Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 190 | Saturday, November 21, 2020

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BACK TO GCQ

VOL.13 ISSUE 190 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

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With rising Covid-19 cases, Davao City placed under GCQ anew STORY ON PAGE 2

Pedestrians cross San Pedro Street, one of the main thoroughfares in Davao City, on Friday. The city is placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) effective immediately until November 30, 2020, following the rise of COVID-19 cases in the city. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 190 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

Official pushes for ‘mega’ Covid quarantine facility in Davao

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President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Tuesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

BACK TO GCQ

With rising Covid-19 cases, Davao City placed under GCQ anew

By MAYA M. PADILLO avao City has reverted to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) effective Friday until November 30, 2020, due to the surge of COVID-19 cases, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Friday.

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Melquiades Feliciano, deputy chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 for the Cities and Bacolod and Cebu, has been assigned to head the Coordinated Operations to Defeat the Epidemic (CODE) teams that will be deployed to Davao City to assist in the response activities.

Roque said a ‘One Hospital’ Command Center will likewise be established in the city to ensure an efficient referral system as private hospitals are mandated to increase their ward bed occupancy by at least 20 percent to 30 percent.

He also said that efforts will be made to address the shortage of nurses in

health facilities and to provide additional high-oxygen cannulae, Favipiravir (Avigan), Remdesivir, medical equipment, among others.

Roque added that accommodation establishments will be tapped to serve as quarantine facilities for health workers as well as the isolation of positive cases of Covid-19.

Law enforcement agencies are directed to assist in the enforcement of granular lockdowns upon affected communities or clusters, and if necessary, deploy personnel in the city.

It can be recalled that Carlito Galvez, chief implementer of NTF Covid-19, has recommended to place

the entire Davao City under GCQ during a meeting of the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team held at the Camp Quintin Merecido of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 on Wednesday.

Galvez also recommended to the city government to implement localized ECQ in barangays with high number of Covid-19 cases particularly the coastal areas. The Department of Health-Epidemiology Bureau recently reported that the new cases in the last 14 days of the city came from these areas. Barangays Buhangin, Barangay 19-B, Talomo Poblacion, Agdao, and Bucana were identified as Covid-19 hotspots.

In a virtual presser last week, Dr. Ashley Lopez of the City Health Office (CHO) has affirmed there is a surge of Covid-19 cases in Davao City, which started third week of October this year. He said the surge

ive potential vaccines against COVID-19 have already been submitted for possible clinical trials in the Philippines.

According to Science and Technology Secretary Jaime Montoya on Friday, these vaccines are: • Sinovac from China • Janssen • Sputnik V from Russia • Clover Biopharma-

ceuticals • AstraZeneca In order for a potential vaccine to conduct clinical trials in the country, it has to secure clearance from a panel of vaccine experts under the Department of Science and Technology.

Once it is cleared by the DOST panel, it would also need approval from the Ethics Board and the Food and Drug Administration.

According to FDA Director General and Health

Undersecretary Eric Domingo, only Sinovac has been cleared so far by the vaccine expert panel.

“Ito ay ini-evaluate natin ngayon at mukhang kaunting panahon na lang naman siguro at may ibang requirement na lang ang hinihingi natin para ma-approve natin ang clinical trial na 'to,” he said at a public briefing on Thursday.

The Philippines' COVID-19 task force has

is being attributed to local transmission because of the 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.

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 manifested symptoms recently.

“Daghan ta ug mga kaso ug kaning mga kasuha dili formed a body that will handle the procurement, supply chain and logistics management, as well as distribution of vaccines especially to priority recipients.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Cluster is under Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the chief implementer of the government's pandemic response.

The government has earmarked P2.5 billion

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5 Covid-19 vaccine makers eyeing clinical trials in PH

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he government should build a “mega” coronavirus disease quarantine facility in Davao City to address the spike in new cases in the area, an official said Wednesday.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, speaking at the meeting of the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team held at the Camp Quintin Merecido of the Police Regional Office 11, said the facility was needed to contain the infection.

“Last Saturday, we inaugurated the biggest mega quarantine facility in Calamba, Laguna—500-bed isolation capacity to cater the region and nearby regions,” he said.

He said a surge in Covid-19 cases in the city was expected, it being Mindanao’s biggest urban center where people normally converge for work or business, necessitating a mega quarantine facility.

“Probably here, with the help of [Public Works] Sec. [Mark] Villar, we would like to have a sort of mega-quarantine facility because Region 11, (particularly) Davao City is the hub, even people from Caraga, from Sarangani, and Cotabato [come] for treatment, and, not only that, this is a center of commercial activities so there are lots of movements and these are potential risks also to the people of Davao,” he said.

As of Nov. 18, Davao City reported a total of 5,412 cases, Davao de Oro 398, Davao del Norte 877, Davao del Sur 580, Davao Occidental 111

and Davao Oriental 401.

The region has 2,325 active cases, 5,168 recoveries and 286 deaths.

Out of the 5,412 cases in Davao City, 1,828 are active, 3,347 have recovered and 237 died.

Año said the surge in the number of cases in the city can be reversed.

“We will work hand in hand, we will work together.

Right now, what Sec. Charlie [Carlito Galvez] and I are seeing that the situation here is easy to reverse. We just have to work together with LGUs (local government units), some other agencies IATF, RTF, and RIATF,” he added.

He told the law enforcers and barangay officials to focus on case clustering in the city’s coastal barangays, which saw the most number of new cases in the last 14 days.

“We need our law enforcers, our barangay officials there to focus on those areas, to make sure that we stem the transmission and take out every single positive from that area and bring him to isolation facilities,” he said.

Dr. Alethea De Guzman, of the Department of Health-Epidemiology Bureau, said most of the new cases reported in the last 14 days in the city came mostly from densely populated communities, particularly the coastal barangays.

In her presentation, Barangays Buhangin, Barangay 19-B, Talomo Poblacion, Agdao and Bucana were identified as hot spot areas.

(Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

Over 1M small rice farmers to receive P5,000 cash aid from ‘excess tariff’

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ver 1 million rice farmers tilling 1 hectare or less will receive P5,000 cash assistance due to excess tariffs collected on rice imports, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar told Teleradyo the financial assistance was expected to be distributed in December, as rice farmers were grappling with the effects of COVID19 pandemic, Rice Tariffication Law and a string of typhoons that hit the country.

In October, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform approved a resolution giving cash aid to small rice farmers as a result of excess rice tariff revenues. This, after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) collected over P10 billion taxes on imported rice in July.

To qualify, farmerbeneficiaries should be listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), the agency said in a separate statement. The measure is similar to the previous legislated cash aid called Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance (RFFA) and Financial Subsidy for Rice Farmers (FSRF).

Meanwhile, Dar also reiterated they would strictly implement the price freeze on agricultural and fishery commodities and basic es-

sential goods following the declaration of state of calamity in Luzon.

Under Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act of the Philippines, price control on basic food commodities and basic necessities is automatically implemented in areas declared under a state of calamity for a period of not more than 60 days.

Dar warned traders from exploiting the situation, saying they would not hesitate to file cases against them if they engage in manipulating supply, hoarding and jacking up prices to the disadvantage of consumers.

“Alam nila halos lahat tayo apektado… Hinihikayat natin sila na tutulong po at huwag samantalahin na huwag masyadong mataas yung benta nila,” he said.

(They know almost everyone’s affected [by the calamities]… We are encouraging them to comply [with the price freeze] and not take advantage of situation and increase the prices.)

He said local government units (LGUs) would help monitor the strict implementation of price freeze in the public markets.

The country’s agriculture sector has so far incurred over P12 billionworth of damage due to the successive typhoons that devastated parts of Luzon.

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SPMC needs more nurses for Covid-19: Audan

NEWS 3

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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he Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) is looking for additional nurses who will be assigned specifically for Covid-19 cases in the government facility.

SPMC officer-in-charge Dr. Ricardo Audan said in an interview on Wednesday that the facility is in dire need of more nurse because they are now stretching their duty hours attending to Covid-19 patients.

“But our nurses since they understand (the situation) because of (the) pandemic, because they work in SPMC. However, sometimes they feel the fatigue.

They experience fatigue,” he said.

He said ideally, the ratio of nurse and patient is one to 25 but now they going beyond because of rising number of patients.

Audan said the hospital can expand the bed capacity for Covid-19 but they do not have enough nurses to attend additional patients if the facility will be pushed through.

The Department of Health (DOH) is helping SPMC by hiring nurses although only few appeared

during the interview.

“Ang nurse staffing gyud ang problema (We are really having a problem on nurse staffing), he said.

Audan said they have around 1,000 nurses intended for Covid-19 patients but some of them went on maternity leave and the hospital could not hinder it since it is part of their right. SPMC needs more than 1,000 nurses for them to have enough personnel to attend to Covid-19 patients over three shifts a day.

The City Government of Davao will donate to SPMC 10 container van that can accommodate 80 patients.

Audan had already brought this matter to the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force 11 meeting on Wednesday.

He said during the meeting to address the need, he asked help from Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to lend their registered nurses personnel for their COVID-19 facility. He said the PRO 11 gave them 22 nurses while 10 from BFP. “In spite of that, it is still insufficient,” he said.

Broken promises force NPA child recruits to surrender

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he New People’s Army makes false promises to recruit members and keeps them from returning home.

During Kapihan sa DavNor on November 18, 2020, two former rebels aliased “Yang-yang” and “Benjong” revealed how the NPA’s broken promises led them to surrender.

Yang-yang, a former rebel who was only 14-years old when she joined the NPA, served as a lookout and medic, said that the NPA promised to help her struggling family if she joined.

“Tungod sa ilang mga pasalig nga tabangan nila akong ginikanan. Syempre kami, nag lisud-lisud pud mi sa una mao to nga nisampa ko kay naa man silay pasalig nga tabangan nila akong pamilya (Because of their promises that they will help my parents; since at the time, we were struggling in life so that’s why I joined because they promised to help my family),” she said.

False Promises However, when she was able to communicate with her parents, she found out that the NPA did not help her family at all.

“Nagka communicate mi sa akong mama, didto na nako nahibal-an nga wala diay. Miskan piso nga naabot sa ilaha, wala sila gitabangan (I communicated with my mother. I found out then that not even 1 peso was given to them for help),” she added.

Another former rebel, Benjong, who had been in the movement for 13 years when he was 13 years old, said that there was un-

fairness in how the NPA higher-ups would treat the members.

“Akong obserbasyon sa ilaha, kung sila ang naay problema sa ilahang hanay, dali ra kaayo ma sulbad.

Sila man ang nagdala sa budget, sa mga kinolekta nila sa extortion. Unya sa amoa nga maoy ginasugo pirmente, dili nila solbaron ang problema (From what I observed from them, if they [the higher-ups] have problems, it gets solved quickly.

They’re the ones holding the budget collected from extortion. However, when it’s us, the ones working in the ground, who have problems, they don’t help us),” he said.

Benjong revealed being tasked to snipe soldiers as an underage, and became a squad leader at 23 as well as committee member.

Yang-Yang expressed the same experience saying, “Kung naa kay ipangayo sa ila, dili nila ihatag.

Kung sila ang nanginahanglan dali ra kaayo, pero’g kami wala gyud intawun (If you ask them for something you need, they don’t give you. If they’re the ones who have needs, they get it quickly, but us, we get nothing).”

Benjong particularly recounted a time when his mother was sick and didn’t get help despite his request for it. It was the last straw that made him surrender.

“Nagtawag kog sekreto sa sundalo, kay ang akong obserbasyon wala naman gyuy klaro gyud. Naglagot pud ko ato kay akong ginikanan wala nila tabangi, tambal ra gani akong gipangayo sa ila ato, so kay

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The isolation facility of the state-owned Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año says the government should build a “mega” Covid-19 quarantine facility in

Davao City to address the spike in new cases in the area. MindaNews photo

by MANMAN DEJETO

‘Doing Business in Davao’: Finding opportunities during the pandemic

By MAYA M. PADILLO he signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city government of Davao and the country’s largest professional service firm SyCip Gorres Velayo & Company (SGV and Co.) last September 2, 2020 is expected to give hope to micro small medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Davao City to cope with the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic.

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Under the MOA, which was signed by SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan and Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, SGV will assist the city in producing the “Doing Business in Davao” investment brochure.

“Doing Business in Davao” is an investment guide that features relevant information for setting up a business in the city. It presents an economic overview of Davao, including local investment policies and incentives, taxation rules and other essential information on the city’s assets and strategic positioning for the reference of potential investors.

Christian Cambaya, unit head of the Investors

Assistance and Servicing Unit of DCIPC, the “Doing Business in Davao” contains vital business information which can serve as a guide to the MSMEs who were affected by the pandemic to look at other business opportunities that may have potentials to succeed during this time of pandemic.

“Likewise, the guide also provides vital information on the tax incentives/exemption offered by the local government to MSMEs,” he said.

Cambaya said the guide is intended to attract both the foreign and local investors. For the foreign investors, DCIPC is eyeing three countries - China, Japan and South Korea. Howev-

er, according to him, this does not preclude the city’s openness to receive other foreign countries who are considering Davao City as an investment destination.

For locals, the city is eyeing existing investors who are planning to expand or diversify their businesses in Davao City.

When the city was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last April, businesses in Davao City was heavily affected as movement of people was restricted and all non-essential establishments were closed. Last May, the city was placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) allowing for a gradual reopening of businesses, yet, the economic condition of the city and the operations of businesses did not improve up to this day.

“Doing Business in Davao” serves as an investment guide on doing business in Davao that provides an overview of the city’s social, political, and economic climate, and presents important information on the city’s assets and strategic positioning

ajority of Filipinos said they are willing to get the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine if available now, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Station (SWS) showed Thursday.

According to the survey, 66 percent said they are willing to get the vaccine while 31 percent said they are unwilling.

The probability-based survey was conducted from September 17 to September 20 using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviews of 1,249 adult Filipinos nationwide. The

survey was non-commissioned.

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

The area estimates were weighted by the Philippine Statistics Authority medium-population projections for 2020 to obtain the national estimates.

Figures The SWS results showed that Filipinos were more willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine than they were willing to get Dengvaxia as a 2019 survey of the firm showed that

62 percent of Filipinos disagreed with the selling of Dengvaxia in the country.

Results also showed that more Filipinos in Mindanao were willing to take the vaccine at 73 percent. This was followed by Visayas with 69 percent, Metro Manila with 64 percent, and Balance Luzon with 61 percent.

Meanwhile, 71 percent of men were also found to be willing to get the vaccine, a higher figure compared to the 60 percent of women who agreed.

The survey also showed that 70 percent of Filipinos aged 25-years-old to 34-years-old are willing to

that can be useful for investors who have plans of setting up business in Davao City.

The brochure will showcase Davao City as a rich source of investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors because of its strategic location, skilled and highly educated human resources, diverse local products, excellent infrastructure, and peace and order situation that is conducive to trade and commerce, and having an efficient and business friendly local government services.

Currently, the “Doing Business in Davao” guide is in its final stages of development.

The Davao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC) and SGV will officially launch the same before the year ends once finalized.

Cambaya said this is an initiative done by the local government unit (LGU) led

by DCIPC prior to Covid-19 pandemic and the city looks at the guide has long term benefits both for the private sector and the local government. take the vaccine, followed by 68 percent from Filipinos aged 18-years-old to 24-years-old, 65 percent from 45-years-old to 55-years-old, and 61 percent from 35-years-old to 44-years-old.

The SWS said that “willingness to get the Covid-19 vaccine does not significantly vary by education.”

Non-elementary graduates and high school graduates were the most willing to get the vaccine with 67 percent, followed by college graduates with 66 percent and elementary graduates with 49 percent.

President Rodrigo

Over 60% of Pinoys willing to get Covid-19 vaccine - SWS survey

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 190 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao opens on Thursday, 19 November 2020, the MAFARLengke (MAFAR Local Exchange and Network of Goods in any Kind of Emergency) at its government center in Cotabato City.

The market aims to support fisherfolk and agriculture-based enterprises affected by the pandemic and other calamities. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

ASEAN pushes for better access to essential goods A

SMEs invest in R&D less affected by pandemic

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he Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which the Philippines is part of, has signed a new document that will address non-tariff measures in trading coronavirus-related products within the region.

In a statement Thursday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said economic ministers of Asean signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the Implementation of non-tariff measures (NTM) on essential goods at the sidelines of the 19th Asean Economic Commu-

nity Council Meeting last Nov. 10.

Under the MOU, Asean member states were urged to refrain from “introducing or maintaining trade restrictive measures on essential goods”.

The MOU covers 152 tariff lines of medicines, as well as medical supplies and equipment under

the Asean list of essential goods.

“This action is a clear manifestation of Asean’s shared commitment in keeping markets open, ensure the unhampered flow of essential goods, and show economic resiliency amid Covid-19,” Lopez said.

The economic bloc also eyes to expand the list of essential goods to include food and agricultural products.

Some countries in the region implemented export bans and other restricted measures for essential products and agri-

an Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its food division San Miguel Foods, is ramping up its buying of corn from local farmer cooperatives by 87,946 metric tons in October to early November, bringing its total year-todate purchase to 524,155 metric tons, up 20 percent from 436,209 metric tons in September.

“This is by far the largest volume ever that we have sourced directly from farmer cooperatives. This is part of our continuing efforts to help boost the incomes of our farmers, who have also been affected by the pandemic,” said SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang in a statement Thursday.

Earlier this year, follow-

ing the imposition of enhanced community quarantine across many parts of the country due to the pandemic, SMC announced it would boost sourcing of raw materials from farmer cooperatives referred to the company by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to help secure the country’s food supply and ensure better income for farmers.

The program also came at an opportune time. With the completion of many of its new, modern feed mills nationwide, Ang said SMC can buy even more local corn supply in the future, particularly from Isabela, Pangasinan, and Mindanao.

The new facilities, equipped with large silos

with aerators, are capable of stockpiling and storing corn and other grains for a year, Ang said.

This will enable the company to buy and store bulk corn longer, giving more income to local farmers, and boosting food security, he added.

Apart from corn, San Miguel Foods also purchases local cassava from farmer cooperatives nationwide through its Cassava Assembler Program, which serves as a platform for small farmers to earn stable and reasonable income from SMC. Ang said local cassava purchased for 2020 has already reached 102,608 metric tons, more than double the total purchased in 2019.

cultural goods at the onset of the coronavirus disease pandemic.

The Philippines is one of the countries that did not implement export bans.

The DTI has encouraged manufacturing firms to repurpose their facilities to produce essential goods like personal protective equipment, including face masks and coveralls, among others.

“We also see this as a positive development that will help the Philippine business community in trading with the region,” Lopez added. (PNA)

Aside from purchasing corn and cassava from local farmers, SMC has also participated in other initiatives to help the agricultural sector, such as its partnership with the DA to open “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” stores at Petron gas stations, that allows local farmers to sell their fresh produce to more consumers throughout Metro Manila.

It also put up Better World Diliman, a market where excess produce bought from farmers at above-farmgate prices are sold to resellers and consumers at lower prices.

SMC is also exploring other ways to support farmers whose agricultural lands were devastated by Super Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. (PR)

SMC purchases record corn volume to support farmers amid pandemic

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survey by the International Trade Center (ITC) shows that Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that invested in research and development (R&D) are less affected by the global health and economic crisis.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and ITC launched the Philippine SME Competitiveness Report on Wednesday showing how the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic affected Filipino businesses. It also provided policy recommendations to the government.

In its survey on 454 firms from Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), and Cebu City from April to May this year, 68 percent of businesses said they are strongly affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

Around 88 percent of the surveyed firms also said they have experienced a drop in sales.

About 9 percent of the companies expected their business to shut down permanently due to effects of the global health crisis, the study shows.

“Small firms are more vulnerable during the crisis,” ITC Research and Strategies for Exports project manager Valentina Rollo said.

Rollo said SMEs were twice as likely as large firms to predict their own closure in three months’ time.

Of the enterprises that said they expect their operation to shut down within three months, 6 percent were SMEs and 3 percent were large enterprises.

ITC Research and Strategies for Exports program officer Sarah Mohan said firms that invested in R&D before the pandemic were the resilient ones amid the crisis.

Mohan said firms developed new processes and goods to adapt to the new business environment. This requires enterprises to have a strong innovation capacity.

Of the surveyed firms, 58 percent dedicated resources to R&D, with enterprises from Calabarzon region earmarked higher innovation and resources in R&D. In its policy recommendation, ITC encourages the government to give incentives for R&D investments and also shift support from existing business networks towards innovative startups.

“It's clear that there continues to be a case for providing incentives to research and development. This helps keep up with the fast-moving market. We've seen it makes firms more resilient to crises whether it's Covid-19 or the typhoon… Companies that have the habit of making research and innovation efforts are able to deploy those habits to cope with whatever happens,” Mohan said. (PNA)

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ECONOMY 5

Global economic recovery from Covid-19 ‘remains difficult’: IMF

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he global economy faces a hard road back from the COVID-19 downturn, and nations should remove trade barriers on medical technologies to aid the recovery, the IMF chief said on Thursday.

Laborers unload commercial rice at an establishment along Monteverde Streer in Davao City. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced that over 1

million rice farmers tilling 1 hectare or less will receive P5,000 cash assistance due to excess tariffs collected on rice imports. Edge Davao

The call from Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva ahead of this week's G20 leaders summit comes as countries grapple with the fallout from a pandemic that has killed hundreds of thousands and caused a sharp contraction in growth.

"While a medical solution to the crisis is now in sight, the economic path ahead remains difficult and prone to setbacks," Georgieva said in a blog post.

Major pharmaceutical companies are now closing in on vaccines against the virus, amid a global spike in cases that has caused some countries to reimpose restrictions to curb transmission.

"The resurgence in infections is a powerful reminder that a sustainable economic recovery cannot be achieved anywhere unless we defeat the pandemic everywhere," Georgieva said.

She called for countries to cooperate to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines, tests and medicines, as well as "multilateral efforts on the manufacturing, purchase and distribution of these health solutions— especially in poorer nations.

It also means removing recent trade restrictions on all medical goods and services, including those related to vaccines," Georgieva said.

Last summit The COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 1.3 million deaths worldwide, according to an AFP tally, and wreaked a grievous toll on the global economy.

The IMF expects global growth to contract by 4.4 percent this year before rebounding 5.2 percent in 2021. However, Georgieva noted third-quarter growth was better than expected in the United States, Japan and European countries.

people opt for e-payment options, we are working continuously so we may extend our contactless payment service to more motorists nationwide.

Since the pandemic hit the country, Phoenix is among the first to adapt and offer this type of payment option. We aim to continue providing innovative services like this, along with our high-quality fuel and non-fuel products, to satisfy the needs of the changing market,” Phoenix Petroleum General Manager for Retail Sales Eric Inocencio said.

So far, Phoenix has processed around 30,000 contactless payment transactions in its stations since

sion of a Philippines where everyone is using cashless means to pay, and we are in the midst of it, only accelerated by the pandemic.

Over 26 million Filipinos have already realized the convenience of going digital, and we are happy that Phoenix Petroleum shares our initiative for a cashless revolution,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

"We are fortunate to be working alongside Phoenix Petroleum—a partner who shares our common goal and motivation of providing products and services that help the Filipino communities in their everyday lives. Through our pioneering partnership,

The virtual summit hosted by Saudi Arabia is set to be the last during the term of US President Donald Trump, who lost his bid for another four years in office earlier this month, though he has rejected the results.

Under his leadership, Washington has engaged in trade conflicts with strategic rival China as well as its European allies, which slowed down global growth even before the virus's arrival.

In a separate research note, the IMF called for countries to work together to finish the pandemic off.

"Combining well-coordinated national policies with joint measures at the global level will help ensure a strong, sustainable recovery," the Washington-based crisis lender said.

"In the immediate term, the G20 should refrain from imposing or intensifying trade restrictions and promptly remove those put in place since the start of the year on all medical goods and services as well as on any goods and services related to vaccine manufacturing and distribution."

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PRRD approves 2020 PH 200 Phoenix stations now offer contactless payment t the forefront of saf- be contracted through pa- the service was launched more Filipinos are able to er and more secure per bills. in June. embrace the benefits of a Investment Priorities Plan service amid the “As more and more “We at GCash have a vi- safe and seamless cashless

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has approved the 2020 Investment Priorities Plan as the Philippines aims to overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte signed the plan on Wednesday, according to his Memorandum Order 50.

High on the government’s investment agenda are activities related to the fight against the pandemic including the production of medical supplies and provision of services such as but not limited to crematoriums, health waste treatment and disposal, laboratories, test facilities, hospitals and quarantine facilities.

The government also supports investments in agriculture, manufacturing activities, agriculture, fishery and forestry, mass housing, infrastructure and logistics, telecommunications, environment or cli-

mate change-related projects, and energy, among others.

For the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the priority investment areas for 2020 to 2022 include export activities, agriculture, agribusiness, aquaculture and fishery, basic industries, infrastructure and services, industrial service facilities, engineering industries, and tourism, among others.

Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last week showed that the gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 11.5% in the third quarter, which according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was an improvement from the record 16.9% contraction in the second quarter.

The government expects the economy to grow between 6.5% and 7.5% in 2021.

A

pandemic, home-grown oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. has expanded its contactless transaction service to 200 of its gas stations nationwide.

From the initial 100 stations offering payments through Gcash, Grabpay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay, the service has now been implemented in 160 Phoenix stations in Luzon including 47 Phoenix stations in Metro Manila, 18 Phoenix stations in Visayas, and 22 Phoenix stations in Mindanao.

The service is part of the company’s extensive campaign to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which may possibly

payment through GrabPay everytime they gas up with Phoenix Petroleum. We have made this even more exciting as customers earn GrabRewards points every time they pay using GrabPay—helping them save more on their future transactions. We hope to continue building on these meaningful initiatives as we build a safer and more seamless cashless future for our communities,” GrabPay PH Head Jonathan Bates said.

Aside from Gcash and GrabPay, motorists also have the option to pay their Phoenix fuels via Alipay and WeChatPay at participating stations nationwide.

F200 PHOENIX, P9

BSP makes surprise rate cut as economic slump continues

T

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas made a surprise 25 basis points policy rate cut on Thursday, bringing the overnight reverse repurchase facility to a new historic low of 2 percent.

This is the central bank's fifth rate cut this year as it saw the need for further easing to shore up the economy amid the series of typhoons and a resurgence in global coronavirus cases.

The interest rates on overnight deposit and

lending facilities were also slashed to 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.

The new rates are effective on Friday.

The rate cut was unexpected as the BSP earlier said that it was in no rush to further reduce borrowing costs despite the economic slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"There remains a critical need for continuing policy support measures to bolster economic activity and boost market con-

FBSP, P9

Phoenix Petroleum offers safer transactions for more motorists as its contactless payment option service is now made available in 200 Phoenix stations nationwide.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 190 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

On the need of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for additional nurses who will be assigned specifically for Covid-19 cases in the government facility:

Our nurses, since they understand (the situation with the pandemic) and because they work in SPMC, (they are stretching their work shifts). However, sometimes they feel the fatigue. They experience fatigue. Ang nurse staffing gyud ang problema.”

Dr. Ricardo Audan

SPMC officer-in-charge

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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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 190 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 190 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

UP AND ABOUT

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.

AFTER scoring brand She was already used toaleaving our home every now and then and of my endorsement agreement trips abroad. with Globe to be its I had not been telling anyone newest about the brand trip sinceambassaI didn’t want dor, Senator and People’s them to know just in case I won’t make it. Big Apple, as PacNew York is Champ Manny sometimes called, I told that her. Her quiao announced eyes widened. She couldn’t believe he donating his fees to whatisshe heard.

“Yes, it’s dream come true, ”I victims ofa typhoons Roltoldand her as I wiped the tears falling ly Ulysses.

At the from her eyes. She never said a word recently held contract after that but instead hugged me signing at the Mireio, tightly. “Take care and have a safe trip,” she said.

Raffles Hotel in Makati

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, AuIChairman really could notJaime tell the difference)? gusto Zobel detooAyala, They were, after all, far for me to eavesdrop.

Pacquiao offered to give In another lane, one huge man his earnings to support was snoring out loud (was the lady relief efforts. near him trying to find another seat, I can “I only saidguess). yes to Globe because Two fatthe men – probably IGreeks! believe–in company, andnot were drinking to their Iheart’s use the company’s content while services. another one was on hisI computer.

Nottyping only that, am given anI knew opportunity it, I was already otherBefore God-given in a deep slumber. Then, I was to be of help to the ourpilot kababayans awakened when said that in way can. That why weany would be Ilanding soon.isMy heart was beating fast. Finally, will be my endorsement fee for Ithis

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 es. Ibibigay mga taong him if he wasnatin Don. saHe answered affirmatively. not convinced, ito ang atingStill income dito, ib- I requested for his identification para card. abalik natin sa taumbayan He showed his ID without much ado. makatulong ng malaki sastarted ating He was Don, indeed, and we mga kababayan na naghihirap talking with each other.

We were inngayon the middle of our at nagugutom at nawaconversation when someone lan ng tahanan. Sama samafrom behind called my name. I knew it tayong babangon, that is my was James (I recognized his voice).

“Sorry, I wasn’t said able Pacquiao. to recognize commitment,” you, Henry, ” he apologized.

The contract signing be- “But when I hear your voice, I am sure it tween is you.” Globe and twelve-time, eight-division world champion, This happened at the time when social media – particularly Facebook Manny Pacquiao as its brand

– 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 “You’re pro-was same place.donating The samethe waiter serving I ordered the same ceeds ofme theand endorsements thing.

On the third I still went – I think that’s a night, very gallant to the same place. The same waiter move, andBut onebefore that isI could so timely was there. utter given the the vastwaiter devastation that my order, said, “Do you want pizza, chicken and soft has occurred in thewings country drink, sir?”

Was my face red? today,” said Cu. During my first three days in For Ayala, time whenany New York, I did“At notaexperience chilly weather.isBut on thesofourth day, the country facing many Ichallenges, ventured toManny’s visit the Central Park, life which was not very far from the hostoryI woke has remained a source of tel. up very early and went inspiration for every outside the hotel.

I was Filipino only on my fifth when I felt the unpleasevenstep in this time of pandemic

MANNY PACQUIAO DONATES GLOBE ENDORSEMENT FEE TO ROLLY AND ULYSSES VICTIMS

with Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu and Globe Chairman and Ayala Corporation

will go to relief efforts to help our kababayans who were affected by the devastation of typhoons Rolly and Ulyss-

ambassador was live streamed on Facebook last night, a new standard for events marketing in the new normal.

R. GORECHO ENTERTAINMENTDENNIS KUWENTONG KULE

– a constant reminder of the Filipino’s strength, talent, and tenacity to overcome every difficulty.”

The partnership with Globe also paves the way for Filipinos from all over the world to see Pacquiao’s upcoming fights live via UPSTREAM, the newest transactional video-ondemand (VOD) platform, and GMovies.

“It is indeed a source of pridecold to partner antly air that Iwith had toManny rush back to the hotel.the “Anything sir?”

Pacquiao, People’swrong, Champ.

Feeling embarrassed, I answered, His legendary boxing career is “I just forgot something from my a never room. ” ending source of Pinoy Exploring Yorkstrive was not inspiration toNew always to a herculean task.

If you know how be better,” said Upstream part-to count (first, second, third, etc.) and ner Dondon Monteverde. are familiar with directions “This (east, same south inspiration goes inthen lineyou west, and north), won’t get lost in the Apple. You with our vision forBig Upstream don’t have to ride a taxi to get to to become the best entertainknow New York.

Just walk. mentAnd platform for the Filipino. that’s what I did.

While walking, finallyprivilege got a glimpse It is withI great and of people I had seen in movies honourwhom that Upstream will air before: a teenager buying coffee and his next fight through indonut in the street, a man live preaching on the street corner,toa the female walkternet streaming Filipino ing who seemed to come out people,” Monteverde added. live from a glossy magazine, and an old Alsopushing presenta at the contract woman cart. signing were Jaime Alfonso Life in New York (even in other parts theAyala, UnitedBusiness States) isDea matZobelofde ter of choice. Even when buying velopment Corfood.

So, youHead have toofbeAyala very specific.

Cabreira, Iporation; made thatIssa mistake when IGlobe ordered aConsumer soft drink. Business “Diet or Classic?”

Group the waitress asked.

When I answered, Head; Joe Caliro, she asked again, “In can or in a botGlobe Senior Adviser; Artle?” first trip Talent to the United States noldMy Vegafria, Manager, was indeed memorable.

It broadand Roselle Monteverde, Regal ened my mind. It gave me the opFilms Producer. portunity of meeting fascinating Globe is athe signatory to the people along way. More importantly, offered me a newComperspecUnitedit Nations Global tive whathas lifecommitted really is. pactof“So, and to how was the trip?” my implement prinmother askedsustainability me when she saw me coming out from carpillars when I arciples hinged onthe four rived back home.

She wasNation, smiling. I including One Digital hugged her and whispered, “It was Care mom!” for the Environment, great, CareAnd, for by People andI Positive the way, learned, too, that New York never sleeps.is acSocietal Impact.

Globe tively supporting 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, please visit globe.com.ph.

GMA UNITES ALL HEARTS WITH “ISANGLIABILITY PUSO NGAYONG PASKO” JOINT AND SOLIDARY IN SEAFARERS’ THIS YEAR has been exceptionally challengAlthough international law ing for us, Filipinos.

We prescribes that the seafarer has have braved the effects the right to be repatriated back to their origin, there are of the point Taal ofVolcano those who suffer abandonment eruption, the global by their employers. pandemic, and most Repatriation comes from recently, the onslaught the Latin word repatriare, “reof Rolly andfrom turntyphoons to one’s own country,” the prefix re, “back,” patria, Ulysses. As 2020and draws “native land.” to a close, GMA NetSeafarers considered work ushers are the Holiday contractual employees since season by unifying our their employment is fixed for a hearts’ utmost desire period of time which shall not exceedamidst 12 months. that the circumThe better commencement of stances, days POEAbe contract is through from the time will ahead when the seafarer actually deits Christmas Station eiparts from the Philippines, ID, “Isang Puso Ngayther airport or seaport, for employment. ong Pasko.”

It shall cease when he com“Isang Puso Ngayong Paspletes his period of contractual ko” puts the spotlight on the service aboard the ship, signsinnate kindness Filipinos off from the shipofand arrives at and the love we have for each the point of hire.

POEA requires otherThe that fuelscontract our resilience, the seafarer to arrive and most importantly, theat the point of of hire it signifies strength ourasfaith in God. the completion of the employment The Kapuso Network’s contract, and not merely its exheartwarming campaign piration.

Similarly, a seafarer’s emfeatures its various artists and

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 news and public affairs personprovision of basic necessities of alities expressing theiraccommosincerlife (adequate food, est gratitude to everyone dation, and medical care)who and repatriation costs. extended their hand to those in

great need, most especially to Combined who withcontinue the danthe frontliners to gers of the elements of the sea, help abandoned fellow Filipinos battle theto the crew have COVID-19 pandemic, the first face the stressful and inhumane consequences of being stranded responders who rushed to the in a country where they do not scenes of devastation to rescue speak the language, and the and evacuate those in peril, difficulties of financial constraints and to to unpaid Filipinos who opened due wages. theirAccording hearts in their ownInternasimple to the tional ways. Maritime Organization

(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 the as station the seafarers Moreover, ID have not arrived at the point of showsthey the Kapuso artists’to payhire, are entitled severalofinitiatives help andunment monetarytobenefits der thethe contract. uplift spirits of their kabaThe–seafarer is entitled be bayans a lot of them gave to out paid his wages and other benefood for the frontliners such as fits after the expiration of his couple Dingdong Dantes and contract and during the extendMarian Rivera whovessel’s even preed period until the arrival at a convenient port. The oblipared the meals herself; Alden gations and liabilities of the local Richards who donated food agency its foreign principal from hisand restaurant; Dennis do not end upon the expiration Trillo Jennylyn Mercado of the and contracted period as they who contributed supwere duty boundessential to repatriate the to the point of hire pliesseaman for the frontliners; the Eat

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 thedabarkads principal for the money Bulaga who gave 3D claims awarded to the employprinting machines for PPE proees. duction; Evangelista The Heart Supreme Court who explained the case of Catantov. providedintablets for students NLRC 160 SCRA 691, 695) use in (remote learning; Williethe rationale : “This must be so, beRevillame who gave generous cause the obligations covenantdonations jobless jeepney ed in the to manning agreement drivers and of the entered intoto bythe andpeople between local agent andand its foreign princiCatanduanes; many others pal not coterminus withown the whoare extended help in their term of such agreement so that meaningful ways. if either or both of the parties Andto with unfolddecide endeverything the agreement, the ing amidst the pandemic and responsibilities of such parties towards thenatural contracted employnumerous disasters, the

men and women of GMA News and Public Affairs were also ees under the agreement do not able stepbut upthe to the plate as at alltoend, same extends theytotook Serbiup andtheir untilvow theofexpiration of theTotoo employment syong to the nextcontracts level of the employees recruited and by delivering timely news and employed pursuant to the said information to the Filipinos. recruitment agreement. OtherThethis Network, through GMA wise, will render nugatory Kapuso the veryFoundation, purpose forlikewise which the law governing the aid employment tirelessly provided to the of workers for foreign jobs medical frontliners and Filipiabroad was enacted.” no families in need, emulating The 2014 amendments to true bayanihan the Maritime spirit.

Labor Conven“Isang Ngayong require tion 2006Puso (MLC2006) shipowners have compulsoPasko” bringstotogether all ry insurance to cover and abandonhearts this Christmas no ment of seafarers for upKapuso to four pandemic will stop the months’ outstanding wages and Network fromItremembering entitlements. must also cover the true reason for thisfrom season. reasonable expenses the moment of abandonment With our resilient heartsto the time of arrival home such working as one,back we, Filipinos, as repatriation, food, clothing, will pick ourselves up, rebuild accommodation, drinking water, our lives,care and work toward betmedical and essential fuel ter days. for survival on board.

Atty. GMA Gorecho heads the Watch Network’s seafarers’ division of the 2020 Christmas Station IDSapaon lo Velez Bundang Bulilan law GMA’s official Facebook and offices. For comments, send YouTube or on the an e-mailaccounts, to info@sapalovelez. officialorwebsite www.gmanetcom call 09175025808 or 09088665786 work.com.

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 190 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

Lenovo offers ultra-premium experience with new Yoga devices, free limited edition Herschel items

G

lobal tech and innovation leader Lenovo is enabling customers to make a smarter style statement with the official launch in the Philippines of its 5th generation Yoga devices designed for consumers with sophisticated taste. Ultra-premium style and function are packed into new form factors, accompanied by a special holiday offering with Herschel, a global premium apparel brand.

“Lenovo aims to deliver our vision, Smarter Technology for All, through designs that perfectly meet consumer needs. Premium Lenovo Yoga devices are engineered to be among the thinnest and trimmest on the market, combining ultra-portability with convenience and style,” said Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager Michael Ngan.

Yoga 9 series Headlining the latest Lenovo Yoga devices are the innovative and versatile Yoga Slim 9i notebook and Yoga 9i convertible, both starting at PHP 99,995.

These devices are powered by up to the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i9 HK-Series mobile processors with graphics based on the Intel Xe architecture.

Stand out while organizing a busy life with the 14” thin and light Yoga Slim 9i laptop (13.9mm, 1.26kg) featuring an authentic black leather cover bonded with an aerospace-grade aluminum chassis for more durability. The leather cover also comes optional on the 14” Yoga 9i convertible. A first on Lenovo consumer laptops, devices undergo a special 20-step handtooled assembly process that retains the original appearance — natural imperfections included — of the genuine European leather used, making each product truly one of a kind.

Complementing the premium leather cover in the Yoga 9 series are the water-resistant edge-toedge Glass Palm Rest, the fingerprint-resistant Smart Sensor Touchpad utilizing haptic technology to recreate the familiar feeling of a real click, Smart Sense Keyboard that auto-adjusts the white backlighting based on ambient light conditions, and more. Each device is also inspected and tested to withstand everyday wear

and tear under several conditions, including UV light exposure and tension, making it convenient for use in virtually all environments.

Yoga 7 series Building on successful thin and light laptops, the Yoga 7 series is comprised of powerhouse devices given careful attention to design details. Among them is the Yoga Slim 7i Pro (price starts at PHP 64,995), a 14.9-mm powerhouse fueled by its up to Intel Core i7-1165G7 with NVIDIA GeForce MX450 GPU, providing a remarkable increase in speed and balanced performance. Combine that with a 14” 2.8K resolution display with 100% sRGB lifelike color and clarity at up to 400 nits brightness, and 90Hz refresh rate designed to decrease time lags while gaming or streaming content. The Yoga Slim 7i Pro is a powerful device companion ideal for responsive multi-tasking, video editing, and more.

Joining the Yoga Slim 7i Pro is the recently unveiled Yoga Slim 7i Carbon (price starts at PHP 59,995), a delicately crafted yet MIL-STD 810G-certified device that fuses smarter computing with design and mobility.

Coming in a stunning Moon White finish, its featherweight portability (966g) is delivered by aero-grade strength carbon fibers carefully layered and bonded using a high-precision manufacturing process similarly employed by makers of supercars. The Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is perfect for always-on-the-go business leaders, entrepreneurs, and millennials, with its 15-hour battery life and powerful performance delivered by the up to the latest Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, up to 16GB RAM, and up to 1TB SSD paired with a QHD 16:10 panel.

Another compact 13” comes in the form of the

Yoga Slim 7i (pricing and availability to be announced soon), a 13.9-mm all-metal machine-cut premium laptop with a clamshell design.

Its taller aspect viewing ratio (16:10) at 2560x1600 resolution allows for easier screen use while scrolling web pages or documents.

Equipped with the latest processors, the Yoga Slim 7i will likely have the most aggressive price tag for a premium laptop.

Completing the Yoga 7 series lineup is the Yoga 7i (price starts at PHP 59,995), an ultrathin convertible made for long sessions of work or play as its battery can last around 16 hours.

Designed with boundary-breaking performance and responsiveness provided by its up to Intel Core i71165G7 processor with Iris Plus G7 XE graphics, up to 16GB RAM, and up to 1TB PCIe SSD, the Yoga 7i boasts of a 14” or 15.6” touchscreen display that can have up to 500 nits brightness with a 72% NTSC color gamut, making it a portable, entertainment machine as well.

Yoga 6 Easily the most portable powerhouse of this Yoga generation, the Yoga 6 (price starts at PHP 49,995) houses up to a top-performing AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Mobile Processor with builtin AMD Radeon graphics and up to 1TB of SSD inside a compact 13” chassis. Don’t be fooled by the ultra-compact size though, as this device can last up to 18 hours of computing and operating users’ favorite mobile entertainment activities.

IdeaPad 5 and 3 series Lenovo has evolved the IdeaPad series to represent three core pillars it wants this line to be known for.

Fast, intuitive, and trusted, the newest IdeaPads promise to be the only device line users need to bring their ideas to life and make their ambitions come true.

The IdeaPad Slim 5i (price starts at PHP 42,995) is a device that boasts of true 4 side narrow bezels in a mainstream segment laptop, innovative charging via Type-C connection, and front-facing speakers that deliver crystal-clear surround sound. The IdeaPad Flex 5i (price starts at PHP 49,995), meanwhile, features super-fast connectivity, advanced display technology, and a 360-degree hinge for the ultimate flexibility. It also comes with the Lenovo Digital Pen, letting users capture moments of inspiration or take notes on the go.

Lenovo also offers some best-value-for-money mainstream devices such as the IdeaPad Slim 3i with Intel Core i7 (price starts at PHP 44,995) or Core i3 with MX GPU (price starts at PHP 29,995).

This launch marks a milestone in Lenovo’s history as it now has the widest range of devices with the powerful 16GB RAM + 1TB SSD combo in the Philippines. Along with the previously launched Yoga Duet 7, the suite spans 10 devices (Yoga Slim 9i, Yoga 9i, Yoga Slim 7 Pro, Yoga Slim 7i Carbon, Yoga Slim 7, Yoga 7i, Yoga 6, IdeaPad Slim 5, IdeaPad Flex 5) with

a competitive starting price of PHP 49,995.

All the devices in this launch, except for the IdeaPad Slim 3i with Intel Core i3, come pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 (worth PHP 6,995) and upgraded to Lenovo’s 3-Year Premium Care Warranty (worth PHP 9,100) that entails 24x7 direct access to Lenovo engineers, on-site repair on the next business day if available, and an annual PC Health Check. As the world undergoes a transition to adapt to the changing times, so does Lenovo continue to provide an expansive IT service that can support the transformation in new ways.

Lenovo Presents: The Lenovo x Herschel Holiday Collection Lenovo Presents The Lenovo x Herschel Holiday Collection.jpg This holiday season, Lenovo is teaming up once again with Herschel to reward customers with limited edition Herschel merchandise for every purchase of participating Lenovo Yoga, IdeaPad, Smart Tab, and IdeaCentre devices.

Herschel’s timeless designs are a great complement to your new gadgets, and for this year, it released an exclusive collection designed for Lenovo which is not available for individual sale.

Other premium gifts will also be given away, entitling customers to up to a total of PHP 70,050 worth of freebies.

Customers availing select devices under the Yoga 9, 7, and 6 series will receive

the ultra-stylish Lenovo x Herschel Stowaway Jacket (worth PHP 10,995), Gibson Travel Bag (worth PHP 7,495), and Spokane Sleeve (worth PHP 3,495), plus other Lenovo accessories for free.

Those purchasing select devices of the IdeaPad 5 and 3 series, or select IdeaCentre desktops and AIOs will also receive the Stowaway Jacket plus other accessories, amounting to up to PHP 43,365. Meanwhile, certain models of the IdeaPad 3 series come with the Stowaway Jacket and the Fifteen Hip Pack (worth PHP 2,495) among other freebies, and the Smart Tab M8 and M10 FHD also come with the neat Fifteen Hip Pack.

“Lenovo Presents: Herschel Holiday Collection Exclusively Made for Lenovo” promo runs from November 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021. Only purchases made at official Lenovo stores and official Lenovo online stores, as well as authorized Lenovo Partners’ branches and their online stores, will be honored. Customers must keep the Sales Invoice as proof of purchase. Other terms and conditions apply.

For the full mechanics of the promo, visit <lenovophpromos.com>.

More information about the Lenovo Yoga 5th generation devices and the Herschel holiday promo is available at Lenovo’s official Facebook page <fb.com/ lenovophilippines> and website <lenovo.com/ph>.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-107383 Series of 2020.

clude ear infection (occur in about one of every 10 children with measles and can result in permanent hearing loss), bronchitis, laryngitis, and diarrhea (reported in less than one out of 10 people with measles).

Severe complications include pneumonia and encephalitis. The CDC says that as many as one out of every 20 children with measles get pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in

young children.

One good news: Those who have had an active measles infection or who have been vaccinated against the measles have immunity to the disease.

Before widespread vaccination, measles was so common during childhood that most people became sick with the disease by age 20.

“Not vaccinating children can lead to outbreaks of a measles, mumps, and

rubella – all of which are potentially serious diseases of childhood,” reminded Dr. Neil K. Kaneshiro, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

The CDC recommends children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old. More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR

will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%.

Vaccines are not perfect, however, but they are highly effective. “Normally, vaccines are at least 80% effective – that is, eight out of 10 children vaccinated will develop antibodies against the infection and be protected,” Dr. C. John Clemens, former medical officer with the Geneva-based

World Health Organization, told this author.

Although no medical intervention is 100% safe, the risk of serious side effects from vaccines, such as severe allergic reactions, is low.

“Any vaccine can cause side effects,” the Mayo Clinic points out. “Usually, these side effects are minor — low-grade fever, fussiness and soreness at the injection site. Some vaccines cause a temporary

headache, fatigue or loss of appetite. Rarely, a child might experience a severe allergic reaction or a neurological side effect, such as a seizure.

“Although these rare side effects are a concern, the risk of a vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small. The benefits of getting a vaccine are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.” – (Photos sourced from the net)

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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.

Based on the regional situation update on Covid-19 in Davao Region as of 5 p.m. of November 19, 2020, Department of

Health 11-Davao Center for Health Development reported 161 new cases wherein 106 new cases are from Davao City, 42 are from Davao del Sur, six are from Davao del Norte, three are from Davao Oriental, and two each from Davao De Oro and Davao Occidental-bringing the total number of active cases in Davao Region to 2,378.

Ten deaths were also reported including eight from Davao City and two from Davao del Sur. There are also 98 recoveries reported and among these, 54 are from Davao City, 21 are from Davao del Norte, 13 are from Davao del Sur, five are from Davao Oriental, four are from Davao de Oro, and one from Davao Occidental.

There are a total of 1,450 persons were of which 161 tested positive for Covid-19. After further investigation, one case from Davao del Sur (DR-7582), which was reported last Nov. 17, was a resident from Davao City, Thus, removing this case from Davao del Sur’s statistics and adding it to Davao City.

wala man gyud. Ning iskapo ko pagka gabii. Bitbit nakong armas duha kabuok (I secretly contacted the soldiers, because from what I observed the movement truly was no good. I was also angry at the time because they didn’t help my mother, medicine was all I asked for, and since there wasn’t any help, I escaped at night bringing two firearms),” Benjong added.

Life of hardship As a former armed member, Benjong shared how difficult life was when he was still part of the NPA. “Daghan mi’g kasinati-an didto, kalisod. Di gyud lalim didto. Sa akong pagkuyog-kuyog nako sa ila didto, sakripisyo jud kaayo, usahay matulog nalang gani mi sa yuta lang, sa lapok. Unya basa among sanina, ma encounter pa

gyud mi (We have a lot of difficult experiences there.

It’s truly not easy, full of sacrifices. Sometimes we sleep in the mud and our clothes are drenched, and then we have encounters with the military),” he said.

“Usahay didto, may lang gani’g sa usa ka adlaw makakaon mi’g ika isa, gukuron pa gyud mi sa sundalo. Perte gyung luoya gyud (Sometimes there, you’d be lucky to have one meal in a day while you’re being chased by the military. It was really difficult),” he added.

Benjong revealed that the higher-ups’ only solution with the hardship was more promises.

“Inig makita na nila nga murag di na nimo kaya, doktrinahan na pud ka nila aron di ka kauli (When they see that we can longer

take it, they convince you again so that you won’t go home),” Benjong said.

“Ginapadasig ko nila nga dili lang daw mu-uli kay dili daw na pirmente nga sitwasyon. Pero akong gina timbang pirmente, wa gyud klarong ka-ugmaon gyud kung magpabili gyud ko ani. Nag struggle na akong huna-huna ato (They promised me that the situation won’t last forever, that I shouldn’t go home. But I’ve already been weighing my options at the time, I saw that there was no future if I stayed. I had an inner struggle at the time),” he explained.

Life in government With the both of them having surrendered and currently living in the government’s side, they expressed their satisfaction of their new life.

“Ganahan mi karon sa sundalo kay maayu ilang pagtagad sa amoa, ug kung unsa among kailangan tabangan mi nila (We like the soldiers now because they treat us well, whatever rudwe need they help us),” Yang-yang expressed.

After surrendering and going back to the government, Yang-yang received P65,000 cash from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) along with rice assistances.

She hopes to continue her education.

Benjong, who surrendered along with two firearms, received over P200,000 and is now currently living in the 60IB as a CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit).

(Jan Vincent Leuterio, PIAXI/jmda)

fidence," the BSP said in a statement.

The last time that the central bank adjusted rates was in June, when it cut rates by 50 basis points, amid expectations that the economy was in for a record slump due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BSP has reduced interest rates by a cumulative 200 basis points this year, and cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for banks by 200 basis points to 12 percent. Diokno has also said he was given the authority to cut RRR further to 10 percent.

Policy will remain accommodative in the coming months and the timing of an exit from unprecedented easing measures will depend on inflation and pace of economic recovery, it said.

"The balance of risks to the inflation outlook also remains tilted toward the downside owing largely to potential disruptions to domestic and global economic activity amid the ongoing pandemic," the BSP said.

Despite further policy easing, inflation is not a concern for the Bangko Sentral, with the latest fore-

casts indicating expectations are firmly anchored within the 2 to 4 percent target band for 2020 up to 2022 amid weak domestic activity.

The BSP revised its inflation forecasts to 2.4 percent for this year, from 2.3 percent previously, and to 2.7 percent for next year, from 2.8 percent. Inflation in 2022 was projected at 2.9 percent versus 3 percent previously.

But while the central bank has been trying to entice businesses and consumers to borrow more money to prop up the econ-

omy, banks have become more reluctant to lend due to worries that borrowers may not be able to repay their loans.

The BSP’s third quarter survey of senior bank loan officers showed that banks are tightening credit standards--making it harder to borrow money by raising collateral and other requirements.

The Philippine economy has contracted an average of 9.7 percent in the first three quarters of the year, as the Philippines struggled to control the spread of COVID-19.

points kept Phoenix within 88-90. But his efforts to the tune of 13 points and nine boards were not enough.

RJ Jazul tried to fill up Wright’s absence by scoring a game-high 21 points while Jason Perkins added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

RR Garcia chipped in 12 points. All to no avail.

Rayray Parks got it going in the second half for 17 points and so did Roger Pogoy, who had 16 markers.

Poy Erram also finished

with 15 points and 14 rebounds and Ryan Reyes 11 points.

Those were almost not enough in a game where blood mixed with sweat and tears.

After Wright twisted his right ankle Perkins also trooped to the bench but only for a while after suffering a nasty cut below his chin, 4:10 to go in the first period.

TNT was not spared of injuries either as Parks

suffered a boxer’s cut on his left eyebrow while Castro was visibly favoring his hurting calf. Even Erram hurt his right elbow late in the third and hurt his left ankle, 1:58 left in the game.

He returned each time to showcase his own resilience.

Phoenix could emerge from the game with unbowed heads.

The Fuel Masters refused to simply buckle under even after staring at

a 42-54 lead which TNT erected after Pogoy exploded for eight of his points in the third quarter.

Mallari and Jazul kept Phoenix within striking distance before Jazul scattered 14 of his points in the fourth period to bring the Fuel Masters closer.

Garcia’s three-pointer even gave Phoenix a brief taste of the lead at 79-77 and Abueva’s three-point play made it an 86-87 count.

Lester Castillo, assistant vice president, Nestlé Philippines – MILO. “We look forward to seeing our athletes exhibit their sporting excellence and may this motivate them to continue their champion journey and aspire for greatness.”

PTA and MILO have shared a longstanding commitment to accelerate the sport of taekwondo in the Philippines.

Driven to help young athletes to remain active and excel in sports, the two partners have pivoted their

sports programs to digital as the main platform in response to the needs of the current health situation.

Earlier this year, both MILO and PTA brought their well-known sports program to YouTube through the MILO Sports Clinics Online, providing kids short instructional videos that they can do at home with the guidance of their parents.

The MILO Interactive Online Classes, on the other hand, offers a two-way learning approach where

kids can directly interact with PTA’s expert coaches through online sessions.

As a culmination of these programs, the PTA and MILO mount tournaments that will help kids demonstrate their progression and compete with their peers.

“Offering a program that takes a holistic approach to sports development will not only help parents raise their kids to be active and healthy but also be well-rounded individuals,” Castillo said.

“MILO will remain steadfast in driving this commitment, along with our trusted partners such as the PTA.” For more information on this year’s championships, visit PTA’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ philippinetkd), YouTube channel (Philippine Taekwondo Association), or their website (www.philippinetaekwondo.net).

Follow MILO on Facebook (www.facebook.com/milo. ph) and Instagram (@MiloPhilippines). (PR)

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Galvez proposes more restrictions for passengers of public vehicles

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ating, talking and using of mobile phones on public transport should be prohibited to control the spread of the coronavirus disease, National Task Force Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez said.

Galvez, speaking at the meeting of the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team in Camp Quintin Merecido of the Police Regional Office 11 on Wednesday afternoon, said this policy is currently being worked out in Metro Manila to avoid further transmission of the virus on public vehicles.

He said he will recommend a similar policy in Davao City and other areas where the number of Covid-19 cases shot up after sliding into a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Galvez lauded local leaders in the National Capital Region (NCR) after they managed to bring down the number of active cases.

“LGUs (local government units) in NCR don’t want to go to MGCQ as they are afraid of having a spike again. The NCR, right now, has around 2,700 active cases. Imagine 2,700 in the whole of Metro Manila with a 16 million [population] from 24,000 active cases, they brought it down to 2,700 cases,” he said.

He said LGUs must ensure that business establishments follow the health protocols.

He added the people, particularly those in the densely populated areas, must change their mindset

over health protocols to bring down the epidemic curve.

Galvez claimed that most residents in Metro Manila are now compliant with basic health protocols like the proper wearing of face masks and face shields.

“The most important – we have already solved this in Metro Manila – are the minimum health standards,” she said.

Galvez, a former Armed Forces chief of staff, told the military and police to go to the city’s barangays to constantly remind residents to adhere to the basic health standards as the local government grappled with a surge in cases.

He said adhering to the minimum health standards, active contact-tracing, isolation and enhancement of treatment facilities are preferred over putting cities with a spike in Covid-19 cases like Davao under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or modified ECQ. “There is no need for ECQ… we will have irreversible damage to our economy. The mindset of the people there should be changed,” he said.

As of Nov. 18, Davao City reported a total of 5,412 cases, Davao de Oro 398, Davao del Norte 877, Davao del Sur 580, Davao Occidental 111 and Davao Oriental 401.

The region has 2,325 active cases, 5,168 recoveries and 286 deaths.

Out of the 5,412 cases in Davao City, 1,828 are active, 3,347 have recovered and 237 died. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

for COVID-19 vaccine procurement under the proposed 2021 national budget.

A recent Social Weath-

er Stations survey shows that 66% of Filipinos are willing to get COVID-19 vaccine if it is available now.

Duterte has approved recommendations for the Philippines to enter into

advance supply agreements and provide early payments to COVID-19.

The IMF called for Britain and the European Union to conclude a trade deal that would forestall new trade barriers as London disentangles itself from the regional bloc.

The lender also reiterated its call for more public spending to help countries escape the growth slowdown and reshape their economies for both growth and to fight climate change.

Recently, Phoenix has also been transforming its stations to become a onestop shop for everyday errands with the inclusion of

more FamilyMart stores, Phoenix SUPER LPG hubs, and a microfinancial and bills payment feature via the Posible device.

They are initially scheduled to face Thailand twice on Nov. 26 and 30 with a Nov. 28 battle between South Korea in between.

However, a revised schedule surfaced on Monday night could see Gilas Men possibly playing a game for four straight days from Nov. 27-30.

Panlilio said the SBP is appealing to FIBA to retain the original schedule instead of the proposed daily

grind.

Gilas Men are grouped with South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia in Group A of the ACQ. However, South Korea has been vocal recently about possibly begging off from the Bahrain bubble.

There were also uncertainties on whether Thailand will still show up until the team confirmed its participation by parading an all-pro lineup. (PNA)

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Highly-contagious measles is back!

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“T

he fact that measles outbreaks are occurring at the highest levels we’ve seen in a generation is unthinkable when we have a safe, cost-effective, and proven vaccine.

No child should die from a vaccine-preventable disease.” – Elizabeth Cousens, President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Foundation.

Pandemic or no pandemic, measles is here to stay. And the only way for a person, particularly children, not to be infected with it is by being immunized with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.

But with the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rampaging around the world, including the Philippines, the regular immunization is in peril. Many parents are afraid of going to health centers to have their children vaccinated in the fear of being infected with the COVID-19 virus as it entails overcrowding.

So much so that even President Rodrigo R. Duterte urged parents to have their children immunized during the national vaccination program. “I, therefore, call on parents under five years old as well as the local government leaders and other community stakeholders to support the immunization activity,” he said in a video message posted last November 9 over the Department of

Health’s Facebook page.

It must be recalled that the Philippines was hit hard by a measles outbreak last year – with a total of 47,872 cases, including 632 deaths. In Davao Region, Davao City topped with 628 cases and ten deaths.

There were 850 cases and 7 deaths in all provinces.

Although the year has not yet ended, data from the regional office of the health department showed Davao Oriental of having the highest number of measles cases (263 and 8 deaths), closely trailed by Davao City (109 cases and two deaths). The remaining provinces have a total of 205 cases and two deaths.

“Measles is incredibly resilient and our success is fragile. If we drop our guard, this disease will regain a foothold and spread like wildfire once again. We must stay vigilant,” said Dr. Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the American Red Cross, a decade ago.

Prophetic words indeed as measles has staged a comeback as a major public health threat. “Measles

cases worldwide increased to 869,770 in 2019, the highest number reported since 1996,” said the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) in a press release issued on November 12. “Global measles deaths climbed nearly 50 percent since 2016, claiming an estimated 207,500 lives in 2019 alone.”

After steady global progress from 2010 to 2016, the number of reported measles cases climbed progressively to 2019, the United Nations health agency said. Comparing 2019 data with the historic low in reported measles cases in 2016, the report cited a failure to

vaccinate children on time with two doses of measles-containing vaccines as the main driver of these increases in cases and deaths “We know how to prevent measles outbreaks and deaths,” said Dr .Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“These data send a clear message that we are failing to protect children from measles in every region of the world. We must collectively work to support countries and engage communities to reach everyone, everywhere with the measles vaccine and stop this deadly virus.”

The WHO suggested that global response to

COVID-19 pandemic must not exacerbate the measles crisis.

“Before there was a coronavirus crisis, the world was grappling with a measles crisis, and it has not gone away,” said Henrietta Fore, executive director of the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF). “While health systems are strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not allow our fight against one deadly disease to come at the expense of our fight against another.

This means ensuring we have the resources to continue immunization campaigns for all vaccine-preventable diseases, even as we address the growing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Measles has often been described “the simplest of all infectious diseases.” It is probably the most “visible” infection due to a consistent clinical picture and the fact that virtually everyone contracted it before vaccination was introduced in the early 1960s.

Also called rubeola, measles is a highly contagious viral disease. “It is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected,” explains the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Generally, measles affects children but can occur at any age in susceptible persons. “A child can get measles just by being in a room where a child with measles has been, even up to two hours after that child has left,” the CDC cautions. “An infected child can

spread measles to others even before knowing he or she has the disease – from four days before developing the measles rash through four days afterward.”

The measles virus, which is not the same virus that causes German measles, or rubella, can only be killed by sunlight. It is very active during the cold months and can remain suspended in the air for several hours.

“This is the reason there are more cases in congested urban slums,” Dr. Enrique Tayag, an epidemiologist and official of the Department of Health. “The virus spreads more easily among family members living in cramped rooms and, later, to the overcrowded community.”

Signs and symptoms of measles appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, those who have measles will experience the following: fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes.

Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek may also be present. The most apparent: a skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another.

“A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days,” the Mayo Clinic explains.

The CDC says complications of measles may in-

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Thompson to miss season with Achilles tear

G

olden State Warriors All-Star guard Klay Thompson will miss the NBA season after tearing his right Achilles during a practice game in Southern California on Wednesday, ESPN reported on Thursday.

The sharp shooting 30-year-old missed all of last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered during the Finals last year and the threetime NBA champion was

poised for a big season alongside fellow “Splash Brother” Stephen Curry.

While Thompson’s return to NBA action will have to wait, early indications suggest he will be able to fully heal.

“Based on the type of tear, Thompson has been told to expect that he will make a full recovery,” ESPN reported, citing a source.

The NBA regular season kicks off on Dec. 22.

The Gilas Men squad for the Asia Cup Qualifiers will be coached by veteran mentor Jong Uichico.

Uichico named Gilas Men coach for ACQ bubble

J

ong Uichico has been named the head coach for Gilas Pilipinas Men for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ) November window.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio made the announcement in an online press conference on Thursday.

Uichico, SBP program director for Gilas Men Tab Baldwin, and Boyet Fernandez were initially named to the Nationals’ coaching staff last week, but it was not revealed who is the official chief gaffer until Panlilio’s public announcement.

Uichico has been

known as a champion in the professional ranks, winning nine Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) titles with three teams - - San Miguel, Ginebra, and TNT. Uichico also handled the Philippines on various occasions before his new stint, the last being the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.

Uichico will coach a team consisting of current and recently graduated col-

legiate standouts, known as the Gilas Cadets, as the first team mainstays are unavailable due to the PBA bubble in Angeles.

Handling an all-Cadets lineup is not new to Uichico as he was actually the head coach for Gilas Cadets, then known as Sinag Pilipinas, in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

However, this is the first time Uichico will actually coach the Cadets in a FIBA-sanctioned event.

“It’s a welcome challenge. It’s something new, but I always welcome the challenge,” said Uichico.

Gilas Men are currently

ELBOURNE - World number one Novak Djokovic has called on authorities to allow players to compete before the Australian Open while undertaking their mandatory quarantine period.

The start of the 2021 season remains in limbo, with officials declining to endorse Tennis Australia's plans to have players arrive mid-December and be free to compete at the ATP Cup and other events ahead of the year's first Grand Slam.

Australia is effectively closed to non-residents due to COVID-19 protocols and international arrivals must spend two weeks in quarantine before they can move around freely.

Serbian Djokovic said

he would do whatever was required to play at the Australian Open but hoped the government could also be accommodating.

"I hope that there is going to be support and understanding from the Victorian and Australian government for the players and for Tennis Australia and that they will allow players to compete in the second week of quarantine," he told reporters at the ATP Finals on Wednesday.

"I mean, hopefully that's going to help tremendously with the calendar and everything, and you won't be then losing a week.

"You will be able to have at least a tournament or two prior to the Australian

Open, which for majority of the players is important.

"Having no official match before the Australian Open, before a Grand Slam, is a huge thing."

Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews said on Wednesday he was confident the Australian Open would go ahead at Melbourne Park but declined to confirm Tennis Australia's scheduling for the Jan. 18-31 Grand Slam and other events in the leadup, including the team-based ATP Cup. Djokovic led Serbia to victory in the inaugural $15 million ATP Cup last January and hopes to defend the title.

U.S. Open finalist Alex Zverev, the world number

inside a training bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

“We’re trying to do the best we can in trying to make them ready for the international game,” Uichico shared what his coaching staff is doing inside the bubble. “We’re trying to keep things as simple as possible--things that they can comprehend and execute the best way they can.”

He added that they will fly for Manama, Bahrain on Sunday.

Gilas Men will play the November window of the FIBA ACQ inside a bubble in Bahrain’s capital city.

seven, said players should at least be able to practise during quarantine.

"Because if we can't even practise for 14 days and we have to go out to play the Australian Open, it's a lottery," said the German.

"You can basically flip a coin who wins."

Top doubles player Bruno Soares, an ATP Players Council member, said he understood that Australia might not want "foreign people" endangering the health situation given the country had largely eradicated COVID-19.

"I think we've got to be patient. It's crazy times," the Brazilian said. (Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing

by Himani Sarkar)

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Djokovic urges gov't 'support' to players for Australian Open

M

TNT guard Jayson Castro drives against Phoenix defenders Justin Chua and Brian Heruela. PBA Images

TNT holds off Phoenix to take series opener

D

espite playing less than 100 percent, veteran guard Jayson Castro put TNT on his able shoulders inside the last 74 seconds with seven of the team’s last eight points, carrying it to a 95-92 victory over Phoenix Super LPG Wednesday at the start of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals duel at the Smart 5G-powered AUF Gym in Angeles City.

A nagging calf injury that is not yet fully healed did nothing to slow down Castro, whose endgame points made sure the Tropang Giga not only stayed beyond the reach of the Fuel Masters but also on their way to taking the opener of the best-of-five match-up.

Castro even capped his heroics with a pair of charities, pegging a 95-92 count that stood when Alex Mallari muffed his desperate three-point try at the final buzzer.

In the end, Castro wound up with a teamhigh 20 points on top of six rebounds and as many assists. He actually scored 12 of his points in the fourth period but deflected part of the credit to his teammates.

“Siguro, sa team namin,” was Castro’s reply to the

query on where he gets his energy from.

“Kasi we play as a team talaga and ine-encourage nila ako talaga na kung ano kaya kong gawin gawin ko lang kasi nag-start ang bubble hindi (ako) masyadong healthy,” added Castro.

“Malaking bagay sa akin ‘yung support nila talaga.”

TNT coach Bong Ravena is simply glad his team was able to pull through despite blowing as much as a 12-point lead against a side that put up a gallant stand despite playing minus main man Matthew Wright since midway in the opening quarter and Calvin Abueva being plagued by foul trouble.

“Phoenix has a lot of energy. We know they’re gonna come out really strong, so we decided to match their energy with our guards,” said Ravena, referring to several instances in the game when he utilized four guards.

“We know they’re not going to give up, they’re going to stay in the game. We just stuck to our game, especially on defense,” added Ravena.

Abueva did finish the game and his five straight

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NO BARRIERS 2K jins to compete in nat’l online taekwondo tourney

A

lmost 2,000 young athletes will put their taekwondo skills to the test as the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) and MILO Philippines stage the PTA-MILO National Online Taekwondo Championships on Nov. 21- 22.

The digital arena is set where young jins from across the country will showcase their athletic prowess amidst the restrictions brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Coach Rocky Samson, secretary general of PTA, said while the sporting world is still trying to navigate the new normal, the PTA has remained dedicated to providing athletes tools and platforms to help continue their sporting journey.

“Through this competition, we are able to give our young taekwondo players the exposure to compete with their contemporaries, which is an

important aspect to build their experience as athletes,” he added.

PTA-MILO National Online Taekwondo Championships will see over 1,100 athletes go head-tohead in the Speed Kicking division, while more than 800 kicksters will conquer the Poomsae division.

This year’s championships will be broadcasted live on the PTA’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website.

Video submissions of registered participants in both Poomsae and Speed Kicking divisions will serve as their official entries to the competition, where it will be judged and scored in real time.

Meralco forward Chris Newsome gets challenged by SMB defenders Moala tautuaa and Arwind Santos. PBA Images The top winners of both divisions will each receive a MILO electronic medal,

certificate, and electronic voucher.

“The PTA has been

our indispensable partner in inspiring the youth to engage in sports and nur-

turing them to become future champions,” said

FNO BARRIERS, P9