Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 204 | Wednesday, December 9, 2020

LBC MOVES YOUR MONEY WITH EASE PAGE 3

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

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 Monday night. The President said during the meeting that he will not declare a ceasefire “ever again” with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for the rest of his term.PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

WE’RE READY

City says it is well-prepared for December influx of passengers at DIA: Sara STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

WE’RE READY

City says it is well-prepared for December influx of passengers at DIA: Mayor Sara

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced on Tuesday the city government of Davao is well-prepared for the high volume of passengers arriving at the Davao International Airport (DIA) for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

M

The mayor said there are no dramatic changes in preparations as the city already anticipate the daily volume of arriving aircrafts at DIA and that they count the number of passengers based on the load capacity of the plane. She added that there is no need to add personnel to assist the passengers, which numbers are expected to surge in time for the holiday season.

“No need to add personnel because we already knew pila ka flights magabot sa Davao City every day and we count the flights by the load capacity of the airplane. Kung dako ang airplane we count it by the number of seats and mao na ang preparations dinha kaniadto pa. We do not count the actual num-

ber of passengers because we do not get the list gikan sa airlines per flight. Kung naga-ihap ta ang capacity gyud sa isa ka airplane per flight,” Mayor Sara said.

According to her, some 3,140 inbound passengers arrive weekly based on the flight schedules at DIA. City Tourism Officer Generose Tecson said currently there are 19 flights weekly at DIA from the three airlines: Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. These airlines maintain flights between the city and Manila, Cebu, Clark, Tagbilaran, Zamboanga.

“Makita na nato ang expected numbers depending on unsa klase na aircraft muabot ug pila ka seats na and atoa na daang

gi-coordinate with DIA, Air Transportation Office and Department of Transportation. Kung unsa ang kakayahan nato sa pagka-karon na mag-accommodate ug passengers. Every day we know kay duna na ta’y schedule of flights nato and we know how many ang muabot base unsa klase na aircraft ang muabot,” Mayor Sara said.

Meanwhile, the city has been ensuring the safety of passengers arriving at DIA amid Covid-19 pandemic by reminding them to strictly adhere to the protocols upon arrival at the airport.

“Because there is a Covid-19 pandemic we reminded the passengers kung dili sila gusto madugay dinha sa DIA’s holding facility they can opt to get their 24 hour to 72 hour RT-PCR results daan didto sa kung asa sila mugikan na lugar and kung dili man mag-andam sila na mag-testing diri sa atoang airport,” Mayor Sara said.

It can be recalled that

FWE’RE, P10

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announces that the city government of Davao is already well-prepared for influx of passengers at Davao International Airport

PRRD says no ceasefire with Reds ‘ever again’

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte said he will not declare a ceasefire “ever again” with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for the rest of his term.

“There will be no ceasefire ever again under my term pagka-Presidente (as President). For all intents and purposes, ‘yung (the) ceasefire is dead,” Duterte said in his televised talk to the people late Monday night.

Duterte made the remarks four days after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is not inclined to recommend any truce with the CPP-NPA this holiday season.

"The AFP -- wishing and longing for a peaceful yuletide season for the Filipino people notwithstanding -- will not recommend to the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo Duterte) a holiday ceasefire with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)," AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.

Arevalo noted the communist terrorists have been demonstrating insincerity in previous agreements.

"This was the AFP’s painful experience where the CTG reneged from their own ceasefire declaration by attacking and killing soldiers on humanitarian and peace and development missions," Arevalo said.

Duterte said the request of the CPP and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), to form a “coalition government” prompted him to “walked away” from peace talks.

“I walked away from the talks because we cannot understand each other.

Maybe we were talking in different dialects. I don’t know why. But I just simply cannot understand the way it is being carried by the other side, being played.

What was evolving before me was something that it is not acceptable to the Republic of the Philippines, lalo na ‘yang (especially this) coalition government.

No president, no stupid president will allow it. He will get impeached,” he said.

He said he cannot compromise anything in the government, particularly the supposed power-sharing the CPP-NPA-NDF asked from him.

“You are not supposed to share that power. Ako, may sinumpaan ako (I have an oath of office). Those powers are given to me under the law, only to be exercised unless they are capable of being delegated.

I cannot compromise anything in this government.

It’s either I will be impeached or the military and the police will shoot me,” Duterte said.

He criticized the communists for committing offenses like arson, rape and killing soldiers and barangay officials, and for conspiring to overthrow the government.

“These are serious offenses under the revised penal code,” he said. “All communists are bad because all of you are conspiring to overthrow the government of the Republic of the Philippines and nobody would allow you, not the military, not the police,

and not the majority of all Filipinos.”

Duterte said he will identify the groups which serve as “legal fronts” of the CPP-NPA-NDF before he steps down in 2022.

“I’m trying to sort out what we will do to you because you are now criminals and as I have pointed out, we are not only tagging you, that’s a light… we are identifying you. And we will identify you anytime you want but there will be a time under my end terms. I will name all of you, kayong lahat sa (all of you in the) NDF,” Duterte added.

In his speech last week, Duterte said the Armed Forces of the Philippines does not engage in red-tagging leftist lawmakers but was actually “identifying” them as legal fronts.

He said the AFP is “very correct” for identifying groups like Bayan, Makabayan, and Gabriela as “legal fronts” of CPP-NPA. “Itong mga legal fronts ng komunista, lahat ‘yan (These legal fronts of the communists. All of them)

a four-hectare relocation site as recommended by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for Bgry.

Altavista residents who were forced to evacuate due to the damage caused by the series of earthquakes.

The livelihood assistance worth P200,000.00 for the consumer store of

the Altavista Farmer’s (ALFAM) Association-2019, came from the provincial LGU of Davao del Sur. Brgy. Altavista Captain Randy Navarro expressed his gratitude to Bansalan Mayor Quirina Sarte and Governor Douglas Cagas for the assistance extended to his barangay.

“Wala jud ta nila pas-

agdi ug hangtud karon padayon ilang tabang pinaagi sa serbisyo sa LGU ug nagkadaiyang NGO… (They did not take us for granted and their assistance continues through the services of the LGU and various non-government organizations),” Navarro stated. (PIA-XI/Samantha Jabol)

FPRRD, P10

Bansalan provides relocation site for earthquake victims

T

he Municipal Government of Bansalan in Davao del Sur has turned over a relocation site and livelihood assistance to benefit the 142 families in Barangay Altavista, who were affected by the earthquakes that hit the province last year.

The local government unit has purchased

(DIA). Thousands of visitors and returning residents are expected to arrive in the city to spend Christmas holidays with their families and loved ones. Edge Davao

City boosts Bantay Dagat with garbage collection equipment

A

s a support to Davao City’s Bantay Dagat volunteers, the local government of Davao has purchased an Offshore Garbage Collector to speed up the garbage collection in the city’s rivers, creeks, and canal outfall.

The head of the Ancillary Services Unit (ASU), Paul Bermejo, said that the equipment will help clean and collect floating garbage in the sea and rivers which are difficult to reach by the ASU and the Bantay Dagat.

“This will collect floating debris or garbage that came from the upstream, and discharged through the outfall towards the sea,” he

said.

The Offshore Garbage Collector can fill up to eight (8) cubic meters of collected garbage.

“Naa siyay conveyor, kung asa tong maagian niya na mga basura mao toy iconvey padulong sa taas kung asa ginacollect ang basura (It has a conveyor that collects the garbage that it passes through, which is conveyed upward where the garbage is collected,)” Bermejo added.

The newly-purchased Offshore Garbage Collector costs around P4 million – a project funded by the Disaster Risk Reduction and

FCITY, P10

Compliance to DQR nears 100%

C

ompliance with the SafeDavao QR (DQR) by people entering Davao City through the three Task Force Davao checkpoints is improving since its implementation on November 24, 2020.

On its second week of implementation, Task Force (TF) Davao reported a 99 per cent compliance with the DQR. “On Saturday, December 6, we have scanned 68,363 out of 68,996 DQR or 99% of people who entered Davao City,” said TF Davao Commander Consolito Yecla.

The 99 per cent compliance on Saturday was the highest recorded compliance for the DQR since its implementation. During its first day of implementation on November 24, TF Davao

reported 68 per cent compliance.

Yecla said around 11 persons were denied entry to Davao City as of December 6 for non-compliance with Executive Order Nos. 62 and 63-B, an improvement from 17 persons recorded last December 5.

Yecla said this means that only a few people are not yet aware of the requirements to be secured when entering the city.

Meanwhile, the TF Commander called on the people to know the requirements and prepare them ahead of their travel to Davao City to avoid congestion at the checkpoints.

He also asked for the cooperation of the people when TF Davao checks the required documents.

FCOMPLIANCE, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

LBC moves your money with ease T

By MAYA M. PADILLO rue to its tagline “we like to move it”, LBC commits to move lives, businesses, communities and deliver smiles around the world.

In this time of pandemic, LBC promises to move your money with ease.

With LBC’s Instant Peso Padala (IPP), you can send your money fast and easy!

People who send money to their loved ones and family in the Philippines don’t need to navigate remittance platforms anymore as with IPP, you are not only sending money safely and conveniently anytime, anywhere, but it is also the fastest and most affordable online money remittance platform.

This service is ideal for sending over allowances, money for groceries or medication, and payments for utilities.

Say goodbye to expensive transaction fees because with LBC online remittance, you can send money to your loved ones

for as low as P2 per transaction, which is the lowest fee ever!

With IPP, you can remit money whether it’s from an LBC branch or a remittance partner abroad. LBC also expanded its network through local remittance partners namely Palawan Express, Cebuana Lhuillier, and M. Lhuiller where you can also claim your money.

Transferring money through contactless remittance via IPP is very easy. Just fill up the form and pay for the transaction. Then simply message the tracking number, located right under the barcode, to the receiver, and you’re done!

To claim the remitted amount, fill out an encashment form with the name

of the sender, the tracking number, and present one valid ID. No worries your money is safe with LBC because Instant Peso Padala is super-

Dec. 7 to Dec. 13.

For Monday, Dec. 7, the airline is offering Manila to Bohol, Manila to General Santos one way trips for as low as P12.

On Tuesday, AirAsia will offer seats for

Clark to Cagayan de Oro one-way trips starting at P12, and Manila to Cebu flights for as low as P552.

Other flights that will be offered in the next few days at P12 base fare

vised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to ensure that its remittance services are safe and efficient.

LBC’s IPP is not only “mas pina-wow at mas

pinadali!” it also comes in handy for all kinds of situations you can think of and more importantly, it’s there for the situations you cannot or did not think of.

To move your money, just click https://www.lbcexpress.com/remittance/ instant-peso-padala and send money without leaving your house.

Oil price rebounds; will hit AirAsia offers flights for as low as P12 in 12.12 sale $60 per barrel in 2021

A

irAsia is offering flights for as low as P12 one way as it launches its 12.12 seat sale.

The budget carrier said it will be offering deals every day from

are Cebu to Davao, Cebu to Caticlan, Clark to Iloilo, Manila to Kalibo and Cebu to Clark.

Travel period for the discounted flights is from Dec. 7 this year to June 30, 2021.

Gov’t grants 2% interest subsidy on LGU loans under ‘Bayanihan 2’

A

s part of measures to help communities bounce back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the national government, through state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), is providing an interest rate subsidy of 2% per annum on new and existing loans of Local Government Units (LGUs) for their response and recovery intervention projects for their constituents.

The interest subsidy forms part of the provisions of Republic Act No. 11494 otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Recover as One (BARO) Act” or “Bayanihan 2,” in which LANDBANK has been allotted a P1-billion interest subsidy fund by the national government for loans secured by LGUs. The relief shall be applied to loan interest payments of municipal, city and provincial LGUs until December 31, 2022, or until the interest subsidy fund is fully utilized.

To extend the interest rate subsidy to as many LGUs as possible, a maximum interest subsidy equivalent to P10 million has been set for cities and provinces, and P5 million for municipalities.

“We strongly encourage our LGUs to make full use of credit facilities subsidized by the national government to bankroll development projects in their respective localities.

This will contribute greatly to reviving local economies and helping the country recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

Qualified LGUs may avail of the loan interest subsidy for eligible projects pursuant to the objectives of the BARO Act. These include, but are not limited to, permanent working capital such as for the purchase of agricultural produce, acquisition of equipment, construction of facilities for linking of products to the

market such as market infrastructure development and improvement, mobile palengke, collection and buying stations, and other related facilities.

LGUs with loans for programs and projects that provide basic and support services, social welfare and healthcare, and other infrastructure activities that aim to bring back confidence of the people and spur the local economy and businesses are also eligible to avail of the interest subsidy.

The loan for these projects shall bear a fixed interest rate of 4% per annum until the end of 2022, wherein the remaining 2% interest rate shall be charged to the LGU. Interest rate shall be subject to annual repricing thereafter based on benchmark rate plus applicable credit spread based on credit rating of the borrower, but shall not be lower than 4% per annum.

Borrowers may pay their loan up to 15 years inclusive of up to three

(3) years grace period on principal payable based on cash flow.

The interest rate subsidy will be made available to LGUs with approved accounts under LANDBANK’s RISE UP LGUs (Restoration and Invigoration package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards UPgrowth for LGUs) Lending Program which was launched last July, to support LGUs in the implementation of their local economic recovery plans.

As of November 30, 2020, LANDBANK has approved loans to 156 LGUs amounting to P52.27 billion under the RISE UP LGUs Lending Program. Of this amount, P383.5 million has been released to three (3) LGUs. Interested borrowers may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.

T

he price of Brent crude, which fell to USD47 per barrel ahead of the OPEC+ meeting, rose to almost USD50 per barrel, rebounding on positive news about the decision reached by the participants to the oil production cut agreement.

Now, this is the maximum price and it is unlikely to rise in the near future, according to experts interviewed by TASS. However, in 2021, with the beginning of mass vaccination and the passage of the peak of oil production in the United States, oil prices may rise to USD60 per barrel, they note.

Growing on positive news The decision of the OPEC+ countries to mildly increase oil production from January was greeted with optimism on the market.

The price of Brent, which was declining before the meeting on alarming news about disagreements within the alliance, grew by almost USD2 and exceeded USD49 per barrel after the consensus was announced.

Finam analyst Alexei Kalachev said for the moment, there are no reasons to expect oil prices to grow above USD50.

"Most likely, the price will stay in the current range — USD45-50 per barrel," he says.

"Judging by the reaction, the market was waiting for the worst decision. But I admit that it could be (the) closing of short positions," Andrey Polishchuk, an analyst at Raiffeisenbank, said.

The average oil price in the first quarter of 2021 will be USD45 per barrel, the

bank predicts.

The rise in oil prices was not only due to the decision of OPEC+, says Vasily Tanurkov, director of the corporate ratings group at ACRA (Analytical Credit Rating Agency).

"Stock markets are growing awaiting a vaccine. The oil market remains in short supply, stocks are slowly decreasing. In addition, there is another aggravation around Iran. The OPEC + decision removed some risks of uncertainty, and this, among other things, let oil prices grow," he said.

Sooner or later, prices will surpass the USD50 mark per barrel, analysts say. This may happen if the growth of oil consumption in Asia continues. Further dynamics will also depend on how Europe and the United States deal with the second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), which has yet to be taken under control, said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

By the end of 2021, oil price may rise to USD60 per barrel, said Polishchuk from Raiffeisenbank.

“The range of USD55-60 per barrel can be considered equilibrium, it is possible when oil reserves on the market return to normal volume and it will be possible to restore production in OPEC+ at a faster pace," Tanurkov said.

Not only the start of mass vaccination but also the market's awareness that the peak of shale production in the United States may have already passed can contribute to the oil price rise, the expert said.

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

A police officer scans the QR code of a motorist passing through a quarantine control point along R. Castillo Avenue, Davao City on Monday, 07 December 2020. MindaNews photo

Davao Region tourism losses reach P4B amid pandemic T

PRRD confident no kickbacks in purchase of Covid-19 vaccines

By MAYA M. PADILLO he tourism industry is among the sectors in Davao Region that have been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

T

The closing of borders, airports, and hotels as well as restrictions on mass gatherings, land travel and related services have put thousands of jobs at risk.

Tanya Rabat-Tan, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT), disclosed there are about 1,750 tourism-related establishments affected, around 26,000 workers, and more or less P4 billion losses due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

Tan said distribution of cash assistance to the displaced tourism workers in Davao Region continues under the Joint Memoran-

dum Circular 2020-001 between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and DOT to provide the guidelines for the financial assistance for displaced employees of the DOT accredited primary and secondary tourism enterprise.

Section 4 of the said memorandum, which is under Bayanihan II, directs the DOT to assist a critically impacted businesses that are tourism enterprises including tourism-orineted barangay micro business enterprises, cooperatives engaged in tourism-related activities

through the provision of cash-for-work program and the unemployment and involuntary assistance for the displaced workers or employees in the tourism sector.

Tan explained that DOT accredited primary tourism enterprises include hotels and accommodation establishments, resorts and homestays and apartment hotels.

“Also including travel and tour agencies and transport operators exclusively serving tourist land transport, sea transport, and air transport.

Other primary tourism enterprises include MICE organizers, MICE facilities, adventure sports and eco-tourism facilities and tourism frontliners and trainers,” she said.

While secondary tour-

ealth Secretary Francisco Duque III on Tuesday reminded the public to refrain from celebrating Christmas and New Year with activities that have higher risks of Covid-19 transmission, including karaoke singing which is a usual Filipino activity during celebrations.

He urged Filipinos to celebrate Christmas meaningfully by spending more time with their families.

“For a change, let us opt to have a solemn celebration with joyful Christmas

songs from our favorite artists played on radios or online music platforms,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

“Kung tayo ay nagsasalita, meron pa tayong nae-emit na respiratory droplets. Mas marami ito kung tayo ay kumakanta o sumisigaw kaya po inirerekomenda namin na iwasan muna ang pagka-karaoke (When we talk, we emit respiratory droplets. A lot more is emitted when we are singing or shouting that's why we recommend

refraining from karaoke singing). According to a recent study published in the Aerosol Science and Technology Journal, loud singing increases viral particle spread by 448 percent compared to normal talking,” Duque said.

Duque also called on local government chiefs to strictly enforce and implement the minimum public health standards in their localities such as wearing face masks and shields, regular handwashing, and observing one-meter phys-

ism enterprises include establishments such as restaurants, tourism training centers, souvenir shops, zoo, tourism recreation centers, and agri-tourism farm sites.

“Once again lahat nung mga DOT primary and secondary tourism establishments pwede silang mag-avail and also kung walang DOT accreditation puwede ang LGU licensed primary tourism establishments and pati yung nakatanggap ng SAP and even to secondary LGU licensed tourism enterprise pag napirmahan na ito. These are the qualified applicants to avail the financial assistance,” Tan said.

Tan also said DOT 11’s priorities for next year will be focused on promoting community-based tourism ical distance to avoid contracting or transferring the virus.

Despite seeing a continued downtrend of new Covid-19 cases, Duque reminded the public to remain vigilant, especially during the holidays.

“Hinihiling ko po sa inyong lahat na iwasan muna natin ngayong Kapaskuhan ang mga karaoke parties at mga malalaking salu-salo para tuluyang makaiwas sa virus at mapigilan ang lalong pagkalat nito. Munt-

FDAVAO, P10

Let’s have solemn Christmas, forego big public gatherings -- DOH chief

H

FDOH, P10

he purchase of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines for Filipinos will be free from corruption with vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. in charge, President Rodrigo Duterte assured Monday night.

Duterte said he had full faith and confidence that Galvez will make sure that there won’t be any kickbacks involved in the process of acquiring vaccines.

‘Yang vaccine na ‘yan (That vaccine), it’s worth billions. They said we would need about PHP73 billion to vaccinize the population. ‘Yan teritoryo‘yan ni Gen. Galvez (That’s Gen. Galvez’s territory). I have full faith and confidence na walang kickback-kickback ‘yan wala lahat. Walang makikialam. Siya lang ang kakalap ng vaccine para sa ating mga kababayan (Nobody will interfere. He’ll be the only one importing vaccines for our citizens),” he said in a taped public address.

Last month, Duterte said he wanted Galvez to be the sole person in charge of the purchase of vaccines.

He turned down the idea of having to form a committee in charge of vaccine procurement as it might lead to further delays.

Malacañang earlier said the national government’s vaccination drive against Covid-19 will not be tainted with politics.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President made it clear that all priority groups would be provided with free doses of the potential vaccine,

regardless of whether they are part of the opposition or critics.

Meanwhile, Duterte also defended Health Secretary Francisco Duque III against corruption allegations anew, saying he was sure that the latter never received money.

“He has served government faithfully for four administrations. You just do not you know, sabihin mo na, wala man akong nakita na nagtanggap ng pera.

Wala talaga (you just say, I didn’t see that he received money. There’s really nothing). Either sa (from) intelligence, sa military, sa police o sa civilian. I have not heard Secretary Duque receiving money,” he said.

Despite calls for Duque’s resignation, Duterte has repeatedly said he will continue to vouch for the integrity of Duque and his other Cabinet members.

Duterte said he would step down as President if anyone could prove that he or any of his Cabinet members stole from government.

“Maraming haka-haka diyan na kaming mga Cabinet members, ako tumatanggap ng pera saan (There are suspicions that my Cabinet members and I received money). Look, I give you this guarantee.

Magdala ka lang ng tao at sabihin mo nagbigay siya ng piso sa amin, mag-resign ako bukas. Just one person, one affidavit (Just bring a person and tell him to say that he gave even one peso to us, I’ll resign tomorrow).

You just bring him to him or bring him before the public

FPRRD, P10

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

A man looks at danggit fish being dried in Barangay Caub in Del Carmen town in Siargao Island on Monday. The“buyad”(vernacular for dried fish) sells for 800 pesos per kilo. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

Airline official sees ‘Covid-19 immunity passport’ essential O

Oil prices down amid fresh coronavirus restrictions

B

In a briefing with Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Gokongwei said there are many vaccines, and thus there has to be a “global (Covid) passport” showing a person has been vaccinated by a credible vaccination source that every country would respect and recognize.

“If the tourism and trav-

el industry recover, this is an absolute necessity,” he said. “Unless we resolve the confidence issue and the safety issue, which can only happen with herd immunity and vaccines, then there is nothing to be spoken about.”

Gokongwei said the priority needs to be getting the vaccines in the hands of as

many populations as possible.

“Connect this to a Covid passport so that countries would trust when we say that a passenger has already achieved the levels of antibodies so he would not be infectious to anyone,” he said.

CEB and the entire aviation sector, he added, has been severely affected by the pandemic. Even without passengers in the previous months, CEB operated cargo flights and repatriation flights.

“We do recognize that tourism is a vital part of the economy,” he said on

he Senate Committee on Public Services on Monday deferred the renewal of DITO Telecommunity’s franchise, saying the third telco should first prove that it could deliver its “promised” services.

DITO - a consortium between Davao tycoon Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp and China Telecom - earlier committed to provide at least 27 mbps internet speed to 37 percent or some 7,425 barangays in its first year of service.

The coverage is expected to increase to 50 percent in its second year, 70 percent in its third year, and 84 to 90 percent in its fourth year in business, DITO Chief Administrative Office Adel Tamano said.

“When DITO applied for this franchise, they should have had the forecast of what they were going to spend,” Senate Committee on Public Services chair Grace Poe said in the telco’s franchise hearing.

“They should be able to provide the initial commitment they made if they are able to do that, then we will give them the additional 25 years,” she said.

Tamano noted that the viability of DITO would depend on how the public reacts to their services, which the company promised to be faster and “more affordable” compared to what is being offered by Smart and Globe.

“For this year and next year, we are confident we have sufficient funding.

What will be truly critical... is that we have our services next year,” Tamano told senators.

“There will be more viability in our enterprise if our franchise is approved,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri backed DITO’s push to have its 25year franchise renewed before its current license to operate expires in 2023 saying most franchise appllicants only get loans

once their permits have been approved.

“We have a lot of applicants that are shell companies as of this time,” Zubiri said.

“Without the approval of the loans, hindi nila magagawa lahat ‘yan [deliverables]. Hindi naman sila as big as Ayala or MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan),” he said.

Uy, a Davaoeño tycoon who has expanded his business portfolio since President Rodrigo Duterte rose to power in 2016, holds 60 percent of DITO while China Telecom owns a 40 percent share.

“They should not have anticipated that they will get a renewal of their franchise unless they are able to produce the commitments that they were able to make,” Poe said.

“What we’re trying to prevent here is other applicants will anticipate a renewal and they are not anymore rolling out unless they get that renewal of the franchise. I don’t

udget carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei on Monday said he believes a Covid-19 immunity passport is essential, especially as the country opens up international travel.

the opening up of domestic travel.

Gokongwei, also president and chief executive officer of conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc., said the carrier is working with local government units (LGUs) as it respects each LGU’s own guidelines or travel requirements.

The CEB recently partnered with the local government of General Santos in providing the antigen test for passengers.

CEB has been providing its Gensan-bound passengers a free antigen test since Dec. 3, and until Dec. 14. (PNA) want a committee to be a hostage of that,” she said.

“We’re just here to safeguard the commitments made to the government,” she said.

Zubiri agreed with Poe that “the commitments of roll out” should be made regardless of the renewal of DITO’s franchise.

Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros lauded the committee’s decision to defer the renewal of DITO’s franchise, saying that lawmakers must further study the effects of the third telco’s entry considering that China owns a portion of the company.

“It’s quite a unique franchise, a unique company... because of the national security issues that have been raised,” she said.

“Considering that’s a quarter of a century franchise... Ang dami pa nating ire-resolve with China here in our region,” she said.

China earlier passed a

Dito told: Deliver 27 mbps internet speed before franchise renewal

T

FDITO, P10

il prices were down on Monday as vaccine hopes were overshadowed by a worldwide surge in new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases amid fresh lockdowns in the US, Europe and Asia, which raised concerns over the outlook for crude demand.

International benchmark Brent crude was trading at USD49.09 per barrel at 0641 GMT for a 0.32 percent decline after closing Friday at USD49.25 a barrel.

American benchmark West Texas Intermediate was at USD46.06 per barrel at the same time for a 0.43-percent decrease after it ended the previous session at USD46.26 a barrel.

Concerns that stiffening coronavirus mitigation measures will reflect negatively on global economies due to increasing cases worldwide is exerting pressure on oil prices.

California in the US, Germany, Iran and South Korea are among the countries that imposed new lockdowns and restrictions.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University

on Monday, the number of cases worldwide has now reached over 67 million.

The US, the world's largest oil-consuming country, still tops the number of cases above 14.7 million, while cases in India now total over 9.6 million, and Brazil follows with over 6.6 million cases.

Although oil prices extended gains toward USD50 a barrel after OPEC+ reached a deal to incrementally ease production cuts, the decision failed to meet market expectations of extending the current deal for three months, weighing on prices.

Moreover, as an indicator of short-term production in the country, the number of US oil rigs increased by 5 to 246 last week compared to the previous week.

This signals greater output while raising worries over a supply glut.

However, with mounting optimism over Covid-19 vaccines and the return of consumption in Asia, hope is boosted for the clearing of the current supply glut to cap further price declines.

(Anadolu)

he government is ready to order the implementation of food imports to tame the country’s inflation, Malacañang said.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that inflation rate jumped to a 20-month high of 3.3 percent in November from 2.5 percent in October.

Higher transport and food prices following a series of typhoons that affected farm harvests are the top contributors to Novem-

ber inflation.

“Ito nga po ay nakakalungkot pero ito po ay resulta ng mga bagay-bagay na hindi natin maku-control gaya ng sunud-sunod na mga bagyo na nagsalanta ng ating mga pananim na dahilan kaya um-increase po ang presyo ng ating mga bilihin lalo na sa pagkain at transportasyon (It is sad but it is the result of things that we cannot control such as a series of typhoons that have devastated our crops which is why the price of our goods has increased especially that in food and transportation),” he said.

Gov't ready to import food to tame inflation

T

FGOV’T, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

On the city government’s preparedness for the expected influx of passengers at the Davao International Airport (DIA) for the Christmas and New Year holidays: No need to add personnel because we already knew pila ka flights mag-abot sa Davao City every day and we count the flights by the load capacity of the airplane. Kung dako ang airplane we count it by the number of seats and mao na ang preparations dinha kaniadto pa. We do not count the actual number of passengers because we do not get the list gikan sa airlines per flight. Kung nagaihap ta ang capacity gyud sa isa ka airplane per flight.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

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 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

TRAVEL

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

A WORLD WITHOUT CERVICAL CANCER A world without cervical cancer is possible, according to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO).

“Eliminating any cancer would have once seemed an impossible dream, but we now have the cost-effective, evidence-based tools to make that dream a reality,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But we can only eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem if we match the power of the tools we have with unrelenting determination to scale up their use globally.”

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. It is also curable if detected early and adequately treated. Yet it is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, the WHO points out.

“Without taking additional action, the annual number of new cases of cervical cancer is expected to increase from 570,000 FACEBOOK posts and to 700,000 between 2018 and 2030, Instagram feeds have while the annual number of deaths been filledtoof is projected riselate fromwith 311,000 to 400,000,” throwbacks the WHO says to in a nostalgic statement released during travels and adventures the launching of the Strategy to as the rise ofGlobal Covid-19 Accelerate the Elimination of Cercases havelastgrounded vical Cancer November 17. would-be In low- travelers. and middle-income countries, the WHO adds, the incidence of are cervical cancer is nearly If you itching to travel in twice as high and its death the middle of this pandemicrates three times as high as those in (when travelcountries. restrictions are high-income relaxed) new snapshots “Theand hugeget burden of mortality related to taking cervicaldomestic cancer is a as well, start consequence of decades of neglect trips. byAmong the global community. the health places in Davao However, the script can be rewrit-

ten,” says Dr. Princess Nothemba (Nono) Simelela, WHO Assistant Director-General. “Critical developments include the availability of prophylactic vaccines; lowcost approaches to screening and treating cervical cancer precursors; and novel approaches to surgical training.”

She said that through a shared global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and leaving no-one behind, the countries of the world are forging a new path to ending cervical cancer.

“Today’s development represents a historic milestone because it marks the first time that 194 countries commit to eliminating cancer - following adoption of a resolution at this year’s World Health Assembly,” WHO says.

Meeting the following targets by 2030 will place all countries on the path toward elimination: 90% fullythe vaccinated with whichofisgirls among major tourthe HPV vaccine by 15 years of ism activities summer. age; 70% ofevery women screened Sta.aCruz is a destination using high-performance test by age 35 and tourism again by spots 45; and 90% of various and of women identified with cervical activities that include hiking disease receive beaches treatment (90% of and trekking, and women with pre-cancer treated sandbars, reserves, and 90% ofmangrove women with invasive river tubing, fiestas, bird watchcancer managed).

United caving, Nationsand health ing, The hot springs, agency is recommending vaccinacultural tourism. tion to Bagobo those between theVillage, ages of The Cultural 9 and 14. which is poisedoftocervical be a living Prevention cancer museum featuring the life of are should start early – before girls exposed to human papillomavirus the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe (HPV). vaccine located “The in Tibolo, Sta.provides Cruz isup to 95% coverage against cervical worth a visit. cancer,” Dr. Chia Yin Nin, a gyneco-

logic oncologist practicing at Gleneagles Hospital in Singapore, told Business World.

Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer site among Filipino women, the Department of Health (DOH) reports. Every year, an estimated 7,277 new cases are reported with 3,087 deaths. In recent years, however, more cases and more deaths are being reported.

The cervix is part of the female reproductive system located at the junction of the vagina and the uterus (womb). It is often called the neck of the womb.

“Generally, all women who have had sexual intercourse are at risk of cervical cancer,” DOH states.

“However, rare types of cervical cancer can occur even in women who never had any sexual intercourse in their life.”

In recent years, however, there had been overwhelming evidence that HPV causes cancer of the cervix. HPV takes several forms, which are referred to by number. “There are about 100 types of HPV that generally infect people in various parts of the body but there are only 13 types that can cause cancer in the cervix,” wrote Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave in a paper presented at the Global Conference on Low-Resource Setting Cervical Cancer Prevention held at the Johns Hopkins University.

The most common causes of cervical cancer are HPV Types 16 and 18.isThese twofor types are reThis the place those sponsible for 70 percent of who want to experience thecervical cancer around the world. HPV Bagobo-Tagabawa hospitality Type 16 also causes oropharyn-

STA. CRUZ SIGHTS AND SPOTS BECKON

Region that is now open for local tourists is Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. A first class municipality, Sta. Cruz is situated in the Northern part of Davao del Sur, bounded by Davao City on the north and south by the city of Digos. It is also traversed by mountain ranges that include the majestic Mount Apo. It is also the host of the popular Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge,

The recent story of American sailor who was rescued by Filipino seafarers may aptly be an application of the “Good Samaritan at Sea” doctrine or the obligation to render assistance at sea.

The 63-year-old sailor Stuart Bee was missing at sea for nearly two days after his boat capsized on the Atlantic Ocean.

He was found by Filipino seafarers on board the vessel “Angeles” last November 29 adrift in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean while clinging to his boat 86 miles from the shore of Port Canaveral, Florida.

“The story of Stuart is no different from others who are pleading for help today; in this time of pandemic. You don’t need to sail out in the ocean to rescue and serve your purpose.

There maybe too many Stuarts who happen to be your neighbor, a friend, or just like the Stuart we came to know, a stranger that needs help. Help in any way you can, whenever the opportunity to help is present,” Filipino

“We intend to make the and culture by sampling their Bagobo Cultural Village a culinary tradition that include flagship project on cultural “Nilotlot na Manok” or native tourism in Region 11. A tour chicken cooked in bamboo and here is an encounter where one vegetable salads of fresh fruits appreciates the life, existence and vegetables pluck from their and survival of the Bagobogarden. And a choice of their KUWENTONG KULE Tagabawa, a dominant tribe in delicious ground rice coffee the Ancestral Domain of Mt. and lemon grass tea to cap your Apo Natural Park,” said Julius meal.

Paner, This lush village is also a hot tourism officer of Sta. Cruz, spot for nature photographers in an interview. as it is a home to streaks of poinsettias, flora and fauna seafarer Lacruiser Relativo said or both.forest trees and pine among in his facebook post. will mist have treesWhile mixedseafarers with the cool For centuries, the “Good Sa- the same compassion and inof freshasmountain air. maritan” maritime rescue doc- stinct other professionals, Paner the cultural trine encourages seafarers to go they havesaid a legislated obligation to the aid of life and property in to render assistance. village project also aspires to distress.

The duty render assisempower local to community Life as a seafarer involves tance is a general reflection in Tibolo in managing their of obligations that are unlike al- customary international marinatural most any other occupation as time law.resources, strengthen they have long understood that Indigenous WhetherPolitical vesselsStructure, sailing una moral, if not legal, obligation is der their biodiversity-friendly flag operate in either maintain upon them to render assistance aenterprise private or public capacity, and preserve natu-the to persons in peril at sea. requirements incumbent ral and cultural heritage byupon The biblical anecdote of the masters of the vessels are showcasing the Good Samaritan pertains to the same. their tangible and cultural practices. the traveler who, for no other intangible This obligation comes from reason than a desire to help a various legal sources, most The Bagobo Cultural Vil-from fellow human being, stopped on notably convenlage was ainternational recipient of the 2016 the road to Jericho to help a man tions of the United Nations (UN) ASEAN Award for Communiwho had been beaten and blood- and the International Maritime ty-based Ecotourism ied by robbers.

Organization (IMO). (CBET), is United a popular tool, ConvenespeThe Samaritan bandaged which The Nations the victim’s wounds, and took tion of the Sea (UNCLOS) ciallyoninLaw developing countries, him to an inn to recover, which says that every conservation signatory to the for biodiversity was a gratuitous act for which convention must require the and livelihood improvement. no reward was sought and by master of a ship flying its flag to Panerassistance said the management his actions the man was saved. render to any person of the project is danger undertaken by In most cases, a person re- found at sea in of being acts to save another person as lost and to Council proceed of to Tibolo the rescue the Tribal result of compassion or instinct, of persons in distress. with support and assistance

geal cancer. Condoms do not fully protect against infection because the virus can exist throughout the genital area and around the anus.

“We realize that, although HPV is sexually transmitted, it is not a sexually transmitted disease,” Dr. Nin explained. “It can be acquired through personal contact like fondling, petting and sexual intercourse.”

The following had been established as possible causes of cervical cancer: have had multiple sexual partners, have had sexual partners (regular or casual) who themselves had several sexual partners, have had sexual partner who is infected with HPV, and had first sexual intercourse at a very early age, possibly 15 or 16 years old.

The risk of developing cervical cancer is increased by the following: smoking, long-term use of oral contraceptives, a weakened immune system, and a family history of cancer, especially cervical cancer.

HPV is so prevalent in the community, almost all women can have it. However, there are many forms of HPV, and many do not cause problems. “HPV infections usually clear up without any intervention within a few months after acquisition, and about 90% clear within 2 years,” the United Nations health agency says. A small proportion of infections with certain types of HPV can persist and progress to cervical cancer.

Dr. Llave, who is the director of Cervical Cancer Prevention Network, was quoted as saying

by Philippine News Agency (PNA)

that 99.7% of the cervical cancer are caused by HPV. It takes 10 to 30 years of incubation before HPV infection becomes symptomatic. “There are no signs and symptoms about 18% of the time,” Dr. Llave stated. “Most women don’t go to the health centers unless they’re bleeding profusely and they experience too much pain.

For about 20% of the women who are infected with HPV, cervical cancer may develop. “It is only when the cancer develops that you experience the signs like bleeding during intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, or bleeding after menopause,” Dr. Nin said. “The patient can also experience other symptoms like back pain, cough and swelling in the abdomen or limbs if the cancer has spread.”

When detected early, cervical cancer, however, is curable.

However, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, so goes a saying. Currently, there are 3 vaccines protecting against both HPV 16 and 18, which are known to cause at least 70% of cervical cancers. The third vaccine protects against three additional HPV types, which cause a further 20% of cervical cancers.

“The fight against cervical cancer is also a fight for women’s rights: the unnecessary suffering caused by this preventable disease reflects the injustices that uniquely affect women’s health around the world,” says Dr. Princess Nothemba Simelela. “Together, we can make history to ensure a cervical cancer-free future.”

DENNIS R. GORECHO

FILIPINOS SEAFARERS AND THE “GOOD SAMARITAN AT SEA” DOCTRINE The exemption is when the assisting vessel, the crew or the passengers on board would be seriously endangered as a result of rendering assistance to those in distress.

The Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) says “the master of a ship at sea which is in a from the to Municipal position be able Governto provide ment of Sta.onCruz, Provincial assistance, receiving a signal from any source that del persons Government of Davao are distress at sea, is bound Sur,inBarangay Government ofto proceed with all speed to their Tibolo, National Commission assistance, if possible informing for Indigenous Peoples them or the search and(NCIP), rescue Kapiid Ka andis Departservice thatBanua the ship doing so.”

International mentThe of Tourism (DOT).Convention Search Partonof Maritime the experience are and Rescue 1979 (SAR) also interaction with the locals,mandates this principle “regardless visiting their rivers or andstatus water-of of the nationality falls such Baruring and such a person or River the circumstances which thatvegetable person is BalusonginWaterfalls, found.” farm tour, bird watching, Theothers.

Salvage Convention of among 1989, although primarily directBagobo Cultural Villageof edThe at addressing the salvage is now open small group of property andfor the prevention marine pollution, nonetheless visits both day tour and overrepeats the SOLAS obligation night following new normal on

the master to render assistance to any person in danger of being lost at sea.

States, both signatories and non-signatories to the conventions, are duty bound to ensure those in distress at sea are rendered assistance on a non-discriminatory basis. guidelines.

Bookings However, there can are be some done throughwhere the Sta. jurisdictions theCruz law has developed that through those who unTourism Office contact dertake to render assistance number 09465690015. must reasonable care Alsoexercise when traveling to Sta. and acceptable seamanship in Cruz, aso, stop at Kublai doing oroff else suffer Art liabiliGarden is aggravation well worth aor side ty for the excess harm that cause the inditrip. Up onthey a hill neartoKapataviduals or property. gan where the striking Agong They are expected to exHouse is situated, Kublai Art ercise reasonable care to avoid Garden is conduct a sculptural negligent that park worsens builtposition by artist Millan. the ofKublai the victims and to avoid conWhilereckless there, it and is aswanton if you are duct in performing the rescue. transported to the land of the Atty.with Gorecho heads Hobbits sculptures in- the seafarers’ division of the Sapaviting youBundang to play, relax, andlaw lo Velez Bulilan escape from burden and offices.

For the comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call stress brought by the Covid-19 09175025808 pandemic. or 09088665786)

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

Shopee Launches 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, Celebrates 5 Years of Digital Acceleration in the Region

S

hopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, wraps up the year-end sales season and marks its fifth birthday by launching its annual 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. Its recent 9.9, 10.10, and 11.11 shopping events set new records and signified the changing landscape and potential of e-commerce in the region. This 12.12, Shopee celebrates five years of digital acceleration in the region and highlights three key trends that have shaped and will continue to drive the growth of e-commerce: Social, Personalization, and Integration.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee was born with the vision of making online shopping accessible, easy, and enjoyable. We built Shopee from the ground up, listening to people’s specific needs in each of our markets and turning our understanding into well-executed localized strategies that make Shopee what it is today. This year’s 12.12 Big Christmas Sale has added significance as we celebrate our fifth birthday and come together with our brand partners, sellers, and shoppers to support one another through a challenging year. As we look back on our journey, we are proud to have adapted quickly to serve the needs of our local communities.”

This 12.12, Shopee highlights three key trends that will continue to power the growth of e-commerce in 2021 and beyond.

1. Social: Bringing the human touch to online shopping Advancements in technology, coupled with changing shopper habits, have resulted in online shopping evolving from a transactional experience. Today’s users are more social than ever, and they demand a more engaging online shopping experience with rich and unique content. In 2016, Shopee was one of the first e-commerce platforms in the region to launch a live chat function, Shopee Live Chat, enabling direct conver-

sations between buyers and sellers. Today, an average of 30 million messages are exchanged daily on Shopee Live Chat.

Through the years, Shopee has continuously improved on and introduced new in-app engagement features such as Shopee Games, Shopee Feed, and Shopee Live to make the online shopping experience more social. Shopee anticipates that this trend will stay, with e-commerce increasingly becoming a platform through which people can connect and enjoy shared experiences. Shopee will continue to drive this trend through unique initiatives like Shopee Mom’s Club, which provides like-minded consumers with one-stop exclusive access to baby product deals and parenting content.

There’s also a Book Club for a new generation of digital readers in Vietnam and a “Pawrents” club to meet the growing online demand for pet products in Singapore.

2. Personalization: Catering to the ‘Me’ economy Personalization is critical in e-commerce today. A highly personalized experience makes online shopping more efficient, enjoyable, and unique for consumers, while also helping brands and sellers drive traffic and growth.

Shopee takes a hyper-localized approach by running seven different apps in each of its markets and localizing in-app features. Shopee also continually refines its rec-

ommendation engines to offer more customized and relevant shopping suggestions to fit consumers’ needs.

For brands and sellers, offering personalized recommendations to shoppers helps increase overall awareness and conversions. Businesses that use Shopee's inapp advertisements generate 65% more sales activity than those that do not. This is powered by Shopee's own AI capabilities, which ensure that advertisements are delivered to the right users.

As the industry progresses further into the ‘me’ economy, businesses need to innovate in order to improve the online customer journey. In the coming year, Shopee also expects to see the rise of smart shoppers, a new demographic of young, tech-savvy individuals who expect a highly personalized online shopping experience.

3. Integration: Creating a seamless customer journey As retailers adapt to the new normal, they must deliver a seamless customer journey across all touchpoints.

Shopee helps brands and sellers of all sizes by providing fundamental operational support through integrated payments and logistics, while creating innovative experiences that value-add to the overall customer journey.

• Delivering an experiential home shopping experience with P&G: Together with P&G , Shopee introduced its first-ever experiential online Show Me My Home initiative, which allowed shoppers to discover and shop for P&G’s popular household items in a simulated household environment. This brought greater convenience for stayat-home consumers, while mimicking the offline experience of walking in a store.

Yu closed, “2020 has been a transformative year.

It has shown us the importance of technology and its ability to not only connect people and meet their basic needs, but also to entertain and engage. We are just at the beginning of our digital journey and looking ahead, we believe e-commerce will have an even more profound

impact on businesses and consumers, creating new ways of living, working, and engaging. As we wrap up the year with the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, let's continue to look out for one another, uplift those in need, and welcome the new year on a high note.”

12.12 Big Christmas Sale From November 18 to December 12, users can enjoy free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend, 20% cashback, and ₱1 deals at the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale.

Key highlights of Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale: • Amazing promotions and big rewards with ShopeePay: From December 3 to December 11, shoppers who use ShopeePay can look forward to free shipping, discount vouchers, and a chance to win cash prizes.

• #MyShopeeWish TikTok Challenge: Join the #MyShopeeWish TikTok Challenge to win prizes. The #MyShopeeWish TikTok Challenge is from December 7 to 30. Winners will be announced on January 15,

2021 on Shopee’s official social media accounts. For more information, head over to https://shopee.ph/m/ my-shopee-wish.

• Big discounts from leading brands: Shoppers can enjoy up to 50% off from leading brands on Shopee Mall, including L’Oreal Paris, P&G Beauty, Abbott, Unilever Home and Food, Havaianas, Nestle, Huawei, Vivo, Pampers, RB Enfagrow, and Infinix.

Additionally, brands such as Unilever, MASS Appliances, Soundcore by Anker, Platinum Karaoke, Union Appliances, Amazfit, Kyowa, PULUZ, Pedigree, Bio-Science, Organic Skin, Shigetsu, Mikana, Organic Official, INSPI, GSK, Tigernu, MetroSunnies, New Balance, Colgate-Palmolive, Haylou, Alaska, and Fila also offer amazing discounts.

For more information about Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit https:// shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale.

Download Shopee for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.

9 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

The time for golden rice is now T

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

here is now a “tool” against vitamin A deficiency (VAD), a form of hidden hunger. No, it is not a pill but still a food; in fact, it is the staple food of Filipinos. But it’s not just another kind of rice; it is called golden rice.

“Golden rice is a type of rice that contains beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A as needed by the body and gives the grain its golden color,” explains the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Normally, rice plants produce beta-carotene in their green parts, but not the grain that people eat.

Golden rice is genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene in the edible part of the plant. Its beta-carotene that gives the golden color to carrots, mango, papaya, and squash.

Using genetic modification techniques, respected scientists developed golden rice using genes from corn and a common soil microorganism that together produce beta-carotene in the rice grain.

Golden rice is intended to complement current strategies in the fight against vitamin A deficiency (VAD), according to IRRI. “It is intended to supply up to 30% to 50% of the estimated average requirement for vitamin A preschool age children and pregnant or lactating mothers,” it says.

Health experts say vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in many bodily processes, including immune function, reproduction, skin health, healthy vision, the function of the lining of the gut, bladder, and other surface tissues, and growth and development.

VAD is a form of hidden hunger, a pervasive and persistent problem affecting more than two billion people around the world.

The WHO says lack of vitamin A causes severe visual impairment and blindness among children. It also significantly increases the risk of severe illness, and even death, from such common childhood infections as diarrheal disease and mea-

sles.

For pregnant women in high-risk areas, VAD occurs especially during the last trimester when demand by both the unborn child and the mother is highest.

Nutrition experts say lactating mothers also need vitamin A because their milk is their babies’ primary source of nutrition.

Vitamin A is found naturally in many foods, including liver of chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Most of them, however, can be found in vegetables (broccoli, sweet pepper, and tomato), fruits (papaya, mango, melon), root crops (carrot and sweet potato), milk products (cheese and butter), and meat (particularly beef liver).

Although most of these are available throughout the year, they are often out of reach for most people.

Vegetables may be cheaper to obtain but it takes time to prepare them and have to be cooked.

While it is true that vitamin A capsules are not expensive and readily available anytime, the government’s current supplementation program still misses out about 10-20% of those that are supposed to get them.

So, how can those sizable portions be reached out? Studies have shown that most Filipinos eat rice three times a day. In fact, there are some who eat rice more than thrice. So, the best way to make vitamin A available at all times is to fortify the rice.

This is where golden rice comes in. “Golden rice is an enhanced version of ordinary rice designed to handle a specific nutrition issue, without any additional cost or difference in taste,” explains the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

Both IRRI and PhilRice are working together in conducting research and development on golden

rice in the country. “While golden rice is expected to cost and taste the same as regular rice, its beta carotene content makes it a valuable asset in the battle against VAD,” PhilRice said in its website, philrice.gov. ph.

Beta carotene is the precursor of vitamin A. “Beta carotene-enriched golden rice can supply up to 30-50 percent of the estimated average vitamin A requirement, particularly for sectors that are most vulnerable to VAD.” A press release from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture said: “Golden rice has hit vitamin A rich level of 14 parts per million compared to zero vitamin A content for non-golden rice.”

In the Philippines, VAD continues to be “a significant public health issue” as it affects nearly 17%, or two million Filipino children under the age of 5, based on the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Credited for discovering the golden rice were Ingo Potrykus, who was 65 at that time and was about to retire as a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg.

“My team targeted vitamin A deficiency because this is one of the largest health problems worldwide,” Prof. Potrykus was quoted as saying.

In 1992, after years of research, various groups came together and decided to pursue the project, successfully causing beta carotene to be present in rice grains. In 2004, to help combat VAD, they donated the new version to developing countries, including the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

In the Philippines, the first generation of golden rice was first tested in advanced field trials at IRRI in 2008. The second generation of selected varieties was field tested in the wet season of 2010. At the state-owned PhilRice, confined field trials of advanced lines were conducted in February to June 2011.

“The field trials are an

important step in evaluating the performance of golden rice and to determine if it can be planted, grown, and harvested just like other popular rice varieties,” PhilRice said in a statement. “These trials are also part of the safety assessment of golden rice.”

Last year, golden rice passed a rigorous biosafety assessment in the country and was declared “as safe as conventional rice” by the Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture. “As soon as the necessary approvals are in place, golden rice can be made available to the public.”

Right now, golden rice is being prepared for deployment, just in case. “It has achieved the target levels of beta carotene, and has also been shown to produce equivalent yield to other varieties across multiple environs,” PhilRice says.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Authority wrote a letter stating that the concentration of beta carotene in golden rice “is too low to warrant a nutrient content claim.”

Contrary to the claim, golden rice is not insufficient in vitamin A content.

On the average, Americans eat only very little rice: about 45 grams per day. “It follows logic that American consumers would not benefit from golden rice as much as the average Filipino (who consumes 290 grams of rice daily),” PhilRice points out.

Again, both IRRI and PhilRice never claim that golden rice “will totally solve VAD.” In most of their issued statements, both have always emphasized that golden will serve as a complement – not a replacement – to current strategies to ease VAD, referring to supplementation, fortification, and eating diverse diets.

“When and where these (strategies) are not available, golden rice is an option, with the decision to plant or consume golden rice still left to each individual,” said a press statement.

Meanwhile, farmers have not to worry about planting golden rice which may have harmful effects on other rice varieties.

“Golden rice is not likely to impact organic agriculture through cross pollination,” PhilRice assures.

FTHE TIME, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO

WE’RE... FROM2

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

when Davao City was declared as a “Restricted LGU” last November 18, 2020, the city has issued new guidelines on entry travel to the city either by air, land or sea due to the surge of Covid-19 cases through Executive Order

No. 63.

The city also sought the assistance of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Covid Shield for enforcement of Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR) and NON-APOR travel into Davao City to insulate other Local Gov-

ernment Units (LGUs) from the effect of the surging cases in the city as well as to further protect the residents of Davao City.

The JTF Shield required individuals entering Davao City via Air travel include company/office ID and

Certificate of Employment or Acknowledgment of Principal for labor/service (for those without employer-employee relationship); medical certificate clearance; 24 to 48 hour RT-PCR negative test result or test upon arrival.

May iba kasi pag da checkpoints saka hahanap ng papel sa bag so we really advise them na ilabas na yung documents para mas mabilis (Others take out their documents only when they are already at the checkpoint, so we ad-

vise them to take their documents out ahead for faster checking),” Yecla said.

Meanwhile, TF Davao has added additional troop members at Lasang, Sirawan, and Lacson checkpoints to speed up their operations.

Residents and non-residents entering Davao City are guided by the Executive Order No. 62 or an “Order Providing for the Guidelines on Enforcement of the Prohibition on Non-Essential Travel in Davao City” and Executive Order No. 63-B

“An Order Providing for the Guidelines of Davao City as a Restricted Local Government Unit” published in all City Government of Davao official Facebook page and website www.davaocity. gov.ph/transparency/executive-orders/2020-2/.CIO

Management Fund.

The Bantay Dagat is a project of the city government wherein volunteers from the community are deputized to guard and conduct clean-up drives in the city’s coasts and shoreline every Saturday morning.

Bantay Dagat started

its first operation in August 2017. Currently, there are 333 Bantay Dagat volunteers that are guarding the sea and coastal areas of Davao.

Bermejo has called on Dabawenyos to be responsible for disposing of their garbage and cooperate in

the city’s efforts to keep our coast and shoreline clean and free of garbage.

“Kanang Offshore Garbage Collector nato, dili na nato kinahanglan kung kita tanan mag-cooperate na ang atong mga kanal dili nato labayan og basura aron dili sya maanod

sa atong dagat (Our Offshore Garbage Collector, we won’t need that if all of us will cooperate and avoid throwing garbage in our canals, so that they won’t be washed to our sea) I hope we educate and discipline ourselves on proper waste disposal,” he said. CIO

an announcement, and if true, I will tender my resignation as President of this Republic,” he said.

He said as far as he is concerned, his Cabinet

members were “all honest” otherwise he would ask them to resign immediately.

Duterte said there is no use of governing a country when people no longer be-

lieve in their leaders.

“Kasi kung hindi na maniwala ang tao, wala na (Because if people don’t believe you, that’s the end).

You are better off just en-

joying your retirement. It’s a lifetime journey of hardship and everything both for the military and the mga civilian dito (here),” he said.

(PNA)

sites and also on farm tourism and especially MICE as it will always be a strong product of the region.

“May mga plans for virtual activities regarding MICE for continued presence natin. Naka line up na rin ang mga trainings

for next year and these are about going digital and more on product developments,” she said.

Tan added that DOT 11 has already completed the Tourism Development Plan, which will be the basis of the directions strate-

gies to recover the regions tourism sector.

“Post pandemic? Andiyan ang digitization at yun ang opportunity natin and many more. Marami na ang nag-adapt to that,” she said.

Tan also said DOT 11

will be pushing also for local travels and intra-regional travels.

“During MGCQ in the region our nearby provinces are open and have been receiving tourists and other regions as well,” she said.

Roque, however, said the inflation rate, which averaged 2.6 percent in the first 11 months, is within the government's target range of 2 percent to 4 percent, but slightly higher than 2.5 percent in 2019.

“Well, pasok pa naman po sa target natin na (it still within our target of) between 2 to 4 percent ang inflation rate na (of) 3.3 percent,” he said.

He, meanwhile, assured that the government could

step up food imports to reduce inflation.

“Pero huwag po kayong mag-alala, kung kinakailangang mag-angkat para pababain ang presyo ng pagkain, gagawin po natin iyan pero siyempre binabalanse po iyan dahil hindi naman pupuwedeng masyadong mababa dahil kawawa naman ang ating mga magsasaka kung masyadong mababa ang presyo ng ating mga agrikulturang mga produkto

(But do not worry, if it is necessary to import to lower the price of food, we will do that but of course we balance that because it cannot be too low because our farmers will be affected if the price of our agricultural products is too low),” he said.

According to the PSA, food inflation picked up further to 4.5 percent last month from 2.1 percent in October and -0.2 percent in the same month last year.

The prices of vegetables and meat increased yearon-year by 14.6 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively.

Inflation for transport services increased 7.6 percent in November, a reversal of -2.4 percent in the same month last year, but slightly lower than 7.9 percent seen last October.

Recent typhoons also brought billions of pesos worth of damage to the agriculture sector. (PNA)

and have left two days after it ends.

Boxing is on the Tokyo program despite its governing body, known as AIBA, being derecognized by the IOC last year.

A seven-candidate presidential election is being held this weekend

and Bach said AIBA was "well aware" of the Olympic body's concerns about some of the contenders, which he did not identify.

The IOC was skeptical last year about an offer to clear AIBA's $16 million debts, if the sport's Olympic status was retained,

by Russian boxing official Umar Kremlev who is now a candidate.

The AIBA election is scheduled as a Court of Arbitration for Sport panel of judges is preparing a verdict in a landmark case in the Russian doping saga that could see widespread

punishments imposed on the nation's sports.

Asked if Russian election campaigns were appropriate in Olympic circles at this time, Bach said: "It is up to everybody to make his or her own judgment about any such candidatures."

importance of proper nutrition and diet and its impact on one’s performance.

Nutrition experts share tips on what to eat to optimize physical strength and performance as well as discuss eating behaviors and habits.

Ashly Villa, a registered nutritionist-dietitian and part of PSC’s Medical Scientific Athletics Services Team, shares her knowl-

edge on proper nutrition and its impact on one’s body. Villa is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition with Culinary Arts from Manila Tytana Colleges. She earned her online diploma in Sports Nutrition from Shaw Academy and has had several speaking engagements on sports nutrition.

Another featured

speaker is Eden Elisan, a registered nutritionist-dietitian, and trained diabetes educator and renal nutritionist and currently serves as the Associate Lifestyle Medicine Director of the Adventist Medical Center Manila.

Dr. Marissa Guinto, associate professor, and research director of the College of Human Kinetics of UP Diliman discusses the

psychology of eating for the audience to better understand eating behaviors and habits.

Lastly, Yoga and meditation teacher trainer, Ms. Eileen Tupaz, leads a brief session on mindful eating. The co-founder of White Space Body and Mind Wellness Studio and Eating Psychology asserts how this will help support healthier eating habits.

COMPLIANCE... FROM2

CITY... FROM2

PRRD... FROM4

DAVAO... FROM4

GOV’T... FROM5

BREAKDANCING... FROM11

LIFE... FROM12

Strong property demand seen in 3rd quarter of '20

L

atest report from Lamudi, an online marketplace for properties, showed real estate demand in major regions in the country has remained strong in the third quarter of the year.

“The easing of quarantine protocols have benefitted the property sector.

Construction initiatives were able to resume and government offices began issuing development permits again. Property seekers have maintained a strong appetite for real estate in major regions as they became more at ease with the new normal,” said The Outlook by Lamudi released Monday.

The report indicated Quezon City was the top area in Metro Manila for buying transactions, accounting for 49 percent of Lamudi’s page views and 50 percent of total leads.

This was followed by Makati, Manila, Pasig, and Parañaque.

Most inquired property in Metro Manila for the third quarter of 2020

were houses, land, condominiums, foreclosures, commercial, and apartments.

On the other hand, page views for metro Cebu still registered a growth of 22 percent and inquiries of 12 percent in the July to September 2020 period.

However, this was lower than the 26-percent page views growth and 50-percent increase in inquiries in the second quarter of the year due to the height of the strict quarantine measures in metro Cebu.

Page views for properties in metro Davao maintained a 29-percent growth, while inquiries improved to 16 percent in the third quarter from 14 percent in the second quarter of the year.

“Property seekers looking into Cebu City and Davao City see the potential of increased value of land assets following the government’s push for infrastructure development in these cities,” Lamudi’s report added.

Makabayan, Bayan…they are all legal fronts, Gabriela. We are not red-tagging you. We are identifying you as members in a grand conspiracy comprising all the

legal fronts that you have organized headed by NDF tapos yung (then) New People’s Army at Communist Party of the Philippines,” he said. (PNA)

ing sakripisyo lang po ito para sa kaligtasan natin sa pagdiriwang ngayong Pasko (I ask everyone to refrain from karaoke singing this Christmas, as well

as big gatherings so that we can curb the spread of the virus. A little sacrifice for our safety this holiday season),” Duque said. (DOH PR)

law mandating all Chinese citizens - including businessmen with stakes overseas - to support national intelligence work.

The controversial law has prompted other governments, including the

the United States, to shun deals with Chinese companies, citing national security concerns.

DITO is expected to launch its internet packages next year, including a “real 5G” service.

According to PhilRice, cross-pollination in rice is rare if plants are separated by a short distance of a few meters.

“Cross-pollination in rice is uncommon, unless all the rice plants are flowering at the same time,” it explains. “Rice pollen is normally viable

for only a few minutes after flowering.”

In other words, organically-grown rice will not cross-pollinate naturally with other cultivated rice, “unless they are growing close together and flowering at the same time.” – (Photos courtesy of IRRI)

hasn't spoken publicly since the reports, which were shot down by his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate and current Nets star Kevin Durant last

week.

"I don't know where you're making these stories up that me and James talked about any of this at a workout," Durant said.

debuting Adam Smith via decision.

Marcial has proclaimed himself ready for his pro debut after two months of hard training in Los Angeles.

"Sobrang ready na po tayo. Kahit this week, kung inano na 'yung laban, lala-

ban po ako," the 25-yearold Filipino fighter said.

Not only will this be Marcial's first professional fight, but it will also be his first time to fight again since March, when he won the Asia-Oceania Olympic qualifiers to punch his ticket to the Tokyo Games.

PRRD... FROM2 DOH... FROM4

DITO... FROM5

THE TIME... FROM9

NO... FROM11

MARCIAL... FROM11

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

11

'No timetable' for Harden to report to camp: Coach

H

ouston Rockets coach Stephen Silas on Monday said there is "no timetable" for former NBA MVP James Harden to report to camp and join the team.

Houston coach Stephen Silas said there is no timetable for James Harden to report to practice.

"He's not here and he has a reason, but that's on him to tell whoever what the reason is," Silas told reporters.

Harden, 31, remained away from the team Sunday on the first day of camp due to what Silas called "NBA protocols" - COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures. But Harden was supposed to go through an individual workout later Sunday, which did not happen.

ESPN reported later Sunday that Harden informed the team he would be reporting "soon," leading to Monday's comments

by Silas.

"There is no timetable, as far as I know. It is a setback. You want your best

player to be here," Silas said.

Harden reportedly has been in Atlanta and Las Vegas celebrating the 26th birthday of his friend and rapper Lil Baby.

Adding to the intrigue is that Harden's mother, Monja Wllis, took to Instagram on Monday to respond to a fan who asked her what's going on with the megastar.

"He is doing the best for his career. Please pay attention and understand.

He has worked hard every time he suited up for his job giving 210%. He ask for a chance to get a ring that's it.

Anyone in there (sic) right mind ... would want that," Willis posted, in part.

The Rockets are in the midst of camp after an off-

bled governing bodies — boxing and weightlifting — saw the biggest cuts to the number of athletes they can have in Paris.

Weightlifting should have 120 athletes in Paris, which is less than half of its total at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. The sport could be dropped entirely due to its historic doping problems and IOC concerns over the pace and depth of reform at the International Weightlifting Federation.

The IOC stressed its future priorities for Paris, and beyond to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, by claiming it will hit a longterm target of equal participation by men and women athletes, and more urbanized events.

With Paris organizers needing time to prepare their project, the IOC kept to its pre-pandemic schedule to confirm the 2024 sports lineup this month even before some are tested in Tokyo.

Breakdancing will be called breaking at the Olympics, as it was in the 1970s by hip-hop pioneers in the United States.

It was proposed by Paris organizers almost two years ago after positive trials at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.

Breaking passed further stages of approval in 2019 from separate decisions by the IOC board and full membership.

In Paris, breaking has been given a prestige downtown venue, joining sport climbing and 3-on3 basketball at Place de le Concorde.

Surfing will be held more than 15,000 kilometers (9,000 miles) away in the Pacific Ocean off the beaches of Tahiti, as the IOC already agreed in March.

Among the 28 established Summer Games sports, a total of 41 additional events were proposed to Monday's meeting.

season that saw Russell Westbrook and Harden reportedly request trades out of Houston. Westbrook had his wish granted last week when he was traded to the Washington Wizards for guard John Wall and a future first-round draft pick.

Harden, who is entering his ninth season with the Rockets, has led the NBA in scoring each of the past three campaigns.

Last season he averaged 34.3 points per game, but his one-season partnership with Westbrook didn't pay off with postseason success. The Rockets finished in fourth place in the Western Conference at 44-28 but lost in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Harden reportedly has expressed a desire not to just be traded, but to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Harden, however,

FNO, P10

Marcial pro debut Breakdancing gets Olympic status set December 16 B

O

lympic-bound Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial is set to make his highly-anticipated professional debut on December 16, when he faces American fighter Andrew Whitfield.

The four-round middleweight encounter will take place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. "(This) is still just part of his progression for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics," MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons said of Marcial's upcoming professional debut.

Marcial signed a sixyear contract with MP Promotions in July and flew to the United States in October

to work with celebrated trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.

Gibbons, who sees Marcial as a potential gold medalist in Tokyo, believes Whitfield will be a good first test for the heavy-handed Filipino.

"Andrew is from Idaho, just a tough, rough MMA fighter-slash-boxer," said Gibbons. "Just a real good style, comes to rumble, comes to get in your face and likes to fight."

Whitfield, 29, will carry a 3-1 win-loss record in the bout. He last fought in November 2019, beating a

FMARCIAL, P10

Nash on forming a Nets Big 3, Harden trade talk

S

teve Nash says there is no certainty whether a team will be successful with two or three superstars, saying he is focused on managing the minutes of the current Brooklyn Nets roster.

Responding to questions about the James Harden trade rumors, Nash said he’s not thinking about it and that he is concerned only about those in the roster.

“I love or guys and hopefully they all feel really valued and wanted and respected,” said Nash.

“We have so many guys that bring so much to the table so when I’m in the gym everyday I feel fortunate so hopefully they feel that, and they don’t feel that we’re looking out the window at greener pastures, bcause we love what we have here.”

Harden is reportedly

demanding a trade out of Houston, and that Brooklyn is the preferred destination to join forces with Kevin Durant again.

The Nets also have Kyrie Irving, and Nash was asked to give his thoughts on having a big three instead of just two superstars.

“A lot of it comes down to how good is your depth and how good are the two stars versus the three stars and how’s the chemistry and all those ancillary factors that make it work or not work or allow you to get to the end of the road,” Nash added.

“There’s pros and cons to both, I don’t really think about it because I love the team we have, I love the group we have. Trying to find minutes for all the guys we have is a great headache to have and that’s all I’m focused on right now.”

reakdancing became an official Olympic sport on Monday.

The International Olympic Committee's pursuit of urban events to lure a younger audience saw street dance battles officially added to the medal events program at the 2024 Paris Games.

Also confirmed for Paris by the IOC executive board were skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing.

Those three sports will make their Olympic debuts at the Tokyo Games which were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic by one year to open on July 23, 2021.

Alongside the additions, the IOC made subtractions: The slate of 329 medal events in Paris is 10 fewer than in Tokyo, including four lost from weightlifting, and the athlete quota in 2024 of 10,500 is around 600 less than next year.

Two sports with trou-

All increases were rejected, including ocean rowing and parkour, and changes were allowed only at the expense of existing events being dropped.

Two extreme canoe slalom events will replace canoe sprint events, and the men's 50-kilometer race walk will be replaced by a mixed gender team event.

The IOC said "limiting the overall number of events is a key element in curbing the growth of the Olympic program as well as additional costs."

In other IOC business, Bach confirmed the more than 11,000 competitors at the Tokyo Olympics should not stay in the official athlete village for the entire games, to help limit the risk of COVID-19 infections.

Teams will be advised of a policy that athletes should arrive at their accommodation no more than five days before the start of their competition

FBREAKDANCING, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 204 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

LIFE BALANCE

PSC supports holistic approach to women’s nutrition

T

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) encourages a holistic approach to health and wellness, which includes a balanced mix of physical, mental, emotional, and nutritional care, in the sixth episode of their web series, “Rise Up! Shape Up!”

Rise Up, Shape Up’s episode on nutrition aims to remind everyone, especially highly active individuals, and women, that the right choice of food impacts our body’s strength, energy, and performance.

PSC Chairman William I. Ramirez highlights that the episode on nutrition is PSC’s call to action for Filipinos to make conscious choices towards health and wellness, including eating the proper kind of food.

“While the agency is tasked to promote and develop sports excellence in Filipinos and Filipinas, we believe that such level of excellence can only

be achieved through a body that is holistically healthy and well,” shared Ramirez.

Commissioner for Celia H. Kiram also stresses that women especially must be mindful about their nutrition as their bodies have unique nutritional and dietary needs due to pregnancy or menopause.

She adds that “women have the potential to influence their families to eat healthy, so it is important that they set an example with their healthy eating habits.”

The episode, titled “A Taste of Women’s Soulful Nutrition”, highlights the

FLIFE, P10

PSC Chairman William Ramirez said the episode on nutrition is PSC’s call to action for Filipinos to make conscious choices towards health and wellness, including eating the proper kind of food.