Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 194 | Thursday, November 26, 2020

TREATING COVID-19 WITH OXYGEN HEALTH P10

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A trader of broiler chicken negotiates a muddy road on his way to the market in Marilog District, Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

DCPO vows to avoid errors in implementing Covid directives STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte refuses to name congressmen who allegedly received kickbacks from project contractors due to“lack of sufficient evidence.”PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

‘WE WILL REVIEW’ A

PRRD signs laws increasing bed capacity of 5 hospitals

DCPO vows to avoid errors in implementing Covid directives

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Davao City Police Office (DCPO) vowed to avoid errors in implementing all Covid-related directives issued by the city government of Davao.

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Reacting to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s pronouncement that there are errors in the enforcement of guidelines among law enforcers on the ground and told the legal division of DCPO to read and compare the issued omnibus guidelines to Executive Orders (EOs), DCPO chief Kirby John Kraft said on Wednesday they will review their implementation procedures.

“We will comply with

the directive of City Mayor Sara to review and remind our enforcers on the ground to avoid error in the implementation,” said Kraft in a text message.

DCPO has identified areas in Davao City as quarantine control points (QCPS) to conduct scanning of the Safe Davao QR (DQR) and inspection of the Food and Medicine (FM) pass.

“Ang QCPS ay yung mga street checkpoints,” Kraft said.

Complaints about conflicting statements between what the mayor announces in her radio programs and what the authorities implemented on the ground like checkpoint personnel often asked individuals for other documents aside from the Food and Medicine (FM) pass and IDs started surfacing during the start of the implementation of FM pass and DQR. Meanwhile, Task Force (TF) Davao has piloted the implementation of the SafeDavao QR code in all of the entry points to the city last Tuesday wherein seven TF Davao personnel with smartphones are assigned in each entry point,

namely, Lasang, Sirawan, and Lacson to avoid decongestion in the scanning of QR codes.

TF Davao Commander Consolito Yecla said that the checkpoints do not require people to have a DQR upon entry to the city for now, since it is still on pilot testing. But he advised Dabawenyos that it is better to already secure their own DQR to avoid hassle at the checkpoints in the future.

He also reminded people that they will still be subjected to questioning at the checkpoint as to their purpose, to make sure that their travel to the city is essential.

ning of QR codes.

As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, TF Davao has scanned 21,624 individual QR codes.

Yecla said that the checkpoints do not require people to have a DQR upon entry to the city for now, since it is still on pilot testing. But the TF Commander advised Dabawenyos that it is better to already secure their own DQR to avoid hassle at the checkpoints in the

future.

Yecla also reminded people that they will still be subjected to questioning at the checkpoint as to their purpose, to make sure that their travel to the city is essential.

“We remind everyone that the DQR is only for essential travel. They can still be denied entry even if they have DQR if their movement is not essential and without

proper documents,” Yecla said on Tuesday.

He advised Davao City residents traveling within the city to check Executive Order No. 62 as to the restriction on non-essential travels while for non-residents and returning residents entering the city, the requirements prescribed in EO 63-B. The SafeDavao QR scan-

Task Force Davao starts DQR code implementation

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he Task Force Davao has piloted the implementation of the SafeDavao QR code in all of the entry points to the city on Tuesday.

Task Force Davao Commander Consolito Yecla said that seven (7) personnel with smartphones are assigned in each entry point, namely, Lasang, Sirawan, and Lacson to avoid decongestion in the scan-

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s the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte has signed five laws increasing bed capacity of hospitals in the cities of Iloilo, Las Piñas, Tuguegarao and Quezon, and in Dapa, Surigao del Norte.

Duterte signed all the laws on November 13 with Republic Act (R.A.) 11496 seeking to increase the bed capacity of the Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City from 425 to 700 beds, upgrade its professional health care services and facilities, and authorize the increase of its medical personnel.

Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center in Las Piñas City will also increase its bed capacity from 200 to 500 beds under R.A. 11497. The law also upgrades its professional health care services and facilities.

R.A. 11498 also increases the bed capacity of The Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan from 500 to 1,000 beds.

The Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City will also increase its bed capacity from 500 beds 1,000 beds under R.A. 11501. The law also upgrades its professional health care services and facilities, and authorizes the increase of its medical personnel.

Duterte also inked R.A. 11500, upgrading the Siargao District Hospital in Dapa into a Level 2 general hospital and rename it as

the Siargao Island Medical Center.

Under R.A. 11500, the hospital bed capacity will increase from to 50 to 100 and will upgrade its professional heath care services and facilities, and authorize the increase of its medical personnel.

Duterte also signed R.A.11499 on November 13, renaming the Malita District Hospital in barangay Poblacion in Malita, Davao Occidental as the Malita Women’s and Children’s Wellness Center.

On the same day, Duterte also signed R.A. 11495 establishing the Bicol Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Pamplona, Camarines Sur. The Bicol hospital will have 200 beds dedicated to health requirements of women and children.

“The hospital shall specialize on the care of women and children and shall focus on women and children healthcare, prenatal testing, obstetrics and gynecological services, pediatrics care, lactation programs, nutrition services, neonatal care, immunization services, postpartum depression support, education classes for parenting, and women’s and children’s health awareness,” the law read.

Under the law, Camarines Sur must develop a hospital development plan to reflect the development goals of the hospital including its bed capacity and service capability.

Request for the staffing requirements, capital out-

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VOL.13 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Militant frontliner appeals to stop red-tagging spree

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) have been the subject of hearings conducted by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) nowadays tagging leaders of progressive groups as rebels.

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Leaders of progressive groups including a healthcare provider here in Davao City expressed disapproval of the alleged red-tagging spree of the members of NTF-ELCAC chaired by Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy.

G a b r i e l a -S o u t h e r n Mindanao Region (SMR), chaired by Dr. Jean Lindo, is appealing to the members of the Senate to stop the red-tagging and ter-

rorist labeling.

“I appeal for the Senate not to criminalize the citizen’s demand for state accountability. Human rights and civil liberties are crucial to sustainable and inclusive development. I pray that the honorable lawmakers listen to those most vulnerable to the overall effects of red-tagging,” Lindo said.

In a statement, Lindo said despite imminent

threat and danger, Gabriela has remained steadfast in the advancement of women rights and liberation as it advances social justice.

She said Gabriela is a women’s rights organization and it does not discriminate human beings regardless of their religion, political influence, sexual identity, orientation and or expression.

But in a regime that has long demonstrated intolerance, Lindo said “lives, safety and security are always at stake.”

“Gabriela stands out because of its grassroots work. I may be politically eclectic but I have a place in Gabriela. I will not contribute to the mis-education of the Filipino people, like the way they try to

perpetuate the concept that “the good Moro is the dead Moro”, when the real principle behind this is that they want control of the territories of the Moro people. It is the same principle in which they want to regard the LGBTQ+ as an abnormality,” she said.

Lindo was one of those included in the red-tagging posters that were spread in the streets of Davao City in August 2020. In the said posters, Lindo and several other local and Manila-based rights defenders were accused as ‘Berdugo’ (executioner), ‘Human Rights Violators’ and ‘Pumapatay ng Tribu’ (killers of indigenous tribes).

Lindo took it as a serious threat because according to her there are

significant numbers of activists killed after being red-tagged and maliciously labeled as terrorist through such posters/ materials and public statements of officials.

“I consider this as a prelude to murder. If there is something I am guilty of, it is helping the Lumad communities, including the Manobo community in UCCP Haran in Davao City. I have helped educate and prepared their safety protocols during this pandemic. I have even called out those responsible for spreading fake news or disinformation over online platforms such as Facebook that accused the Haran community of harboring COVID19 patients even when the swab tests on those patients under

monitoring turned out to be negative. This only furthers that my “crime” against the state is related to my work for the Lumad,” she said.

Lindo added that being a healthcare provider, it is her mandate to extend health services and to ensure fast and efficient delivery of healthcare disposal to all with no discrimination on race and political color.

“I have always loved my work, serving the community, yet it is so unfortunate that I am always vulnerable to attack just because I am helping the Lumad of Haran, I have been expressing dissent against inhumane policies of the government and perhaps, my being a Gabriela officer,” she said.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO), headed by director Colonel Kirby John Kraft, launches the Taxi Information Network and Byahedukado projects on road safety and security on Monday. The “Taxi Information Network” project is DCPO’s response in support of Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte’s Executive Order No. 41,“Encouraging Dabawenyos to Adopt the Culture of Security as Part of their Way of Life.”CIO

Russia: Sputnik V virus vaccine 95% effective DCPO launches road safety, security projects R

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he Davao City Police Office (DCPO) launched the Taxi Information Network and Byahedukado projects on road safety and security at Camp Domingo Leonor on Monday, November 23.

Dubbed as the “Taxi Information Network” project is DCPO’s response in support of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) No. 41, “Encouraging Dabawenyos to Adopt the Culture of Security as Part of their Way of Life.”

DCPO Director PCol Kirby John Kraft said that this is an initiative to further remind Dabawenyos of the city’s campaign: “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita!” by putting up stickers of their hotline numbers at the right portion of the interior windshield of taxis for easy access for both the passenger and

taxi drivers.

DCPO’s hotline number 0916 659 2576 (Globe) and Dial 911 were launched for the project.

“Naglalagay tayo ng mga numbers upang malaman ng mga tao ‘yong hotline ng Davao City Police Office and ‘yong ating 911.

Nang sa ganon ay makapagreport agad sila ng mga kahina-hinala o mga pangyayaring dapat ireport sa ating kapulisan (We are putting our numbers so that people will know DCPO’s hotline and our 911.

So that they can report suspicious events immediately to the police,” he said.

The project is a partnership between the DCPO and taxi operators and their drivers. Atty. Rogelio Largo, President of the Taxi Operators Association Region 11 expressed full support and cooperation

FDCPO, P9

ussia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine is 95 percent effective according to a second interim analysis of clinical trial data, its developers said on Tuesday.

The two-dose vaccine will be available on international markets for less than $10 (8.40 euros) per dose, they said, and will be free for Russian citizens.

It can be stored at between two and eight degrees Celsius (between 35.6 and 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit), they said, instead of the temperatures below freezing required for some other vaccines.

The calculations of its effectiveness were based on preliminary data obtained 42 days after the first dose, Russia's health ministry, the state-run Gamaleya research center and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said in a statement.

The statement said that the vaccine had

shown 91.4 percent effectiveness 28 days after the first dose, a figure based on 39 cases.

Forty-two days later, after a second dose, data showed "an efficacy of the vaccine above 95 percent."

It did not note the number of coronavirus cases used to make the final calculation, however.

"The second analysis was conducted a week after volunteers got the second dose, meaning that their bodies have partially reacted to both doses," Gamaleya's director Alexander Gintsburg said in the statement.

He said the center expects the efficacy rate to be "even higher" three weeks after the second dose.

The statement said that 22,000 volunteers had been vaccinated with the first dose and more than 19,000 with both doses.

Production for PHL

Manila’s Ambassador to Moscow Carlos Sorreta on Monday said Russia can begin the production of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate intended for the Philippines as early as January next year if the country is ready to accept them.

The Philippines plans to purchase an initial 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines next year. Priority will be given to the poor, security forces, government frontline workers and health care workers.

In August, the Philippines said it was ready to work with Russia on clinical trials, vaccine supply and production, and “other areas deemed practicable” by relevant Philippine and Russian agencies to address the COVID-19 crisis.

President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly said he preferred vaccines being developed by Russia and China because other countries allegedly asked

for advance payment.

Overseas trials Overseas trials of the vaccine are also taking place in the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Belarus and other countries.

Russia in August became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine but did so ahead of the large-scale clinical trials that are still underway.

Last month, President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona, as a global race heats up in producing an effective vaccine to combat the pandemic, which has now claimed the lives of nearly 1.4 million people.

Putin last week said that Russia had manufacturing agreements in place with China and India and encouraged Brazil and South Africa to also mass produce Russian-made vaccines.

FRUSSIA, P9

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

PH identifies five key priority sectors for foreign investments

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City government of Davao employees prepare the Christmas lanterns that will be placed around the downtown area of Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

Biz leader pushes for availability of resources to support DA programs

By MAYA M. PADILLO usiness leader Antonio Peralta is pushing for the availability of financial resources to support the programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and to move forward with its “New Thinking” strategy for the growth of the agricultural sector.

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In its June 2020 report ‘Transforming Philippine Agriculture During COVID-19 and Beyond,” the World Bank assessed that the government was on its way to a “New Thinking” strategy for the agriculture sector before the COVID-19 disruption.

The report described the “New Thinking” for Agriculture vision as compelling and that the current thrust for diversification and use of modern technologies are pertinent in agriculture as well as the

management of food supply during this pandemic.

Peralta, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP)-Southern Mindanao Business Council (SMBC), said this can create a bigger impact in the agricultural industry and would enable the DA to improve farm incomes over the medium term at the same time addressing food security concerns.

He cited critical support services like better irrigation and water man-

agement complemented with credit access and stronger support to research and development efforts and a shift to the digitalized economy that must be strengthened.

Peralta stressed that the shift towards the digital economy would enable farmers to benefit from product certification for them to get better process for their products.

“For instance, using the blockchain technology, the aspect of process traceability becomes easier to undertake. The migration to online trading platforms has made e-commerce a viable option for farming communities wanting to find buyers for their products,” he said.

Peralta added there is an apparent and urgent need to push for inclusive

AboitizPower unit Cotabato Light upgrades power substation, improves reliability

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boitizPower distribution unit Cotabato Light and Power Company is currently undergoing a major upgrade of its Malagapas substation. This upgrade provides the company with an increased energy capacity, ensuring better reliability of power across its franchise area.

The project involves the installation of new electrical equipment, including the addition of a 15-MVA transformer -- a new device that is used to control and protect the equipment at the site. The upgrades also allow for remote monitoring and operations, which is essential during the ongoing pandemic and is vital in keeping the lights on for the community.

Regarding the new upgrades, Cotabato Light President and COO Valentin S. Saludes III emphasized the company’s commitment to better

serve customers in the following statement: “The completion of the Malagapas Substation additional capacity will better serve the future electric demand while providing more reliable and continuous power to the Cotabato Light franchise area. The new equipment includes stateof-the-art remote monitoring and operating capabilities as well as protective devices, which will mean fewer power outages and faster restoration times for customers. This is Cotabato Light’s commitment to advancing business and communities,” he said.

This enhancement project will address the growing power demand for business and residential customers throughout Cotabato Light’s franchise area.

The project began in June 2020 and is expected to be completed and energized by the end of the year.

growth and establish a strengthened agricultural base capable of supporting commodity value chains and this effort must attain resiliency to weather extremities caused by climate change.

“A stronger agricultural sector must be self- sufficient to make an impact on rural farming communities as seen from a noticeable improvement in farm incomes. The government through the DA must provide a stronger role in shaping an inclusive growth and competitive policy and backed up by a larger share of the national budget. The gaps within the commodity value chains must be addressed in order for it to be efficient and effective catalysts for inclusive growth,” he said.

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) formally launched Tuesday its new international marketing campaign “Make It Happen in the Philippines”, highlighting five key investment priority sectors.

It is a unified, country-wide, and multi-sector investment campaign that aims to attract foreign investors to look into opportunities in aerospace, automotive, copper, information technology and business process management (IT-BPM), and electronics sectors.

“The country’s new investment promotion brand, Make it Happen in the Philippines, is more than just a brand or a tagline. It speaks of who we are as Filipinos and as a government. It highlights our genuine Filipino trait of resilience and ‘make it work’ mindset that exudes strength and adaptability even in times of adversity,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in his keynote speech.

He added the campaign is also a “promise” to Filipinos that the country will build back better amid the global health and economic crisis.

Aerospace flies The country positions itself to become the hub for aerospace manufacturing and aftermarket services in the Asia Pacific.

The DTI said the existing aerospace supply chain can meet the diverse requirements of the industry as the Philippines houses Tier-1 suppliers of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus.

The country is currently producing aerospace parts, such as flight control actuation systems, interiors, lavatories, galleys, oxygen systems, and panel assembly as well as product design engineering.

Local aerospace maintenance and repair operations (MRO) is also grow-

ing as major international carriers choose the Philippines to maintain their fleets.

MRO capabilities in the country include line and base maintenance, fleet management, and cabin reconfiguration.

Aerospace players that are in the Philippines include Collins Aerospace, Moog Controls, Lufthansa Technik, and SIA Engineering.

Automotive speeds ahead The Philippines is also ready to cater to the rising export demand for automotive assembly and parts manufacturing with its extensive auto supply chain comprising over 380 parts manufacturers.

Major auto parts producers in the country include Yazaki Torres, International Wiring Systems, and Asian Transmission Corp.

On the other hand, major auto assemblers in the country include Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, Denso, KTM, Scania, and Volvo.

Copper shines Having the fourth largest copper reserves in the world, the Philippines is well-placed to meet demands from domestic and international markets.

The country has a diverse extraction method and manufacturing to produce high-demand copper-based products such as cathodes, alloys, and foil.

The DTI targets to lure foreign companies to invest in building worldclass copper mines, wire rod casting facilities, and manufacturing of higher-value copper products.

The country has copper reserves of 4 billion metric tons. Annually, 300,000 dry metric tons of copper are produced.

Business service thrives The Philippines is a well-known destination for IT-BPM investments with its English-speaking

KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON. AboitizPower distribution utility Cotabato Light conducts testing of its new power transformer.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

A group of fishermen readies to sail out to sea to catch fish at the Davao Gulf on Wednesday. Edge Davao

BOI on track to hit 2nd-highest Big firms donating 1.5M COVID-19 investment approvals this year vaccine doses: presidential adviser A ome of the Philippines’ biggest com-

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said.

The vaccine supplier is AstraZeneca.

“We want the Filipinos to start feeling that vaccines are arriving in the second quarter of 2021. We don’t want the Philippines to be left behind,” he added.

Concepcion however said that he would ask that half of the 1.5 million doses, or 750 thousand, be channeled back to the donor companies, to be directed to their frontliners and poorest colleagues.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said that he wanted the police, military as well as the poorest Filipinos prioritized for vaccination.

The government estimated that it will need P73.2 billion to immunize at least 60 million Filipinos against the novel coronavirus, and achieve herd immunity.

Concepcion meanwhile said the private sector hopes that besides ending the outbreak, mass vaccination will also help solve the economic problems created

by COVID-19.

"Ultimately it is the vaccine that will solve this problem.”

Three large pharmaceutical companies have now reported significant progress in their COVID-19

vaccine production, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca.

Both Pfizer and Moderna's vaccines are about 95 percent effective at preventing COVID-19. Both vaccines however need to be refrigerated.

AstraZeneca’s vaccine was either 62 percent or 90 percent effective, depending on the manner in which the doses were given, but its offering can be quickly produced in vast quantities, will cost only a few dollars per dose, and is easier to store for long periods.

These companies are also working out distribution deals with governments around the world, with the United States among the most active in the market.

News of progress on

was required.”

“There is no truth to reports that it spent millions of pesos in relation to its new logo,” it added.

The statement was issued a few days after a news report said the central bank allocated about PHP52.5 million for this year for its new logo.

Quoting the central bank’s final annual procurement plan for 2020, Bilyonaryo.com.ph cited the PHP30-million budget

of the Corporate Affairs Office (CORAO) for public relations and advertising programs for BSP branding, circulars, advisories, notices and corporate ads; and the PHP15 million for production and replication of advertising materials for television and radio, among others.

It also cited the PHP7.5-million budget allocated for public relations and advertising programs for the whole year.

Earlier, the central bank said the new logo will be done in phases, with details scheduled to be announced in January next year.

“The current logo, which was introduced in 2010, will still be used in the meantime,” it said, adding “the new logo was endorsed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines prior to the Malacañang approval in November 2020.” (PNA)

panies have committed to donating 1.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by the second quarter of 2021 to help the government’s immunization drive, a presidential adviser said on Tuesday.

Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, who is also the Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, said he is working on a deal for the private sector to help the government acquire COVID-19 vaccines next year.

"We have close to 20 to 25 companies, large companies, that are supporting the vaccine program together with this pharmaceutical company who is offering it zero profit to the government,” Concepcion

FBIG FIRMS, P9

BSP denies spending for new logo

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday denied allegations that it spent millions for the design and development of its new logo.

In a statement, the central bank said the new logo, a gold-colored full-bodied eagle with wings spread upward, “was developed by inhouse talents who shared their skills in the process.

Thus, no procurement

fter hitting record-high investment approvals in 2019, the Board of Investments (BOI) is optimistic about recording the second-highest investment approvals this year in the agency’s history despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

At the launch of the Make It Happen in the Philippines international marketing campaign on Tuesday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said the agency has approved PHP826 billion worth of investment projects from January to October this year.

Rodolfo said the investment promotions agency remains on track to reach the PHP1-trillion mark on investment approvals this year.

“The BOI, for one, remains optimistic of beating to reach our PHP1-trillion target in project approvals for 2020,” he said. “Though this will be slightly lower than the project approvals for 2019, we are still on course for the second-highest level in our agency’s history despite the pandemic.”

Investment pledges with the BOI last year reached PHP1.14 trillion, a 25-percent increase from 2018 figures.

On the sidelines of the

event, Trade Secretary and BOI chairman Ramon Lopez told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the department would approve more investments before the year ends.

“I hope we can even surpass last year’s approvals,” Lopez said.

He noted that the department is pursuing investment leads that would sustain the growth of foreign investments in the country.

“There are 90 notable investment leads with high probability of completion amounting to USD24.1 billion and to generate 134,000 jobs,” Lopez said in the same event.

These companies with a high probability of investing here are from the United States, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Europe, he said.

Aside from the 90 firms, the DTI is also pursuing 73 target investment leads from the US, Malaysia, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Europe.

The Make It Happen in the Philippines campaign is a unified, countrywide, and multi-sector investment promotion of the country to attract foreign firms to invest in five priority areas –aerospace, automotive, electronics, information technology and business process management, and copper.

(PNA)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

On the response of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to review possible errors in implementing all Covid-related directives issued by the city government of Davao:

We will comply with the directive of City Mayor Sara to review and remind our enforcers on the ground to avoid error in the implementation.”

POLICE COL KIRBY JOHN KRAFT DCPO director

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

BIDEN, IRAN & ISRAEL Barely have the din and dust of the US presidential electoral results have subsided, Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s feisty president, already has demanded that media-projected President-elect Joseph Biden go back to the negotiating table and respect the 2015 US-Iran nuclear deal.

Then POTUS Barack Obama lifted the US sanctions that allowed Iran to recover its frozen bank assets and get back to trade normally (export-import) with countries around the world.

During his term, Donald Trump re-imposed the economic embargo to prevent Israel’s sworn enemy from pursuing its ambitions of developing a nuclear power program for its military purposes.

Iran is known world-wide for supporting para-military proxies in Lebanon (Hezbollah), Syria, Iraq, Libya and Palestine (Hamas) in its perpetual pledge to annihilate the Jews and erase Israel from the face of this planet.

Rouhani and his militant ilk can only accomplish this sinister objective if they are able

to complete amassing nuclear power and fire these missiles to Israel even without sending ground troops to conquer their enemy.

Rouhani said “now is the opportunity for the next US administration to correct the past mistakes,” referring to Trump’s anti-Iran executive actions.

Biden, the former Vice-President of Obama for eight years, is being perceived to oblige considering the rumor mill that he is not exactly independent-minded as he purports himself to be.

For the sake of argument, let us accept that Biden assumes the presidency and accedes to Iran’s posturing. What do you suppose will happen in the fragile Middle East situation?

For one thing, Israel is already militarily prepared for the worst. And this is exactly what this column is about. PM Benjamin Netanyahu has, as oftentimes proclaimed, stated that Israel will respond twice as intensely against her attackers.

I have been myself monitoring Israel’s predicament even as Trump was success-

ful in forging peace pacts with UAE, Bahrain and Sudan.

I would presume there will be a sudden halt in the peace deals being pushed by the Trump administration. Saudi Arabia was reported to be next but Trump’s defeat to Biden may abort this.

Meantime, Iran is encouraged if we critically asses Rouhani’s message to Biden. It will definitely increase its assistance to Hezbollah and Hamas, militarily and financially. Likewise, its proxies in Syria, Iraq and Libya.

Which denotes a creeping military assault against Israel could be launched after Biden is installed officially as the 46th US President on January 20, next year.

I am not a prophet of doom, mind you.

I am merely reporting to you what has long been predicted by political analysts in the Middle East, Europe, the US and elsewhere.

It is no secret how Iran and her Arab allies hate Israel from time immemorial.

Watch how Turkey is presently moving to strengthen its

position in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, provoking neighbors like Greece and Cyprus anent marine borders.

Turkish Pres. Erdogan is speculated to be moving to revive the Islamic Caliphate in the old Ottoman Empire.

Rouhani and the IRCG will not forget the assassination of their great military genius, Gen. Soleimani and they have pledged to avenge his death one of these days.

It is widely perceived that the Left (communists and Marxists), the Illuminati, the billionaire globalists and the shadow government Deep State led by Obama and Hillary Clinton backed up Biden to win at all costs.

The allegations of election fraud in the recent US presidential balloting remind us of our own Comelec. Have Americans picked up lessons from Pinoys?

Hello, Garci? Hello, Smartmatic? Hello, Andres Bautista?

Trump, encouraged by whistle-blowers, is filing through his lawyers led by former New York City mayor Rudy Guiliani several protests in the state courts where necessary,

citing even the dead voted in the fraudulent electoral exercise. Trump has more than 2 months left in his term.

This early, Biden may already be feeling some kind of pressure. He is expected to undo and reverse a lot of Trump actions and decisions, possibly including the former’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving the American embassy there.

That is not even half of the pressure and stress that Iran is demanding of him concerning the nuclear deal.

I wonder if Biden’s 77-year old physique can withstand the weight that the US presidency brings. During the campaign, the guy looked fatigued, missing and forgetting his lines. Talk about old age.

Rouhani will use and employ everything available – diplomatic and otherwise – to coerce and force Biden to commit the US back to the 2015 nuclear deal entered into by his predecessor, Barack Obama.

Let us pray. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG KULE

WAITING TO CHEER “UP FIGHT” AGAIN AMIDST THE COVID19 PANDEMIC Photographs of past basketball games of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) have been appearing in recent weeks in my Facebook memory feeds.

Sadly this year, fans have to content themselves with past photos as the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted several sporting events, including the UAAP games.

UAAP Season 82 was officially dropped last April as government continued to ban mass gatherings as part of the community quarantine measures imposed in Metro Manila.

University of Santo Tomas was officially awarded as overall champion for Season 82 in a “virtual” closing ceremony held last June. No Athlete of the Year was named.

No opening ceremony for Season 83 was likewise held last September as traditionally done in the previous years as the start of the annual intercollegiate sports event.

Varsity teams from the member universities compete annually in the league’s 28 events from 15 sports to vie for the overall champion-

ship title, namely, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, chess, fencing, football, judo, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

The eight UAAP member schools are Adamson University (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), University of the Philippines Diliman (UP), and University of Santo Tomas (UST).

One of the options being eyed for Season 83 is shortening the schedule through the alteration of the tournament formats akin to the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

The 2019 SEA Games held in the Philippines only took 20 days to complete the 56 sports tournaments.

Another idea that was floated was a “bubble” scenario. All the players, coaches, and staff will have to stay inside the “bubble” for the duration of the season with stringent quarantine measures, a robust testing program and

strict mask protocol.

However, legal, logistical and financial constraints were raised, including the issue on the capacity of the UAAP and its member schools to shoulder the expenses of a “bubble city”, including food and accommodation in hotels near the playing facility.

The UAAP games galvanized an extraordinary sense of solidarity for the denizens of the University of the Philippines , often described as the microcosm of a highly diverse nation.

An academic community all too easily fractured by politics and personal interest, the cheer “UP FIGHT!” reverberated during the past UAAP games as the UP Fighting Maroons fought UP style – “may giting at tapang.”

The Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball team had been branded as “Cramming Maroons” by fans due to their nail-biting, cardiac victories the entire Season 82 as three out of the nine wins have been one-point advantages. Cramming is life for the UP community — even basketball games are no exception in that habit.

UP’s bid for the championship trophy unfortunately ended when it lost to UST during the Final Four stepladder game last November 13, 2019 at the Mall of Asia Arena with the score of 68-65.

However, the Maroons had their best record yet with a nine-four (9-4) win-loss last season, with the support of groups such as Nowhere To Go But UP. A campus anecdote was that the varsity team was once known as the UP Parrots. It was replaced with a new moniker that revived the old (circa 1920s) name Maroons along with the adjective “fighting” to describe the sportsmanship attitude that the UP varsity teams must possess during the games.

In 1986 when EDSA Revolution happened, UP won over UE Red Warriors under the guidance of legendary coach Joe Lipa with star players Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc and Eric Altamirano.

A year later, I entered UP Diliman as a freshman in 1987 but I still felt the championship euphoria as I often see Benjie Paras around the

campus.

As chief photographer of Philippine Collegian from 1989 to 1991, I remember my coverages of the games with very few, if none, UP denizens inside the playing venues.

Almost thirty years later, securing tickets became a challenging feat in every game due to the increasing number of enthusiastic fans eager to shout “UP Fight” as the maroons battle it out to earn the spot for the final games.

Each game became mini-reunions of Titos and Titas with endless photo-ops and reminiscing of college days memories over coffee, lunch, merienda or dinner.

UP lost last year but we will continue to shout “UP Fight!” once the games resume for Season 83.

Kule is the monicker of Philippine Collegian, the official student publication of UP Diliman. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786

8

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL.13 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

TASK FORCE... FROM2

ning started on Monday, November 23 for all local and national government offices, Task Force Davao checkpoints, and selected malls all over the city.

The Safe Davao QR is the platform created to help expedite contact tracing and enforce the prohibition on non-essential travel in Davao City. CIO

lay investments and budgetary needs for operations must be based on the hospital development plan.

The provincial govern-

ment must provide funding for the establishment and operation of The Bicol Women’s and Children’s Hospital. (PNA)

of his group to the project.

Kraft said that they chose to partner with taxi drivers since they are always on the ground and can provide real-time information on the road, especially during hot pursuits, dragnet operations, natural and man-made calamities, and emergencies.

Largo said that around 4,200 taxi units are registered in their association, and they will put the stickers on all their members in support of the project.

Meanwhile, the “Biyahedukado” is an information campaign launched in line with Proclamation No. 8, declaring the month of November of every year as the ‘Road Safety and Road

Crash Prevention Month’ in Davao City.

Kraft said that the project aims to educate drivers and pedestrians on existing traffic laws and related ordinances to promote road safety and create awareness about road crash prevention.

Safety reminders, especially on ‘Drunk and Drugged Driving’, and the adherence to the existing speed limit in the city as mandated in the EO 39 series of 2013 shall also be undertaken.

DCPO created information materials that will be distributed to barangays and police stations to further educate constituents in their respective areas. CIO

Pharma giants Pfizer and BioNTech announced that their virus vaccine is 95 percent effective, while

US company Moderna said last week early results showed its candidate was 94.5 percent effective.

and tech-savvy workforce.

The DTI said the country can offer endless possibilities and potential in the IT-BPM sector with the synergies in manufacturing and services.

It has also been a cost-competitive destination for multinational companies to do their back offices here for the past two decades.

The Philippines accounts for 15 percent of the global IT-BPM market, the second largest in the world.

Electronics sparks Host to around 500 global semiconductors and electronics firms, the Philippine electronics industry is a vital part of the global value chain.

The industry accounts for 61 percent of the country’s export revenues.

The DTI now eyes the country to become the home of competitive integrated circuit (IC) design firms.

There are also opportunities in the sector particularly in manufacturing, chip design, and original product design and development works for products and technologies in healthcare, automotive, aerospace, vehicle batteries, and smart wearables.

“We are confident that the launch of the Make it Happen in the Philippines campaign will relay a clear message across to the rest of the world that the Philippines is dynamic, agile, and resilient. Now, more than ever, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and make things happen for you,” Lopez said. (PNA)

the COVID vaccine front has lifted capital markets around the world, including the Philippine Stock Ex-

change, which nearly broke back above 7,200 for the first time since February in Tuesday trade.

able to host), and it's a pleasure if the Philippines will take it," he said.

The Philippines stepped in and hosted last year's SEA Games after Brunei,

the originally scheduled host, begged off, owing to the lack of sporting facilities, accommodation, and preparation of their athletes. (PNA)

master Eugene Torre, Asia’s Fastest Woman Lydia de Vega, and Bowling World champions Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno and Olivia “Bong” Coo.

The committee is scheduled to reconvene on December 1 to finalize other matters, among them the new date of enshrinement ceremonies.

PRRD... FROM2 DCPO... FROM3

RUSSIA... FROM3 PH... FROM4

BIG FIRMS... FROM5 PH... FROM11

SPORTS... FROM12

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who suffered from severe COVID-19 – that fully recovered and are now living comfortably. “They were all sent home, recovered and free from complications, and are quite thankful for our service,” Dr. Ramos informs.

The success of the HBO2 treatment has encouraged

SPMC doctors to have it further tested or implemented in the country. “With our 5 COVID-19 severe patients (take note, they are all severe) showing the same trends of improvement as soon as after the completion of the first session, and an untainted safety profile, who wouldn’t (recommend

it)? We would even subject ourselves to this treatment if we catch ourselves some nasty COVID virus.”

Dr. Ramos ends the exclusive interview with these words: “We aim to institute this novel treatment modality to patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 in total enumeration. Hence,

with the help of one of the co-authors of this protocol, who tirelessly facilitated the fast-tracking of our acquisition of the multi-place hyperbaric chamber (capable of treating 10 patients at one time), we can serve more patients.” – ### (Photos courtesy of Dr. Jeffrey M. Ramos)

2016-17 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

The Croatian international averaged 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in the 2019-20 season for the Suns.

Saric was an Anadolu Efes forward in 2014-2016.

Real Madrid playmaker set for Nuggets move

Real Madrid’s playmaker guard from Argentina Facundo Campazzo is set to soon join the Denver Nuggets, local media reported on Monday.

Sports daily Marca said Campazzo, 29, left the Spanish powerhouse to continue his career in the US.

It added that Campazzo is expected to go to Denver to sign in a few days.

“Campazzo has agreed to a two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, his agent Alex Saratsis tells ESPN,” Wojnarowski previously tweeted on Saturday.

The point guard bid farewell to Real Madrid on

Sunday.

After Real Madrid acquired Campazzo in 2014, he helped them win the 2015 and 2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague titles.

As point guard, Campazzo helped Argentina bag the silver medal in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China. (Anadolu)

sion with the Sacramento Kings, with clause to reach $195.6M, via Shams Charania - Jordan Clarkson agrees to a four-year, $52M deal with the Utah Jazz, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Derrick Favors agrees to thee-year, $27M deal with the Utah Jazz, via Tony Jones - Danilo Gallinari agrees to a three-year, $61.5M deal with the Atlanta Hawks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Dwight Howard agrees to one-year deal, $2.6M with the Philadelphia 76ers, via Bobby Marks - Rodney Hood agrees to two-year, $21M deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Malik Beasley agrees to four-year, $60M deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, via Shams Charania - Anthony Gill agrees to a two-year deal with the Washington Wizards, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Trey Burke agrees to a three-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, via Tim MacMahon - Montrezl Harrell agrees to a two-year, $19M-plus deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Davis Bertans agrees to five-year, $80M deal with the Washington Wizards, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Alec Burks agrees to one-year, $6M deal with the New York Knicks, via Shams Charania - Jerami Grant agrees to three-year, $60M deal with the Detroit Pistons, via Shams Charania - Joe Harris agrees to a four-year, $75M deal with the Brooklyn Nets, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Garrett Temple agrees to a one-year, $5M deal with the Chicago Bulls, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Christian Wood agrees to a three-year, $41M deal with the Houston Rockets (in a sign-and-trade), via Adrian Wojnarowski - Derrick Jones Jr. agrees to a two-year, $19M deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, via Shams Charania - Marcus Morris agrees to four-year, $64M deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, via Adrian Wojnarowski - James Ennis agrees to a one-year deal with the

Orlando Magic, via Shams Charania - Justin Holiday agrees to a three-year, $18.1M deal with the Indiana Pacers, via Shams Charania - Pat Connaughton agrees to a two-year, $8.3M deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - JaMychal Green agrees to a two-year, $15M deal with the Denver Nuggets, via Shams Charania - Denzel Valentine agrees to a one-year, $4.7M deal with the Chicago Bulls, via Shams Charania - Michael Carter-Williams agrees to a deal with the Orlando Magic, via Shams Charania - De’Anthony Melton agrees to a four-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, via Shams Charania - Bobby Portis agrees to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, via Shams Charania - Fred VanVleet agrees to a four-year, $85M deal to re-sign with the Toronto Raptors, via Shams Charania - John Konchar agrees to a four-year, $9M deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, via Shams Charania - Jae Crowder agrees to a three-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, via Shams Charania - Jeff Green agrees to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, via Shams Charania - Gary Clark agrees to a two-year, $4.1M deal with the Orlando Magic, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Gordon Hayward agrees to a four-year, $120M deal with the Charlotte Hornets, via Adrian Wojnarowski - DJ Augustin agrees to a three-year, $21M deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Kris Dunn agrees to a two-year, $10M deal with the Atlanta Hawks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Pat Connaughton agrees to a three-year, $16M deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Jaylen Adams agrees to a two-way deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Rajon Rondo agrees to a two-year, $15M deal with the Atlanta Hawks, via Shams Charania - Paul Millsap agrees to

a one-year, $10M-plus deal with the Denver Nuggets, via Shams Charania - Elfird Payton agrees to a one-year, $5M deal with the New York Knicks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Amida Brimah agrees to sign with Indiana Pacers, via Chris Haynes - Carmelo Anthony agrees to one-year deal with Portland Trail Blazers via Shams Charania - Tristan Thompson agrees to join the Boston Celtics, via Chris Haynes - Brad Wanamaker agrees to a one-year, $2.25M deal to join the Golden State Warriors, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope agrees to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, via Shams Charania - Nerlens Noel agrees to a one-year, $5M deal with the New York Knicks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Jevon Carter agrees to a three-year, $11.5M deal with the Phoenix Suns, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Kent Bazemore agrees to a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, via Shams Charania - Quinndary Weatherspoon agrees to two-way deal with the San Antonio Spurs, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Serge Ibaka agrees to a two-year, $19M deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, via Shams Charania - Torrey Craig agrees to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Jontay Porter agrees to a three-year, $6M deal to stay with the Memphis Grizzlies, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Damian Jones agrees to a two-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, via Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN - Bryn Forbes agrees to a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Harry Giles agrees to a one-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Juancho Hernangomez agrees to a three-year, $21M deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, via Shams Charania - Willie Cauley-Stein agrees to a two-year, $8.2M deal with the Dallas Mavericks, via Shams Charania

- Willy Hernangomez agrees to a one-year, minimum deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, via Shams Charania - JaKarr Sampson agrees to a one-year deal with the Indiana Pacers, via Shams Charania - Donovan Mitchell agrees to a five-year, $195M deal with the Utah Jazz, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Jayson Tatum agrees to a five-year, $195M deal with the Boston Celtics, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Austin Rivers agrees to a three-year, $10M deal with the New York Knicks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Chris Boucher agrees to a two-year, $13.5M deal with the Toronto Raptors, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Aron Baynes agrees to a two-year, $14.3M deal with the Toronto Raptors, via Shams Charania - Marc Gasol agrees to a deal with the Lakers, via Shams Charania - Dario Saric agrees to a three-year, $27M deal with the Phoenix Suns, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Solomon Hill agrees to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Damyean Dotson agrees to a two-year, $4 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Markieff Morris agrees to a minimum deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, via Shams Charania - Matthew Dellavedova agrees to a one-year, minimum deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, via Olgun Uluc - Tacko Fall agrees to a two-way deal with the Boston Celtics, via Shams Charania - Wenyen Gabriel agrees to a two-year, veteran minimum deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, via Andrew Lopez - Sindarius Thornwell agrees to a veteran minimum deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, via Andrew Lopez - DeMarcus Cousins agrees to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Houston Rockets, via Shams Charania - Jordan Bone agrees to a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic, via Shams Charania

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VOL.13 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Treating COVID-19 with oxygen “

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

The solution to (COVID-19) is just around the corner. All we need to do is awake the energy in our midst.” – Dr. Jeffrey M. Ramos, Diving, Hyperbaric Medicine and Difficult Wounds Unit, Department of Emergency Medicine at Southern Philippines Medical Center.

Before 2019 ended, a novel coronavirus was traced to a food market in Wuhan, China. At the beginning of 2020, it generated headlines all over the world because of “the unprecedented speed of its transmission.”

From China, the virus has reached countries as far as the United States and the Philippines. Today, the pandemic has become the “the worst crisis of this generation” as it not only a health issue but economic matter as well.

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially called it SARS-CoV-2, as it is a distant cousin of the coronavirus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The disease was named COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19, according to the United Nations health agency, are fever, dry cough, and fatigue.

Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include: loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes), sore throat, headache, muscle or joint pain, different types of skin rash, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and chills or dizziness.

However, some develop severe symptoms like shortness of breath, loss of appetite, confusion, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and high temperature (above 38⁰C).

There are those who experience confusion, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and reduced consciousness

(sometimes associated with seizures).

“Among those who develop symptoms, most (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment,” the WHO says. “About 15% become seriously ill and require oxygen and 5% become critically ill and need intensive care.”

Complications leading to death may include respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, thromboembolism, and/or multiple failure, including injury of the heart, liver or kidneys.

As of November 24, Davao City has 5,881 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

So far, 3,601 have recovered with 263 deaths (that’s about 4.5% case fatality rate).

Most of those who died have experienced severe COVID-19 and have co-morbidity, defined as the presence of one or more additional conditions often co-occurring with the primary condition. This means that aside from COVID-19, the patient may be suffering from diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and other health problems.

But there are those who suffer severe COVID-19 – and yet live to tell their story. Take the case of 40-yearold Mario (not his real name), who was admitted to the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City on October 25.

Still single and living with his parents, he was brought to the hospital because he was suffering from severe acute respira-

tory illness with difficulty in breathing, symptoms of the dreaded disease.

The Department of Internal Medicine diagnosed him of having a severe COVID-19 with comorbidity of obesity, hypertensive cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease.

Immediately, Mario was given the necessary treatments. He was started on compassionate treatment of antivirals, steroids, and anticoagulants. Based on the daily monitoring of the patient’s blood markers and clinical manifestations, relative to the course of his disease, he was not improving but instead he was getting worse.

The doctors decided to do something to save the patient’s life. On the fourth day, when his inflammatory and mortality markers were at its worst, he was referred to the Diving, Hyperbaric Medicine, and Difficult Wounds Unit of the SPMC’s Department of Emergency Medicine. There, he was given the hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy.

All in all, Mario had a total of eight sessions. “There was an immediate improvement in mortality markers, and clinical manifestation was evident right after the first hyperbaric oxygen treatment session,” reports Dr. Jeffrey M. Ramos, who is with the DEM’s Diving, Hyperbaric Medicine and Difficult Wounds.

On the 12th day of his admission at the hospital and the last of his HBO2 treatment, Mario finally recovered. He was already independent from oxygen supplementation and can breathe freely on his own with no difficulty.

“The patient subjectively reported to us that his difficulty in breathing was improving immediately after the first hyperbaric treatment session,” Dr. Ramos explains. “He was already relieved in the eighth session.

“Blood parameters also showed alleviation from hypoxia as evidenced by his arterial blood gas monitoring, and consistent progressive improvement with his inflammatory, and mortality markers on a daily basis,” he continues. “Chest X-rays also showed significant improvement as well.”

Two days later, or on the 14th day since he was admitted, Mario was released from the hospital and went back to his home. “Doc, I will return here to thank you since the treatment you have given me saved my life,” he told Dr. Ramos.

Since COVID-19 hit the country beginning March this year, medical authorities have a hard time finding possible solutions to the pandemic. Since it was a new disease, they have to resort to trial and error methods. There are no specific treatments. Doctors compare notes and treatments.

The HBO2 is a new thing in treating COVID-19.

The Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) defines HBO2 as “an intervention in which an individual breathes near 100% oxygen intermittent-

ly while inside a hyperbaric chamber that is pressurized to greater than sea level pressure (1 atmosphere absolute).”

Here’s how it works, according to Medical News Today’s Yvette Brazier: “The body’s tissues need oxygen to function, and additional oxygen can help damaged tissue heal. Oxygen at high pressure can enhance tissue function and fight infection under certain conditions.

“The ambient pressure inside the chamber is three times higher than the air pressure that people normally breathe,” Brazier continues. “Breathing almost pure oxygen at this pressure can increase the concentration of oxygen available to the lungs by up to three times.”

The SPMC was the first to implement such an initiative in its quest to find treatment for severe COVID-19 cases. As Dr. Ramos discloses in an exclusive interview, “The genesis of the compassionate hyperbaric treatment protocol was a response to the health threat unleashed by the COVID-19.”

According to Dr. Ramos, death from COVID-19 is due to the effects of hypoxia (the condition in which “the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level” , hyperinflammatory state (called in medical parlance as cytokine release storm), and hypercoagulable state (“a condition in which there is abnormally increased tendency toward blood clotting”).

“These complications can be mitigated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy, thereby decreasing the risk of having the patient deteriorate to the critical state (which leads to high percentage of mortality) of the COVID-19 spectrum,” Dr. Ramos points out.

The establishment of the protocol was conceived in April 2020. It was only in September 2020 that the doctors were able to institute the compassionate use hyperbaric treatment to

the first patient. “We hope to conclude the study early next year,” Dr. Ramos said.

Currently, the SPMC itself is funding the study.

Aside from Dr. Ramos, the following are also involved in the study: Dr. Arthur R. Salvador, Dr. Jessa Javier-Ong, Dr. Faith Joan Gaerlan, Dr. Benedict Edward P. Valdez, Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega, Dr. Muhammad Mohamad, Dr. Neil Ramos, and Dr. Romulo Uy. On why these doctors opted to study HBO2 as an adjunctive treatment against COVID-19, Dr. Ramos explains: There is no other way to increase blood plasma oxygen significantly other than hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Since COVID-19 can induce low blood oxygen level (hypoxemia) because of a diseased lung, it is rational that HBO2 therapy can help correct it.

We also felt we have the expertise in this field of Hyperbaric Medicine, together with the Emergency Medicine and Pulmonology Section of the Internal Medicine as well as our hyperbaric certified nursing staff. We have the important equipment which is the mono-place hyperbaric chamber and complete life support and emergency equipment and most of all we have the proximity to the COVID 19 patients admitted.”

Among all the health institutions in the country today, the SPMC is the only establishment to have crafted a Compassionate Hyperbaric Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 with strict adherence to the UHMS and Infection Control Committee guidelines on instituting hyperbaric oxygen therapy on COVID-19 patients.

In addition, the SPMC is the country’s only institution to initiate, and organize a sub-specialty fellowship training program for Diving, Hyperbaric Medicine, and Difficult Wounds under the Department of Emergency Medicine, with well credentialed specialists.

Aside from Mario, there were other four cases –

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Utah Jazz signs Fil-Am Clarkson U tah Jazz officially signed Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson.

“The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed guard Jordan Clarkson. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released,” the Jazz said in a statement.

Jordan Clarkson, who once played for the Gilas Pilipinas, is staying with the Utah Jazz for $52 million in four years.

NBA Free Agency: Done deals

T

here was no time to wait around as the NBA’s Free Agency period opened, with teams stocking up with the new season right around the corner.

With all the biggest free agents already off the market, here’s the deals that have already been completed.

- Goran Dragic agrees to a two-year, $US37.4M deal with the Miami Heat, via Shams Charania - Meyers Leonard agrees to a two-year deal

worth nearly $20M with the Miami Heat, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Real Madrid guard Facundo Campazzo agrees to a two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Wesley Matthews agrees to a one-year, $3.6M deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, via Shams Charania - Mason Plumlee agrees to a three-year, $25M deal with the Detroit Pistons, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Drew Eubanks agrees to a three-year deal with

However, Adrian Wojnarowski -- an NBA insider -said last weekend on Twitter that 28-year-old Clarkson agreed with the Jazz to a four-year deal amounting to USD52 million.

Clarkson was a free agent. He averaged 15.2 points per game last season.

Morris to stay with LA Lakers Defending NBA champions the Los Angeles Lakers announced the return of free agent forward Markieff Morris to the team for the 2020-21 season Monday.

“The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed forward Markieff Morris, it was announced today by Vice

the San Antonio Spurs, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Dwyane Bacon agrees to a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic, via Vincent Goodwill - Jahlil Okafor agrees to a two-year deal with the Detroit Pistons, via Adrian Wojnarowski - Patrick Patterson agrees to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, via Adrian Wojnarowski - De’Aaron Fox agrees to a five-year, $163M exten-

FNBA, P9

President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released,” the Lakers said on their website.

The 31-year-old previously played for the Detroit Pistons but in February joined the Lakers and helped them win the 2020 NBA championship.

“Run it back! #Lakeshow,” Morris previously tweeted to voice his return to the Western Conference franchise.

Last season, he averaged 9.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Markieff’s twin Marcus is playing for the Lakers’ rivals, the Los Angeles Clip-

pers.

Marcus Morris recently signed a four-year USD64 million contract with the Clippers.

Saric stays at Phoenix Croatian basketball player Dario Saric is staying at the Phoenix Suns for another three years, an NBA insider said on Monday.

“Dario Saric has agreed to a three-year, USD27M deal to stay with Phoenix, agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman of @ excelsm_bball tell ESPN,” Adrian Wojnarowski said on Twitter.

The 26-year-old power forward has been playing for the Suns since 2019.

In 2016, he left Turkish club Anadolu Efes to make his way to the NBA. He was a Philadelphia 76ers player in 2016-2018 but moved to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the majority of the 2018-19 season.

While with the 76ers, Saric was picked for the

FUTAH, P9

PH ready to be backup SEAG host: POC chief

P

hilippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino bared on Tuesday that the Philippines is ready to be a standby host for the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in the future.

Tolentino said during the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that he has offered the POC to take over the hosting chores if Brunei, Laos, or Indonesia begs off.

"I offered again to host

if ever there would be countries that will waive their rights," he said.

Brunei, which last hosted the SEA Games in 1999, is scheduled to host the 2027 edition.

On the other hand, Laos, which hosted the meet in 2009, is next in line in 2029.

Indonesia is scheduled to host the 2031 SEA Games.

However, right after the 2018 Asian Games, President Joko Widodo announced that Indone-

sia would join the bidding war for the 2032 Summer Olympics hosting rights.

The bid was made formal on Feb. 19, 2019, through letters from Widodo and the Indonesian Olympic Committee to the International Olympic Committee.

Tolentino said Indonesia is not keen on hosting multi-sports events in consecutive years if it gets the Olympic hosting rights.

"Baka hindi sila makapag-host (They may not be

FPH, P9

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

WHO IS THE PACMAN REALLY FIGHTING NEXT? It’s been almost a year and a half since our Pambansang Kamao had his ring encounter - against Keith Thurman in July 2019 when he dethroned the former for the WBA welterweight crown in the sin city of Las Vegas.

Ring rust is something all boxers usually get when they hibernate longer than what is ideal.

Talks are circulating that Pacquiao’s camp has been in regular talks with handlers of Conor McGregor but that was almost when?

Freddie Roach was quoted in the media that they were close to a deal but until this writing, no dotted lines have been confirmed and signed.

Then, Bob Arum comes

along and butts in: “My boy (Terence Crawford) is ready.

Let’s sit down and talk.”

Something like this came out in the sports pages after the American from Nebraska shut the lights out of Kell Brook’s eyes with a fourth round KO just very recently.

Crawford hasn’t had any marquee opponent for a long time. He’s been scouting for the big money fight with someone of the stature of Pacquiao. This hasn’t been realized although Arum had been promising him for quite a time. He has been relegated somewhat to the level of lesser champions.

Arum’s ward hasn’t fought the likes of Thurman, Errol Spence, Jr., Danny Garcia and other highly touted current and

former champions in the welterweight division.

Our hero is ready to sing his farewell song. He is 42 (by December 17) and he is looking to retire with a BIG bang. Yes, not just a bang.

If anybody has the right and privilege to name his opponent, give it to Freddie. This fellow knows whereof he speaks.

Roach prefers McGregor.

Not that he is scared of Crawford.

The fiery Briton is good copy and has millions of followers around the globe.

Which means, between him and Crawford, promoters and those willing to host Pacquiao’s last encounter would throw in millions to stage a Pacman-McGregor duel.

Remember that the UFC gladiator gave the world something to cheer at with a most exciting performance and nearly smeared Floyd Mayweather’s unsullied ring record when they met several years ago.

The thing is, the Briton has a UFC date in February next year while our fighting senator doesn’t have any. Not even a tune-up match.

So, Pacquiao will have to wait after McGregor disposes off his UFC foe.

What, if Conor loses?

Surely, promoters will back out because the sting is no longer there.

Crawford – with this logic – appears to be the choice.

However, if Manny’s handlers are willing to wait before

committing themselves to a contract with Arum, then Pacquiao’s schedule will have to be (re)adjusted to suit his retirement and his political plans.

The Sarangani senator is widely speculated to be eyeing a higher elective position in 2022. Certificates of candidacies are required by October 2021.

Actually, Manny is quite in a bind.

Crawford, as Arum is saying, is ready but Roach prefers McGregor.

Ideally, MP should get into the ring by February to give him and his advisers adequate space to prepare for his political vision. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

SPORTS HEROES

Philippine Sports Hall of Fame nominations extended

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ominations for the fourth enshrinement of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame (PSHOF) is extended until January 31, next year.

“In light of the continuing pandemic, the selection committee have decided to extend the nominations to give equal opportunity for the public to submit their nominations, and for us to study it,” said PSHOF 2020 Committee chairperson and Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez after the selection committee met second week of November, the month when the enshrinement was originally scheduled.

Ramirez added that the committee is also looking into the possibility of hosting the awarding online, due to the current restrictions placed on mass gatherings. “we have to make proper adjustments to ensure the safety of everyone.”

The sports chief was joined by Games and Amusements Board

(GAB) Chairman Abraham Mitra, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Secretary-General Atty. Edwin Gastanes, Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines Secretary-General Atty.

Avelino Sumagui, University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Executive Director Atty.

Rene Saguisag Jr., and Philippine Olympians Association President Akiko Thomson Guevara.

The Republic Act No. 8757 or the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame Act, enshrines Filipino athletes, coaches and trainers who have distinguished themselves in their particular fields in sports.

Among the past recipients of this award were Filipino Boxing legend Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Asia’s First Chess Grand-

FSPORTS, P9

PSHOF 2020 Committee chairperson and Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez said the nominations for the fourth enshrinement of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame (PSHOF) is extended until January 31, 2021.