Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 185 | Sunday-Monday, November 15-16, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 185 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2020

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HARD FOUGHT BATTLE SPECIAL REPORT: COVID CHRONICLES

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2 SPECIAL REPORT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 185 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2020

NOEL SECRETARIA:

“Some win, some lose” I personally witnessed all the details of the event up to his last breath (RIP patient Pantua). I saw how the doctor informed his wife and children via call and heard the request of his wife to place the phone near the ear of his expired husband and put it on a loudspeaker mode and heard all the last loving message of her wife full of agony and pain, and my tears began to roll as I felt all the pain and sorrow for the bereaved family."

I was a Covid-19 patient in SPMC and here's my story of survival.

Life is full of rosy tomorrows, life is short, life is all your own to spend in ways that make you happiest—until it isn't.

On October 17, 2020, we had a very small gathering with my close friends for about five hours for our normal get together during weekends and for my post-birthday celebration.

On October 20, I started to exhibit symptoms of coughing and fever so I texted my sister Dr. Johanna Secretaria who is an Emergency Medicine Doctor regarding my coughing and fever. She immediately messaged me and sent a screenshot of her prescription which is azithromax, hydroxychloroquine, immunopro and zinbee for my medication, and advised me to immediately isolate because she now considered me as a potential Covid positive patient (PUI).

Although I didn't exhibit other early symptoms like diarrhea, body pains, loss of smell or loss of taste, I didn't have the appetite to eat and my coughing continued. I also experienced on and off fever as I regularly checked my body temperature through my digital thermometer. So I continued monitoring my blood pressure with a digital BP monitoring machine during my isolation. For the next five days, my condition showed little improvement and it was then that my sister advised me to have a PTPCR test to confirm covid infection and so I complied.

On October 25, I went to One World Diagnostic Center for my PTPCR test and while waiting for the result of my test that will be out within 24 to 48 hours, my sister advised me to have me confined at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for a chest X-Ray and blood laboratory test and I agreed. My sister then called SPMC EMED resident doctor to help us arrange my confinement and called DOH OPCEn to report my case and coordinated for an ambulance to fetch me and for my admission to SPMC. And my ordeal begins.

Scene from the Emergency Room.

At the hospital, I was brought to triage for processing with 20 other Covid patients with mild to moderate cases, my BP and oxygen level was checked including my temperature and was interviewed then brought to Emergency room with the resident EMED doctor, who my sister called to assist me of my medical needs and there I have my X-Ray and extraction of blood for lab analysis.

While waiting for the results in a wheelchair, I saw the patients going in and out with same cases. About 20 meters beside me is a 65 yearold female patient who is also a Covid positive patient who was in oxygen due to difficulty of breathing and was in pain and without watcher because when you are in the facility, you will be isolated already and no one can come near you except a nurse or a doctor. So the emotional anxiety and fear started to build up because of all the things I saw in the ER. So I prayed and kept in communication with my family through VC and with my sister who kept on giving me instructions to calm me. I know the hospital is already overwhelmed because during that day, Davao has 223 new cases and all will be brought to SPMC plus there are other 100 Covid patients outside or in the temporary isolation room waiting for room vacancy in the Covid Ward or Pay Ward because its already full.

After five hours my test results came out and I was diagnosed to have a left lung pneumonia, elevated creatine, and was advised to be transfered and placed to the isolation room to wait for a vacant room in the Covid positive facility in the hospital which is on the other side of the building near the Mindanao Heart Center within the SPMC compound.

AT THE DREADED ISOLATION ROOM I was brought to the isolation room at 7 pm hungry and thirsty, so I texted my sister to ask someone to bring me water and food. She asked her friend in EMED Dr. Camille to bring me water and food and after 30 minutes, it was was delivered (thanks Dr. Cams for the 2 liters of bottled water

and a food pack) and that relieved me from my anxiety.

My experience in the isolation room was a nightmare.

The isolation room was cramped and just good for one person. You cannot see anything and you can only hear the voices on the other room crying and the sirens of the ambulance as if you are in a deathbed. For the whole time I was praying and in constant communication with my family because I know that I am number 65 waiting for a room in the Covid treatment facility and I feel that if I will stay longer in this place, I will die there of heart attack because of fear, uncertainty plus the mounting of negative emotions from the voices you hear from the patients in the other room whining, crying for help and a patient gasping for breath and in pain. So I intensely prayed for healing and strength to fight and to avoid hearing the agony of my fellow patients in the other rooms, I placed my earphone and played worship songs on Spotify for the next 12 hours in that room. Then the reality sank unto me that when you have Covid, you and only you will be there battling against death without any family members or friends to be with you to assist you or help you. Kami doon kanya kanyang sikap na lumaban mag isa para mag-survive. At that time I was thinking and praying for the other patients in the other room who I believe was in a worst condition than myself.

Later, my sister called me up informing me of the result of my swab test that confirmed that I am Covid positive.

Finally, the transfer to the Covid positive patient facility.

AT THE COVID FACILITY After 12 hours, the following day at around 7 am, my sister texted me that I will now be transfered to the Covid patient Pay Ward section of the hospital. I was totally relieved and thankful to God for the answered prayer.

In the Pay Ward room, I was well taken cared off by the nurses and doctors there that made my recovery fast. I was given amlodipine 10mg for my hypertension, administered a medicine intravenously daily for blood thinning, and immu-

WHERE THE NIGHTMARE BEGAN. Noel at the Isolation Room. nopro for my vitamin. Thank you Dr. Rasu and Dr. Delos Reyes for taking care of me and patiently attending all my medical treatment and for our constant texting for the update of my condition and results of my lab test and X-Ray during my confinement.

Then the painful news.

THOSE WHO LOST THE BATTLE While I was in the hospital, three of my friends who were with me on October 17 also tested positive and were brought to SPMC for treatment. At around 9 pm, my sister called me crying telling me that one of my dear friends did not survive and died in the isolation room.

On that night, two other patients died with my friend in the isolation room without the presence of any family member (the saddest part). May you rest in peace my friend Clarence. His two children, his wife who were with us, and his two helpers were tested positive and now recovering at a quarantine facility and hopefully, by November 11 and 12, they will be discharged.

The rest of my friends were tested negative and went into self quarantine for 14 days.

On November 4, I was told by my attending doctor that I have recovered and declared ready for discharge since my X-Ray results had shown that my pneumonia had already regressed and my blood lab results were all normal, and was advised to be transfered to the ward room with five other people while waiting for my documents to be ready and processed for my immediate discharge. I was instructed to continue my 4-day isolation at my residence where I will be staying alone and away from any family members. So I called my family of the news to prepare my room and have it disinfected. By the way, my last contact with my family was October 19 because as they already stayed at my mother’s house with their cousins for their assignments and projects on their online classes. That's because internet is very slow around my area so they have

to stay in my parents house somewhere downtown. They paid and contracted an agency to defog, ozonize and disinfect the whole house including my car as a preparation including changing of all the curtains and beddings and have it laundered. By night of November 4, my place was already ready for my transfer.

BEFORE MY DISCHARGE I was brought to a common ward with 5 more other immuno-compromised patients who were tested Covid positive for my last night in the hospital while waiting for my discharge order.

In the room, I was distantly placed with the other patients, all of them had renal problems and undergoing dialysis admitted from different private hospital but tested positive for Covid and was transfered to SPMC. So knowing their medical condition I did an extra protection or measures for myself to avoid getting reinfection so I wore a double mask n95 and surgical mask and face mask during my stay in that room and frequently washed my hand with a soap and alcohol everytime I touched something from that room.

At around 9:30 pm, one of the patients began to experience difficulty in breathing, and was really in pain. We called the nurses and doctor via the cellphone number placed in the door to notify them of the condition of one of the patients in room 3 surgical east wing of SPMC. The doctor on duty as well as the nurse attempted to revive the patient but the patient did not make it and expired by 10 pm.

I personally witnessed all the details of the event up to his last breath (RIP patient Pantua). I saw how the doctor informed his wife and children via call and heard the request of his wife to place the phone near the ear of his expired husband and put it on a loudspeaker mode and heard all the last loving message of her wife full of agony and pain, and my tears began to roll as I felt all the pain and sorrow for the bereaved family. He was then taken out of the room.

At about past 12 midnight,

our room was disinfected again and after an hour, a new elderly patient came in for the vacant bed with renal problem also and just tested positive for Covid. She cried for two hours looking for her niece that served as her watcher during her confinement in the other building prior her positive test for Covid. Everyone in the room comforted her and assured her that she will be ok, we told her that watchers are not allowed in this area just like us when we all of us brought in this room, and so be strong to fight, pray and regain your strength. She had no water, no bathroom tissue, and other personal needs when she was brought in on our room, my heart begun to bleed.

So I gave her all my remaining disposable cups plates spoon and fork my 2 liters mineral bottled water, 3 roll of bathroom tissues, unused toothpaste, biscuits and fruits since anyway I will be discharged by 9 am the following day, and that made her feel good and retired to sleep knowing that she has now maybe some of the thing she need. By 9 am, I was discharged and advised to continue my 4-day quarantine in the house with no family members with me.

ANOTHER PAINFUL NEWS

By November 7 while on house quarantine, the swab result of all of my household members including my mother went out. All of them tested negative except my youngest daughter Isha Kirsten who is sleeping with me. I was totally devastated upon hearing the news from my sister because I know how difficult it is when you are in the hospital battling for Covid and the thought of her being alone during the treatment period.

My sister then prepared all the medical needs for my daughter she coordinated with EMED and PEDIA Doctors in SPMC as well as the staff of DOH OPCEN and Dr. Cunanan of the City health for the transfer of my daughter to SPMC and for processing and subject her for an X-Ray test and blood test for laboratory. My sister

FNOEL, P9

VOL.13 ISSUE 185 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

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4 SPECIAL REPORT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 185 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2020

MADONNA LLAGUNO:

“Ikaw si COVID, ako si MADONNA!” I called my sons from the small opening of my bedroom door and told them about the bad news. They went speechless. That moment, I wanted to hug them tight but to my dismay I cried so hard that even my bedroom door would want to hug me. I cried the whole day with so many questions in my mind. Questions that even include “Is it my time, Lord?”

I would like to share with you my experience as a Covid-19 patient with mild symptoms. Gamiton nako akong pangalan sa pagsaysay sa akong istorya ug mao kini ang nahintabo.

MASARAP AT MABANGO Mao ni ang dahilan sa tanan ngano ningsaka padulong sa akong kaspa ang akong kakulba sa dihang wala nakoy malasahan ug masimhutan sa akong gipangkaon. That was Oct. 26, 2020 in the afternoon. I asked my son to buy me a Chippy to check kung malasahan ba nako sya. When I tasted it, no amount of saltiness that glide through my mouth. So, ingon ko sa akong sarili, "Hupas man siguro ni!".

Wala pako nakuntento, nagluto ko ug champorado ug nagbutang ko ug daghang tabliya sa akong giluto. When I tasted it and even ate the unmelted tabliya, wala koy malasahan ug wala na koy masimhutan sa kahumot sa tsokolate. So, nagpanic ko ug sa kabuskag sa akong panghuna-huna, I was able to gather my thinking and informed our company nurse and my division. In short, I was included in the list of employees who will undergo swab test on Oct. 28, 2020. The day that I was scheduled for swabbing at Sta. Ana Health Center, I was fetched in the house by Jake Coloma (Daghang salamat, Ki!) who was wearing a full PPE gear. I silently said to myself, "Oh no! Ngano ana iyang suot? Super contagious na ba ko?" So when I reached the place I was sitting silently and contemplated on so many things.

Oct. 29, 2020, I already isolated myself in the room. I also briefed my two sons on what to do just in case I will have positive result.

Seven days after Oct. 26, 2020, while I was eating my breakfast, I was able to smell and taste the banana and ampalaya! I can also smell the scent of alcohol! Happiness overload came in to me that day.

AGWANTA

Oct. 30, 2020 around 9AM, my phone rang with an unregistered caller. A male voice greeted me with a hesitant voice asking, "Sir, pwede kay Ma'am Madonna Llaguno?". I said in a very modulated voice, "Yes, sir! Si Madonna ni". Nag-alanganin sya kung tao ba iyang kastorya or robot nga naa sa langub! He tried to give an introductory speech but I cut him short and asked, "Positive ko?" He replied na medyo nagkurog ang tingog, "Yes, ma'am. Positive imong swab test result". Boom!

Ningtuyok kadali akong kalibutan. Siyempre, tungod kay babaye man ko, hilak ang akong nahimong reaksyon sa nahintabo.

I called my sons from the small opening of my bedroom door and told them about the bad news. They went speechless. That moment, I wanted to hug them tight but to my dismay I cried so hard that even my bedroom door would want to hug me. I cried the whole day with so many questions in my mind. Questions that even include "Is it my time, Lord?"

I right away informed my primary contacts about my situation for them to prepare themselves. I also informed my selected neighbors including Atty. Jennife Borong and Mylene Andan, my closest friends, and my officemates in the division. For how many days, I isolated myself inside the room and only got out to use the comfort room. Even my sons sacrificed from staying inside the house with me.

Taas kaayo akong kahadlok na matakdan pud sila sa akoa but I kept on telling the Lord, "Lord, please ako lang ang magsakit, ayaw lang ang mga bata".

Several times ko gitawagan sa City Health Office staff to inform me na kuhaon nako sa ambulance and during these times nagasaka padulong sa langit akong kakulba na mabutang ko sa isolation facility. But nonetheless, November 6, 2020, the ambulance fetched me and deliv-

ered me to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

The moment I arrived in the isolation area, I felt like a lost dog being placed in a cage with the other dogs. Nagakurog akong kamot not knowing what to do. Nobody gave me instructions and no nurse to be found except for Covid patients waiting to be attended. I said to myself, "Dili magtinanga! Pangita ug paraan na makaplastar ka ug tarong!"

So, I found an empty chair, the type na ginagamit pangmasahe sa park, and sya ang naging kakampi ko for 21 hours! I placed myself near the gate so I can get proper ventilation.

After a few hours, nurses in full PPE gears came out and shouting for the names of patients. Nag-agwanta kog hinulat na matawag akong pangalan. Init na kaayo but I patiently waited until my name was called at around 2pm for blood extraction. I waited another hour for the x-ray until the doctor called me through my phone at around 6pm for consultation.

As our conversation went on, the doctor was shocked to know that on the next day I will be completing my 10day quarantine requirement.

"Nag-unsa pa man ka diri?

Ngano karon lang ka gikuha?". I said, "Natingala gani ko doc na late na kaayo ko gikuha ug ambulance na okay lang man unta ko sa balay."

But on the back of my mind, I wanted to scream and shout about my situation but I opted to shut up and calm down.

Nakasabot jud ko ngano dugay ko naghulat kay grabe jud kadaghan ang ang Covid patients sa SPMC. So I was excited for the next call kay mahatud nako sa isolation facility so I can take a bath and stretch my tired body. That day was also the second day of my monthly period. So i waited...and waited...and my blood kept on flowing...and flowing heavily! So, I tried to get some sleep while seated on the chair. Past 12MN I got a call and the nurse told me that I have to submit my urine for

Mamay Inn: What used to be a short-term love bed is now a recovery bed for Covid patients.

Madonna:“I asked myself, is it my time, Lord?” a test. Can you imagine how awful it was to catch my urine with the presence of bloody Mary? Still, I have no right to get mad but follow so I can have peaceful life. 1...2...3...4 o'clock in the morning and no more ambulance coming and no more name calling.

I still patiently waited with a vision of black spots already. "Nooo! Dili ko pwede makuyapan diri! Walay makatabang sa ako!". So, the best thing I did was to force myself to sleep despite the numbness that I already felt in my lower back. 5AM and my seatmates were peacefully sleeping while my anger level was already boiling up! So I prayed for more patience.

At past 6AM, The first ambulance came and voila!!!! my name was called. I was delivered to Mamay Inn. Finally, I took a hot shower and lied comfortably with a numbed lower back portion of my body. Zzzzz.

DAYONG Mutual help in English.

Being a Covid patient does

not mean that the person is dying. I just realized that there are still a lot of people who need to know more about Covid-19. A Covid patient needs support and does not need discrimination. This is for everybody to know that if a patient has mild symptoms, it will only take 14 days to recuperate. If severe, these are the patients that have to be attended to in a hospital.

We need to help ourselves by learning about this virus. It is but normal to react negatively when you found out that your neighbor is Covid positive.

But I myself was lucky to have helpful neighbors and relatives. The moment they found out about my situation, they provided food, groceries, vitamins, and words of encouragement and prayers through text. Our barangay sent a sack of relief goods and one of our neighbors left a plastic bag of soap, vitamins, and a letter of care and encouragement. We need not be there physically but these are the kinds of help that we should give. Most of

For 21 hours waiting for her name to be called at SPMC, Madonna’s ally were these monobloc chairs.

all, let us help our frontliners.

They need our help most by STAYING AT HOME. I myself have witnessed the raising numbers of Covid patients and I tell you, if you don't want to have a miserable life, then STAY AT HOME. My greatest respect and salute to all our frontliners! God bless you all!

OVERJOYED Kung naa pay mulabaw sa word na over, mao na akong gibati sa mga taong nagpakita ug pag-higugma, pag-atiman ug pag-suporta sa ako.

Deep in my heart, DAGHANG SALAMAT sa inyong tanan.

Sa akong duha ka mga anak, Gregory Matthew and Gabriel Martine, I am very proud of you for taking over my role while I was inside the room.

I am so thankful for you have been responsible enough to take care of things. I love you both. To my DCWD family, thank you so much! To my friends and relatives, salamat sa gasa sa gugma.

NEVER ENDING PRAYER I admit that my faith to the Lord has loosened a little. It may be ironic to say that Covid has strengthen my faith in Him. Perhaps this was a little reminder for me of His existence. Thank you, Toby Ignacio! You are indeed the greatest instrument that God has given me. For all the things that happened, God is so good to me!

NEW CHAPTER It is indeed a new chapter of my life. I had so many realizations during my quarantine period. I know that there will be more challenges to face. But with my experience, I believe that this time I can overcome anything that come my way. "Don, be strong!" was most of the messages that I got. Yes, I will be strong and even stronger this time.

AMAZING LIFE 45 years and counting. I will be forever grateful to all the people who are connected with me. I hope that you will be with me on my beautiful journey.

I was a Covid-19 patient with mild symptoms. I have recovered.

VOL.13 ISSUE 185 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2020

NEWS 5

EDGEDAVAO

Furor over FM Pass revival

By MAYA M. PADILLO

W

hile some welcomed it, others are unhappy with the return of the Food and Medicine (FM) pass starting November 17 (Tuesday) at 5 am.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio issued Executive Order No. 62 Series of 2020 on Friday evening which provides the guidelines on enforcement of the prohibition on non-essential travel in Davao City to control the COVID-19 cases in Davao City because of the full occupancy of the COVID-19 beds in the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and other hospitals.

One of the provisions cited in the EO is the reuse of the FM pass. This is due to “persistent disregard of many individuals to abide by the stay home/ quarantine while the city is under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).”

The EO states that the FM pass shall be used to buy food or medicines. Two individuals can be named on the pass but only one named person can use it at any given time. The FM pass must be used with a valid ID to verify the name indicated therein.

The FM pass with last digit 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 can only be used on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. FM pass with last digit 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 can only be used on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. FM pass can only be used from the hours of 5:00AM to 7:00PM. Dabawenyos are no longer allowed to go out every Sunday as FM pass cannot be used on that day.

Upon hearing the latest news on the Covid regulations, several Dabawenyos vented their anger and frustration on social media.

Celeste Sanoria questioned the city government of Davao’s implemented protocols and guidelines.

“City Government of Davao what’s your stand in implementing all these protocols and guidelines? Kungbaga , anung pinaglalaban nyo? Kapakanan pa ba ng nakakaraming tao?

Bec from what I see, everything is just hurting the people rather than helping. Business, jobs, education, lifestyle, health, economy, etc. I can’t see any significance of those protocols over less than 1% of critical cases,” Sanoria posted.

Sanoria even cited data from one of the commenters that said “Hard data shows that only 10 out of the 1,992 active cases of Covid in Davao region as of November 10, 2020 are critical cases. That’s according to the Facebook page of the Department of Health Davao Region. Ten (10) out of 1,992 is 1/2 of 1% (0.5%). The rest are asymptomatic (57.2%, mild 36.5%, and severe 5.8%). Asymptomatic and mild cases account for 93.7% of active cases.

If critical cases as of November 10 are only 0.5%, that means that the survival rate is 99.5% or higher (100%- 0.5%).”

May Blossoms posted that protocols and priorities should be deeply studied before implementation and the qualifying backgrounds of best advisers (of the mayor) should be reviewed.

“I consider this as tip of iceberg murmur from the people. When DQR was first introduced it crashed (millions want registered but the software system is not compatible a reflection of IT failure maybe) who admits failure? I can hear nobody,” she said.

Shi Chi considered the new EO as another form of ‘scamdemic.’

“Scamdemic na jud ni...

Imagine kita na gani cge ug amping kita pa hinuon ang daghan ug cases halata na kaayo mo sa inyong pangpangwarta... Palabi mo sa inyong gibati gabaan ra japon mo...,” she commented.

A certain Marie Shiela said she is not agreeing with the latest order and even lamented that if one questions the city

government of Davao, she or he will be tagged.

“Hey..i’m not agreeing to all this but if we dont comply they throw us in jail. For me, we need to start living with Covid and not hide from it. Plus, SPMC only has 330 beds for severe to critical covid 19 patients. For a population of 1.5 M in Metro Davao alone and given the time to prepare for this and let alone money, why only 330 beds? The problem is if you question them (Davao City govt) they tag you. One more thing, I have neighbors who work for the city govt and they break protocol and bring their children out and have parties.

That means this covid thing is either a farce or you have a bunch of govt workers who feel they are entitled. I’m sick of all the nonsense but what can i do? Just as long as no hard lockdown...,” she posted.

There are also Dabawenyos who welcomed the new order and even expected this as more people failed to self-regulate.

“Actually, expected na mangyayari ito after the people of Davao failed to self-regulate during the time. Since people cannot regulate the government force strict implementation which is good. Wala kasing decipline ang mga tao,” Prime Davao Property posted.

Je Je Handayan commented that it is better for those who keep on complaining to get infected with Covid-19 or be penalized.

“Better, sa mga reklamador, dali lang man, papenalty nlng gud mo, or pwd pud pacovid nlng pud mo,” Handayan said.

Winsher Oinogrog is hopeful that more people will get mad to those who are stubborn and don’t follow health protocols than criticize the city government of Davao.

“Unta maka basa pud ko dirig cmment nga nasuko didto sa mga badlungon ug gahig ulo.

Puro na lng sa city government ang basol. Unya ug pasagdan ta diri sa Davao kai di mo ka angay sa balaod. Edi hurot ta diri,”

FFUROR, P9

President Rodrigo Duterte appeals for non-militarization and self-restraint in the disputed South China Sea during an Association of Southeast Asian Nations

summit with Beijing which is part of the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summit virtual conference. Presidential Photo

Davao City not keen on reverting to ECQ

E

ven with the daily cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hitting record highs, the city government maintained it was not keen on reverting to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to its impact on the local economy.

Dr. Ashley Lopez, focal person for COVID-19 of the Department of Health (DOH) in the city, said in a virtual press conference over Zoom on Friday that the local government was considering all possible options to control the

widespread transmission of the virus.

“When you try to deal with the quarantine status, you have to look for every possible consideration or factor. The surge is not the only thing that we are considering here… because if we are going to impose ECQ, is that what you want?

ECQ? There are also economic implications, and President Duterte keeps on repeating that the government does not have money… we have to borrow money,” he said.

He said imposing ECQ or

MinDA to craft master plan to address perennial flooding

T

Workers attach decors to a giant Christmas tree on the capitol grounds in Malaybalay City on Wednesday (11 November 2020), weeks ahead of the start of the holiday season. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

even modified ECQ will affect the business sector.

The entire city was placed under ECQ from April 4 to May 15, GCQ from May 16 until June 30, and modified GCQ last July 1 until the end of November.

Lopez said the city government, which derives its income from the business sector, could not sustain if it were to provide food assistance and other forms of subsidy to the affected persons for the duration of a stricter quarantine status.

he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is set to craft a master plan to address the perennial problem of flooding in Central Mindanao affecting the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.

Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Friday the agency will work with funding partners to craft the MinDA Water Master Plan, seen to be completed in 2022.

The master plan would include the status of deforestation and denudation of Mindanao mountain ranges, identification of watershed Areas and headwaters, mapping of creeks, rivers, gullies, and water conservation strategies.

Piñol said MinDA would also assist in convening the Mindanao River Basin Council (MRBC) on Nov. 27 to address the perennial problem of flooding in Central Mindanao affecting the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.

He said that MRBC, chaired by Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, will meet in the provincial capitol of North Cotabato in what could be its first meeting since 2017.

“The meeting is expected to address issues of re-aligned funds and the absence of a driving force in pursuing a comprehensive plan to address the flooding which occurs almost every year destroying crops in low-lying areas surrounding the vast Liguasan Marsh,” he said.

He said North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco, who will sponsor the MRBC meeting on Nov. 27, sought updates on the regularly-flooded river basin activities.

“The MRBC meeting will be the first in a series of activities arranged by the MinDA as it prepares to craft a comprehensive Master Plan for the Mindanao Water Management, Conservation and Environmental Protection Program,” the MinDA chief said.

(PNA)

6 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 185 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2020

Maayong adlaw sa inyong tanan!

When I started my fresh term as Mayor in July 2019, I mentally prepared myself for the emergencies and disasters. No term of mine was ever uneventful and I did not expect the current one to be smooth sailing but my wildest dreams never considered a pandemic.

As Chief Executive, I have weathered numerous storms but what completely floored me was that I did not see an end to this one.

Ten months since the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic, Davao City remains trapped in a very peculiar reality just like the rest of the world. And we should all manage our expectations because this pandemic will define how we will live our lives for another two years. Maybe more.

Ten (10) months into the Covid-19 pandemic and we have seen an alarming spike in the number of confirmed Covid-19 positive cases. As we wait for a vaccine to control the spread, we need to be thinking about ways to reduce risk of transmission. The basics there is- stay at home, wear a mask, frequently wash your hands, and observe social/physical distancing.

This is not only a public health emergency, but also an economic and social crisis. And we are endlessly, trying out the best strategic, seamless connection between the stages under our Plan of Action against Covid-19 — Prevention, Testing, Contact Tracing, and Isolation, Quarantine, and Treatment.

The following are the highlights of the city’s Covid-19 response Testing: The City’s testing capacity is currently at approximately 1,200 tests per day.

We have supported the establishment of two private laboratories and we are rushing the completion of our own Los Amigos Davao Laboratory funded from the Bayanihan Heal as One Act. Trace: Contact Tracing has been particularly challenging.

Just very recently, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) augmented 1,500 personnel to assist in the city’s contacttracing efforts.

Food Relief Response remains to be our top priority since March. We have distributed 1,305,454 grocery packs to 448,312 households in all 182 barangays of the city during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period. A total of 70, 994 food packs were also given to workers of establishments and sectors who remain to be affected by the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

We encourage everyone who needs help and ayuda sa pagkaon to please reach out to our City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) social workers for immediate assistance.

The WORK FOR DAVAO Cash for Work initiative has provided cash assistance to at least 20,180 Dabawenyos who lost their jobs amidst this pandemic.

Along with this, the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also helped jeepney drivers whose incomes have been greatly reduced because of the distancing requirements in public transportation. And just very recently, we used the same assistance to help out the displaced workers of the businesses affected by the liquor ban.

We are also continuously mo Project, the Davao-Samal Bridge, Project.

The Davao River and Coasta was recently created to monito has helped with the voluntary r makeshift houses along and atop as danger zones.

We also have 601 bed spaces across four (4) facilities supporting our “Test and Wait” initiative for arriving passengers at the Davao International Airport.

On top of these responses, social welfare programs were also initiated by the city government in support to our daily wage earners and people working in the informal sector who faced loss of jobs, income, and food security.

In the meantime, the City G with local consultants in figuring and bike lanes on our roads. An letters for the possible collabora bus terminals and depots in Toril

And we are also looking at th right of way acquisition for tr provincial buses, the interim bus s need to fund the study and install new intersections and integrate t

Isolate: As of date, we have 15 Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMF) with a capacity of 1,171 bed spaces for various types of individuals from confirmed positive, suspects, contacts and post-swab individuals.

Cremation: Another project funded by the Bayanihan Law is the Wireless Public Cemetery Crematorium, which shall accommodate all Covid-related deaths. It is now on its final stages of testing and training for personnel operations.

Currently, the Interim Bus Sys of the fear of investors in not bein time due to the Covid-19 global ec Franchising and Regulatory Board matter since we started with the

Meanwhile, ESKWELA DAVAO is an educational assistance grant for children of families who lost their source of income or have reduced income due to the pandemic. The program will benefit 22,000 students — of which 4,500 are Junior High School; 4,500 are Senior High School; 10,000 are elementary; and, 3,000 are kindergarten. The beneficiaries are set to receive cash assistance ranging from P1,000 to P3,000 each.

We also envision to use technology to support the team. We endeavor to catch many of the contacts of a confirmed positive case with the use of the Safe Davao QR.

Treat: Initially, we had the Southern Philippines Medical Center as the sole hospital for Covid-19 patients. But with the surge of cases, three (3) private hospitals have opened Covid-19 wards.

Since the waste-to-energy (W around for much needed support the Annual Budget 2021 to expand our solid waste management.

Two private donors also generously supported the families with three (3) or more learners with 300 laptops under the STUDENT SIBLINGS LAPTOP SHARING PROJECT and 100 tablets for the STUDENT SIBLINGS TABLET SHARING PROJECT to help them with their online school work.

We were able to support the Blended Learning implementation of the Department of Education (DepEd) by directing approximately P100,000,000 of the Special Education Fund to support the Modular mode of instruction, which is the highest preference among Davao City learners.

Even amidst the pandemic, the Byaheng DO30 program continues on. Here are the highlights of what we hope to finish during the end of my term in June 2022: We continuously support the big-ticket projects of the National Government that are aligned with the Infrastructure Modernization Project for Davao.

In particular, we were able to gain the full support of the Department of Transportation (DOTR) on the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) project and we are trying to cement the support of various national offices led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the Waste to Energy Project.

Our Magsaysay Park and Sta. A also on hold while awaiting the c ensure that any investment in th useless by a possible redesign due

For parks and open spaces d two new parks – the Candelaria Park, and we are in the bidding fo subdivision area. We are also to sta of the Roxas Avenue Park funde Management (DBM).

When this pandemic is over, I the scenic areas of Paquibato a which were made through the Ro implemented by the Department (DPWH) that is intended to ope address the peace and order issu

During your evening ride, I al our sodium to LED bulbs transi greatly improved visibility and sec

Meanwhile, our security status since 2016 and this year, a 53 pe was recorded as it dropped from

The non-index crimes, on 74 percent, from 2887 to 4189 apprehensions on the violation of

EDGEDAVAO

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Our disaster office is busy completing the evacuation center in Brgy. Mahayag and finalizing requirements for other possible sites.

We are also finalizing the documents for the Davao AKO card, which shall be used as a disaster and social services card for Davao City residents.

The Davao City Disaster Radio has been granted a legislative franchise and is currently constructing its permanent home.

We are awaiting the final documents for the approval of the Annual Budget of 2021 in the amount of P9,871,199.436, which has a significant decrease of P466,533, 226 from this year’s budget of P10, 337, 732, 662.

WTE) is but a paper that we push t, we have allotted funding under d our existing sanitary landfill for

Drugs and terrorism remain to be on top of our focus areas on criminality and we are underscoring the adoption of the Culture of Security. Simply put, all Dabawenyos should become be a partner in ensuring that our city remains peaceful.

stem is suffering setbacks because ng able to deliver the contract on conomic loss. Land Transportation d (LTFRB) has been on top of this first failed bidding.

One component that we are trying to cascade down to the household level is the “Kapag May Nakita, Dapat Magsalita” component of the culture. We need our residents to report all suspicious persons and activities for security action. The initial conduct of the community exercise in the last month proved effective on Dabawenyos’ capacity to report possible threats.

Government is working together g out how we can lay out the bus nd we have already sent out our ation with private landowners for l, Lasang-Bunawan and Calinan.

he option of funding the land and ransportation infrastructure for system, and the HPBS. We likewise lation of additional traffic lights in them to our existing system.

onitoring the Davao City Bypass , and the Davao City Coastal Road

al Road Monitoring Team, which or activities along coastal road, removal by owners of numerous river dikes, which are considered

Ana Port development efforts are completion of the coastal road to hese properties are not rendered e to the coastal road.

Peace 911 continues to work in establishing lasting peace commitments from the residents in the area of Paquibato. Along with this, we are working on the establishment of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Extension Campus and a Police Station in Barangay Malabog, and a District Hall and City Mayor’s Extension Office in Barangay Paquibato Proper.

The difference is attributed to the decrease of income from local sources because of the severe economic impact of Covid-19.

The net effect is the reduction on the number of projects under the development fund. On the bright side, we are still on track for our goal of Debt Free Davao 2022.

There are three projects which are equally important but has been pushed back beyond my term for various reasons, the least priority of which is the expansion of the City Hall Building, which is moved to no definite date.

The City College of Davao which was targeted to open August this year is moved to June 2023 — and hopefully, by that time, the situation will already allow face to face classes. In the meantime, we are on the process of doing another feasibility study for this project.

Housing options need to escalate aggressively to address the need of our people for a suitable, safe, and affordable homes.

The third is the Davao City Hospital in partnership with the University of the Philippines Mindanao, which will probably materialize in 2024. Right now, the documentary requirements for this hospital is being accomplished.

The donated houses built on the Los Amigos Relocation Site are almost fully occupied and the private companies complying with their housing regulation mandate have recently finished the site development of the Lasang Relocation Area. We hope to see the National Housing Authority to build these homes soon.

My heartfelt gratitude to all the honest and hardworking City Government department heads and employees, National Government Agencies and Instrumentalities, officials and employees, and countless private donors who lift me up as your local chief executive.

The City Economic Enterprise Office has funds for the purchase of property for the establishment of cemeteries in both the North and South side of the City.

With them, I also thank all the Dabawenyos who help us become better servants with their support and constructive feedback.

The development of the Tagakpan Cemetery and the repair of Toril, Mintal, and Bankerohan Public Markets, and the completion of Agdao Public Market are all underway.

There is a long-term plan to improve on the local government center in San Pedro St. and the priority is to expand the open spaces in Rizal Park and create an underground parking.

To this end, we have moved the CSWDO office to its own 4-storey building and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) building is currently under construction; adjacent to it is also the construction of the City Health Office (CHO) building.

Within the People’s Park compound, the newly built Tourism and Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC) building is ready for occupancy, the Museo Dabawenyo is undergoing construction and the Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) building will soon follow. Our brand new Library and Information Center in the nearby C Bangoy Street will inaugurate next year.

development, we have completed Park and the McArthur Highway or a park along the Dona Vicenta art the Phase 1 of the development ed by Department of Budget and

I invite everyone to ride through and Calinan especially the parts oads and Bridges to Peace project t of Public Works and Highways en more economic activities and ues in these areas.

lso invite everyone to look up to ition for streetlights which have curity on the roads.

s has remained to be on high alert ercent decrease in index crimes 658 to 306 in the previous year.

the other hand, increased to 9 crimes, due to the increased f Covid-19 health protocols.

7

Other infrastructure projects that will start soon are the Halfway House for the Mentally Unwell Vagrants and the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center.

Covid-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future. We should expect that it would be a difficult stretch.

I will forever be between a rock and a hard place amidst this pandemic. The rock that exemplifies all the people trying to save the lives of our fellowmen from dying of Covid-19 complications and the hard place that is representative of the people trying trying to save their families from going flat broke.

And we, Dabawenyos, WE WILL NOT BREAK. The deaths, the pain, the debt, and the frustration are sent our way to change us into Dabawenyos, who look at dark clouds and see it as the silver lining.

Daghang Salamat.

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On the reimposition of the FM pass due to persistent disregard of many individuals to abide by the stay home/quarantine while the city is under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ):

The purpose is clear. The government wants to control the people’s movement due to the increasing cases of COVID-19 here in the city. Di nalang ta mag pa stress ug nireklamo kay wa man tay lain mabuhat kundili magsunod japon kung unsa man ang EOs na ipagawas God bless nalang sa atuang tanan.”

Netizen

EDGEDAVAO

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NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Cartoonist Correspondent Consultant Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA JASPER V. BACSAL OLIVIA D. VELASCO General ManagerPresident Advertising Specialist General Manager/Finance VP-Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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 185 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2020

NOEL... FROM2

then requested the DOH OPCEn to allow my daughter to celebrate briefly her birthday in her room alone as a birthday gift to her before she will be picked up by an ambulance to bring her to SPMC, and indeed, at exactly 12 midnight of November 8, her siblings greeted her and serenaded her outside her room. Half an hour later, the ambulance came and brought her to SPMC for her test. She was well taken cared of by the SPMC resident doctors and nurses and was isolated in a very nice room with other Covid positive patients waiting for their X-Ray and lab test results and their transfer to Covid facilities THE GOOD NEWS My daughter's test result was good, she was cleared without pneumonia, and her blood test were all normal and was advised not to be confined since her case is asymptomatic meaning no symptoms exhibited from the last contact we had on November 8 up to the time she was tested positive and by 7 am she was transfered to La Vida for the mandatory protocol quarantine and is now on

her way to full recovery.

I thank all the frontliners in SPMC specially those in La Vida for surprising my daughter with a birthday cake. She will be there for 10 days to complete her quarantine and another 4 days at our residence for her complete recovery. We will always be grateful to all your wonderful deeds to our family.

My four remaining quarantine days are over and I am a CERTIFIED COVID SURVIVOR AND A WARRIOR. But I will still continue to do my quarantine for another 7 days to protect me from reinfection and for my full recovery until my second swab result came out.

I know God has given me my third life for a divine purpose and I will use it until the my last breath serving and worshipping him and to live and share my experience so other will take Covid seriously.

It is never easy to have Covid.

"Unta wala nay madugang na mag positibo sa covid by following quarantine protocols, mag suot ug face mask ug face

shield, observe social distancing, regularly wash your hands with soap and alcohol and if possible kung dili man kinahanglan likayi ang paggawas sa balay kay maluoy ta sa atong mga pamilya kung magkasakit ta ug matakdan nato sila. hastang punoa na jud sa spmc ug aduna lang 17 beds didto sa Davao Doctors Hospital-Toril para sa naay Covid na puno na sad ug wala nay modawat na laing private hospital kung magkasakit mo. puno na sad ang mga quarantine facilities sa Calinan, Kapitan Tomas, RMC Gym, Queensland, Mamay Inn ug La Vida kung asa gipangbutang ang uban na nag positive sa Covid. Maluoy ta sa mga frontliner nurses ug doctor kay kulang na jud kaayo sila ug ang uban sa atong mga frontliners nangatakdan na tungod sa pag spike sa incidence sa mga new cases sa covid sa davao. Likay na ta ug stay safe with our love ones.

For me, my experience is a living example how God works in our daily lives, being a loving, merciful, and a healing God. Just ask and it will be given to us.

Oinogrog said.

Anna Kaye Lavador Bontoyan urged fellow Dabawenyos to follow the city’s policies.

“The purpose is clear. The government wants to control the people’s movement due to the increasing cases of COVID-19 here in the city. Di nalang ta mag pa stress ug nireklamo kay wa man tay lain mabuhat kundili magsunod japon kung unsa man ang EOs na ipagawas God bless nalang sa atuang tanan,” she said.

Some Dabawenyos are concerned because they lost their FM pass while others mis-

placed it.

“So unsaon man tong nawala na ang FM pass? Mag issue ba mo usab? Kay naa pud baya uban na wala ga work sa any physical company or establishment dri sa Davao like freelancers (online jobs jud sukad pa) so wala jud company IDs. So unsaon mana?” Princess May Baybayan-Jansol posted.

“Maka stress mani oi aha naman pud ta mangeta ug fm pass ani.” Melynda Matulac posted.

It can be recalled that Mayor Sara implemented the use of FM pass when the city was

placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in April this year.

However, on August 3, 2020, the city government of Davao lifted the use of FM pass including the curfew hours as part of relaxing things under MGCQ. Yet, Mayor Sara reminded Dabawenyos to keep their respective FM pass because it may be used again.

“I-keep gihapon ang FM pass kay basig daghan gihapon ang cases and basig magamit nato siya ug balik,” she said in a live broadcast in July this year.

FUROR... FROM5

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO PROPERTY

LEGACY LEISURE RESIDENCES, CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE ON TIME Even during the pandemic Legacy Leisure Residences assures its investors that construction is on schedule.

Wesley Bangayan, VicePresident for Marketing of Legacy Leisure Residences, said they are adhering to their construction timeline and can deliver on target date.

“There is no delay on the construction timeline,” assured Bangayan.

“Currently, the project’s contractor is working on the foundation for Tower 2, the first building being erected.

The ground has been cleared, flattened, and mapped out.

Foundation work is on schedule.”

The resort-type condominium project along Ma-a Road broke ground on January 30 of this year. On the same day, the Legacy Leisure Residence showroom was also inaugurated, where future residents can get a glimpse of the spacious soon-to-be-homes.

A month after the groundbreaking ceremony, in March, the nationwide lockdown was implemented suspending field and office work. In May, the restrictions were eased and allowed construction to resume operations, but with strict adherence to safety protocols.

“The temporary halt did not cause any disruption to our construction schedule. If

there was, it was minor. It’s something we can address immediately. We are confident that we will meet the deadline of Legacy Leisure’s first deliverables on the second quarter of 2024,” Bangayan said.

“At this stage of the construction, much of the workload is machinery reliant and we are maximizing its usage.

The work force is fewer which means health protocols, like social distancing, is not an issue. Once the 7:00PM curfew is lifted, construction hours can be extended.”

Legacy Leisure Residences is a P4 billion project by CrisRon Holiday, Inc., a joint venture by the Bangayan and Yap family of Davao. It will aim for a unique approach to condominium living with its “everyday staycation” theme and fuse a vertical village with high-end, large scale resort facilities.

The 2.8-hectare project will feature four buildings with 15 stories each. It will house spacious units measuring 37.35sqm for a typical 1-bedroom unit, 76.35sqm for a 2-bedroom unit and 136.50sqm for a 3-bedroom unit.

Of the total area, 70% will be allotted to open space which will include the resort and sports facilities like an Olympic-size pool, water theme park, spray park, jogging track, tennis court, basketball court, pitch and putting green. Included in this space allotment

On this site will rise Tower 2, the first building of Legacy Leisure to rise. are the green spaces and community facilities like the parks and playground, barbecue area, the club house, function halls and a commercial strip with curated retail shops to cater to its residents.

“In terms of investment, real estate is always a wise decision no matter what the economic situation.”

“We are inviting everyone to visit our showroom with a view of the construction

NO CONSTRUCTION DELAY. On top of everything are Clark Yap, VP for CrisRon Holiday, Inc., the project contractor, and Wesley Bangayan, VP for Marketing, Legacy Leisure Residences.

Laying out of the foundation.

Current phase of the construction is computer aided and machinery reliant for accuracy. site along Ma-a Road, or take a virtual tour at www.legacyleisureresidences.com.ph. Our Facebook account also shows our construction updates,” said Bangayan.

“Investing in real estate is always a winning situation. With or without a pandemic, con-

struction in Davao will thrive.

We are a developing city and with the numerous ongoing projects, and more in line, construction is one of top drivers of the local economy. We must continue to move forward, because we all want progress. It is a road to recovery.”

EDGEDAVAO

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NOTICE OF AUCTION The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES

DATE PAWNED

DAVAO Sasa Maa Sandawa Matina Panabo Main Panabo Branch

April 01, 2020 to May 31, 2020

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION November 25, 2020(Wed) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sandawa Branch VGM Bldg., Sandawa Rd. SIR New Matina, Davao City

Allyn Bulanadi (left) and Rey Suerte (right) were picked to the Gilas Men pool.

THE MANAGEMENT

Oladipo says he's committed to staying with Pacers

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uard Victor Oladipo is committed to remaining with the Indiana Pacers in the last season of his fouryear, $85 million contract, the two-time All-Star told The Athletic.

Earlier this month, the Indianapolis Star reported that three league sources with knowledge of the situation claimed Oladipo was asking players on other teams during games if he could come play with them. He denied he was looking for a way out of Indianapolis in his comments Friday.

"I know there have been people saying that I have asked players to trade for me. That's just not true, period. I love my teammates, I cherish the state of Indiana and I'm focused on leading this franchise to a title," Oladipo told The Athletic.

Oladipo, 28, has averaged 17.3 points per game in seven career seasons, including the past three seasons with the Pacers. Last season, he made a comeback after a ruptured

quad tendon in January 2019 ended his 2018-19 season and averaged 14.5 points in 19 games (16 starts).

Originally, Oladipo was going to sit out the Pacers' return to play in the bubble in Orlando this summer, but he played and averaged 17.8 points per game while the Pacers were swept in four games by the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Since the Indianapolis Star report, Oladipo has been the subject of trade rumors. The NBA transaction freeze has not been lifted yet, although it's expected to end sometime before next Wednesday's NBA Draft. Free agency will begin next Friday.

If Oladipo were to sign an extension with the Pacers this offseason he could make up to $112.9 million on a four-year deal. If he waits until next offseason, he could make up to $195.6 million on a five-year deal or sign a max deal with another team for four years and $145 million.

2 Davao cagers in Gilas Men lineup

T

wo Dabawenyo cagers made it to the Gilas Pilipinas Men pool as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) released the lineup that will play in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers later this month.

Headlining the list that was revealed on Friday are Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draftees Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi, Isaac Go, and twin brothers Matt and Mike Nieto.

Suerte, the former University of the East standout who started his collegiate career with the University of Mindanao, is a native of Maco, Davao del Norte. Bulanadi, a former high school star from Holy Child before taking his talent to San Sebastian College in the NCAA, hails from Davao City.

Joining them are Kobe

Paras, Javi and Juan Gomez De Liano, Balti Baltazar, Dave Ildefonso, Will Navarro, Kenmark Carino, Calvin Oftana, Jaydee Tungcab, Dwight Ramos, and naturalization candidate Ange Kouame.

While Gilas Men mainstays like Kiefer Ravena, CJ Perez, and naturalized player Chris Standhardinger have become available for the November window following their respective PBA teams’ early exit from the bubble season in Angeles, the SBP opted to bring in the Gilas Cadets instead in the buildup for the 2023 FIBA World

Cup that the Philippines will co-host with Indonesia and Japan.

“The SBP has always wanted to start forming a core of younger players in preparation for 2023,” SBP president Al Panlilio said.

He added that he also wanted the Gilas Men veterans to have some rest after having to play a compressed schedule that even saw them in action on consecutive days.

The best talents are in the PBA and we’ll continue working closely with them but, for this window, we also have to take into consideration what the PBA players went through. They were apart from their families for at least six weeks and had to go through a grueling schedule. We know some of them are willing to play for flag and

Ginebra enters PBA semifinals

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Ryan Arana of Rain or Shine is sandwiched by Ginebra’s Prince Caperal and Aljon Mariano. PBA Images

country and we appreciate them reaching out to us but it’s important that they give themselves time to recover physically and mentally,” Panlilio further said.

He then expressed bullishness on the amateur stars.

“We appreciate the commitment of all of these young athletes in joining our training camp. They have a lot of work to do in a short period of time but we’re confident they’ll all be up to the task.

I’m sure they’re all excited to be on the court again after being away from basketball for so long,” Panlilio quipped Gilas Men are now at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba for their training camp.

Coaching them are Jong Uichico, Tab Baldwin, and Boyet Fernandez. (PNA)

inebra booked the first spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) semifinals after defeating Rain Or Shine, 81-73, in their quarterfinal meeting at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center on Friday night.

The top-seeded Barangay did not make use of their twice-to-beat advantage over the eighth-seeded Elasto Painters and went for the jugular in crunch time, pulling away after launching a 9-0 run in the last three minutes of the game.

Japeth Aguilar put up 23 points on 11-of-15 shooting, 11 rebounds, one assist, and one block for Ginebra, which will play the observer role in the rubber match between Meralco and San Miguel on Sunday night.

The fifth-seeded Bolts forced the sudden-death showdown against the

fourth-seeded Beermen with a 78-71 win in the first game.

Meralco held SMB to just 11 points in the first quarter, which turned out to be enough as the former held off the latter the rest of the way.

Reynel Hugnatan put up another vintage performance of 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals for the Bolts, who sent their quarterfinal series to sudden death on Sunday night.

Aaron Black added 14 points, three rebounds, and one steal off the bench.

Mo Tautuaa put up 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and one steal for the Beermen, who could be dethroned as the Philippine Cup champions with another Bolts win after five straight seasons of taking home the PBA's most prestigious prize. (PNA)

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