Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 169 | Tuesday, October 27, 2020

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

NO TOTAL LOCKDOWN

INDULGE P7

VOL.13 ISSUE 169 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020

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Sara debunks city-wide lockdown reports

STORY ON PAGE 2

Workers prepare to unload soil on a reclaimed land for the P19.8-billion Davao Coastal Road project in Times Beach, Brgy. Matina Aplaya in Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 169 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020

NO TOTAL LOCKDOWN Sara debunks city-wide lockdown reports

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio denied reports that the city government will be implementing a total lockdown on October 29, 2020 to November 4, 2020.

M Informal settlers in Purok 34, Taal, Bangkal voluntarily dismantle houses they have illegally built on the river embankment in the area after the city government

of Davao conducted a dialogue with the residents, educating them about the dangers of living along the river. CIO

Information about the said lockdown has been circulating on social media and the mayor has warned the public against this fake information.

“Duna na’y nag-report nga ingon ana but in any event ang pinaka una lang atoa lang i- clarify nga dili tinuod kining gipasa-pasa ug nag-tuyok sa social media nga duna’y guidelines na ma-release sa Oct. 28.

Wala’y ingon ani nga lihok gikan sa city government.

Dili na tinuod ang nagtuy-

ok-tuyok nga there will be a city-wide lockdown,” the mayor said in a live broadcast interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Monday.

The mayor reminded it is best is to verify and confirm any information before sharing online and to get information only from the official page of the city government of Davao, social media, radio station, and advisory publications.

“Again i-remind nato ang kaigsoonang Dabawen-

Study.

DPWH-XI was represented by Engineer Teofila Tan, chief of planning and design division DPWH-XI and the CTTMO was represented by George Jumamoy and Edward Perez.

Ateneo’s opposition The school received a letter from the CTTMO dated July 14, 2020 which proposed a traffic scheme as a consequence of the Ma-a Flyover construction.

Sharing the contents of the letter, Fr. Joel Tabora said the school was presented with three options: 1.

Offstreet loading-unloading bay along the easement portion in front of the campus.

2.

Offstreet loading and unloading bay across Acacia Street, from Gate 10 that would exit to MacArthur Highway 3.

Offstreet layby across Acacia Street.

“After serious consultation with the community of the stakeholders especially among those in the grade school and junior high school. Ateneo de Davao has begged not to accept any of the proposals,” Fr. Tabora said of their decision upon the receipt of the letter.

He said the three options are considered not safe, not healthy and environmentally objectionable.

Fr. Tabora said based on the design about 20 fully-grown trees would be cut for the layby.

Fr. Tabora also said that based on the traffic study

problem in the area.

Engr. Florian Remolina said among the measures undertaken by the school included the construction of a 272- vehicle capacity parking building along Acacia Street, opening of eight gates along Acacia to speed up pickup and drop-off, allowing pre-school parents to exit SIR Gate 14 and a U-turn slot at the parking building.

The school also said that the source of the traffic congestion at that portion of MacArthur Highway is not Ateneo but the bottleneck at junction Sandawa Avenue evidenced by traffic buildup along the area even if there are no classes at the Matina campus.

The school also presented the results of the traffic simulation model where it found that extending the proposed Ma-a flyover to another 600 meters towards Sandawa junction will have a big impact in solving the traffic problem along that section of the highway (Ateneo campus to Sandawa segment).

Ma-a Flyover to decongest traffic “The Ma-a Flyover project aims to decongest the current voluminous traffic at the Ma-a-MacArthur Highway junction” says Engineer Tan of DPWH-XI. She said a feasibility study (FS) being conducted on the project is expected to be completed on February 2021.

To prepare for the con-

yo nga kung dili siya gikan sa official city government accounts. Dili sila mutuo anang mga “heads up guys!” nga mga announcements sa social media,” the mayor said.

She reiterated that the city is only implementing building, purok, compound, and household lockdowns.

Mayor Sara also quashed reports false circulating online on the use of ‘Safe Davao QR” that causes panic among Dabawenyos.

She clarified that the link for the “Safe Davao QR” link is still not available for the general public.

It can be recalled that the city government has been mulling on imple-

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K9 service firm in PH trains Ateneo-DPWH-CTTMO dialogue held on Ma-a Flyover Project he Ateneo de Davao no, Dr. Jenith Banluta, Engr. conducted by the school in struction of the flyover, they University held a di- Ottoman Montani of the 2018 it had implemented will be implementing vardogs to detect COVID-19 alogue with the De- MacArthur Highway Traffic measures to solve the traffic ious road improvements

O

ver the past months, researchers across the globe have been looking into another way to detect the coronavirus: dogs.

Countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia and Finland have started to train canines and assess their ability to identify COVID-19 carriers, the Universal K-9 Training and Services Inc. said.

Now, the K9 service company is working to replicate the same efforts in the country.

“Based on the study from other countries, ang (the) accuracy rate ng (of) COVID-19 detection dogs is 95 to 97 percent,” said Ryia Tabares, a representative of the company.

According to Gerry Tabares, also from the same company, they are currently training at least 12 dogs to sniff out the coronavirus.

Gerry said while such a task isn’t limited to certain kinds of dogs, their students are of the Belgian Malinois, Labra-

dor, and German Shepherd breeds.

“Those are the current breeds that we are training right now. So far, we are successful,” Gerry said. “As you can see in the demonstration, they can really detect the face masks of COVID-19 infected patients.”

Gerry said they patterned their training to those of other countries which have already conducted thorough studies on the matter.

“They have studied it intensively because of government support,” he said.

“But dito sa’tin, we do it on our own lang muna. Kung ano ang meron lang kami (But here in the Philippines, we do it on our own in the meantime. We’re working with whatever capacities we have),” he added.

Ryia said they are coordinating with the Antipolo government to hold public tests on the COVID-19 detection dogs and are now in the process of finalizing the dates and locations.

Gov’t assures aid for 'Quinta' victims

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he national government is ready to assist the families who have evacuated as Typhoon Quinta (international name: Molave) continues to batter more parts of the country, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this assurance saying President Rodrigo Duterte’s top concern is Filipinos’ health

and safety.

“Doon sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo, huwag po kayong mag-alala, darating na po ang tulong ninyo (To those affected by the typhoon, don’t worry, help is on the way),” he said in an interview over DZRH. The Department of Agriculture (DA) will be providing loans to farmers whose crops were affected

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partment of Public Works and Highways and the City Transportation and Traffic Management Office regarding the impact of the planned Ma-a Flyover project to the school’s Matina campus.

The DPWH-XI is planning to construct the P1-billion Ma-a Flyover on the junction of Mac Arthur Highway and Don Julian Rodriguez Avenue or popularly known as Ma-a road.

However the subsequent road widening along MacArthur Highway as part of the flyover package will affect a portion of the Ateneo de Davao’s Matina campus frontage.

The flyover including approaches would be around 685 meters in length, it would start in front of Coca-Cola Village until Malayan Colleges.

Apart from road widening of the highway, laybays would be constructed in front of the University of Mindanao Matina Campus and the Ateneo de Davao.

Layby or laybay is a designated portion of the road shoulder where cars can temporarily stop to load or unload passengers or cargo.

However the Ateneo de Davao voiced serious concerns over the plans of a layby. Thus an online dialogue was conducted between the three parties on October 14. Ateneo was represented by University President Fr. Joel Tabora, AdDU Physical Plant Office head Engr. Florian Remoli-

along MacArthur which include road widening, construction of curbs, gutter and sidewalks, removal of existing center island road barrier, and the construction of laybys in Ateneo and UM. Recognizing Ateneo’s objections the DPWH has modified the design of the proposed layby. It has reduced the width of the layby thereby saving the second row of trees consisting of 20 fully-grown trees originally planned to be cut according to the original design. The modified design will now involve just the removal of seven trees.

For CTTMO’s Engr. Edward Perez, a layby is really needed as MacArthur highway is considered as 100% utilized and the construction of a flyover along with other private constructions such as malls and condominiums will worsen the traffic situation in the thoroughfare.

Not against improvement of traffic situation During the dialogue Fr. Tabora stressed that Ateneo de Davao is not against efforts to improve the traffic situation in MacArthur Highway.

“DPWH should also grant us insight into the entire project so we know where we are,” Fr. Tabora said after he was apprised that the road widening along MacArthur is not just part of the Flyover project but as a project to widen

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VOL.13 ISSUE 169 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

26 COVID positive City Hall employees recover

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Children make a house damaged by a recent flood in Puan, Davao City their playground on Monday. Edge Davao

Sara admits City’s failure to stop Covid-19 spread

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio admitted that Davao City failed in self-regulation given the continued surge in the cases of COVID-19 infection now.

Speaking at the Davao City Disaster Radio, she cited mass gathering and non-essential activities as the leading spreaders of the COVID-19 in the city, especially among the students.

Duterte-Carpio mulls of issuing a more stringent executive order against mass gathering and non-essential activities.

“The continued tsunami of surges prompts us to implement stricter regulation to arrest the COVID-19 cases,” she said.

As per data from the Department of Health XI,

Davao City has 837 COVID 19 cases, with 3,228 COVID cases since March 15, 2, 251 recoveries, 140 deaths.

Duterte-Carpio said the city continues to trace and treat the COVID-cases, despite the surge.

She said hard lockdown or ECQ does not help the situation because it affects a large number of persons especially those earning on a daily basis.

“The city needs to manage the situation to help the people in general,” Duterte-Carpio said.

She stressed that the food and medicine pass im-

plementation is no longer of help to the people despite the surge since many people now need to work.

Duterte-Carpio said the QR code will be implemented to limit non-essential activities within the city.

She also appealed to the school administrators both in private or public schools to herd the students not to go out.

Duterte-Carpio observed that in Buhangin District, most of the violators are minors.

“Holding of modular classes and online school are useless if there is no way of checking the attendance of students. Do something about keeping the children to stay home,” she said.

Duterte-Carpio clarified that disinformation hap-

pens in the city dubbed as “heads up guys.”

She reiterated that if the information does not come from official channels, there is no truth to the information.

Duterte-Carpio said there is no truth that the city will affect a citywide lockdown.

She stressed the people are informed beforehand in the event that a health protocol will be implemented.

Duterte-Carpio cautioned people to share information that does not come from official channels.

She said that she will refer the issue to the cyber-patrollers of the Davao City Police Office because it causes panic to people.

(PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

ippines (UP) Diliman and author of the Filipino-language novel “Ang Makina Ni Mang Turing.” He is also a translator, a poet, a union leader, and current UP Faculty Regent. Registration for the talk is at https:// forms.gle/FSkcU8GozDGbBEj17 On 29 October 2020, Thursday, 2 PM - 4 PM, Skilty Labastilla will speak on “Applied Anthropology Research in COVID times: Strategies and Ethical Considerations.” Mr. Labastilla is an Instructor at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Registration for his talk is at https://forms.gle/3Tm2o68Xowmoox369 On 09 November 2020, Monday, 4 PM–6 PM, Andrea Malaya Ragragio will give her talk on “Doing Fieldwork in Texts,” and Myfel Joseph Paluga will deliver a lecture on “Pagbabasa ng ilang klasikong akda sa Etnolohiya.” Ms. Ragragio is an assistant professor and Mr. Paluga is an associate professor,

both in the UP Mindanao Department of Social Sciences, and are both currently taking higher studies at Leiden University, the Netherlands. Registration for their talks is at https:// forms.gle/Cz1aWRbGdeLfYRFH Since the onset of the new normal, UP Mindanao has organized or contributed to webinars in Filipino literature, disease mathematics, infectious diseases, food and business management in the new normal, genomics research, and public health. Starting in Academic Year 2020-2021 in September, UP Mindanao has also embarked on remote teaching and learning for its faculty members and students.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Genome Center-Mindanao in UP Mindanao trained medical personnel from various medical centers in Mindanao for COVID-19 testing and helped establish three COVID-19 testing

facilities. Its Interdisciplinary Applied Modelling Lab provided mathematical models to estimate disease spread for the guidance of public officials.

UP Mindanao has also introduced its Mindanao Health Initiatives, spearheaded by a DOST-supported Center for decision-support systems in health, to be followed by a proposed medical education program and a proposed city hospital on campus.

Since its creation in 1995 through Republic Act 7889, UP Mindanao has produced 3,000-plus graduates, has funded close to 100 research projects, and endorsed more than 250 research projects for funding by the UP System, government agencies, and private institutions.

UP Mindanao is currently implementing its Strategic Plan 2023 to expand its academic program offerings and corresponding personnel, attract proj-

UP Mindanao lecture series on anthropological methods

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N THE occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, its Department of Social Sciences is hosting an online Zoom Lecture Series on Anthropological Methods on 28 and 29 October 2020 and on 09 November 2020 with resource experts from national and international universities.

Academics, students, and other persons interested in learning social science research tools/methods for doing research in the new normal are welcome to attend, free of charge. Interested persons are advised to register through the URL links to reserve a slot in the Zoom Meeting.

Ramon “Bomen” Guillermo will deliver the first lecture, “Ang Salita sa Mata ng Makina: Digital na Humanidades at ang Penomenolohiya ng Pagbabasa,”on 28 October 2020, Wednesday, 10 AM – 12 NN. Mr. Guillermo is a professor at the University of the Phil-

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio revealed that 26 out of 31 City Hall employees have recovered from the COVID-19 infection while five remain at the temporary treatment and monitoring facility.

Speaking at the Davao City Disaster Radio, she also bared that 10 City Hall workers were also reprimanded for violating health protocols.

“Six out of ten employees were issued memos and are fined for breaching health protocols,” Duterte-Carpio said.

She said aside from the Sangguniang Panglungsod secretariat which was advised to take the mandatory quarantine, the Toril Police Precinct also experienced lockdown after 30 of its 32 detainees were tested positive of COVID-19 infection.

The City Health Office recommended to finish the cycle of the incubation period of the infection within the facility.

Duterte-Carpio disclosed that she was informed by Colonel Kirby John Kraft, director of the Davao City Police of the situation and as per advice from the CHO, they have to finish their quarantine right at the police station.

“Some policemen were not spared from the lockdown because of their ex-

posure to the COVID-19 infection right at their police precinct, especially those directly interacting with the male detainees,” she said.

Duterte-Carpio told the DCPO director to determine the needs of his men in Toril Police Precinct, as she required other facilities for isolation to follow suit.

However, she assured of the city police’s readiness to serve and to protect even if the Toril Police Precinct is under lockdown.

Duterte-Carpio also revealed that 160 personnel are coming to open three police stations in the city based on the recommendation to have 22 police stations in Davao City.

“Because of the large area of Davao City, we add more police stations so that they can concentrate more on their respective areas of responsibility,” she said.

Three police stations will be the police precinct No. 13 in Mandug, police precinct No.16 at the Ecoland, and the police precinct No. 18 in Baliok.

By the end of October, Davao City will have 15 police stations.

She said that under the supplemental budget of the city, there will be additional four police stations ready for construction. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

PRC could face bankruptcy over PhilHealth debt: Gordon

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he Philippine Red Cross could fall into bankruptcy should the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) fail to settle its mounting debt, Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon said over the weekend.

Gordon said the PRC is now facing financial constraints due to the state insurer's failure to pay its debts estimated at P930 million.

"Kasi sabi nila babayaran, babayaran, babayaran. In the meantime, nagpapadala ng mga test, walang tigil ang pasok. Papayagan namin na 930 [million pesos] ang babayaran nila kung nahihirapan sila," said Gordon.

"Tapos within three days, bayaran ang balance at magmula ngayon, pairalin ang kontrata -- every time mag-test kami, in three days bayaran," he added.

The Red Cross earlier this month said it will no longer accept tests chargeable to the PhilHealth, and will only complete the testing of specimens submitted until October 14.

The cessation of PhilHealth-funded COVID-19 testing, the PRC said, will stay in place until the overdue balance of P930.993 million is paid.

Under its mandate, PhilHealth is tasked to administer the National Health Insurance Program which aims to provide health insurance coverage and ensure affordable, acceptable, available, and accessible health care services for all citizens of the Philippines.

For its part, PhilHealth said it will settle its obligations for COVID-19 tests this week, to enable the PRC to immediately resume its swab testing paid for by the state insurer.

Pope Francis names Filipino archbishop as new cardinal

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ope Francis on Sunday has named 13 new cardinals in the Catholic Church, including Capiz Archbishop Jose Advincula.

The Pope made the surprise announcement on Sunday in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican after the recitation of the Angelus, the Vatican News said.

The consistory to create the new set of cardinals will be held on Nov. 28.

According to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of

the Philippines, Advincula is the country's ninth cardinal, following cardinals Orlando Quevedo, Luis Antonio Tagle, Gaudencio Rosales, Jose Sanchez, Ricardo Vidal, Jaime Sin, Julio Rosales and Rufino Santos.

The 68-year-old archbishop from Capiz is also among the nine newly-appointed cardinals who may participate in a conclave.

The remaining four are over 80 years of age and are no longer eligible.

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 169 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020

Containers vans are piled at Sasa Port in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) sees Philippine exports to decline by 8.7 percent in the third quarter of the year, easing from the double-digit contraction in the April to June period. Edge Davao

Government pushing to privatize Leading BPO firm eyes hiring K-12 graduates mining assets to revive industry S

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he administration is now pursuing steps to privatize mining interests held by the government and revive their operations, in a move seen to restart the economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an emailed statement on Sunday, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the government is working to privatize at least five mining assets of the government in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“We are forming an interagency team to study ways on how we can clear the path for these assets to be privatized and revive their operations,” said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. The team will be composed of the DOF, its at-

tached agency the Privatization and Management Office (PMO), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

According to the DOF, the PMO has identified several mining assets: the copper-gold project of the Maricalum Mining Corp.

(Maricalum Mining) in Negros Occidental, the nickel mines of the Nonoc Mining and Industrial Corp. (Non-

oc Mining) in Surigao del Norte, and the gold- and copper-rich North Davao Mining Property (North Davao Mining) in Davao del Norte.

It also said identified the copper mines of the Basay Mining Corporation (Basay Mining) in Negros Oriental and the nickel mine once operated by the Marinduque Mining and Industrial Corp.

(MMIC Bagacay Mine) in Western Samar as inoperational assets that should be disposed.

The PMO said lawsuits filed by the private sector proponents in the operations of such assets have hampered efforts by the government to privatize them.

“Maricalum Mining, Nonoc Mining, and North Davao Mining were once

overnment urged businesses to create multiple and staggered work shifts in a bid to reopen the economy safely as curfew hours eased in Metro Manila.

The Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued the pronouncement in a joint advisory dated Oct. 22, which also encouraged alternative work arrangements and work-

from-home set-ups.

“This will spread the volume of people reporting for work on a given day and enable easier compliance to physical distancing,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a statement.

“This move will bring back more jobs in a safe manner, and the easing of curfews will generate additional economic activities in the evening that will improve the income of workers,” said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.

More sectors were also allowed to operate within half to full capacity while mall-wide sales were allowed and restrictions on cooler temperatures, free WiFi and longer operating hours were also eased, the DTI said.

The public is urged to strictly follow minimum health standards such as the proper wearing of face masks and face shields, no talking and eating in public transportation and crowded areas, and observing

successful mining companies that have failed to settle their debts with government financial institutions, leading to their foreclosure and transfer of their assets and shares of stocks to the national government,” the DOF said.

“The government then auctioned off the shares of these mining firms, but the firms with the highest bid failed to fulfill their obligations, which resulted in decades of litigation that have left these mining assets idle,” it added.

Moving forward, Dominguez said, the administration will push for the revival of the mining industry to spur economic growth.

“Definitely, we are pushing for the revival of the mining industry,” Dominguez was quoted as saying. physical distancing.

Establishments are told to provide adequate ventilation, disinfect frequently, and isolate symptomatic or COVID-19 cases.

“The transmission of the virus will definitely slow down even if we open more of the economy. Thus, this will allow more people to go back to work and generate more income, and bring back our strong momentum in reducing poverty and malnutrition,” Lopez said.

Gov’t to employers: Create multiple, staggered work shifts to safely reopen the economy

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enior high school students may soon find jobs in the outsourcing industry and work for one of the biggest firms in the country.

Alorica, which mostly serves American companies, said it is considering to relax hiring rules to accommodate high school graduates.

Currently, the service provider accepts applicants who are at least 18 years old and have attended at least two years of college or university-level classes.

“We also support the government’s K to 12 program, so we’re starting to consider some functional areas for senior high school graduates provided they are 18 years of age,” Alorica senior vice president Jojo Uligan said.

Apart from the age and educational standards, the company needs applicants to be skilled in English communication, comprehension, and critical thinking. Some vacancies also require specific technical skills, with Uligan noting that jobs are now “highly complex” compared to the voice or call center operations which boomed a few years ago.

The salary is competitive, too. Uligan said the starting pay ranges between ₱20,000 to ₱30,000 depending on the client served, alongside other benefits.

He said apart from the voice component, BPO workers also fulfill chat services and back office tasks.

There are also openings for managers, training officers, recruitment, IT, and other support functions.

Despite the global recession due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector remains buoyant as ever.

For Alorica alone, 3,000 job openings are waiting to be filled this October to cater to foreign firms with a growing need for support, as well as new companies looking to outsource their services.

Those looking to apply may visit Alorica’s offices around Metro Manila, as well as its hubs in Lipa, Batangas; Clark, Pampanga; Davao; and Cebu.

The central bank said BPO revenues help support the Philippine economy, bringing in over $22 billion (over ₱1 trillion) in 2019 and $9.9 billion (about ₱479 billion) during the first three months of 2020 alone.

The sector accounts for at least 6% of local economic output. Bangko Sentral Governor Benjamin Diokno said BPO receipts will grow by another 2% this year as more overseas companies outsource jobs, while demand grows for healthcare, telecommunications, and logistics services during the pandemic.

ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 169 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020

Shell’s 2nd virtual art interact spotlights Mindanao

M Top (from L-R) Zamboanga-based Multimedia artist Ced Zabala; Bulacan-based painter and NSAC Alumnus Isko Andrade Bottom: Festival Director of Fringe Manila and Creative Director of Pineapple Lab Andrei Pamintuan

Gov’t takes steps to prevent price spikes as holiday season nears

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he national government is undertaking measures to ensure that prices of basic commodities, particularly food items, will not spike as the holiday inches closer amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Sunday.

Even if the government has lifted the price freeze on goods, Nograles said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will continue monitoring the prices of basic commodities to prevent price manipulation, hoarding, and other instances where unscrupulous individuals can take advantage of artificial shortages of goods.

“The DTI is monitoring the prices of not just food, but all products. Prices were initially ordered frozen at the onset of the pandemic, but even with price controls lifted the government continues to be conscious of the need

to keep an eye on the prices of goods in the market,” he said in a Facebook Live on Saturday night.

To recall, the price freeze on basic goods was imposed in March almost coinciding with the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and eventually nationwide.

DTI announced that the prices of basic necessities returned to the standard retail prices (SRPs) last May. Aside from monitoring the prices of food staples like rice, Nograles said the government was also improving food production

S President Donald Trump's administration has insisted on the need to ban TikTok due to national security concerns in a new court filing ahead of a plan to make the video app unavailable on November 12.

The filing comes as the court considers the legality of the administration's bid to make the Chinese-owned app unavailable in the United States, where it has 100 million users.

"The president should not be prevented from regulating national security threats simply because a foreign adversary cloaks its activities within a media company," the filing on Friday at a federal court in Washington says.

The Trump administration is seeking to persuade the judge in the case to allow it to move forward with restrictions on the video-sharing app, which it claims has links to the Chinese government through its parent firm ByteDance.

In September, a tempo-

rary injunction prevented the government from removing TikTok from mobile application download platforms.

That Trump administration order had sought to ban new downloads of the app but continue to allow use of TikTok until November 12, when all usage would be blocked.

The judge at the time denied TikTok's request to suspend the November 12 ban, but the court has yet to consider the merits of the legal arguments on whether the social platform should remain available to Americans.

TikTok has repeatedly defended itself against allegations of data transfers to the Chinese government.

It says its servers where user information is stored are located in the United States and Singapore.

The company has also said the ban is unnecessary since negotiations are underway to restructure the ownership of TikTok to

US gov't insists on need to ban TikTok

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to ensure adequate food supplies during the holidays.

“To achieve what we call food price stability, we need to assure food production. To ensure food production, we need to promote helping the agriculture sector -- farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.

He said that among the government’s priorities is to guarantee that food production will be “uninterrupted” and supply chains will “unimpeded” to ensure adequate supplies and access to the market.

“If these measures are in place, we can prevent price fluctuations that can hurt Filipino consumers,” said Nograles, also chair of the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force.

Nograles also cited the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) e-Kadiwa program, a digital platform system that brings safe, healthy, and fresh farm produce direct from mer-

chants to consumers in Metro Manila.

The DA and DTI’s DELIVER-e program, a USAID-supported initiative, may also help Filipino farmers transport their produce to key markets, he added.

DELIVER-e program is a digital platform that connects Luzon farmers to buyers through an innovative, end-to-end electronic market system that addresses supply chain gaps as a result of quarantine restrictions in the country.

Since the program’s launch in early April, the USAID said the DELIVER-e “has enabled sales of more than 156,000 kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables through its first two e-marketplaces, Gulay ng Bayan and City Farms Philippines, and facilitated the movement of fresh produce to institutional and individual buyers in Metro Manila.”

USAID worked closely

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Nipa workers load a truck with “pawod” (nipa shingles) in Barangay Lobogon in Del Carmen town, Siargao Island on Friday afternoon, October 24, 2020. Demand for nipa roofing has increased due to the rainy season but it

indanao is hailed for its abundant natural resources and breathtaking landscapes.

But beyond its pristine beaches and lush mountains is a burgeoning community of creatives who are injecting their unique Mindanaoan identity into art and using it as a force for good. As the country continues to grapple with COVID-19, Mindanaoan artists are stepping up to create stories of hope while in isolation.

Following the theme of “HOPE IN OUR ART,” Pilipinas Shell’s 53rd National Students Art Competition (NSAC) held the second leg of Virtual Art Interact last October 17, in collaboration with creative collective Fringe Manila. Virtual Art Interact is also a platform where creatives can share their insights about their profession for the next generation. While the pilot event focused on the Luzon art scene, this recent forum put the spotlight on the growing community of creators in Mindanao.

Since NSAC’s inception, Shell has acknowledged the vital role of visual artists, illustrators, sculptors, and other imaginative talents in shaping the youth and country’s future—especially now. “Through NSAC, we pledge our support to keep artists and art institutions alive. We want to amplify the youth’s voices, and continue the conversation on art’s importance,” said Sankie Simbulan, Country Social Performance and Investment Manager of Pilipinas Shell.

Simbulan continued, “The ethnic and cultural diversity of Mindanao and its rich history have given birth to a young generation of artists whose voices need to spread and be heard throughout the Philippines.”

Andrei Pamintuan, Creative Director of Fringe Manila and host of Virtual Art Interact, added, “This is a

great opportunity to share stories from Mindanao. It’s important to be inclusive, especially for platforms like this, so that we can showcase the diversity of what’s happening in the Philippines.”

Having survived many conflicts and calamities, Mindanao has proven itself to be a region of resilience—with artists at the helm of inspiring hope that propels the community forward.

Through his projects with Mindanao local governments, Zabala has been championing a fresh perspective of the region that does not let its past define its future. “At work, our goal is to recreate Mindanao’s image using art. For example, we created a campaign called ‘Zoom in Zamboanga City’ that is inspired by our rich history, nature, tourist spots, native patterns, and more,” Zabala explained.

Being no strangers to crises, Zabala and fellow Mindaoan artists immediately heeded the call to once again inspire hope and courage as COVID struck the country. He shared, “The pandemic is a challenge for everyone.

People have lost jobs, families have gone hungry, and mental health is affected.

As public servants and artists, our work should never stop. We have since created several campaigns that promote generosity and kindness in the community.”

Zabala, who did a live demonstration of digital illustration during the event, also discussed the many themes present in today’s art. “There are so many stories now about struggles and difficulties, both personal and in our country [Ang daming stories ngayon tungkol sa struggle]. As creatives, we use art to express our emotions and what we are going through.”

Zabala also pointed out

FSHELL’S, P10

is not enough to make up for their losses due to COVID-19. Nipa sales at 10 pesos a piece. Photo by Roel N. Catoto

6 VANTAGE POINTS EDGEDAVAO

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On reports that the city government will be implementing a total lockdown on October 29, 2020 to November 4, 2020.

Duna na’y nag-report nga ingon ana but in any event ang pinaka una lang atoa lang i- clarify nga dili tinuod kining gipasa-pasa ug nagtuyok sa social media nga duna’y guidelines na ma-release sa Oct. 28. Wala’y ingon ani nga lihok gikan sa city government. Dili na tinuod ang nagtuyok-tuyok nga there will be a city-wide lockdown ... Again i-remind nato ang kaigsoonang Dabawenyo nga kung dili siya gikan sa official city government accounts. Dili sila mutuo anang mga “heads up guys!” nga mga announcements sa social media.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

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7 EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

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UP AND ABOUT

AZUELA COVE COMMITS TO DELIVER ITS PROMISE

NOTWITHSTANDING the current limitations brought about by the pandemic, there will be no delayed developments in Azuela Cove.

In fact, the township community remains on-track with its first premier residential condominium topping-off within the last quarter of 2020.

Azuela Cove by Aviana Development Corporation, a joint venture company of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and The Alcantara Group, is poised to be Davao City’s prime waterside business and residential district located along JP Laurel in Davao City. This 25-hectare property is a mixed-use community that promises where everything you need is within reach with a truly great neighborhood that is in sync with a convenient lifestyle.

In the middle of the pandemic, homes have become so much more than just living spaces-they have become makeshift offices, gyms, classrooms and even space for new hobbies.

“The pandemic changed our perspective in life, highlighting the importance of health and living in a sustainable community. We are all of a sudden reminded of the importance of essential amenities and facilities that should be easily accessible to us during these times,” said Rico Manuel, Ayala Land Inc (ALI) Area head for Mindanao.

He said under the ‘new normal’ atmosphere, it is expected that

homebuyers, after the risk and scare brought by Covid-19, will have a whole new set of priorities in place for their home search.

Azuela Cove is not only selling residential units but more broadly, a premier, sustainable, waterside community, a promise that ALI and the Alcantara Group made when the project was launched in 2017.

The Residences at Azuela Cove Ayala Land Premier launched its first residential development in Davao with The Residences at Azuela Cove last 2018. The twotower property is situated in the estate’s quiet, waterside area. Rising 22 floors over the sea, it offers unit owners picturesque views of the Davao Gulf and Samal Island. It comprises a select collection of only 70 units in the North Tower and 77 in the South Tower with each floor of the property shared by a maximum of only four homes for a truly exclusive community with the distinction of unobstructed sea views for all units.

The three- and four-bedroom residences with floor area ranging from 181 to 377 square meters, has its own generous balcony and luxurious space for the families.

The company is set to commence with the turn-over of units to the residents by the first quarter of 2023 for the North Tower, and by the fourth quarter of 2023 for the South Tower.

A community supermarket The construction of Gaisano

Market at Azuela Cove is on-going and is given priority as the ease of having a nearby go to supermarket is an ultimate essential in a community.

Inspired by the vision of vibrant community living, Gaisano Market opens a new supermarket at Azuela Cove. Widely known as one of Davao’s leading supermarkets, Gaisano Market brings to Azuela , its complete and affordable grocery experience with its wide selection of local goods and imported products.

Gaisano Market is a 2-story 3,950 square-meter building that will house a wide variety of shops, services, and amenities. The ground floor will host the main supermarket and a row of exciting restaurants and food concepts while the second floor will feature lifestyle shops and services to give customers an indulgent and convenient shopping experience. The basement parking can easily accommodate over 85 vehicles and motorcycles.

Kristine G. Lim of DSG Sons Group, Inc. and business unit director for Supermarket said in an email interview, Gaisano Market is targeted to open the second quarter of 2021.

St Luke’s Medical Center in Davao City In times of health crisis, healthcare facility becomes a priority to meet the needs of community and Azuela Cove commits to bring the best by bringing St. Luke’s Medical Center to Davao City.

The 150-bed hospital will bring the expertise of locally and internationally-trained doctors giving Davaoeños and the people of Mindanao a chance to experience a world-class healthcare facility.

The experience will be synonymous with the two other St. Luke’s hospitals in Metro Manila that boasts of highly skilled healthcare professionals and nursing staff, experienced administrative leadership, good clinical outcomes as well as high quality patient safety standards.

With the availability of St. Luke’s Hospital, it makes Davao City as the top destination for health care in Mindanao offering state-of-the-art facility that specializes in chronic and degenerative diseases.

Complimentary retail shops A retail strip lined at the entrance of Azuela Cove called The Shops at Azuela Cove is a complementary retail designed to add convenience for the residents, hospital patients, health workers and other locators within Azuela. This eight-door retail strip gives one the flexibility to just drive by for their food cravings or purposely get off from car to shop for that essential errand or meal.

It currently offers cakes and pastries by Dulce Vida, Yellow Cab Pizza, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Nords Bread Hub and soon to open Pilates Studio. Galerie Raphael, a new concept that will showcase artworks by up and coming and renowned artists, will open its doors to the public this March 2021.

As part of its weekend activities, there’s also the Kadiwa Market every Saturday. It is a partnership with the Department of Agriculture

(DA) that allows local farmers to sell their fresh produce. This event is open every Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Shops at Azuela Cove is open to more outdoor dining and weekend markets as this activity is seen as a safe alternative for shopping and dining experience.

Sports Hub at Azuela Cove Fitness goals for health and wellness may be achieved at the Sports Hub. This area has a FIFAstandard size soccer field, basketball and volleyball courts that follow global sporting standards.

The Enderun Tent Whilst small gatherings are encouraged, The Enderun Tent at Azuela Cove provides a 2,000 sqm., air-conditioned event tent that can accommodate up to 1,500 people for corporate and social events, conventions and exhibits.

This size is perfect for events that require social distancing. With its newly built meeting room dividers, the same space may also be customized to a smaller size depending on the event requirement.

“Our vision of offering a complete waterside community is steadily coming to fruition. With The Shops, The Enderun Tent, The Sports Hub, the upcoming Gaisano Hypermarket and St Lukes Hospital, Azuela Cove, is truly becoming the most ideal and complete in-city community to live in.” Manuel said.

ALI brings in decades of experience in creating masterplanned mixed-use communities which include Makati Central Business District, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, and Nuvali in Santa Rosa, Laguna, while The Alcantara Group is one of the largest and most diversified Filipino-owned conglomerates in the country.

8 INdulge!

VOL.13 ISSUE 169 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020

UP AND ABOUT

LENOVO INTRODUCES THE LEGION PHONE DUEL IN PHL

GLOBAL TECH INNOVATOR LENOVO has announced the availability of its muchanticipated gaming flagship smartphone, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel, in the Philippines.

The Legion Phone Duel features a unique Dual Technology Architecture that redefines the mobile gaming experience by unleashing the full potential of hardware and software.

Lenovo Legion is the fastestgrowing Gaming PC brand in Asia-Pacific with its acclaimed lineup of gaming notebooks, desktops, monitors, and accessories. When creating its first mobile flagship, the Lenovo team listened to gamers worldwide to build the ideal gaming powerhouse from the ground up.

In the fast-growing mobile esports arena, the top athletes demand great thermal management, long battery life, customized controls, and livestreaming capabilities to demonstrate their skills on the global stage.

The Legion Phone Duel was designed with these needs in mind, while being battle-ready for the future of 5G and cloud gaming.

“A ‘gamers-first’ mindset is baked into Lenovo Legion’s DNA. We made sure our maiden gaming smartphone offering is of flagship quality, with topnotch internals and innovative features, to give our customers the best bang for their buck. As we explore new form factors in our journey to delivering smarter technology for all, Filipino gamers can trust that Lenovo will continue to support new applications and bring them new experiences that will help them get ahead of the game now and in the future,” said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager.

Sheer Power and Speed Lenovo is among the first to feature the next-level flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus Mobile Platform that delivers revved-up performance across the board for incredibly fast Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming, plus 5G support in selected markets.

For enhanced power efficien-

a 64MP camera and an ultrawide 16MP camera that capture stunning images in the most demanding scenarios. You can also record videos at up to 4K resolution at 30FPS with the rear camera.

cy, you get advanced 5th gen memory chips with up to 16GB LPDDR5 high capacity RAM and ample storage up to 512GB UFS 3.1.5.

The gaming-grade 6.65” display has a 144Hz refresh rate and 2340 x 1080 pixels resolution. The display’s interactivity is further enhanced by its 240Hz touch sampling rate for instant response to your finger movements.

Dual Technology Architecture Two is better than one, and the Dual Technology Architecture approach shaped the major elements of the Legion Phone Duel, starting with its power circuitry.

Dual Batteries - 2500mAh each for a total of 5000mAh capacity - are located on the sides of the phone where gamers’ hands would rest while the warm logic board is placed in the center. By keeping the warmest area away from the hands, this dual design makes the handset comfortable for long hours of game play.

Even with marathon sessions, the phone’s Dual-Liquid Heat Pipes, Graphite sheets, and copper foils ensure that the thermals are precisely managed for a cool experience.

Dual Type-C Charging gives you convenient charging ports on the bottom and side of the phone. You can choose to use one or both Type-C charging cords from the bundled 65W charger. With both cords plugged in, the phone will turbo charge from 0% to 100% in 34 minutes (or 0% to 60% in 15

minutes).

The Dual Shoulder Controls are ultrasonic trigger buttons that come with Dual Haptics engines that provide life-like feedback for deeper immersion in games.

They feel like physical buttons in actual use and the haptics feedback level and pressure threshold can be further tuned to your liking.

For example, you can activate a continuous burst of fire (up to 10 firing shots per second) by long-pressing the triggers.

A gyroscope sensor allows you to change your in-game view whenever you rotate the phone on its horizontal axis, bringing you deeper into the gameplay.

Dual Front-Facing Speakers deliver room-filling audio for situational battle cues in-game, so you can react even faster to the footsteps behind you.

This is made possible by Dirac Audio technology with large

1.4cc acoustics chambers for far-reaching sound quality— engineered for you to crank up the volume and generate a 3D-like sound field.

Dual Livestreaming is now made easy with the Legion Phone Duel’s 20MP pop-up front camera. It takes just 0.5 seconds to be activated or retracted. To broadcast your voice and facial reactions as you play, simply activate the pop-up front camera to simultaneously overlay your image on-screen.

This feature is compatible with popular streaming apps.

You can easily remove your background and use AI to autoenhance your image via the selfie editor featuring retouching filters and correction options.

Four noise-cancelling microphones record audio from all around to allow live-streamers to easily record themselves at esports events.

On the rear of the phone are

Play Your Way, All Day The Legion Phone Duel has a specially customized interface that maximizes the landscape orientation of the phone so you hardly need to use the portrait mode and get distracted from your gameplay.

Legion Realm is the phone’s central dashboard where gamers can tweak hardware performance settings, scroll through your downloaded games, and select the enabled network that gives you the best connectivity in that moment - WLAN, 5G, or Wi-Fi 6.

With the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel, as soon your gaming session ends, you can review all the gaming highlights via a preview screen. Then, you can select and merge recorded clips together before sharing with your team mates.

If you have just scored a massive win but forgot to hit “Record,” just use a finger to slide your right ultrasonic trigger key to the left. The phone will replay those moments captured automatically in the background so you can “reverse-record” that scene for posterity.

You can also tweak the RGB lighting on the “Y” Legion logo at the rear of the phone so you can be informed of notifications such as messages and charging status.

Finally, if you want the large screen gaming experience, just connect the phone to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse with a USB-C dock.

Pricing and availability The Lenovo Legion Phone Duel in Vengeance Red (12GB / 256GB) and Blazing Blue (16GB / 512GB) will be available at authorized Lenovo resellers in the Philippines starting November 1, 2020. Stay tuned on October 24, 2020 at the Legion launch in this year’s Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit (ESGS) for the prices. For more information, ‘like’ Lenovo Legion’s official Facebook page at <fb.com/lenovolegionPH> or visit <www. lenovo.com/ph/en/legion>.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 169 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020

9

MALUNGGAY SEEDS FOR EMERGENCY WATER TREATMENT F

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ilipinos know malunggay as one of the best leafy vegetables around.

Nutritionists aver that 100 grams of malunggay leaves yield the following: 75 calories of energy (higher than ampalaya, squash, tomatoes, or carrots), 5.9 grams protein (higher than cauliflower, lettuce, or mustard), 12.8 grams carbohydrate (higher than okra, papaya, or watermelon), 353 milligrams calcium (higher than gabi leaves, mung beans, squash, and camote tops), 3.7 milligrams niacin (higher than other vegetables analyzed). And for thiamin, phosphorus, and ascorbic acid, malunggay is at the top of the list.

The “miracle vegetable,” as some scientists called it, has been promoted by no less than the World Health Organization (WHO) as a low-cost health enhancer in poor countries around the globe. The “natural nutrition for the tropics” is how the Florida-based Education Concerns for Hunger Organization described malunggay.

“Malunggay is one of the most useful tropical trees,” said former Senator Loren Legarda. “Its young leaves are commonly cooked and eaten like spinach or used to make soups and salads; its dry seed can be ground to a powder and used for seasoning sauces; and its flowers can be eaten after being lightly blanched or raw as a tasty addition to salad.”

But most Filipinos don’t know that malunggay seeds can be used in treating water during emergency or disaster situations. In fact, ECHO is advocating for such utilization.

“Studies since the early 1970’s have found the seed to be highly effective in removing suspended particles from water with medium to high levels of turbidity (moringa seeds are less effective at treating

water with a low level of turbidity),” said its publication, ECHO Development News.

Moringa oleifera is the scientific name of malunggay. There are two ways malunggay seeds can treat water. First, as a coagulant. “It contains positively charged, water-soluble proteins, which bind with negatively charged particles (silt, clay, bacteria, some toxins, etc.). The resulting clumps – or ‘flocs’ – settle to the bottom (flocculate) or are removed by filtration,” ECHO explains.

Second, as an antimicrobial agent, which is still being researched. “Certain proteins in the seed seem to act as growth inhibitors on microorganisms,” ECHO says.

“Treatments with moringa solutions have been found to remove 9099.9% of the impurities in water.”

In general, one malunggay seed kernel can treat one liter of water. Powdered seed kernels may be used for water treatment, but so can the solid residue (presscake) left over after oil extraction.

Here’s how to use malunggay seeds in treating water. First, collect mature malunggay seed pods and remove seeds from pods. Shell seeds (remove seed coat) to obtain clean seed kernels; discard discolored seeds. Determine quantity of kernels needed based on amount and turbidity of water.

Crush appropriate number of seed kernels to obtain a fine powder and sift the powder through a screen or small mesh. Mix seed powder with a small amount of clean water to form a paste.

Mix the paste and once cup of clean water into a bottle and shake for one minute to activate the co-

agulant properties and form a solution. Filter this solution through a muslin cloth or fine mesh screen (to remove insoluble materials) and into the water to be treated.

Stir treated water rapidly for at least one minute then slowly (15-20 rotations per minute) for 5-10 minutes. Let the treated water sit without disturbing for at least 1-2 hours.

When the particles and contaminants have settled to the bottom, the clean water can be carefully poured off.

This clean water can be filtered or disinfected to make it completely safe for drinking. But if you think it is still not clean, boil the water for a minimum of 5 minutes. Let it cool for a few more minutes before drinking the water.

A few important reminders must be taken into account. “First, the process of shaking and stirring must be followed closely to activate the coagulant properties; if the flocculation process takes too long, there is a risk of secondary bacteria growth during flocculation,” the ECHO says.

“Second, the process of settling is important. The sediment at the bottom contains the impurities, so take care to use only the water off the top and do not allow the sediment to re-contaminate the cleared water.

“Third, moringa treatment does not remove 100% of water pathogens.

It is acceptable for drinking only where people are currently drinking untreated, contaminated water.”

Water is very important. Studies have shown that a person can live for weeks without food, but only days without water.

Unfortunately, one in six people on this planet lack access to an improved water supply. And poor people living in the slums often pay 5-10 times more

for per liter of water than wealthy people living in the same city.

“Everyone agrees water is basic for life,” notes veteran journalist Juan L. Mercado. “When cisterns go dry, disease and death rates surge. That ushers in economic decay – and political instability. Water riots can be ugly. And no one has yet invented a substitute for water.”

Dr. Mark Rosegrant, lead author of the global water report and senior research fellow at the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institution, agrees. “Water is not like oil: there is no substitute. If we continue

to take it for granted, much of the earth is going to run short of water or food – or both.”

Less than one percent of the world’s fresh water (or about 0.007% of all water on earth) is readily accessible for direct human use. “Between 20-40 liters per head per day is the minimum needed for drinking, bathing, cooking and sanitation,” the Pacific Institute for Development Studies estimates.

Water is life, so they say, and without access to clean water means death. At any given time, it is said, half of the world’s hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from a water-re-

lated disease. Every 15 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease.

“Unclean water and resulting poor sanitation (pose) a threat that starts at birth,” said a report.

“The number of deaths associated with these twin threats is not widely appreciated. Globally, diarrhea kills more people than tuberculosis or malaria.”

Diarrhea, a water-related disease commonly known as loose bowel movement (LBM), is considered a major health problem in the Philippines.

LBM is the second leading cause of death among Filipino children under five

FMALUNGGAY, P10

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menting QR system to fasttrack the contact tracing.

“In fact, nakakuha mi ug post sa iyahang QR code.

We have been previously discussing nga duna ta’y daghan problem sa contact tracing and we did try mag-implement ug mga innovations sa contact tracing. Isa na pud ni sa atoang gusto sulayan, which is electronic contact tracing para mas paspas na siya using technology and the link is not yet available for the general public ug wala pa nahuman ang tibuok pro-

gram,” the mayor said.

There is a QR code system that is on pilot testing for the city government of Davao employees only.

“We are pilot testing it to the employees of the city government of Davao. Dili siya for public consumption. Ang atoang mga sirs and ma’ams sa city government of Davao, ayaw ninyo i-publish inyong QR code because once published, your personal and permanent QR code in social media, puwede na siya ma-grab,” she said.

She said fake information like these are being referred and are now being looked into by the cyber office of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

“Duna sila’y cyber patrolling na ginabuhat. They are online and patrolling and looking at these information that causes panic sa mga tao,” she said.

The mayor reminded the public that with regards to information and announcements, the city government of Davao will give prior advisory and for-

mal announcements before implementing policies and protocols relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Dili ta magpasa-pasa ug information or announcements nga dili mag-gikan didto sa official account sa concerned na office, if it is a city government announcement dapat ang i-share kato lang gikan sa official city government account or advisories or announcements. Make sure na kung kamo mag-share, verified ang inyuhang mga information,” she said.

by the typhoon, Roque said.

In a Palace press briefing, he said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also prepared food packs and standby funds amounting to PHP890.59 million in its central and regional offices.

He reminded local government units to continue to enforce minimum health and safety standards in evacuation centers.

“Magkaroon na ng evacuation centers kung saan susundin ang minimum health standards kagaya ng pagsuot ng mask at ng face shields (Ensure that

evacuation centers observe minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks and face shields),” he said.

Roque said LGUs should also observe Covid-19 mitigation measures in the distribution of relief goods and management of evacuation centers.

“Bawal pa rin ang mass gatherings at inaabisuhan ang LGUs na maglagay ng designated areas na may appropriate safety markings (Mass gatherings are still not allowed and we remind LGUs to place safety markings in designated

areas),” he added.

According to Roque, LGUs should immediately isolate persons who show symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). “‘Yung mga mayroong (Those showing) symptoms no matter how mild should be isolated from the rest of the population who are being evacuated,” he said.

Duterte, who is currently in Davao City, has been monitoring the situation in areas affected by the typhoon, according to Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go. According to the Phil-

ippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Quinta will bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, northern Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, Calabarzon, Aurora, and Isabela from Monday until Tuesday.

The typhoon slightly intensified as it moves west-northwestward over the West Philippine Sea and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Tuesday morning, it added. (PNA)

and improve the traffic situation in the area.

In the dialogue the Ateneo and DPWH engineers agreed to collaborate in the flyover feasibility study.

The Ateneo engineers will provide the data of their traffic simulation study to the DPWH, while the De-

partment will share the plans and design of the infrastructure to the Ateneo engineers.

Engr. Tan said that the FS is really needed as they were not convinced of a traffic simulation conducted by the DPWH last year which saw the need of a fly-

over in the area.

“We have also conducted a traffic simulation last year, that is why we based the design on the traffic simulation but we are not yet convinced about the putting up of the flyover that is why we resorted to having a FS, dapat may FS

talaga (FS is really needed) to cover everything in the study,” Engr. Tan said.

Among those considered in the feasibility study is the effect of a completed Davao City Coastal Road to the traffic situation in MacArthur Highway. (PIA/ RG Alama)

one essential, if often overlooked, role that artists perform during crisis: “We also act as historians who visually piece together this moment in time—including all the contemplation and uncertainty it holds. When we look back on this period someday, art will help us make sense of it.”

Isko Andrade, a former contestant and three-time winner of the NSAC, shared how he overcame the more discouraging moments during the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has affected my career as an artist because of cancelled shows and exhibits, but I choose not to dwell on the negative side [Maraming nag-iba since nagka-COVID. Na-affect yung career ko as an artist kasi madaming cancelled shows at exhibits, pero di lang ako tumitingin sa mga negative]. “‘The pandemic has

given me time to focus on myself, my craft, and taught me to appreciate and find inspiration in everything—whether they’re big or small [Pero ngayong pandemic, nakafocus ako sa sarili ko at sa art ko.

Na-appreciate ko din ang bawat bagay, maliit man o malaki].”

The Bulacan-based Andrade looked back on how opportunities presented themselves to him in the middle of adversity.

One such door was his win during the NSAC competition in 2014. His winning oil on canvas piece, entitled ‘Ipinagkakait na Kalayaan,’ was in itself an example of triumph over adversity: this life-changing canvas depicts paintbrushes ready to be buried, and was inspired by the death of his mother and the pains that come from being part of a broken family.

He said, “As a young student artist from the province, I had simple dreams of finishing college and getting a normal job. I didn’t think I could ever win NSAC, but it was such a big help for me and my family. I was able to pursue my art, and I learned to dream bigger. [Dati, pangarap ko lang sa probinsya ay makatapos ng pag-aaral at kumuha ng trabaho. Nakakatuwa dahil di ko akalain na mananalo ako sa NSAC. Sobrang laking tulong ng NSAC. Nakatapos ako ng pag-aaral at natuto akong mangarap ng higit sa pangarap ko.]”

Zabala concurred that creative platforms such as NSAC are bringers of hope that can keep communities alive during the most difficult times. He said, “Art is a great tool for healing.

It’s cathartic. We can use it to give people something to hold on to as they live

through the pandemic.”

Simbulan reminded the audience to remember and explore its rich heritage to mine stories for encouragement. She said, “As Filipinos, we have a wealth of culture and creativity that can act as reservoirs of hope and fuel for economic recovery. We can all learn a thing or two from artists— how to create more with less, how to discover new perspectives in the mundane, and how to find the silver lining amid this isolation..”

The next and final leg of Shell Virtual Art Interact is set to happen on November 7 and will focus on the Visayas region. Meanwhile, the awarding of the NSAC, which currently has 1,300 entries, will take place on November 27. For more information, keep posted on Shell Philippines’ website and social media accounts.

disease 2019 (Covid-19).

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Bases Conversion Development Authority chief Vince Dizon, and sports doctor George Canlas confirmed earlier in the day the said development.

"Yung ating PBA player na may lumabas na positive result kagabi, na-isolate na (The PBA player who had a positive result last night has been isolated already).

We're asking the PBA to conduct an antigen and

RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) for the player who tested positive," Dizon said.

Canlas added: "We're going to test the player today."

They kept mum on the identity of the said player, but he was apparently around on Thursday night when the Elite faced the TNT Tropang Giga.

"Pina-isolate nila Sec. Vince ang buong team ng Blackwater pati yung kala-

ban (TNT) kasi close contacts sila (Sec. Vince asked the entire Blackwater team to be isolated as well as its opponent because they were close contacts)," Marcial said.

However, Canlas quipped that the other players may not be retested quickly.

"We cannot test them right now with RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) because it is too early. But

we will test them using antigen in the coming days," he said.

The Elite, along with the Alaska Aces, asked for a retesting on Thursday after one of the referees in their Tuesday night match-up was initially tested positive for Covid-19.

Interestingly enough, the said referee tested negative in his latest swab test, affirming the negative result he had in the antigen test on Wednesday.

GOV’T... FROM2

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Kim Chiu's horror flick 'U-Turn' coming to SKY Pay-Per-View

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atching a scary movie this Halloween may not be possible in cinemas this year, but there is a new way to relive the experience by watching Star Cinema's newest horror film starring Kim Chiu, "U-Turn" powered by CineXpress on SKY Pay-PerView from October 30 to November 12.

CineXpress is the latest digital initiative of ABSCBN Films that offers Filipinos here and abroad the chance to catch original, first-run, and new Filipino movies in the safety of their homes.

"U-Turn," the maiden offering of CineXpress, features Kim Chiu as a journalist who wants to be taken seriously in her career. Her life takes a turn as her stories become viral. She gets a taste of her own medicine when her twin brother dies in an alleged suicide and becomes the topic of sensationalized reports. She is then forced to investigate the incident, taking her boyfriend Robin (Tony Labrusca) and police officer Kevin (JM de Guzman)

as they uncover more deaths. Will they solve the mystery and stop the body count from piling up?

SKY subscribers can watch "U-Turn" commercial-free and in high definition for 48 hours upon purchase via its payper-view service for only P150.

In addition, SKY also brings romance and international flavor to its lineup of movies. Subscribers can avail of the unli-viewing experience of the 2020 romantic film, "Hindi Tayo Pwede," starring Lovi Poe, Marco Gumabao, and Tony Labrusca, airing until November 14 for only P99, along with bonus movies such as "Mr. & Mrs. Cruz" and "Camp Sawi."

They can also catch the Japanese horror flick "Howling Village" and Korean action-thriller "Steel Rain 2" this month for only P99, unli-viewing.

SKY subscribers with SKYcable, SKY Fiber with HD Cable TV, and SKY Fiber with All-In Box subscription can avail of these pay-per-view movie offerings. Visit mysky.com.ph for more details.

ect partners through its Campus Master Development Plan, and motivate

legislative action in support of the expansion program.

(PR-UP Mindanao)

The CBCP said Advincula will be the fourth living Filipino cardinal, alongside Rosales, Quevedo and

Tagle, who serves as the prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

with the DA, DTI, and the private sector, led by Philippine logistics technolo-

gy startup Insight Supply Chain Solutions, to establish DELIVER-e. (PNA)

address national security issues raised by the administration.

A tentative deal has been unveiled that would

make Silicon Valley giant Oracle the technology partner for TikTok and a stakeholder in a new entity to be known as TikTok Global.

and ranks among the top 10 killers of children five to nine years old.

“Deprivation of access to water is a silent crisis”, says the United Nations “Human Development Report” in 2006. Today’s “crisis in water and sanitation is – above all – a crisis of the poor,” says the UN Development Program study: Beyond Scarcity: Power, Poverty and the Water Crisis.

“No intervention has greater overall impact upon national development and public health than the provision of safe drinking water and proper disposal of human waste,” a report stated.

In the far-flung rural

areas, one of the biggest problems is the source of clean drinking water.

Clean water is even more important during disasters like floods, landslides, fires, and earthquakes. In some instances, there is water available but the question is: is it safe for drinking?

If they are not sure, they can always treat the water with malunggay seeds.

Meanwhile, the oil extracted from matured malunggay seeds is a high value oil that can be used as cooking oil, industrial oil, and ingredient for cosmetics, bath soaps and shampoos, perfume, shortening and lubricants, among others.

"Sabi ko sa kanila, wag niyo i-doubt yung sarili niyo kasi may chance pa tayo, pwede pa tayong bumawi, at ito nga yung resulta."

Chris de Chavez added four points, while JR Alabanza contributed three on

top of his superb presence down low.

The path to the top, however, didn't come easy, especially against this hardnosed Pasig side which proved to be as scrappy as they come.

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Angara bats for naturalization of Ateneo’s Angelo Kouame

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Aljon Mariano of Ginebra tries to outfox Jackson Corpuz of Magnolia in the Manila Clasico rivalry game between the two teams on Sunday. PBA Image

Abueva set to return as suspension lifted

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he Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has finally lifted the ban meted on Calvin Abueva.

On Sunday, the league pulled the plug on the harsh sanction slapped on the Phoenix swingman, which lasted for 15 months.

This came after a meeting among Abueva, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and deputy Eric Castro, Fuel Masters head coach Topex Robinson, and team manager Paolo Bugia.

One of the resolutions in the said meeting is for Abueva to attend a counseling program.

Marcial also warned him of future fines and sus-

pensions if he does another “on and off-court misdemeanor.”

“The league commissioner said he hopes Abueva had learned a lesson from the suspension and encouraged him to continuously persevere, change for the better and be the ‘Beast’ who champions good manners and right conduct for himself, his family, his PBA family and the viewing public who look up to him as their hero and example,” PBA said in a statement.

Abueva will be activat-

'False positive' for Blackwater player

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he Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) said on Monday the RT-PCR test of the suspected virus case of a Blackwater player turned out negative, keeping the PBA bubble very much intact two weeks since the Philippine Cup restart.

The antigen procedure earlier done on the Elite cager also yielded a negative result.

“The PBA bubble remains intact, and has not been breached,” said the PBA in a statement. “Nevertheless we urge all participants to be extra cautious and strictly follow the protocols set for them inside the bubble.”

Same with the referee who was also a false positive case earlier, the player however will have to remain in quarantine as a precautionary measure.

The negative RT-PCR result of the player could likely pave the way for the TnT Tropang Giga and NorthPort game to proceed as scheduled at the Angeles University Foundation gym later on.

Earlier, Blackwater's scheduled Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) game on Sunday night against Rain Or Shine has been postponed after one of its players tested positive for the coronavirus

FFALSE, P10

ed for Phoenix’s Monday night game against NLEX at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

‘He wants to play’ Robinson turned emotional on Friday night when the Abueva situation was raised after the Fuel Masters’ win against the Magnolia Hotshots.

“It’s really hard because he wants to play and he wants to contribute, but the best thing he could do is cheer for us,” Robinson said.

Rumors surfaced that Abueva would play last week, but he was not activated in either of Phoenix’s games against TNT, Ginebra, and Magnolia.

The Fuel Masters lost to the Tropang Giga on Monday night and the Barangay two nights later as Abueva’s absence was felt in those games.

Despite sliding after a promising 2-0 start, Phoenix did not waver. “[Calvin] is one of the big reasons for us to really not give up,” Robinson further quipped. “He doesn’t want to give up, so we always do it for Calvin.”

The resilience finally bore fruit after the team came back from 17 points down and shut Magnolia down in the fourth quarter for the win.

“Winning it for Calvin is really big for us,” Robinson further said. (PNA)

enator Sonny Angara has endorsed the proposed entry of Angelo Kouame to Gilas Pilipinas with the filing of a bill calling for the grant of Philippine citizenship to the standout from the Ivory Coast.

Angara, who is chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), filed Senate Bill 1892 last Thursday as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to build up its national team in time for the 2023 World Cup. Senate Bill 1892 is a counterpart of House Bill 5951 filed by SBP vice chairman, Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno.

“We have seen what Kouame has accomplished as a member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the past three years and his game continues to develop. We have not seen the full potential of Kouame yet and his desire to continue developing his game here in the Philippines is something that is worth supporting,” Angara said a press release issued on Sunday.

Angara said he is optimistic that Kouame will provide an “invaluable contribution” to the Philippine basketball for many years to come.

“Ange has also shown a strong desire to continue living in the Philippines, which has been his home since 2016,” he added.

At age 20, Kouame is expected to be part of the pool of naturalized players of Gilas Pilipinas and should be available to play for the national squad until he turns pro.

Standing at a little under 7 feet, Kouame averaged 12.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 1.4 assists a game in Season 82 of the UAAP, which saw a 16-0 sweep by Ateneo.

This is not the first time that the Philippines has sought for the naturalization of athletes to help bolster the lineup of the Philippine men’s national team.

Congress previously granted Philippine citizenship to Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche, who both contributed to the development of the national team.

Other countries have been doing the same for years as a way to improve their teams’ global rankings.

“During this time when almost all Filipinos are going through some of the toughest times in their lives, sports, particularly basketball, provides a welcome respite from all the challenges. The NBA just finished its season and now the PBA is back. I am excited to see our Gilas Pilipinas back in action too and with the likes of Kouame on their way to being part of the squad, the future is looking bright for Philippine hoops,” Angara said. (PR)

il-Am guard Franky Johnson buried a jumper with 17.4 seconds to carry Uling Roasters-Butuan City over the Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors, 21-20, in the championship game of th\e 2020 Chooksto-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup Leg 3 presented

by TM on Sunday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba.

Johnson cooled off after a blazing performance in the earlier rounds, only mustering six points. But he still had the courage to take the biggest shot of the night, helping Butuan take home the P100,000 cash

prize.

"Before that, I missed about five twos in a row. It's just a shooters mentality. I'll just keep on shooting," said Johnson.

The victory atoned for Butuan's bridesmaid finish in Leg 1 as it finally broke through in the 2020 season.

"Tinitignan namin kung ano yung kaya namin gawin sa opensa at depensa.

Pinagaaralan namin yung team namin kaya yung results ganun, nanalo kami," said veteran guard Chico Lanete, who led his side with eight points in the title match.

Butuan wins Chooks 3x3 Leg 3

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Comm. Willie Marcial (left) and Deputy Comm. Eric Castro (right) during Sunday’s press conference. PBA Images

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SPORTS ALLY

VOL.13 ISSUE 169 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020

SPORTS DONATION. L-R Kiwanis International Philippines Luzon District Gov. Mauro Cocjin, Kiwanis Club of Manila Pres. Francis Villegas, PSC Procurement Head Ethel Goh and Office of Sen. Bong Go Legislative Staff Officer Rico Hernandez.

PSC, Sen. Bong Go praise Kiwanis Club of Manila’s softball donation

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he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Senate Youth and Sports Committee Head Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go found an ally in the Kiwanis Club of Manila in their efforts towards enhancing the government’s youth sports program.

PSC received 655 softballs from the Kiwanis Club of Manila and their international sister chapter Kiwanis Club of Ogaki, Japan through the office of Executive Director Guillermo Iroy on Saturday at the PSC Administration building in Malate, Manila.

“We express our gratitude to the Kiwanis Club of Manila for choosing the Philippine Sports Commission to be the recipient of the softballs from Kiwanis Ogaki Japan. As the lead sports agency in the country, the PSC is mandated to promote, encourage, and sustain the development of sports in the country. This is a testament that with the help and support of our friends and stakeholders, the development of a healthy and alert citizenry is possible,” delivered Ms. Ethel Goh, head of PSC’s Procurement Division as the PSC Board’s representative.

Kiwanis Club of Manila President Francis Villegas, First Vice President Dr. Isabel Maria Villegas, Governor of Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District Mauro Cocjin, along with other KCM members and Sen. Go’s staff headed by Legislative Officer Rico Hernandez were all present during the ceremony.

“Kiwanis Club of Manila and Kiwanis Club of Ogaki, Japan jointly support our government’s youth enhancement program by donating these 655 pieces of softball from Japan to the Philippine Sports Com-

mission through the Office of the Executive Director, Guillermo Iroy. This project’s aim is sports awareness and physical and mental fitness and health. Mabuhay tayong lahat, mula sa amin sa Kiwanis Club of Manila.

Maraming Salamat po!” expressed Villegas.

Senator Bong Go, the Chairman of the Philippine Senate Health and Sports Committee, through a message read by Hernandez, expressed his appreciation to Kiwanis Club of Manila saying, “I hope that we will not only bring the sport of softball into the mainstream of Filipino consciousness but also make this an avenue to forge even stronger ties between our people.”

The senator related in his message that just recently Kiwanis Club of Manila donated 748 boxes of goods for the benefit of the earthquake victims in Mindanao. He cited this act of philanthropy as truly noteworthy and expressed his hope the club will continue to improve the lives of our people especially those who are in need, “you have shown that indeed, you are the government’s partner not only in sports development but also in nation-building.”

The Kiwanis Club of Manila is a member of the Kiwanis International, an organization with partners all over the world aiming to “help children thrive, prosper and grow in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations.”