Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 171 | Thursday, October 29, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 171 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

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Personnel conduct decontamination and disinfection at one of the buildings of the Provincial Capitol of Davao Oriental on Wednesday. Reports said work and all office transactions at the Provincial Capitol were suspended the whole day of Wednesday as one of the employees allegedly contracted Covid-19. Contributed photo

SELF DEMOLITION Removal of illegal structures part of ensuring integrity of Davao City’s river dikes: PSSCC

By MAYA M. PADILLO he conduct of ‘self-demolition’ of illegal structures among residents along river banks and dikes continue.

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The activity is part of the city government of Davao’s goal of ensuring the integrity of the river

banks and dikes especially in times of flooding.

“Ang integridad sa dikes ang dapat nato bantayan

kay ngano man? Kung daghan naga-tungtong sa pila ka adlaw basin mubigay na, so dako na problema. Dike is for the water nga ma-depensahan ang komunidad,” said Angel Sumagaysay, head of Public Safety and Security Command Center

(PSSCC), in an interview during a dialogue with residents of Taal Dos, in Bangkal on Wednesday.

Sumagaysay stressed that residents were urged to voluntarily demolish structures that are part of their houses extended to the river bank or dike.

“Ako gipasabot ngano tanggalon nato ang illegal structures. Actually, dili ni siya balay, kundi extension na sa ilahang balay, mostly banggerahan na.

Mao ra to atong kuhaon, pero dili ang balay. Kato lang structures na naka-attach sa dike,” he ex-

plained.

Last week, a total of 26 settlers in Purok 34 Taal in Bangkal voluntarily demolished their structures which served as extensions of their existing structures made as living room, kitchen, and toilets.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 171 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

Comelec: Voters for 2022 polls estimated at 62-63M

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Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay conducts a dialogue on the dangers of living along the river with the residents of Taal in Bangkal, Davao City who illegally built their houses on the river embankment. Edge Davao

he Commission on Elections (Comelec) estimated the number of registered voters for the 2022 national elections to be around 62 to 63 million.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said Tuesday the number includes potential new registrants and voters whose registration was activated.

“Four million potential registrants and expected a million reactivation, we project that we will have from anywhere around 62 million to 63 million voters in 2022. For 2022 we have about 4 million potential registrants, people who turned 18, and might or might not register to vote,” Jimenez said in a virtual discussion.

He also reported that from a voting population of 61 million in 2019, they have deactivated nearly 3 million voters for failing to vote for two consecutive elections, leaving only around 59 million registered voters.

“We also have roughly 1 million to 1.5 million potential reactivations. The reason for this is after every election, we do a round of deactivation of people who failed to vote twice,” Jimenez added.

In the 2019 polls, the voter turnout is 75.90 percent or roughly 46 million to 47 million voters.

Currently, the Comelec is conducting a nationwide voter registration, which will run until Sept. 30, 2021.

Applications may be submitted to all Offices of the Election Officer from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

The poll body added that voter registration remains suspended under Resolution No. 10674, in critical areas that may be under localized enhanced community quarantine as determined by appropriate authorities.

The voter registration resumed last September 1.

(PNA)

he Department of Energy (DOE) said it will respect the decision of Petron Corporation’s management should it pursue its plans to shut down its refinery in Bataan.

In a statement Tuesday, DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the department has yet to receive a notification from Petron about its plan to permanently close its refinery in Limay, Bataan.

On Tuesday, Petron Corporation president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang said the company finds refinery business as “very difficult” due to the pandemic and an uneven playing field against importers in terms of taxes.

“Based on news reports, the company is still in the middle of dialogues with the government regarding tax issues. We at

the DOE are looking into the taxation concerns raised in coordination with the Department of Finance,” Cusi said.

He added the DOE will evaluate how the closure of refineries will impact local prices, as well as the country’s energy security.

Last August, Shell announced it would shut down its oil refinery in Batangas, leaving Petron as the lone refinery in the country.

“We will closely monitor the developments as we affirm to be always with our stakeholders in finding solutions to whatever hurdles the industry is facing. But whatever business measures Petron will arrive at in the course of its discussion with the concerned parties, we at the DOE will respect the management’s decision,” Cusi said. (PNA)

More restaurants T cease operations

Energy dept. respects Petron’s decision should it close refinery

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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hat used to be the most promising business endeavours, is going down as a ghost industry.

Restaurants and dine out business, one of the highly profitable businesses of the country with assured returns and tagged as “hybrid business” combining manufacturing (ingredients in making a fine meal), merchandising (sells a cold drinks), and service (fills customer orders), is fighting for dear life.

These businesses are slowly dying, with management exploiting ev-

erything to survive in the middle of the pandemic.

However, some can no longer cope with the impact of Covid-19 and opted to cease operations.

Benjamin Lizada, president of Restaurant Owners Association of Davao City, Inc. ( RestoDC), said more and more restaurants are closing with common reasons: sales volume cannot keep up with operating expenses that include taxes, rent, light and power, and

DHSUD chief orders clamp down on 'real estate scammers'

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he government body in charge of human settlements and urban development is set to clamp down on "real state scammers" that include illegal developers, as well as bogus brokers and salespersons.

In a meeting on Monday, Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) ordered all regional offices to craft their respective campaign to run after the scammers.

The campaign will particularly target unscrupulous developers and real estate brokers and agents engaged in the illegal selling of real estate properties.

At the same time, Del Rosario tasked top officials of the department in the Central Office to strengthen collaboration

with other government agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and partner-developers to fortify the efforts.

“We need to put a stop to these illegal activities through pro-active efforts in collaboration with our stakeholders, including legitimate developers, who are also falling victims to these scammers, and other government agencies,” Del Rosario said.

The move came amidst reports of illegal activities by unregistered developers and brokers in various parts of the country through various platforms, including social media, in illegally selling lots and housing units and preying on unsuspecting buyers.

“The DHSUD should take the lead in going af-

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interest payments with loans.

“I am sure maraming nag-sara na hindi nagpapasabi at ayaw ipa-alam.

Besides, marami pa ring closed since March na hindi pa regular operations (take out lang),” Lizada said.

Lizada added that the re-imposition of 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew also is also hurting the restaurant operations considering that the dining public are not confident to go out and dine.

The city has re-implemented the curfew on October 15, 2020 through Executive Order (EO) No.

55 Series of 2020.

“Already, one day after the curfew was implemented, we feel the sizeable drop in sales. Most restaurants are strictly following the Covid-19 guidelines anyway. In fact, the Department of Trade and Industry 11 (DTI 11) and the Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE 11) have been inspecting the restaurants religiously,” he said.

The group is now appealing to the different security forces not to bar workers who travel from their work places to their

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Residents of Poblacion 1 in General Luna, Siargao Island take home rice given as subsidy by the local government unit on Tuesday (27 October 2020). The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has severely affected the island’s economy as it remains closed to tourists. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

NEWS 3 Scammers stealing contact details through contract-tracing forms

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 171 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

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ayor Sara Duterte warned Dabawenyos against scammers who are preying on residents here whose personal contact details are being “stolen” through the contact-tracing forms that they filled out upon entry to establishments.

A relative visits his departed loved one a day before memorial parks, cemeteries and columbariums are closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Edge Davao

Duterte gives DBM Sec. Avisado power to approve Bayanihan 2 fund release

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has given Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado the power to approve the release of the funds under the Bayanihan to Recover as One or Bayanihan 2 following reports of backlogs.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the fund releases no longer need to go through the Office of the Executive Secretary.

“Mas mabuti po ang ginawa ni Presidente.

Binigyan niya po ng delegated authority si DBM Sec. Avisado para mag-approve na ng release. So hindi na po iyan dadaan sa Office of the Executive Secretary (What the President did was better, he gave DBM Sec. Avisado delegated authority to approve the releases so they don’t have to go through the Office of the Executive Secretary),” he said.

Roque said that with Duterte’s new policy, Avisado was able to approve on Tuesday the release of PHP56.9 billion in Bayanihan 2 funds.

“Delegated na po si Sec. Wendel Avisado to approve the release of these amounts (Sec. Wendel Avisado is already delegated to approve the release of these amounts),” he added.

According to Roque, the amount covers PHP46.2 billion of unreleased funds.

He said the breakdown of the funds will go to the following agencies: --PHP 100 million for shared service facilities for the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program; --PHP5 billion for augmentation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) fund; --PHP8 billion for adjustment measures program and Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers; --PHP6 billion for the Department of Social and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and sustainable livelihood program; --PHP11.632 billion for the Department of Agriculture’s initial submission for Plant, Plant, Plant program --PHP20.575 for the Department of Health’s billion for health-related responses, augmentation of Department of Health hospitals, specialist allowance, actual hazard duty pay, free life insurance, accommodation, transportation and meals for healthcare workers and other compensation for public and private healthcare workers; --PHP5.1 billion for the Department of Labor’s Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong program; and --PHP500 million for funding requirements under the local government support fund. (PNA)

Duterte said in her Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) program on Monday that local authorities reported there are persons who have been receiving text messages from unknown senders who are extorting cash after filling out contact-tracing forms.

“They will just suddenly call or text you. When we ask them to recall when was the last time that they gave their contact number or email, they would say that they just filled out the contact-tracing forms in the stores. Usually, when we do the tracing, it is linked to these forms,” she said.

The mayor said that some of these senders also presented themselves as alleged members of the communist movement extorting money.

“There was a caller, for example, ‘Ka Inday’ of Guerrilla Front 54: you must pay

us cash’,” Duterte said.

The mayor told the establishments to keep the contact-tracing forms of their clients as “private and secured.”

“Every time we receive reports of scam or every time somebody reaches out to us to report the threats, we report them to the Davao City Police Office for investigation,” she said.

She said the local government hopes to address the proliferation of scams with the implementation of “Safe Davao QR,” a contactless system for faster contract-tracing efforts which will also limit the non-essential movement of people in the city.

Through the QR system, Duterte said the residents would no longer have to fill out the forms as the contact-tracing would be done electronically, eradicating the chances of scammers to

steal the contact details.

She said the QR system of the city is undergoing a pilot-testing, and could be availed of only by city government workers.

But Duterte warned city government workers to avoid posting their QR codes on social media to avoid “identity theft.”

“We can make contact-tracing using this technology and this is not available for the general public because we are pilot-testing it among city government employees because the entire program is not yet complete,” she said.

She added that each resident of the city would be assigned a permanent QR code.

“Sirs and Ma’ams of the city government, do not publish your QR code because, once you publish it, your personal and permanent QR code on social media can be grabbed,” Duterte warned.

She said the local government could cancel the QR code of an individual once it finds out that it is being abused and used for non-essential activity. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

“Pinapayuhan po natin ang ating mga LGUs at ang publiko na mag-ingat sa mga walang hiyang mandurugas na sindikato na nagpapakilalang taga DILG at nangingikil ng pera kapalit ng umano’y ayuda,” Malaya said.

“Kahit po ang inyong lingkod ay ilang beses ng ginamit ang pangalan para makapanloko. Kailanman ay hindi tayo nanghihingi ng pera sa kahit sinong mayor, vice mayor, o kapitan kapalit ng serbisyo publiko na binibigay ng DILG,” he added.

Malaya cited the experience of Tuburan, Cebu Mayor Danilo Diamante wherein the latter had received calls from someone

who introduced himself as a DILG undersecretary.

Malaya said the caller asked money from the mayor supposedly to cover for the shipping of 1,500 cavans of rice to be given as assistance to his town.

The caller also allegedly ordered Diamante to pin a certain SB member for alleged involvement in illegal drugs, which the latter vehemently denied.

The DILG spokesman said the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has already been informed and alerted about the matter.

He also advised the LGUs and the public to be cautious and verify

first from the DILG when a person claiming to be connected with the agency contacts them.

“Kung sinuman sa inyo ang makatanggap ng tawag o texts sa mga taong nagpakilalang ako o sinuman sa mga DILG top officials, magsumbong o makipag-ugnayan po kayo kaagad sa pinakamalapit na police station para mahuli at maparusahan ang mga impostor na ito,” Malaya said.

He also clarified that the DILG routes official communications to the DILG regional and field offices and all LGUs via official channels and not through mere texts or calls.

(Our intention with the EO is to put accountability to the offices, establishments, and organizations in charge. If we say restaurants, restaurants will police themselves, and the city government team will inspect if they are enforcing the guidelines),” Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said.

“We are asking for your support and cooperation,” she urged the public. She also reminded Dabawenyos that Davao City is still under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

On Monday, Mayor Sara issued Executive Or-

der (EO) No. 57 defining mass gathering of people that has more than twenty-five (25) individuals.

The EO states that “all mass gatherings are prohibited except buses, banks, hospitals, restaurants and other similar gatherings where people are not gathered together for the same common purpose.”

Section 18 states that all events and activities for leisure, entertainment, sports, gaming, and amusement are prohibited.

The allowable gatherings can only be for per-

sonal milestones, urgent government and business purposes, and shall be guided by: (A) a gathering shall be allowed up to twenty (20) guests/participants including the celebrant/ organizer and five (5) individuals for service providers/suppliers only. All other guests/participants can be online in another venue but will still be limited by the number of individuals mentioned above.

Guests/participants cannot hop from one venue to the other; (B) a successive event

Public, LGUs warned against fake DILG execs offering aid in exchange for money

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he Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday warned local officials and the public against “syndicates of extortionists” who pretend to be senior officials of the DILG and arrange COVID-19 response assistance.

According to DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, the agency has received reports from its regional and field offices and various localities that they have received calls or text messages from people pretending to be senior DILG officials offering to provide COVID-19 assistance in exchange for money.

City to inspect offices, biz firms compliance with EO 57

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he Davao City government will inspect workplaces and business establishments to ensure their compliance with the guidelines laid down in Executive Order 57 to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“Ang atoang intention with the EO is to put accountability sa mga offices, establishments, and organizations in charge.

If we say restaurants, restaurants will police themselves, and mag inspect ang city government team kung naga-enforce ba gyud ang restaurant

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 171 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

Phoenix earns API approval

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A flower vendor sells flowers to those who will visit their departed loved ones outside Davao Memorial Park in Matina, Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

No need to change PH’s oil tax system: DOF chief

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epartment of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III discounts the need to change the current tax system for oil products amid the reality that oil refiners pay more taxes than importers.

supplies at a high price but may sell these at lower prices after refining if prices in the world market dropped.

He said importers, on

the other hand, are less vulnerable to this risk since they can immediately sell their products because these have been processed.

“It’s actually a supply chain issue rather than a tax issue,” he added.

Dominguez said: “We don’t need to change our tax laws on this.”

“It’s happening worldwide, refinery margins are getting squeezed. Big

oil companies have been shutting down their refineries in various parts of the world,” he said.

Earlier, Petron Corporation president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang said they may shut down their Bataan refinery, the biggest in the country if appeals for the government to provide a level playing field in the industry will not result positively. (PNA)

nternational tourist arrivals plunged by an annualized 70 percent during the first eight months of 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) said Tuesday.

The Northern Hemisphere's peak summer season was ravaged by travel restrictions, with tourist arrivals down by 81 percent in July, and by 79 percent in August, the Madrid-based UN body said in a statement.

There were 700 million fewer arrivals between January and August than

during the same period a year earlier, leading to a loss in revenues of $730 billion -- more than eight times the drop recorded following the 2009 economic crisis, it added.

"This unprecedented decline is having dramatic social and economic consequences, and puts millions of jobs and businesses at risk," WTO head Zurab Pololikashvili said in the statement.

The Asia and Pacific region, which was hit first by the pandemic, saw the biggest decline in arrivals, on the order of 79 percent.

It was followed by Africa and the Middle East with a 69 percent drop, Europe with 68 percent fewer international visitors and the Americas where arrivals fell by 65 percent.

While the drop in Europe over the summer was less strong than in other regions -- 69 percent in August -- fresh travel restrictions imposed to fight a second wave of Covid-19 infections have now curbed a recovery, the UN body said.

The WTO predicts international tourist arrivals will fall by 70 percent for

2020 as a whole, and will not recover before the end of 2021.

About one in five experts consulted by the body see a rebound only in 2022.

In 2019, international tourism arrivals rose by 4.0 percent to 1.5 billion, with France the world's most visited country, followed

by Spain and the United States.

The last time international tourist arrivals posted an annual decline was in 2009 when the global economic crisis led to a 4.0 percent drop.

Cash on Tuesday said it will soon allow users to play games on its mobile app via a partnership with Goana Games, a Myanmar-based startup that aims to become a "Netflix of casual games."

The Ayala-led fintech firm said that since the start of quarantine, mobile gaming has become a top pastime of Filipinos.

At the same time, GCash said, it also recorded its highest number of users to date during the quarantine.

“Thus, we decided to

bring more fun to GCash.

Now, it’s not simply a pastime, but GCash users can earn money from gaming as well,” GCash President Martha Sazon said.

The company said users can join its mobile game tournament through the GCash app for P15 to P50, or even for free, and get the chance to win prizes for setting the high score for these games.

“Anyone with a registered GCash account can play multiple Tournament games plus new featured games to be introduced every week. To track their

rank, scores game will be visible on the leaderboard once they complete a particular session of the game, which will be updated if they get higher scores as they play.”

GCash users can join tournaments for games such as Panda Sling, Flip Jump, Hexagon Fall, City Protector, The Escape, Hit the Knife, and City Protector.

The Ayala-led fintech firm said its partnership with Goama Games is part of its initiative to become a lifestyle super app through GLife, a new fea-

ture on the GCash app.

Aside from gaming, the new GLife feature will also allow GCash users to have their groceries delivered or even get food from exciting upcoming partners, all through the GCash app, the company said.

“GCash is transcending the definition of a mobile wallet and is making its way towards being a lifestyle superapp. With just one app, they get unlimited access to everything they need, sparing them from the hassle of finding ways to reach their preferred brands,” Sazon said.

In a Viber message to journalists Tuesday, Dominguez said there are timing and market issues for oil refineries because they may acquire their

hoenix Petroleum recently earned the approval of the American Petroleum Institute (API) with one of its automotive products, Phoenix Accelerate Super G 15W40. Recognized by the American organization’s Engine Oil Licensing Division as API SN Category automotive lubricant, the Phoenix automotive product was given the approval after it has passed the certification process.

“We are proud and honored to earn the seal of approval of the American Petroleum Institute as this affirms our commitment to deliver only the best to our customers. As a homegrown Filipino brand, obtaining such certification from a respected industry entity is a great feat that we will use to further develop excellent products and services,” said Phoenix General Manager for Commercial and Industrial Business Roy Jimenez.

Formed in 1929, API is an American organization with over 600 members, and has expanded its work globally. It encompasses multiple segments in the oil and natural gas industry, offering services for research & statistics, and certifications, among others.

Considered as the world’s most recognized certifying body for automotive lubricants, it has developed

more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Accelerate Super G 15W-40 is the first of seven automotive engine oils that Phoenix has applied for API certification. “We are glad that all our measures to keep the excellent quality of our products are paying off. We expect that the other six lubricants applied for will also be approved and certified in due time," said Phoenix Asst.

Vice President for Technical Services and QAPD Jaime Diago.

With the recent approval, Phoenix Accelerate Super G 15W-40 is now publicly listed in the API Licensee Directory, while Phoenix is now authorized to affix the API donut symbol on the product packaging. “This is a great step forward that affirms all the lengths we go to to offer the best automotive products.

This further pushes us to develop even offerings and offer more value to Filipino motorists, said Jay Mujar, Phoenix General Manager for Lubricants Sales and Distribution Business.

Phoenix Accelerate Super G 15W-40 and the full line of Phoenix lubricant products will be available by the first quarter of 2021 in Phoenix gas stations nationwide and its network of retailers.

Pandemic slashes int'l tourism by 70% -- UN

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GCash gets into mobile gaming in bid to become ‘super app’

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Phoenix Accelerate Super G 15W-40, a new automotive lubricant product of Phoenix Petroleum set to be released in 2021, earned an American Petroleum Institute seal.

Tourism chief backs price cap on COVID-19 tests

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he Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday backed calls to impose a price cap on coronavirus tests amid the country's push to reopen the pandemic-battered tourism sector.

In a statement, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat appealed for a price cap on the RT-PCR test, considered the gold standard for COVID-19 testing, and the antigen test, a cheaper but less accurate alternative.

"The DOT supports the call to impose a price cap on RT-PCR and antigen testing to make traveling an affordable option for all," Puyat said.

Last week, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles told TeleRadyo that the government was studying the imposition of a price cap on

COVID-19 tests after reports surfaced that diagnosis could go as high as P9,000 in some facilities.

"Although it is a private enterprise pero nasa public health emergency naman po tayo... it is well within the powers of the government na kumbaga i-regulate natin para di naman sobra-sobra ang sinisingil nila (so they won't overcharge)," Nograles earlier said.

The inter-agency task force leading the country's pandemic response has allowed non-essential overseas travel of Filipinos provided that they have confirmed roundtrip tickets, travel and health insurance, a declaration acknowledging the risks of travel and trip delays and a medical test within 24 hours of depar-

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ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 171 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

Workers display fresh seafoods at a restaurant in General Santos City on Tuesday night. Edge Davao

DOE stops endorsements for C new coal power projects

Consumer group wants senior, PWD discounts for online transactions

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he Department of Energy (DOE) has declared a moratorium on endorsements for greenfield coal power plants.

DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi made the statement Tuesday in his recorded speech for the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference on System Integration of Renewables as part of the Singapore International Energy Week 2020.

“While we have initially embraced a technolo-

gy-neutral policy, our periodic assessment of our country’s energy requirements is paving the way for innovative adaptations in our policy direction,” he said.

Cusi said this policy will help the country to shift to a more flexible power supply mix and to accommodate

the entry of new, cleaner, and indigenous technological innovations.

He added the DOE innovates its policies to encourage more investments in the renewable energy landscape.

Cusi said the country now allows 100 percent foreign ownership in largescale geothermal exploration, development, and utilization projects, or those with an initial investment cost of about USD50-million capitalization through Fi-

nancial and Technical Assistance Agreements (FTAAs).

Just last week, the DOE also released a Department Circular providing the guidelines for the third open and competitive selection process (OCSP3) in the awarding of renewable energy service contracts.

“As we slowly rebuild our economies, now is the time for us to band together to further pursue and integrate renewable energy in our long-term energy agendas,” Cusi said. (PNA)

partner and as an investment destination,” Lopez said.

Szijjártó supports the continuation of Philippines-EU free trade agreement (FTA) talks to create better opportunities and a liberalized business environment for Hungarian firms wanting to do business in the Philippines.

The Philippines and EU had two rounds of FTA negotiations –in Brussels in 2016 and in Cebu in 2017.

“Part of the DTI’s strategy to enhance our outbound trade and inbound investment with the EU is to increase our engagement with individual EU member states. Hungary has been one of our key allies in the EU in supporting our status as a GSP+ (Gen-

eralised Scheme of Preferences Plus) beneficiary and our FTA negotiations with the EU,” Lopez said.

Economic cooperation Among the discussions in the recent meeting include strengthening trade and investments in manufacturing, water treatment and management, agriculture and food economy, food safety, health, and transportation.

The trade officials were also looking into enhancing cooperation in Covid-19 response.

“Since we are positioning the country as a PPE (personal protective equipment) manufacturing hub, the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between

the DTI-Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA) and the MOU on investment cooperation between the Board of Investments and the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA), which we signed last year, will be useful in our fight against Covid-19 and in building back better. We are looking forward in discussing this further when we convene the JCEC,” DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said.

The Philippines and Hungary had the inaugural Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) last year.

During the recent meeting, both sides also agreed

PH gets Hungary’s support for EU free trade talks: DTI

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he Hungarian government has assured the Philippines of support to continue negotiations for a free trade deal between the Philippines and the European Union (EU), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Tuesday.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó led a high-level bilateral meeting here last Oct. 15.

This was the first faceto-face bilateral meeting of the DTI chief amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“The presence of Minister Szijjártó amidst this pandemic shows the importance of the country for Hungary both as a trading

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onsumer advocate Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) said on Tuesday discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) should also be applicable in online transactions.

In a statement, LKI president Victorio Mario Dimagiba said the group submitted a letter to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to clarify the implementing guidelines in availing of senior citizens and PWD discounts in online purchases.

“Most senior citizens and persons with disability above 65 years old purchase food items and other goods online and are not able to claim the discounts granted by law. In most cases, the merchants do not know what and how to grant the discounts,” said Dimagiba, a former DTI senior official.

The consumer group added the discounts for senior citizens and PWDs should also be applied in services offered by ride-hailing businesses.

“We were able to set up the guidelines on airline domestic transportation discounts done through online booking. We know we can develop the guidelines on online transac-

tions by senior citizens and persons with disability for the uniform and standard implementation of the discounts,” Dimagiba said.

Under the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9994, senior citizens and PWDs are entitled to a 20-percent discount and an exemption from the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on the sale of goods and services.

These include medical-related privileges, domestic transportation privileges, hotels, restaurants, recreational centers and places of leisure, and funeral and burial services.

Dimagiba added the “clear and convenient implementation” of senior citizen and PWD discounts would be timely with the challenges and difficulties brought about by the coronavirus disease pandemic and the community quarantine measures.

“Right now, it is important that the spirit of these initiatives is consistent and is carried out for all parties, in order to ease their burden during this tough year, where senior citizens may often feel restricted, depleted, and even powerless,” Dimagiba said.

(PNA)

6 VANTAGE POINTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 171 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

On the conduct of ‘self-demolition’ of illegal structures by residents as part of the city government of Davao’s goal of ensuring the integrity of the river banks and dikes especially in times of flooding:

Ang integridad sa dikes ang dapat nato bantayan kay ngano man? Kung daghan naga-tungtong sa pila ka adlaw basin mubigay na, so dako na problema. Dike is for the water nga ma-depensahan ang komunidad...

Ako gipasabot ngano tanggalon nato ang illegal structures. Actually, dili ni siya balay, kundi extension na sa ilahang balay, mostly banggerahan na. Mao ra to atong kuhaon, pero dili ang balay. Kato lang structures na naka attach sa dike.”

Angel Sumagaysay

Head, Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 171 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

EVENT

OKTOBERFEST ROCKS AT HOME LIQUOR BAN, curfew and all the madness of this pandemic aside, there’s one thing for that will pump you up this month, it’s Oktoberfest!

Why not?

If you can’t do it at the usual outdoor stage, let’s take the party home.

That said, the country’s beer giant San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB), kicked off the annual Oktoberfest party in the shadow

of the pandemic on October 17, 2020 by bringing the party to homes.

Dubbed “Oktoberfest Beer and Music Virtual Festival” is SMB’s first-ever digital party offering its viewers a new and immersive virtual experience.

Performances of popular bands like The Dawn and Razorback as well as DJ John Robinson were streamed online.

To run its second edition on Oct. 31, 2020, catch again your favorite bands, artists, and celebrities live online including The Dawn, Razorback ft. Kevin Roy, Mayonnaise, Kylie Versoza, Alyssa Muhlach, and PBA star June Mar Fajardo.

What’s so nice about this year’s Oktoberfest party? You get front-row seat, more stages and performers, and it’s all for free! One can be those who choose to rock out loud at the Band Stage, move to the beat at

the dance stage, or hangout with the stars at the backstage via Zoom.

Where there’s no liquor ban at home, SMB also bring the beers to your homes. The biggest beer event this year is just a few clicks away. Simply visit the Facebook pages of San Miguel Oktoberfest and everyone’s beloved San Miguel Beer brands such as San Miguel Pale Pilsen, San Mig Light, Red Horse Beer and San Miguel Flavored Beer are at hand. After all, Oktoberfest is best enjoyed with San Miguel Beer!

Promo is available through SMB Delivers, and boozy. com (all brands), and The Mall (San Miguel Pale Pilsen, San Mig Light, San Miguel Flavored Beer, Red Horse Beer). Just check out these e-commerce platforms, and order to make the most out of the party.

To complete this unique

festival experience, SMB offers official merchandise for the San Miguel Oktoberfest Beer and Music Virtual Festival such as San Miguel Oktoberfest pack inclusive of six-pack of any favorite SMB brands, and a limited Oktoberfest merchandise.

True to its tagline “Saan ka man sa Pilipinas o saan mang panig ng mundo, dito tayo magkikita-kita online sa Oktoberfest Beer and Music Virtual

Festival!” don’t miss out on this year’s Oktoberfest! Grab a beer and enjoy a night of good booze and good music with family and friends.

Oktoberfest 2020 is co-presented by Stream and in cooperation with Set and Stage and Network Rentals, which offers plenty to the varying and evolving entertainment preferences of its target market through its multi-stage setup.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 171 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

UP AND ABOUT

GLOBE NETWORK EXPANSION BRINGS TELEHEALTH TO MORE PEOPLE ACROSS PHL GLOBE TELECOM’S aggressive network upgrade and expansion is envisioned to bring telemedicine services to more people across the country, particularly those living in far-flung areas who do not have immediate access to licensed medical practitioners.

With only one doctor for every 33,000 Filipinos, telemedicine becomes a viable alternative to the traditional visit to hospitals or clinics. Telemedicine can immediately connect a patient to a doctor whenever they require medical assistance regardless of location, thus, saving time, effort, and money.

“Healthcare needs to be accessible anytime, anywhere.

Through telemedicine, we can provide everyone equal access to quality care without any geographic restriction. Globe is bringing telemedicine to anyone who needs it by making our network as pervasive as

possible and by deploying the latest network technologies to help us deliver more advanced telehealth services to Filipinos nationwide,” said Cholo Tagaysay, CEO of Global Telehealth, Inc which runs KonsultaMD. Globe, through its whollyowned corporate incubator, 917Ventures, operates two telehealth services -- KonsultaMD, in partnership with Mexico’s Salud Interactiva; and HealthNow which is powered by Vigos Health, an ACHealth subsidiary.

Both KonsultaMD and HealthNow give the public access to skilled and licensed Filipino doctors who can provide safe medical assessment and advice on basic healthcare and proper medication, issue e-prescriptions, and read laboratory results.

KonsultaMD also provides medical advice via phone for those who are not tech-savvy or those who are budget conscious.

However, video consultation is fast gaining ground for both KonsultaMD and HealthNow as it allows the doctors to actually see the patient’s health problem on screen. More telehealth services which utilize online

tools are also expected to be introduced as a result of rapid technological advancements.

Thus, with increasing demand for data-driven tools and services, Globe continuously invests billions of dollars to upgrade

and improve its network. This year alone, Globe has earmarked USD 1.2 billion in capital expenditure, majority of which goes to network and capacity builds including the rollout of 4G LTE and 5G technology as well as fiber optic cables for better data connectivity, faster speed, bigger capacity, and lower latency.

By helping bring telehealth to every Filipino through infrastructure builds, Globe reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly, UNSDG No. 3 which ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages; and UNSDG No. 9 on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.

To learn more, visit www. globe.com.ph, https://www.konsulta.md/ and https://healthnow.ph/ .

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA PRESENTS ‘ALDEN’S REALITY’

THE FIRST EVER VIRTUAL REALITY CONCERT IN PHL THIS DECEMBER 8, witness a global event never before seen in Philippine entertainment history as GMA Network presents “Alden’s Reality” — the country’s first ever virtual reality concert, bannered by no less than Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards.

“Alden’s Reality (AR)” gives Alden’s fans a virtual date like no other, combining cutting-edge technology and performances to produce a full-length concert and online interaction with their idol. Alden will take concertgoers to a journey that celebrates his 10 colorful years in the entertainment industry.

From heartfelt songs to adrenalinefilled dance numbers, Alden is sure to indulge everyone across the globe in his first ever virtual concert. A surprise treat also awaits his fans.

Shot in 360-degree, concertgoers not only have access to front-row view, but they are also in for an immersive experience from the comforts of their home.

Tickets can be purchased by logging on to www.gmanetwork.com/synergy. Philippine buyers are also given a special VIP package option at Php 1,200 which includes one general admission ticket plus one exclusive VR device to Alden’s Reality show. This special VR device takes the concertgoer to another level of enjoying the show which is set to begin streaming online at 9 pm on

December 8 (Philippine time).

“Through ‘Alden’s Reality,’ we are bringing you the future of Philippine concert landscape,” shares GMA Regional TV and Synergy Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso. “We are more than excited that we are featuring Alden for our first virtual concert and that it also falls under the 70th anniversary of GMA Network. This is only the beginning. Synergy: A GMA Collaboration will be producing more events that will not only bring our Kapuso closer to their favorite artists but will also give them a unique concert experience wherever part of the Philippines and the

globe they may be. We hope to see you all, virtually, on December 8.”

“2020 has been a challenging year for everyone because of the pandemic,” says GMA Entertainment Group Vice President for Business Development Department III Darling de Jesus Bodegon. “We hope that through ‘Alden’s Reality,’ we can bring joy to all our Kapuso not just here in the Philippines but all over the world. We are also happy that we are able to celebrate with Alden his 10 wonderful years in the entertainment industry via this virtual-reality concert. We have been a witness to Alden’s growth as an actor and a celebrity and we are proud that he has remained humble though all these years. Alden’s Reality is his gift to all his fans who continue to support him and his journey as a Kapuso.”

Alden’s Reality (AR) is produced

by Synergy: A GMA Collaboration, a group that produces ticketed and nonticketed events and activities catering to all Filipinos across the globe. This is also GMA Network’s treat to loyal Kapuso as the country’s leading broadcast company marks its 70th anniversary.

The concert is directed by Paolo Valenciano.

For more details, visit www.gmanetwork.com/synergy and follow https:// www.facebook.com/GMASynergy for updates.

LUKAS MAGALLANO RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE “MAGIC OF LOVE”

FORMER “The Voice Teens” season 2 contestant Lukas Magallano is formally entering the recording industry through his freshly released debut single “Magic of Love.”

“When a wish is granted, I am humbled. Thank you my Star Pop family for having me! I’m so grateful,” the 15-year old actor and commercial model said.

“Magic of Love” is a suitable song for the young artist, as it articulates the youthful and carefree feeling of being smitten by a special someone. It also sends a message that finding love is more magical when it is serendipitous than when you chase it.

The bright and fun track was produced by Jude Gitamondoc and mixed and mastered by Anjelo Calinawan under the music label Star Pop headed by Rox Santos. All instruments were performed, arranged, and recorded by Henrick Pestaño.

Lukas charmed coaches Lea and apl.de.ap with his rendition of Vance Joy’s “Riptide” in the second season of “The Voice Teens” this year, reaching the “The Battles” round of the competition as a member of FamiLea. Previously, he was also part of the children’s TV show “Team YeY!” as one of its hosts. He was also part of the Star Cinema movies “A Second Chance” and “Just The 3 Of Us.” Feel the “Magic of Love” and listen to Lukas’ debut single, out now on various digital music streaming services.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CEREBRAL PALSY

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“M

eynard helped me to be a lawyer and a better person – as he did to my parents and siblings in their respective undertakings,” admitted Atty. Vincent C. Juan, a legal counsel for a global petroleum company who hails from Tagum City, Davao del Norte. “All the while, we thought that we were carrying him. But we were wrong. He’s the one carrying us – keeping us together, inspiring us to persevere and pursue our dreams, and teaching us to love, to be compassionate and selfless.”

Meynard, whom they call Ading, has cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture.

“He cannot walk,” Vincent said of his brother who was diagnosed with the condition when he was two years old. “Everyone in the family grew up carrying him. He loves to go around and see places. So, we would drive him to places he wants to visit, and take him around with his wheelchair.”

Meynard is the third of the four children of Melson (now deceased) and Veronica Juan. Vincent is the second child while the eldest, Virginio, is also a lawyer.

The youngest is Maybelle, who works in a bank. All three of them grew up taking care of their brother.

“We grew up understanding that he deserves more care and attention than we do,” disclosed Vincent, who was chosen as InHouse Lawyer of the Year at the recent Philippine Law Awards. “We don’t recall having complained to our parents why we didn’t have toys, or why we didn’t have big birthday parties.

As early as then, we already understood that most of the family’s resources should be to provide a more comfortable life for Meynard.

And we were happy with

it.”

Looking back, Vincent believed that their childhood years with Meynard made them learn and practice the truest sense of teamwork and selflessness.

“Meynard’s movements are limited,” the boyish lawyer said. “He cannot be left on his own. But we are able to find our ways through this challenge, which are mainly practical in nature.

Our schedules should all be synchronized such that he is always accompanied by one of us.”

According to Vincent, their parents worked hard to give Meynard the best quality of life possible.

When the siblings were told about Meynard’s condition, the three children never reacted. They focused more on taking care of their brother than questioning his condition. “We grew up accepting it as a matter of fact, and building our lives and dream with Meynard in mind,” Vincent said.

Cerebral palsy is the most common movement disorder in children. There are no statistics available on how many Filipino children have this problem but studies have shown that it occurs in about 2.1 per 1,000 live births.

“Cerebral palsy has been documented through-

out history, with the first known descriptions occurring in the work of Hippocrates in the 5th century BCE,” Wikipedia reports.

“Extensive study of the condition began in the 19th century by William John Little, after whom spastic diplegia was called ‘Little’s disease.’ William Osler first named it ‘cerebral palsy’ from the German zerebrale Kinderlahmung (cerebral-paralysis).”

“Cerebral” means having to do with the brain.

“Palsy” means weakness or problems with using the muscles. “Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that

affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles,” explains the Atlanta-based US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Cerebral palsy is not a disease,” Dr. Francis Dimalanta, of the Philippine Cerebral Palsy, Inc. told Philippine Star. “It is neither progressive nor communicable.” But it is a lifelong disability which cannot be reversed.

The symptoms vary from person to person. “A person with severe cerebral palsy might need to use special equipment to be able to walk, or might not be able to walk at all and might need lifelong care,” the CDC states. “A person

with mild cerebral palsy, on the other hand, might walk a little awkwardly, but might not need any special help. Cerebral palsy does not get worse over time, though the exact symptoms can change over a person’s lifetime.”

All people with cerebral palsy have one thing in common; they have problems with movement and posture. Many also have related conditions such as intellectual disability; seizures; problems with vision, hearing or speech; change in the spine (such as scoliosis); or joint problems (such as contractures).

Generally, doctors classify cerebral palsy ac-

cording to the main type of movement disorder involved. Depending on which areas of the brain are affected, one or more of the following movement disorders can occur: stiff muscles (spasticity), uncontrollable movements (dyskinesia), and poor balance and coordination (ataxia).

More often than not, early signs of cerebral palsy appear when they are still babies. “The main sign that a child might have cerebral palsy is a delay reaching motor or movement milestones (such as rolling over, sitting, standing, or walking).

In a baby younger than

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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio tasked Sumagaysay to create a Davao River and Coastal Monitoring Team to patrol the city’s rivers, dikes, and coastal road.

The city has been urging families and individuals living along rivers, levees and dikes to voluntarily dismantle their homes and

vacate the areas for their safety especially during intermittent weather.

“Isa pud na ang baha atong tan-awon sa integridad sa mga dikes. Tibuok Davao City ni ug isa-isahon nako ug pasabot ning mga tao. Kay taga baha na lang mag-problema ta dinhi.

Kada barangay sa Davao naa’y dike,” he said.

homes from the 7 p.m. curfew.

“They are only trying to earn a little extra. Besides Mayor Sara herself has already categorically said that they are exempted so long as they present their ID company and or employment certification,” Lizada said.

The group has also appealed to move the curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to 9

p.m. to 5 a.m., however, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio emphasized that shortening the curfew hours will only be feasible if the city’s Covid-19 active cases are reduced to double digits.

She said that in interviews with Covid-19 positive patients, some of these extra-curricular activities usually happen after 5 p.m. when most people are done with their work.

ter these unscrupulous groups or individuals,” Del Rosario said.

As the government’s primary entity for the management of housing, human settlement and urban development, DHSUD has regulatory power over real estate developers and brokers and salespersons

are obliged to register with the DHSUD before engaging in property selling.

Del Rosario also issued reminders to real property buyers to avoid falling prey to illegal developers, including determination of a bogus broker or salesperson.

of twenty-five (25) guests/ participants at a time may be allowed provided that there is a time for entry and exit of guests so that the two groups cannot gather together; (C) if an event or activity has no service providers/suppliers, the guests/ participants can be increased to a maximum of twenty-five (25) individuals; (D) parade, motorcades, rallies, and other gatherings in public places are absolutely prohibited.

The right to free speech and expression in freedom parks shall be respected but the event must be limited to twenty-five (25) individuals and must be supervised by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the City Health Office (CHO) to ensure that Section 1 hereof is implemented; and, (E) government distribution of food or financial assistance can be increased to fifty (50) individuals at a time provided that Section 1 hereof can

be strictly implemented.

For Offices, establishments, and organizations such as restaurants, places of worship, fitness clubs and gyms, cemeteries and funeral parlors, and schools, the enforcement of the guidelines and policies are under their supervision, so that the city government will only have to inspect whether they are enforcing.

The mayor also called on Dabawenyos to always stay at home unless the reason for travel is essential.

Section 17 of the EO states that all travel inside Davao City shall only be for accessing goods and essential services, for work in offices and industries, and daily two-hour maximum non-contact sports exercises.

“Goods and essential service is defined as all goods and services relating to the human need for food, hospital/health and wellness/medicine, money, work or shelter.,” she said. CIO

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to hold the next round of JCEC meeting before the end of the year.

Rodolfo said the Philippines aims to tap Hungarian technology for water treatment and management to rehabilitate key bodies of water like the Laguna de Bay. “The Philippines and Hungary face the same challenge in terms of access to clean water resources.

From their part, they were able to develop the technology to treat one of the longest rivers in Europe, the Danube. This water cooperation is just the first step.

We want to tap their expertise to facilitate technology and knowledge transfer and build confidence so that these Hungarian water companies will invest here in the Philippines,” he said.

Rodolfo further said Hungarian firms are also looking into expanding their market, and the Philippines would be a good destination for their investments.

“They have the technology, while we have the resources and the geography. We need to harness this complementation,” he added. (PNA)

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ture that clears them of COVID-19.

However, the addi-

tional costs for travel have deterred some Filipinos from travelling as

some destinations require COVID-19 testing before they are allowed to enter,

according to the Philippine Travel Agencies Association.

six months of age, CDC identifies the following signs: head lags when the baby is picked up while he’s lying on his back; feels stiff; and feels floppy. When held cradled in your arms, he seems to overextend his back and neck, constantly acting as if he is pushing away from you. When you pick him up, his legs get stiff and they cross or sciss.

When a baby is older than six months of age, the following signs appear: doesn’t roll over in either direction; cannot bring hands together; has difficulty bringing the hands to the mouth; and reaches out with only one hand while keeping the other fisted.

When older than 10 months of age, a baby crawls in a lopsided manner, pushing off with one hand and leg while dragging the opposite land and leg. In addition, the baby scoots around on his buttocks or hops on his knees, but does not crawl on all four.

“It is important to get a prompt diagnosis for a movement disorder or delays in your child’s development,” urges the Mayo Clinic. “See your child’s doctor if you have concerns about episodes of loss of awareness of surroundings or of abnormal bodily movements, abnormal muscle tone, impaired coordination, swallowing difficulties, eye muscle imbalance or other developmental issues.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, cerebral palsy starts

even before a child is born.

In most cases, the cause isn’t known but among the factors that can lead to problems with brain development include: gene mutations that lead to abnormal development; maternal infections that affect the developing fetus; and fetal stroke, a disruption of blood supply to the developing brain.

Other factors identified are as follows: bleeding into the brain in the womb or as a newborn; infant infections that cause inflammation in or around the brain; traumatic head injury to an infant from a motor vehicle accident or fall; and lack of oxygen to the brain related to difficult labor or delivery, although birth-related asphyxia is much less commonly a cause than historically though.

Like most other health problems, there are some risk factors. A mother who is exposed to certain infections or toxins during pregnancy is likely to have a child having cerebral palsy, the Mayo Clinic warns.

Infections of particular concern include: cytomegalovirus (causes flu-like symptoms), German measles, herpes, syphilis, toxoplasmosis (infection caused by a parasite found in contaminated food, soil and the feces of infected cats), and Zika virus infection.

Other conditions that can increase the risk include: thyroid problems, intellectual disabilities or seizures, and exposure to toxins such as methyl mercury.

In some instances, a baby may be born healthy but may develop cerebral palsy if he or she may suffer from any of the following illnesses: bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis, severe or untreated jaundice, and bleeding into the brain.

Until now, there is still no cure for cerebral palsy.

However, treatment can improve the lives of those who have the condition.

“It is important to begin a treatment program as early as possible,” the CDC suggests.

Among the therapy services that a child with cerebral palsy may receive are as follows: aqua therapy, behavioural therapy, massage therapy, nutrition and diet plan counselling, occupational therapy, physical therapy and physiotherapy (rehabilitation), play therapy, recreation therapy, sensory integration therapy, speech and language therapy, and vocational counselling. This is according to Dr. Teresita De Mesa, directress and principal of St. John Ma. Vianney Special Education Learning and Resource Center.

People with cerebral palsy are in a good company. Having the condition doesn’t mean he or she could not be successful in life. Time and again, with determination and help from those who love them, they can excel in whatever endeavour they may get engaged in.

Among the famous people with cerebral palsy are as follows: Geri Jewell,

who had a regular role in the prime-time series, The Facts of Life; Josh Blue, winner of the fourth season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing; Jack Carroll, British comedian; Abbey Curran, American beauty queen; Evan O’Hanlon, Australian Paralympian; RJ Mitte, American actor; Zach Anner, American comedian; Hannah Cockroft, British wheelchair athlete; Christy Brown (whose life was adapted into a movie, starring Daniel Day-Lewis) and Zeke and Ben, the two sons of Canadian rock musician Neil Young.

“Even growing up I knew that more or less my condition is a really small issue in terms of the rest of the planet,” Blue was quoted as saying by website, cerebralpalsyguidance.com.

“I’ve enjoyed food on my table and shelter for my entire life, and a lot of people don’t have those things. My cerebral palsy is a minuscule issue for most of the planet.”

“I didn’t know the significance of my appearance on television until later,” said Jewell, who was born prematurely and with a brain injury that stemmed from a car accident her mother was in while still pregnant with her. “It would take me a long time to understand it. But after I first appeared on (on television), I received thousands of fan letters. I received letters that said, ‘You changed my life.’ It took awhile for me to understand that.”

integrate all sports academy to one governance and management system.

NAS System also intends to develop, strengthen, and integrate future campuses into the system and provide world-class sports facilities to produce globally-competitive players.

“Hinahangad ng batas na ito ay magkaroon tayo ng world-class facilities kung saan dito magsasanay ang ating mga potential na mga manlalaro para sa Asian Games at Olympics (The law aims to build world-class facilities

wherein our potential athletes will train for Asian Games and Olympics),” Escobedo said.

For the succeeding steps, the organization would create NAS Road Map, focus more on the curriculum development, construct the NAS Main Campus, and draft its operational manuals to improve the system more.

Next year, he said focus will be on the main campus which is the New Clark City which houses world-class track oval and swimming pool used in 2019 when the coun-

try hosted the Southeast Asian Games.

He said the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will allow the NAS to use the facilities for training of the student-athletes.

NAS will have an allotted PHP1.86 billion in the 2021 proposed budget, where PHP264 million will be for personnel services and maintenance and other operating expenses, and PHP1.60 billion will be for capital outlay.

Briones was delighted with the addition of

the NAS in the education sector, which could give learners more avenue to pursue their specialization.

“Sa ngayon, medyo kumpleto na ang ating [programs], mayroon na tayong mga science high schools, mayroon na ding high schools for the arts, ngayon mayroon na tayong high school for sports (For now, we have complete programs, we have science high schools, we have also high schools for the arts, and now we have high school for sports),” she said. (DepEd PR)

record-tying 4-0 start.

Pringle put up 20 markers, seven boards, and six dimes.

In the first game, Alaska Aces needed a strong finish on both ends of the floor to take out Terrafirma Dyip, 99-96.

Down 95-96, the Aces scored the game’s last four points while holding the Dyip scoreless for the last 2:37 of the game.

Eric Camson, however, had a chance to force overtime in the last play, although his three-pointer

rimmed out as time expired.

Vic Manuel continues to be Alaska’s main man off the bench, leading the team to its fourth win of the season with 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Robbie Herndon added

12 points, four rebounds, and one assist off the bench.

CJ Perez’s 25-point performance and Juami Tiongson’s 21-point outburst were not enough as Terrafirma remains winless after five matches. (PNA)

lead.

Betts extended the Dodger lead to 3-1 with a solo blast off Pete Fairbanks the bottom of the eighth, leading to an eruption among the Dodgers fans in attendance at

Globe Life Park, which permitted about 11,000 in the 48,000-capacity stadium.

The Dodgers, who employed a carousel of pitchers during the game, turned to lefty Julio Urias in the later innings and he

was flawless getting out all seven batters he faced, including a strike-out of Willy Adames that ended the series.

The triumph was sweet relief for the long-suffering Dodgers organisation

as well as Major League Baseball, whose season once appeared doomed by COVID-19, when the pandemic cancelled Spring Training in mid-March and delayed Opening Day by months.

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DepEd to team up with PSC for NAS

T

Joshua Munzon finished with 11 points to lead Zamboanga City.

o develop more promising students in sports, the Department of Education (DepEd) will team up with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on the implementation and establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) this year.

“Ang DepEd at ang PSC, sa katunayan, ay magkatuwang sa mga initial preparations para sa pagbubuo nitong National Academy of Sports (The DepEd and PSC, in fact, are partners in the initial preparations for the establishment of National Academy of Sports),” DepEd Undersecretary for Field Operations and Palarong Pambansa Secretariat Revsee Escobedo said in a press release issued on Tuesday.

Escobedo shared that DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones would be the chairperson while PSC

Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez would be the vice-chairman of the NAS. “Ang layunin ng pagtatatag ng (The objective of the establishment of) National Academy of Sports is to implement a quality and enhanced secondary education program, integrated with a special curriculum on sports,” Escobedo said.

The NAS was created on June 9, 2020 after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11470 or the National Sports Academy Act to provide an avenue for secondary students who want to pursue professional sports.

Forming a new strand in the education sector, the NAS System aims to design a special curriculum for athletic scholars, provide holistic quality education to the learners who are excelling in sports, and

he Los Angeles Dodgers have won their first Major League Baseball World Series championship since 1988 after beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game 6 in Arlington, Texas.

The Rays led 1-0 early in Game 6, but the Dodgers fought back to seal victory and claim an unassailable 4-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

It is the Dodgers' seventh World Series victory.

The Dodgers' triumph at their third World Series appearance in four years closed out a shortened season in which the final three play-off rounds were held at four neutral-site locations in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Rays slugger Randy Arozarena gave his team the early lead when he sent a slider from Tony Gonsolin over the right field wall for a solo shot in

the top of the first inning.

From there, Rays ace Blake Snell took over, mowing down Dodger hitters until he gave up a one out single to Austin Barnes in the bottom of the sixth.

Then, in a decision that will no doubt haunt the Rays, manager Kevin Cash emerged from the dugout and pulled Snell out of the game despite the lefty only giving up two hits and no walks while striking out nine.

It did not take long for Cash's decision to backfire as Mookie Betts doubled down the third base line off reliever Nick Anderson in the next at-bat, moving Barnes down to third.

Barnes scored on a wild pitch by Anderson that moved Betts to third.

The speedy Betts beat the throw home on a ground ball by Corey Seager to give the Dodgers a 2-1

Zambo City wins Chooks 3x3 Leg 4 T

FDEPED, P10

Dodgers win first Major League Baseball World Series in 32 years

Z

amboanga City bounced back from a stinging early exit in the previous leg to claim the championship in the fourth stage of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President’s Cup at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna on Tuesday night.

Two nights after getting shockingly booted in the quarterfinals of Leg 3, Zamboanga City took all the marbles again, beating eventual Leg 3 ruler Butuan in the Leg 4 finals, 21-20.

“When we lost that game, I felt like the world was crashing down,” Troy Rike said during the Sunday night elimination.

“But I just reminded myself that if we take care of business, we’re right,

we need to be even after a bump on the road.”

And his team just did in the nick of time.

Zamboanga City was on the verge of hitting another huge bump after back-to-back deuces from Chris Dechavez blew the team’s 20-16 lead as Butuan crawled back to force a 20-all tie.

Dechavez, however, failed to check Santi Santillan, who was all alone for the offensive rebound

ROS turns back Ginebra in OT

B

eau Belga and Jewel Ponferada came alive in crunch time for the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters as the team nipped Barangay Ginebra in overtime, 85-82, in their Philippine Basketball Association battle at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center in Pampanga on Tuesday night.

With the game tied, 78-all, midway through the overtime period, Belga took over for the Elasto Painters, scoring five straight points to put them ahead, 83-78.

Stanley Pringle tried to save the Barangay after scoring on a quick layup to cut the lead down to three and even had a chance to tie the game anew, only that he missed a three-pointer in their next offensive.

The missed triple

paved the way for Ponferada’s own heroics as he retrieved the loose ball after Rey Nambatac fumbled it and put up a teardrop that went in for the dagger with only six seconds remaining.

Jeff Chan scored on a buzzer-beating layup for the final scoreline.

Belga finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, one block, and two steals for ROS, which got back to the win column, its fourth in the season, after losing for the first time in the hands of Alaska.

Mark Borboran added 16 points, five rebounds, and one steal.

Scottie Thompson’s season-high 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks went down the drain as Ginebra fell for the second straight game despite a franchise

FROS, P10

off a Joshua Munzon missed two, forcing Dechavez to foul Santillan while the latter went for the putback with 2:34 remaining.

The foul eventually decided the contest as Santillan drained the free throw for the match point.

Joshua Munzon finished with 11 points to lead Zamboanga City, which won a total of P110,000 for not ruling the leg but also winning the fastest game award after needing just a shade more than five minutes to depose Pagadian, 21-7, in pool play.

Santillan added six points, while Alvin Pasaol got three and Rike made one.

Dechavez totaled 12

markers, while Karl Dehesa and JR Alabanza each got four for Butuan City, which despite the runner-up finish got P100,000 as well for being Zamboanga City’s challenger in the finals.

The five-leg conference will culminate with the grand finals on Friday.

Zamboanga City and Butuan City, being the top two seeds after Leg 4, will gain a first-round bye along with Nueva Ecija and Pasig.

The other eight teams in the field will face off in a knockout playoff phase to determine the last four teams in the quarterfinals.

The grand champion will take home P1 million.

(PNA)

Gabe Norwood of ROS blocks Japeth Aguilar’s shot during the Rain Or Shine-Ginebra tussle in the PBA bubble. PBA Images

FDODGERS, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 171 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

SO LONELY

Gym owner rues imposition of 5-man limit

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

L

ong-time fitness trainer Jimmy Ocoma Javier posted a sad note on his social media page on Tuesday. Those two words aptly describe the fitness gym business in Davao City these days.

“So lonely!”

Javier, owner of the Beefit Gym and Beefit Plus, did not hide his disappointment over what he calls as “unfair restrictions” on fitness gyms since Davao City went back to the imposition of curfew and alcohol ban as cases of coronavirus escalated over the past two weeks.

Javier was referring to the five clients per hour regulation regardless of the floor area size of the facility.

“They should consider the gym area,” Javier said.

He cited that Beefit Gym Plus Lanang has a 1,500 sqm floor area while the Beefit Gym Prime in Duterte Street has a 800 sqm floor area as compared to other Gyms that have only around 100 or 200 sqm area.

“Sana they take into consideration the space syempre since we have bigger space area we got more clients to cater how can we cater 240 clients to a 5 clients per hour

times 12 hours equals 60 clients whole day even though we ask clients to go 3 times a week only that will total to 120 clients. What are we going to do with another 120 paid clients?,” Javier said.

“My reaction is please consider the space that we can accommodate in a given time like at least 15-20 clients per hour or 1:30 minutes per workout because one hour is not enough per client.”

According to Javier, one of the longest running gym operators in the city, gyms cannot survive for a five clients per hour policy despite already cutting down its staff to skeletal duty.

“We always support the city government protocol about this pandemic because we know Davao is No. 1 with most number of cases but we need to survive too and our employees,” said Javier who is seeking for the city government’s reconsideration of the “5 per hour rule.”