Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 184 | Saturday, November 14, 2020

EMPERADOR EXPANDS GLOBAL PRESENCE ACROSS NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE AND CHINA

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VOL.13 ISSUE 184 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

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Leaked document is legit but not for public use: Sara STORY ON PAGE 2

A medical staff takes a Covid-19 swab test from a young girl at Sta. Ana Health Center along Leon Garcia Street in Davao City on Friday. Dr. Ashley Lopez of the Davao City Health Office bared that the surge in Covid-19 cases in the city is due to transmission from gatherings/clustering. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 184 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

COVIDLEAKS

Barangay health personnel wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) walk by people waiting for their turn to have a swab test outside Sta. Ana Health Center along Leon Garcia Street in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

Leaked document is legit but not for public use: Sara

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Friday affirmed the document purporting to contain recommendation for Davao City to be declared a “restricted LGU” that “leaked” is legit but not intended for the public.

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A document bearing the title “A Resolution Requesting the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force 11 to declare Davao City as a restricted LGU” made rounds and shared on social media on Thursday.

The resolution states that the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force is requesting the RIATF 11 for approval to put Davao City as restricted LGU beginning November 16, 2020 until December 31, 2020.

“Tinuod ang document but it is not intended for the public. It was Task Force Covid-19 Davao City’s resolution to the RIATF requesting permission for the declaration of our restricted LGU and it is one of the requirements na gipangayo sa Philippine National Police (PNP) for you to be declared as a restricted LGU,” Mayor Sara said.

Mayor Sara said the document came out more than 24 hours after it was discussed and set to be

submitted to RIATF. “I do not know kung kinsa ang nag-gawas sa document sa public, all I know is that daghan na nakakita ana but it only came out more than 24 hours nga gi-discuss na siya so possibly dili na gikan sa city government as it went through channels for submission to the RIATF,” she said.

The mayor didn’t discuss the details of the resolution as comments from

on Tuesday, is deemed urgent following the spike of mosquito-borne disease in the city.

The measure aims to reduce the mortality rate of mosquito-borne diseases in the city such as dengue, chikungunya, filaria, Japanese Encephalitis, malaria, and zika virus disease.

Data from the Department of Health in Region 11 (DOH-11) showed that from January to August 2018, the city recorded at least 1,253 cases. In the same period in 2019, the city recorded a total of 2,500 dengue cases.

“In the whole region,

Davao City contributes 60 percent of the total dengue cases. We want to be more proactive and put the program in place and we want the barangay to be working all year round whether it's rainy season or not,” Villafuerte told the Philippine News Agency.

She said the proposed ordinance would prohibit the dumping of old tires, batteries, plastic drums, containers, and water tanks without a cover as such containers can be a breeding area for mosquitoes.

The measure would also create the Inter-Agen-

cy Task Force (IATF) for mosquito-borne diseases and the Barangay mosquito-borne diseases TF. Once Mayor Sara Z. Duterte signs the ordinance, Villafuerte said violators will be fined PHP1,000 and two hours of community service for the first offense; PHP3,000 and four hours of community service for the second offense; and PHP5,000 and confiscation of items for the third offense.

“We will also penalize vacant lot owners who are found having these breeding areas,” the councilor

FCOVIDLEAKS, P10

Dabawenyos face fines over mosquito breeding sites

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esidents here who allow their surroundings to become breeding grounds of disease-carrying mosquitos would soon face fines.

In an interview Thursday, Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte said the penalties are contained in the proposed measure entitled “An Ordinance Strengthening and Institutionalizing the Davao City Mosquito-Borne Diseases Prevention and Control Program.”

Villafuerte, the City Council's Committee on Health chairperson, said the ordinance, approved on the third and final reading

FDABAWENYOS, P10

80% of Pinoys expect Covid-19 vaccine next year: SWS survey

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ighty percent of adult Filipinos expect a vaccine against COVID-19 to be available in the next 12 months, a Social Weather Stations phone survey revealed.

The survey, conducted last September 17-20, 2020, showed that 27 percent of Filipinos said the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine will definitely happen while 53 percent said it will probably happen.

Seventeen percent of those surveyed said they do not expect a COVID-19 vaccine to be available in the next 12 months, while 5 percent said it will definitely not happen.

The survey also found that 80 percent expect the availability of medicine for the effective treatment of COVID-19 in the next 12 months while 17 percent do not expect it will happen (11% probably will not happen, 6% definitely will not happen).

A total of 1,249 adult Filipinos 18 years old and above participated in the National Mobile Phone Survey, which was conducted using a mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing.

The survey has a sampling error margin of ±3% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, ±5% for Balance Luzon, ±6% for the Visayas, and ±6% for Mindanao.

The survey showed the percentage of those who expect the availability of

a COVID-19 vaccine in the next 12 months is highest in Metro Manila (82%), followed by Balance Luzon (79%), the Visayas (79%), and Mindanao (79%).

Large majorities in all areas also expect the availability of an effective treatment for COVID-19 in the next 12 months: the percentage of those with this opinion is highest in Metro Manila (85%), followed by the Visayas (82%), Mindanao (81%), and Balance Luzon (77%).

MORE FILIPINOS THAN AMERICANS EXPECT COVID-19 VACCINE The SWS survey questions were patterned after the April 29-May 25, 2020 Pew Research Center survey in the United States.

The Pew Research Center survey found that 73% of Americans expect (16% definitely will happen, 57% probably will happen) that there will be a vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 in the next year, while 26% do not expect it (23% probably will not happen, 3% definitely will not happen).

The percentage of Americans (73%) who expect the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine next year is not as high as that of Filipinos (80%).

The same Pew Research Center survey also found that 83% of Americans expect that there will be medicine for the effective treatment of COVID-19 next year, while 16% do not expect it.

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

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ASEAN bats for closer ties with China on Covid-19 vaccine

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he Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) seeks closer cooperation with China in the development and “equitable” distribution of test kits, medicines as well as coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines once available.

The bloc’s common statement was delivered by President Rodrigo Duterte at the Asean-China Summit on Thursday.

“On Covid-19, the President said Asean encourages close cooperation, collaboration with China in the development and equitable distribution of safe, effective, affordable vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines and welcome China’s pledge to make the Covid-19 vaccine a global public good,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Duterte, who serves as the country coordinator for the Asean China Dialogue Relations, said China also vowed Asean to be “among the first to benefit” from the vaccines it is currently developing.

Roque said Duterte also praised China’s promise to contribute to the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund, ini-

tiatives on public health emergencies, and the Asean Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies.

“PRRD added that Asean looks forward to China for support and for a Comprehensive Recovery Framework and its implementation plan to allow for Asean’s robust recovery, resiliency, and sustainability,” he said.

The chief executive also reiterated Asean’s commitment to the “full and effective” implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The bloc, as confirmed

by Duterte, vowed to push for an early conclusion, adoption, and an “effective substantive” Code of Conduct in the South China Sea consistent with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Roque said Duterte also welcomed the designation of 2021 as the Asean-China Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation, where the bloc encourages cooperation with China in areas such as poverty eradication, food security, environment protection, and climate change. (PNA)

Adequate reports on 'Ulysses' released: PAGASA

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dequate reports were released to inform the public about the onslaught of incoming typhoons, a weather bureau official said Friday.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Director Vicente Malano, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), said they have issued advisories on Typhoon Ulysses as soon as it developed into a tropical depression from just being a low-pressure area, as mentioned on their first bulletin published on Sunday evening.

“On the part of the Office of Civil Defense/Disas-

ter Risk Reduction (and) Management Council, they provided enough warnings to would-be affected areas based on PAGASA's forecast, saying that 'Ulysses' would bring intense rains that can cause floods and gusty winds that can cause storm surges 2 (meters) to 3 meters and that those residing in low-lying areas and coastal areas should evacuate,” he said.

In its severe weather bulletin on Wednesday, PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) Signal No. 3, where winds of 121 kph up to 170 kph may be expected in some parts of Luzon in at least 18

FADEQUATE, P10

President Rodrigo Duterte conducts an aerial survey of flood-affected areas hit by Typhoon Ulysses on Thursday. The President was accompanied by Senator Christopher Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Covid-19 surge attributed to local transmission, undetected cases: CHO

By MAYA M. PADILLO here is a surge of Covid-19 cases in Davao City, which started third week of October, the City Health Office (CHO) confirmed.

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Dr. Ashley Lopez of the City Health Office (CHO) affirmed the surge of Covid-19 cases in Davao City attributed to local transmission brought about by clustering of individuals and undetected Covid cases.

“Naa ta’y surge of Covid-19 cases in Davao City that started third week of October this year. I’ve been consistently saying na wala na ta’y problema sa locally stranded individuals (LSIs) as we have controlled the cases from LSIs. We have actually problem on local transmission, we have to accept that Covid has already reached local transmission in Davao City and that is why we have increasing cases,” Lopez said.

Based on the Case Bulletin of Davao City, as of November 11, 2020, the city has recorded a total of 121 new cases plus 78 new cases on Nov. 13 making the total active cases for Davao City at 1,560.

Lopez said since March 22, 2020 when Davao City recorded its first case of Covid-19, there are a total of 4,823 cases already while the total recoveries is 3,059 plus the 47 recoveries on Nov.12, 2020. In terms of deaths, a total of 2,004 deaths plus four new deaths on Nov.12 is recorded since March.

“If we analyze the data right now for Davao City, daghan ta ug recoveries comparing it to the total cases, we have around 72

percent to 75 percent recoveries. Minus the death rates that sums up to around 21 percent to 22 percent active cases,” he said.

He also said the positivity rate of Davao City is at 16 percent.

“We have to determine the positivity rate because it is one of the indicators whether we have done are good enough. As of yesterday the positivity rate of Davao was at 16 percent meaning daghan ta ug kaso.

We’ve been affected by this Covid-19 pandemic and because we have a population of more than 1.8 million and considering that we are highly urbanized city,” he said.

Lopez affirmed that some factors that attributed to the increasing Covid-19 cases in Davao City are those undetected cases before or some close contacts of a confirmed Covid patients who mani-

FCOVID-19, P10 Davao Chamber to host a webinar on novel approach to early intervention, containment of the infections

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A fisher casts a net by the beach in the municipality of Maitum in Sarangani province dusk on Tuesday (10 November 2020). Contributed photo by BETH RAMOS

fested symptoms recently.

“Daghan ta ug mga kaso ug kaning mga kasuha dili lang ni karon lang kay mga miagi pa ni nga mga undetected cases or kato mga close contacts sauna nga nag-manifest or katong mga second generations, wala ni na-detect sauna,” he said.

He also said that the surge has positive implication as it intensified the city’s contact tracing efforts.

He said presently, there are 1,500 contact tracers being deployed in the city’s districts and barangays.

“Three-fourths of them are already deployed in various districts and barangays prioritizing the highest areas. We’ve been doing contact tracing already since a week ago pa. With the intensive contact tracing, we were able to trace out possible not only close contacts but also second

n November 14, 2020, Saturday, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) will host a webinar titled “New Ways Forward: Let Us Act As One.” This webinar will feature learning experiences from other health caregivers and frontliners from the private sector on how to have a novel approach to early intervention and containment of the infections to protect our frontliners and hopefully manage this pandemic in a manner that will help avoid adverse economic consequences.

“While we all wait for the vaccine, and we know that significant strides have been made by researchers, we are sharing with the public and government agencies new ways of dealing with infections and lowering community transmission, especially in high risk areas,” said Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde,

DCCCII past president and current Vice President for Trade and Commerce.

“Since the pandemic will be with us for a long time, and there will be other pandemics, it’s a good time to learn from other experiences and look at restrategizing so that we can manage economic impacts at the same time,” she added.

City Health Office Chief Head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte and Dr. Homer Lim of Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines will be main presenters during the webinar. Philippine Nurses Association (Davao Chapter) president Ms. Christine Aquino, RN and Davao Medical Society president Dr. Jose Beltran, MD, DPBA will be joining the panel as guest reactors.

The webinar will stream via Zoom from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. For inquiries, contact Ms. Blazy Lano

FDAVAO, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 184 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his remarks during the virtual plenary session of the 37th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN Summit) and Related Summits hosted by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse, Malacañang Park in Manila on Thursday. The President highlighted the importance of the

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in further pushing for regional integration during the meeting. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRRD highlights importance of RCEP at 37th Asean Summit G

OPEC expects Covid-19 to curb oil demand recovery into 2021

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte highlighted the importance of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in further pushing for regional integration.

“On the economic front, we must deepen regional integration and strengthen supply chain connectivity,” Duterte said during the video conference for the 37th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit on Thursday.

He congratulated the Asean members and their economic partners for the conclusion of the RCEP agreement, which Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier said is scheduled to be signed within this month.

During the 35th Asean Summit and Related Sum-

mit in Thailand in 2019, Asean leaders approved 18 of the 20 chapters of the mega trade deal for the 10-country bloc and six trading partners – China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand.

Once in place, this free trade pact would account for about one-third of the world’s output.

The trade pact is seen to help in the Philippines’ economic recovery as this is expected to attract more investments, which, in turn, would create more jobs.

The President noted that “growth, to be truly transformative, must be enjoyed by all.”

“We must therefore forge ahead with sub-regional arrangements, such as the BIMP-EAGA, to bridge the development gaps within the region,” he said.

The sub-regional economic cooperation Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), launched in Davao City in 1994, is set as a venue for the development of remote areas, such as Mindanao.

Duterte said measures targeted to address the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic “must be people-centered.”

“The massive displacement of workers, including migrant workers, compels us to upskill and reskill our labor force. We must equip our people for a rapidly evolving labor market under the new normal,” he said.

The President thanked Asean member-countries for extending support to the Philippines relative to its inaugural chairmanship of the Asean Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council.

He said the position would be used to “build partnerships to further implement the Roadmap of the Asean Declaration on Human Resources Development for the Changing World of Work.”

“As we recover, no sec-

legislative gaps continue to hinder effective supervision of banks.”

It, however, said bank secretary laws in the country “restrict the BSP’s ability to undertake effective supervision.”

The IMF said bank deposits “are considered to be of an absolutely confidential nature” even the central bank is barred from looking into these “except in defined circumstances.”

“BSP should be granted unimpaired access to information on all customer

accounts, and the ability, without constraints, to employ and share depositor information for any prudential purpose (e.g., funding concentrations from related parties, intra-group dependencies, cash flow analysis, related-party transactions (RPT) and offsite anti-money laundering (AML) data and analysis) in order to fulfill its supervisory mandate to address safety and soundness concerns,” it said.

The report said although the central bank’s

regulatory oversight on financial institution’s anti-money laundering (AML) and combating financing terrorism (CFT) remains strong, “certain components of the regulatory framework need to be strengthened.”

It said the BSP has ensured to effectively use its contingent AML experts but it still needs to make sure that there are always adequate resources for this purpose.

“Further, although

FPRRD, P10

IMF cites need for PH bank secrecy law amendment

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he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended the amendment of the Philippines bank secrecy law to further provide the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) “additional teeth” in regulating financial institutions.

In its report on the financial sector assessment program, the lender said the central bank’s regulatory framework “is broadly effective for the size and complexity of the Philippine banking system, but

FIMF, P10

lobal oil demand will rebound more slowly in 2021 than previously thought because of rising coronavirus cases, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Wednesday, hampering efforts by the group and its allies to support the market.

Demand will rise by 6.25 million barrels per day (bpd) next year to 96.26 million bpd, the OPEC said in a monthly report. The growth forecast is 300,000 bpd less than expected a month ago.

The weakening demand recovery could support the case for OPEC and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, to delay a scheduled oil-output boost next year. Algeria said on Wednesday OPEC+ could even make further curbs if needed.

OPEC's report said moves by European governments to shut restaurants and encourage working from home would hit fuel demand for the rest of 2020, with the pandemic's impact on the oil market lingering until the middle of next year.

"The oil demand recovery will be severely hampered and sluggishness in transportation and industrial fuel demand is now assumed to last until mid-2021," OPEC said in the report.

This is the last report before an OPEC+ advisory panel meets next week and their next policy meet-

ing on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Oil has risen this week and hit a more than twomonth high above $45 a barrel on Wednesday after drugmakers Pfizer and BioNTech said their COVID-19 treatment was more than 90% effective in initial trial results.

OPEC said "an effective and widely distributable vaccine" could support the economy as early as the first half of 2021, although an OPEC source said this was not yet included in the forecasts.

The group has lowered its 2021 demand growth forecast from an initial 7 million bpd in July. OPEC also in the report cut its estimate of this year's contraction in oil use to 9.75 million bpd, from 9.47 million bpd.

SUPPLY RISING The report showed rising output too, another headwind for OPEC+, despite continued strong OPEC compliance with pledged supply curbs.

OPEC said its output rose by 320,000 bpd to 24.39 million bpd in October, driven by a rebound in Libya, an OPEC member exempted from making cuts.

The group forecast demand for its crude will be 600,000 bpd lower than expected next year at 27.4 million bpd. That would still allow for higher average OPEC production in 2021.

Even so, the coming meetings will focus on

FOPEC, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 184 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

SM City Butuan opens

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reat shopping, leisure, and entertainment goes to northeastern Mindanao when SM City Butuan opens its doors to the public on Friday, November 13, 2020. It is SM Prime Holdings’ 75th supermall, the sixth in Mindanao, and the first in the CARAGA region.

Butuan is the commercial, industrial, and administrative center of the CARAGA region, and a strategic trading hub in Northern Mindanao, with major roads connecting it other key cities in the island including Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay, and Surigao.

While Butuan today is highly urbanized, and ranked as the 4th most competitive city and the 5th richest in Mindanao, it also has a fascinating past captured in the famous local expression “before the Phil-

ippines, there was Butuan”.

That is because Butuan was already a progressive city centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards. Historical records show that as early as the 10th century, local people were already engaged in trade and commerce with other nations and cultures like the Vietnamese and the Srivajaya people of Java, Indonesia.

And today, Butuan makes history again as SM opens a new mall in the city during these challenging times.

Located in a 37,233 sq. meter property along JC Aquino Avenue, SM City Butuan will serve shoppers in Agusan del Norte, as well as those in the nearby provinces of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.

More than that, it will be a catalyst for employment and business opportunities

yala Corp. said Thursday its third quarter net income improved to P3.4 billion versus the past few quarters on gains of its property, banks and industrial business as the economy started to reopen.

“It is encouraging to see improvements in the performance of our businesses as the economy gradually reopens. Ayala Land, BPI, and AC Industrials have all shown a marked recovery in their third quarter results compared to the previous period,” Ayala President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala said.

Ayala noted its telecoms and energy businesses also maintained stable performance in the quarter.

“We are hoping to see this trajectory sustained in our businesses with a fur-

ther loosening of restrictions,” Zobel de Ayala said.

For the first nine months of the year, Ayala’s net income decreased by 75 percent to P11.4 billion from P46.2 billion a year ago.

The decline was attributed to the slowdown in take-up of construction and malls for property, aggressive loan loss provision for banks, and the effect of the divestment gains made last year.

The company said its P9.2-billion capital spending for the year was mostly invested in new businesses of Ayala.

Ayala’s AC Energy is expanding aggressively with investments in the Asia-Pacific region to meet its goal of 5 gigawatts (GW) renewable energy portfolio by 2025.

FSM, P10

Ayala posts P3.4-B net income in Q3

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SM Supermalls senior vice president for operations Bien Mateo (leftmost) and vice president for operations Oliver Tiu (rightmost), together with Agusan Del Norte Governor Dale Corvera (2nd from right), Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada (3rd from left), Butuan City Vice Mayor Jose Aquino

ECONOMY 5

II (2nd from left) and Reverend Fr. Chito Butardo, lead the cutting of the ribbon to mark the opening of SM City Butuan on Friday. Photo courtesy of SM Supermalls

Huge China-backed trade pact to be signed at ASEAN summit

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ifteen Asia-Pacific nations are set to sign an enormous free trade deal at an online summit that started Thursday, with the pact seen as a coup for China in extending its influence across the region.

Once signed, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be the world’s largest trade pact in terms of GDP, according to analysts.

The pact, which was first proposed in 2012 and viewed as a Chinese-led rival to a now-defunct US

trade initiative, loops in 10 Southeast Asian economies along with China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia.

“After eight years of negotiating with blood, sweat and tears, we have finally come to the moment where we will seal the RCEP

Agreement this Sunday,” said Malaysia’s trade minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, ahead of the virtual meeting.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also confirmed the pact would be signed this week during opening remarks at the online summit.

India had been due to sign the pact but pulled out last year over concerns about cheap Chinese goods entering the country, though it can join at a later date if it reverses its position.

The RCEP -- whose members account for around 30 percent of global GDP -- would be a “major positive step forward for trade and investment liberalisation” in the region, said Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at global business consultancy IHS Markit.

“RCEP will be the world’s biggest free trade area measured in terms of GDP,” he told AFP. The pact’s expected signing comes as the 10 members of the Associa-

lobal maritime trade should recover next year after tanking by 4.1 percent in 2020 owing to the coronavirus, a UN agency forecast Thursday.

“The pandemic has sent shockwaves through supply chains, shipping networks and ports, leading to plummeting cargo volumes and foiling growth prospects,” the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said in its annual review of maritime transport.

UNCTAD expects maritime trade growth to rebound y 4.8 percent next year, “assuming world economic output recovers.”

But “the short-term outlook for maritime trade

is grim,” it noted.

“Predicting the pandemic’s longer-term impact as well as the timing and scale of the industry’s recovery is fraught with uncertainty,” the review added.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said the shipping industry will be at the forefront of efforts towards a sustainable economic recovery, “as a vital enabler of the smooth functioning of international supply chains.

“The industry must be a key stakeholder helping adapt ‘just-in-time efficiency’ logistics to ‘just-in-case’ preparedness,” he added.

The UN agency said the pandemic underscored

“the urgent need to invest in risk management and emergency response preparedness in transport and logistics.”

But UNCTAD’s director of technology and logistics, Shamika N. Sirimanne, stressed that the pandemic should not push back the shipping industry’s action on climate change.

“Post COVID-19 recovery policies should support further progress towards green solutions and sustainability,” she said.

“The momentum of current efforts to address carbon emissions from shipping and the ongoing energy transition away from fossil fuels should be maintained.”

FHUGE, P10

Maritime trade to rebound in 2021 from virus impact —UN

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BARMM to build public markets rooted in Moro culture, tradition

T Social media giant Facebook calls for donations for victims of supertyphoon Rolly and said it was going to match donations made to a US-based non-profit organization that is undertaking relief efforts. Edge Davao

he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is rushing the construction of public markets that will also showcase Moro design and symbols, the region’s spokesperson said Thursday.

Speaking for the BARMM, lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo said the regional government is putting up at least five markets “that are both functional

and rooted in Moro culture and tradition,” to be called “Padian a Bangsamoro” (Bangsamoro market).

“For this year, we will implement five public markets. This is under the BLESS Program, which stands for Bangsamoro Local Economic Support Services,” said Sinarimbo, also BARMM’s interior and local government minister.

“To be very clear, this is not a mere infrastructure project,” he said in a state-

ment. “The infrastructure is just a component of the program, which aims to develop and kick-start enterprise and economic activities in the local government units (LGUs) of the region."

All LGUs in the region are qualified to avail of this regional project, Sinarimbo said.

He also advised LGUs to immediately undergo such processes as estab-

FBARMM, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 184 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

On the leaked resolution which contains the request of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force to the RIATF 11 for approval to put Davao City as restricted LGU beginning November 16, 2020 until December 31, 2020:

Tinuod ang document but it is not intended for the public. It was Task Force Covid-19 Davao City’s resolution to the RIATF requesting permission for the declaration of our restricted LGU and it is one of the requirements na gipangayo sa Philippine National Police (PNP) for you to be declared as a restricted LGU... I do not know kung kinsa ang nag-gawas sa document sa public, all I know is that daghan na nakakita ana but it only came out more than 24 hours nga gi-discuss na siya so possibly dili na gikan sa city government as it went through channels for submission to the RIATF.”

Davao City Mayor

Inday Sara Duterte

EDGEDAVAO

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CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

VOL.13 ISSUE 184 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.13 ISSUE 184 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

BRANDS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

MY FIRST AMERICAN TRIP Who doesn’t want to go to the United States? I was still in high school when I dreamed of going to the land of milk and honey.

As a science journalist, I had the opportunity of going to other countries but not in the US. My aunt Aida and my sister Elena were already there; both are married to Americans. “Why don’t you come and visit us?” Daniel Chase, my sister’s husband, asked me.

Easier said than done. Getting an American visa was the hardest part. Then opportunity came when award-winning American journalist Don Hinrichsen suggested whether I come to the US or he would visit the Philippines in writing a report on water and population.

“Instead of you coming to my country,” I told him, “why don’t you invite me to come to the US? I had never been there yet.”

Don agreed. And that was how I was able to come to the US. I went there the first time on December 5, 2000. Yes, I remember it well.

“Where are you going this time,” my loving mother asked me.

She was already used to leaving our home every now and then and of my trips abroad.

I had not been telling anyone about the trip since I didn’t want them to know just in case I won’t make it. Big Apple, as New York is sometimes called, I told her. Her eyes widened. She couldn’t believe what she heard.

“Yes, it’s a dream come true,” I told her as I wiped the tears falling from her eyes. She never said a word EMPERADOR after that but insteadINC. hugged me – the world’s tightly.

“Take carelargest and have a safe trip,” she said. brandy company owning

If there was a foreign trip that was so exciting, this was it! In fact, the night before the trip, I was not able to sleep well. I was afraid I might be late in going to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. So, even if it was still three in the morning, I woke up and took a bath. Afterwards, I went to the airport and checked in.

The Northwest Airlines flight from Manila to Narita was not that long, only four hours. We disembarked at the Narita International Airport and stayed there for a couple of hours before our plane left for the United States. This time, the flight was long.

For the next thirteen-hoursand-a-half, I was doing what most passengers were also doing: eating, reading, writing, walking, drinking, playing, watching movies, and sleeping. When feeling bored, I watched other passengers.

There was a mother bottle-feeding her baby.

An American couple, who were three seats away from me, were talking, or were they arguing (sorry, I really could not tell the difference)?

They were, after all, too far for me to eavesdrop.

In another lane, one huge man was snoring out loud (was the lady near him trying to find another seat, I can only guess).

Two fat men – probably not Greeks! – were drinking to their heart’s content while another one was typing on his computer.

Before I knew it, I was already in a deep slumber. Then, I was awakened when the pilot said that we would be landing soon. My heart was beating fast. Finally, I will be

able to see the US of my dreams.

“Welcome to New York,” the airport sign said. Thank you, I said to myself but my biggest problem was: how do I get to know Don, whom I have never met yet? In his email five days earlier, he told me to go to the airport’s waiting area and look for “a tall guy with mustache and wearing a hat.”

The information was not enough so I decided to e-mail also Dr. James Hansen, a former colleague who now works in New York. “Yes, I will pick you at the airport,” James assured me in his reply to my e-mail.

Now, if I would miss spotting Don, then there was James. Or, vice-versa. Since I knew James personally, he was the first person I looked for at the waiting area. He wasn’t around; maybe he was late, I consoled myself. So, I decided to carry out the second plan: to search for “a tall guy with mustache wearing a hat.”

I spotted three men who fit the description. Who among these three was Don? Using my gut feeling, I approached one person and asked him if he was Don. He answered affirmatively. Still not convinced, I requested for his identification card.

He showed his ID without much ado.

He was Don, indeed, and we started talking with each other.

We were in the middle of our conversation when someone from behind called my name. I knew it was James (I recognized his voice).

“Sorry, I wasn’t able to recognize you, Henry,” he apologized. “But when I hear your voice, I am sure it is you.”

This happened at the time when social media – particularly Facebook

– was not yet very popular!

Since Don knew the hotel where I would be staying in New York for the next 10 days, I decided to go with him. James understood the situation. But before he left, he asked Don about the hotel and then told me that he would pick me up by Saturday morning.

It was still Wednesday when I arrived. When Don and I arrived at the hotel, he told me not to sleep.

After all, it was still two in the afternoon. “Okay, thanks for the advice,” I told him before saying goodbye.

But when I was alone in my room, I tried to stretch my body and before I knew it, I was already sleeping. I woke up at 8:30 pm and was already starving. I went out and looked for a place where I could eat.

Not far from my hotel, I saw a Mexican restaurant, not very fancy but was serving pizza, short orders and drinks.

Not knowing what to eat, I ordered what was familiar to me: pizza, chicken wings and soft drink. I ate my food with much gusto. The following night, I went again to the same place. The same waiter was serving me and I ordered the same thing. On the third night, I still went to the same place. The same waiter was there. But before I could utter my order, the waiter said, “Do you want pizza, chicken wings and soft drink, sir?” Was my face red?

During my first three days in New York, I did not experience any chilly weather. But on the fourth day, I ventured to visit the Central Park, which was not very far from the hotel. I woke up very early and went outside the hotel. I was only on my fifth step when I felt the unpleas-

antly cold air that I had to rush back to the hotel. “Anything wrong, sir?”

Feeling embarrassed, I answered, “I just forgot something from my room.”

Exploring New York was not a herculean task. If you know how to count (first, second, third, etc.) and are familiar with directions (east, west, south and north), then you won’t get lost in the Big Apple. You don’t have to ride a taxi to get to know New York. Just walk.

And that’s what I did. While walking, I finally got a glimpse of people whom I had seen in movies before: a teenager buying coffee and donut in the street, a man preaching on the street corner, a female walking who seemed to come out live from a glossy magazine, and an old woman pushing a cart.

Life in New York (even in other parts of the United States) is a matter of choice. Even when buying food. So, you have to be very specific.

I made that mistake when I ordered a soft drink. “Diet or Classic?” the waitress asked. When I answered, she asked again, “In can or in a bottle?”

My first trip to the United States was indeed memorable. It broadened my mind. It gave me the opportunity of meeting fascinating people along the way. More importantly, it offered me a new perspective of what life really is.

“So, how was the trip?” my mother asked me when she saw me coming out from the car when I arrived back home. She was smiling. I hugged her and whispered, “It was great, mom!”

And, by the way, I learned, too, that New York never sleeps.

EMPERADOR EXPANDS GLOBAL PRESENCE ACROSS NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE AND CHINA

the iconic Emperador Brandy and Fundador Spanish Brandy de Jerez – continues its aggressive growth across North America and Europe during the first nine months of the year even as the global pandemic adversely hit most countries in these continents.

Fundador, Tres Cepas, and Emperador brands have been growing consistently, parAlthough international law ticularly inthat the United States,has prescribes the seafarer Canada, Unitedback the right Italy, to beSpain, repatriated to their point origin, Chithere are Kingdom andofGreater those who suffer abandonment na. In Spain, brands owned and by their employers. produced under Grupo EmRepatriation comes from perador continue the LatinEspaña word S.A. repatriare, “reto dominate turn to one’s the ownbrandy market country,” from the re, “back,” and patria, withprefix 40% market share. “native land.”

Fundador has been parSeafarers arespectacular considered ticularly showing contractual employees since performance even in their employment is North fixed for a America. In the Unitedshall Statesnot period of time which exceed 12 months. alone, Fundador achieved The commencement 23% growth during the first of POEA contract nine months ofisthefrom year.the time when the seafarer actually deIn Canada, have also eiparts from sales the Philippines, tripled during first nine ther airport orthe seaport, for employment. months as Fundador Light has shall available cease when he combeenItmade in Alberta, pletes his period of contractual Canada as a new expression service aboard the ship, signsthisfrom year. The newand Fundaoff the ship arrives at dor Double Light was also the point of hire.

The contract requires rolled outPOEA across the US. theMeanwhile, seafarer to arrive at the in the United point of hire as it signifies the Kingdom, Fundador grew completion of the employment 185% during nineits excontract, andthe notfirst merely months, while in Italy, it repiration.

Similarly, a seafarer’s emcorded 15% growth during

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG KULE

JOINT AND SOLIDARY LIABILITY IN SEAFARERS’ ABANDONMENT CASES ployment contract is terminated even before the contract expires as soon as he arrives at the point of hire and signs off for medical reasons, due to shipwreck, voluntary resignation or for other just causes like vessel sale and change of principal.

However, in most cases of abandonment, a shipowner has become incapable of generating required funds to continue with daily marine operations.

It then withdraws all responsibility by failing to meet its obligations regarding seafarers’ financial and social security (contractual wages), the provision of basic necessities of life (adequate food, accommothe sameand period. Emperador’s dation, medical care) and repatriation costs. brandy performance, on the

other hand, achieved 8% Combined with the this dangrowth in Mexico during gers of the elements of the sea, period. the abandoned crew have to “We glad that comface theare stressful andthe inhumane consequences of deliver being stranded pany was able to solid in a country where theynine do not performance in the first speak the language, and the difmonths of 2020 on the strength ficulties of financial constraints of itstointernational business due unpaid wages. that According we have developed the to the in International past fiveMaritime years. TheOrganization highest

(IMO), there are 438 cases of abandonment (5,767 seafarers) that have been recorded since 2004 until August 2020. In 2020 alone, 31 cases (concerning 470 seafarers) have been recorded to date.

Filipino seafarers stranded onboard the Oceanstar 86 for almost six months in the waters off the coast of Fujian, China were reported after a video showed their dire living conditions and pleaded for their immediate rescue. They were recently repatriated back to the country.

As long as the seafarers have not arrived at the point of hire, they are entitled to payinternational growthbenefits comes unment of monetary der contract. fromthe China, which is expected The than seafarer is entitled to be to more double from last paid his wages and other beneyear, which will be driven by fits after the expiration of his the premium single malt brands contract and during the extendandperiod brandy. We are confident ed until the vessel’s arrival at this a convenient Thefor oblithat will paveport. the way gations and liabilities of the local further growth in the future for agency and its foreign Emperador,” says Glennprincipal Mando not end upon the expiration lapaz, executive officer, of the chief contracted period as they Emperador International. were duty bound to repatriate theAs seaman to the point hire international sales ofofits

to effectively terminate the contract of employment. (Interorient Maritime Enterprises, Inc. v.

NLRC,330 Phil. 493).

The POEA rules states that the manning agency shall assume “joint and solidary liability” with the employer, which is meant to assure aggrieved workers of immediate and sufficient payment of what is due them.

The Amended Migrant Workers Act ( R.A. 10022) also states that the agency which deployed the employees shall be jointly and solidarily liable with the principal for the money claims awarded to the employees.

The Supreme Court explained in the case of Catan v.

NLRC ( 160 SCRA 691, 695) the rationale : “This must be so, because the obligations covenanted in the manning agreement entered into by and between the local agent and its foreign principal are not coterminus with the term of such agreement so that if either or both of the parties brandyto and products the decide endwhisky the agreement, in various markets the responsibilities of around such parties towards the contracted employworld, Emperador recorded

ees under the agreement do not at all end, but the same extends 11%togrowth in its the net income up and until expiration of the employment contracts to P5.9-billion during the first of the employees recruited and nine months of the year while employed pursuant to the said third quarter earnings achieved recruitment agreement. Other26% record growth to P2.5wise, this will render nugatory billion as purpose overseas for demand the very whichfor the law governing the employment its products surged amid the of workers for foreign jobs global pandemic. abroad was enacted.”

“The success of our interThe 2014 amendments to national expansion boosted the Maritime Labor Convencompany bringing tion 2006earnings, (MLC2006) require shipowners have atcompulsostability and to growth a time ry insurance to cover abandonwhen the Philippines wrestles ment of seafarers to four with the impact offor theup coronamonths’ outstanding wages and virus. Emperador’s global busientitlements.

It must also cover ness saw double-digit reasonable expenses growth as from the moment abandonment it adaptedofwell to new con-to the time of arrival back home such sumption trends,” says Winston as repatriation, food, clothing, Co, president, Emperador Inc. accommodation, drinking water, Emperador Inc.,essential which owns medical care and fuel Emperador Distillers, for survival on board. Inc., Atty.

Gorecho Scotch whisky makerheads Whyte the seafarers’ division of theBoSapaand Mackay Group, and lo Velez Bundang Bulilan degas Fundador in Spain, haslaw offices. For comments, send brandy andtowhisky brands that an e-mail info@sapalovelez. are available more than 100or com or call in09175025808 09088665786 countries around the world.

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 184 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

IN PHOTO: (Upper left) The Institute of Microbial Technology, India, Johnson & Johnson’s partner-organization for research and development, (lower-left) a microscopic view of TB, (right) Andrias, one of Janssen’s researchers at work in the lab

J&J, UP-College of public health launch e-learning platform to scale up training for Filipino HCPs in treating multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis

J

ohnson & Johnson (Philippines) Inc. (J&J) and the Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health (CPH), University of the Philippines-Manila, SEAMEO Tropmed Philippines have partnered together to launch the Tuberculosis (TB) Academy, an online learning platform aimed to further the education of Filipino healthcare practitioners and specialists in treating Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

The TB Academy is a project spearheaded by the Union, a global scientific organization which aims to improve the health of populations in low and middle-income countries, in

partnership with J&J Global Public Health.

Its roll-out in the Philippines will be done through the collaboration between J&J and UP-CPH from November 2020 up to June

2021; aiming to strengthen clinician’s capacity in clinical and programmatic management of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2020 Global Tuberculosis Report, the Philippines makes up 6% of the total estimated cases of TB worldwide and is one of the top 30 countries with the highest number of MDR-TB cases.

In 2019, the Department of Health set a target of finding and treating 2.5 million Filipino TB patients by 2022, coinciding with the WHO’s goal of ending TB by 2030 worldwide.

J&J Philippines Head of Medical Affairs Dr. Erwin Benedicto shared that the

program will consist of three training levels and will be deployed via live and on-demand webinars.

He expounded that these three training levels will cater to 1) clinical officers and nurses, 2) clinicians, and 3) DR-TB Experts, respectively. Each of which will consist of knowledge and skill sharing sessions on effective management of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis cases, capacity-building exercises for programmatic management of DR-TB, and cascade of operational research findings on modified oral short treatment regimens.

Participants who complete all sessions and modules will also be given cer-

shock-resistant exterior and internal structures.

- Maverick - for its original design that is both refined and daringly different.

The new M-FORCE models are ISO-standard air divers’ 200-m watches that pursue the functionality expected of a true adventure watch, featuring the modified in-house caliber F6727. They also include a large screw-down crown at the 3 o’clock position and uni-directional rotating bezel. New for these models is a striking case protection shield with a powerful round form, protecting the screw-down crown and the bezel from external pressure or shock.

The tough uni-directional rotating bezel is black, like the protection shield, and is engraved with new numeric fonts re-designed to match the new M-FORCE logo. The dial, seen through sapphire crystal glass with

an anti-reflective coating, has embossed indices for a three-dimensional look, coated with strong Luminous Light to ensure excellent visibility, an essential feature of any diver’s watch.

Also new is the metal bracelet. Its solid and sturdy end links tightly connect to the powerful shaped lugs to integrate seamlessly with the case. The links are arranged at shorter pitch for additional comfort.

There will be four regular models in the new modern designed M-FORCE lineup. In addition to the basic black dial, it is also available in renowned ORIENT colours such as red, green gradation, as well as matte black unifying the case, protection shield, and dial. A limited-edition, 70th

Anniversary commemorative model of just 1,600 pieces with a gold gradation dial completes the current M-FORCE line up. The gold gradation dial takes its inspiration from the ORIENT Jaguar Focus model which gained numerous fans back in the 1970s. It combines a bronze colour case and protection shield to provide a vintage element to the newest M-FORCE. All models come in an all-black original presentation box, reflecting the individuality of the tough and refined M-FORCE.

ORIENT revives its popular M-FORCE Sports Collection flagship model with a bold new look

O

RIENT is bringing back its popular M-FORCE model, a much-loved member of the ORIENT Sports Collection.

The first four models of the new third generation series will be ISO-standard divers’ watches plus one limited-edition to commemorate ORIENT’s 70th anniversary this year. The new M-FORCE retains many of the same features of earlier generations, while introducing the latest industrial design trends.

The tough and functional, distinctive M-FORCE adventure watch has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, from its first-generation series (1997–2002) to the second-generation series (2011–2015). The “M” of M-FORCE stands for 3 things: - Mechanical - a watch that keeps time without batteries or solar power.

- Massive - a durable watch equipped with

tifications from the Union, Dr. Benedicto added.

“The fight to end tuberculosis in the Philippines has been long, but it is not hopeless,” said Dr. Vicente Belizario, Dean and Center Director, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines-Manila, SEAMEO Tropmed Philippines. “This collaboration between our two organizations is integral for us at this time, as we strengthen our healthcare workers’ capabilities and continue to educate the public about available treatment options for our TB patients, all in support of the National Tuberculosis Program of the Department of Health.”.”

In September 2018, Johnson & Johnson an-

nounced its 10-year initiative to help end tuberculosis around the world, focusing on expanding access to treatment, improving detection, supporting health systems respond to cases, and accelerating TB research and development.

J&J Philippines President and Managing Director Raghu Krishnan shared, “As advocates and partners of the local healthcare industry, we will never cease to find ways in which we can put our Credo into practice. In every way that we can, we will continue to extend our expertise and support to our doctors and patients that we may collectively end the long fight against tuberculosis.”

9 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 184 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

Farm tourism at its best

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

F

oreigners usually think of the Philippines as a place of dreamy golden beaches, shimmering azure waters, blue skies and gently swaying palms. But there is a new wave in tourism across the country – especially for those interested in sustainability. Farm tourism is the new attraction.

The Republic Act No. 10816, otherwise known as the Farm Tourism Development Act, defines farm tourism as “the practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes.” As a reason to visit, it is becoming increasingly popular in the country.

Any agriculture or fishery-based activity that brings people to be educated or trained on farming and related activities, or just provides a venue for outdoor recreation and family outings can be called farm tourism. “It ranges from very (sophisticated) tourist farms to very simple… farms,” said Senator Cynthia Villar, author of Act No. 10816. “They are the same thing; it’s about being creative.”

In Bansalan, Davao del Sur, there is a training center that has been attracting thousands of people. Even before farm tourism came into existence, the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) has been popular among people who are interested in farming.

As a matter of fact, it is not only those coming from nearby provinces and other parts of the country who come to the MBRLC. People from other countries – from Australia to Zimbabwe, from Afghanistan to Vietnam, from the United Kingdom to the United States – have visited the center.

“From an initial effort to train and improve the productivity of farmers in the area, it has spread as a reputable model throughout the Philippines and touched all of Asia,” commented Jerry A. Rankin, former resident of the International Mission Board based in Richmond, Virginia. “Agricultural technology and methods have turned barren hills into productive farms.”

“What we are promoting at the center is organic farming,” says Jethro P. Adang, the second Filipino to become director of the center; the first one was Roy C. Alimoane. (Previously, the center was managed by Americans: Harold R. Watson, Jon J. Palmer, and Steve L. Musen.) “We want to show to our visitors that farming systems that protect the environment can also be productive and sustainable.”

The United Nations Food and Agriculture (FAO), in its report, Organic Agriculture and Food Security, believes organic agriculture is one of the methods that can fight hunger, tackle the issues of climate change aside from being beneficial for farmers, consumers and the environment.

In a recent report, Lucille Elna Parreno-de Guzman gives this further definition: “Organic agriculture is an agricultural production system that avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, growth regulators, pesticides, livestock feed additives, and genetically modified organisms and products.”

That’s what MBRLC is trying to do in its farm located in barangay Kinuskusan, about 10 kilometers away from the town proper. As 60% of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares are considered uplands, it has developed four sustainable farming schemes.

The Bureau of Soil and Water Management, a line agency of the Department of Agriculture, considered organic agriculture as one of the methods that can combat land degradation. In fact, it has been found that organic agriculture does not only help improve soil fertility but also prevent wind and water erosion of the soil, improve water infiltration and retention capacity, reduce surface and ground water consumption and subsequent soil salinization and reduce ground and surface water contamination.

The possible solution to the erosion problem is Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT 1), where two hedgerows of nitrogen fixing plants are planted together following the upland’s contour lines. “The idea is to stop the topsoil from eroding,” Adang says.

Hilly agricultural lands under cultivation in the country have lost about twothirds of their valuable topsoil, the primary resource in agriculture.

The nitrogen-fixing plants like ipil-ipil, kakawate, flemingia, and rensonii are cut every 30-45 days.

The cuttings are placed under the crops planted in between the hedgerows. Aside from being used as mulching materials, the cuttings are also the source of fertilizer for the crops.

As malnutrition is a big problem among uplanders, the MBRLC developed Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2). Livestock particularly refers to goats, whose milk and meat can be the farm’s source of protein.

Twelve dairy does and one buck are raised in one-half hectare. The goat house is located at the center. The lower portion is planted to various leguminous crops and napier grass, which are the source of forage for goats. The upper portion is allotted to agricultural crops.

“As we are raising dairy goats, we practice zero grazing,” Adang says. The leguminous crops are cut and given to goats. The goat manure is used as fertilizer for the forages and agricultural crops. “The sources of income for the farmer are milk, goats, and some from his crops,” he says.

The Philippines is fast losing its forest cover. To save the lingering forests, the MBRLC tries to integrate more trees in its SALT systems. In fact, the remaining two systems have more trees in them: Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology (SALT 3) and Small Agrofruit Livelihood Technology (SALT 4).

The two-hectare SALT 3 is a small-scale reforestation; one hectare is planted to agricultural crops while the other hectare is allotted to trees like mahogany, narra, raintree, and ipil-ipil.

The forest component is located at the upper portion to douse the impact of the raindrops.

To further curb the rushing water from the upper portion, bamboo is planted as a boundary crop. In the lower portion, the original SALT scheme is still followed.

Since Mindanao is touted to be the fruit basket of the country, MBRLC developed the one-half hectare SALT 4. The area is planted to various fruit trees like durian, mangosteen, lanzones, marang, and guava.

While the fruits are still young, the area is planted to annual crops (banana and pineapple) and vegetables (string beans, peanuts, cucumber).

For the lowlands, the center has developed a gardening system called Food Always In The Home (FAITH), which can provide all-year round vegetables for a family with six members. “A refrigerator in the

farm is what we call it,” Adang says.

In a sense, it is. You can pick fresh tomatoes, eggplants, ampalaya, alugbati, winged beans, malunggay, and okra. You can even harvest fruits like pineapple and papaya, which are planted along the boundary of the garden as fences.

The 100-square meter garden can provide 300 grams of fresh vegetables daily. The central feature of the garden is a series of raised garden beds into which bamboo baskets and trench composts are set about one foot in depth.

These are filled with little manure and some decomposed garbage and packed with leaves of grasses and leguminous plants like kakawate, flemingia, rensonii, and ipil-ipil.

In all its systems, the center doesn’t use pesticides. “The key to good pest control,” Adang says, “begins with knowing your crops and checking them regularly to make sure they are healthy and not bothered by something that might want to eat them before you do!

When you see a pest or disease problem, with diligent scouting it can be controlled before it becomes a major problem.”

If infestation is immense, however, the center makes homemade pesticides using neem, kakawate, marigold, garlic, and hot pepper.

At the MBRLC, wastes are no waste. They use them as feed for their night-crawling earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae). “With the aid of aerobic microorganisms (that is, bacteria and fungi), earthworms digest processed organic materials under favorable temperature and moisture conditions,” Adang explains. “The materials that pass through the digestive tract of the earthworms come out in a texturized, sanitized and deodor-

ized form of castings known as vermicompost.”

They use vermicompost in fertilizer for their crops. “While low in major plant nutrients compared to chemical fertilizers,” Adang says, “vermicompost supports microorganisms, which make nutrients more readily available to plants and produce substances that promote plant growth and health.”

MBRLC also has fishponds, where it raises tilapia. In some parts of the ponds, azolla and golden apple snail are also raised (although not together). Azolla is used as feed for tilapia and ducks. Azolla contains 4-5 percent nitrogen, 1-1.5 percent phosphorus, and 2-3 percent potassium. “As such, azolla can also be applied as organic fertilizer in fresh, dried, or composted form.” As for golden apple snails, they are utilized as feed for ducks.

Chicken and pigs also dominate some areas of the farm. Instead of being a problem, the center uses pig manure as a source of biogas. They are using biogas to pasteurize goat’s milk and cook food prepared in the canteen.

The MBRLC was founded in September 1971 by Watson as a result of his masteral thesis where he found out that most agricultural training centers had sophisticated facilities but didn’t have demonstration farms where the trainees can immerse themselves.

“In those years, training centers had huge buildings where people can learn modern techniques of farming,” Watson said. “But unfortunately, they didn’t have demo fields that show how to do those techniques.”

At the MBRLC, trainings are conducted every week.

The trainees don’t learn only the basics of the organic farming systems the center

developed but also absorb the skills in doing them. “We call it hands-on-experience,” Adang says. “Only 25% of the training is done in the room, the remaining 75% are finished in the field.”

Each day, about 30 participants join the training.

But in these days of coronavirus pandemic, the participants are trimmed down to only 10. “We follow all the health protocols recommended by the government,” Adang says.

Even those who come to the center for a tour, they learn so many things. “We usually have a short orientation at the training hall,” Adang says. “After that, they can tour around the center, which usually takes about half a day. But in some instances, if farmers have so many questions during the tour, it may take about one day.”

Right now, brief exposure study tours (BEST), as the center calls it, are being discouraged again due to pandemic. But a few individuals who happen to drop by are being toured. There is a minimal fee of P45 per person for the tour.

“Our farming systems are far from perfect,” admits Adang. “Every day, we are learning. But we are happy to share what we know. We don’t hide anything here.

Everyone is free to copy what we do.”

In fact, for encouraging international utilization of the farming schemes the center has developed through the years, its first director, Watson received the Ramon Magsaysay Award – Asia’s Nobel Prize – for international understanding.

MBRLC has also received recognitions from the regional office of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, various government agencies, and Presidential Citation from former president Corazon C. Aquino.

10 EDGEDAVAO

COVIDLEAKS... FROM2

members of the IATF will still be incorporated in the Executive Order (EO).

“Dili nato puwede i-discuss. Kung mabasa ninyo dinha sa resolution specific kaayo ang purpose sa resolution it is requesting the approval for the declaration of Davao City as restricted LGU. We cannot discuss (content) because naay comments ang mga members kagahapon which will be incorporated sa executive order that will implement our requested LGU,” she said.

The mayor also denied reports that Davao City will revert to Enhanced Com-

munity Quarantine (ECQ) starting November 16, 2020.

“Dili pa ni siya mao ang i-implement. Since wala pa ta nakakuha sa concurrent sa PNP all the more na dili ta maka-discuss ana that is why I said dili na document para sa public and it is wrong to say na mao na ni ang polisiya sa Davao City,” she said.

Mayor Sara reminded the public to source official announcements from the official page of the city government of Davao, mainstream media and social media partners of the City Information Office (CIO).

added.

Business establishments, she said, will be required to undergo strict

monitoring, and violators risk suspension or cancellation of business permit.

(PNA)

at 0995-316-3462 or email blazylano@davaochamber. com Meanwhile, DCCCII continues to reiterate the need

to strictly implement health protocols in the workplace by issuing frequent advisories through its social media pages.

tor must be left behind. Our efforts should be targeted and inclusive. We must address the disproportionate effects of Covid-19 on women, migrant workers, and other vulnerable sectors. We have to adopt gender-responsive measures

and strengthen social protection systems,” Duterte said.

He also cited the need to “intensify cooperation in promoting and protecting the rights of migrant workers, regardless of their status.” (PNA)

BSP makes use of its enforcement tools (issuing directives, letters of commitment, etc.), it needs to ensure it is effectively

utilizing its monetary penalty regime for AML/CFT non-compliance issues on a consistent basis,” it added. (PNA)

whether OPEC+ should boost supply by 2 million bpd from January, as currently called for. OPEC+ already tapered the cut by 2 million bpd in August, from 9.7 million bpd from

May. Top OPEC producer Saudi Arabia said on Monday the deal could be tweaked, and OPEC sources say various options are in view.

Painters in the next round starting on Friday night at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

Ginebra holds a twiceto-beat advantage over ROS, only needing one win to make it to the bestof-five semifinals.

However, the Elasto Painters have the capabilities to pull off an upset especially that they prevailed over the Barangay, 85-82, in their regular season meeting on Oct. 27.

The difference, though, is that Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio were not in their optimal

match fitness yet that time due to the recoveries from their respective injuries.

With both veteran superstars now getting better, they can be of a major boost when Ginebra battles ROS again at 6:45 p.m. Friday.

The winner of the said series will take on the victor of another quarterfinal pairing between San Miguel and Meralco.

The fourth-seeded Beermen, also holding a twice-to-beat advantage, will open their own series with the fifth-seeded Bolts also on Friday at 4 p.m. (PNA)

Sportmail. Sign up now!!!

With Daryl Morey, the architect, and Mike D’Antoni, the man responsible for guiding what was constructed, both out of the building, and Westbrook likely to be traded, Harden is apparently staying put.

According to The Athletic, Harden is “locked in”

for the season ahead.

The Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks were said to be interested in trading for Westbrook, and more suitors would likely be out there for the 32-year-old, who still has three years, and over $US130 million owed on his current deal.

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generation contacts,” Lopez said.

Lopez assured that the Davao City Task Force is doing everything to address all the concerns and issues regarding Covid-19 situation in Davao City. He

said the city implemented several initiatives from the level of testing up to the level when the patients are discharged.

“Naningkamot ang atong Covid task force in Davao City to address the

problems pertaining to Covid. The main problem here in clustering and locally under the initiative of the City Mayor we have implemented several mitigations like implementing curfew and 24 hour liquor ban,” he

said.

Lopez reiterated the practice of wearing face mask, frequent hand washing, and observance of social distancing at two meters to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

hours.

This came as “Ulysses” intensified into a typhoon at 8 a.m. on the same day.

Malano said PAGASA conducted a press briefing to alert the public.

Text alerts from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) were also disseminated to boost public awareness.

He noted that their forecasts are coordinated with the NDRRMC, the lead office during emergencies and calamities.

“The NDRRMC took our forecast and relayed it to their regional and municipal counterparts who then assisted the local government units (LGUs) for their preemptive response operations,” Malano said.

The would-be affected LGUs, on the other hand, have been advised to evacuate vulnerable residents, he said.

Trouble with evacuation Marikina City was among the areas most devastated by the typhoon after

its river overflowed at dawn on Thursday.

"Nakakatakot dahil parang ‘Ondoy’ ang karanasan namin dito. Dahil 'yung ‘Ondoy’, ganito rin nangyari.

Habang natutulog ang lahat, biglang tumaas ang ilog (It was scary because what we experienced was like ‘Ondoy’, wherein the river overflowed while everyone was asleep)," Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said, recounting his experience in an interview with DZBB. Teodoro said evacuation efforts became complicated during the typhoon's onslaught from late Wednesday until early Thursday after power supply was cut off in some areas.

“The height of the flood exceeds the first floor of a house. We haven’t experienced this kind of flooding for so many months or years. That’s why everyone was surprised,” he said.

Teodoro sought national government assistance for air rescue as local officials and residents were “overwhelmed” by the floods.

He acknowledged certain lapses in the city’s preparations for “Ulysses” as they did not expect the Marikina River to swell up to 22 meters as of 11 a.m. on Thursday as he asked for back-up from the national government and private sectors.

The Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other auxiliary groups were on standby and pushed for the rescue operations.

Government operations were ongoing as of writing.

Prepare for possible recurrence Meanwhile, Malano said the same incident wherein typhoons developed one after the other occurred in 2004.

"Magkakamukha na magsunod-sunod ang bagyo weekly, four typhoons in November of 2004. Ngayon naman, November ulit, naka-tatlong bagyo na (The same happened in November 2004

when four typhoons developed successively. This month, we’ve already had three)," he said.

The strongest typhoon to hit land this year, Super Typhoon Rolly, which entered the Philippine area of responsibility as a severe tropical storm on October 29, was immediately followed by "Siony", "Tonyo", and "Ulysses".

Malano reminded the public to practice preparedness as the rainy season in Metro Manila usually brings flood, considering its canals are clogged with garbage.

PAGASA's weather surveillance radar can monitor weather disturbances from 400 km. away, which, depending on their movement, could reach and devastate populated areas in days as they gain strength.

He, however, clarified that all forecasts from different warning agencies across the globe have limitations, “ranging from data collection, processing, and analyses and even information." (PNA)

in the area.

The 48,278 sq. meter mall will be a landmark in this bustling city with its origami inspired façade that celebrates the Japanese art of paper folding.

Innovative design concepts highlight the interiors: the Cyberzone’s biophilic theme is inspired by nature’s tangible features that mimic plant vegetation’s orientation, the natural pattern of days and seasons, and “earth-tones” of the environment.

The mall’s Cinema, on the other hand, has a retro-industrial style, an aesthetic trend in interior design that takes clues from old factories and industrial spaces converted to lofts and other living spaces.

Components of industrial style include weathered

wood, building systems, exposed brick, industrial lighting fixtures, and concrete.

The SM Store and SM Supermarket are SM City Butuan’s major anchors, along with SM mainstays like SM Appliance Center, ACE Hardware, Watsons, Surplus, Our Home, and Sports Central, Uniqlo, The Body Shop, Crocs and Miniso. It will also have fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, bookstores; as well as a Cyberzone and service and wellness outlets.

Eating out options include well-loved local and international food chains, as well as specialty restaurants like Shakey’s, Sunnies Café, Hukad, Bigby’s, Samgyeopsal House, Wildwings, Ribshack, Choobi Choobi, and coffee and milk

tea outlets like Bo’s Coffee, Chatime, Macao Imperial Tea, and Gongcha.

Butuan-based tenants like Verity, Fulcrum Café, Custodio Medical Clinic, Bella Mecanica Nail and Waxing Salon, and Alot Barbero Lokal have also found their home in the mall.

SM City Butuan will also have four state of the art cinemas and the largest mall-based event center in the CARAGA region.

For customer convenience, has a total of 734 parking slots including 543 for regular cars, 175 for motorcycles, 8 for PWD vehicles and 8 for senior citizens. It also has a helipad and a transport bay.

SM City Butuan’s project team includes DSGN Associates, Design Consultant; Jose Siao Ling and Associ-

ates, Architect on Record; Design Coordinates, Inc., Construction Management; and Carwill Construction, Inc. General Contractor.

With the health of its shoppers in mind, SM City Butuan is on the forefront of safe malling enforcing high-standard hygiene checks and health protocols in the city. These include mandatory face masks and shields and temperature checks and sanitation upon entry, as well as Trace Together a smart approach for contact tracing with a QR code.

All of these are part of SM’s commitment to continue serving and supporting communities by ensuring that everyone’s safety is always a top priority./SM PR

lishing an enterprise development office, passing the necessary ordinance

to support this, exercising the corporate power of the LGU, developing the

market code, and demonstrating its contribution to another program of

the ministry, which is on revenue enhancement.

(PNA)

tion of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) fight to mitigate the crippling cost of the coronavirus, which has ravaged their economies and left many battling a severe public health crisis.

THORNY ISSUES The pact is also seen as a mechanism for China to draft the rules of Asia-Pacific trade, following years of US retreat under President Donald Trump.

“It certainly lends advantage to China’s geopolitical ambitions,” said Alexander Capri, a trade expert at the National University of Singapore Business School.

But US President-elect

Joe Biden may engage more actively with the region, Capri added, in much the same way as former President Barack Obama did.

“Think of the Biden administration as sort of a continuation of the Obama administration, certainly when it comes to the pivot to Asia,” he said.

While the region waits to see how its relationship with the US will unfold, it is battling several other thorny issues -- including disputes over the South China Sea. The flashpoint waters -- claimed in their entirety

by Beijing but also contest-

ed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan -- will also be on the agenda at the summit.

But as several nations battle serious COVID-19 outbreaks, and with many promised priority access to Chinese-made vaccines, a stand against Beijing is seen as unlikely.

Instead, the focus will be on economic development in the bloc, with many of its tourism and export-reliant countries suffering badly.

“The road ahead is not a bed of roses,” said Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong at the summit, warn-

ing that leaders would be expected to work together to control infections and support people who are suffering.

The RCEP could help ease the financial pain, said Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, an assistant professor at the Centre of Multilateralism Studies in Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

“In the light of Covid-19, RCEP could enable ASEAN to bounce back more quickly as such a deal allows firms to diversify their supply chains and increase resiliency of the regional economies,” she added.

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11

Lakers eye De Rozan for Kuzma-Green

O

Ginebra San Miguel guard Stanley Pringle will be at the forefront of the Kings campaign in the quarterfinals. PBA Images

Ginebra feels the top seed pressure

G

inebra coach Tim Cone is aware that everyone is watching his team especially that the Philippine Basketball Association's perennial crowd favorite is the number one squad entering the quarterfinals.

This was why he said that he was to devote his club's layoff to assure coping with the pressure.

"It's all about just taking care of ourselves, making sure we're getting ourselves ready and we

t looks like Russell Westbrook’s stay with the Houston Rockets is one-and-done.

The flamboyant 31-year-old playmaker reportedly wants to return to his lead role after sharing the ball and spotlight with James Harden last season.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the development, saying Westbrook “wants out” of the Rockets.

"Westbrook has informed team officials that he has been uneasy about the team's accountability and culture, and has a desire to return to his prior, floor-general role in Oklahoma City," The Athletic reported.

Westbrook still enjoyed gaudy numbers in his first season in Houston, averaging 27.2 points, a team-leading 7.9 rebounds, and seven assists in 57 games in the regular season.

The triple-double machine and former league MVP still has three years and $132.6 million left on his contract.

Westbrook, who has spent just one season in Houston, was acquired last off-season by an aggressive Rockets franchise

looking to cash in on their championship window.

Instead, with Westbrook, in the line-up, Houston was further away from the title than they were with Chris Paul, who was sent packing to Oklahoma City.

According to The Athletic, Westbrook “has made it known for quite some time” that he sees problems within Houston’s culture, and also wants a return to the floor-general role he had with the Thunder.

“Throughout the season, Westbrook was the consistent presence who kept Harden accountable, The Athletic reported, “and the two close friends had several verbal exchanges that sources described as ‘tense, but needed.’”

A bit like watching a two-year-old desperately trying to squeeze his square block into the circle-shaped hole of his geometric toy set, it was pretty clear from the outset that Westbrook wasn’t going to work in Houston.

Sure, talent sometimes overrides fit. But the guy who needs the ball in his hands at all times, shoots from the mid-range, and struggles from three-point

understand the pressure of being the number one seed," Cone said, adding that he is aware that everyone expects Ginebra to make the finals.

However, he is also aware of the possibility of a top seed getting knocked out as early as the quarterfinals.

It happened last season when top-seeded

NLEX fell to eighth-seeded NorthPort in the Governors' Cup quarterfinals.

"It's a luxury to be number one, but it's no guarantee. You got to make sure you work through it," Cone continued.

The Barangay is set to face the eighth-seeded Rain Or Shine Elasto

Westbrook demands trade I range, is probably not who you want next to Harden.

There were glimpses of fluency to the partnership worth nearly $77m ($A105m) last season, but only when one of Harden or Westbrook lost their eternal game of ‘shotgun’ and ended up in the back seat.

We s t b ro o k averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7 assists a game for Houston, but the playoffs saw the Ro c ke t s pushed to seve n games b y Paul’s OKC unit, before being dispatched in five games against the Los An- g e l e s Lakers.

Get all the latest basketball news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports

FWESTBROOK, P10

FGINEBRA, P10

ne team that was able to cash in on their championship window were the Los Angeles Lakers.

They are still very active in the player market too and are reportedly looking at a major move.

The Lakers are on the lookout for some key pieces in offence to support LeBron James, with the quick turnaround and increased workload set to see the 36-year old consider sitting out part of the season.

And according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Los Angeles have already pinpointed a potential target in four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan.

The San Antonio Spurs point guard’s arrival would reportedly see Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma sent to the Spurs.

DeRozan averaged 22 points, five rebounds and 5.6 assists last season and would be a strong option to allow LeBron the chance to rest while he fires the offence alongside Anthony Davis.

Then James can be unleashed and ready to go come the playoffs.

The only issue would be surrounding spacing on the floor if all three were on at once.

The Spurs will have the leverage though and

be after a lucrative trade option - in which case at least Kuzma is still young and has potential to cash in on.

OLADIPO’S BIZARRE REQUEST

A quad injury and the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered Victor Oladipo’s return to AllStar form, with reports resurfacing of a potential trade.

Oladipo is entering the final year of a $84 million ($A116m) contract and is after a max extension but the Indiana Pacers are reluctant.

It comes amid a claim from the Indianapolis Star’s J. Michael that Oladipo asked members of the Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors to convince their teams to get him in a trade - in front of his own Pacers teammates.

“Can I come play with y’all?” is reportedly the kind of statement he would say.

Oladipo denied rumours he wanted out of Indiana back in September.

“I’m a Pacer. I’m a Pacer,” he said on Instagram live.

“Those rumors on the internet, I don’t know where they’re coming from, I’m just focused on getting my knee right for next year.”

The experiment that put together two former MVPs James Harden and Russel Westbrook just didn't work in Houston.

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Gym owner asks for reconsideration of 5-man limit By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO eteran fitness trainer Jimmy Ocoma Javier swears he did not see this coming. Empty gyms.

Not a solitary fitness soul working out.

V

It used to be that fitness gyms are a virtual sweatshop, adrenalin pumping, calories burning.

These days, fitness gyms are as silent as churches in between masses. The dumbbells, kettleballs and weights are as cold as steel can be. The treadmills are still.

Almost everyday, Jimmy posts a note on his social media page that aptly describe the fitness gym business in Davao City these days.

"No clients. Reconsideration please."

Javier, owner of the Beefit Gym and Beefit Plus, has been the most vocal of his disappointment over what he calls as "unfair restrictions"

on fitness gyms since Davao City went back to the imposition of curfew and alcohol ban as cases of coronavirus escalated over the past two weeks.

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

"They should consider the gym area," Javier said.

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

"Sana they take into consideration the space syempre since we have

COMMON SCENE. Beefit Gym is mostly empty day by day. Restrictions to gym use have forced gym owners to allow only five clients per hour. (Beefit Gym photo) bigger space area we got more clients to cater how can we cater 240 clients to a 5 clients per hour times 12 hours equals 60 clients whole day even though we ask clients to go 3 times a week only that will total to 120 clients. What are we going

to do with another 120 paid clients?," Javier said.

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

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

"We always support the city government pro-

tocol about this pandemic because we know Davao is No. 1 with most number of cases but we need to survive too and our employees," said Javier who is seeking for the city government's reconsideration of the "5 per hour rule."