Game 3 loss to the Heat on Sunday put James in a different zone — and he texted his teammates after Tuesday’s morning shootaround that Game 4 was “a must-win.”

“When I woke up from my nap this morning after our team meeting, I felt that

vibe, that pressure,’’ James said. “I felt like for me personally, this was one of the biggest games of my career.

I just wanted to relay that message to my teammates, the type of zone I was in, the type of moment it was, and the kind of team we were playing against.

“They are just a gritty, so damn-well-coached team. I feel like if we’re going to be a championship ballclub, that we got to have that same grit and attitude.”

After going for 40 points in the Heat’s stunning Game 3 victory, Butler finished with 22 points, but would have needed all of those 40 again with the Heat still missing point guard Goran Dragic.

Butler, who also added 10 rebounds and nine as-

Hurting Djokovic reaches semis

N

ovak Djokovic is still in the French Open – but only after a drawn-out struggle in four sets on Wednesday night against Pablo Carreño Busta, the Spaniard who cashed in at the US Open when the world No 1 was disqualified for striking a line official with a spare ball. It was not a joyous reunion.

A month after their shared New York drama, Carreño Busta had notions of winning on his own merits after taking the first set of the second quarter-final on day 11, but Djokovic ignored nagging pain in his upper left arm and his neck as he cobbled together a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 win in 3hr 10min under the lights on Court Philippe Chatrier. He

has two days to recover before playing Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday, and he will need every waking hour of them.

Djokovic was coy about his injuries later and would only say: “I had some neck and shoulder issues. I’m still in the tournament, so I don’t want to reveal too much. I’m feeling OK. As the match progressed, I warmed up and the pain faded away. It allowed me to play better and feel better.”

Carreño Busta cast doubt on the seriousness of Djokovic’s injuries. “That’s normal, no? He makes always [such gestures],” he said. “The last years he’s always doing this when he

FHURTING, P10

sists, saw Davis against him for the first time this series.

Butler started out 5-for-5, but missed eight of his next 10 shots.

“We can be better,’’ Butler said. “We showed glimpses of it but made crucial mistakes. We have to play near perfect to beat them. We didn’t do that tonight. We can’t lose another one.”

The potential Game 5 clincher is Friday (local), and Dragic could return.

Davis drained the game-sealing 3-pointer with 39.5 seconds left off a feed from Rajon Rondo, sending James into a screaming frenzy.

“Big-time shot,’’ James said.

Davis said James’ urgent text underlined what his mates were feeling.

“Our leader sent the message,’’ Davis said. “Guys already felt bad. We were already on edge. We felt we got bullied and outworked.”

Miami centre Bam Adebayo made his return from injury to score 15 points and add seven rebounds,

but it wasn’t enough.

James hit a signature-moment shot over Butler with 8:40 left, a fadeaway from the left baseline that put the Lakers ahead 81-75. Two minutes later, James split the defence, barrelled past Butler and got blitzed at the rim before hitting the layup through the hard foul.

Butler had a chance to tie it, but missed a 3-pointer with 3:10 left. James got the rebound, started a fast break and hit Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for a huge 3-pointer. Pope racked up 15 points as the key third scorer.

In the final minute of Game 3, Butler, looking toward James as he walked to the time-out huddle after a game-sealing shot, was overheard by ABC staff bellowing, “They’re in trouble!’’ Butler explained he was responding to James’ “You’re in trouble” comment from earlier in the game.

“No, I’ve always been a guy who kind of let his game

FTHE LEBRON, P10

A

frontrunner of the country’s breakthrough sports talent-identification program and Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) Sports Physiology Unit head Prof. Josephine Joy Reyes will direct the soon-to-rise National Academy of Sports (NAS).

Prof.

Reyes, who spearheaded the testing manual creation of the Sports Mapping Action Research Talent Identification (SMART ID) and has been serving the PSC’s Medical Scientific Athletes Services (MSAS) for 27 years, was chosen from a roster of experts in the field of grassroots sports development.

“I just want to deliver.

I just want to perform. I just want to serve. I know it’s gonna be a big task because remember, this is not just a simple department. It’s not a simple unit but we are talking about a school system,” shared the newly-appointed NAS Executive

World No 1 Novak Djokovic ignores nagging pain to beat Pablo Carreño Busta

FMILO, P10

Director Joy Reyes.

Reyes was appointed by the NAS’ board of trustees headed by the Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones, co-chair William Ramirez of the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero de Vera.

“It is an honor on the PSC’s part that someone who has been in the field of sports for so long with the PSC and helped in the development of grassroots sports will take a key role in NAS. As the future home of our budding sportsmen, it will help that the Executive Director is brilliant, competent, and with good character,” expressed Ramirez.

A former athlete herself, Reyes’ experience in the field is fueled by the commitment to improve the athletic performance

FPSC, P10

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VOL.13 ISSUE 155 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

Eala enters French Open quarterfinals

A

lex Eala is through to the quarterfinals of the French Open’s girls division after defeating Leyre Romero of Spain, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris on Wednesday.

The 15-year-old Filipina sensation bounced back from a shock first-round exit in doubles play to move to within three wins from taking her first Grand Slam championship.

Eala was on course for domination after taking Set 1 in style.

However, Romero recovered in a hard-fought Set 2, setting up the deciding third.

Eala then made sure she will not be denied in the final set with another dominating performance.

Eala will now face Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic in the Final 8.

Entering the tournament unranked, Noskova already took down

a top contender, beating 12th seeded Alexandra Yepifanova of the United States in the first round.

Noskova edged Flavie Brugnone of host country France, 6-1, 6-2, in the third round to set up a date with Eala.

Eala, seeded second in the French Open, is the highest-ranked player left in the running after top seed Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva of Andorra, lost in the second round to unranked Alina Charaeva of Russia.

Charaeva downed Italy’s Matilde Paoletti, 6-3, 6-1, in Round 3 to enter the quarterfinals too, where Germany’s Alexandra Vecic, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 winner over Russia’s Oksana Selekhmateva, awaits her. (PNA)

The Philippines’Alex Eala moved to the quarterfinals of the 2020 French Open with another impressive win in the third round.