Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 45 |Wednesday, June 3, 2020

BREASTFEEDING IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19 HEALTH P8

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GOOD TO GO

VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

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DIA ready to resume operations but needs to resolve ‘setbacks’

By MAYA M. PADILLO n official of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Davao (CAAP-Davao) announced that Davao International Airport (DIA) is ready to resume operations but is yet to resolve some 'setbacks' before it re-opens.

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Engineer Rex Obcena, CAAP-Davao manager, said in a virtual presser on Monday, that the setbacks include the operations of transport linkages like the outbound bus routes which have not been fully operational pending the approval of some routes by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“DIA is a transit point, meaning dili lang residents of Davao City ang galupad padulong ug pahawa dinhi, but also residents from neighboring regions. Given this, naay possibility nga katong non-Davao City residents nga nag-transit lang dinhi going to neighboring regions matanggong sila dinhi kay wala pa man fully nag-resume ang land transportation sa Davao Region,” Obcena said.

Based on Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s letter of request sent to Transportation Secretary Arturo Tu-

A commercial plane lands at the Davao International Airport in this file photo. The airport is all set to resume operations but officials believe the transport linkages in the Davao Region needs to be resolved first. Edge Davao photo

gade through CAAP-Davao, the local government units (LGUs) in Davao Region needed time to establish a system for their airport pick-up initiative to prevent residents stranded in Davao City. The issue will be resolved between LTFRB-Davao and all the LGUs concerned from June 1 to 5.

“Because we still have limited mass transportation in the city and within Region 11,” Obcena said. “That is the rationale ngano nangayo ta ug ample time to resolve this issue."

Obcena added that this is also the reason why the mayor and CAAPDavao came up with the June 8, 2020 gradual resumption of DIA operation.

The city government of Davao is targeting to accommodate domestic commercial flights starting June 8.

Mayor Sara also requested to DoTr through CAAP for the resumption of

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WORLDWIDE COVID-19 NUMBERS BOARD

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PHILIPPINES

WORLDWIDE

CONFIRMED: 6,371,696 • DEATH: 377,556 • RECOVERED: 2,904,958

CONFIRMED: 18,638 • DEATH: 960 • RECOVERED: 3,979

As of June 2, 2020, here’s the Top 5 list of countries with most number of COVID-19 cases 1. U.S.A CONFIRMED: 1,859,323 DEATH: 106,925 RECOVERED: 615,416

2. BRAZIL CONFIRMED: 529,405 DEATH: 30,046 RECOVERED: 211,080

3. RUSSIA CONFIRMED: 414,878 DEATH: 4,855 RECOVERED: 175,877

4. SPAIN CONFIRMED: 286,718 DEATH: 27,127 RECOVERED: 196,958

5. GREAT BRITAIN CONFIRMED: 276,332 DEATH: 39,045 RECOVERED: --

SOURCE: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

The Senate on Monday unanimously approved on third and final reading a bill that allows that President Rodrigo Duterte to move the opening of classes beyond August during emergencies and calamities. Presidential Photo

Fight against COVID-19 G not yet over: Sen. Go

Gov’t won’t ease restrictions yet on religious gathering: Palace

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ith most places in the country now being placed under general community quarantine effective June 1, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go reminded Filipinos to continue following health protocols and remain vigilant as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak still remains a threat to everyone.

“Pinapaalalahanan ko lahat ng Pilipino na maging mapagmatyag at sundin ang mga palatuntunan sa mga quarantine na ipinapatupad ng mga otoridad,” Go said.

“Mag-ingat pa rin, ‘wag maging kampante. Malayo pa ang laban. Still follow protocols. Wala pa pong vaccine na naiimbento at ayaw nating kumalat o lumala pa ang sitwasyon natin sa bansa,” he added.

The senator’s reminder came after President Rodrigo Duterte, upon the advice of the Inter-Agency Task Force, has approved effective June 1 until June 15 to put many major areas under GCQ, including Metro Manila, from the enhanced community quarantine imposed throughout Luzon before.

GCQ has been declared in Baguio City, Pangasinan, Region II, Region III, Region IV-A and the National Capital Region.

In the Visayas, Iloilo

City and Region VII were also declared under GCQ, and in Mindanao, both Zamboanga City and Davao City are placed in the same quarantine classification.

Meanwhile, for the rest of the areas not mentioned, a modified GCQ is taking place.

Cebu City is the only one in the country which remains under the more stringent modified ECQ. The same IATF resolution, however, allows for the imposition of localized ECQ within a town or city should there be sudden spike in the number of infection cases.

“Sa pagdeklara ng GCQ, maraming syudad ang magbubukas ng mga businesses. Higit pa, magkakaroon din ng limited public transportation. Dahil dito, mas maraming tao ang pwedeng lumabas ngunit, hinihiling ko sa aking mga kababayang Pilipino na lumabas lamang kapag kinakailangan,” Go further

reminded.

“Hindi ibig sabihin na GCQ na ay pwedeng mamasyal na. May sinusunod pang mga health protocols upang siguraduhin na tuluyang malampasan ang krisis na ito at mahinto na ang pagkalat ng COVID-19,” he added.

The IATF has defined GCQ as the implementation of temporary measures limiting movement and transportation. There are also regulations of operating industries and, more importantly, the presence of uniformed personnel to enforce necessary community quarantine protocols.

Meanwhile, the MGCQ refers to the possible transition between GCQ and the New Normal, when the temporary GCQ measures are relaxed and become less necessary.

“Hindi pa ‘new normal’ ang MGCQ. Malayo pa po tayo roon. Kailangan natin magtulungan para umusad tayo papunta sa New Normal,” the senator said.

On the other hand, Go also clarified that the Hatid Probinsya initiatives for stranded individuals are different from the Balik Probinsya, Balik Pag-asa Program (BP2). The senator explained that each program addresses certain types of concerns of affected individuals seeking help.

“Para po sa kaalaman

ng lahat, magkaibang programa ang Hatid Probinsya at BP2. Ang Hatid Probinsya po ay para sa mga Pilipinong stranded, hindi taga Maynila, at kailangan nang umuwi sa kanilang probinsya, lalo na ngayong COVID-19,” Go explained.

“Ang BP2 naman ay para sa mga residente ng Metro Manila na gustong umuwi at magsimula ng bagong buhay sa kanilang mga probinsya pagkatapos ng health crisis na kinakaharap natin,” the senator added.

Various Hatid Probinsya initiatives being implemented right now are specifically targeting overseas Filipino workers, students, tourists and ordinary individuals who are stranded in Metro Manila and need to go home to their provinces. The national government opted to roll out the subsequent batches of BP2 program soon after the Hatid Probinsya initiatives are done being implemented.

Go also made clear that each batch being brought home go through a rigorous health process to prevent them from being carriers of the disease.

They are also required to go through a mandatory fourteen-day quarantine making sure that there is no transmission of virus from one place to the other.

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overnment officials focused on COVID-19 response have decided not to ease restrictions yet on religious gatherings, Malacañang said Tuesday.

The decision was arrived at during the meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on Monday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing on Tuesday.

“I cannot say when mapapayagan po ‘yan pero titignan po natin ang datos.

Titignan po natin ang case doubling rate, preparedness for critical care,” he said.

“Sa ngayon po, hindi pa papayagan ang mass gathering for religious purposes," Roque added.

At present, only five people could attend a religious gathering in areas under modified enhanced

community quarantine (ECQ) and 10 people in places under general community quarantine (GCQ), according to the guidelines issued by the government.

As for areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), Roque said the government has not made a decision yet on the maximum number of people that will be allowed inside places of worship.

However, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Sunday said religious gatherings will be allowed in areas under MGCQ, but only up to 50% of any venue's capacity.

This was the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, said Secretary Gueverra, as many areas of the country transition to MGCQ.

'Kadiwa on Wheels' generates P15-million in Davao Region

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epartment of Agriculture in Davao Region’s (DA-11) "Kadiwa on Wheels" has generated a total of PHP15.3 million after 49 days of operations in at least 32 barangays in this city.

In a statement on Monday, the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-11 reported that the PHP15.3 million was based on the sales generated for April and May of PHP7.5 million and PHP7.8 million, respectively.

Ricardo Oñate Jr., DA-11

executive director, lauded the "unrelenting support" of the local barangay units and Task Force Davao (TFD) in ensuring that safety protocols were always implemented in the Kadiwa venues.

“Even if we are already placed in the GCQ [General Community Quarantine] status, we should still be vigilant in implementing the guidelines that are set by the government. The assistance rendered by the local barangay units was crucial for the safety of the

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VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

3

Senate grants PRRD power to adjust opening of classes during calamities

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Market goers troop to the wet market section of Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday. The public market has resumed operation after Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered it close for disinfection as six confirmed COVID-19 in Davao City have exposure to the market. Edge Davao

he Senate on Monday unanimously approved on third and final reading a bill that allows that president to move the opening of classes beyond August during emergencies and calamities.

The approved measure amends section 3 of Republic Act 7797, which limits the opening of the school year between June and August of every year.

“The immediate effect of this legislation would be to empower the President to move the start of the School Year 2020-2021 to September or even later in the event that public health authorities would recommend the postponement of the school year in order to contain the spread of COVID-19,” Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture chair Sherwin Gatchalian said in a statement.

“Mahalaga ang pagpasok sa eskuwelahan ng mga bata, pero higit na mahalaga ang kanilang kaligtasan at kalusugan kaya bigyan po natin ng pagpapasya ang Pangulo ng Pilipinas at ang Kalihim ng Edukasyon upang baguhin ang petsa ng pasukan sa panahon ng pandemya habang walang kasiguraduhan sa kaligtasan at kalusugan ng kabataang Pilipino,” he said.

(Sending children to school is important, but ensuring their health and safety is more vital, so let’s give the Philippine President and the Education Secretary the prerogative to change the opening of classes while there is no assurance of health and safety during this pandemic.)

The bill covers all basic education schools in the country, as well as international schools which usual-

government tally of coronavirus cases, one of the basis for locking down the Philippines' 100 million people, recently went up partly due to cases that were discovered during validation, the health department said Tuesday.

Authorities recently compared the agency's list of cases with the list of testing laboratories that shifted to an automated data system, said Health Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire.

"Nakakita po tayo ng mga duplicates. Nakakita po tayo ng mga kaso na hindi pa po natin naitatala na and'yan pala sa data na iyan," she.

"Tumaas po iyong mga numero dahil nagba-validate nang husto ngayon...

With this automation, with this validation, we will be able to have real-time data soon," she added.

(We found duplicates,

we found cases that were not yet included in our data.

The number increased because we are thoroughly validating the cases.)

The tally now classifies cases as either "fresh" meaning test results were released in the last 3 days, or "late" in which results were from more than 3 days ago, said Verfeire.

The Philippines has confirmed 18,638 cases of of the novel coronavirus, with 960 deaths. Of the 552 cases added to the tally on Monday, around 78 percent or 433 are "late" while 119 are "fresh", said the health department.

After the nearly 80-lockdown of Metro Manila and other urban centers, the fatality rate from the virus has gone down to 1.6 percent. The time it takes for the cases to double also improved to 10 to 15 days, from 6 to 7 days, said Vergeire.

COVID-19 tally spike partly due to validation of cases: DOH

Additional 4M beneficiaries A identified in SAP 2nd tranche

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epartment of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday said the agency has already validated almost 4 million additional beneficiaries for the second tranche of the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

“Ang ulat sa akin ay four million names na po ang na-validate namin, I mean dito sa DILG (The report they gave me is that four million names have been validated by our agencies),” he said in a virtual presser in Malacañang.

Año said the names of beneficiaries have already been sent to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

He said the distribution

of the second tranche will be faster since the government will now be using automated teller machines (ATM), debit cards, GCash, and PayMaya.

“Mas mabilis itong second tranche sapagkat magagamit na natin iyong iba’t-ibang e-payment at e-cash arrangement (The distribution of the second tranche will be faster since we will use e-payment and e-cash arrangements),” he

Mindanaoan born in Polomolok, South Cotabato has been appointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The new PCG chief was once stationed in Davao City as PCG commander for Southern Mindanao.

President Duterte appointed Task Group Laban COVID-19 Water Cluster Head, Vice Admiral George Villareal Ursabia Jr. as the 27th Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard effective Monday (June 1, 2020).

In a letter of appointment signed by the Chief Executive, VADM Ursabia assumes the position, after Admiral Joel S Garcia bows out of the Coast Guard service.

VADM George Villareal Ursabia Jr started his mil-

itary career in 1983 when he entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and graduated as a member of “Hinirang” Class of 1987.

Later on, he pursued a Master of Science Degree in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection (MSc, MSEP) as a scholar of Sasakawa Foundation, Japan, and eventually earned said post-graduate degree from the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden in 1999.

In his more than 36 years of active service, VADM Ursabia held various positions with major responsibilities, both in the Philippine Navy and the PCG. Prior his last designation, as the Commander of the PCG - Marine Environmental Protection Command, VADM Ursabia

said.

To prevent the supposed involvement of local officials in corrupt activities, Año said the military and police would help in the distribution of cash aid to poor households who do not want the automated disbursement of emergency subsidies.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the inclusion of an additional five million qualified recipients in the government’s cash aid.

SAP, the national government’s PHP200-billion program, grants monthly emergency subsidy ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 to poor families affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) for April and May.

Polomolok boy named new Coast guard chief A

became the Commander of Coast Guard Districts in Central Visayas, Palawan, Southeastern Mindanao, and Northern Luzon, as well as the Commander of the Coast Guard Ready Force and Staff for Maritime Safety Affairs.

As a seasoned mariner with seven years of sea experience, VADM Ursabia earned the most coveted Command-at-Sea Badge as he commanded three Coast Guard Search And Rescue vessels namely: BRP Romblon (SARV-3503), BRP Davao Del Norte (SARV 3504), and BRP Pampanga (SARV 003), as well as three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 30-meter patrol boats.

In his pursuit of excellence and integrity in public service, VADM Ursabia

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Around PHP100 billion have already been released for the implementation of the first phase of SAP. Under Bayanihan to Heal as One Act also known as Republic Act 11469, some 18 million poor families would receive the first tranche of the cash aid.

For the second tranche of emergency subsidies, only the 12 million of 18 million families who are living in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will get the assistance.

An additional five million indigent families will join the 12 million under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, one of the 13 social amelioration packages un-

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Vice Admiral George Villareal Ursabia Jr. is the new Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

DA 11 to tap private, digital firms to train farmers

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Department of Agriculture regional office is pushing the farming sector to adapt to modernized agriculture.

DA 11 information officer Noel T. Provido said they are encouraging the region's farmers to adapt to the latest farming technology as the new normal in the farming sector.

Provido said they are looking at partnering with

internet service providers to give farmers access to the internet. He also said they will be tapping digital and private corporations to conduct trainings to the farmers through webinars.

“We will try to adopt technology to deliver ser-

vices,” he said in a phone interview.

He said it is time to go for digitization of farming through “Agriculture 4.0” wherein farmers adopt data analytics, artificial intelligence, geo-mapping, computerization and tapping the Internet of Things.

The program also encouraged the use of drones in farming.

Provido cited disruption in the food supply

chain due to lockdowns as the main challenge in the pandemic, thus DA 11 implemented programs to ensure that food activities will not be hampered despite the COVID-19 crisis.

To ensure food availability, DA 11 has implemented “Food Lane Conduct Pass”, which is open to food suppliers, farmer cooperatives, farmers’ associations, truckers or logistics, and other distribu-

tion entities, in which the agency assures its clients their service will not be hampered amidst the quarantine measures brought upon the Covid-19.

DA 11 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division rolled out the Kadiwa on Wheels to help farmers market their produce amid the pandemic. The food items are accessible at reasonable price to the consum-

ers without the need for transportation.

The agency has also launched “Urban Gulayan sa Barangay” under “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” or “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Laban sa Covid-19” program to benefit farmers, fishers and consumers.

“If there is one thing that never changed, is that people need to eat,” said Provido.

Phoenix employees on WFH for rest of the year

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omegrown independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum has announced that it will let the majority of its employees nationwide to work from home for the rest of the year. Aiming to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the country, over 70% of Phoenix employees will continue to perform their tasks at home despite the easing up of community quarantine measures imposed by the government.

“We prioritize safety, not only that of our customers, but also our people--considered as our greatest asset. While quarantine measures have been loosened, the threat of the virus continues, and we likewise continue to do our part to help flatten the curve. Hence, we have decided to let employees who need not be in the office or any operational facility to work in the safety of their homes,” said Phoenix President and Chief Oper-

ating Officer Henry Albert ‘Bong’ Fadullon. “We have zero reported confirmed COVID-19 cases within the company, and we intend to keep it that way by adopting flexible work arrangements and continuous health monitoring, among other methods to protect our employees and our community,” he added.

With the company’s modified working set-up, only employees whose roles are critical on-site are allowed to report to their respective workplace, while those who will need to visit any work facility for whatever reason would need to seek clearance from their superior.

Phoenix employees started working from home on March 16 following the government’s announcement of community quarantine measures across Metro Manila, which was eventually also imposed in different cities nationwide, including Davao where the

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PH manufacturing PMI rate posts 'softer’ decline in May

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Oil companies implement adjustments on fuel prices on Tuesday. Diesel prices increased by P0.25 per liter and gasoline prices are reduced by P0.20 per liter. Edge Davao

he country’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rate in May registered a “softer decline”, IHS Markit’s survey shows.

Manufacturing PMI last month was at 40.1 from April’s index of 31.6.

PMI readings below 50 means deterioration of the sector.

“The Philippines PMI signaled a softer decline in operating conditions across the manufacturing sector in May. The headline index picked up and was much higher than April when the lockdown had its great impact on production,” IHS Markit economist David Owen said.

The easing of lockdown measures in rural areas has also helped in slowing down the decline, Owen added.

The report shows pro-

duction levels in May remain subdued as the physical distancing protocol led to a lower capacity of factories.

The survey added that demand for manufactured goods from domestic and international markets continued to decrease last month.

New order volumes likewise remain weak, discouraging firms to raise their output.

“Employment continued to drop amid excess capacity, further hampering demand conditions,” Owen said.

He said price pressures started to increase last month compared to declining prices in March and April, but the higher prices of raw material were marginal due to lower oil prices.

“Looking forward, the

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VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

Cebu Landmaster Inc.’s MesaTierra building towers over Jacinto Extension area in Davao City. CLI has reported a drop in its net income in the first three months of the year, but said it is still optimistic to closely match 2019 levels for the full-year. Edge Davao

PRRD: No requests to DBM for testing of MSME workers

N

o government agency has requested funding so far to support the COVID-19 testing of employees of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday.

Duterte made the statement in his weekly report to Congress as mandated by the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which gave him special powers to effectively respond to the public health crisis.

“As regards the funding for the testing of MSME employees, the DBM [Department of Budget and Management] has yet to receive any request from concerned departments/

agencies of the government for purpose,” he said.

“We wish to assure Congress that once a request is received, the same will be evaluated based on the recommendation of competent authorities relative to testing, as well as the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases].”

Recently, the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP)

esidential developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) on Monday reported a drop in its net income in the first three months of the year, but said it is still optimistic to closely match 2019 levels for the full-year.

In a regulatory filing, Cebu Landmasters reported a net income attributable to shareholders of P572 million, down from the P599 million the same period last year.

Revenues for the same quarter were up 13% to P2.1 billion from P1.87 bil-

lion.

Moving forward, CLI said it expects the full-year net income to fall close to the 2019 performance when the company registered a P2.01-billion net income.

"As we are quick to adapt to this new normal and catch-up to 100% site operations, we are aiming to achieve a full-year guidance that will closely match 2019 levels," the disclosure read.

According to the company, it registered P4.8 billion in reservation sales

asked the government to consider shouldering the costs of testing for MSME employees given the limited financial capacity of such businesses.

"Including them in testing programs is therefore essential to MSME owners, to ease the burden of having to bear the social and financial costs of the global health crisis," PMAP said in a statement late last month.

According to the latest data available from the Department of Trade and Industry, 99.52% of the total 1.003 million business establishments in the country as of 2018 were MSMEs. Micro enterprises are defined as those with to-

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Cebu Landmasters Q1 net income slips to P572-M

R

take-up in the first five months of the year, with a chunk of that driven by its economic housing brand Casa Mira.

"We expect demand for quality housing and residential units to rise prompted by the greater desire for safer and better-planned living environments in the aftermath of COVID 19," the company said.

"Over the years, CLI has built a reputation for offering great value to its buyers and is ideally positioned to serve this rising demand," it added.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

ON THE IMPENDING RESUMPTION OF OPERATIONS OF THE DAVAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: DIA is a transit point, meaning dili lang residents of Davao City ang galupad padulong ug pahawa dinhi, but also residents from neighboring regions.

Given this, naay possibility nga katong non-Davao City residents nga nagtransit lang dinhi going to neighboring regions matanggong sila dinhi kay wala pa man fully nag-resume ang land transportation sa Davao Region.

ENGR. REX OBCENA CAAP-Davao Manager

):

EDITORIAL

Worth a battalion of soldiers

The sad reality that confronts the world in this battle against the coronavirus pandemic is that the army is small.

The world does not have so much soldiers in the frontline -- the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals and workers -- to fight an unseen enemy. Hence, each and every one soldier in this battle counts. Every warm body is worth the equivalent of a battalion when you do not have so much out there in the field. And when these brave men and women themselves are downed by the virus, the more depleted the army becomes.

On Sunday, another frontliner was hit by this dreaded virus in the province of Davao Oriental. It came two days before the province moves into the relaxed quarantine level of modified general community quarantine or MGCQ. The frontliner -- a doctor -- became the 42nd healthcare worker in the Davao Region to be infected with Sars-CoV-2, the carrier of Covid-19.

The doctor, an internist, has just began a tour of duty in the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center when he was subjected to mandatory swab test for employees travelling to Davao City where he resides. He had worked two days when his test results came out yielding positive for Covid-19. Curiously, the doctor tested negative in an earlier test which came out 9 days prior to his assignment in DOPMC. However, he wasn’t tested prior to beginning his new tour of duty in Davao Oriental.

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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 D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

Now, it’s one less frontliner in the region.

At the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), 28 of its employees have tested positive for the virus. As of May 21, a total of 1,661 SPMC employees have already been tested, 414 of them are still waiting for their results.

Fear for the virus has also led to several healthcare workers to quit their jobs. It has also prompted employable healthcare professionals to be hesitant in taking a job at the moment.

According to the World Health Organization, health workers being at the front line of the Covid-19 outbreak response are exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infection. Other than the usual hazards of pathogen exposure, what takes toll on the shoulders of frontliners are the long working hours, psychological distress, fatigue, occupational burnout, stigma, and physical and psychological violence.

The sad reality is that when frontliners like doctors and nurses contract the virus, there is a collective fear among the very community they serve selflessly.

People start to avoid anyone wearing smocks, scrubs and all other hospital uniforms. This is where it becomes so discouraging on the part of these brave frontliners when even the people they serve avoid them like a plague.

In this war, each soldier matters. These frontliners deserve everyone’s trust and respect.

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)

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VANTAGE POINTS

COMPETITIVE EDGE

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DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

HISTORY OF PANDEMICS DUE TO SHIP VOYAGES Many Filipinos knew by heart the Korean phrases like “annyeonghaseyo” (hello) or “kamsahamnida” (thank you) due to their fascination with Koreanovelas, especially now that they had to stay home due to the COVID 19 community quarantine.

“Kingdom” is one interesting Netflix series that revolved around the story of crown Prince Lee Chang as he struggle to save his people from the spread of a plague and the royal dynasty from being overthrown.

“Kingdom” takes place in the late 15th or early 16th century — in the Joseon dynasty period — after the Japanese invasion. It is a fiction based on the historical plague that swept through Korea during the Joseon dynasty, killing thousands in days.

The infection spreads at an alarming rate transforming the locals into yowling monsters that crave human flesh and blood.

In one scene, the higher officials decided to burn the infected peasant’s bodies but bury those from higher social class. As the havoc continued, the noblemen attempted to re-

turn home via the only ship in dock. Unfortunately, said voyage brought the infection closer to the seat of power causing more outbreak.

The gates of the fortress were also closed as a form of quarantine against the infected.

The word “quarantine” is derived from the Italian quarantena, or 40 days.

It was first used in the 14th century for ships suspected of carrying a contagious disease that were held in isolation offshore for 40 days before passengers and crew were allowed to disembark.

History has seen the desolating role of ships as the transporters of innumerable pandemics when viruses travel with international trade across geographies.

These are characterized by the devastating effects throughout history not only in terms of the great mortalities of humans and animals but also the ensuing social, economic and cultural aftermaths.

The pandemics of plague of the 6th, 14th and 20th centuries were spread along the international trade routes as rice and wheat grain, clothing, and trade

merchandise were infested by infected fleas. The primary hosts of the fleas were the black urban rat and the brown sewer rat.

In October 1347, twelve ships from the Black Sea docked at the Italian port of Messina, which were called “death ships” as most sailors aboard were dead or almost dead. The plague became known as the “Black Death” as it moved from the ports to land and to other ports in Europe.

Cholera pandemics throughout the 19th century that originated from India were also attributed to British army and naval ships traveling from India to the Persian Gulf. The disease eventually made its way to European territory by 1821.

A large factor in the worldwide occurrence of the 19181919 Spanish influenza was increased travel. It was originally carried by soldiers on overcrowded troop ships during the first world war. The rate of transmission on these ships was rapid, and soldiers died in large numbers. The global death toll was estimated to have been anywhere from 17 million to 50 million.

Fast forward.

The current COVID19 pandemic has again brought to international attention the cruise ships industry, though cruise ships have a long history of infectious disease outbreaks.

Ships have been notably vulnerable to the spread of due to the fact that there are hundreds or thousands of passengers in a relatively confined environment for days or weeks.

Cruise ships are particularly susceptible as they are intended to engage the passengers in public activities like dining, swimming and dancing together in enclosed spaces over a sustained period of time.

There were even reports that virus particles spreads from room to room through the ship’s ventilation, which relies on re-circulated air.

Many companies initially negotiated for their passengers to disembark, talking with countries and local governments circumspect of sick travellers.

Sadly, most crew members remained on board vessels floating off-coast as the pandemic disrupted voyages around the world.

Reports of infected seafarers and fatalities raised fears

An immersive opportunity:

among seafarers that some companies failed to protect its workers , including their right to healthy and safe environment as well as repatriation under international law like the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006.

International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Guy Ryder has earlier asked governments “to ensure that, in these challenging times, seafarers are adequately protected from the COVID-19 pandemic, have access to medical care, and can travel to and from their ships, as necessary, in order to continue to play their crucial role”.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) ITF said that it will not let up the pressure until every seafarer is home safely and those seafarers that have patiently waited at home to relieve their colleagues are on board.

“Anjeon yuji” as they say “Stay safe” in Korean.

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, send email at info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

MCM launches Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020

M

HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ON THESE! MCM’s online ed by MCM. matics, Business, may proceed to alayan Colleges Mind-THINK anao, a Mapúa School learning tools In order for Humanities and this link: https:// Black- participants to Social Sciences, bit.ly/MCMDIGIGAP announced its first Dig- such as COMMUNICATION Learn, maximize the and Basic Ed- TALBOOTCAMP ital Learning Bootcamp 2020, board Blackboard Col- online learning ucation for in- and follow the inviting College “When youall give SHS yourself and well. Yes, communication can you can prevent a lot of commu- denly, the message sounded dif- he surmised, “because of bewillaborate,nicationMicexperience, they coming subsequent inpermission to communicate make or unmake a person. static,” Wayne Penning- ferent to the carpenter. Grade It came 11 derment and things left unsaid.” students expewhat matters toin youMindanao in every Ato Fortune magazine artiton assures. across as appealing and plainAnd this was what Lisa rosoft 365, Mi- will need a de- students; Basic structions and situation you will have peace cle once carried this quotation: In these days of modern tive.

It left the carpenter deeply Kleypas wrote in Sugar Daddy: rience the first fully integrat- crosoft Teams,therevice such saddened. as a “Poor Algebra, “MCM despite rejection or disapprov- “It’s a shame when people can’t technology, are several Mario,” he Genersaid, “Manylink timesto in the life I’ve regretal.

Putting a voice to your soul communicate.

WhenZoom, they’re ways of sending your message with worry in his voice.

“He’s in ted the things I’ve said without ed online learning system in Panopto, computer unit, al Physics, Busi- Digital” account helps you to let go of the nega- managers in your company, it’s across to people. Be sure to find bad shape. I’d better send him thinking. But I’ve never regretand laptop or asome tabthat will benearly sent theenergy region —regret.”

MCM Digital — Wiley Plus, tive of fear and – a catastrophe.” the best method. cash –ness fast.” So, and he went Manto ted the things I said as Shannon L. Alder “The constant use of long, Years ago, an elderly illit- wire some money to his son. much as the words I left unspoCengage let; and the and useproves *** get the opportunity involved to words too erateLearncarpenter received someinternet Lesson agement, of the story: theand ken.” through “We can communicate an things,” ex-governor ing of New mail and he was very upset message can often depend on Don’t think of what the othto complete connectivity of at P ro g ra m m i n g email address MCM’s idea around powerful the world in 70online York WilllearnConway pointed out. about it. A letter was a very the medium! er person might say or think. As learning tasks 1 Mbps for and Coding provided upon seconds, but it sometimes takes “One, that you’re learned; and unusual thing in least his life and he Communication is not just for American television personaling tools for FREE! years for an idea to get through two, that you’re ignorant of how was worried about what might talking but listening. “Listen ity Fred Rogers said, “Anything one-fourth inch of human skull.”

That statement comes from the mouth of American inventor and businessman Charles Kettering.

Virginia Satir, a family therapist, tells of a couple who came to her because their marriage of 20 years needed help. After a number of sessions, she asked each to say openly what he or she resented about the other.

In a burst of emotion, the husband blurted out, “I wish you wouldn’t always serve me that damned spinach.” Recovering from her shock, his wife replied, “I loathe spinach but I thought you like it.”

Life is like that, too. A lot of people fail because they don’t know how to communicate well.

There are those who become successful because they know how to convey their message

This Digital Learning Bootcamp will be held on June 1 to 13, 2020 and is described as an immersive experience inside MCM’s Online Learning System, aiming to demonstrate and give participants an opportunity to immerse

designed for in- asynchronous incoming college your registrabe in it. So, he hurried over to with curiosity,” suggests Roy T. that’s human is mentionable, coming the Grade 11 sessions at author students. tion. that is mentionbutcher ship and the rough- and Bennett, of The LightA in full and anything voice muscle man behind the the Heart. “Speak with honesty. able can be more manageable. and 1stcounter Year read Col-it aloud. least 2 Mbps for integrity. course Math, anyabout addiAct with The on greatest When weFor can talk our “This is a letter from your problem with communication is feelings, they become less overlege students. s y n c h r o n o u s Humanities, and tional inquiries he shouted, “and it says: we don’t listen to understand. whelming, less upsetting, and Theseson,” tasks sessions.

Social Science about the we MCM Dear Dad, I am sick and haven’t We listen to reply. When we less scary.

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Sometimes, you can comsynchronous linerage system and demonstration please feel through free ter becameor red with and When communicating with municate with a person exploded.

“Who does that kid someone, choose your words your heart and not through asynchronous tools will initiate during the boot- to email at adhe is, telling me what to wisely. “Don’t use words too big your mouth. Yes, it’s possible. learningthink ses-give the program, af-subject,” camp period. do? I won’t him any mon- for the British writer Listenmissions@mcm. to what C. Joybell C. says: ey.”

C.S. Lewis reminds.

“Don’t say “You can talk with sions to allow for ter which, parTo register edu.ph or someone conIn a fit of anger, the carpen- infinitely when you mean very; for years, every day, and still, it participants to home. ticipants be you’ll for have thisno activity +63918 918 ter walked back But along will otherwise, word won’t tact mean as much as wat you the way, he met his friend, the left when you want to talk about can have when you sit in front of get a feel for thetailor.allowed se- really andinfinite.” get a chance 1626, soft-spoken He stopped tosomething someone, not saying+63999 a word, yet him and confided, “I want you to If you have something to you feel that with your different modal- lect short learn- to win amazing 227 person 7493, or see this letter my boy sent me.” say, say it. Remember what the heart, you feel like you have ities of remote ingthemodules onRussian prizes, 831 The tailor took letter famous novelist interestFyodor known+63917 the person for forever… and read it aloud in his usual Dostoevsky said?

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best to communicate with people.”

It’s not enough that you have lots of ideas and something to say. “Communication is not just what you say,” reminds bestselling author John C. Maxwell. “It’s also how you say it.

Contrary to what some educators teach, the key to effective communication is simplicity.

Forget about impressing people with big words or complex sentences. If you want to connect with people, keep it simple.”

French statesman and military leader Napoleon Bonaparte used to tell his secretaries: “Be clear, be clear, be clear.” And that is what good communication is all about. “The great challenge in communicating is to understand the mind, the background, and the thinking process of your audience. If you know these,

themselves in the first fully integrated online learning system in Mindanao.

The participants will be given access to MCM’s online learning portal, “MCM Digital” where they can explore and get hands-on experience utilizing

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

Breastfeeding in the midst of COVID-19

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

D

r. Ameleen B. Bangayan was one of the organizers of the First International Breastfeeding Conference that was held in Davao City some years back. In an interview with media, she said that mother’s milk “is the optimum source of nutrition” for babies. This was the reason why she urged mothers to breastfeed their babies up to six months.

Dr. Hiroshi Nakajima, former director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), described breast milk in these words: “The sole truly universal food for the entire human species.”

In the midst of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the United Nations health agency urged mothers to continue breastfeeding their children. They need to as it is the right thing to do.

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that is a distant cousin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. “(The virus that can cause infection) has not, to date, been detected in the breastmilk of any mother with confirmed/suspected COVID-19,” the UN agency bared in a five-page document which EDGE Davao obtained.

“It appears unlikely, therefore, that COVID-19 would be transmitted through breastfeeding or by giving breastmilk that has been expressed by mother who is confirmed/suspected to have COVID-19,” it said, adding that researchers continue to test breastmilk from mothers with confirmed/suspected COVID-19.

Breastmilk saves children’s lives as it provides antibodies that give babies a healthy boost and protect

them against many childhood illnesses. After all, breastmilk, the UN health agency explains, is more than a simple collection of nutrients. It contains all the essential nutrients like protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sugars, in exact proportion. It meets the needs of the growing infant at every stage.

The WHO, along with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), recommend that babies be fed nothing but breast milk for their first 6 months, after which they should continue breastfeeding – as well as eating other nutritious and safe foods – until 2 years of age or beyond.

Both UN agencies also encourage women to continue to breastfeed their children during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if they have confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

“The numerous benefits of breastfeeding substantially outweigh the potential risks of illness associated with the virus. It is not safer to give infant formula milk,” the WHO said in a statement.

Women with confirmed/suspected COVID-19 who wish to do so need to do the following: · Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub and especially before touching the baby;

· Wear a medical mask during any contact with the baby, including while feeding; · Sneeze or cough into a tissue. Then dispose of it immediately and wash hands again. Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces after touching them. · Even if mothers do not have a medical mask, they should follow all the other infection prevention measures listed above, and continue breastfeeding.

Mothers, who are confirmed/suspected to have COVID-19, cannot breastfeed their children for some reasons, the newborns or infants can be given through these alternatives: expressed breastmilk or donor human milk.

“Expression of breastmilk is primarily done or taught through hand expression, with the use of a mechanical pump only when necessary,” the docu-

ment states. “Hand expression and using a pump can be equally effective.”

The choice of how to express depends on maternal preference, availability of equipment, hygiene conditions and cost. “Expressing breastmilk is also important to sustain milk production so that mothers can breastfeed when they recover,” the WHO says.

The document recommends: “The mother, and anyone helping the mother, should wash their hands before expressing breastmilk or touching any pump or bottle parts and ensure proper pump cleaning after each use.

“The expressed breastmilk should be fed to the child preferably using a clean cup and/or spoon (easier to clean), by a person who has no signs or symptoms of illness and with whom the baby feels comfortable,” it continues.

“The mother/caregiver should wash their hands before feeding the newborn/ infant.”

As for donor human milk, the document states: “If the mother is unable to express milk and milk is available from a human milk bank, donor human milk can be fed to the baby while the mother is recovering.”

If those two options are not possible, then the following may be considered: wet-nursing, in which another woman breastfeeds the child or using infant formula milk with measures to ensure that it is feasible, correctly prepared, safe, and sustainable.

Speaking of infant formula milk, a new report

published jointly by WHO, UNICEF and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) showed that despite efforts to stop the harmful promotion of breast-milk substitutes, countries are still falling short in protecting parents from misleading information.

“The aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes, especially through health professionals that parents trust for nutrition and health advice, is a major barrier to improving newborn and child health worldwide,” deplored Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety.

“Health care systems must act to boost parent’s confidence in breastfeeding without industry influence so that children don’t miss out on its lifesaving benefits.”

As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, health care services aimed at supporting mothers to breastfeed, including counselling and skilled lactation support are strained.

“Infection prevention measures, such as physical distancing, make it difficult for community counselling and mother-to-mother support services to continue, leaving an opening for the breast-milk substitute industry to capitalize on the crisis, and diminish confidence in breastfeeding,” said the report, Marketing of breast-milk substitutes: National implementation of the International Code – Status report 2020.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, health

workers are being diverted to the response and health systems are overstretched.

At such time, breastfeeding can protect the lives of millions of children, but new mothers cannot do it without the support of health providers,” said Dr. Victor Aguayo, UNICEF’s Chief of Nutrition. “We must, more than ever, step up efforts to ensure that every mother and family receive the guidance and support they need from a trained health care worker to breastfeed their children, right from birth, everywhere.”

The Code bans all forms of promotion of breastmilk substitutes, including advertising, gifts to health workers and distribution of free samples. Labels cannot make nutritional and health claims or include images that idealize infant formula.

Instead, labels must carry messages about the superiority of breastfeeding over formula and the risks of not breastfeeding.

“The fear of COVID-19 transmission is eclipsing the importance of breastfeeding – and in too many countries mothers and babies are being separated at birth – making breastfeeding and skin to skin contact difficult if not impossible. All on the basis of no evidence.

Meanwhile the baby food industry is exploiting fears of infection, promoting and distributing free formula and misleading advice – claiming that the donations are humanitarian and that they are trustworthy partners,” says Patti Rundall, of IBFAN’s Global Council. – ### (Photos courtesy of UNICEF)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

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international flights on June 22.

Obcena assured that DIA is ready and that the management has already established safety measures such as setting up thermal scanner in the domestic arrival entrance and sanitation booth in the departure entrance.

“We are ready and we are in close coordination with the city government of

Davao to ensure that these measures implemented by the city are being supported by the airport operations vis-a-vis health departments,” he said stressing that the airport has been operating even before the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) up to the present. However, operation is restricted to cargo flights and medical embarkation.

Ninety-three percent of patients have mild or no symptoms and less than 1 percent need hospital care, said the official.

"Ito po ay napakagandang indikasyon para sa atin, para masabi nating lumalaban naman po tayo dito sa COVID-19," she said.

(This is a very good indication for us to say that we are fighting COVID-19.)

"Simula't simula pa, naging transparent po kami, bukas po ang sistema namin sa mga tao... Hindi po namin ibebenipisyo sa

DOH na magmanipula po kami at magtago po kami ng mga kaso," she added.

(Right from the start, we had been transparent, our system was open to the people. The DOH will not benefit from manipulating or hiding cases.)

It is still "too early" for the health department to recommend further relaxing or tightening the general community quarantine of Metro Manila, which started Monday and would be in place for 2 weeks, she said.

tal assets worth less than P50,000; cottage enterprises with assets worth P50,001 to P500,000; small with P500,001 to P5 million; and medium from over P5 million to P20 million.

Many industries and businesses have been allowed to resume operations after the government began easing restrictions last month. Employees

were not required to undergo testing for COVID-19 before they go back to their respective jobs.

The Labor department said only employees showing symptoms of COVID-19 should be required to undergo the test and employers should implement precautionary measures such as disinfection of facilities and provision of hand sanitizers and face masks.

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consumers,” Oñate added.

He also praised the local officials of Barangay Panacan here for initiating their own Kadiwa which serves as a rolling store that sells and delivers agricultural products at the doorsteps of their covered households.

“The Kadiwa teams have continually expanded its operations within Davao City, at times having five outlets in one day. We have had a total of 104 stops in 32 barangays so far,” said

Juvy Pregon, AMAD market specialist.

The "Kadiwa on Wheels" is an initiative in making food products such as rice, meat, vegetables, and fruits accessible to local consumers amid the community quarantine restrictions.

It also aims to provide a viable marketing platform for small farmers and fisherfolk to directly market their products to the consumers, thereby eliminating middlemen. (PNA)

“Maliban dito, mahalaga din ang coordination between the national government at mga local government units. Kailangang

masiguro muna na merong testing capacity at handa nang tumanggap ang uuwiang probinsya,” the Senator added.

der SAP that grants outright cash of either PHP3,000 or PHP5,000 and PHP25,000 burial aid for those whose family member dies due to Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Año said some local government units are in the final stages of completing the first tranche of the cash subsidy to beneficiaries particularly those in remote areas.

“Ang ating unang tranche ay patapos na talaga at kaunting-kaunti na lang. Ang problema na lang natin talaga ay ‘yung malalayong lugar, ‘yung mga island. Pero within mainland, tapos na po tayo diyan (The first tranche is almost finished, just a little more left.

The problem is those who

live in remote areas. But within the mainland, we are finished),” he said.

A total of 472 out of the 1,634 LGUs across the country have submitted their liquidation reports for the first tranche to the DILG as of May 26, he added.

On May 14, the DSWD launched the web application “ReliefAgad” to speed up the distribution of emergency subsidies to low-income Filipino households affected by the health crisis.

ReliefAgad, a quick-relief system, would allow DSWD to quickly get the details of SAP beneficiaries and distribute the cash aid through an electronic payment using their smartphones. (PNA)

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9

ly operate under a foreign charter and curriculum.

A similar bill has hurdled the committee level in the House of Representatives and is expected to be tackled in the House plenary this week.

The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier moved the opening of classes to August 24, but several local government officials appealed to further defer the opening of classes while a COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available.

Several schools have established online enrollment schemes to avoid mass gatherings that increase the risk of spreading

COVID-19.

The DepEd has also instructed schools to shift to a blended learning scheme wherein lessons could be delivered through online, television, radio or printed materials to limit the need for students to physically come to school.

But Gatchalian’s committee earlier found that most schools are “not yet ready” to shift to the new learning system as internet connection in some parts of the country remains intermittent.

Not all students also have access to computers and television sets, Gatchalian had said.

is constantly supported by his wife, Mrs. Agnes Ursabia, along with his two children, Germaine Angela, a third-year resident doctor at the Philippine General Hospital and Gerard Andrew, a Research and Development Engineer at NOKIA Technohub.

“I know that VADM Ursabia will continue the significant developments that as a leader at the helm, must geared upon for the greater benefits of the Command,” Admiral Garcia stated.

Amid the country’s fight for public health and safety against the threat of COVID-19, VADM Ursabia acts as the Commander of the Task Group Laban COVID-19 Water Cluster - a joint effort of the PCG, Philippine Navy, and the PNP Maritime Group.

He plays a crucial role in the deployment and operations of PCG personnel as part of the national government’s efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the Filipino people amid COVID-19 pandemic.

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degree of sentiment regarding output in a year's time continued to improve from March's nadir, as companies were encouraged by a partial easing of lockdown measures and Covid-19

(coronavirus disease 2019) cases being kept under control. Firms hoped that the introduction of new products would also drive activity higher,” the IHS Markit report added. (PNA)

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

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company’s headquarters is located.

To help cushion the negative impact of the pandemic, Phoenix implemented in March the advanced crediting of a portion of each regular employee’s 13th-month pay and Christmas bonus.

The company also offers a connectivity allowance for employees in need of new or additional Internet connection at home. Meanwhile, on-site employees with critical functions have been given special benefits, including the provision of PPE and vitamin supplements, additional financial assistance, and food subsidies.

Since the work-fromhome set-up was implemented, Phoenix has conducted two company-wide online town hall meetings to keep employees engaged and updated. The company even held an online iteration of its annual sports fest called ‘PhoeniXtreme’.

To monitor the employees’ health and well-being, regular digital team huddles and online feedback methods are conducted.

In an internal survey conducted across the company, 79% of the respondents expressed ‘High Pleasantness’ towards their current work disposition, and 93% are favorable of the workfrom-home arrangement.

assured that they will continue to receive their salaries and health benefits.

And we have constantly reminded our players as well as other employees to strictly follow health protocols during this time,” he added.

Ang has assured these protocols will be enforced should training for its players resume in the coming months. Currently, SMC has strictly implemented workplace safety measures like physical distancing, wearing of protective equipment, frequent hand washing, and conducting temperature checks at its offices and facilities across the country.

It earlier announced that only 20% of the head office population will be reporting for work while majority will still work from home. Those who will report physically for work will need to go through the company’s Covid-19 test-

ing procedures.

SMC has also started testing 8,000 manufacturing and operations and management front line staff at its food facilities that were in continuous operation to ensure stable food supply during the quarantine. Testing in Visayas and Davao were also scheduled at the end of May or early June.

Earlier, the company has donated three sets of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing machines and RNA machines to key government hospitals on top of the five sets of the same machines and testing kits equivalent to 20,000 tests that were given to the Department of Health.

It also donated testing booths to 17 Metro Manila LGUs to help expand Covid-19 testing in their respective areas and make it available at little or no cost to poor communities.

injustice," he added.

The ex-Bulls player won six NBA titles throughout 15 seasons.

Jordan also earned the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award five times. (Anadolu)

tried to destroy heath care.

He's destroyed the environment. He's the master and Trump's the stooge, and what's funny is that Trump doesn't even know it. Trump's always wanted to be part of the in-group, but McConnell is an ingroup of one and Trump plays the fool."

As for the protests surrounding Floyd's death, Popovich said those are needed but he would like to see better organization.

"It's frustrating. When Dr. (Martin Luther) King did a protest, you knew when to show, when to come back the next day.

But if you're just organizing protests and everyone is coming and going in every direction, it doesn't work that way. If it was nonviolent, they knew to be nonviolent, but this is muddled.

"More leadership would be very welcome so these incredible mass demonstrations can't be used by people for other means. We can limit the bad, but only if things are organized better."

The whole situation is frustrating to Popovich.

"We need change. The system has to change. I'm willing to do my part."

five national finals.

While he did not rule out a possibility of letting fans in although only at a 50 percent arena capacity as what the IATF ruling states for MGCQ, Duremdes assured that the remainder of the Lakan Season will be aired live even if ABSCBN, the broadcaster of the MPBL, is currently off the

air due to the expiry of its broadcast franchise, whose extension is currently being tackled in the Congress.

"As long as it's live, we're OK," he quipped, adding that the games will be streamed live in the MPBL Facebook page with the possibility of also broadcasting it in ABSCBN's cable television affiliate Liga. (PNA)

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BDO books pre-emptive provisioning after loan review Prudent action taken in challenging environment

B

DO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) announced that it has set aside an additional ₱20B in upfront provisions, on top of the P2.1 billion set aside in 1Q20, in anticipation of the expected disruptive economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

The Bank is expecting delinquencies to increase this year with the disruption in business activities, tightness in corporate liquidity, lower consumption levels, and contraction in GDP by as much as 3.4% based on government estimates. As such, the Bank is

allocating a total of 170bps in anticipated credit costs for the effects of the pandemic. While the Bank expects an increase in the NPL ratio, actual writeoffs or losses are seen to be much less. Despite the additional provisions, the Bank’s capital adequacy

ratio is expected to remain stable and the Bank intends to continue with its regular dividend declaration.

The move, following a comprehensive review of its loan portfolio, is anticipatory in nature and is meant to safeguard the Bank’s balance sheet. The Bank’s current NPL coverage ratio is currently one of the highest in the industry. With these additional provisions, BDO expects that its coverage ratio will remain strong and among the highest in the industry. BDO is working with various borrowing clients to provide continuing sup-

port and find ways to navigate through this difficult operating environment.

These anticipatory provisions are not expected to have an impact on the Bank’s ability to service clients.

BDO’s balance sheet remains strong, with capital ratios remaining comfortably above regulatory levels despite the higher provisions. The move will not impair the Bank’s capital. Coupled with a robust business franchise and a culture of resilience, the Bank believes it will weather the crisis and be in a good position once the economy bounces back.

tions, load from the affected lines will be transferred to nearby lines anytime between 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.. Normalization or return of load back to its normal set-up will be anytime between 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m..

Specifically affected are customers from Calinan proper going to Buda, including De Lara Street, Biao Joaquin, Talandang, Lacson, Gumalang, Ta-

mugan, Marahan, Marilog, Baganihan and neighboring areas.

Also affected are customers from Calinan Proper going to Calinan Riverside and nearby areas.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience brought about by these scheduled power interruptions. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled

or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Please contact our 24/7 Customer Contact Service at 229-3572, 0917-864-2793 (Globe) or 0920-970-1357 (Smart) for any power interruption that will fall outside the given schedule.

Two 30-minute power interruptions on June 4

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avao Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct two 30-minute power interruptions on June 4, Thursday, affecting customers in Calinan, Baguio and Marilog Districts.

These service disruptions will be necessary to facilitate line upgrading works of Davao Light's 13.8 kV distribution line at Calinan Substation.

To avoid longer duration of power interrup-

Cebu Pacific cancels Manila-GenSan flights

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ebu Pacific has announced the cancellation of the Manila-General Santos-Manila flights for Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

The airline posted a statement through its social media accounts on Monday night, saying that

the company was not able to get an approval for the said flights.

"The previously announced Manila-General Santos-Manila flights on June 2 is cancelled, as we were unable to get the necessary approvals to mount the flight," the company

said.

"We are in the process of informing affected guests regarding this development."

Earlier, Cebu Pacific announced that operations will resume on June 2, 2020, with a limited number of domestic flights out

of NAIA Terminal 3.

"We will continue to work with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), as well as other national and local government authorities, on the rules and requirements to resume commercial passenger flights between areas under a GCQ," it said.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

SMC’s PBA players test negative for Covid-19

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an Miguel Corporation (SMC) said all players belonging to its three Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams are free from Covid-19 following testing conducted recently.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said the players of San Miguel Beermen, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok have undergone testing as part of SMC’s efforts to test about 70,000 in its workforce, including third party providers, in preparation for the reopening of its facilities nationwide.

“We are happy to report that all of our basketball players tested negative from the virus,” said Ang, who decided to put up a PCR-testing facility and laboratory right at the company premises to reduce the strain on government health facilities that are currently conducting and processing Covid-19 tests.

Ang added that while sports, particularly the

PBA, is an important fixture in the country, the prevention of the spread of Covid-19 virus should be carefully considered before any decision to resume contact sports in particular.

“We defer to the government’s wisdom and decision on when team-based leagues like the PBA will return especially if people’s lives are at stake. While we all miss the PBA, we need to first create a safe environment to limit the spread of the virus,” he said.

He added that PBA can be part of the movement for recovery efforts and one way to do it is to consistently test everyone involved in the league.

Ang said, as it has always done in the past, the company will continuously monitor the health of its players and the rest of the employees and assured that existing health packages are more than sufficient to cover them and their families.

“Our players and employees have nothing to be worried about as we have

BA legend Michael Jordan expressed his sadness and anger Sunday over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died last week after being pinned down by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"I am deeply saddened, truly pained, and plain angry. I see and feel everyone's pain, outrage, and frustration. I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough," he said.

The Chicago Bulls legend called for restraint and empathy amid clashes between protesters and police following Floyd’s death.

"We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy, and never turn our backs on sense-

less brutality. We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability," he added.

Jordan, 57, invited everyone to stand shoulder to shoulder in order to become part of the solution.

"Our unified voice needs to put pressure on our leaders to change our laws, or else we need to use our vote to create systemic change. Every one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all,” he said.

He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of George Floyd.

"My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd and to the countless others whose lives have been brutally and senselessly taken through acts of racism and

USA coach Gregg Popovich shakes hands with referees before their FIBA World Cup 2019 game against Poland. File photo. FIBA Media.

Popovich slams Trump for lack of leadership MJ condemns Floyd killing

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nraged San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich sharply criticized the lack of leadership shown by President Donald Trump and called him a coward in the wake of weeklong protests surrounding the death of George Floyd.

Popovich told The Nation that Trump is "deranged" and incapable of saying "black lives matter" at a time when the nation desperately needs to hear those words from the leader of the country.

"It's unbelievable. If Trump had a brain, even if it was 99 percent cynical, he would come out and say something to unify people," Popovich told reporter Dave Zirin.

"But he doesn't care about bringing people together. Even now. That's how deranged he is. It's all about him. It's all about

what benefits him personally. It's never about the greater good. And that's all he's ever been."

Nationwide protests and demonstrations have erupted since Floyd, a black man, died in Minneapolis on May 25 while white police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for several minutes.

Popovich, a staunch critic of Trump, views the president as a detriment to the country.

"He's not just divisive.

He's a destroyer. To be in his presence makes you die," Popovich told The

Nation sports editor Dave Zirin. "He will eat you alive for his own purposes. I'm appalled that we have a leader who can't say 'black lives matter.' That's why he hides in the White House basement. He is a coward.

"He creates a situation and runs away like a grade-schooler. Actually, I think it's best to ignore him. There is nothing he can do to make this better because of who he is: a deranged idiot."

Popovich, who has won five NBA titles with the Spurs and ranks third all-time with 1,272 regular-season victories, said Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are failing at leadership.

"It's so clear what needs to be done. We need a president to come out and say simply that 'black lives matter,'" Popovich said.

"Just say those three words. But he won't and he

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Prep for 2023 FIBA World Cup pushing through

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FIBA is usruing collaboration with 2023 World Cup host Philippines, Japan and Indonesia despite the coronavirus crisis.

can't. He can't because it's more important to him to mollify the small group of followers who validate his insanity. But it's more than just Trump. The system has to change. I'll do whatever I can do to help, because that's what leaders do. But he can't do anything to put us on a positive path, because he's not a leader.

"It's like what (Senators) Lindsay Graham and Ted Cruz used to say when they had the courage to say it: He's unfit. But they have chosen instead to be invisible and obsequious in the face of this carnage. In the end, what we have is a fool in place of a president, while the person who really runs the country, Senator Mitch McConnell, destroys the United States for generations to come.

"McConnell has destroyed and degraded our judicial system. He has

IBA, the world governing body of basketball, will push for continued collaboration with the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia as co-hosts of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Richard Carrion, chairman of the Board for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, made this commitment after the board’s first meeting via video conference last week.

“We were all witness to an incredible event last year in China. The next FIBA Basketball World Cup will be brought to another level in 2023, taking place in Asia across three countries, and we are looking forward to the continued collaboration with these host nations,” he said.

During the meeting, the FIBA World Cup board tackled early preparations

for the 32-team tournament scheduled from Aug. 25Sept. 10, 2023.

FIBA president Hamane Niang, secretary general Andreas Zagklis, and central board members Manny Pangilinan, Erick Thohir and Yuko Mitsuya, who are also part of the World Cup board, are also present.

This will be the first time two or more nations are hosting the FIBA World Cup. The group stages will take place in Jakarta, Okinawa, Pasig, Quezon City, Pasay and Bocaue.

The playoffs of the FIBA World Cup will commence at a still to be determined arena in the Philippines, which acts as the main host of the event.

The continental qualifiers for the FIBA World Cup will begin in November 2021. (PNA)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 45 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020

UNCERTAINTY

MPBL pushes Season 4 to 2021 due to Covid-19

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he Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball Pilipinas (MPBL) is postponing its upcoming season due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a memo sent to the teams on Monday night, Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes announced, "The 2020-21 MPBL Season is hereby suspended, and we will start our next season on June 12, 2021."

Supposedly the fourth overall since the league was founded in 2018, the MPBL has already set June 12 as the start of the new season, but the opening was initially postponed due to the pandemic.

While the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) can further relax provinces with at least one MPBL representative each into a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the soonest where sporting events can resume, the MPBL did not wait for that to happen and went on with the suspension of the season.

Meanwhile, Duremdes asked the teams to honor their existing contracts with their players by paying them at least 20 percent of the salaries they agreed upon.

Closed-door Lakan Season finale On the other hand, Duremdes said that he is still keen on finishing the current Lakan Season, which has been halted due to Covid-19.

Before the postponement of games on March 12, the MPBL played Game 2 of the division finals the night before.

Davao Occidental and Makati scored road wins in Lamitan and San Juan Cities, respectively, to send the two best-of-three national semifinals to deciders.

However, Duremdes said that fans cannot be physically present in the rubber matches as both

Before the postponement of games on March 12, the MPBL played Game 2 of the division finals the night before. Davao Occidental and Makati scored road wins in Lamitan and San Juan Cities, respectively, to send the two best-of-three national semifinals to deciders Game 3s are likely to be held behind closed doors in only one arena.

"Based doon sa napa-

gusapan namin, one venue lang (Based on what we discussed, they will be held in only one venue). We

will look for a neutral venue," Duremdes said in the ClutchPoint Podcast of veteran sportswriter Rey Joble

recently.

The said case will be the same for the best-of-

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