Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 173 | Saturday-Sunday, October 31-November 1, 2020

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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DRUNKARDS BEWARE

VOL.13 ISSUE 173 • SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1, 2020

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DCPO to intensify enforcement of 24-hour liquor ban STORY ON PAGE 2

A convenience store readies its supply of liquor and other alcoholic beverages in preparation for the influx of customers who will purchase in bulk after Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered the reimposition of the 24-hour liquor ban in the city from November 2 to December 31, 2020. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 173 • SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1, 2020

PRRD is world’s most popular leader: UAE-based paper

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President Rodrigo Duterte is the most popular leader in the world, according to a United Arab Emirates-based paper. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DRUNKARDS BEWARE DCPO to intensify enforcement of 24-hour liquor ban

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will intensify its foot and mobile patrol to strictly implement the 24-hour liquor ban in Davao City.

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Through Executive Order No. 59, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered the reimposition of the 24hour liquor ban in Davao City from November 2 to December 31, 2020. The EO also bans the sale, serving, and consumption of liquor in public effective 5 a.m. of Nov. 2.

“Ang marching order ni Mayor Sara is to strictly implement the 24-hour liquor ban. Dumarami na kasi ang ating cases sa Covid-19 so kailangan maging istrikto tayo sa implementation

ngayon,” said Col. Kirby John Kraft, DCPO chief in a phone interview.

Kraft said DCPO will intensify its foot, bike, and motorcycle patrol for 24 hours and inspect the city’s streets and alleys to ensure no one is drinking. He also said police personnel will conduct inspection to vehicles to make sure that passengers are not carrying alcoholic and intoxicating drinks.

For apprehended individuals violating the liquor ban, Kraft said they will be

Pulong distributes 300k face masks to high risk barangays

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total of 300,000 pieces of face masks were distributed by the office of the First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Thursday in various areas of the city.

A total of 33 barangays, of the first district and second district, were each given 9,000 pieces of face masks that will be distributed to their constituents.

Duterte’s office said that the activity aims to respond to the growing need for face masks following the increase of the COVID-19 cases here in the city.

In a recent risk assessment posted in the official Facebook page of the City Government of Davao, these 33 barangays placed under “very high risk” and “high risk” classification for coronavirus.

Barangays placed under very high risk are 4-A, 16-B, 22-C, 25-C, and Leon Garcia, while barangays placed under high risk are 5-A, 19-B, 21-C, 23-C, 27-

C, 37-D, Bucana, Buhangin Proper, Cabantian, Maa, Matina Crossing, Pampanga, Panacan, Sasa, Talomo Proper, Toril Proper, 3-A, 7-A, 9-A, 10-A, 14-B, 15-B, 17-B, 24-C, 26-C, Agdao Proper, Gov. Paciano Bangoy, and Kapitan Tomas Monteverde.

Duterte earlier made it clear that the distribution of the masks does not intend to fuel panic among the public but only to respond to the needs of the concern residents.

The young congressman also reiterated the advice of the health professionals that the wearing of masks alone would not protect anybody from the virus unless they observe proper hygiene and health protocols including physical distancing.

“Likayi ang paghikap sa inyong nawong. Batasana ang paghugas ug kamot o pagbutang ug alkohol sa inyong mga kamot. Magmatngon ‘ta kanunay nga

FPULONG, P7

penalized with criminal case in relation to Republic Act No. 11332, otherwise known as the “Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act (RA 11332).

“As penalty, ina-apply namin yung EO in relation to Republic Act 11332. At criminal case ang ipa-file namin sa kanila,” he said.

The mayor said there is an urgent need to re-impose a 24-hour liquor ban in Davao City to prevent the exposure of individuals to the Covid-19 virus because of unbridled drinking sessions.

“Why Nov. 2 pa man?

Because we also consider the inventory sa mga negosyante para dili matang-

gong ilang mga kuwarta sa stocks na dili nila mabaligya,” the mayor said.

The re-imposition of the liquor ban also stemmed from the results of City Health Office (CHO) contact tracing of patients positive of Covid-19 showing their exposure during drinking sessions.

Mayor Sara also emphasized the necessity to reimpose the 24-hour liquor ban as another preventive step to control gatherings and stop the increasing number of cases because the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs) has reached their full occupancy of the Covid-19.

10th Infantry Agila Division Commander Major General Reuben Basiao PA talks to a former rebel after the opening program of the Tupad Pangako Program on October 28, 2020 at Barangay Kinuskusan in Bansalan, Davao Del Sur. The 21 former rebels is set to undergo a 13-week program with

arious surveys by independent polling agencies showing the high trust and approval ratings of President Rodrigo Duterte since he assumed office reflect his popularity among Filipinos.

In an October 27 listicle, UAE-based Gulf News enumerated the reasons why the Filipino chief executive is the “world’s most popular leader”.

Gulf News editors Jay Hilotin and Christian Borbon said despite pandemic woes when people are facing hunger due to Covid-19, “Filipinos have kept faith in President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, whose popularity has gone through the roof this year.”

Duterte scored a record 91-percent trust rating in a survey by Pulse Asia, among the Philippines’ most authoritative and independent polling firm, from September 14 to 20.

The Gulf News article said Duterte remains popular amid the global health crisis, saying his record approval rating is the highest so far, perhaps the highest for any leader in the world

as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating was 60 percent in July 2020, according to the Levada Center.

“It was the first major poll on Duterte conducted in the wake of the Covid-19 health and economic crisis. The results stunned his critics and analysts. For his supporters, it was an affirmation that Duterte is the only leader able to steer the country in these difficult times,” the authors wrote.

The Pulse Asia poll results also stumped his critics. And for Gulf News, this underlined Duterte’s “unshakable popularity”.

“It also reflects the resilience of a generation of leaders seen as populists, such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — who have maintained high levels of public support despite criticisms of their responses to the pandemic,” they said.

Gulf News, however, noted that the pandemic’s effect on Manila may have also been a factor since, in recent months, the country

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DCWD offices and collection centers closed on November 2

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avao City Water District Matina, Bajada, and Toril offices and SM Lanang Premier and Felcris Centrale collection centers are closed on November 2, 2020, declared as special non-working day in observance of All Souls’ Day. Regular operations will resume on November 3, 2020. Meanwhile, DCWD’s NCCC-VP Mall collection center remains closed until further notice.

The due date for water bill payment in Zone 6 and Zone 7 is moved to November 3, 2020.

The DCWD manage-

ment assures the general public that the operations of its technical departments and 24/7 call center will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer support service.

For any concerns related to DCWD’s services, customers may contact DCWD through the 235-3293 (DCWD), 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 09084410653 hotlines or DCWD’s website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) chat support. (Christine Grace P. Casimiro)

reorientations of the former rebels with deradicalization, boost program, and Enhanced Comprehensive Integration Program (E-Clip) at Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center. 10ID DIVISION PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

VOL.13 ISSUE 173 • SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

EO for price cap on Covid-19 tests awaits PRRD’s signature

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The City Government of Davao through City Health Officer Dr. Josephine J. Villafuerte accepts 16 units of ambulance donated by the Department of Health (DOH) headed by Undersecretary Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama Jr, at the

Public Safety And Security Command Center (PSSCC), Thursday morning.

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Davao, Cebu groomed as industrial hotspots of Vis-Min

By MAYA M. PADILLO etro Manila remains a prime destination for investments but Davao and Cebu are not far behind.

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The two urban centers outside Metro Manila are now being groomed as top industrial investment destinations.

In the recently concluded 4th PRIME Radar Webinar entitled “Industrial Market Opportunities in Visayas and Mindanao” organized by real estate consultancy firm PRIME Philippines, it presented how Cebu and Davao become industrial hotspots in VisMin. The webinar was attended by top leaders, stakeholders and key players in the industry.

PRIME Philippines presented that industrial is one of the rising sector in Davao City, which focuses on manufacturing while the rest are on agri-industrial. In terms of location, PRIME noticed that these industrial parks are outside Davao City but strategically established along Daang Maharlika highway where some of the ports are located.

Currently, ecozones operating in Davao Region include Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE) in Panabo City, Davao Oriental Eco Industrial Parks, Hijo Industrial Estates in Tagum City, and the Davao del Sur Economic Zone, which was proclaimed as the newest ecozone in the region in June this year.

In terms of locators, there are more which are engaged in food products and beverages. There are also manufacturers of rubber and plastic parts as well as wooden furniture.

“Davao has new ones such as the low-hanging fruit, which is really agri-business especially now that there is a drive going towards innovating the banana industry, which is the biggest agri-export of the country. The pineapple industry as well and the new commodities include durian for export.

In Davao, you still have the low-hanging fruit which is agri-business,” said John

Carlo B. Tria, president of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII).

Tria explained that as far as industrial development, Mindanao’s industry is closely tied to its agriculture and it is resource-based, which is minerals. He cited example the industrial hotspots in Northern Mindanao particularly in Cagayan de Oro area, which is the Phividec Industrial Estate and the Zamboanga Economic Zone and other industries in many areas that are serving the needs of the fish industry. He also mentioned General Santos City that has a special economic zone, which focuses mainly for the fish and seafood products.

In terms of opportunities, Tria said the 25 million Mindanao population is by itself a market for consumer goods.

“You also have what we called the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), North Sulawesi Indonesia will need a lot of good and so will the Borneo islands. I foresee these areas to blos-

som over sometime so, this I believe will be the future hotspots,” he said.

Tria is optimistic that locating in Mindanao will be a good decision especially for the mid-level manufacturing facilities or companies especially that costs in Mindanao is lower like the cost in property acquisition.

“The cost here is lower like the cost for property acquisition and they can benefit from that kind of capability plus they can also benefit from the recent programs of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) such as the innovation law.

Many of these mid-level manufacturing companies will benefit from this innovation program to lower their cost of production.

Overall when you have a factory in Mindanao your all over unit cost is at least I think will go down and that makes everybody competitive rather importing the balance. It might make sense of at least relocate a portion of your capacity anywhere in Mindanao,” Tria said.

PRIME Philippines also reported that there is

for online purchasing of senior citizens and PWDs. “Ito ay para masigurado na hindi maaabuso ang mga pribiliheyo para sa bulnerableng sektor ng lipunan (This is to make sure that the privileges enjoyed by the vulnerable sector will not be abused [overlooked]),” he added.

Under Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, senior citizens are entitled to a 20-percent discount and are exempted from the value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services from

all establishments.

Republic Act 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWD, meanwhile, provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in the mainstream of society by granting them at least a 20-percent discount and exemption from the VAT on the sale of certain goods and services identified.

This also applies to transportation, recreation centers, and medical services.

“Ito ay patunay na isi-

naalang-alang ng DSWD ang karapatan ng bulnerableng sektor ng lipunan at patuloy itong nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga opisina at iba pang mga implementing agencies para masiguro na maipapatupad ang iba pang batas na ito (This shows that DSWD looks over the welfare of the vulnerable sector of our community. We continue to engage with other offices and implementing agencies to make sure that these laws are being implemented),” he added.

(PNA)

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DSWD crafts policy for online purchase of seniors, PWDs

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he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Wednesday it will craft a measure to ensure that vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), are still able to avail of their discount privileges even in online transactions.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista, in a virtual briefing, said the agency has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to craft a policy that will check the rules

he proposed executive order that will impose a price cap for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) swab tests is awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte may sign the order after it is reviewed by the Office of the Executive Secretary and Department of Health (DOH).

“I cannot preempt the decision of the President.

But what I can assure you is, natapos na po iyong responsibilidad ng [technical working group] ng DOH, tapos na rin po ang paperwork sa Office of the Executive Secretary, at ngayon po ay nag-aantay na lang ng pirma ng ating Presidente (the TWG of the DOH has finished its responsibilities, the Office of the Executive Secretary has also finished its paperwork and now it is awaiting the President’s signature),” he said in a press briefing in Bohol.

Roque expressed optimism that the President will sign the EO that regulates the prices of Covid-19 tests.

“From all indications, mukha naman pong magkakaroon ng price cap (it looks like there will be a price cap),” he added.

Roque said some private laboratories charge expensive fees for Covid-19 tests when it would only cost about PHP1,500 to PHP2,000 if done by private-led Project Ark. He said making Covid-19 test “more affordable” would improve the government’s efforts to test, trace, treat more Filipinos.

“Sa ganoong paraan ay mas marami pong mati-testing dahil importante po iyan sa ating istratehiya dahil kung walang testing,

hindi natin alam kung sino ang ia-isolate at kung sino ang gagamutin (This way, more people will be tested because it is important for our strategy because if there’s no testing, we won’t know who to isolate and treat),” he said.

Last month, the DOH submitted to the Office of the President a recommendation for the issuance of an EO that imposes a ceiling on the prices of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR test).

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also appealed for a price cap on the RT-PCR and antigen tests to promote domestic tourism, which in turn can generate employment and stimulate economic recovery.

To date, hospitals and health facilities that provide low-priced RTPCR tests ranging from PHP1,750 to PHP2,000 are: Philippine Children Medical Center (2 PCR machines, 2 extractor machines); Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital (1 PCR machine, 2 extractor machines); Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (1 PCR machine, 2 extractor machines); Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Piñas (2 PCR machines, 2 extractor machines); National Kidney and Transplant Institute (1 extractor machine); Lung Center of the Philippines (2 extractor machines); Western Visayas Medical Center – Iloilo (1 PCR machine, 1 extractor machine); Vicente Sotto Memorial medical City – Cebu (1 extractor machine);

he Davao City government has received 16 ambulance units from the Department of Health (DoH) under its health facilities enhancement program.

City Health Officer Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said the new units, which costs P2.3 million each, will be deployed to the city government’s health centers and clustered barangays in the second and third districts for emergency use and transport of patients.

“This is going to be a great help to the people of the barangay since they don’t have to wait for an ambulance to go up to the periphery. Pwede na sila ang magdala sa ilang mga pasyente ug magrefer diri sa atong mga hospitals or to the nearest facility (they can bring their patients and refer to our hospitals or the nearest facility), because they already have an active disaster response team,” Villafuerte said.

DoH undersecretary Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama Jr. who led the handover of the vehicles, said that the DoH also donated ambulances to other areas for better ac-

cess to health care services.

He said a total of 33 ambulances were donated to the Davao Region.

In her message delivered via Zoom, Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte thanked DoH and emphasized the importance of the new ambulances in delivering medical assistance to more Dabawenyos.

“The present health emergency has highlighted the need for governments to provide the public with better access to health care services, and given the expansive land area of Davao City – with 182 barangays, these emergency vehicles will definitely enable our barangay officials and the personnel from the district health offices to reach more individuals in need of emergency medical services,” she said.

“More ambulances mean that we can provide healthcare assistance to more Dabawenyos. And with this enhancement in health service delivery, we can contribute to the Philippine health agenda of attaining better health outcomes for all Filipinos,” Mayor Sara added. CIO

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City receives 16 ambulance units from DOH

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4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 173 • SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1, 2020

On its move to intensify foot and mobile patrol in enforcing the 24-hour liquor ban: Ang marching order ni Mayor Sara is to strictly implement the 24hour liquor ban. Dumarami na kasi ang ating cases sa Covid-19 so kailangan maging istrikto tayo sa implementation ngayon.”

Colonel Kirby John Kraft DCPO chief

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VOL.13 ISSUE 173 • SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

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DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

THE PLIGHT OF MARITIME CADETS AS UTILITY BOYS The proliferation of cadets serving as utility boys is an issue that is widely known in the maritime industry but seldom addressed.

Although some maritime students are accepted as trainees, there are those that first function as utility boys or errand runners for a company before they would be given their vessel assignment.

Aside from doing office errands, there are cadets that also do janitorial or messengerial services while others are even instructed to do house chores as if they are “household helpers”. Some are given meager allowances while others do the tasks without decent compensation.

“How will the proposed Magna Carta on Filipino Seafarers help cadets not to be taken advantage of?”, a question raised by Christian Esteban of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) Bataan during the recent online public consultation on the pending law organized by the office of Senator Risa Hontiveros. He is also one of the winners of the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP).

Esteban noted that some

people romanticize the issue as if it is a test of character and attitude to overcome such trials.

“However, I think they forget to ask themselves, is it really justifiable for someone hired as a cadet, to be used in the office for such tasks? What is stopping the company in giving them their respective vessel assignment? Is the office really that short on manpower that they need their cadets to aid them in their daily lives?”, Esteban said.

The education of Filipino cadets is a combination of theoretical years and shipboard training.

Cadets will initially study in their school all the required theoretical knowledge for seamanship, navigation and engineering which will be followed by their shipboard training in a seagoing ship to study practical knowledge and skills for a minimum of 12 months.

They will then return to their school for the conferment of their BS degree on Marine Engineering or Marine Transportation (BSME/ BSMT).

During the 2019 Maritime Education and Training conference organized by the

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) , the agency presented the results of the 2018 MARINA study that shows the effectiveness of the 91 maritime schools nationwide The report noted that that only about 18 percent of enrollees ( from freshman year) manages to complete the full academic three years. Out of this 18 percent, however, an average of 15 percent only manages to obtain a BSMT/ BSME degree.

Out of the yearly over 20,000 cadets from the maritime schools eligible for shipboard training, it is estimated that only around 5,000 could be absorbed on board foreign and domestic ships.

This shortage of opportunities resulted to the proliferation of cadets working as “utility boys” wherein many are under a great deal of pressure to finish their apprenticeship within the prescribed period. The adage “kapit sa patalim” prompts them to agree to such arrangement.

With the hope that they would one day be able to board a vessel, there are utility boys whose service to their agency surpass the 12-month required apprenticeship pe-

riod, some without decent compensation.

Dr. Roderick Galam of Oxford Brookes University discussed in an article how manning agencies and utility boys/ men differentially rationalize this exploitative work.

Galam pointed out that manning agencies use it “as a technology of servitude that, through physical and verbal abuse and other techniques, enforces docility to prepare utility men for the harsher conditions on-board a ship” On the other hand, Galam noted that utility men use it as “a technology of imagination, gleaning from it a capacity to shape their future.”

“Faced with few social possibilities in the Philippines, they deploy servitude as a strategy for attaining economic mobility and male adulthood,” Galam said.

Maritime blogger Barista Uno of Marine-Café.Com described the proliferation of “utility boys” as an “ignominy” where the use of maritime cadets as unpaid labour by Philippine manning agencies must be seen as a clear case of exploitation.

He calls it “a form of modern-day slavery”.

Barista Uno pointed out that some try to dismiss the whole issue by saying it is the cadets’ choice to serve as utility boys.

He noted that there are industry players that try to rationalize the “serve-for-sail practice” by invoking the need to instill discipline in future ship officers which he described as “a cavalier attitude (that) shows a lack of concern and empathy.”

“This is yet another example of how seafarers have been commodified in the 21st century. Those who work at sea and cadets who aspire to become ship officers are like cans of Campbell’s Soup on a supermarket shelf,” Barista Uno said. “ The people who have power over them feel that they can use them however they like.”

Let’s stop turning a blind eye to the plight of the utility boys as what Barista Uno described as “a form of modern-day slavery”.

Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez. com or call 09175025808 or 09088665786

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

BUILDING A NEW PINOY GENERATION A totally new and culturally different Pinoy generation should be produced in the next decade if our country looks to survive (or live with) the advances of globalization.

A New World Order is already in the works if you have observed the ensuing developments in North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Latin America, Oceania and Down Under and Africa.

Many national leaders and political figures in these countries are coming out with favorable comments regarding the need to gather together all countries to collectively find a solution to world-wide poverty, hunger, diseases, natural calamities, religious conflicts and wars, etc.

I think – and I hope I am wrong – that contemporary leaders of this country were caught with their pants down when the WHO declared the CoVid 19 virus from Wuhan, China as a pandemic you cannot joke with.

At this time – after more than a century of getting our

freedom from Spain and after nearly 40 years of getting tutored on democracy by American colonizers, I still see the same regressive traditional patronage politics being fought and played in the corridors of both chambers of Congress which has grossly impeded the introduction of new and progressive ideas.

This present political scenario – if it continues unabated – will bring this nation populated by nearly 110 million Pinoys to ruins.

Producing a new pro-active generation of Filipinos will need massive reforms in our political structure and fundamental laws of the land.

I don’t think these reforms have to wait for another leader after Duterte to be accomplished.

Time is of the essence.

While the extremely popular Pres. Duterte enjoys a 91% approval and trust ratings from the people, he, who campaigned to change our form of government to federalism,

should NOW start the constitutional and peaceful process for change.

I believe that PRRD will get the people’s support should he announce a People’s Initiative to accomplish the constitutional reforms required to bring federalism to the fore.

The time frame is within the next two years leading to the expiration of his six-year no reelection presidential reign.

I believe the people will agree that exasperating legislative processes in both houses of Congress have greatly slowed down national progress which make it imperative for the Filipinos to agree to a unicameral parliament.

A unicameral legislature will do away with the prima donna attitude of the 24 senators who all assume they each have an independent empire that reserves them the right to run and become president.

The new generation of Filipinos – to be produced in the next decade (2030) – must be academically lettered, experts in practical economics and ag-

riculture, financially literate, trained in the art of statesmanship and politically proficient and honest. Not necessarily in this order.

I foresee more struggles and difficulties in the next several years.

I am not forecasting anything negative but if you are monitoring global developments as I do on a regular basis, you will agree that the contemporary scene around the world does not say the days following will have sunny weather.

(There is a war brewing in the Middle East, notwithstanding the recent peace pacts signed by Israel with UAE and Bahrain.)

While our Southeast Asian neighbors like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam have been moving forward socio-politically speaking, Filipinos are still having difficulties going through the periscope of many decades of disheartening and demoralizing experiences, including in the areas of social services, law and justice, labor

and employment, food security and economics.

We have a youth population that I believe should ideally be involved in the socio-political re-structuring.

Political power should cease remaining in the hands of long established political clans and dynasties. This is the major reason why rural development has not come about.

For this country to generate a sustainable rural development and benefit the indigenous groups and the grassroots who are poor and needy, the changing of the guards in the regional level becomes most imperative.

But I assure you, this cannot be achieved if the political power structure is not constitutionally reformed.

Thus Plato said: “Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.”

How sad. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

6 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 173 • SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1, 2020

City receives 16 ambulance units from DOH

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he Davao City government has received 16 ambulance units from the Department of Health (DoH) under its health facilities enhancement program.

City Health Officer Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said the new units, which costs P2.3 million each, will be deployed to the city government’s health centers and clustered barangays in the second and third districts for emergency use and transport of patients.

“This is going to be a great help to the people of the barangay since they don’t have to wait for an

ambulance to go up to the periphery. Pwede na sila ang magdala sa ilang mga pasyente ug magrefer diri sa atong mga hospitals or to the nearest facility (they can bring their patients and refer to our hospitals or the nearest facility), because they already have an active disaster response team,” Villafuerte said.

DoH undersecretary Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama Jr. who

led the handover of the vehicles, said that the DoH also donated ambulances to other areas for better access to health care services.

He said a total of 33 ambulances were donated to the Davao Region.

In her message delivered via Zoom, Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte thanked DoH and emphasized the importance of the new ambulances in delivering medical assistance to more Dabawenyos.

“The present health emergency has highlighted the need for governments to provide the public with better access to health care

services, and given the expansive land area of Davao City – with 182 barangays, these emergency vehicles will definitely enable our barangay officials and the personnel from the district health offices to reach more individuals in need of emergency medical services,” she said.

“More ambulances mean that we can provide healthcare assistance to more Dabawenyos. And with this enhancement in health service delivery, we can contribute to the Philippine health agenda of attaining better health outcomes for all Filipinos,” Mayor Sara added. CIO

GSIS to launch 2 mobile apps to let members access services online

S

tate pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will launch two mobile apps by the end of the month so that members can access their GSIS records and file their motor vehicle insurance claims using only their smartphones.

The two apps are dubbed "GSIS Touch" and "MV Claim," the Department of Finance said in a statement on Thursday.

“GSIS Touch,” will allow active government employees to view their member service profile and service record, keep track of their premium remittances and loan payments, and know the maturity of their life, retirement, dividend, refund and Edu-Child claims, preneed plans, and insurance policies.

It will also let retired

government employees view their monthly pension releases and loan payments.

"MV Claim" will let GSIS vehicle insurance policy-holders to submit/send photos of their motor accident and insurance claim documents through their smartphones.

GSIS will process the motor accident insurance claim without the vehicle owner having to file the claim personally.

The two apps are now available for download on both Android and iOS devices.

The pension fund told the DOF that they developed the two mobile apps so that their clients can continue to access GSIS services despite the travel restrictions and safety concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

has been at the regional epicenter of the health crisis, at one point posting a daily record of more than 6,700 new infections on August 10 and a 376,935 confirmed cases as of October 29.

While the Philippine economy is expected to contract by 7.3 percent this year, the projection also “did not make a dent in Duterte’s approval ratings, which by some measures,

is currently the highest worldwide”.

The UAE-based daily added that Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program also contributed to his popularity since the program was seen as an “antidote to years of neglect of infrastructure”.

Duterte was inaugurated in 2016, with his term as the Philippine president set to conclude in June 2022.

(PNA)

tanan natong lihok mabutang sa peligro tungod sa COVID-19,” Duterte said.

Duterte also advised Dabawenyos that aside from practicing proper hygiene, residents should

also ensure that their environment remains clean.

“Sa disiplina ug pagpakabana, ma-ampingan nato ang atong mga kaugalingon para sa atong pamilya,” Duterte said. Maya Padillo

a growth of warehousing sector in Davao Region.

Meanwhile, industrial remains a resilient sector in Metro Cebu with major ecozones concentrated in Lapu-Lapu that include Naga Valley Industry, which caters to light and medium industries; and Cebu Industrial Parks that caters mostly to medium and heavy industry. It is also one of the sectors that is moving forward amid the pandemic in terms of growth rates.

In terms of ecozone locators by enterprise, over 80 percent of locators focus

on exports, of these items mostly are electronics, automobile parts and ship parts, which are currently driving the economy of Cebu.

In terms of industrial performance, PRIME noted the industrial lots selling prices range from P10,000 per square meter to around P20,000 sqms in Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Cebu City. In terms of property acquisition, the current rates of warehouses are more or less stable and there is minimal negotiation.

University of Cebu Medical Center – Cebu (1 extractor machine); Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center – Tacloban, Leyte (1 extractor machine); Baguio General Hospital (1 PCR machine); Zamboanga City Medical Center (1 PCR machine); Paul’s Hospital – Tacloban, Leyte (1 extractor machine); Teresita Jalandoni Provincial General Hospital – Negros Occidental (1 PCR machine); and Cebu Molecular Laboratory (1 PCR machine).

Currently, the prices of

RT-PCR testing vary in each facility.

Roque, meanwhile, warned Filipinos against purchasing supposed Covid-19 vaccines that are not registered under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines.

“Bawal po iyan. Mayroon pong ipinapataw na parusa sa kahit sinong magbebenta ng gamot o bakuna na hindi po aprubado ng FDA. Mayroon pong kulong iyan, itigil ninyo po iyan (That’s illegal. There will be penalties imposed on whoever would sell medicine or vaccines not approved by the FDA),” he said. (PNA)

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Champions of change: Colgate’s #SmileStrong campaign calls for optimists to take action

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n the face of natural disasters, violent conflict, poverty, and a number of deep-seated societal issues, the common Filipino’s “resilience” has constantly been held up as a shining character trait. However, a growing number of people are seeing “The Filipino Resilience” as a glorified coping mechanism, seemingly resigned to just powering through adversities with a mindset to live just to survive each day.

Optimism in Action: Giving people a reason to smile about the future Colgate aims to reinstate the optimistic spirit behind Filipino smiles, but in such a way that galvanizes them into progressive action. Optimism in Action means people making an effort to enact positive change, tackling challenges and issues head on with a strong smile, fully believing in the bright future they aim to create.

Everyday many people are putting their optimism in action, mostly flying under the social media radar until now: Colgate’s #SmileStrong campaign highlights and celebrates the remarkable efforts and achievements of such people, while encourag-

ing the optimist in everyone to take action with a bright smile and win the hearts of others in the process. #SmileStrong spotlights three exceptional individuals, or Muses, whose Optimism in Action sparked positive change among their respective communities and social spheres. Arizza Nocum, Candy Pangilinan and Brina Maxino share the same bright smile, born out of their own individual hardships and the strength they mustered to achieve what convention told them they couldn’t.

Muses of positive change Arizza Nocum is a peace advocate, leader, and entrepreneur who co-founded KRIS, a non-profit organization promoting peace through education. Operating as libraries/educational centers for disadvantaged youth in conflict-ridden areas, KRIS is the manifestation of Arizza’s hopeful vision that people of different faiths can better understand each other through shared learning.

Actress Candy Pangilinan is a single mom to 16year old Quentin, who has ADHD. Candy admits to her

difficult experience in raising a child with special needs, but finds that experience as rewarding as any other parent would. She wrote a book, “Mommy Dear: Our Special Love”, which details her journey on overcoming her fears and dealing with her son’s condition, and continues to challenge the stigma of being a single parent using whatever platform she can.

Brina Maxino has Down Syndrome, yet went above and beyond what was expected of her, she is now an Assistant Teacher at PEAN Integrated School and Special Olympics Global Youth Ambassador for Asia-Pacific.

Brina credits her bright and positive attitude to her parents, who fully believed in her abilities and shaped her convictions that her disability was not a barrier to living a normal life.

Enacting #SmileStrong initiatives through media events and activities Colgate champions these three muses who smile through uphill battles, who challenge the status quo with a positive outlook and shape the future with their confidence.

Colgate’s #SmileStrong

campaign seeks to demonstrate the inspirational power of these remarkable individuals through a series of short videos. These videos highlight how each muse’s optimism can be transformative, their smiles powered by the belief and the drive to effect meaningful change.

“While a lot of Filipinos may just smile their troubles away, there are those who silently do what they can, with the circumstances they are dealt with, to make their lives, and lives of other people better. And they do all of these with a smile!” says Ari Mandelbaum, Marketing Director of Colgate- Palmolive Philippines. ”[The muses] live the spirit of Optimism in Action every day, each with their own unique stories and struggles, but manage to rise above their challenges to serve as inspiration to society in their own ways.”

Join Colgate in realizing our inner optimist’s potential for constructive change, so we can all #SmileStrong and share in the joy of those victories, big or small.

To know more about this campaign and our muses, you may check out: https:// www.facebook.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 173 • SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1, 2020

7

NEW ADJUSTMENTS

Arcadia Fitness changes rules to adhere to new 5-man limit

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

N

ew rules, new gym regulations.

With the re-imposition of government regulations on coronavirus-related measures, Davao City’s fitness gym facilities re forced to adopt to a stringent 5-man limit per gym hour regardless of the floor area size.

Arcadia Fitness Gym, one of the city’s premier fitness hubs, announced it is imposing a new gym schedule beginning Wednesday, October 28.

In its social media page, Arcadia announced: “In accordance to Executive Order No. 57 Series of 2020, Section 10, Arcadia Fitness Gym shall impose a new gym schedule to be implemented effective this October 28, 2020.”

The revised rules include gym visits ‘by-appointment basis’ only;

maximum of 5members per session are allowed for both pool and gym access; at no time can face masks be taken off while inside the gym; booking for sessions must be done on a daily basis; cancellation of booking must be done 3 hours prior to gym session; no entry unless the schedule confirmation is received.

“Members are advised to book their schedules accordingly. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Together, let’s stay active and stay safe,” the

announcement read.

Gym users may contact the administration for more information through (0917) 146 4304 or (0923) 104 2585.

Meantime, Arcadia Fitness Gym has introduced Kinesis Personal Vision to its members and gym users.

The new training method allows one to rediscover and improve strength, coordination, flexibility, posture control and breathing control.

One can exercise both single muscles and entire muscle chains for a complete and effective functional workout including abdominals, glut exercises, and many more.

Arcadia’s new gym schedules are as follows: Mondays-Fridays 8:30am6:30pm for 10 hourly sessions per day and Saturdays 7am-3pm for 8 hourly sessions.

It employs 1,800 people and has offices in Seattle and Dublin, Ireland.

In 2020, it raised more than USD25 million for cancer research by partnering with the Jazz.

Smith did not imprint the Qualtrics logo on Jazz jerseys but put a "5 For The Fight" patch on kits to ask for USD5 donations in the fight against the disease.

The Miller family has owned the Jazz for 35 years and the team won two Western Conference titles, 1997 and 1998, but does not have

an NBA championship.

The Jazz plays at home in the 20,000-seat Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ex-Rockets manager in talks with 76ers Wojnarowski said separately that former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is set to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers as head of the Eastern Conference team's basketball operations.

Morey, 48, served in the Rockets organization from 2007 to 2020. (Anadolu)

NBA’s Utah Jazz to be sold for more than $1.6-B

T

he Utah Jazz will be sold for nearly USD2 billion, a senior NBA insider said Wednesday.

"The Miller family has entered into an agreement to sell the Utah Jazz and Vivint Arena to Qualtrics founder Ryan Smith for more than USD1.6 billion, sources told ESPN," Adrian Wojnarowski said on the ESPN website.

Forbes magazine said Qualtrics is a Utah-based experience management company founded by Smith in 2002.

A gym member works out at the Arcadia Fitness Gym. (Photo by Arcadia)

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

DODGERS WIN 2020 WORLD SERIES The Dodgers’ champions brand has almost been buried in oblivion since 1988 when they were sweeping the baseball world with Orel-mania after copping the World Series finals.

Last Tuesday (Wednesday in here), Los Angeles heroically clipped Tambay Bay, 3-1 in a come-from-behind fashion in Game 6 to clinch the WS title, 4-2 of the best of seven series.

The Rays were leading 1-0 in the sixth and the Dodgers were batting.

TB manager Kevin Cash took out ace hurler Blake Snell in what was described later on as a “grievous” mistake by many baseball fans and analysts.

By that time, Snell had struck out six of the seven last batters but had a lone hit to load the base.

After six pitches, the tide had turned around as the Dodgers equalized on a wild pitch and a double for a 2-1 LA lead.

And then, to rub salt on the wound, Mookie Betts belted a homerun in the 8th that dampened and eventually prevented the Rays from recovering their composure for the final score.

Oh, mind you, the championship duels were played before fanatical crowds that had observed CoVid 19 standard health protocols.

(Incidentally, in one of Los Angeles’ regular games, I had the

good luck and the rare opportunity of watching in person Orel Hershiser, the Dodgers top pitcher, do his thing in the mound in the aforesaid year.)

Under the two-decades old stewardship of Thomas Charles Lasorda – former pitcher, coach and a 1997 Hall of Famer – the Dodgers were always in the thick of things in Major League Baseball.

We don’t know and I don’t have any inkling whether or when professional baseball could be instituted in our country.

If I am correct, baseball – not golf nor basketball - was the very first sport introduced to us by the Americans when they colonized

the Philippines in the early 1900s.

Filipinos are excellent athletes with nimble bodies and physical attributes that are fit for baseball.

The Davao region has always been the spawning ground of future baseball luminaries and have produced top athletes who are then enlisted in the national team.

If I recall correctly, Davao City has always had a team contending in local baseball tournaments in the not so recent past with the core from the University of Mindanao ably representing the region.

Outside of basketball, baseball is a team sport that attracts those in the grassroots level who

lived in the barrios, specifically children of farmers who use the vacant rice fields after the harvest season as crude baseball (and softball) diamonds.

During my elementary years we enjoyed and loved throwing practice pitches during our PE and even on recess to break the monotony.

I hope Dep-Ed in collaboration with our sports leaders have a long term plan for baseball promotion and development that could eventually pave the way and start the institution of a professional baseball league in the Philippines. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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VOL.13 VOL.13ISSUE ISSUE173 173• SATURDAY-SUNDAY, • SATURDAY-SUNDAY,OCTOBER OCTOBER31-NOVEMBER 31-NOVEMBER1,1,2020 2020

LANDBANK helps island town in Bohol accelerate local development

P

RESIDENT CARLOS P. GARCIA, Bohol – Before becoming an emerging municipality, Boholanos often describe this island town as a gloomy ghost town with houses lit only by makeshift gas lamps, and fishers sailing the dark sea as the only traces of human activity at night.

As the only town separated from mainland Bohol, commerce in the municipality was not feasible. Residents relied only on artisanal fishing, farming and mat weaving for daily subsistence.

The movement of people and commodities to and from the locality used to be risky, challenging and expensive as the only available means of sea transportation was through small outrigger pump boats.

When the proposal of connecting the municipality to the mainland through a bridge proved to be impractical and too costly, the municipal government opted to acquire a Landing Craft Transport sea vessel to serve as a moving bridge.

With a P55-million term loan from Land Bank of the

Philippines (LANDBANK) in 2018, the municipality acquired Isla de Pitogo which can accommodate up to nine big passenger buses.

On February 4, 2019, the vessel began commercial operations, and provided passengers with a safe, comfortable and affordable transportation.

It also opened up the municipality to commerce and tourism, as consumer items and other goods started to pour in, including construction materials for the town’s infrastructure projects.

“The landing craft sea vessel was a game changer. It became our first step to development. The vessel connected us to the rest of Bohol, and helped open up our municipality to progress and development,” said

Land Craft Transport (LCT) sea vessel “Isla de Pitogo,” which was acquired by the Municipality of President Carlos P. Garcia through a term loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), now efficiently connects

Municipal Mayor Fernando B. Estavilla.

Local fishers and farmers of rice, corn, coconuts, root crops, fruits and vegetables also benefitted with the inter-island vessel in transporting their catch and produce to as far as Tagbilaran City.

The operations of sea vessel also provided jobs to at least 35 residents who man the port in Barangay Popoo, and onboard the vessel.

Establishments ca-

tering to the growing trade and commerce in the area also generated additional employment.

One of LANDBANK’s main objectives is to support Local Government Units (LGUs) nationwide.

As of September 30, 2020, LANDBANK has extended loans to LGUs amounting to P51.38 billion. A significant portion of this, or P17.25 billion, represents loans used to finance the agri-aqua projects of

the island-municipality to mainland Bohol, improving mobility and movement of commodities to and from the locality

LGUs, including farmto-market roads, slaughter house, and irrigation.

Just recently, LANDBANK launched the RISE UP LGUs (Restoration and Invigoration package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards UPgrowth for LGUs) Lending Program to help LGUs recover post COVID-19. With a program fund allocation of P20 billion, the Bank targets to finance the recovery and rehabilitation

projects of provincial, city and municipal LGUs toward stronger and more resilient communities.

For more information about LANDBANK’s Lending Programs, interested borrowers may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10405-7000.