Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 226 | Saturday, January 9, 2021

ANEURYSM: JUST WAITING TO ERUPT

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

HEALTH P9

VOL.13 ISSUE 226 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

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VACCINE COMMITMENT

City secures commitment of AstraZeneca for Covid-19 vaccines, targets 1.2 million Dabawenyos STORY ON PAGE 2

Riders walk with their bicycles along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Friday. Bicycle community in Davao City has continued to grow despite the challenges to go around the city due to lack of bike lanes and ordinance to protect the riders. Edge Davao

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VOL.13 ISSUE 226 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

VACCINE COMMITMENT

City secures commitment of AstraZeneca for Covid-19 vaccines, targets 1.2 million Dabawenyos

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced on Friday that the city government of Davao has secured the commitment of British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccine.

“Nakakuha ta ug commitment from AstraZeneca nga makakuha ta ug opportunity na makapalit ug bakuna sa ilaha gamit ang kuwarta sa city government of Davao,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara added that the city is targeting 1.2 million Dabawenyos to be

vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, which is also known as ‘population immunity’, the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection.

“Wala ta’y limit sa atoang budget the reason is ang atoang target is to achieve herd immunity and to achieve herd immunity according to heath expert for Davao City assuming we are a population of 1.8 million, 1.2 million ang kinahanglan bakunahan.

Mao na atong target 1.2 million,” she said.

In terms of timeline, Mayor Sara said AstraZeneca is targeting to deliver the vaccines third quarter of 2021 but not in bulk but by batches.

“But ingon sila (AstraZeneca) dili sila maka-deliver ug bulk meaning kung

unsa man ang order nato dili na nila mahatag ug kompleto by third quarter.

Ingon sila that would be in batches,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara said AstraZeneca will announce the ways forward as she already signed the non-disclosure agreement with Astra Zeneca. She said the city government of Davao has signed a tripartite agreement with the national government and AstraZeneca.

“We were able to send them documents particularly katong gi-require nila nga non-disclosure agreement and it was trig-

gering point na nahitabo ang meeting on January 8, 2020 and the signing of the tripartite agreement,” she said.

The mayor said apart from AstraZeneca, the city is also eyeing to talk with other vaccinators/companies especially those that have intentions to apply for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

“As of now AstraZeneca pa lang ang ready na magpirma ug kontrata with the LGUs. Assuming tag two doses ang bakuna so that is 2.4 million doses, wala man kompanya nga maka-deliver ana to a single

Dacera case not yet closed: Malacañang

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alacañang believes that the death of 23-year-old flight attendant Christine Dacera in a Makati hotel is not a "case closed" despite the Philippine National Police (PNP) saying that it has “solved” what it declared as a rape-slay case.

In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque explained that the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office said it needs more evidence to prove that 23-year-old Dacera was raped and killed.

“As of now, it’s a continuing investigation, the [National Bureau of Investigation] has gotten involved in it. So,hintayin po natin na ma-conclude iyong imbestigasyon. Obviously po dahil mayroon pang hininging ebidensiya ang ating fiscal

(So let’s wait for investigations to be concluded.

Obviously, because the fiscal is still asking for more evidence) case is not yet closed,” he said.

Since certain matters still need to be clarified, Roque said additional evidence would help the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office determine how Dacera died.

“I can only agree with the decision of the fiscal na kinakailangang isumite ang physical evidence nang sa ganoon kapag naisampa ang kaso, hindi po iyan madi-dismiss for lack of evidence (that it is necessary to submit the physical evidence so that when the case is filed, that will not be dismissed for lack of evidence),” he said.

To date, police had not yet submitted DNA analysis

results, toxicology/chemical analysis, and histopath examination.

“Naghahanda lang po tayo, hinahanda lang po ng mga fiscal na kapag naisampa sa kaso, tuluyan pong mapapatunayan ang liability or ang guilt beyond reasonable doubt ang mga nasasakdal (we are just preparing, the fiscals are just preparing so that when the case is filed, the court will be able to prove the defendants’ liability or guilt beyond reasonable doubt),” Roque said.

Roque, meanwhile, said President Rodrigo Duterte assured that justice will be rendered for Dacera and her family.

“Ang pangako naman po ng Presidente ay makakamit po ang katarungan sa Pamilyang Dacera. Malalaman po natin ang katoto-

hanan at sa administrasyon po ni Presidente, dahil siya’y abogado at dati pang piskal, hindi niya hahayaan na ang mga kriminal ay hindi po mapaparusahan (The President's promise is that justice will be served to the Dacera Family. We will know the truth during the administration of the President because he is a lawyer and a former prosecutor, he will not let criminals go unpunished),” he said.

Dacera was found lifeless in a bathtub of a hotel in Makati City after celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends. She died in a hospital.

Makati Police chief Col. Harold Depositar said the initial report of the cause of death was a ruptured aortic aneurysm, which may be caused by various factors,

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FVACCINE, P10

No need for PRRD's blessing to resume Cha-cha talks

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Malacañang says the House of Representatives does not need the blessing of President Rodrigo Duterte to resume discussions on Charter change (Chacha). Presidential Photo

city. Ang atoang buhaton is makig-storya ta sa daghan nga vaccine companies especially tong duna’y intent mu-aaply for EUA or certificate of product registration diri and we will ask them if they can deliver to us and if they say yes, we will start the process of contracting the company. We will be buying all the vaccines that may be sold to us from different vaccinators kay wala pa’y kompanya maka-deliver in bulk,” she said.

The mayor clarified that the acquisition of the vaccines would be through the national government.

he House of Representatives does not need the blessing of President Rodrigo Duterte to resume discussions on Charter change (Cha-cha), Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace respects the decision of the lower chamber to restart public hearings on cha-cha.

“Hindi naman kinakailangang bigyan ng basbas ng Presidente iyan—iyan naman po’y katungkulan talaga ng Kongreso. Tanging Kongreso lang po ang pupuwedeng magsimula ng proseso para sa Charter change, hindi po ang Presidente (It is not necessary for them to have the President’s blessing— that is really the duty of Congress.

Only Congress can begin the process for charter change, not the President),” he said in a Palace press briefing.

However, he also said Duterte and his administration will still prioritize efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country and implement its economic recovery plan.

“Nirirespeto po natin iyan at sa ngayon po ang number one priority natin ang Covid-19 lalung-lalo na ang usaping vaccine (We respect their decision, but for now our priority is Covid-19, especially talks about acquiring vaccines),” he added.

Roque also dismissed anew rumors that the House’s cha-cha is a move to extend the terms of officials including that of Duterte.

“Tsismis lang po iyan (Those are just rumors).

The President has made it clear, wala po siyang kahit anong kagustuhan na manatili ng isang minuto man lang (he has no any de-

sire to stay even one minute longer) beyond his term of office on June 30, 2022,” he said.

On Wednesday, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government is targeting to secure at least 148 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines for the country in 2021.

However, he said the acquisition will still be dependent on the global supply since rich nations have already secured 80 percent of the vaccines worldwide “Wala pong ibang top priority ang Pangulo kung hindi matapos po itong pandemyang ito sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng bakuna sa ating mga kababayan (The President does not have any other priority except to end this pandemic by providing vaccines to our citizens),” Roque said.

The government is currently in “advanced stages of negotiations” with pharmaceutical companies Novavax, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Sinovac and Gamaleya.

Resumption of chacha talks developed after Speaker Lord Allan Velasco met with House leaders who previously chaired the constitutional amendments panel.

House committee on constitutional amendments chairperson Alfredo Garbin Jr. said the hearings will focus solely on economic provisions and not amendments on political provisions like term extension.

Garbin said his panel would resume deliberations on proposals to liberalize the Constitution’s economic provisions next Wednesday.

Total overhaul unlikely Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said a piecemeal approach

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VOL.13 ISSUE 226 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

The Davao City government led by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio inaugurates the newly-completed temporary residential facility for the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who have returned to the fold of the law. Called the Kalinaw Village, the residential facility located in Brgy. Mahayag, Bunawan District, will serve as the temporary home for the ex-cadres while undergoing transitional activities before they re-integrate into their community and families. CIO

902 face mask ordinance M violators apprehended

91% of Filipinos worried about catching COVID-19: SWS survey

By MAYA M. PADILLO total of 902 individuals have been apprehended for violating Ordinance No. 0301-20 or the Face Mask Ordinance since it was implemented in July until December 31 last year.

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Lawyer Lawrence Bantiding, officer-in-charge of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), in a live broadcast interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5, said of the 902 apprehended individuals, 170 were from District 1, 265 from District 2, and 467 from District 3.

The top 10 barangays with the most apprehensions for violating the said ordinance are Calinan Proper, Bago Aplaya, Angalan, Pampanga, Pangyan, Lacson, Sto. Nino, 76-A, Riverside, and Lizada.

Bantiding also said the

city has collected a total of P451,000 in fines and penalties from individuals who violated the said ordinance.

He said the CTO has prepared necessary documents needed for the handover of funds to the barangays.

The city government of Davao is bolstering the role of the barangays in the implementation of the ordinance by giving 60 percent share of collected fines and penalties for their Covid-related initiatives.

The Face Mask Ordinance took effect into law on July 23, 2020, but

it was amended through Ordinance No. 0416-20 to strengthen the enforcement of the ordinance at the barangay level.

In the amended ordinance, 60 percent of the collected fines and penalties will go to the barangay that apprehended the violator and 40 percent will go to the city’s repository.

Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, the author of the said ordinance, said this is needed so that the public will comply and the enforcers will be encouraged to implement the ordinance especially in the barangay, we will give them a share.

For every 500 pesos, 60 percent will go to the barangay and 40 percent will go to the local government collection.

Ortiz also said that the

barangays can utilize their share of 60 percent for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for their functionaries.

It can be recalled that in November last year, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced deputizing community-level officers or barangay tanods for the collection of fines from those caught violating health safety protocols such as wearing of face mask in public places.

The mayor said it is the goal of the city to eliminate and develop the best strategic coordination of prevention, trace, and treat/ isolate.

She said it is important for the people to stay away from each other and coupled with fast, efficient, and electronic contact tracing.

of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) can make the decision on which areas and sectors will be given priority.

“Well, siyempre po iyong mandato naman kung paano iro-roll out, iyan po ay desisyon pa rin ng national government at ng IATF. So, lahat po ng LGUs kinakailangang sumunod (Of course the manner by which the vaccines will be rolled out will be decided

upon by the national government and the IATF. So, all LGUs need to follow),” he said.

Roque said Metro Manila, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Cebu, and Davao will be among the areas prioritized in the government’s vaccination campaign since these are the areas with the highest number of Covid-19 cases.

As for sectors, he said front-liners including

healthcare workers and uniformed personnel as well as the elderly and those with comorbidities will also be prioritized.

He also reminded LGUs that they have to procure vaccines through tripartite agreements with the national government and pharmaceutical companies.

“Hindi po sila makakabili ng bakuna on their own, kinakailangan pa rin ng pir-

LGUs need to follow nat’l gov’t prioritization in vaccine rollout

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ocal government units (LGUs) will have to comply with the national government’s prioritization list in purchasing their own coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, Malacañang said on Thursday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said only the national government and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management

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ore than nine out of 10 Filipinos are worried about catching COVID-19 or having a loved one become infected with the viral disease, a Social Weather Stations survey showed.

The survey, taken from November 21 to 25, found that a record 91% of Filipinos—consisting of 77% who were "worried a great deal" and 14% who were "somewhat worried"— were concerned that they or anyone in their immediate family may get the virus.

Three percent were "worried a little," while 5% were "not worried" about becoming infected.

The percentage is six points higher than the 85% in the last survey, taken in September (63% were "worried a great deal" and 22% were "somewhat worried"), and four points up from the previous record of 87% (73% "worried a great deal" and 14% "somewhat worried") in May. The worry is highest in the Visayas (96%), followed by Mindanao (95%), Balance Luzon (89%), and Metro Manila (85%)—all up from before, with the first three being record highs in their categories.

Among women, worry rose from 84% in September to a record 93%, while among men the worry increased from 85% to a record 90%.

Across almost all age groups, worry also rose to record highs: 91% for those 25 to 34 years old; 93% among 35- to 44-yearolds; 91% among 45- to 54-

year olds; and 92% among those 55 years old and above.

Among 18- to 24-yearolds the worry dipped slightly, from 90% to 89%.

Worry also rose across all educational levels attained, from 77% to 91% among non-elementary graduates; from 78% to 91% among elementary graduates; from 88% to 91% among junior high school graduates, and from 83% to 95% among college graduates.

SWS conducted face-toface interviews with 1,500 adults—600 in Balance Luzon and 300 each in Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao—from November 21 to 25, 2020.

The question asked was: "Kayo po ba ay nababahala o hindi nababahala na kayo o sino man sa inyong pamilya ay magkakasakit ng COVID-19? (Are you worried or not worried that you or someone in your immediate family might catch COVID-19?)"

The replies to choose from were "Lubos na nababahala (Worried a great deal)"; "Medyo nababahala (Somewhat worried)"; "Nababahala nang kaunti (Worried a little); and "Hindi nababahala (Not worried)."

SWS also noted that Filipinos are more worried about the matter than Americans, citing a Gallup poll from November that found only 59% of adult Americans worried (16% "very worried" and 43% "somewhat worried") that they would get the virus.

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 226 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

Oil up on inventory fall, protests in US

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Built in April 1960, the iconic Tree House of Pasonanca Park still stands and can still be rented for overnight stay. MindaNews photo taken Jan. 7, 2021 by JULES L. BENITEZ

Withdrawal of pandemic measures prudent, data-driven, says BSP

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said on Thursday any move to end measures to address the pandemic’s economic impact will be made cautiously and will be data-driven.

In his speech during the 27th membership meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila, he said recovery from the virus-induced global health problem, which led to economic contractions around the world, is tough.

“But this pandemic, as with other challenging periods in our history, has once again revealed our resilience and fortitude as a nation. We will use this resilience to continue

working hard in ensuring that our country will sustain a stable recovery from the pandemic,” he said.

Among the measures that BSP implemented to help cushion the pandemic’s impact are the 200 basis points reduction in the BSP’s key policy rates, which to date is at record-low of 2 percent; the up to 200 basis points cut in banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR), and the

authorization for banks’ micro, small and medium (MSME) lending as reserve requirement compliance for a limited time.

Amid the 10-percent economic contraction in the first three quarters of 2020, signs of recovery are slowly showing up, Diokno said, tracing this partly to the continued improvement of domestic fundamentals before the pandemic hit.

He said domestic growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), averaged at 6.4 percent from 2010 to 2019.

“The robust growth of the domestic economy in recent years was achieved in an environment of gen-

erally stable inflation and was anchored on purposeful structural reforms,” he said.

Improvement on the country’s external payments position, record-high international reserves, improved external debt metrics, and healthy public finances were attributed to prudent policymaking.

The domestic banking system remains stable and sound and is “well-functioning based on all metrics, he said.

“These robust fundamentals gave us the monetary and fiscal space to navigate the first few months of this crisis,” he added. (PNA)

council and received here on Wednesday.

“How APEC economies address the accelerated rise of the digital economy and leverage new technologies like AI is one of the most pressing issues of our time,” she said.

The report also examines how AI is being adopted and applied across the APEC region and makes key recommendations, calling for closer policy collaboration between businesses and governments.

Of the surveyed APEC economies, most already have plans, policies, or programs devoted to driving or supporting AI ecosystems, the report states.

The report also highlights some AI-related innovations that are already underway across the region. For instance, a team of engineers at a Philippines university has designed a solution to help patients suffering from locked-in syndrome to communicate with the world.

Another notable innovation for the farming

industry has been developed by a Japanese corporation. The solution aims to improve the efficiency of farming by automatically aggregating and analyzing sensor data and satellite images to provide farmers with farm management recommendations.

In addition, a group from New Zealand has developed AI-powered crocodile-spotting drones to keep swimmers safe in Australian rivers, among others.

“AI technologies have the potential to significantly impact businesses and communities across our economies,” Rohana said.

“We believe that APEC can serve as an effective forum for member economies to collaborate on ways to maximize the benefits of AI and promote inclusive growth while ensuring its use in a responsible and ethical manner,” she added.

According to the report, recognizing this technology and its capabilities would be central to an economy’s forward-looking policy for

growth, productivity, and job creation.

It says the potential of AI extends beyond economic benefits and includes tools to address complex issues, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, healthcare, and ways to cope with the effects of the ongoing pandemic.

As AI becomes more widely accepted, adopted, and used for innovation, APEC policymakers will need to draft new policies, revise existing ones, confront new questions, address new needs, and reassess its impact, the report states.

The report also notes that with the cooperation of the public and private sector, a coordinated use of AI in future will increase the Asia-Pacific region’s competitiveness and further facilitate regional integration.

Artificial intelligence, already well on its way to transforming the Asia-Pacific, is driving social and economic growth across all

AI helping mitigate Covid-19 impact on APEC economies

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recent report from the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) has revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a role in mitigating the short- and long-term effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies.

From automated health diagnostics in hospitals to smart recruitment processes in organizations, this technology is creating new, previously unforeseen jobs, products, and services that will contribute to postCovid-19 economic recovery, according to the report titled Artificial Intelligence in APEC. “As we release this report, APEC economies are facing the twin threats of a global pandemic and an economic crisis that will leave its mark on our communities for years to come,” said Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood, chair of the 2020 APEC Business Advisory Council, as noted in a written statement issued by the

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il prices were up on Thursday over a more-than-expected decline in US crude oil inventories and on clashes between supporters of US President Donald Trump and the police in the Capitol in Washington.

International benchmark Brent crude was trading at USD54.80 per barrel at 0706 GMT for a 0.92-percent rise after closing Wednesday at USD54.30 a barrel.

American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at USD51.17 per barrel at the same time for a 1.07-percent increase after it ended the previous session at USD50.63 a barrel.

A large drawdown in US crude oil inventories last week, typical of year-end activity, is driving prices up.

Commercial crude oil inventories in the US dropped by 8 million barrels last week, relative to the market expectation of a 1.5 million-barrel draw.

Further fueling bullish oil prices, the turmoil in and around the US Capitol building had an instantaneous effect on global oil prices, enabling new record highs since late February 2020, when WTI reached USD52.02 and Brent increased to USD55.45 on Feb. 25 and 26, respectively.

On Wednesday, supporters of US President Donald Trump converged in Washington DC to pro-

test of the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election.

As the electoral college votes were being tallied in the Capitol building, scores of protestors clashed with police, with some managing to enter the building.

The demonstration turned violent and led to the death of four people.

A surprise production cut decision at the extended meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-OPEC producer countries on Tuesday also backed higher prices.

Saudi Arabia, the de-facto OPEC leader and major driver of OPEC+ production cuts, said it would voluntarily reduce its production in February and March by 1 million barrels per day (bpd).

The group announced that Russia and Kazakhstan will collectively increase their output by 75,000 bpd while the rest of the group will hold output steady.

In line with the decision taken at the December meeting, OPEC+ is currently cutting its output by 7.2 million bpd in January.

After Saudi Arabia’s voluntary reduction, the group’s production cut will be 8.125 million bpd in February and 8.05 million bpd in March, which also means OPEC+ will reduce its output in February by 925,000 bpd and 850,000 bpd in March relative to output rates in January.

(Anadolu)

DBP grants P645-M loan to boost banana flour, coco sugar exports

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tate-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has granted a PHP645-million loan to Hijo Superfoods, Inc. (HSI) for the establishment and expansion of its banana flour and coconut sugar manufacturing facilities, a top official said.

In a statement Thursday, DBP president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Herbosa said the bank's credit support to "Project Honeycomb" of HSI, a start-up unit of Hijo Resources Group, would boost the production of its export products and provide continued livelihood to local farmers and suppliers.

“DBP has always been supportive of the initiatives of our local industries that benefit not just the local community but promote the country as well through their world-class products,” Herbosa said.

Project Honeycomb involves the manufacture of banana flour as well as coconut sugar which HSI has been producing since 2010.

It is planning to ramp production to 9 metric tons (MT) daily from the current 12 MT monthly, through the use of advanced technology and modern machinery.

The banana flour component is a start-up ini-

tiative that would have an initial capacity of producing five MT a day using bananas sourced from HSI’s own farms and similarly classed harvests of other Cavendish banana-producing companies.

DBP senior vice president for southern and western Mindanao lending group Ana Marie Veloso said the project assures a more sustainable livelihood for local coconut farmers amid the fluctuating prices of copra in the international market.

Veloso said HSI is eyeing to ship the sugar and banana flour products to the export markets, with the company expecting to earn more than USD10 million in gross revenues.

“On another note, the products of Hijo are also considered as healthier alternatives to regular processed sugar thereby contributing immensely to the nation’s efforts to combat and control non-communicable diseases such as diabetes,” she said.

DBP is the seventh-largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy -- infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; social services, and community development. (PR)

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ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

Cebu Pacific recently took delivery of its second ATR cargo freighter which will further strengthening its cargo operations to and from domestic airports with short runways. Contributed photo

Cebu Pacific sees rising demand of cargo service T

DOE opens bidding for 22 areas for renewable energy dev’t

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udget carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) said Wednesday it recently took delivery of its second ATR cargo freighter to boost its cargo operations to and from domestic airports with short runways.

“We saw this pandemic as an opportunity to recalibrate our business and optimize operations to address the needs of our customers,” Alex Reyes, president and chief executive officer of Cebgo, said in a statement.

Reyes underscored the rising demand for cargo in the country.

“There is a growing demand for cargo to and from the Philippines and our fleet of dedicated cargo aircraft allows us to address this while doing so in a more efficient manner,” he said.

The ATR 72-500 aircraft with tail number RPC7253 was converted at the Sabena Technics DNR

emand for connectivity has spiked during holidays in the new normal, according to telecommunications provider Globe Telecoms (Globe) on Thursday.

In a statement, Globe said internet traffic steadily increased from November until the end of 2020 with a 12 percent spike in customer’s usage during Christmas Day and New Year’s Day especially on Facebook live and video, based on the company’s internal data.

“Virtual get-togethers, online masses, concerts, distance learning, popular online sale events like 12.12 among others, were supported by Globe’s improved network infrastruc-

ture,” it said.

For the rest of 2020, it said virtual interactive apps like Zoom and Skype were consistently used during the weekdays with a slight drop on weekends, suggesting that more of its customers use these apps for working from home and distance learning.

1,300 new cell sites In response to the heavy demand for internet connectivity in 2020, it said some 1,300 new cell sites were built in the previous year while 11,529 sites were upgraded to 4G or LTE for faster data connectivity.

This was made possible by the "Bayanihan to Recover as One Act" and the Joint Memorandum Circu-

S.A.S. facility in Dinard, France.

CEB’s first freighter that arrived in August 2019 was also converted at the same facility.

Both ATR freighters, operated by CEB subsidiary Cebgo, are equipped with a large cargo door, allowing for capacity to be as much as eight tons of palletized cargo.

Apart from its two ATR freighters, CEB has also recently modified one of its A330 aircraft into an all-cargo configuration, removing seats so that cargo can be carried in the main deck.

To date, only a third of the airports in the Philippines can accommodate jet aircraft, while the rest can only be served by turboprops.

CEB has ensured transport of essential goods is not hampered, especially during the pandemic.

The carrier continues to anticipate its cargo business to continue flourishing, and its investment in these dedicated cargo aircraft supports its commitment to continue providing affordable and accessible air travel services. (PNA)

lar No. 1 of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), and other government agencies.

“Areas needing connectivity the most were being addressed with new site builds including Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Antique, Iloilo, Leyte, Palawan, Aklan, Maguindanao, Cotabato, Misamis Oriental, and Davao del Oro,” Globe said.

For home broadband, it has built about 600,000 broadband lines in 2020, a 55 percent improvement from 2019.

It also touted an 80 percent 5G coverage in Metro Manila aside from its availability in 17 key cities nationwide through 1,031 sites.

More upgrades in 2021

To provide its customers with better mobile and broadband data speeds, Globe is set to ramp up its investments in telecommunications infrastructure in 2021 with plans to install more than two and a half times the number of fiberto-homes compared to 2020.

For mobile, Globe plans to build 2,000 sites including in-building solutions, partnerships with independent tower companies, and new cell sites.

"Globe will likewise continue to expand its 5G footprint as more 5G-capable devices enter the market. The aggressive rollout of 5G will happen this year in more cities and munici-

Mobile internet traffic spiked during new normal holidays, Globe says

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he Department of Energy (DOE) has started accepting bids for 22 predetermined areas for potential geothermal and hydropower resources to accelerate the renewable energy (RE) development in the country.

During the 3rd Open and Competitive Selection Process (OCSP) on Jan. 5, the DOE bared 17 predetermined areas for hydropower projects and five potential sites for geothermal energy development.

These areas have potential capacity to generate 150 megawatts (MW) of RE. The 17 predetermined areas for hydropower projects include Area No. 1 Amlan Plant C with 0.8 MW potential capacity, Area No. 2 Amlan Plant A (3.2 MW), Area No. 3 Hilabangan Upper Cascade (4.8 MW), Area No. 4 Hilabangan Lower Cascade (3 MW), Area No. 5 Maninila Lower Cascade (4.5 MW), Area No. 6 Maninila Upper Cascade (3.1 MW), Area No. 7 Tibiao (2.1 MW), Area No. 8 Dalanas (3 MW), and Area No. 9 Sibalom Middle Cascade (4 MW).

Completing the list of predetermined areas for hydroelectric power projects are Area No. 10 Aklan River Lower East Tributary (3 MW), Area No. 11 Aklan River Middle Tributary (2.4 MW), Area No. 12 Aklan River Upper Tributary (2.4 MW), Area No. 13 Vera Falls (0.3 MW), Area No. 14 Palali (0.2 MW), Area No. 15 Coyaoyao Upper Cascade (0.2 MW), Area No. 16 Dapnan (1.4 MW), and

Area No. 17 Balintingon (52 MW).

For geothermal energy projects, the predetermined areas include Area No. 1 Daklan Geothermal Project with 27 MW potential capacity, Area No. 2 Itogon (9 MW), Area No. 3 Puting Lupa (17 MW), Area No. 4 Maricaban Island (4 MW), and Area No. 5 Mt. Labo (30 MW).

At the third OCSP kickoff, DOE Undersecretary Emmanuel Juaneza said the department continues to encourage and promote the exploration, development, and utilization of RE. “(DOE) Secretary (Alfonso) Cusi himself reiterated the commitment to promote our renewable energy, with the hope that in time, renewables will figure prominently in the country’s energy future,” Juaneza said.

In October 2020, Cusi declared a moratorium on endorsing greenfield coal power projects.

Cusi said the new policy will maneuver the country to shift to a new, cleaner, and indigenous source of power.

Meanwhile, interested bidders for the 22 predetermined areas may submit their bids until Feb.15, 2021.

“Target contract awarding for non-Financial and Technical Assistance (Agreement) (FTAA) projects will be on April 14, 2021 while those covered by the FTAA will be endorsed to the Office of the President for approval by April 19, 2021,” DOE added. (PNA)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 226 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

On securing the commitment of AstraZeneca for the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccine: Nakakuha ta og commitment from AstraZeneca nga makakuha ta og opportunity na makapalit og bakuna sa ilaha gamit ang kuwarta sa city government of Davao.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 226 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

COVID-19: A YEAR LATER The world celebrated Christmas 2019 with much fanfare. But before the year ended, an outbreak of a novel coronavirus was reported in Wuhan, China. It became an epidemic when it spread not only in Wuhan but in other parts of China.

On January 30, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak – then without a name – a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The declaration is WHO’s highest level of alarm – a rallying call to all countries to immediately take notice and take action.

On March 9, 2020, Dr. Tedros said in passing during a press conference: “Now that the virus has a foothold in so many countries, the threat of a pandemic has become very real.” It was called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the virus that causes it was named SARSCoV2 as it is a distant cousin of the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

Two days later, he declared at a press briefing in Geneva: ““Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified

acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.”

The last time a pandemic was declared was in 2009 yet when a novel influenza A called H1N1 – called popularly as swine flu – spread quickly from the United States to the world.

The CDC estimated “151,700 to 575,400 people around the globe died from infection during the first year the virus circulated.”

“This is not just a public health crisis, it is a crisis that will touch every sector – so every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight,” Dr. Tedros pointed out. “I have said from the beginning that countries must take a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach, built around a comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives and minimize impact.”

One year later, COVID-19 is still very much around. Although there are already vaccines available, the Philippines has yet to immunize its people.

But what’s petrifying is that a new variant of the SARS-CoV2 has been reported in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

At the Geneva headquarters, Dr. Tedros delivered a

timely message: “As people around the world celebrated New Year’s Eve 12 months ago, a new global threat emerged.

Since that moment, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken so many lives and caused massive disruption to families, societies and economies all over the world.”

But the good thing about it is that the pandemic “also triggered the fastest and most wide-reaching response to a global health emergency in human history.”

The past year saw the world unite against the virus, from small personal gestures to protect others, to international collaboration on research and innovation.

“The hallmarks of this response have been an unparalleled mobilization of science, a search for solutions and a commitment to global solidarity,” Dr. Tedros stated. “Acts of generosity, large and small, equipped hospitals with the tools that health workers needed to stay safe and care for their patients.”

The WHO chief said that outpourings of kindness have helped society’s most vulnerable through troubled times.

The year ends with COVID-19

vaccines rolling out – an extraordinary feat.

“Vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics have been developed and rolled out, at record speed, thanks to collaborations including the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator,” Dr. Tedros pointed out.

“Equity is the essence of the ACT Accelerator, and its vaccine arm, COVAX, which has secured access to 2 billion doses of promising vaccine candidates.”

Vaccines offer great hope to turn the tide of the pandemic, according to Dr. Tedros. “But to protect the world, we must ensure that all people at risk everywhere – not just in countries who can afford vaccines – are immunized.”

To accomplish this, COVAX needs just over US$4 billion urgently to buy vaccines for low- and lower-middle income countries. “This is the challenge we must rise to in the new year,” Dr. Tedros said.

In a statement released to the media, the United Nations health agency said that there is still so much to do in 2021.

“The pandemic still rages in large parts of the world,” it said.

“There are massive funding gaps.”

For his part, the WHO head

reminded how divisions in politics and communities feed the virus and foment the crisis.

“But collaboration and partnership save lives and safeguard societies,” he stressed.

“In 2020, a health crisis of historic proportions showed us just how closely connected we all are,” Dr. Tedros said in his message. “We saw how acts of kindness and care helped neighbors through times of great struggle.

“But we also witnessed how acts of malice, and misinformation, caused avoidable harm. Going into 2021, we have a simple, yet profound, choice to make: Do we ignore the lessons of 2020 and allow insular, partisan approaches, conspiracy theories and attacks on science to prevail, resulting in unnecessary suffering to people’s health and society at large?”

During the first ever International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, Dr. Tedros pointed out: “History tells us that COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic. We must commit to end the cycle of panic and neglect and invest in preparedness now so that our children inherit a safer, more sustainable world.”

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

A NATION THAT DOES NOT LEARN FROM ITS PAST “When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.” Nelson Mandela, a victim of apartheid who became President of South Africa.

(The Philippines has a very storied past, beginning from even before its discovery by the explorer Magellan that is replete with a detailed enumeration of its struggles, producing countless heroes and heroines on its way to achieving what all people want: complete independence, freedom and liberty.)

Nearly 7 decades and five years ago, on July 4, 1946 America permanently brought home its Star and Stripes, granting the Philippines full and complete rein of its government.

From then on, free elections based on democratic processes installed twelve Chief Executives, beginning with Manuel Roxas up to our incumbent president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Only two constitutional changes occurred: The first in 1973 when Ferdinand Marcos

engineered a Constitutional Convention with a new charter that replaced the 1935 fundamental law and the 1988 Constitution inspired by the People Power revolution under the Cory Aquino regime.

Thirty-three years hence (since 1988). Although globalization has been engulfing the whole world with a slew of new economic and business trends and cries from all sectors indicated the need to revise the basic law of the land, nothing has moved. Yes, nada.

Everything that we hear from Congress is lip service.

Did Filipinos learn anything positive from its historical past, from the legacy of Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini, Luna, Del Pilar, Jacinto, et al?

Should I say we are an under-achieving race considering that it’s been 75 years since we became our own masters, yet we have not evolved as ideally expected as our Asian neighbors have.

Painfully, we are lagging and continue to lag in many aspects of human existence.

Singapore’s long revered leader Lee Kwan Yew has aptly

described our form of government as “too much of a democracy” which, ironically is a satirical play on the lack of unity and discipline among Filipinos, notably among political leaders.

Filipinos know what they want but they seem not to know what they need to do to accomplish and attain what they want.

Why can’t we pick up from the legacy of the 1896 Revolution so that Filipinos can detach themselves from the vestiges of Spanish mis-rule and American colonialism?

We need new, fresh faces in Philippine politics today whose dynamism stems out of nationalist ideology. Philippines First.

Pinoy Muna.

Most of those who are aspirants to the higher elective positions are scions of old political families that have metamorphosed into entrenched dynasties.

There is no extra effort from our current crop of political leaders to initiate and undertake long, enduring and impactful reforms because they have no solid objectives and

goals.

Even as this comes off the press, political chatter about who is likely to run for president and vice president in 2022 is already the order of the day.

What takes my goat is that the number three official of the land set aside ‘delicadeza’ and sanity by filing this early a senate proposal to grant ABS CBN a renewed franchise as if Filipinos direly need it like it is food on the table. Wow, how stupid can one get?

(SP Sotto, why not instead propose a bill strengthening and improving PTV4 by ceding to it the ABS CBN franchise so that government can fill in the information and communication gap that has been haunting the government television and broadcast arm?)

Filipinos must wake up now before more ambitious wannabes with low IQs and academically-challenged politicos get elected to the Senate and the House of Representatives. Tama na po ang isang Lito Lapid.

Let us learn from the past and elect only the MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE particularly

in the 2022 presidential polls.

Because of the CoVid 19, many candidates for national positions will be prevented from reaching the most number of people because mass gatherings are not allowed.

Therefore, more popular bets with name recall will win senate seats.

Filipinos must strive to achieve excellence by electing candidates with excellent academic resumes and actual work experience required by the position they are seeking.

Pinoy voters must remember not to vote for candidates with allegations of corruption, sexual promiscuity and utter lack of nationalism and statesmanship. These guys must be rejected by the people.

In the same patriotic manner that Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini, Del Pilar, Luna, Jacinto and the heroes of 1896 fought for Philippine independence, Filipinos today must seek the best political leaders to lead the government and get the best public service in return.

Cheers! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPINES!

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 226 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 VOL.13 ISSUE 226 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

GMA NETWORK UNVEILS EXCITING NEW PROGRAMS AND OFFERINGS FOR 2021 GMA Network offers a beacon of hope this 2021 as it ushers in the New Year with a stellar roster of exciting new programs and offerings.

searches for answers about his wife’s secret affair but soon realizes he’s falling for the spouse of his wife’s lover; “World Between Us,” a principled man gets wronged by the people he considers as famKick-starting the line-up ily; “Love. Die. Repeat.,” a woman is for GMA Afternoon Prime is the stuck reliving the day of her boyreturn of “Magkaagaw” with recap friend’s death over and over again; and fresh episodes to ring in the and “The Witness,” a man with New Year. Magkaagaw is the highhigh-functioning autism becomes rating soap top-billed by Sunshine a witness and a secret keeper to a Dizon, Klea Pineda, Jeric Gonzales, crime. and Sheryl Cruz. Next up is the On weekends, adventure awaits heart-tugging story of “Babawiin Kapuso viewers in the actionKo Ang Lahat” top-billed by John packed family drama “Agimat ng Estrada and Carmina Villaroel, and Agila” featuring Senator Bong Rein her first starring role, promisvilla Jr. together with Sanya Lopez, ing Kapuso drama actress Pauline Bonnevie.

Roi Vinzon, Benjie Paras, Allen Mendoza. The well-loved tandem Viewers also can’t wait for the Dizon, Seth dela Cruz, and Elizaof Rita Daniela and Ken Chan rehighly-anticipated romantic combeth Oropesa. turns to the small screen on “Ang edy series “First Yaya.” The series GMA Network’s all-original Dalawang Ikaw” and is joined by is headlined by award-winning musical competition is also set to Kapuso newcomer Ana Vicente.

Kapuso actor Gabby Concepreturn with “The Clash Season Set to launch as well on GMA cion with Pancho Magno, Maxine 4”; while the quest to find the Bida Afternoon Prime is the TV adaptaMedina, Pilar Pilapil, Cassy LeKid is back on “Centerstage,” hosted tion of the 1988 award-winning gaspi, JD Domagoso, and Sanya by no less than Asia’s Multimedia film “Nagbabagang Luha” starLopez who plays the lead role of Star Alden Richards and co-hosted ring Glaiza de Castro, Rayver Yaya Melody. It follows the story

by Betong Sumaya.

Cruz, introducing Claire Casof the Vice President of the PhilipEveryday people will take on the tro with Mike Tan. Viewers should pines (Gabby) who will later assume challenge of a lifetime in “Catch Me also watch out for the riveting the presidency and his blooming lic Affairs, “Owe My Love” narrates It dwells on the story of a young Out Philippines,” an exciting show legal drama “Artikulo 247”; the romance with Yaya Melody, the the story of a financially illiterate woman whose status as a fashion based on the UK original where the multi-layered rivalry of three sisters nanny of his children. woman and a miserly but successful socialite is shaken up after returngreatest pretender wins. It is hosted in “Las Hermanas”; the weekly draAnother breakthrough culdoctor and financial advisor whose ing to her hometown, rediscoverby Jose Manalo with Kakai Bauma series “Love Connections” that tural drama series from theCQI GMA lives intertwine when the formerdemand ing her roots,us andpackage rekindlingofher tista and Derrick Monasterio. graders still conductincreased from assistance Aside from the production he specialty Arabica coffee grown in 2021 opens with intriguing social media Entertainment Group this ed gets indebted to the specialty latter. community, anreleaseA new breed of talented artistswe the grading and cuproasters.love for family, that includes and close and technical support, foothills oftheMt. Apo – the coun- Kapuso ping of the submitted en-Affairs isJoe Marivic attri- fertilizer, pruning shears also made sure music the active posts andthe eventually unravels is “Legal Wives” where GMA Public alsoand set to ex-flame. who can make beautiful tries on to provide bute their feat to theViewers open- will and and processing participation coffee try’s highest peak first on story behind them; and the story of ranked Drama King Dennis Trillo takes bring itsfarmers biggest action-adventure alsosaw be delighted together are also set toofbeour discovwith a feedback on their ness of the BACOFA [Balufacilities such as tramline farmers during exhibits the person who one day dis- green the challenging of Ishmael, a series to date in “Lolong.” Banwith the return of the exceptional ered in “Sing For Hearts”. In this thelittle recently conducted gradingrole and produce. With this, we be- takay Coffee Farmers’ system, dryers, roasting to showcase their procovers that she is an heiress despite Maranaw Muslim royalty who has nered by Kapuso Action-Drama and one-of-a-kind drama antholinnovative contest, male lieve that we can increase Cooperative] members to facility, hauling truck, and ducesinging and establish linkage cupping by licensed Coffee Quality Instigrowing up from a poor family three wives portrayed by talented Lolong is ogy “I Can See You” featuringsaid the Marivand female singersconsumers/buyshall be blindly the FilipinoPrince Ruru farmers Madrid, on new technologies in coffee mini-storage,” among tute (CQI) graders. improving coffee byqualifarming, and ic.

Thistoisseeline in “Little Princess.” actresses Alice Dixson, Andrea Tor- inspired the world’s largest harvesting, biggest and brightest Kapuso stars. paired ers. together whowith can our ty,” said DA Undersecreprocessing.

The co-op has Meanwhile, DA-XI Retwin goal of not just Emerging on top of the Supposedly, the said On GMA Telebabad, the rivalry res, and Bianca Umali. Portraying crocodile in captivity of the same This ground-breaking program create a singing love-team thatMasawill tary for High Value Crops 250 members and collecgional Executive DirecAniofbut Matacountry’s best specialty grading was part of the between friends-turned-mortalan equally important role is intername. Joining Ruru in the series are pivots on its common visual storycaptureganang the hearts thealso audience brew, Joe Randy Dubria 2020 Philippine Cof- and Rural Credit Evelyn tively cultivates 400 hect- tor Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. as na Kita,” said Oñate. enemies in the recap actress Cherie Kapuso actresses Arra San telling mnemonic device whichthe is Davao and the judges Laviña. ares ofAguscoffee plantation in congratulates Theyalike. are also the farmand hiscontinues wife Marivic Du- and fee nationally-acclaimed Quality Competifresh of “Anak ni Waraytion (PCQC) Gil. tin and Shaira Diaz.the foothills of Mt.the use of a camera a witnessfor to makingFor more updates on GMA Based on Philippine Apo. coffeeasfarmers er-cooperators of theNetDAbria, episodes coffee farmers from but due to coffee qualitySure standards, “We tosought the thetales as-of love it big the domestic and HVCDPprograms Coffee Rejuvevs.

Anak ni Biday,” top-billed Talented versatile Kato keep viewers glued and in mystery from work’sXI upcoming and ofBalutakay, Bansalan in by COVID-19, the and competicoffee beansthe must have at weeknight sistanceis from everyday variouspeople. international markets. ferings,nation by then Davao del Sur, garnered tion was Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie pusocancelled. stars Lovi Poe and Benjamin screen every follow Project its officialled Facebook, least a grade of 80 percent agencies to improve our “We are proud and HVCDP coffee focal John aForteza and Kate cupping gradeValdez, of 85.36 “Even with the PCQC together Alves are reunited on primetime via the sweeping romance drama “I Other upcoming soaps to look Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube and bested around 70 cancelled, the Depart- to be considered a special- coffee production and DA- thankful that our farmers Paul Matuguinas and furwith Migo Adecer and seasoned comedy Left My Heart in Sorsogon” starforward to onhave GMAutilized Telebabad accounts or visit www.gmanetwork. ty coffee. The closer to 100 XI was one of those.

The the support ther intensified with now entries nationwide sub- ment the of romantic Agriculture (DA)series “Owe actresses Snooky Serna and Dina My Love.” Produced

by GMA Pub- sample ring Heart are “To Have given & To Hold,” a man com. HVCDP XI regional coora coffee gets,Evangelista-Escudero. the DA-XI High Value Crops to them to improve mitted by farmers and together with other partProgram their livelihood and the dinator Merriel Aglibot. entities engaged in coffee ner agencies such as the more likely it will com- Development farming.

ACDI/VOCA and licensed mand a higher price and (HVCDP) has provided quality of their produce. (Celso C. Vergara, DA11)

Coffee grown in the Mt. Apo’s foothills tops Philippines’ best brew

T

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9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 226 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

Aneurysm: Just waiting to erupt

I

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

n a news report posted on January 6, 2021, Philippine Daily Inquirer said Christine Dacera, a flight crew member of the Philippine Airlines Express, died of aneurysm. Source of information was lawyer Brick Reyes, the Dacera family’s spokesperson.

The pronouncement of Reyes was based on what “appeared on the death certificate.” However, it didn’t contain the “other injuries Dacera sustained.”

Right now, what is sure is that Dacera is already dead. Whether she was actually raped or not and died of aneurysm, no one can tell for sure. As Reyes puts it: “We also believe that maybe the aneurysm was a proximate cause but it is also very possible it was triggered by the assault prior to her death.”

“A bulge in the wall of an artery, usually the aorta” is how the second home edition of The Merck Manual of Medical Information defines it.

The aorta, which is about one inch in diameter, is the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart through its branches to the entire body.

Experts have likened aneurysms to time bombs for good reason: You can be without symptoms until the faulty blood vessel bursts. “The bulge usually occurs in a weak area of the artery’s wall,” explains the Merck manual.

“The pressure of blood inside the artery forces the weak area to balloon outward.”

Aneurysms can develop anywhere along the aorta, the large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle of the heart to other parts of the body.

The Merck manual says three-fourths of aortic aneurysms develop in the part that passes through the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm), and the rest develop in the part that passes through the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm).

Aneurysms can also develop in the arteries at the back of the knee, the main arteries of the thighs, the arteries supplying the head, the arteries supplying the brain (cerebral aneurysm), and the arteries supplying the heart muscle.

Is aneurysm dangerous? “Yes,” replies Dr. Philip Chua, chairman of the cardiovascular surgery center at the Cebu Doctors Hospital and College of Medicine, “if it grows large enough (twice or larger than its normal diameter), increasing the risk of rup-

ture.”

The other common danger of an aneurysm is blood clot. “A blood clot often develops in the aneurysm because blood flow inside the aneurysm is sluggish,” explains the Merck manual. “The clot may extend along the entire wall of the aneurysm.

A blood clot may break

loose, travel through the bloodstream, and block arteries.”

It is not known why aneurysms occur in some people and not in others.

“People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smokers are the most likely to suffer,” says Dr. Alfred Cheng, head of the cardiac clinic at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Center in Singapore. “Those with close relatives who have had aneurysms and diabetics are also at risk.”

Men are eight times more likely to have an aneurysm than women. In older people, almost all aneurysms are associated with arteriosclerosis.

“This is commonly known as hardening of the artery due to constant and long-standing cholesterol build-up in the inner wall of the artery,” says Dr. Chua.

“Whenever we eat fatty foods like pork, beef, eggs, and dairy products, among others, the cholesterol level in our blood goes up, making our blood thicker and prone to blood clot formation.

As it circulates all over our body, this thick blood is painted on the inner wall of the arteries and adheres to the wall, and as weeks and months go by, this thick blood becomes clots, which ultimately mature into hardened plaques that are calcified and hard as bone. These plaques grow larger and ultimately fill-up and ob-

struct the caliber of the artery, much like the junk blocking our sewer pipes in the kitchen sink over a period of time.”

Aside from arteriosclerosis, other causes of aneurysms include injuries, inflammatory diseases of aorta, hereditary connective-tissue disorders, and some infectious diseases such as syphilis.

As stated earlier, most aneurysms show no symptoms. But some people who have an abdominal aortic aneurysm often become aware of a throbbing feeling in the abdomen, says Dr. Willie T. Ong in the video he posted in his Facebook account.

The person may also experience a deep pain in the back or the side of the abdomen. As aneurysm grows, he or she will feel steady, gnawing pain in the abdomen that lasts for hours or days.

According to Dr. Ong, if the abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, the following may happen: sudden, severe pain in lower abdomen and back; nausea and vomiting; constipation; problems with urination; clammy, sweaty skin; light-headedness; rapid heart rate when standing up; and shock.

On the other hand, typical symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm are pain (usually high in the back), coughing, and wheezing. Rarely, a per-

son coughs up blood because of pressure on or erosion of the windpipe or nearby airways. “Swallowing may be difficult if an aneurysm puts pressure on the esophagus, which carries food to the stomach,” informs the Merck manual.

Meanwhile, rupture of cerebral aneurysm may cause bleeding into the brain tissue, resulting in a stroke. “A ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm could definitely result in stroke when it breaks open, but the more common cause is the lack of blood in the brain due to blockage in the neck artery that normally supplies blood to the brain, or due to a blood clot,” explains Dr. Chua.

The US-based Pacific Vascular Research Foundation says aortic aneurysms can be diagnosed prior to rupture. Regular physical examinations can be helpful. One reason a doctor examines a patient’s abdomen during a routine exam is to feel for an abnormally pulsating aorta in the mid-abdominal region.

Other tests include ultrasound examination and various radiological imaging studies including computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and aortography (an x-ray procedure performed after injection of a dye that outlines the aneurysm).

FANEURYSM, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO VACCINE... FROM2

“Because dako ang duties and responsibilities sa national government. But kana atoang order augmentation lang na sa giandam sa atoang national government para sa Philippine Vaccination Program. Katong wala naapil sa listahan sa national government, cover sila sa atoang bakuna sa city government of Davao. We will still follow the vaccination program of the Philippines,” she said.

The priority eligible groups identified by the national government to receive the vaccine are the frontline health workers from

the public and private sectors, indigent senior citizens, remaining senior citizens, indigent population and uniformed personnel.

Other priorities are teachers and school workers from public and private institutions, government workers, essential workers in agriculture, food industry, transportation and tourism, socio-demographic groups at significantly higher risk like people deprived of liberty, people with disabilities and Filipinos living in high density areas, overseas Filipino workers, other remaining work force and students.

such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infection, or sudden traumatic injury.

However, there are other factors at play as Dacera had lacerations, contusions, and scratches on her body and lacerations and sperm in her genitals On Tuesday, the PNP said the identification of suspects was enough to consider Dacera's case as "case solved."

Makati City Prosecutor General Ben Malcontento on Wednes-

day ordered the release of three suspects in Dacera's death after finding that police had submitted insufficient evidence.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said the NBI will be working closely with the police in connection with Dacera's case.

"The forensic medicine team is providing assistance to the Makati police to determine the real cause of death of flight attendant Christine Dacera," Guevarra told reporters. (PNA)

Vaccine skepticism Despite the high level of worry among Filipinos, a Pulse Asia survey found that only 32% expressed willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19, while 47% said they would not get vaccinated. The remaining 21% said they were ambivalent about the vaccine.

The survey, which Pulse Asia conducted from November 23 to December 2 among 2,400 adults nationwide, also found that 94% of all respondents were worried

about getting COVID-19.

In the same survey, 41% of Metro Manila residents said they would not get vaccinated.

A separate survey by Octa Research, meanwhile, found that only 25% of Metro Manila residents were willing to get vaccinated against the disease. The survey was conducted from December 9 to 13 among 600 residents.

As of Thursday, the Philippines has 482,083 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 9,356 deaths.

key sectors, it says.

However, the pandemic, and the ensuing focus on economic

recovery, has brought a renewed sense of urgency to discussions around AI usage, it adds. (Antara)

palities nationwide," it said.

With a better data network in place, it said services such as Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice Over WiFi (VoWiFi) are also seen to improve and will deliver clearer voice calls, faster call setup,

and “near-zero dropped calls.”

VoLTE and VoWiFi were initially being rolled out in the National Capital Region and in other parts of Luzon and will be implemented in the Visayas and Mindanao this year. (PNA)

will determine if they will play here and the quarantine requirement the government will put up for them)," Marcial said.

The 46th season of the PBA is

scheduled to begin on April 9 with the Philippine Cup. Marcial said he is considering an August start for the import-laden conference. (PNA)

facility, and will be billeted in isolated rooms. Results are to be relayed by the COVID Enforcement Team, headed by MSAS’ Dr. Janis de Vera. “Athletes and coaches will be billeted in single and double occupancy rooms, with pick-andgo scheme in food distribution all throughout the bubble,” said de Vera.

Philippine Sports Institute National Training Director Marc Velasco added that the MSAS Medical Unit, Rehabilitation Unit, Strength and Conditioning Unit, Sport Massage Unit, Sports Physiology, Sports Nutrition and Sports Psychology Unit will be available to serve the Olympic hopefuls via live and virtual consultations.

“The PSC is here for your needs as we work to keep the integri-

ty of the bubble.”

“Our boxing team is scheduled to arrive on January 15, with the Taekwondo and Karate teams on January 16 and 17 respectively. All travel orders are also being arranged by the agency,” added Velasco.

Inspire Sports Academy Head of Sales JM Pilares and his team were also present in the meeting and briefed the national athletes on house rules, available amenities and other useful information inside the venue. “We at Inspire are honored and excited to host our national team in preparation for the Olympics.”

Last December 15, the IATF approved the recommendation for the resumption of training for the national team qualifying for Tokyo Olympics.

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and not a total overhaul may be possible in making amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

"Often, pag charter change ang pinagusapan, napakasikip kaagad. Halos imposible. Baka amendments to the charter. Baka one or two points kung ano ang pag aamyendahan doon. May pag-asa pa. Kapag sinabi mongcharter change, it is the entire Constitution that you are going to replace. Hindi ganun kadali iyan dahil sa researchsa term of tenure. To amend a certain provision or provisions, mapapag-usapan iyan. (When charter change is the topic. it becomes difficult.

Almost impossible. One or two points to be amended. There is hope in that. When you say charter change, you refer to the entire Constitution it is not easy. (But) to amend certain provisions, that can be discussed)," Sotto said in an online interview with reporters Thursday.

This came after Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Francis Tolen-

tino filed a resolution to convene Congress as a Constituent assembly (Con-ass) to initiate limited amendments to the Charter.

Sotto, meanwhile, expressed optimism on passing possible amendments on economic provisions and the party-list system.

"Ang malinaw na tinanong ng Presidente pag upo niya ay sinabi niya na (What the President clearly asked is) 'I want this problem with the CPP-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines –New People’s Army] solved'. So, hinintay ko kung ano ang sasabihin niya (I waited for what he would say) about it. Sabi niya na (He said) the best way is that we remove the party-list system, or change it in the Constitution so we can call for a constituent assembly and amend that. And then of course, samantalahin ninyo na (take advantage of it). You can amend the economic provisions, sabi niya (that is what he said)," Sotto said.

Sotto also denied reports

claiming that the proposed amendments aim to change term limits for elective officials.

"Eh hindi totoo iyon (That is not true). I can tell you bluntly na walang sinabing ganoon ang Pangulo (the President did not mention anything about it)," Sotto said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson also expressed misgivings about the plan to reform the Constitution.

"Without the certainty that both chambers of Congress will be voting separately, and there is none due to the vagueness of that particular provision in the 1987 Constitution - and only the Supreme Court can make such interpretation - it's like taking one big step into a mousetrap, or even quicksand for that matter," Lacson said. "Having said that, I think all of us 24 senators should discuss this matter very carefully before we even consider plenary debates on the said resolution if indeed there is one filed." (with reports from Benjamin Pulta/PNA)

ma ng national government kasi lahat po ng bakuna ay binibenta on a government-to-government basis (They can’t purchase vaccines on their own, they need a signature from the national government because all vaccines are sold on a government-to-government basis),” he said.

Roque earlier welcomed efforts made by some LGUs to allocate funds to secure Covid-19 vaccines for their constituents.

Last Tuesday, Quezon City announced that they had signed a

vaccine deal with British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

Stay vigilant Meanwhile, Roque warned the public of the prevailing Covid-19 threat following reports that residents in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the least stringent classification, have been “lax” in following minimum health standards.

“Maski kayo po ay naka-MGCQ kinakailangan pa ring sumunod doon sa ating mga minimum

health protocols, dahil eh kaya nga po mababa diyan sumusunod kayo dati sa mga minimum health protocols (Even if you are under MGCQ, you need to follow minimum health protocols, because the reason why you have low cases there is because you used to follow minimum health protocols),” he said.

As of Thursday, health authorities have logged a total of 482,083 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 9,356 deaths and 449,052 recoveries. (PNA)

Doctors may diagnose a thoracic aortic aneurysm based on symptoms, or they may discover the aneurysm by chance during a routine physical examination. Cerebral aneurysms can be detected by imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans, and angiograms (X-rays are used to produce pictures of the inside of blood vessels).

Aneurysms that are less than two inches wide rarely rupture.

In the case of abdominal aortic aneurysm, “the only treatment required may be antihypertensive drugs to lower blood pressure,” the Merck manual states. “Aneurysms that are wider rupture are fairly common, so doctors usually recommend surgery, unless surgery is too risky for a particular patient.” The risk of death during an operation for a ruptured aneurysm is about 50

percent.

Because cerebral aneurysms are near the brain and are usually small, their diagnosis and treatment differ from those of other aneurysms. “Once detected, most brain aneurysms can be repaired with microsurgery,” says the Boston-based Brain Aneurysm Foundation, Inc. in the United States. “This type of surgery is performed with the aid of an operating microscope and tiny instruments. During surgery, the aneurysm is identified and removed. After the aneurysm is removed, the wound is closed.”

Dr. Chua advises that if you suspect you might have an aneurysm, the most prudent thing to do is to seek medical consultation. “An aneurysm could be serious, even fatal, when it leaks or ruptures.”

Wikipedia features some

famous personalities who died from aneurysms. Albert Einstein, for instance, died from a repaired aortic aneurysm.

Charles de Gaulle died from an aneurysm within his neck.

Edith Piaf died from a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Both Lauran Branigan and Isabel Granada died of cerebral aneurysm. Thomas Mikal Ford was 52 when he died from a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen. Stuart Sutcliffe died from aneurysm in his brain’s right hemisphere.

Two Hollywood stars died of it: Lucille Ball from an aortic rupture in the abdominal area days after having undergone apparently successful heart surgery for a dissecting aortic aneurysm. John Ritter died of a misdiagnosed thoracic aortic dissection. – (Infographics sourced from the net)

ruary 6, marking Barty's first appearance in 11 months after opting out of the US and European swing last year over coronavirus fears.

As well as Williams, the likes of world number two Simona Halep, defending Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and previous Australian Open winners Naomi Osaka, Victoria Azarenka and Angelique Kerber will take part.

The leading men's stars, including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, will compete in the 12-team ATP Cup, which will be run at the same time and at the same venue.

Those that didn't qualify will play in two ATP 250 tournaments -- the Great Ocean Road Open and Murray River Open, featuring top names including David Goffin, Stan Wawrinka,

Grigor Dimitrov and Nick Kyrgios.

"There's no doubt this will be an historic week of tennis, and is the biggest-ever Australian Open lead-in week we have seen," said Tennis Australia's major events chief Cameron Pearson.

"While we know the circumstances are unique this year, it is a huge coup to secure such strong playing fields."

Yet Messi also said he could see the new side was slowly beginning to form and was capable of great things. Wednesday’s exhibition in Bilbao was proof of their progress.

The win was far from the only top performance Barca have produced under manager Ronald Koeman but they have struggled for consistency and are still lack-

ing a run of consecutive victories needed to stage a title challenge.

Granada, who are seventh in the standings, will not be easy opponents. They have the fifthbest home record in the league, winning five of eight home games while losing once.

Barca are third in La Liga, five points behind second-placed Real Madrid and seven adrift

of leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand on both sides.

Atletico, who suffered an embarrassing midweek Copa del Rey defeat at third division Cornella, host ninth-placed Bilbao on Saturday when champions Real visit second-bottom Osasuna after enjoying a rare seven days’ rest since their last match.

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Serena, Barty lead Aus Open prelude MELBOURNE, Australia -- World number one Ashleigh Barty and 23time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams will spearhead the two WTA tournaments in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open, with the top 32-ranked women split evenly across the simultaneous events, organizers said Thursday.

The onslaught of Covid-19 has forced a radical change to how the early 2021 tennis season will look, with the Australian Open pushed back three

Ancajas lined up for unification fight D According to Ancajas’ camp, the Ioka fight is among those included in negotiations for his future fights. “’Yon po ang inaayos ni (MP Promotions chief) Sean (Gibbons) ngayon,”

said Ancajas’ coach Joven Jimenez in a report by ABS CBN Sports. “Kasama na siya sa negosasyon.”

Jimenez said Ancajas was thrilled to hear the news as he has longed for a title unification bout for

several years now. “’Yon talaga ang pangarap ni Jerwin, na makalaban ng unification,” said the coach.

In his most recent outing, Ioka, the reigning WBO junior bantam king, stopped countryman Kosei Tanaka in 8 rounds.

But first, Ancajas must defend his IBF ju- nior bantamweight title against mandatory challenger

superstars in uniform — blue uniforms, a throwback to 30 years ago in New Jersey — the Nets jumped out quickly and had a double-digit lead for much of the second half while winning their second straight, both without Durant.

Caris LeVert had 22

points, 10 ass i s t s and seven rebounds, and Jarrett Allen added 15 points and 11 boards for the Nets.

said at the resumption of the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports' Usapang Sports forum.

If in case the three-conference schedule becomes less feasible, he said the reinforced conference for this year may likely be the usual season ending tournament.

"Baka Governors' Cup (Maybe the Governors' Cup)," Marcial added.

However, he clarified that nothing has been cast in stone yet.

"Hindi ko pa masasabi sa inyo hanggang wala pang liwanag sa atin kung may vaccine na tayo at ano ang ipapagawa ng gobyerno sa atin (I cannot divulge everything to you as long as

we could not shed light on whether we already have a vaccine and what the government will ask us to do)," Marcial said.

National and local government units have started their procurement process to avail of the Covid-19 vaccines that could arrive early this year.

On the other hand, the United States has just begun inoculating its citizens with the Covid-19 vaccines, which could make things easier for the imports to be cleared for action.

"Titignan namin if papayag sila [na maglaro dito] at ano ang quarantine na hihingiin ng government (We

Harris steps up for Nets

N

EW YORK — Joe Harris scored a season-high 28 points and the Brooklyn Nets, playing without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, beat the NBA-leading Philadelphia 76ers 122109 on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time).

Without their two

PBA sets 2 conferences for 2021

T

he Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is eyeing at least two conferences, the highly anticipated Philippine Cup and an import spiced conference, for the upcoming 46th season.

However, Commissioner Willie Marcial said on Thursday that the league will still try to play out the classic three-tournament calendar amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Pipilitin namin kung kakayanin, three conferences. Kung hindi, two conferences (We will try to hold three conferences if we can. If not, we will hold two conference)," Marcial

FPBA, P10

FSERENA, P10

Led by reborn Messi, Barca aim for three wins in a row

Panabo City native Jerwin Ancajas could be fighting for a unification fight against Kazuto Ioka of Japan.

abawenyo world boxing champion Jerwin Ancajas is being lined up for a possible world junior bantamweight title unification bout against Kazuto Ioka of Japan.

weeks to February 8.

Players will arrive in Australia from January 15 and undergo a mandatory two-week quarantine before two WTA 500 and two ATP 250 events are held alongside the ATP Cup, all at Melbourne Park.

Organizers have branded it the Melbourne Summer Series and named each tournament after areas of Victoria state.

That will see the women play the Gippsland Trophy and Yarra Valley Classic from January 31-Feb-

Jonathan Javier Rodriguez.

Ancajas is currently staying with Jimenez in Los Angeles, together Eumir Marcial and Jonas Sultan, just waiting for a date for his next bout.

Jimenez said Ancajas and co. are familiar with Ioka, since they have been watching his fight for years.

“Palagi naming napapanood. Class A-plus si Ioka. Complete fighter,” said Jimenez.

B

ARCELONA - Barcelona showed their true potential in an outstanding 3-2 midweek win over Athletic Bilbao but now face the hard task of following it up when they visit Granada on Saturday searching for an elusive third consecutive La Liga victory.

With Lionel Messi back to his best and linking superbly with teenage sensation Pedri, the Catalans were at times unplayable and recorded their most significant away victory of the season in the league with their first win in Bilbao in four games. Messi was at the heart of their play and, during a season in which he has often looked out o f

touch with his team mates, everything seemed to finally click.

Pedri, 18, was his most reliable partner, serving up Messi’s first goal of the evening with an outrageous backheel into his path and showing a level of understanding with him not seen since Andres Iniesta’s departure in 2018.

Messi displayed his appreciation by embracing Pedri and the delighted look on the Argentine’s face conveyed his joy at finding an attacking player he thrives with after failing to dovetail with Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho.

Barca’s captain said recently he had dragged the ill-feeling from his bid to leave the club last summer into this campaign, adding that he had struggled to identify with what has become a young and inexperienced team after so many new arrivals.

FLED, P10

Joe Harris had 28 points for the Nets in the absence of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

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Olympic hopefuls undergo bubble orientation

T

okyo Olympics aspirants and their teammates from national teams of boxing, taekwondo and karate were given a virtual orientation by the Philippine Sports Commission yesterday on safety protocols set for the bubble training at Inspire Sports Academy.

“We called for this meeting to emphasize the safety protocols you will be needing for this Olympic training bubble. I am confident that we can all adjust to this, but know that your safety is paramount to the PSC,” said PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who along with Chef de Mission Nonong Araneta led the online briefing.

“I just want to reiterate that your safety is paramount in this bubble training. I wish all of you the best for your qualifiers so that we can bring more glory to Philippine sports,” said CDM Araneta in his welcome speech.

Strict protocols crafted by the agency’s Medical Scientific Athletes Services (MSAS) Unit will be observed

by the 46 athletes and coaches inside the bubble facility in Calumba, Laguna this month.

“Athletes will undergo a series of RT-PCR testing. Prior to entry, upon entry, and several testings during the bubble training,” said MSAS Unit Head Dr. Randy Molo.

This is why he encouraged everyone to restrict movement 14 days before entry, and restricted interactions 7 days prior to their entry in the bubble facility, “from today, everyone must reconsider all the places and people they will be interacting with.”

Delegates will be subjected to another round of RT-PCR tests inside the

FBUBBLE, P10

Dabawenya boxer Nesthy Petecio begins her bubble training. Nesthy Petecio’s FB page

FPANDEMIC, P10