Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 180 | Tuesday, November 10, 2020

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Travellers without DQR will be denied entry: TF Davao STORY ON PAGE 2

SM City Davao lights up its grand Christmas tree and installations on Sunday to officially kick off the Holiday seasons and to bring merriment closer to the Dabawenyos. Photo courtesy of SM City Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

NO QUESTIONS ASKED President Rodrigo Duterte extends his warm congratulations to Joseph Biden on his election as the 46th President of the United States of America. Presidential Photo

Travellers without DQR will be denied entry: TF Davao

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ask Force Davao (TF Davao) announced that travellers without DQR will be immediately denied entry in Davao City which is set to fully enforce the law on November 23, 2020 with the exception of emergency cases.

TF Davao commander Colonel Consolito Yecla urged travellers to comply with the DQR requirement to avoid the hassles when entering the city as TF

Davao will refuse travellers without DQR straight away to avoid traffic congestion at the checkpoints.

Yecla said the city government issued three sets

of computer desktops with printer and 34 cellular phones to be used for scanning at the checkpoints in Lasang, Sirawan, Lacson, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), Sta. Ana Wharf, Sasa Wharf, Davao-Samal Port, and TFD headquarters.

TF Davao will also establish a system for immediate U-turn of ‘refused’ vehicles.

TF Davao, along with

GenSan extends MGCQ status until year-end

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he city government has extended until year-end the ban on non-essential travels and other movement restrictions for residents and local travelers as it continues to grapple with the increasing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) local transmission.

In an executive order (EO) released over the weekend, Mayor Ronnel Rivera sustained the implementation of the prevailing modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) until Dec. 31, the longest quarantine period declared in the area since March.

He said the move was based on the recommendation of the City Inter-Agency Task Force (CIATF) for the Management of Emerging

and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases and the 26 barangay chairs.

The mayor said the strict implementation of the prohibition on non-essential travels to and from the city will continue during the period.

He said all residents are advised to stay inside their respective homes, except for front-liners and essential workers.

“This is to continue the efforts to break the chain of infection to people and limit or contain the spread of the dreaded virus to the city’s constituents,” Rivera told reporters on Monday.

He said the use of the electronic quarantine pass will remain in effect and “as much as possible,” only one person per household

should go out to buy food, medicine, and other items “necessary for survival.”

Under EO No. 52, the other continuing restrictions are the “no movement” every Sunday except for those attending religious activities, curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., and the suspension of face-toface classes at all levels.

The border restriction against non-essential travel will remain in effect, except for persons securing essential supplies and services; reporting for work and attending religious and business-related transactions and activities; those into food and services-related deliveries; and emergency situations.

Point-to-point public

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the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), barangay officials and personnel in complete official uniform, other law enforcement personnel supporting the TF Davao, is tasked to conduct random scanning of individuals during the mandatory enforcement of DQR. In preparation for the Safe Davao QR, 27 designated operators of TF Davao underwent orientation on how to activate and scan DQR of individu-

als. The training was facilitated by the city’s Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) through video teleconference on November 3, 2020 at the headquarters of TF Davao.

“DQR inspection is just among the many tasks that TF Davao personnel has to perform,” Yecla said.

Stringent security inspections and support to anti-illegal drug operations will still be performed by TF personnel after scan-

Task Force Davao commander Colonel Consolito Yecla, commander urges travelers to comply with the DQR requirement to avoid the hassle when entering

ning the individual’s DQR. Safe DQR is an electronic contact tracing and travel pass system created by the city government of Davao intended to fast track tracing for individuals who travels in Davao City.

The DQR is not exclusive to Davao City residents. Non-residents who do business here or have essential travel purposes in the city are also required to get a DQR.

Davao City as TF Davao will immediately deny travelers without DQR to avoid traffic congestion at city's entry points. Edge Davao

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

Davao biz leaders upbeat over Biden presidency

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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usiness thinktanks in Davao City are expecting stronger trade and export sectors between the Philippines and United States after Joseph Biden Jr. was elected 46th US president last Saturday.

The U.S Embassy in the Philippines reported that the United States is among the Philippines’ top trading partners, and it traditionally has been the Philippines’ largest foreign investor. Two-way goods and services trade between the United States and the Philippines totaled to $24 billion in 2013 (latest available data. Data source here and below: US Census Bureau).

It also reported that the Philippines was the United States’ 33rd largest merchandise export market in 2014 and its 34th largest

supplier. Goods exports to the Philippines totaled $8.5 billion in 2013; goods imports totaled $10.2 billion. Trade in services with the Philippines (exports and imports) totaled $6.3 billion in 2013 (latest data available). U.S. exports of agricultural products to the Philippines totaled $2.7 billion, the 9th largest U.S. agricultural export market. U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Philippines was $4.4 billion in 2013 (latest data available).

Former Mindanao Business Council (MBC) chair

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) regional governor Arturo Milan

Former Mindanao Business Council (MBC) chair Joji Ilagan-Bian

Sinas is new PNP chief

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Police Major General Debold Sinas as the next chief of the Philippine National Police, Malacañang said Monday.

Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque made the announcement a day before the retirement of outgoing PNP chief Police General Camilo Cascolan.

Sinas is currently the chief of the National Capital Region Police Office.

Sinas became controversial over the mañanita held on May 8 to mark his birthday, which allegedly violated the ban on mass gatherings and the social distancing rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the contro-

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It has yet to decide whether to permit caroling, said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

"May lumabas po na isang study over this past week nakalagay po doon na 'yun pong pagkanta nang malalakas, it is the topmost

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DOH urges public to avoid caroling due to Covid-19 he health department on Monday warned the public against caroling as loud singing increases the risk of coronavirus transmission.

The agency earlier released guidelines on holiday celebrations and urged limited face-to-face activities.

Joji Ilagan-Bian said the Biden presidency may be good for the Philippines’ export sector as this may lead to increased trade volume since the Philippine is one of the largest trading partner of US .

“We can also expect an increase in international aid which we at Mindanao can benefit from. We know that in the past our region has been a beneficiary of these international aids which led to better infrastructure and increased investments,” Bian said.

Bian also does not see a significant change in the relationship between Philippines and the US, considering the Philippines is the one of the US’ oldest trading partners in Asia.

“We have always been a strong and close ally of US and I am confident that a change in US presidency

FDOH, P10

will not affect our very stable relationship,” she said.

Arturo Milan, regional governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), is also optimistic that that the election of Biden as new US President will not change the country’s relationship with US including trade because of the strategic location of the Philippines in the Asia Pacific Region.

On his end, Antonio Peralta, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Business Council (ECCP-SMBC), is hopeful that the emergence of a new leadership in the United States can stem the tide of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has now reached over 100,000 infections a day (cumulative total of over 10 million) with casu-

alties hitting over 240,000 since March this year.

“I think that Biden’s election will be good for the United States and the world in general. He has already stated about reverting to the commitments that the United States has made to the Paris Agreements on Climate Change, a stronger and focused approach towards addressing the current pandemic situation in the US, a return to their membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) and yes to resume playing a more active role in the Global Community as seen from the response of the world leaders on his election,” he said.

Peralta also said that the renewal of the participation of the United States in world affairs augurs well in maintaining a balance of power between China and

European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Business Council (ECCP-SMBC) chairman Antonio Peralta

Russia and the world as a whole.

“Economically, this can translate to a more unified approach to hastening economic growth amidst the damage brought about by the pandemic,” he said.

Honorary Consul of New Zealand in Mindanao Vicente Lao, who is also chair of the Mindanao Business Council, welcomed the Biden administration as a good sign for the international community.

“Because there will be lessening of political and economic tensions between the US and China and the rest of the world,” he said.

It can be recalled that tensions between the United States and China are flaring over the coronavirus, which the Trump administration accuses China of failing to control.

Honorary Consul of New Zealand in Mindanao Vicente Lao

Bulk of vaccines vs. Covid-19 to arrive end of 2021, early 2022, Galvez says

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he bulk of vaccines against COVID-19 will be available by end of 2021 to early 2022, vaccine czar and National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday.

Galvez said the planning and preparation for the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination can take at least six months, and that supply is a challenge since rich countries have secured access to most vaccines in advance.

“Ang best case po natin, Mayo o Hulyo [2021], ay may available na vaccine na po [tayo] thru COVAX and bilateral arrangement natin,” Galvez said in an online briefing.

“But realistically speaking, baka po end of

the year [2021] or 2022 darating ang main bulk ng vaccine…iyan po ang nakikita natin kasi meron po tayong kakulangan sa suppy kasi iyong mayayamang countries, kinuha na po ang majority ng production,” Galvez added.

The COVAX vaccine facility—a global collaboration of manufacturers and experts which seeks to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and va c c i n e s — e s t i m a te s that the vaccine against COVID1- would cost at least $21 for two doses to be given with a 28-day interval.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s term expires on June 30, 2022.

The national elections, on the other hand, is scheduled on May 9, 2022.

The period for the filing of candidacy for the candidates for 2022 polls is scheduled on October 2021.

Only Chinese vaccine Sinovac has been cleared by the country’s vaccine experts panel (VEP) under the country’s Department of Science and Technology so far.

Sinovac or any other potential vaccine, for that matter, would also need approval from the Ethics Board and the Food and Drug Administration before it can be cleared for clinical trial or entry to the market if the vaccine is already done with its clinical trial phase.

Duterte said the COVID-19 vaccination program will prioritize vulnerable sectors, including the health workers.

Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire earlier said that vaccine supply is just the tip of the iceberg of challenges in implementing the COVID-19 immunization program on top of securing confidence of the populace, having enough cold storage for the vaccine, reaching far-flung areas, among others.

The Philippines has recorded 396,395 COVID-19 cases so far.

Of this number, 361,638 recovered while 7,539 died.

The number of active COVID-19 cases is at 27,218.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

Poor electricity remains a challenge to manufacturing sector in Region 11

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ower outages remain a serious problem to manufacturing facilities in the Davao Region as the damage caused even by a momentary interruption of electricity can be devastating.

Thus said Gilbert Mamac, plant supervisor at the Davao Packaging Corporation (DAPACOR) in Barangay Antonio O. Foirendo, Panabo City in Davao del Norte, in response to online questions on the Mindanao’s power development and regional economies.

DAPACOR is a leading producer of quality packaging products such as corrugated boxes, plastic films and sheets, synthetic twines and ropes, and sticker labels. It relies heavily on stable power supply for its business to operate at optimum levels.

The company’s products, widely known to be superior in value and performance, are manufactured using state-of-theart machinery.

“We are very dependent on electricity. Pero usahay maka-experience mi ug power interruptions ug dako kaayo ang epekto ana kay dili kadagan ang among makina kung walay electricity. Ang among emergency generators gamay lang kay sa among present load (Sometimes we experience power interruptions that affect the operations as machines will not run without electricity, and our emergency generators are not enough to serve our present load of production),” says Mamac.

For industrial firms like DAPACOR, a 10-second outage can mean much more than a momentary lapse in production as it can seriously delay the provision and delivery of products to its

roster of local and international clients.

Blackouts have been a recurring problem in the Davao Region and even in other areas in Mindanao.

These are attributed to various factors including poor performances of distribution utilities.

The Department of Energy (DOE) assessed that aggravating the irregular power situation in some parts of Mindanao is the non-compliance of some electric cooperatives to “nomination, dispatch and curtailment protocols.”

DOE assessed there are distribution utilities and electric cooperatives that do not contract enough power supply for their actual needs and have thus been overdrawing power, causing problems in grid management.

In 2015, the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) monitored that rotation brownouts for each Distribution Utilities and Electric Cooperatives in Mindanao are averaging at one to four

hours per feeder.

MPMC was created by government “to spearhead and coordinate the efforts of the national, regional and local governments, and power industry stakeholders to improve the power situation in Mindanao,” according to public documents.

MPMC has reported that the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative has been implementing one of the longest rotational brownouts at a maximum of nine hours per feeder, an average of seven hours, and a minimum of five hours.

The Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative, meanwhile, is reported to be implementing a five hour brownout per substation while the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative has a five-hour brownout per feeder.

Surigao del Norte (SURNECO) is also said to be implementing a 4.5 hour brownout per feeder in their franchise area, according to the MPMC.

Virus-hit Japanese firms turning to early retirement to cut costs

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he number of Japanese companies introducing early retirement programs in the first 10 months of the year was more than double the level of the whole of the previous year amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey by a research firm.

A rapid drop in demand is pressing executives to quickly cut costs through reducing personnel, Tokyo Shoko Research said.

Early retirement was offered by 72 listed companies to a total of around 14,000 employees as of Oct. 29, topping 35 companies and about 11,350 employees in the previous year, the credit research agency said.

The figures compared with 85 companies and around 12,200 employees in 2010.

"Some companies lowered the eligible age to the 30s or even to the 20s (from the typical age of around 45 or older), as they urgently need to scale back their workforces in response to rapidly worsening earnings," the agency said.

The government has taken measures to support companies reeling from the pandemic, offering subsidies to help such firms pay leave allowances until the end of the year.

Even if the subsidies

are extended beyond their scheduled expiration at year-end, companies will remain concerned about the future end of the scheme and a large number of companies are expected to rely on early retirement in 2021, the research firm said.

The combined net profit of companies on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's First Section in the first half ended Sept. 30 dropped 43.6 percent from a year earlier, based on the results of 484, or 33.1 percent, of the listed companies, SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. said earlier.

Stay-at-home requests in Japan took a heavy toll on the restaurant and textile sectors in particular, as consumers became cautious about going shopping and eating out.

Of the 72 companies, 12, or roughly 17 percent, were businesses in the two sectors, according to Tokyo Shoko Research.

Among the 14,000 job cuts sought through early retirement, Hitachi Metals Ltd., a maker of auto, infrastructure and electronic parts, has set the most ambitious job reduction goal of 1,030, followed by rental apartment operator Leopalace21 Corp. at 1,000 and Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings Inc. at 900.

Diesel prices seen to go up, gasoline down this week

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ump prices of petroleum products are expected to have mixed movements in the coming week, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said.

In its fuel price forecast for the November 10 to 16 trading week, Unioil said the price per liter of diesel is seen to increase

by P0.20.

The price of gasoline, meanwhile, may go down

by P0.20 per liter.

Fuel companies usually implement price adjustments every Tuesday.

Data from the Department of Energy showed gasoline prices range between P35.40 and P52.45 per liter, while diesel prices range from P26.80 to P35.15 per liter.

Year-to-date adjustments stand at a net decrease of P5.47 per liter for gasoline and P11.11 per liter for diesel.

Bitcoin’s rise sparks new debate amid pandemic

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Pump prices of petroleum products are expected to have mixed movements this week as price of diesel is seen to increase by P0.20 per liter while price of gasoline may go down by P0.20 per liter. Edge Davao

itcoin’s rally above $15,000 has reignited debate over whether the cryptocurrency is so-called digital gold or a perilously risky bet as investors grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

The world’s most popular virtual unit has gained over 30 percent in value in almost three weeks up to Friday, taking it close to its December 2017 peak when it reached nearly $20,000.

After a rollercoaster ride on markets since then, it began its latest meteoric rise on October 21, after US online payments provider PayPal announced that it would enable account holders to use cryptocurrency.

“It is the validation of a market which was still relatively uncertain a few years ago,” said Si-

mon Polrot, president of Paris-based crypto-assets association ADAN. Bitcoin was created in 2008 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, and marketed as an alternative to traditional currencies.

Unregulated by any central bank, it was sold as an attractive option for investors with an appetite for the exotic -- although criminals have also seen its under-the-radar appeal.

However, after bitcoin surpassed $1,000 for the first time in 2013, it has increasingly attracted the attention of financial institutions.

The more recent arrival of big players in the virtual market, such as PayPal and Mastercard, are “very important signals” solidifying that trend, according to Polrot.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

ECONOMY 5

Moody’s Analytics expects -6% GDP for PH Q3 2020

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oody’s Analytics forecasts a -6 percent output for the Philippine economy for the third quarter of 2020, an improvement from the -16.5 percent print it registered in the previous quarter.

In its Asia Pacific Economic Preview for the week covering November 9-13, released Monday, the economic research subsidiary of Moody’s Corporation said the increase of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the third quarter this year resulted in “necessitating the extension of conditional restrictions.”

“The surge in domestic cases is expected to have dampened the revival in domestic demand, giving rise to another quarter of contraction,” the report read.

The government re-implemented for 15 days the modified enhanced community quarantine, second strictest movement restriction,

starting Aug. 4 in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Laguna, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan to help address the rising Covid-19 infections.

As of July, economic managers forecast a 5.5 percent economic contraction, as measured by gross domestic product, this 2020.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez IIII earlier said the re-implementation of the MECQ last August may further hurt the economy hence, he forecasts full-year GDP to be around -6 percent this year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority is scheduled to report the third quarter output on Nov. 10.

Authorities and economists alike forecast better figures for the third quarter after citing the improvements of several gauges like exports due primarily to the continued re-opening of the economy. (PNA)

he SM Prime Holdings is opening its first shopping mall in the region on November 27 in this city amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Arnel Manahan, SM public relations officer, said Saturday that the SM Prime Holdings’ 76th Supermall--the seventh in Mindanao--is located in a 13,078 square meter site along La Purisima Street and Campaner Street in Barangay Zone III, this city.

“The long wait is over! SM Supermalls is transforming Zamboanga City’s retail landscape as SM City Mindpro, the first SM shopping mall in Western Mindanao will open its doors to shoppers on November 27,” Manahan said.

Manahan said that with the health pandemic in place, they would follow strict health standards using advanced, touch-free technology creating a seamless shop-

ping experience for all.

He said they will use Trace Together - an end-to-end contact tracing solution to fight the spread of Covid-19, making SM City Mindpro a haven of safe and innovative community space that enforces high-standard hygiene check.

“Mall-goers will be required to participate in Trace Together wherein they must scan the QR code at the mall entrances using their mobile device and declare information like name, city address, mobile number, and health condition status. After complying with the required information, they are now welcome to shop and dine anywhere,” he said.

He said that the SM City Mindpro would have six semi-automated parking systems with 481 car slots, 12 Person With Disability (PWD) slots, 53 motorcycle slots, bike racks as well as tourist transport terminals.

(PNA)

SM to open Zambo City mall Nov. 27

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PDIC pays PhP33.3-M in deposit insurance for 2 rural banks

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he Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) paid a total of PhP33.3 million in deposit insurance as of end September 2020 for depositors of two rural banks ordered closed early this year.

Providence Rural Bank based in Camalaniugan, Cagayan and Rural Bank of Tibiao based in Tibiao, Antique, were ordered closed on February 27, 2020 and March 5, 2020, respectively.

Total payments made to depositors of Providence Rural Bank amounted to PhP16.4 million for 1,901 claims, representing 82% of the bank’s 2,322 total insured deposit accounts.

Meanwhile, payments made to depositors of Ru-

ral Bank of Tibiao amounted to PhP16.9 million involving 831 claims, or 84% of the bank’s total insured deposit accounts at 984.

Due to the community quarantines imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the PDIC did not conduct onsite payout operations for these banks.

Mindful that claims needed to be paid promptly, despite and especially during, the pandemic, the PDIC opened various convenient ways to receive claims from depositors. These included the filing of claims through e-mail, postal mail or courier service. While personal filing at the PDIC Public Assistance Center in Makati City was also an option, this

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Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol says the agency is pushing the production of hass avocado, in the deforested highlands of Mindanao, with the crop’s huge potential in the Chinese market. Edge Davao

MinDA pushes hass avocado production T environment by encouraging them to plant fruit trees,” Piñol, Duterte’s first Agriculture Secretary from 2016 to 2018, said in a statement on Thursday.

Piñol recently led a team that inspected four hass avocado seedlings planted two years ago at an elevation of about 1,450 meters above sea level in Talakag, Bukidnon, which is part of the crop experimentation of Dolefil in cool and high-elevated areas in Mindanao.

Except for one that is shaded, the three others were fruiting profusely at just over two years old, even with very little care and fertilization, and had

been bearing fruits all year round, Piñol said.

Hass is the most popular Avocado variety mainly because of its taste and long shelf life, making it a potential major dollar earner for Mindanao, Piñol said.

Dolefil, which has been growing hass avocado in the provinces of South Cotabato and Bukidnon and in Davao City since 2006, was issued export clearance by the General Administration of Customs of China in November 2019.

Last March, the firm sent its first shipment of 7,656 tons of hass avocados from the port of Davao to Shanghai, China.

Rodel Narvaez, Dolefil manager for diversified and select products, said he will endorse the proposed growership program for hass avocado to the firm’s directors.

According to him, the company, which was acquired by Japanese trading giant Itucho Corp., is not new to growership since they have applied it to their solo papaya production.

Under Piñol’s proposed

growership program, Dolefil shall provide the technical assistance and hass avocado planting materials to farmer-growers who will be asked to sign a marketing agreement with the company.

On the other hand, MinDA will seek the support of the Development Bank of the Philippines to provide loan packages to hass avocado growers, Piñol said.

He noted that besides gaining market access in China, Dolefil is also working to export hass avocado to Japan and South Korea.

Piñol said that hass avocado “would be a perfect crop for the high elevation logged over areas in Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental and Davao Del Norte.”

Besides hass avocado, Piñol said they will also include mangosteen and the Abuyog Sweet Jackfruit, which was developed by the Department of Agriculture in the East Visayas Agricultural Research Center, in MinDA’s Environmental Farming Program. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

gy Program Inter-Agency Committee headed by the Department of Energy, with the Department of Science and Technology as vice-chairperson.

The inter-agency body is mandated to primarily conduct a study for the adoption of a National Position on a Nuclear Energy Program (NEP).

In an earlier briefing, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi reiterated that the government’s stance on diversifying the country’s energy mix with the inclusion of nuclear power and

the boosting of renewables.

Cusi also noted that the nuclear power project is “not about reviving BNPP (Bataan Nuclear Power Plant).”

The study focuses on the assessment of the viability of introducing nuclear power into the State's energy mix, taking into consideration the economic, security, and environmental implications, and engagement of the public and relevant stakeholders; among others.

Apart from the BNPP,

the DOE is also looking at Russian State Nuclear Energy Corp.’s (Rosatom) proposed small modular reactor technology as among the options being considered if the country decides to tap nuclear energy.

In October 2019, Rosatom and the DOE signed a memorandum of intent on cooperation to conduct a pre-feasibility study on construction in the Philippines of nuclear power plants based on small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is pushing the propagation of high-value fruits, particularly hass avocado, in the deforested highlands of the island, with the crop’s huge potential in the Chinese market and to offset some of the government’s failed reforestation programs, MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said.

So far, only Dole Philippines, Inc. (Dolefil) is exporting the crop to China, and Piñol dangled to the company a growership program in line with MinDA’s environmental farming program which it plans to introduce in cool and high elevation areas in the southern Philippines.

“I crafted the environmental farming concept as a solution to the failed and expensive reforestation programs of the government in the deforested highlands of Mindanao. It is a farming concept which promotes greater productivity among the farmers in the countryside while at the same time protects the

Nuke power study to be submitted to PRRD by December, DOE says

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he perception study on the possible foray of the Philippines into nuclear power generation is set to be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte next month.

“The nuclear [power] national position study ay isusumite kay Pangulo under his executive order by December,” Energy Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella said during the Laging Handa public briefing.

Last July, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order 116 which created the Nuclear Ener-

6 VANTAGE POINTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

On the Joe Biden presidency seen as good for the Philippines’ export sector leading to increased trade volume:

We can also expect an increase in international aid which we at Mindanao can benefit from. We know that in the past our region has been a beneficiary of these international aids which led to better infrastructure and increased investments. We have always been a strong and close ally of US and I am confident that a change in US presidency will not affect our very stable relationship.”

Joji Ilagan-Bian

Former Mindanao Business Council (MBC) chairperson

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VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

EVENT

ADIDAS OPENS BIGGEST STORE IN MINDANAO

LAST SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, Gaisano Malls unveiled to the public the new Adidas Store at the 2nd Floor, East Wing, of GMall of Tagum. The new store was built fueled

by Adidas’ core belief to change lives through sports and Gaisano Malls’ vision to offer great sports and lifestyle choices to the city.

Together, Gaisano Malls and Adidas believe that sports plays an increasingly important role in people’s lives. Sports is central to every culture and society and is core to an individual’s health and happiness. The biggest Adidas store in the Mindanao region,

the new Adidas store in GMall of Tagum aims to give the people of Tagum and Davao del Norte access to nearly 11,000 sports equipment, accessories, and shoes, catering to the needs of all Tagumenyos from those who compete at the highest level of sports to those who are inspired by the Adidas sports lifestyle.

The opening of the new stadium was blessed by Fr. Mike Cabrera and graced with the presence of Honorable Ethan John Monilla, Youth and Sports Development Councilor of Tagum City along with Gaisano Malls key officers: Ms. Ivy Casocot, Gaisano Malls Operations Manager, Mr. Albert Alfonsa, Specialty Stores Manager, and Joseph Jeffrey Uy, Gaisano Malls Marketing Manager.

ENTERTAINMENT

STAR HUNT ACADEMY’S NEW ROOKIE GIRL GROUP “BINI” TAKES ON THE P-POP SCENE NEW rookie girl group BINI, Star Hunt Academy’s bet for P-Popstardom has arrived in the local music scene.

From the 250 hopefuls, eight vibrant young individuals who embody the idea of a modern Filipina—sweet, fierce, independent, and informed—have emerged to become the faces and voices to watch in the growing musical genre.

Comprising BINI are: Aiah (19), Colet (18), Maloi (18), Gwen (17), Stacey (17), Mikha (16), Jhoanna (16), and Sheena (16).

BINI was trained by Filipino

voice coaches Kitchy Molina and Anna Graham, and Austrian-born dance coach Mickey Perz. They were also trained under esteemed South Korean training group MU Doctor, which has already helped launch successful idol careers of KPop stars who have trained under MU Doctor are Mino (WINNER), Hye-bin (Momoland), Hyojung (Oh My Girl), I.M (Monsta X), Changbin (Stray Kids), and Kim Sohee (Produce 101).

Star Hunt Management head Laurenti Dyogi said BINI will perform a mix of original songs and classic revivals for the upcoming

singles of Bini.

For its pre-debut single, BINI just dropped “Da Coconut Nut,” an electro-pop remake of the Smokey Mountain classic and National Artist Ryan Cayabyab composition. Listen to it on BINI’s YouTube Channel.

MU Doctor collaborated with

Korean musical producer VO3E to transform “Da Coconut Nut” from novelty to a dance ditty worthy of the P-Pop scene. Korean dance coaches Moon Yeon Joo and Kwan Seong Chan, who have worked with big names such as BTS, Twice, Red Velvet, and Seventeen, helped with the group’s choreog-

raphy.

Watch out for the debut of the song’s music video on November 20 on BINI TV, the group’s YouTube channel.

Keep your eyes peeled for BINI. Follow BINI_ph on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

Learning made easy and fun with the new SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7, now available nationwide!

S

amsung makes online learning comfortable, fun, and accessible to everyone with the launch of the new Galaxy Tab A7, which hits stores nationwide starting today, October 23, 2020.

The new Galaxy Tab A7 offers parents and children an immersive 10.4” WUXGA+ display and quad speakers by Dolby Atmos. Combined with a slim and balanced design, the tablet is easy to use for learning at home. Meanwhile, easily power through any virtual lesson or activity with the tablet’s long-lasting 7,040mAh battery. The new location of the front camera also optimizes every online class and video call session.

To make learning at home even more fun, the Galaxy Tab A7 has Samsung Kids—a feature on the tablet which safely introduces children to the digital world through a range of age-appropriate and family-friendly content.

It also allows parents to control their children’s screen time.

Maintaining a safe and secure digital learning environment for families is also very important to Samsung. That’s why they introduced Knox, which provides defense-grade security.

It protects users' private data as well as encourages effective and appropriate device usage. The tablet can also be synced to any Galaxy smartphone for easier and safer data sharing, whether for sending notes, reminders, or presentations.

The Galaxy Tab A7 also comes with pre-installed Google apps and Google Play Store, which offer numerous educational platforms designed for learning. Whether it's an e-book, a learning app, an interactive game, or an educational show, the tablet provides learners unlimited possibilities. They also have access to countless educational content via pre-installed apps like Youtube, Spotify, and Netflix.

Customers can now get their hands on the Galaxy Tab A7 with ease through a variety of promos. Those who purchase a Galaxy Tab A7 until October 31, 2020 are entitled to PHP 1,000 off on Samsung Care+[1] in participating stores, and PHP 1,000 off on the Book Cover or Galaxy Buds+[2] with every purchase of the tablet. Customers can also enjoy flexible payment terms with 0% interest for up to 12 months[3] when they use their credit card from Banco De Oro (BDO), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Philippine National Bank (PNB), Citibank, Metrobank, and Security Bank.

Get easier access to online learning with the new Samsung Galaxy Tab A7. With a retail price of PHP 16,990, the tablet is now available nationwide and comes in the stunning colors Dark Gray and Gold.

To know more about the Galaxy Tab A7, visit samsung.com/ ph/.

UP-CLOSE: The SAMSUNG Galaxy Z Fold2 5G’s Multifaceted Design

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amsung crafted the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G to empower users to be just as determined, flexible, and confident as the smartphone itself. The latest premium device unfolds more ways to juggle different roles now more than ever.

Built for Broadening Horizons The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G’s delicately refined UI elevates the overall user experience quality. When folded, the display of Galaxy Z Fold2 5G’s 6.2-inch Infinity-O Super AMOLED Cover Screen makes it easy to do everything from viewing content to taking pictures or replying to messages. When unfolded, the device’s 7.6-inch Infinity Flex Dynamic AMOLED 2.0 Main Screen is handy for capturing and viewing photos and videos.

Combining the Cover Screen and the Main Screen makes the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G similar in size to a typical smartphone when folded and a small tablet when opened. When viewing content, the thinner bezels and notch-

less display maximize immersion, offering the full benefits that come with a bigger screen.

The Freedom of Flexibility Like its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G was designed with an emphasis on flexibility and versatility. It adjusts its form to suit the task at hand, perfectly complementing roles and tasks needed to be done.

The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G can be used at various angles to suit every need – opened wide, opened just enough for comfort, or folded partially. The key here is the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G’s convenient Flex mode, which automatically splits the Main Screen into two sections, giving a comfortable view of the content on the top half and controls on the bottom.

The smartphone can also be held upright when partially folded, freeing hands to handle other things. It offers complete freedom to multitask from displaying videos while folded to enabling video calls on one side of their screen while taking notes on the other.

The Confidence to be Different With its simple form, consisting of straight lines, and colors that exemplify modern elegance, the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G exudes a sophisticated design that turns heads. The Mystic Bronze vari-

ant has a textured haze effect, while Mystic Black features an elegant hue designed to recall the city’s atmosphere.

The foldable device was carefully crafted to have a design that’s not only slim, sturdy, and appealing to the eye but also fits comfortably into the hands.

It gives maximum usability to check email, look up directions, or watch content even with onehand grip.

Promos for grabs!

With the availability of this device, customers are up for various discount options when they buy the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, priced at PHP 109,990. Those who will purchase the device until December 31, 2020, using their credit cards from Banco De Oro (BDO), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Philippine National Bank (PNB), Metrobank, and Security Bank are entitled to 0% interest by paying P4,582.92 up to 24 months. They can also apply for

Samsung’s “Trade Up, Save up” program where they can trade in their old premium smartphones for the new Galaxy Z Fold2 5G to get it at a discounted price, plus an additional P12,000 discount for straight payments.

Moreover, customers who will purchase the device will get a premium bundle which includes FREE Samsung Care+ worth PHP 14,199 for 12 months, a FREE Galaxy Buds Live worth PHP 8,990 and a P2,000 e-voucher for a Samsung Leather Cover. This promo is available in participating Samsung Experience Stores, and the Samsung Online Store, until December 31, 2020.

With the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G’s refined form, users can now thrive in the ever-evolving world with its design that enhances productivity. For more information on this innovative in-foldable device, visit samsung.com/ ph

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

LEPTOSPIROSIS: THE FLOOD-BORNE LEGACY

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

s the country continues to battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there are some diseases that are relegated to the side.

One of health threats is leptospirosis, which even before the pandemic has never been given much importance.

To think, Davao City has been grappling with leptospirosis in recent years. “Leptospirosis has been endemic in Davao City,” said a health report.

After a flash flood in the city in 2011, a leptospirosis outbreak occurred.

In 2013, the Department of Health reported an increasing number of leptospirosis cases in the city after the monsoon flooding.

Since heavy downpour of water that may cause massive flooding will continue to happen during the remaining months of the year, leptospirosis cases may again surge.

“We are reiterating our advice to the people to prevent leptospirosis by avoiding, as much as possible, wading in floodwaters, and to wear boots if it cannot be avoided,” a health official urged.

“Leptospirosis is

an infection commonly transmitted to humans from water that has been contaminated by animal urine, and comes in contact with lesions in the skin, eyes, or with the mucous membranes,” reminds Dr. Francisco T. Duque III, DOH secretary.

Aside from floodwaters, a person can also get leptospirosis by contact with fresh water, damp soil, or vegetation contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rodents and dogs. People who swim in contaminated swimming pools, rivers, lakes, and streams can also get leptospirosis. Farmers, particularly those who work in contaminated rice fields, are also prone to the disease.

The disease was first described by Adolf Weil in 1886. Leptospira interrogans, a corkscrew-shaped bacterium that caused

the disease, was first observed in 1907 but it was the following year that it was declared as the cause of it.

The leptospirosis-causing bacteria are common around the world, but more so in tropical countries with heavy rainfall. “Leptospirosis occurs in many wild and domestic animals,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

“Some animals act as carriers and pass the bacteria in their urine; others become ill and die. People acquire these infections through contact with infected animals, their urine, or soil and water contaminated by infected urine.”

Aside from getting in contact with contaminated water and other media, leptospirosis bacteria also enter the body when a person swallows contaminated food or water.

There was this incident which happened in Texas, United States some years back. A woman went boating one Sunday taking with her some cans of soft drinks which she put into the refrigerator of the boat.

On Monday, she was taken to the hospital and placed in the Intensive Care Unit. She died on Wednesday. The autopsy concluded she died of leptospirosis. This was traced to the can of soft drink she drank from,

not using a glass. Tests showed that the can was infected by dried rat urine.

“It is highly recommended to thoroughly wash the upper part of all soft drink cans before drinking out of them,” the news report stated.

“The cans are typically stocked in warehouses and transported straight to the shops without being cleaned. A study at New York City University showed that the tops of all soda cans are more con-

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transportation services for major routes from parts of Region 12 are allowed for essential travels, provided they present contact tracing quick response or QR codes.

As an additional restriction, the mayor ordered the ban on “group motorcycling, biking, and trekking” activities to prevent residents from congregating or gathering in groups.

He said the CIATF received reports that instead of staying home or attending religious services on Sundays, some residents gather and conduct such activities.

These were monitored in Barangays San Jose, Si-

nawal, Mabuhay, Upper Labay, Olympog, and Conel.

“It is alarming because some of them are from other areas outside the city,” Rivera said.

A report released by the City Health Office said the confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city since March already reached a total of 923, with 34 related deaths as of Sunday night, but 659 or 71.3 percent have fully recovered so far.

The 230 active patients, mostly with mild symptoms and asymptomatic, are undergoing observation and treatment in seven local hospitals and three barangay and temporary isolation facilities. (PNA)

versy, Duterte said that he would not remove Sinas from his post, saying it was not his fault that his subordinates serenaded him on his birthday.

The President’s defense of Sinas put into question the sincerity of

the government’s drive against quarantine violators with Senate Minority Franklin Drilon claiming it might erode public confidence in the ability of the coronavirus task force and the police to enforce the rules.

was through appointment basis only to strictly comply with health protocols.

The PDIC also coordinated closely with Land Bank of the Philippines for the claims over the counter payment of eligible depositors, and with the Philippine Postal Corporation for the postal money order (PMO) payments for qualified depositors with balances of PhP100,000 and below. PMO payments were dispatched to qualified depositors of Providence Rural Bank and Rural Bank of Tibiao in June, upon lifting of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

Depositors who have not yet filed their claims for Providence Rural Bank and Rural Bank of Tibiao are encouraged to do so through the dedicated e-mail addresses: providence-pad@pdic.gov.ph and tibiao-pad@pdic.gov. ph, respectively. When filing claims through e-mail, the following should be sent as e-mail attachments: scanned copies or photo images of the 1) accomplished, signed and notarized Claim Form; 2) first and last pages of the passbook, or the front and back portions of the certificate of time deposit; and 3) one valid photo-bearing ID with the depositor’s signature.

Claims may also be filed through postal mail or courier addressed to the PDIC Public Assistance Department, 6th Floor SSS Building, 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino St., Makati City 1226, or personally at the PDIC Public Assistance Center, 3rd Floor SSS Building, 6782

Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino St., Makati City. For claims filed personally or via postal mail or courier service, depositors are advised to submit the following: 1) accomplished, signed and notarized Claim Form; 2) original savings passbook and/or certificate of time deposit; and 3) photocopy of one (1) valid photo-bearing ID with depositor’s signature.

The Claim Form may be downloaded from the PDIC website http://www. pdic.gov.ph/files/New_ PDIC_Claim_Form.pdf, for free. The PDIC also said that there is no fee for filing deposit insurance claims.

Additional documents may be required by PDIC, as necessary, in the course of evaluation and processing of claims. The procedures and requirements for filing of deposit insurance claims are also posted in the PDIC website.

In accordance with the PDIC Charter, depositors may file their deposit insurance claims with the PDIC within two years from the date of PDIC’s takeover of the closed bank.

For more information, or to request an appointment with the PDIC Public Assistance Center, depositors may call the PDIC Public Assistance Hotline during office hours at (02) 8841-4141, or the Toll-free hotline 1-800-1888-PDIC or 1-800-1-8887342 for those outside Metro Manila. Depositors may also email the respective aforementioned e-mail addresses, or private message at the official PDIC Facebook account, www.facebook.com/OfficialPDIC.

dishing out eight assists with 14 points, six rebounds, and one steal.

After a 39-point explosion, Chris Standhardinger was held to only 18 but also had 17 rebounds, four

dimes, one block, and one steal for the Batang Pier, who likewise fell to 1-8.

Kevin Ferrer also got 18 markers with three boards, one assist, and one block. (PNA)

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Local visitors visit the Danjug Caves Brgy. Alegria in Santa Monica town, Siargao Island on Thursday, November 5, 2020. These caves have been closed to the public since March due to the pandemic. Flights to Siargao

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are set to resume on December 1, 2020, according to the Surigao del Norte provincial government. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

activity that can yield mas madaming virus," she said.

(A study was released this past week that states singing loudly is the top-

most activity that can yield the most virus.)

"That being said, wag na muna sana ang ganitong (let's avoid this kind of) ac-

tivities so that we can prevent further increasing the transmission of infection."

She also urged the public to practice minimum

health standards such as wearing of face masks and face shield and frequent handwashing even when around relatives.

taminated than public toilets, that is, full of germs and bacteria.”

Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can reach all parts of the body and cause signs and symptoms of illness. “Because mild leptospirosis typically causes vague, flu-like symptoms, many infections probably go unreported,” the Merck manual states.

Studies have shown that leptospirosis causes mild disease in about 90 percent of infected people, whereas 10 percent have severe, potentially fatal, disease that affects many organs.

There are two phases of leptospirosis. “The first phase starts two to 20 days after infection with Leptospira,” the Merck manual informs. “Symptoms begin abruptly with a fever, headache, severe muscle aches, and chills.

The eyes usually become red on the third or fourth day. Nausea and vomiting are common.”

Symptoms involving the lungs (including coughing up of blood) occur in 10 to 15 percent of infected people, studies

reveal. Episodes of chills and fever, which often reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit, continue for four to nine days.

The fever clears for a few days, marking the beginning of the second phase. “During the second phase,” the Merck manual informs, “the body’s immune reaction against the bacteria causes inflammation, producing many symptoms. The fever returns, and there is often inflammation of the tissues covering the brain (meningitis), causing a stiff neck, headache, and sometimes stupor and coma.

“In severe forms of the infection, people may also have inflammation of the liver, kidneys, and lungs, resulting in jaundice, kidney failure, and bloody cough. Sometimes the heart is inflamed, causing palpitations and dangerously low blood pressure (shock). A pregnant woman who develops leptospirosis may miscarry.”

The severe form of leptospirosis is called Weil’s disease, which causes a continuous fever, stupor, and a reduction in

the blood’s ability to clot leading to bleeding within tissues. “By the third to sixth day, signs of kidney damage and liver injury appear,” the Merck manual says. “Kidney abnormalities may cause blood in the urine and painful urination. Liver injury tends to be mild and usually heals completely.”

Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis of leptospirosis. The doctor does this by identifying Leptospira in cultures of blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid samples or, more commonly, by detecting antibodies against the bacteria in the blood.

According to the Merck manual, infected people who do not develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes) usually recover. Jaundice indicates liver damage and increases the death rate to 10 percent or higher in people older than 60.

Doxycycline, an antibiotic, can prevent the disease and is given to people who were exposed to the same source as an infected person. Penicillin, ampicillin, or similar antibiotics are given to treat the

disease. In severe infections, antibiotics may be given intravenously.

Leptospirosis is not a contagious disease. “People with the disease do not have to be isolated, but care must be taken when handling and disposing of their urine,” the Merck manual points out.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. The health department says leptospirosis can be prevented by doing the following: · Avoid contact with animal urine or body fluids, especially if there are cuts or abrasions of the skin. · Wear protective clothing or footwear near soil or water that may be contaminated with animal urine. · Consume boiled water, especially during the rainy season. · Avoid swimming or wading in muddy ponds and slowly moving streams especially those located near farms or stagnant water. · Control rats and mice around the home on a regular basis. (Photos sourced from the net)

ished with 13 markers, six in the fourth period, with one rebound, four assists, and four steals.

De'Mon Brooks tallied 19 points, eight caroms, and one steal for the Susanoo Magic, who fell to

5-6.

However, they can quickly bounce back on Sunday as they fin-

ished their back-to-back home stand against the NeoPhoenix with an afternoon clash. (PNA)

gium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Venezuela, Greece, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Colombia, Congo, Morocco, Mexico,

Moldova, Russia, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, USA, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Philippines, France, Croatia, Estonia, South Africa.

The competitions are held in accordance with the FIAS Recommendations for Ensuring Safety and Prevention after the COVID-19 Pandemic, that

is, taking into account the restrictions on the movement of athletes, in compliance with all safety measures and social distancing in the arena.

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Lakers want Ibaka on a discount

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Phoenix Fuelmasters’Jason Perkins bangs bodies with Richard Escoto of Blackwater Elite. PBA Images

Blackwater ousted from bubble by ROS

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ain Or Shine ElastoPainters formally shut the door on Blackwater Elite’s hopes of making the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) quarterfinals after an 82-71 win on Sunday at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center in Pampanga.

In a battle pitting slumping teams, Elasto Painters held the Elite to a combined 25 points in the second and the third quarters after letting them score 20 first quarter points and eventually opened a lead as high as 20.

Javee Mocon made all of his nine field goals inside the three-point line and finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks

for ROS, which bounced back from a 62-70 defeat to Magnolia on Saturday night.

Beau Belga added 14 points, five rebounds, and one block off the bench.

Mac Belo had 15 points, eight boards, one steal, and one block for Blackwater, which dropped its sixth straight loss that put the team down to 2-7.

The result also eliminated Terrafirma Dyip

and NorthPort Batang Pier from making it to the playoffs.

However, both the Dyip and the Batang Pier came close to a comeback against their respective foes.

Terrafirma clawed back from an 85-93 deficit to 2:31 to play against Meralco Bolts to force a 93-all deadlock.

However, Chris Newsome scored a buzzer-beating basket to give the Bolts a 95-93 win.

Raymond Almazan led Meralco, which tied Magnolia Hotshots and Alaska Aces in fourth place at 6-4, with 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal. Bong Quinto added 14 points, eight rebounds, and one

assist.

Juami Tiongson and CJ Perez each tallied 21 points for Terrafirma, which slipped to 1-8. The Hotshots joined the logjam with the Bolts and the Aces after holding off the Batang Pier, 83-76.

NorthPort fought back from a 20-point early fourth quarter lead and cut it to just four, 80-76. However, Magnolia recovered and held NorthPort scoreless in the final 2:57 of the game.

Ian Sangalang finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, and one block off the bench for the Hotshots.

Paul Lee, who exploded in their previous wins, played facilitator this time,

FBLACKWATER, P10

he best team in the NBA is eager to become even better.

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to acquire free-agent veterans who are willing to sign bargain contracts this offseason.

One man the Lakers are targeting is the Toronto Raptors’ Serge Ibaka, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com.

The 7-foot Ibaka is coming off his best scoring season in the league, averaging 15.4 points, on top of 8.2 boards, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 55 games last season, a year after helping the Raptors win their first franchise championship.

And the Congolese-Spanish big man, who turned 31 just last September 18, is now an unrestricted free agent after his three-year $65-million deal with the Raptors ended last season.

Meantime, new Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue will get inputs from a fellow former point guard in his staff.

The Clippers are just ironing out kinks in deals to have Chauncey Billups as well as former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Larry Drew on the coaching staff.

Adrian Wojnarowski reported the development on Monday, Manila time.

Before getting the Clippers job, Billups was a candidate for the Indiana Pacers coaching job, which went to Nate Bjorkgren.

Billups is a five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA member, and the 2004 Finals MVP when he led the Detroit Pistons in their championship conquest opposite the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers.

The man known as “Mr. Big Shot” has worked as an analyst since retiring in 2014.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly keen on tabbing Serge Ibaka.

Ravena debuts in B League

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hirdy Ravena was a winner in his B.League debut as San-En NeoPhonix edged Shimane Susanoo Magic, 83-82, on Saturday night at the Yonago Industrial Gymnasium.

Ravena took over in the fourth quarter, making eight of his 13 points in the final frame as the NeoPhoenix strived to keep the Susanoo Magic at bay.

But it was Hayato Kawashima who finished the job for SanEn, draining the two

game-winning free throws with 3.6 seconds left and taking the game-saving steal as Perrin Buford lost the ball while going for his own game-winner as time expired.

Stevan Jelovac led the NeoPhoenix, who moved up to 2-9 in the standings, with 22 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Kyle Hunt added 15 markers, nine boards, and one steal.

Kawashima also fin-

FRAVENA, P10

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

TYSON VS JONES, ETC. Ho-hum.

Wonder of wonders, these retired once-great ring gladiators are going back to their first love – again.

Iron Mike Tyson, now 53 and the former two-time world heavyweight king has agreed to meet the 51-year old Roy Jones, Jr, the former middleweight and light heavyweight world titleholder, in an exhibition bout come November 28 (if my recollection is correct).

I did not quite believe what I heard and read because nobody in the boxing circle took them seriously.

They are not has-beens because they had their share of the limelight during their prime.

They are just plain retirees.

But, from where I sit – who would pay good money – and spend precious time - to watch their tiff?

Considering the eight round fight is dubbed an exhibition, will Mike and Roy unleash heavy bombs to hurt each other to win?

I dunno but I guess either one of them or both need some pocket money.

The promoter has to pay them talent fees, not prize money. And since these guys were former giants of the sport, what they each will get is not going to be peanuts.

No title at stake, no nothing but probably a flashback of their old individual fighting styles

which boxing fanatics savored during their heydays.

I much prefer that they look for acting jobs in Hollywood films. Both Tyson and Jones would fit as a mafia bodyguard or an assassin in James Bond films or the Jason Bourne genre and Mission Impossible.

They have the built-in physique and they are credible much like this Fil-Am wrestler Dave Bautista, right?

In other fronts, the IATF should - with urgency - look into possibility of helping re-ignite spectator interest in sports where Filipino fans may break the humdrum or the monotony of more than 7-month old Covid19 lockdown.

I believe the present atmosphere in Metro Manila calls for the easing off of the restrictions because Metro Manilans are now fully aware of the standard health protocols that have been enforced since March.

Truth to tell, I see many pairs and couples holding hands inside malls although they wear face masks and shields. Let us not be hypocritical because social distancing is not observed in this case.

Which means that they are no longer scared of the viral contamination as the risks of infection have waned considerably.

And what about the couples who ride motorcycles on their way to work and other destina-

tions?

December would be a good month to open up favorite sports events. As of this writing, I don’t hear Christmas songs being played on the air by DJs. I suggest that the semifinals and the championship of the PBA be held at the MOA next month. Seating arrangements with social distancing can be easily enforced since the seats have numbers which can be assigned to paying patrons.

My good friend, GAB chair Baham Mitra might be able to swing this deal to brighten up the Christmas holidays. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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VOL.13 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

BRONZE FOR SYDNEY

Tancontian earns bronze medal in World Sambo tilt

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO abawenya athlete Sydney Tancontian earned a place in Philippine sports history as the first woman to win a medal in the World Sambo Championship in Novi Sad, Serbia on Sunday (PH Time).

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Tancontian took the bronze in the +80-kg women’s division which was ruled by Georgia’s Elene Kebadze who beat Russian Anna Balashova 3-1 in the finals.

Tancontian’s amazing bronze medal journey actually started on the wrong foot after she lost to the second-ranked Balashova 0-3 in the first round.

In the repecharge, the Dabawenya daughter of former SEA Games medalist Paolo Tancontian, defeated Cuba’s Myrtha Nieves 3-1 then followed it up with a huge win over Karina Stefanovic of Lithuania 3-1 to earn the bronze with Ukraine’s Anastasya Sapsai.

Earlier, Tancontian bowed out in the juniors

division when she lost to Ukraine’s Kateryna Chovkhun 0-1 in the Women’s 80+ kg class.

She stood her ground against the tough Ukranian who dominated the match.

Compounding Tacontian’s woes were two penalties which gave Chovkhun the full point. Still, it was an impressive stint by Tancontian who was accompanied by father Paolo.

“Sydney is still young but definitely she is getting there. We just have to trust the process,” said the elder Tancontian.

More than 400 athletes from 30 countries are taking part in the main sporting event of the FIAS calendar, including Belarus, Bel-

FBRONZE, P10

Sydney Tancontian of Davao City won the bronze medal in the World Sambo Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia. (Photo from Paolo Tancontian)