Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 167 | Saturday, October 24, 2020

VIRGIN COCONUT OIL CAN FIGHT COVID-19 HEALTH P9

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

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A mother has her child vaccinated with anti-measles vaccine at Brgy. Pampanga health center in Davao City. The Department of Health 11 (DOH-11) is urging parents to give their children, aged 59 months and below, two doses of measles immunization to avoid infection. Edge Davao

HALAL HUB

City, IT software company to embark on Davao E-Halal platform

By MAYA M. PADILLO o cement Davao City’s title as the country’s first ‘Halal-Friendly destination’ for the Muslim market, the city government and IT software company Fusionex International are jointly embarking for the Davao E-Halal Hub Platform.

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Marilou Ampuan, vice chair of the Halal Committee of the National Economic Development Authority 11 (NEDA 11), said the project was strengthened with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Fusionex International

last August 25, 2020 for the implementation of the Davao E-Halal Hub Platform to facilitate trade of Halal products and services.

Thomas Khoo, business development director for Fusionex International said

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila. Malacañang has reiterated President Duterte’s support for the recognition of civil union of same-sex couples in the country. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Davao Oriental records highest measles cases this year: DOH 11 M

PRRD supports recognition of same-sex civil union: Palace

By MAYA M. PADILLO he province of Davao Oriental has recorded the most number of measles cases this year, mostly from the capital of Mati City.

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Dr. Annabelle Yumang, regional director of the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11), said in a virtual presser on Wednesday a total of 580 cases of measles were recorded from January to October this year in Davao Region.

Dr. Reden Bersaldo, provincial health officer II, said that out of the total 580 cases of measles in the region, 282 cases were recorded in Davao Oriental of which 205 cases come from Mati City followed by the municipality of Tarragona with 24 cases.

Three deaths have been recorded in Mati City.

“The provincial health

office together with DOH 11 are coming out of outbreak response such as investgation as well as educational campaign through the health and education promotion officers,” he said.

Bersaldo said the province is now looking at immunizing more than 59,000 children below five years old in the upcoming Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) scheduled ‪on October 26 to November 25, 2020‬.

“Hopefully this would really help a lot in curbing the outbreak of measles in Davao Oriental,” he said.

Bersaldo said the whole

PHO with the in-charge of the immunization campaign will go to the 11 municipalities/LGUs of Davao Oriental to supervise the conduct of the MRSIA. “In Davao Oriental there are 282 cases in which 40 are discarded kay wala na investigate ug tarong , so adunay 278 cases diri sa among probinsiya sa Davao Oriental in which 72 percent naka concenrtate sa syudad sa Mati,” he said.

Meanwhile, Yumang urged parents to give their children, aged 59 months and below, two doses for measles immunization.

Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus.

Also called rubella, measles can be serious and even fatal for small children.

“Ang measles isa makatakod na sakit. Ang mga bata kasagaran matak-

ow is the opportune time for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) still in Haran to go back to their ancestral land in Talaingod which has become a focused area of local and national government services.

Col. Norman Valdez of 56th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army pointed this out as he called on Haran IPs to return to their ancestral domain and live in peace with their loved ones.

“Yung mga IP brothers and sisters po natin na nasa

Haran, eto na po ang pagkakataon ninyo na bumalik na sa inyong ancestral domain.

Mamuhay ng mapayapa, mamuhay kasama ang inyong mahal sa buhay, para hindi po kayo magamit pa ng CPP-NPA over self-interest (To our IP brothers and sisters in Haran, this is the chance for you to come home to your ancestral domain. Live in peace, live with your loved ones, so that you will no longer be used by the CPP-NPA for their own self-interest),” he

said during his guesting in the latest episode of Kapihan sa DavNor. According to Valdez, the IP evacuees were brought to Haran to be used by the CPP-NPA to generate funding from foreign countries.

“Alam naman po natin na etong mga evacuees na dinala sa Haran ay ginagamit lang po sila para maka generate nang funds from foreign countries (We know that these evacuees brought to Haran are being used so that [the CPP-NPA]

dan sa sakit ug paspas mutakod sa isa ka infected na tao na muubo or naa’y personal contact sa lain tao nga dili bakunado sa tigdas,” she said.

Yumang said based on the data of DOH 11, a spike of measles cases were recorded in Davao Region during the first quarter of 2020.

“Duna na ta’y 580 cases of measles reported from January to October this year. Base sa data kini mas daghan during the first quarter ug dunay ginagmay na mga kaso. Based sa data nakita nato for the past years ang pattern is kada upat katuig dunay mga cases of measles na mahitabo,” she said.

She said this is because a lot of children are still not immunized with two doses

can generate funds from foreign countries),” he said.

He added that the funding doesn’t go to the hands of the IPs in Haran, but to the NPA fighters themselves.

“Kung nandiyan na po ang pundo, hindi naman napupunta doon sa mga evacuees sa Haran kung hindi napupunta po eto doon sa mga NPA fighters (When the funding comes, it doesn’t even go to the evacuees in Haran. The funding

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IPs urged to leave Haran and return to their home in Talaingod

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alacañang on Thursday reiterated President Rodrigo Duterte's support for the recognition of civil union of samesex couples in the country.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement after Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pontiff in a feature-length documentary “Francesco,” which premiered at the Rome Film Festival this week.

"The President has said it over and over again, pabor po siya sa isang batas na magri-recognize ng civil union sa mga parehong same sex relationships (he is favor of a law that will recognize civil union of same sex relationships).

Recognition of civil union has always been supported by the President,” Roque said in a Palace presser.

Roque said "conservative" Catholic lawmakers would no longer have a basis to oppose the passage of civil union laws following Pope Francis' stance on the contentious issue.

"Depende na lang iyan sa prayoridad ng ating Kongreso. Pero with no less than the Pope supporting it, I think even the most conservative of all Catholics in Congress should no longer have a basis for objecting," Roque said.

In the documentary, Pope Francis was quoted as saying “homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God.” “You can’t kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this.

What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered,” the pontiff said.

Prelates want confirmation Meanwhile, local Catholic prelates said they would like to watch the documentary film, if indeed Pope Francis expressed support to same-sex civil union.

“It is just a documentary film, so not official and should be verified. Being a film, there could be insertion or edited, or just for propaganda so that it could be talked about or patronize,” Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a statement.

Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon said he would like to read first an official statement of the Vatican regarding the Pope’s remarks.

“I withhold my take on this because we have not received any official statement from the Vatican about this. As it happened in the past, his words are often misinterpreted by the media,” he said.

Meanwhile, Novaliches Bishop emeritus Teodoro Bacani would also like to see “the context of his remarks and when he made them and to what he was referring.”

Sorsogon Bishop emeritus Arturo Bastes said Pope’s statement is contrary to divine law.

“For me this is a shocking statement coming from a Pope. In my opinion this is contrary to divine law which explicitly permits only the union of man and woman or of opposite sexes of male or female, whatever

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VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Barangays in Sarangani town hit by ASF rise to 4

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Plastic bottles and other wastes are collected from the beachfront of Sta. Ana Port in Davao City. San Miguel Corp. is set to purchase more plastic wastes that will be used to power up its cement production facilities as part of its efforts to help reduce the country’s solid wastes. Edge Davao

nother coastal village in Glan town, Sarangani province has recorded confirmed cases of the African Swine Fever (ASF), bringing the areas affected by the outbreak of the dreaded animal disease to four as of Thursday.

Virginia Musa, Glan municipal agriculture officer, said the monitoring and culling of affected hogs in Barangay Cablalan was ongoing after at least four animals in the area tested positive of the disease last Tuesday.

She said the laboratory confirmation was issued by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory here.

“We have so far culled at least 64 heads and we’re continually monitoring other sites for possible suspected cases,” she said in a phone interview.

On Thursday, she said their personnel collected samples from hogs in Barangay Baliton, which is close to Cablalan, due to

the emergence of suspected cases.

Cablalan, which is located at the southern part of the municipality and close to its borders with Jose Abad Santos town in Davao Occidental, is the fourth barangay in the area that recorded confirmed cases of ASF. A total of 97 hogs were culled last July 30 in Barangay Pangyan, the first site that recorded the outbreak. Some 40 heads were also culled in Batulaki on Aug. 21 and 16 in Calpidong on Oct. 5.

Musa said they immediately recommended the culling of all hogs in the concerned barangays after the confirmation of the ASF cases to prevent them from further spreading.

She said the culled hogs were all from backyard farms and the disease might have spread from contaminated swill previously fed to them.

Citing their investigation, she said the out-

he Davao City government is optimistic to hit its tax collection target this year despite some challenges during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

As of September 2020, the city government has collected P8.2 billion pesos from local taxes, service income, business income, economic enterprise, other income, and share from the internal revenue allotment (IRA).

This is an 80.27 percent of the P10.3 billion target collection for 2020. The current collection also poses a higher amount of P1.2 billion compared to the P7 billion collected taxes for the same period of 2019.

A chunk of the collection came from local taxes that amounted to P3.3

billion. However, CTO has pointed out the decrease in service, business income, and economic enterprise was due to the closure of establishments during lockdown and restriction measures during the community quarantine.

“In order to meet the City’s target collection by the end of the year, the City Treasurer’s Office and other revenue-generating offices, such as the Business Bureau, are conducting intensified monitoring to ensure compliance to the necessary permits and to collect the taxes due to the City,” said Atty. Lawrence Bantiding, the head of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO).

CTO has also intensified its information dissemina-

Sto. Tomas mayor tests T positive for Covid-19

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Davao City optimistic to hit tax collection target amid Covid-19

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. ayor Ernesto Evangelista of Santo Tomas in Davao del Norte had tested positive for the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), his spokesperson bared on Thursday.

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Santo Tomas Municipal Information Officer Mart Sambalud revealed the town mayor’s condition in a statement.

Sambalud said Evangelista is the first mayor in Davao del Norte to get infected with Covid-19, after exposure to a person who reportedly has the virus

last October 14.

He said the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City confirmed to him the test result on Thursday afternoon that Evangelista contracted the SARS-COV-2 — the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, as named by the International Committee

No condition set by China for PH access to Covid-19 vaccines

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o condition was set by the Chinese government for Manila to access the coronavirus vaccines the Asian power is currently developing, Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said on Thursday.

In a Palace briefing, the envoy said two Chinese candidate vaccines are on the final stages of phase 3 clinical trials, with no report of adverse effects.

“I think they are preparing to make an announcement soon on the formal approval of the vaccine and the mass production. So the moment there is mass production, then it is a question of you know, how much will be ready for distribution and deployment,” he said.

While the country is on China’s priority list, Sta. Romana explained that distribution could be a challenge as the recipient country

must first secure a cold storage facility ahead of the vaccine’s production.

“From our discussions with the Chinese Pharmaceutical companies, they have pointed out that the next challenge really is the distribution and the deployment of the vaccine,” he said. “These Chinese pharmaceutical companies that have manufactured the vaccines have been telling us that what is required really is the cold chain storage facilities around the country or certain strategic areas around the country because the vaccine have to be handled very well before they can be deployed.”

Meanwhile, he clarified that the cold chain storage is “not a condition” but rather a necessity to ensure the vaccine’s shelf life.

“It’s not a condition. It’s just a reminder that if you get the vaccine and you

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on Taxonomy of Viruses.

“However, Mayor Evangelista noted that he is asymptomatic, and his case was classified by doctors as a “mild case” since his vital signs remain normal as of posting,” Sambalud said.

Sambalud added that the local chief executive is now going on strict isolation and asked those who had physical contact with him since October 14, to go on self-quarantine at home and subject themselves for RT-PCR Test.

He said Evangelista

added that he has already coordinated with the Municipal Health Office (MHO) for the contact tracing and other necessary protocols regarding his case.

Sambalud said despite being on isolation, Evangelista will continue working as the Municipal Mayor of Santo Tomas LGU —virtually presiding, and attending meetings, among other things, and to make necessary decisions in order to keep the Santo Tomas town full operational amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Fishermen take out freshly caught sardines (“tamban” in the vernacular) from fishnets in Del Carmen town in Siargao Island on Wednesday (21 October 2020). The tamban sells for 70 pesos a kilo. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

A Cathay Dragon aircraft is seen at the Davao International Airport during the airline’s maiden flight for its Hong Kong-Davao City air route. The airline company said it will end its regional Cathay Dragon brand, joining peers in cutting costs as it grapples with a plunge in demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

SMC to buy plastic wastes A to power cement facilities

DA chief: Agri modernization key to surviving pandemic

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an Miguel Corporation (SMC) is ramping up its efforts to help manage the country's solid wastes and create more livelihood opportunities in the pandemic by buying up bigger volumes of plastic wastes to fuel its cement manufacturing facilities.

This latest initiative came after a string of major sustainability efforts launched recently by the conglomerate that include discontinuing its plastic bottled water business, building the country’s first recycled plastics road, and spending a billion pesos to rid major river systems of garbage.

Northern Cement Corporation (NCC), an affiliate of SMC, is capable of consuming up to 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year. It is targeting to reduce the use of traditional fuel by up to 50 percent and substitute with plastic wastes.

“Technology to safely convert plastic waste to energy has existed for a long time, in fact, Northern Cement has been using this on a smaller scale. Other major manufacturers, both locally and globally, have also been using this. It’s a more environment-friendly and sustainable alternative to using traditional fuels," SMC president and COO Ramon Ang

said in a press release.

The company’s plan to expand and ramp up its use of plastic wastes for energy for NCC can now be implemented with the completion of its materials handling facility in Pangasinan.

With this, the company can safely collect and store plastic waste at scale and safely convert waste into energy to reduce landfill waste, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“With our materials handling facility ready, we can now expand this program. We are calling on assemblers, local governments, and companies, to collect and sell your plastic wastes to us. Together, we can help our environment in a substantial way, and at the same time, create more livelihood opportunities for so many Filipinos during this time of pandemic,” he added.

Ang highlighted that collecting and assembling plastic wastes could provide many struggling Fil-

ipinos with an additional or alternative source of income--even as the country continues to cope with the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic--similar to how glass bottle collectors have become an integral part of SMC’s supply chain and recycling process for many, many decades now.

Apart from providing jobs, the cement produced will also go to the construction industry, which itself generates a significant amount of jobs, and also drives infrastructure development and economic growth.

“Instead of just hoping for a better tomorrow, we continue to look for actual solutions where we can get the best outcome for the greatest number of people,” Ang added.

While NCC’s technology can allow for all types of plastics to be processed and converted to energy, Ang said they are especially targeting plastic bottles, which make up a significant amount of total plastic waste in the world. In 2017, SMC discontinued its Purewater plastic bottled water business to demonstrate its commitment to greater sustainability.

Apart from discontinuing its plastic bottled water business, SMC has, in recent

years, made major strides in helping fight solid waste pollution.

In November last year, it built the country’s first asphalt road made with recycled plastic wastes, at a company-owned logistics facility used by vehicles with heavy loads, as part of a pilot test to determine its long-term durability.

Also in November last year, it announced a partnership with a small, local firm, Philippine Bioresins Corporation, that has been developing and testing technology to create biodegradable plastics that meet government requirements for biodegradable materials.

The firm was given an Environmental Verification Certificate by the Department of Science and Technology’s Industrial Technology Development Institute, which confirmed that the biodegradable polypropylene it developed would be 64.6 percent degraded within two years --compared to only 4.5 percent within the same period for non-biodegradable plastics.

Earlier this year, SMC initiated a PHP1-billion corporate social responsibility project to clean up and dredge the entire 27-km. length of the Tullahan-Tinajeros River system over the

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griculture Secretary William Dar led Thursday the harvesting of the different varieties of hybrid rice inside the 100-hectare demonstration farm of the Department of Agriculture in Caraga (DA-13) in Barangay Lemon, Butuan City.

The highlight of the 11th National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF), the ceremonial harvesting is part of DA's effort to promote farm modernization among the rice farmers in the region, whom Dar encouraged to go into hybrid rice farming.

“This activity (NRTF) aims to show you the available types of machinery for efficient farming as this is the time to modernize and adapt proper technologies and equipment to enable the agriculture sector to survive the pandemic,” Dar told the farmers.

He said the NRTF also seeks to lay out the government's different strategies to enhance local rice production.

Meanwhile, Dar also recognized the success of farmers who ventured into hybrid rice farming, saying that they are now expecting to harvest up to eight metric tons of palay per hectare using hybrid seeds.

“Tulong-tulong, tayo po ay babangon mula sa pandemyang ito, at nang muling makabangon din ang ating ekonomiya (With each other’s support, we will rise from this pandem-

ic and get our economy going again),” Dar said.

In a statement, DA-13 executive director Abel James Monteagudo said the agency has intensified the campaign for the wider adoption of hybrid rice technology among the local farmers in Caraga.

The campaign also aims to support the national goal for making the country rice self-sufficient, he added.

Data provided by DA13 showed that the region has 108,850 hectares of land devoted to rice farming. Of the total hectarage, 53,206 hectares are classified as irrigated; 51,373 hectares are rain-fed, and 4,273 are upland.

In 2019, 5,063 hectares were devoted to hybrid rice farming in the region with an average yield of 4.6 metric tons (MT) of harvest per hectare and a total production of 23,754 MT. The number of hectares planted with hybrid rice is still small compared to the areas devoted to other rice varieties such as certified seeds, good seeds, and those considered as seeds saved by farmers in their homes.

The area devoted to certified seeds in the region last year accounted for 85,823 hectares but only gained a 3.8 MT average yield per hectare.

A total of 42,475 hectares were also planted with good seeds last year

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ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

Over 1M tapped in first 8 days of national ID registration: NEDA

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The owner of the first African swine fever affected farm in Tagum City volunteers to do the disinfecting of pig pens with the guidance of the City Veterinarian’s Office. Photo courtesy of Tagum City Veterinarian’s Office

he mass registration for the national ID system reached over 1 million heads of low-income households during the first 8 days after its kick-off, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said Thursday.

The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) started collecting data earlier this month.

As of Oct. 20, the registration exceeded its target of 300,000, with only 82 percent of enumerators deployed, based on the data shown by Chua in a briefing.

"National ID registration Step 1 exceeded 1 million on our 8th day (Oct 20)," Chua said.

The average total transaction time per registration is just 10.7 minutes, with 5.4 minutes spent per registrant, Chua said.

Mass registration will be conducted in phases

to minimize exposure to COVID-19, the Philippine Statistics Authority earlier said.

Step 1 involves going to houses of selected pre-registrants to get their information and schedule a date for them to go to the registration center.

Step 2 is when pre-registrants head to the registration centers on Nov. 25 for their biometric capture, the agency said.

The initial 32 provinces targeted for registration were selected based on the low instance of COVID-19 in each province. The goal is to register at least 5 million to 10 million this year, PSA Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista earlier said.

Chua had said the national ID would give the unbanked members of the population access to financial services, and would curb corruption in the delivery of social aid during times of crisis.

he Coca-Cola Company said Thursday it was shaking up its product mix as part of an effort to revive sales which have been slumping during the coronavirus pandemic.

The soft drink giant reported third-quarter sales down nine percent from a year ago to $8.7 billion, while profits tumbled 33 percent to $1.7 billion.

Coca-Cola said it saw an improvement in trends versus the prior quarter, stronger sales to consumers partly offsetting the decline in sales at bars, restaurants, stadiums and other channels.

Shares rose three percent in pre-market trade on the results.

As part of its response to the pandemic, Coca-Cola said it was continuing its organizational and product changes.

It now expects to cut the number of product brands to around 200, a 50 percent cut, phasing out some drinks like Zico coconut water and Tab diet cola. It has already shed other brands such as

Odwalla juices.

"Throughout this year's crisis, our system has remained focused on its beverages for life strategy," said chairman and chief executive James Quincey.

"We are accelerating our transformation that was already underway, shaping our company to recover faster than the broader economic recovery."

The company will accelerate its moves into hard seltzers, including products developed jointly with Molson Coors such as "Topo Chico Hard Seltzer," set to maunch in the US market next year.

No financial forecast was given because of the uncertain economic outlook.

"While the company is pleased with the sequential improvement, given the uncertainty remaining surrounding the coronavirus pandemic including a resurgence in various markets, the ultimate impact on its near-term results is unknown," the company said in its statement.

ebu Landmasters Inc (CLI), the leading developer in Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin), posted PHP10.5 billion reservation sales in the first nine months of the year, a 14-percent increase yearon-year.

In a statement Thursday, CLI said it registered PHP3.1 billion reservation sales in the third quarter alone.

Focused on economic and mid-range markets in the Visayas and Mindanao, CLI attributed 48 percent of sales to its projects in Cebu, 21 percent to Iloilo, 13 percent to Cagayan de Oro, and 12 percent to Bacolod.

“Demand for CLI housing has remained strong despite the pandemic. And, we attribute this to our focus in meeting the needs of our buyers in each of the

fifteen key VisMin cities we serve in terms of product, service and pricing, and making use of our wide sales and construction networks throughout the region,” CLI executive vice president and chief operating officer Franco Soberano said.

In January to September, the listed company launched five projects worth PHP5.5 billion ensuring sustained growth by also expanding to Iloilo and Bohol, which are new CLI locations.

“We are always mindful of finding and serving the market segments where real estate demand is strongest. And our goal is to always remain close and fulfill the needs of our customers no matter the circumstance,” Soberano said.

Gov't not delaying release of Bayanihan 2 funds: DBM T

Coca-Cola looks to energize growth amid pandemic slump

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he Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday said there is no delay in the release of crucial funds allocated for pandemic-hit sectors under the Bayanihan to Recover as One or Bayanihan 2 Act. In a Palace press briefing, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said some PHP46 billion worth of funds are now up for President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval before they can be distributed to various government agencies.

These include PHP8 billion for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), PHP6 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), PHP11.6 billion for the Department of Agriculture (DA), and PHP20.5 billion for the Department of Health (DOH).

Avisado noted that the request for funds provided under the Bayanihan

2 law undergoes a process, wherein agencies have to submit requirements--such as budget execution documents pertaining to their financial plans and monthly disbursement programs--that shall be evaluated by the DBM before being endorsed to the President for approval.

“Wala pong bottlenecks po. Proseso lang po ang sinusunod natin. Kapag po kumpleto lahat ng dokumento, inaakyat po kaagad natin iyan sa Office of the President for the corresponding approval (There are no bottlenecks. We are just following a process.

Once all the documents are complete, we immediately

elevate them to the Office of the President for the corresponding approval),” Avisado said. “So hindi po dini-delay (So it is not being delayed).”

Avisado said the Bureau of Treasury has certified that funds are available.

Aside from the PHP46 billion, Avisado said another PHP24 billion are being processed by the DBM. To date, only PHP4 billion has been released to government agencies out of the PHP165.5-billion worth of stimulus funds allotted under the Bayanihan 2 law.

The stimulus package consists of PHP140 billion of regular appropriations and an additional standby fund of PHP25.5 billion.

“So, lahat po ng ito ay ini-evaluate po at hindi naman sila nawawalan ng pondo po. Iyan ay hinding-hindi mangyayari dahil habang pino-process

po namin ang request nila, mayroon po silang pera pang nagagastos dahil po binabantayan po namin talaga na kahit na anong oras mayroon po silang pera habang pino-process po iyongadditional (all these are being evaluated and they will not run out of funds.

It will not happen because while their requests are being processed, they still have money for expenditures, we make sure that they have money while additional funds are being processed),” Avisado said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Office of the Executive Secretary is ensuring that the funds are indeed needed before approving the requests.

But the assurance is, the money is there and DBM is able and ready to issue what is known as the SARO [Special Allotment Release Order],” Roque said. (PNA)

tions, and resulted in market contractions, in several snack food and beverage categories the company competes in,” URC said.

Despite these challenges, the food and beverage maker said it has gained significant market shares and performed ahead of the market.

URC’s operating income increased by 8% to P11.9 billion behind better cost management and favorable input prices, offsetting investments in brand building and close to P300 million of COVID-19 related expenses to safeguard people and support business continuity.

“The current environment continues to pose severe challenges to the business. Weaker consumer sentiment and slowing retail sales in the third

quarter, plus sluggish macroeconomic fundamentals, are weighing on a slower path to market recovery,” Irwin Lee, URC president and CEO, said.

“Despite these challenges, we remain focused on operational excellence, business transformation, and investing in building stronger brands and innovation to fuel growth. This focus is helping us perform ahead of market trends.

More importantly, this enables us to continue supporting and partnering with our customers and suppliers to serve the needs of our consumers and communities in this time of crisis,” Lee said.

URC’s sales of domestic and international branded consumer foods reached P77.4 billion.

The company’s domestic revenues grew slightly by 1% to P46.5 billion on the back of growth in powdered beverages, snacks, biscuits and chocolate. This, however, was offset by double-digit declines in candies, readyto-drink beverages and the food service channel.

Nevertheless, URC increased market shares in all key categories.

The food and beverages firm’s international revenues stood at P30 billion, down 7% as growth in Oceania region was offset by the negative impacts of COVID-19 in several ASEAN markets.

Meanwhile, sales of agro-industrial and commodities businesses reached P22.3 billion, up 9%.

Universal Robina 9-month net income grows 12%

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ood and beverage maker Universal Robina Corp. (URC) saw a double-digit rise in its bottomline during the first nine months of 2020 despite the challenging business environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Gokongwei-led manufacturer reported a net income of P8.1 billion in the January to September period, up 12% year-on-year.

URC attributed the earnings growth to higher operating income, lower debt and interest expense, and lower foreign exchange losses.

The company’s sales reached P99.8 billion, up 2% from a year earlier.

“The pandemic has deteriorated trading condi-

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CLI’s 9-month housing sales up 14%

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6 VANTAGE POINTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

On the call for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) still in Haran to go back to their ancestral land in Talaingod which has become a focused area of local and national government services:

Yung mga IP brothers and sisters po natin na nasa Haran, eto na po ang pagkakataon ninyo na bumalik na sa inyong ancestral domain. Mamuhay ng mapayapa, mamuhay kasama ang inyong mahal sa buhay, para hindi po kayo magamit pa ng CPP-NPA over self-interest (To our IP brothers and sisters in Haran, this is the chance for you to come home to your ancestral domain. Live in peace, live with your loved ones, so that you will no longer be used by the CPP-NPA for their own self-interest) ... Alam naman po natin na etong mga evacuees na dinala sa Haran ay ginagamit lang po sila para maka generate nang funds from foreign countries (We know that these evacuees brought to Haran are being used so that [the CPP-NPA] can generate funds from foreign countries).”

Col. Norman Valdez 56th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army

EDGEDAVAO

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7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

UP AND ABOUT

OCTOBER IS FORD TRUCK MONTH

FORD PHILIPPINES is bringing back its much-anticipated Truck Month this October, offering great deals to customers buying a Ford Ranger from any Ford dealership nationwide.

From October 1-31, 2020, customers can avail of cash discounts, all-in low downpayment deals, and free ownership package worth PHP100,000 with their purchase of a Ranger Wildtrak, XLS, or Raptor.

The Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 MT is available this month with a PHP90,000 cash discount while the Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 AT comes with a cash discount of PHP70,000.

On the other hand, the Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 MT is available with a cash discount of PHP89,000, effectively bringing its starting retail price to only PHP943,000. Customers can also avail of a financing offer of PHP88,000 all-in low downpayment.

Meanwhile, customers who are looking to purchase the Ranger Raptor are entitled to the Ranger Raptor Premium Care Package inclusive of a free 5-Year Scheduled Service Plan, 5-Year Warranty (from 3 years), and 5-Year Road-

sideAssistance. The worry-free ownership package is valued at PHP100,000.

“The Ford Truck Month has been Ford Philippines’ annual tradition of celebrating ownership of the Ford Ranger and making it accessible to more customers through our wide array of great deals. The Truck Month is back this October and we look forward to serving more Filipinos who need a tough, reliable, and capable

pickup truck for their work and play needs,” saysPK Umashankar, president and managing director, Ford Philippines.

Seize the Deal Offers for Ford SUVs and Ford Transit van Ford is also offering deals for its SUVs and Transit van with its Seize the Deal promotions available until October 31, 2020.

Customers looking to purchase an Everest 2.0L Bi-Turbo

Titanium+ 4x4 AT,Everest 2.0L Turbo Titanium 4x2 AT or Everest 2.0L Turbo Sport 4x2 AT can enjoy a PHP 50,000 cash discount. The Everest 2.2L Trend 4x2 AT comes with a PHP100,000 cash discount or a PHP178,000 all-in low downpayment.

The Ford EcoSport also comes with generous cash discounts. The EcoSport 1.0L Titanium AT and EcoSport 1.5L Titanium AT are available

ENTERTAINMENT

SANYA LOPEZ IS GMA NETWORK’S FIRST YAYA GMA Network has finally announced that beautiful and talented Kapuso actress Sanya Lopez will play the title role in the much-awaited primetime series ‘First Yaya.’

The 24-year-old actress first rose to stardom after bagging the role of Sang’gre Danaya in the 2016 hit primetime series Encantadia.

Sanya further cemented her name in the entertainment industry after showcasing her acting skills in various programs including Haplos, Cain at Abel, and Dahil Sa Pag-ibig.

Sanya expressed her gratitude to the network and her fans for their unending support for this new milestone in her career, “First time ko po na magkakaroon ng show sa primetime na ako ang title role, kaya sobra po akong nagpapasalamat sa GMA at sa fans na laging nakasuporta. Kabado rin po na excited kasi alam ko malaki ang ineexpect ninyo sa akin bilang inyong First Yaya.”

It was also revealed that Sanya was especially handpicked by GMA-7 for the role of Yaya Melody.

“Simula pa lang ng Encantadia ay lagi na akong sinosorpresa ng

GMA sa projects na binibigay po nila. Ang tiwala po ay laging karapat-dapat na suklian ng sipag, tiyaga at katapatan,” said Sanya.

The original drama is set to introduce the newest pairing of

Sanya with versatile and multitalented Kapuso actor Gabby Concepcion.

The Kapuso actress added that she is elated to be working with the seasoned actor and vows to do justice to her role, “First time na malaman ko ‘yon napa-wow na lang ako sa sarili ko. Alam naman po natin na guwapo at magaling na aktor si Mr. Gabby Concepcion, kaya sa part ko dapat paghandaan ko rin ang mga eksena namin para hindi ako mapahiya sa kanya.”

First Yaya follows the story of a Vice President (Gabby), who will later become the President of the Philippines, and his first family. The endearing Yaya Melody, brought to life by Sanya, serves as a nanny to his children. Soon romance blooms between the two but is challenged by the PSG (Presidential Security Group) Head, played

by Pancho Magno.

The light, romantic-comedy series will showcase a heart-warming tale about love and how it binds every family together.

Also joining the cast are Cassy Legaspi, Joaquin “JD” Domagoso, and Ms. Pilar Pilapil. First Yaya is directed by LA Madridejos.

with a PHP150,000 cash discount. A PHP38,000 all-in low downpayment is also available for the EcoSport 1.5L Titanium AT. The EcoSport 1.5L Trend AT and EcoSport 1.5L Trend MT both come with a PHP90,000 cash discount.

Great deals are also up for grabs for Ford’s bigger SUVs. Avail of a 0% interest for 60 months at 20% downpayment with an Explorer 3.5L Sport V6 EcoBoost AWD AT or 0% interest for 48 months at 20% downpayment with an Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost LTD. Both the Expedition Limited EL 4x4 with Bucket Seats AT and Expedition Limited EL 4x4 AT can be availed with a financing offer of 0% interest for 60 months at 20% downpayment.

Rounding up the deals is for the Ford Transit, where customers getting the 15-seater Ford van can get a cash discountof PHP301,000, or a financing offer of PHP68,000 all-in low downpayment, or 0% interest for 36 months at 20% downpayment, together with a free 5-year scheduled service plan.

To know more about the offers, visit the Ford Philippines website or any Ford dealership nearest you.

KYLA AND KIKX SET OFF ‘90S R&B NOSTALGIA IN NEW SINGLE

QUEEN OF R&B Kyla and songwriter-producer Kiko “KIKX” Salazar are set on pulling listeners to a soothing ‘90s R&B music throwback with their upcoming Star Music single “TLC,” dropping on music platforms.

The track, which professes affection for a special someone and voices anticipation for a more intimate relationship, carries a heavy R&B vibe so KIKX said it was only fitting that the Philippines’ Queen of R&B brought it to life.

“Nothing excites me more than working with someone I’ve looked up to since the beginning of my songwriting journey,” he shared, recalling how in 2008 he would pretend to write songs for Kyla.

“A few years later, to my surprise, she recorded a few of those songs, and another year after, won my first Awit Awards with her,” he added. “So celebrating my 10 years of music would not be complete without our R&B queen and now my dear friend, Kyla.”

Composer KIKX also refers to “TLC” as “the ultimate tribute to the ‘90s era” as it bears the influence of American artist Babyface, whom he credits as a great inspiration to him as a musician.

It is also one of the songs under KIKX’s “After Dark ‘The Final Hour’” EP to celebrate his 10th year anniversary in the music industry. Sam Mangubat’s “Hindi Na Nga” and Lance Busa’s “Sa Aking Mundo” are also part of the project.

Watch out for the release of “TLC” on digital streaming platforms.

8 INdulge!

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

UP AND ABOUT

ZREWARDS, PARTNERS TURN OVER CARE PACKAGES TO JEEPNEY DRIVERS

ZREWARDS by Zeal, in partnership with Lalamove and Minimart. ph, has turned over care packages composed of food, toiletries, laundry supplies, and protective equipment, to jeepney drivers and their families who were displaced by the current pandemic.

The move was part of the HELPJEEP campaign launched by the three parties last July wherein the public was encouraged to take part by simply becoming a member of ZRewards for free. ZRewards, in turn, committed to provide care packages upon reaching its target membership milestone.

“We are proud to have gone through this initiative to help our jeepney drivers and their families together with Lalamove and Minimart. It is important for us to proactively serve the community, and practice our commitment to make sure that no Filipino is left behind,” shared Zeal Entrepreneur in Residence, Glenn Estrella.

ZRewards is the country’s newest one-stop shop for premium and solid deals, discounts, and vouchers ranging from food, beauty, health and fitness, entertainment, among other offers, redeemable at on-

A Lalajeep driver receives a care package from ZRewards by Zeal line shops and physical stores.

For the HELPJEEP campaign, ZRewards partnered with on-demand delivery company Lalamove to access the Lalajeep drivers who were among the hardest hit by community quarantine restrictions.

The jeepney drivers who lost their livelihoods were taken in

by Lalamove in agreement with the Quezon City local government unit. Instead of carrying passengers, Lalajeeps carry goods for businesses which need a more affordable means

to deliver their products.

Minimart.ph, on the other hand, provided a generous discount for the items as well as free packaging and free delivery to the QC distribution site designated by Lalamove.

“The partnership with Zeal and Minimart is aligned with our goal to empower our Lalajeep community to continuously reach out to them.

The jeepney community was among the most heavily affected by the pandemic, and we are very happy to continue to

provide them a means to earn, and moreover, deliver possibilities of having a care package for them to provide essential goods.” shares Lalamove Philippines managing director Dannah Majarocon.

ZRewards continues to support the stricken communities and anyone can help by signing up for free at https://zeal.ph/ signup. ZRewards members will also benefit from the different discounted offers from a wide array of merchants such as Flowerstore.ph, Minimart.

ph, Melo’s Steakhouse, Beauty Scout, ZALORA Philippines, The Naturale Market, AudioVideo Solutions Corporation, Avignon Clinic, Digits Trading Corp, Harem Inc, AJ Wellness Corporation, IAJ Wellness Corporation, papemelroti, Malongo Atelier Barista, The Smile Bar, Chris Sports, Toby Sports and Trident Food Holdings, Inc. ZRewards by Zeal is a brand of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe.

ENTERTAINMENT

‘DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN PHILIPPINES’ STREAMS ON NETFLIX PHILIPPINES THIS NOVEMBER GMA Network’s internationally-acclaimed primetime series “Descendants of the Sun Philippines” is set to make its exciting debut on Netflix Philippines beginning November 13.

As it celebrates its 70th anniversary, GMA Network continues to strengthen its digital presence while staying true to its mission of creating world-class programs. Its biggest drama production this year, “Descendants of the Sun Philippines,” is the first GMA program to be streamed on Netflix Philippines.

Headlined by two of the biggest names on Philippine TV – Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado – the series revolves on the fickle love story of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Special Forces Captain Lucas Manalo a.k.a. ‘Big Boss’ and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Maxine Dela Cruz, or ‘Beauty’.

With both of them having dangerous and demanding jobs, timing was never on their side. But the more they tried to distance themselves from one another, the more that fate found a way to bring Lucas and Maxine together – surviving and making it through one disaster after another.

Reporting with them for duty are Rocco Nacino as Technical Sergeant

Diego Ramos and Jasmine CurtisSmith as Captain Moira Defensor.

Also in the series as hard-working doctors and nurses are Renz Fernandez, Chariz Solomon, Andre Paras, Nicole Donesa, Reese Tuazon, Jenzel Angeles, and Bobby Andrews.

Meanwhile, the brave military team is composed of Paul Salas, Jon Lucas, Lucho Ayala, and Prince Clemente.

Completing the cast are Neil Ryan Sese, Pancho Magno, Antonio Aquitania, Ricardo Cepeda, Ian Ignacio, Rich Asuncion, Carlo Gonzalez, Hailey Mendes, Marina Benipayo, and Roi Vinzon.

Esteemed director Dominic Zapata is at the helm of this series.

Get excited and relive the story of Big Boss and Beauty in “Descendants of the Sun Philippines” streaming this November 13 on Netflix Philippines.

KANISHIA LAUNCHES DEBUT SINGLE ‘A LITTLE TASTE OF DANGER’ STAR POP has introduced its latest artist, multi-hyphenate Kanishia, who launched her debut single “A Little Taste of Danger” yesterday.

Although new to the recording industry, the 19-year-old promising talent has tons of experience in acting, singing, and dancing. She started performing onstage at a young age and has been involved in school theater productions for five years now.

“I started to like singing when I was 7 years old. I enjoy performing onstage and entertaining people, not only showing my talent in singing but also in acting,” she shared.

Coincidentally, Kanishia breaks into the mainstream with her frisky debut single “A Little Taste of Danger,” about wanting to go out of one’s comfort zone and exploring more of what life and the world have to offer.

“I was able to relate to the song. Every time I listen to it, I imagine a butterfly coming from a caterpillar,” Kanishia said.

“You can bloom once you have enough experience.”

The spirited song was written and composed by singersongwriter Marion Aunor, and produced by Jack Rufo and ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

Virgin coconut oil can fight COVID-19

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO s the world is grappling for a possible solution to the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Philippines has found an ally in virgin coconut oil (VCO).

A

Initial findings of experiments conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have shown VCO may fight SARS-CoV2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

“The results are very promising, as not only does it show that VCO, by itself, can destroy the virus, but it also has a key mechanism in regulating the immune response against COVID-19,” said Dr. Jaime Montoya, the executive director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, the DOST line agency incharge of the study.

The VCO is found to be “helpful during the early stages of infection.” The study found that compounds from VCO decreased coronavirus count by 60%-90% at low viral load. In fact, the compounds were observed to improve cell survival.

Dr. Fabian Dayrit of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) headed the research which sought to investigate if coconut oil compounds are really effective antiviral agents to prevent or reduce COVID-19 infections.

The study was done at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital. COVID-19 patients were given VCO as supplement to the daily treatment regimen. The UP-PGH Clinical COVID-19 Research Group conducted the study.

In the isolation facilities in communities in National Capital Region and Region IV-A, the DOST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) incorporated VCO in the food provided to COVID-19 persons under

investigations (PUIs).

“We look forward to the result of clinical trials on the various uses of VCO as an adjunct for the treatment of COVID-19,” said Dr. Montoya, adding that more experiments are still needed to determine whether higher concentrations of the coconut compounds will further reduce the replication rate of the virus.

For his part, Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said in a statement: “There are still alternative solutions against COVID-19 aside from vaccines. Although further investigation is needed before we develop a possible prevention or treatment option, we aim to give Filipinos hope through our ongoing local research initiatives.”

Coconut oil is most potent when it’s virgin – and Filipinos call it virgin coconut oil (VCO). “VCO is a natural oil from fresh, mature kernel of the coconut,” explains the book, Compendium of Commercially-Viable Coconut Technologies, published by Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has this to say: “VCO is the purest form of coconut oil, water white in color and has not undergone oxidation. It is the oil obtained from the fresh and mature kernel of coconut by mechanical or natural means with or without the use of heat, without undergoing chemical refining, bleaching or deodorizing, and which does not lead to the alteration of the nature of the oil.”

The late National Scientist Dr. Conrado S. Dayrit

was touted to be the Father of VCO. His book, The Truth About Coconut Oil, published in 2005, became a bestseller and elevated coconut oil from folk medicine to a scientific therapy.

He was a cardiologist and professor of pharmacology at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.

“Today, people are returning to natural diets in order to live healthier and happier lives – the hallmarks of ‘wellness’ – and science has been validating the benefits,” Dayrit wrote in the prologue of Coconut Oil: From Diet to Therapy which he co-authored with his son, Fabian.

“One of the natural foods being rediscovered is coconut. Although vilified as a cause of heart disease, coconut oil has always shown itself to be a healthy and curative oil. Numerous studies using the tools of modern science are finally revealing – and validating – the beneficial effects of coconut oil.”

Studies show VCO is rich in lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA)

that is converted to monolaurin by the human body.

“Fifty percent of coconut oil is lauric acid, a compound found in human breast milk, which makes it one of the best food sources for this nutrient available,” Ty Bollinger, a best-selling author, medical researcher, and health freedom advocate.

Here are more health benefits derived from VCO, as culled from various sources: Prevent aging and stress: Some studies have shown that VCO may contain antioxidant properties.

These active compounds prevent the formation of free radicals, which cause premature aging. A study done on rodents showed that it can reduce stress resulting from exercise and chronic cold. Other studies showed that VCO could also be useful in treating some kinds of depression.

Good for the heart: Since VCO contain antioxidant properties and vitamin E, it can lower blood pressure from rising. As such, VCO can be capable of preventing heart attack

and stroke, of which hypertension is a risk factor. In addition, it protects against heart disease by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that collects the excess cholesterol in the body for excretion by the liver.

Skin smoother and eye lubricant: Its natural antibacterial, anti-inflammation, and moisturizing properties make the skin smoother and look younger. Also, those aforementioned properties prevent acne and keep the eyes healthier (aside from preventing dryness). In fact, it promotes the production of natural tears and can be used to moisturize the skin around the eyes.

Mouth warrior: The antimicrobial properties found in can get rid of the plaque on the teeth and gums. The moisturizing properties, on the other hand, heals chapped lips.

You can also use it like a mouthwash; doing so kill some harmful bacteria in the mouth, aside from improving dental health and reducing halitosis or bad breath.

Aids with digestion: By taking in fat-soluble components like vitamins and magnesium, it helps with food digestion. It also eliminates toxic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (a very dangerous pathogen) and the yeast Candida albicans, a common source of yeast infections in humans.

With the advancement of modern technology and breakthroughs in science, there will be more health benefits that can be unearthed from coconut oil.

The Philippines, however,

9

should lead such studies.

“In the Philippines, if we are to produce more understanding by the world that coconut oil is really quite safe internally and with food, we need to convince the doctors, the academics because they are after all the opinion leaders. They are the ones who told the rest of the world that coconut oil back in the 50s, 60s and onwards was not good for the diet,” said Dr. Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, entrepreneurial founder of VMV Hypoallergenics who has published more than 150 articles in dermatology scientific journals.

In the United States, VCO has increasingly become popular in natural food circles and with vegans. It was described in a New York Times article as having a “haunting, nutty, vanilla flavor” that also has a touch of sweetness that works well in baked goods, pastries, and sautés.

The Philippines is the second largest coconut producing country in the world, after Indonesia. It has introduced VCO to the world in 2000-2001 and remains to be world’s number one VCO exporter. In 2015, VCO was exported to 46 countries, the United Coconut Association of the Philippines said.

The top importers were United States, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, and Japan. Other destinations were Belgium, United Kingdom, South Korea, and Australia. Smaller volumes went to Malaysia, Brazil, Taiwan, South Africa, France, China, Singapore and Czechoslovakia.

10 EDGEDAVAO

HALAL... FROM1

VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

this is an initiative that the firm is embarking with the city government of Davao that will provide a centralized platform, digitalize and simplify processes, global e-commerce, digital marketing and promotion capability.

“By establishing the E-Halal hub we are hoping to provide access to new markets for the SMEs within Davao and Mindanao area otherwise with this technology we’ll be able to access markets outside and to be able to extend your business beyond the Philippines,” Khoo said during the 29th Mindanao Business Conference Webinar Series on Friday.

The E-Halal hub is built on a technology called eFTZ where essentially it is an ecosystem that built to integrate end-to-end supply

chain such as the origin of the products, the products and services by all these international potential customers, a business to business provider and different stakeholders along the value chain that include logistic, airport, warehouse, business matching and virtual expo, bank and insurance, seaport, customers marketplace, and permits and license to make the entire process seamless and more efficient.

“This is one of the key push to be able to help local SMEs grow by providing the E-Halal hub it also helps the objectives of digitalizing the businesses within Davao and Mindanao area.

With the E-Halal hub centralized platform we will be able to collectively gather the Halal services around Davao area into integrated

platform and promote collectively,” Khoo said.

Fusionex offers the largest and most advanced Center for Excellence (COE) in the region for big data, insights-driven research and development as well as immersion experience. It is a specialist in Big Data Management, Industry 4.0, Machine Learning, AI , specifically in the fields of financial services, retail, trade facilitation, Smart Cities, Travel and Hospitality Solutions.

“We are happy to be working with the city of Davao for this exciting project,” Khoo said.

Davao City is known for being the first city in the Philippines to have a Halal Ordinance. The Halal Ordinance of Davao City, which was originally passed in 2010 but later on amended, requires establishments to

acquire certification first before they can use the halal word and logo in their trade name.

It is also the first city in the country to have an ordinance that mandates the segregation of halal food from haram (forbidden) food items, from delivery to storage, display, weighing, slicing, carrying thru baskets/carts/trolleys, until its final packing at the payment counter.

Establishments in Davao City that are poised to be “Halal-Friendly” include Marco Polo Davao, Rumah Kari, El Bajada Hotel, Sunnypoint Hotel, Zabadani, Villa Margarita, and Tinhat Boutique.

Ampuan said the kitchen of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) is already Halal-certified.

goes to the NPA fighters),” Valdez said.

In addition to using them for income, the CPPNPA also work to influence the youth in Haran to become NPA fighters, which Valdez stressed the need for them to be brought back to their communities.

“Alam po natin na ang mga kabataan na nasa Haran ay ini-influensyahan po nila at later on, eto po ang magiging pool of NPA fighters nila. So kailangan po nating e save etong mga tao na nasa Haran at ibalik sa kanilang mga communities (We know that the youth in

Haran are being influenced by them. Later on, they will become a pool of NPA fighters. So we need to save the youth in Haran and return them to their communities),” he said.

Valdez noted that the coming home of the IPs in Haran will be key to ending the funds coming from foreign countries.

“Pag eto pong mga tao na nandito sa Haran at maibalik na natin sa community, at hindi na sila makapag isip pa ng mga IPs na madala doon sa Haran, mapuputol po ang fund generation nila coming from for-

eign countries (When we put these people in Haran back to their community, they [CPP NPA] won’t be able to think of IPs to bring to Haran, their funding generation from foreign countries will end),” he said.

With the “whole-of-nation” approach concentrating the effort of the government in supporting the IP communities, Valdez is confident that Talaingod is now a worthy place for the evacuees to come back to.

He particularly cited Governor Edwin I. Jubahib’s housing project which prepares houses for the return

of the IPs currently residing in Haran.

“Marami po siyang mga projects tulad ng pabahay intended po to para sa mga pamilya na nandoon pa sa Haran. Pag umalis na sila doon merong naghihintay na bahay, livelihood at education opportunities para sa kanila (He [Gov. Jubahib] has a lot of projects such as the housing intended for the families still in Haran. A house, livelihood, and education opportunities are waiting for them if they leave Haran),” Valdez said. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/ jmda PIA-XI)

don’t have cold chain storage, then it’s useless. So you have to prepare,” he said.

Sta. Romana said China is seen to begin production as early as November or December 2020 once the candidate vaccines pass the clinical trials and approval processes.

“The prospects are bright in terms of a breakthrough in vaccine. As far as I know, in China there’s a possibility for one or two vaccines that will be approved here soon,” he said.

He said the vaccines still need to pass the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the Department

of Science and Technology and the Department of Health.

“So, this is something, I think that these agencies are already preparing for,” he added.

China has yet to identify the number of doses that would be made available for the Philippines, but Sta. Romana the two governments are now discussing this subject.

“But definitely in terms of number, you know, how they will do it kasi (because) it depends on the— they’re talking of hundreds of millions in terms of production here in China. So, the question is distribution

and deployment,” he said.

‘Emergency basis’ In China, the vaccines are now used on an “emergency basis” for front-liners, particularly those dealing with Covid-19 patients, even while the clinical study is ongoing.

Asked if Beijing has offered Manila inoculation for a similar purpose, Sta. Romana said any drug must first undergo the Philippines’ domestic processes.

“We have our own domestic requirements so you have to go through that.

Now, people who may want a Sinovac, I think has applied to conduct the Phase 3 trial. That is being evalu-

ated by the health authorities. So the moment ma-approve iyan then, of course on an emergency basis, should be possible,” he said.

In the same Palace press briefing, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado assured that funds will be ready for the country’s storage facilities for vaccines.

“Surely, as the sun rises in the east, there will be funds for that because the President (Rodrigo Duterte) will never allow that we will run short of the requirements to make sure that we have the storage facilities for all of these vaccines po,” Avisado said.

(PNA)

next five years. It has been removing some 600 tons of garbage from the Tullahan River on a daily basis.

As of October, the company has dredged some 48,000 metric tons of silt

and garbage from the Tullahan River.

The initiative is part of a much larger plan to mitigate flooding in Navotas, Malabon, Caloocan, Quezon City, and parts of Bulacan.

The company is also set to dredge major river systems in Bulacan to help address flooding there before it begins construction of its new Manila International Airport project.

SMC is also planting some 190,000 mangroves all over Central Luzon and Bulacan to protect coastal areas from tidal flooding and develop marine ecosystems. (PR)

their active lifestyle and inspire women to keep fit.

In this debut episode, Dr. Marissa M. Guinto, Sport Psychologist, Associate Professor and Research Director of the College of

Human Kinetics of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, will also talk about physical activity and mental wellness. It will be followed by a discussion on mindful movement by

Eileen Tupaz, Co-Founder of White Space Mind and Body Wellness Studio, yoga and meditation teacher trainer (E-RYT500), Reiki Third Degree Teacher, and certified Eating Psychology

Coach.

For more information on the Rise Up, Shape Up campaign, visit its official Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/riseupshapeup.

until Sunday night.

With Sherwin Pineda ordered to exit from the bubble after an officiating blunder in the Rain Or Shine-NorthPort game on Sunday night that affected

its outcome, only seven referees worked on Wednesday night.

One of them, Jeffrey Tantay, even had to work for both games.

However, Marcial said

that additional referees have been called to enter the bubble.

“Pinapapunta ko na yung two to three referees na makaakyat na dito sa [Clark] (I asked two to

three referees to come here in Clark),” he said.

However, they will not be immediately deployed as they will still have to undergo swab testing and self-quarantine. (PNA)

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for measles.

“Dunay daghan pa sa mga bata nga wala nakakompleto sa ilang bakuna before reaching one year old. Makuha na sa mga bata ang duha ka dose sa measles before reaching one

year old. Kinahanglang mahatagan nato ug additional dose for measles to protect these children against measles. There are still children under 5 years old na wala pa nakadawat sa duha ka dose sa measles,” she said.

that union is: civil, legal or sacramental,” he said. (With

reports of Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)

break in Pangyan was traced from pork products brought in by local traders from nearby towns of Davao Occidental, which reported the first ASF outbreak in Mindanao in late January.

She said a trader from Batulaki reportedly transported contaminated pork by motorcycle and sold them to consumers in Pangyan and nearby areas.

Musa said the local government already released initial financial assistance to the affected hog raisers through assistance from the South Cotabato Swine Producers Association, a group of commercial hog producers operating in this

city, Sarangani and South Cotabato.

She said they are currently processing the release of the indemnification from DA that entitles affected farmers to a financial assistance of P5,000 per adult hog and P800 for the weanling.

“Right now, we’re doing everything to contain this outbreak and we’re doubly working to protect our hog farms in the other barangays,” she said.

Glan, which has a total of 31 barangays, is mainly producing pork through backyard farms. The municipality has one commercial farm based in Barangay Padidu. (MindaNews)

tion on the payment deadlines for taxes and other fees.

Another factor of achieving the city’s target collection is Ordinance No. 0218-20 or the Tax Amnesty or Relief from Delinquent Real Property Tax. “We have already collected a total of P27,925,174.51 from delinquencies. This will contribute to our efforts to achieve our target,” said Bantiding.

The ordinance applies to assessed penalties and interest on delinquent back taxes relating to real properties as of December 31, 2019, and prior years.

All accrued penalties and

interest shall be condoned only upon settlement of RPT within 6 months from the effectivity of the Ordinance. Those who have RPT delinquencies can avail of this until January 9, 2021.

Taxpayers may pay their business taxes and real property taxes by visiting the City Treasurer’s Office every weekday from 8 AM to 5 PM. For business taxpayers, they may also pay online through the Landbank portal. For details on the procedure, they can visit the City Government of Davao website at www.davaocity. gov.ph. CIO

with only 3.4 MT average yield per hectare.

Rice farms planted with seeds saved by farm-

ers accounted for 14,526 hectares in 2019 with the lowest average yield of 3.4 MT per hectare. (PNA)

The commodities foods group remained posted a 25% revenue growth with sugar and renewables growing 31% and flour growing 11% versus the same period the previous year.

These were offset by agro-industrial group’s sales decline of 7%, due to

lower volumes in hogs resulting from its downsized operations.

At the end of September, URC said it completed the acquisition of Central Azucarera de La Carlota and Roxol Bioenergy Corporation from Roxas Holdings Inc.

Even before the onset of the pandemic, CLI had been digitizing its sales platform

to ensure strong connectivity to both buyers and agents. (PR)

erley.

“But Patrick Beverley is basically a defensive ace who’s small and has to play opposing guards.”

One potential solution is Lakers star Rajon Rondo, who has been linked to the Clippers.

ESPN’s Jorge Sedano argued that Rondo would not only solve their issues at point guard but also the

need for leadership at the franchise.

“The Rondo thing is interesting because he fits the leadership void and someone to organise them,” he said on The Jump.

“They do need a more traditional point guard in times when things get a little more haywire on the floor.”

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VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

11

PSC launches 'Rise Up! Shape Up!'

T Troy Rosario goes for a short stab against Blackwater’s Frank Golla in Talk‘N Text’s 109-96 win in the Philippine Basketball Association bubble at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center on Thursday (Oct. 22, 2020). TNT remains undefeated in five games. (Photo courtesy of PBA Images)

Castro-less TNT drubs Blackwater

E

ven without Jayson Castro, TNT made its dominance felt in its Philippine Basketball Association game against Blackwater, scoring a 10996 win on Thursday night at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

The Tropang Giga exploded for 34 points in the first quarter to set up their breakaway from the Elite.

RR Pogoy led TNT,

which is now 5-0 in the season, with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Ray-Ray Parks added

18 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Simon Enciso stepped up in the absence of Castro, who according to Coach Bong Ravena is experiencing pain on his calf, putting up 16 points, two rebounds, and three assists.

Don Trollano collected 23 markers, seven boards, and four dimes for the Elite, who lost back-to-back games and fell to 2-3.

Box Scores:

hey were the biggest disappointment of the playoffs last season and now attention has turned to how the Los Angeles Clippers can fulfil their lofty potential.

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both can become free agents next summer but the former should be a big part of the Clippers’ plans.

So much so that an NBA great has called on Los Angeles to trade George, freeing up Leonard to be his own man and lead the Clippers to glory.

Shaquille O’Neal won three consecutive NBA championships alongside Kobe Bryant during an eight-year stint together.

They were one of the NBA’s most lethal partnerships but also rivals in a complicated relationship that took the Lakers all the way but also gave O’Neal an interesting perspective to draw on for the current situation at the Clippers.

“They need to get rid of someone,” O’Neal said on The Big Podcast Shaq.

“You gotta use [George] to get two good solid players because I need Kawhi to be the man.

See Kawhi, I don’t want Kawhi to delegate... when Kawhi was with Toronto he knew he was the man, everybody knew he was the man.

“Now you got one guy that thinks he’s the man, one guy that is the man.”

The Clippers have not been able to make it work with Leonard and George together, crashing out in the second round of the playoffs last season.

It would take a lot for Los Angeles to trade George though given they dropped $144.5m to lure him away from Oklahama City Thunder.

There is no doubting that Leonard is the man and the star of the team but the issues with George could have more to do with the systems they run and lack of movement in the offence on top of the lack of options at point guard.

There is plenty to consider and new coach

Tyronn Lue seems to understand that team cohesion is key to unlocking the pieces he has at his disposal.

“We’re talking about chemistry and continuity, and it’s not more so off the court and guys not liking each other,” Lue said.

“It w a s hard to get continuity and chemistry throughout the season because we didn’t have a lot of practice time for our starting unit or our whole team for a large part of the season.

“When we talk about chemistry and continuity, it’s more so on the basketball court of just being familiar with guys.”

If there is any change the Clippers need it could be a genuine point guard, with reports suggesting that Leonard had asked for as much recently.

Patrick Beverley is

TNT 109-Pogoy 20, Parks, 18, Rosario 17, Enciso 16, Erram 14, Washington 6, Reyes 5, Semerad 5, Vosotros 4, De Leon 2, Flores 2, Alejandro 0 Blackwater 96-Trollano 23, Belo 16, Tolomia 12, Golla 9, Daquioag 8, Sumang 8, Gabriel 7, Canaleta 3, Dennison 3, Salem 3, Desiderio 2, Dario 2, Escoto 0 Quarterscores: 3425, 61-49, 87-73, 109-96 (PNA)

continuing to improve but is not the consistent distributor Los Angeles need and a strong option to spark ball movement could help Leonard become a more complete version of himself.

The risky $145m trade Clippers must make to unlock Kawhi T “They clearly need a point guard,” Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN. “Everybody knows it, and Kawhi Leonard privately has clamored for one. It’s not that he wants the to get rid of Patrick Bev-

FTHE RISKY, P10

he Philippine Sports Commission encourages women and girls to move forward from the pandemic through movement and sports. On October 28 at 10:30 am, the PSC will mount its first episode of a weekly web series, Rise Up! Shape Up! The PSC presents Rise Up! Shape Up! as a campaign to motivate women and girls to integrate simple movement and workouts into their day-to-day living, especially since everyone has been cooped up indoors due to the lockdown.

"We encourage our women and girls to rise above the situation while shaping up an active lifestyle adaptive to the so-called New Normal," says PSC Chairman William Ramirez.

While lockdowns have eased and the public is now allowed to move around, seven months into the community quarantine, the world is still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reality is acknowledged by the PSC as it developed this campaign to help women and girls move forward through the global health crisis with a healthy mind and body through movement and sports.

Ramirez reiterated the PSC's support to the nation's battle with COVID-19 by encouraging women and girls to practice active living, saying that, "even the simplest physical activities such as walking can help people combat fear and the feelings of unproductivity and stagnancy that result from it. While the fear associated with the coronavirus has somehow immobilized people mentally, physically and socially," he further reminds the public that there are simple and safe ways to get up and move around.

The PSC Women in Sports program, Rise Up! Shape Up! underscores the importance of having an active body and a sound mind in dealing with the changes and challenges brought about by the pandemic.

"We know that the virus is still out there

and that there is still fear that the people will catch the virus. Aside from the usual reminders to wear a mask, practice social distancing and wash the hands as often as possible, the PSC supports the nation's battle with COVID-19 by encouraging women and girls to practice active living," Ramirez adds.

The Rise Up! Shape Up! campaign also recognizes the important role of women in sports in leading the movement towards a better active living in the New Normal. According to PSC Commissioner Celia H. Kiram, who is also the oversight commissioner for the agency's Women in Sports program, this campaign serves as a platform for women athletes and sports icons to connect with the audience—particularly the youth and women—and influence them to overcome the stifling fear caused by the pandemic and live in the New Normal with a healthy mind and body.

"I see women, especially those who balance work and the household, who are overwhelmed by this pandemic. They need to handle two or more responsibilities simultaneously while working from home. Aside from the anxiety and fear caused by the virus, they are also weighed down by work and household responsibilities," Kiram explained. "Rise Up! Shape Up! will have our women athletes and sports icons share practical tips in helping manage responsibilities by promoting mindful movement and active living amidst the current situation."

Kiram details that the launch episode will feature Mindful Lifestyle for Women, centering on restoring calm and balance in time of pandemic. It will be headlined by Asian Games gold medalist and equestrienne Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and renowned volleyball player and Philippine nationals team member Alyssa Valdez as they recount the pandemic's impact on

FPSC, P10

Should Paul George be traded?

Getty Images/AFP

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VOL.13 ISSUE 167 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

RISKY BUSINESS Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso wears a mask during the PBA Philippine Cup match between the Aces and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Thursday. PBA Images

Suspected Covid-19 case ‘wake-up call’ for PBA

P

inoy Olympic bet and pro prospect Eumir Felix Marcial had apparently shown signs of cracking under the pressure in his adopted dual role as the country’s main Olympic boxing medal hope and as a promising professional debutante.

“Yun ang pinagtatakahan namin... kahit yung mga doctor (That is what we are wondering right now, even the doctors),” Marcial said in a press conference late Wednesday night following the conclusion of the league’s scheduled doubleheader at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

The referee got his result on Tuesday after he and 28 others underwent mandatory swab testing. Marcial was alerted to the surprise positive result.

However, after an antigen testing at the Athlete’s Village in Capas on Wednesday, the referee got a negative result, prompting Marcial to make a conjecture that the swab testing gave a “false positive”.

Despite the somewhat good news, Marcial vowed that the league will become more cautious from now on.

“Wake-up call sa atin ito na huwag tayong masyadong relaxed. Kailangang sundin natin ang mga protocols:

mask, shield, alcohol, linis ng katawan.

Kailangan nating mag-ingat (This is a wake-up call for us that we should not be too relaxed. We need to follow the protocols: mask, shield, alcohol, and the cleanliness in our bodies. We need to be careful),” he said.

While the name of the referee was not announced, it was revealed that he was one of the officials who worked in the Alaska-Blackwater game on Tuesday night.

The Aces and the Elite were to undergo swab testing on Thursday.

Both teams have scheduled games for the day.

Blackwater is facing TNT in a game ongoing as of posting, while Alaska takes on Rain Or Shine later Thursday.

On the other hand, Marcial said that with seven other referees in isolation as well, the referees who handled the doubleheader on Wednesday night may need to do extra work possibly

FRISKY, P10