Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 52 | Thursday, June 11, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

SAVING THE LUNGS OF THE EARTH

Serving a seamless society

VOL.13 ISSUE 52 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

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ENVIRONMENT P8

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NEGATIVE DELIVERY. A young man transports a roasted pig from the roasting area to a lechon outlet along Chavez Street in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

9 DOH Reg’l Office personnel tested negative for Covid-19 STORY ON PAGE 2

WORLDWIDE COVID-19 NUMBERS BOARD

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PHILIPPINES

WORLDWIDE

CONFIRMED: 7,318,124 • DEATH: 413,648 • RECOVERED: 3,602,580

CONFIRMED: 22,992 • DEATH: 1,017 • RECOVERED: 4,736

As of June 10, 2020, here’s the Top 5 list of countries with most number of COVID-19 cases 1. U.S.A CONFIRMED: 2,045,549 DEATH: 114,148 RECOVERED: 788,862

2. BRAZIL CONFIRMED: 742,084 DEATH: 38,497 RECOVERED: 325,602

3. RUSSIA CONFIRMED: 485,253 DEATH: 6,142 RECOVERED: 242,397

4. GREAT BRITAIN CONFIRMED: 289,140 DEATH: 40,883 RECOVERED: --

5. SPAIN CONFIRMED: 289,046 DEATH: 27,136 RECOVERED: --

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

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 52 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

DCWD offices and SM Lanang Premier collection center open on June 12, 2020

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NEGATIVE An eatery worker grills pork and “isaw” skewers along Tionko Avenue in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

9 DOH Reg'l Office personnel tested negative for Covid-19

By MAYA M. PADILLO fter testing positive with COVID-19 during an initial test, the nine personnel of the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) yielded negative results on their second test and not showing signs and symptoms of the illness.

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Dr. Lenny Joy Rivera, assistant regional director of DOH 11, said in a virtual presser that these nine personnel composed of one doctor and eight medical technologists were tested positive through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) last May 29, 2020.

The said health workers are part of the specimen management and case investigation teams of DOH 11. They are assigned to conduct swab testing and random sampling in the community.

“Constant exposure seguro kaya sila nahawa pero naka-PPE po sila at hindi

kami nagkulang dun kasi we have enough supply of PPEs. We are doing investigation until now kung papano yung nine DOH 11 personnel nakakuha ng sakit. Pero hindi po sila tinest dahil may symptoms sila, pero dahil its part of the routine of DOH na pag-matapos kang pumunta ng field mag swa-swab ka whether you are asymptomatic or symptomatic,” Rivera said.

These frontliners are asymptomatic and considered to have mild COVID-19 case. They were brought to COVID-19 facilities in Davao City for quarantine.

“Na receive namin ang test results from SPMC. We

try to do some actions agad.

Hinanap namin sila then pina-quarantine and case investigation was done at na-identify agad namin ang 23 na kasama nila sa building, they were isolated then underwent x-rays including the 23 at the same time we do contact-tracing kung sino pa yung nakasama nila,” she said.

According to Rivera, the 23 individuals who have close contact with the nine health workers underwent swab testing and were tested negative.

Rivera said they also conducted decontamination and disinfection in the DOH 11 building.

resorts, he said.

He added that Department of Tourism (DOT)Davao Director Tanya R. Tan had reached out to the local government last week regarding the safety measures that must be in place by the island and the resort owners to be allowed to operate in July.

Uy said the IGACOS is preparing for the possible influx of tourists but maintained that the resorts would be operating at 50 percent capacity while the local government is planning to regulate the entry of visitors to the island

He said the resort owners are required to go through the requirements set by the DOT-Davao to ensure the safety of the tourists such as the setting up of health protocols, including, among others, sanitizers, non-contact thermal scanners, and foot bath.

The mayor said that at present, the local government only allows entry of returning IGACOS residents, who are stranded in different parts of the country, but only after being rigorously subjected to health screening.

ments should be met for the safety of tourists,” he said.

The mayor said the local government would soon assign a QR code to all visitors of the island, so that it would be easier to monitor movement around Samal Island and to make contact tracing more efficient should they test positive for COVID-19.

“If you test positive for COVID-19, we will know the patient who must be isolated, including their close contacts, and the areas they have visited [with-

espite that June 12, 2020 was declared as a regular holiday in observance of the Independence Day, Davao City Water District’s Matina office, Bajada and Toril sub-offices are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and SM Lanang Premier collection center from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. DCWD Matina, Bajada, and Toril offices will accept payment of water bills for Zone 7 only and all customer service requests. SM Lanang Premier collection center will accept payment of water bills for Zone 7 only.

The zone is the first two digits of the account number. Customers may check their water bills or go to bit. ly/myDCWDzone to know their zone. For the schedule, they may check bit. ly/DCWDPaymentScheduleMayJune2020.

All transacting customers are reminded to follow the GCQ guidelines, to wear face masks at all times, and to go through the mandatory temperature check, disinfection, and foot bath.

Paying customers are also

advised to bring a copy of any old water bill for faster transactions and prepare the exact amount to limit contact with tellers.

DCWD also advises that its collection center in Felcris Centrale is still closed but will be opening on June 15, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM while DCWD’s NCCC-VP Mall collection center remains closed until further notice.

In addition, the DCWD management assures the general public that the operations of its technical departments and Call Center/ Central Information Unit will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer service support.

For any queries and updates related to DCWD’s services, customers may contact DCWD through the 235-3293 (DCWD), 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 hotlines or DCWD’s website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) chat support. (Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin)

Palace seeks to release 60% of 2nd tranche of SAP next week

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alacañang on Wednesday expressed optimism that 60 percent of the 17 million low-income households would receive the second tranche of emergency subsidies under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) by next week.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement, adding that he looked forward to the faster distribution of the national government's cash aid for indigent families through the web application, “ReliefAgad”.

“Realistically, we’re hoping that at least a majority of the PHP105 billion would already have been disbursed electronically,” Roque said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel. “So we’re hoping that at least 60 percent would be done by next week.”

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the lead agency tasked to implement the SAP, is expected to begin the cashless distribution of financial assistance to 17 million poor families starting next week.

ReliefAgad, a quick-relief system launched by DSWD on May 14, authorizes the release of the second wave of payouts through electronic payment.

Roque said the government is more focused on implementing the automated distribution of the second tranche of emergency subsidies.

“The primary mode of distribution will be electronic this time. And since it’s electronic, to those who will be covered, they (DSWD personnel) can distribute [the cash aid] in two days,” he said.

SAP beneficiaries are encouraged to register to the ReliefAgad application by visiting www.reliefagad. ph to expedite the process of gathering their information for validation and them to avail of a safer and more convenient cashless disbursement.

Using a smartphone, SAP recipients have to scan the barcode at the lower right-hand corner of the social amelioration card form to proceed with the

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Samal to put in place stricter measures as it reopens in July P1-M checks given to kin of sland Garden City of lands. to prevent the spread of “On our part, parallel 30 fallen health care workers Samal (IGACOS) Mayor Samal has a total of 200 COVID-19. with DOT, those require-

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Al David T. Uy said the local government has prepared stricter health security measures to ensure the safety of the visitors amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as it reopens at limited capacity next month.

Uy said the local government would put in place more health screenings in various barangays across the island, most especially those areas with many public and private resorts, specifically Barangays Camudmud, Caliclic, Aundanao, and Talicud Is-

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he families of 30 front-line health workers who died of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have received the PHP1-million compensation mandated by the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Tuesday night.

"Thirty out of 32 heirs of those who died received their PHP1 million check.

The other two have their relatives abroad and we are still coordinating with their families how they can get their money," Health

Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a statement.

The total number of beneficiaries was supposed to be 34 upon validation of two more deaths on Tuesday.

However, two were delisted due to "issues in the diagnosis" specified in their death certificates, bringing the number to 32.

"There were an additional two more today that were validated, which brought the total to 34, but two were delisted and the other two heirs were

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VOL.13 ISSUE 52 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Malacañang says calls to junk the enrolled anti-terror bill would push President Rodrigo Duterte to review the provisions of the measure “even closer”. Presidential Photo

Sara congratulates Vega M on DOH appointment

Protests push PRRD to study anti-terror bill 'even closer'

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday congratulated Dr. Leopoldo Vega, chief of hospital of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), on his appointment as Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary for Special Concerns.

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“Congratulations to Dr. Vega for a well-deserve promotion. Rest assured that Dabawenyos will support him sa iyang trabaho as Undersecretary of Health,” Mayor Sara said in her daily broadcast with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea con-

firmed last week that Vega has been appointed to the post after President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his dismay over delays in the distribution of deaths and sick benefits of health workers who have died in the fight against COVID-19.

After accepting his appointment, Vega said he is humbled with the trust

and confidence given by the President.

“I am taking the challenge of this kind of new field of work in my capacity,” Vega said.

The SPMC chief added that his task include coordination between DOH to be able to respond the needs of the community and harmonize it with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Disease.

“This is a big responsibility in making sure the service is given. This is going to be a new challenge but I am prepared to learn.

It is really more on how we administered and manage

the process we made and collaborate,” he said.

Dr. Ricardo Audan, SPMC chief of clinic and Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB), said there will be no changes in the programs and priorities at SPMC set by Vega.

“We will continue to strengthen the projects and policies of Dr. Vega. I believe continuity is important. Dr. Vega is a visionary and he plans well,” Audan said.

Among the projects and programs initiated

by Vega at SPMC include upgrading of sub-laboratories and construction of the five-storey Infectious Diseases Institute.

Simo-ag said that should village residents evacuate to safer grounds during flooding, they should still be mindful in avoiding infection from Covid-19.

“I already inform them [residents] in our daily live broadcast through the official barangay Facebook Page that they should be vigilant, prepare their ‘gobag’ and be ready to evacuate should heavy rains would occur and at the same time upon evacuation, they still have to maintain safe physical distancing, “ Simo-ag said.

A "go-bag" must contain important documents, money, first-aid kit, clothes, food and water, emergency tools such as flashlight and whistle, and communication tools like cellphones, the village official said.

He said the barangay has already crafted an evacuation plan where some 1,000 households will be temporarily relocated during flooding, with physical distancing in mind.

“We have a warning system and our ‘purok’ leaders are equipped with handheld radios where they get updates from time

to time. Our residents also know where to go and who to find during an emergency situation like flooding,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has called on Dabawenyos--especially those in flood-prone areas-to be vigilant and alert with the onset of the rainy season.

CDRRMO chief Alfredo Baloran said Dabawenyos should be prepared because the weather outlook is changeable.

Village chief reminds of physical distancing even during floods

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ith the onset of the rainy season and amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), a village chairperson here reminded his constituents to observe safe physical distancing if flood occurs in their barangay.

Barangay Lasang chairman Allan Simo-ag said Tuesday that flood-prone areas in their barangay are regularly visited by high waters every year. The village is located between Lasang and Licanan rivers, which overflow during the rainy season.

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alacañang on Wednesday said calls to junk the enrolled anti-terror bill would push President Rodrigo R. Duterte to review the provisions of the measure “even closer”.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque explained that since the President certified the bill as urgent, he would “scrutinize” its provisions before deciding whether to sign or veto the measure.

Asked if there was a chance the President would allow the bill to lapse into law, Roque said, “The President did certify (it) as urgent so he agrees with the principal author of the bill, Senator Ping Lacson, that there is a need for the law.”

“Let’s just say that the public interest on the bill will make the President review the provisions of the bill even closer,” he added.

Roque confirmed that a copy of the bill was transmitted to Malacañang on Tuesday and that the legal department of the Office of the Executive Secretary has started reviewing its provisions.

He also emphasized the role of the Department of Justice (DOJ), which was tasked by the Palace to review the provisions of the bill amid allegations by some groups that it contained unconstitutional provisions.

“The DOJ is still the legal adviser of the President even if he has his own Legal Office within Malacañang itself,” Roque said.

Terrorism still exists Amid questions on the

President's move to certify the bill as urgent amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, he pointed out that “terrorists did not stop their nefarious activities” amid the prevailing health crisis.

Roque cited the recent attacks launched by alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao and the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu, and various instances where communist rebels attacked soldiers assisting aid distribution.

“It’s very clear that terrorists did not really cease their activities despite the Covid-19 situation and that is why it was certified urgent,” he said.

Roque said Duterte’s certification was also to ensure that the House of Representatives would “act on” the measure that failed to pass during the 17th Congress.

“I guess the certification ensured that it will pass in the House. But you and I know that with or without certification, I think any legislative initiative supported by the administration would find better chances of being passed in the House than in the Senate,” he said.

Roque, however, clarified that the measure was not “rushed” solely because of the President’s certification.

“It’s just a matter of course. Let me emphasize here that the bill was not rushed solely because of the certification. This bill

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 52 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

A ferry plying the Sasa-Samal Island sea route cruises along the Davao Gulf in this undated photo. The local government of Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) has prepared stricter health security measures to ensure the safety of the visitors amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as it reopens at limited capacity in July. Edge Davao

World Bank: Elevated extreme poverty to persist through 2021 P

PLDT 5G rollout pushed back to Q4 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns

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lobal economic growth could rebound next year but the number of people living in extreme poverty is expected to remain unchanged, the World Bank warned Tuesday.

The projection came after the Washington-based development lender said Monday the coronavirus pandemic could drive between 70 and 100 million people into extreme poverty in 2020 as the global econ-

omy faces its worst recession in 80 years.

The bank expects growth to rebound by four percent in 2021 but the countries with the highest shares of the world's extremely poor are not projected to grow

faster than their population -- meaning extreme poverty will remain unchanged.

"Nigeria, India and the Democratic Republic of Congo -- three countries which we project are home to more than a third of the world's poor -- are predicted to have per-capita growth rates in real GDP of –0.8 percent, 2.1 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively," the World Bank said in a blog.

"With population

growth rates of 2.6 percent, 1.0 percent and 3.1 percent, this is hardly enough for sustainable decreases in the poverty headcount."

The bank warned "South Asia may see a larger increase in the number of poor as a result of COVID-19," particularly in India.

Of the 176 million people expected to be pushed below the $3.20 per-day poverty line, twothirds are in South Asia.

checkpoint notifications are to begin with crossings between the US and Canada or Mexico.

When people use Maps for trips by public transit, Google will provide available information regarding whether schedules are limited; masks must be worn, or crowds are expected.

"Having this information before and during your trip is critical for both essential workers who need to safely navigate to work and will become more important for everyone as countries around the world begin to reopen," Nagarajan said.

The transit alerts are rolling out in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Colombia, France, India, Mexico, Netherlands,

Spain, Thailand, and the US where information from local transit agencies is available.

People using Maps to navigate to medical facilities or COVID-19 testing centers will be shown reminders to verify eligibility and guidelines to avoid being turned away, according to Nagarajan.

Alerts for those traveling to medical facilities will be available in Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines, South Korea, and the US starting this week.

"We're showing these alerts where we've received authoritative data from local, state and federal governments or from their websites," Nagarajan said.

"And we are actively

working with other agencies around the world to bring even more of this helpful data to users in Google Maps."

Google last year added predictions about public transit crowds to Maps, and early this year marked its 15th anniversary with enhanced details about transit services.

"You can easily see the times when a transit station is historically more or less busy to plan your trip accordingly or you can look at live data showing how busy it is right now compared to its usual level of activity," Nagarajan said.

"Rolling out over the next several weeks, these capabilities are powered by aggregated and ano-

Google Maps to display virus-related transit alerts

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new version of Google's mapping service being rolled out will display pandemic-related transit alerts and let people know when buses or trains might be crowded.

Updated versions of the free app for smartphones powered by Apple or Google-backed Android software will also let drivers know about COVID-19 checkpoints or restrictions on their routes.

"We're introducing features to help you easily find important information if you need to venture out, whether it's by car or public transportation," Google Maps product management director Ramesh Nagarajan said in a blog post.

Alerts about COVID-19

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LDT Inc. has set back the commercial rollout of fifth-generation (5G) services to the fourth quarter of the year, as the coronavirus disease has limited mobility for the company to push through as scheduled.

According to PLDT chief executive officer Manuel Pangilinan, the company is now working to be able to commercially roll out 5G services in the last three months of the year.

"I think it will be launched. We will start working on it at this time," he said during the company's virtual annual stockholder's meeting.

"I think the best time will be the fourth quarter this year," added Pangilinan.

The company earlier planned the commercial rollout of 5G in the first quarter of 2020, but was

hit by restrictions put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Metro Manila, along with several high-risk areas, was under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 17 to May 15, followed by a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until May 31.

The Pangilinan-led firm reported a 5% decline in its core income to P6.9 billion from P7.2 billion in the same period last year.

PLDT last year already partnered with several firms, such as Cisco, to upgrade its IP transport infrastructure into a fully 5G ready network.

A study by Cisco released in March revealed that Philippine telecommunications companies stand to increase revenues by as much as $650 million from 5G starting 2025.

Airlines headed for $84-B net loss in 2020, IATA says

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nternational airlines are in line to make a combined net loss of more than $84 billion this year in the wake of the coronavirus crisis which has decimated air travel, the International Air Transport Association said Tuesday.

"After $84 billion net losses this year we forecast supplementary losses of $15 billion in 2021," the IATA said at a new conference, revealing the extent

to which its 290 member carriers have been affected by the virus and the ensuing global lockdown designed to limit its spread.

"The losses this year will be the biggest in aviation history, over $84 billion in 2020 and nearly $16 billion in 2021," said IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac.

"By comparison, airlines lost $31 billion with

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5 PAL cancels 8 international flights set for June 10-12

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Phoenix Petroleum launches contactless payment at its gas stations, offering safer and more secure payment options for motorists.

lag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Tuesday announced the cancelation of eight international flights originally scheduled for June 1012, as the carrier was not given the arrival slots at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In an advisory, PAL said authorities were not able to give the airline the slots, "because of unavoidable constraints in quarantine processing capacity in Manila".

The canceled flights are: June 10 - PR102/103 Manila-Los Angeles-Manila; PR104/105 Manila-San Franciso-Manila; and PR116/117 Manila-Vancouver-Manila June 11 - PR126 Manila-New York

June 12 - PR127 New York-Manila The carrier said it plans to operate flight PR102 Manila-Los Angeles on June 11 and is also working on mounting the PR103 flight from Los Angeles to Cebu instead of Manila, with arrival date on June 13. Arrangements are still being done for flight PR103 to land in Cebu.

If this would push through, passengers would undergo the mandatory testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Cebu and would need to undergo quarantine in a Department of Health-accredited hotel. The cost of hotel accommodation will be shouldered by the passenger.

Once passengers get a

itness gyms, cinemas, computer shops, bars, and other business establishments in areas under a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) will be allowed to reopen, albeit at a reduced operating capacity, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Tuesday.

Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Region II, Region III, Region IV-A, Region VII, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Zamboanga City, and Davao City have transitioned to general community quarantine (GCQ) beginning June 1 until 15, while the rest of the country is now under an MGCQ. During a Palace briefing, Trade Secretary Ra-

mon Lopez said businesses under Category 4 are still prohibited to reopen under GCQ, but are allowed to resume in MGCQ areas at 50% operating capacity.

“So example po rito ay iyong mga gyms and fitness studios and sports facilities,” Lopez said.

The Trade chief noted that under GCQ, sports activities are allowed if they are done outdoors, not indoors.

“Pero under Modified GCQs, outdoor and indoor sports facilities will now be allowed to operate. So ibig sabihin po, iyong mga sports activities na indoor, as long as non-contact, ay

Phoenix gas stations offer contactless payment F

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Gyms, cinemas, others in MGCQ areas allowed to open at 50% capacity

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mid concerns over the possible transmission of COVID-19 through paper bills and coins, Phoenix Petroleum, the homegrown leading independent oil company in the Philippines, now offers contactless payment options at its gas stations to ensure safer transactions.

The first to offer four e-payment options in the oil industry in the country, a total of 100 Phoenix gas stations all over Luzon now allow payment via Alipay, GCash, GrabPay, and

WeChat Pay through QR code scanning. The move came as part of the company’s tightened safety protocols across its businesses to help stop the pandemic.

PH trade gap down 86.9% in April: PSA

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he Philippine trade gap continued to narrow in April as total external trade for the month was halved, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Wednesday.

Data released by the PSA showed that the balance of trade in goods (BoT-G) posted a $499.21-billion deficit to reflect an 86.9% drop from the $3.798-billion deficit in April 2019.

A deficit indicates that the value of a country’s imports exceeded the export receipts, while a surplus indicates more export shipments than imports.

The latest figure compares with the $2.368-billion deficit recorded in March.

The total external trade in goods for the month fell by 59.8% to $6.07 billion, more than half or 54.1% accounted for by imported goods.

Imports for the month amounted to $3.28 billion, down by 65.3% from the $9.541 billion in April 2019. This was the fastest decline in 11 years since April 2009.

“The decrement of imported goods in April 2020 was due to the de-

creases in the top 10 major import commodities led by transport equipment (-89.8%); mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (-87.4%); and miscellaneous manufactured articles (-75.5%),” the PSA said.

Drops were also reported in other food and live animals (-71.5%), industrial machinery and equipment (-70.8%), telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery (-56.0%), iron and steel (-48.5%), electronic products (-46.0%), power generating and specialized machinery (-43.0%), and medicinal and pharmaceutical products (-37.9%).

Meanwhile, exports amounted to $2.78 billion, reflecting a decrease of 50.8% from $5.65 billion in April 2019. This was also the fastest annual decrease in export sales in 11 years since January 2009.

“Largely contributing to the downtrend in April 2020 were seven of the top 10 major export commodities led by other manufactured goods (-64.0%); machinery and transport equipment (-63.6%); and coconut oil (-55.5%),” the

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“Phoenix has always been an advocate of safe and secure service. While we continue to provide quality products to our customers, we are also very serious in our rally towards stopping the spread of COVID-19. We already made most of our employees work from home to avoid exposure to the virus. This time, we want to further ensure the safety of our customers by offering contactless transactions that could help flatten the curve,” newly elected Phoenix Petroleum President and COO Henry

Albert Fadullon said.

The company is also set to implement this new method of payment at its stations in Visayas and Mindanao within this June.

Earlier, Phoenix introduced its own fuel delivery service for small and medium businesses to provide a more convenient option for those in need of quality fuel supply. The company is also currently offering Bangon Tsuper, a special rewards program for public utility drivers who need assistance while waiting for the eventual return of mass transportation.

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A worker delivers commercial rice at a rice dealership store at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday. Daily life in the city, specially the economic activities, is starting to normalize after it was placed under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ). Edge Davao

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 52 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

But the more enraging reason is when you see cars illegally parked and occupying one lane of the roads and the CTTMO does not do anything to ‘clean it up’ and make room so that bikers can at least use that space. That is unforgivable.

(Editorial, Edge Davao)

EDITORIAL

No need for registration fee

Exacting registration fee from bicycle owners in Davao City is the last thing the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) should think about.

Owning a bicycle in these days of the pandemic is an enabling mechanism to allow one to get from point A to point B without having to pay for fuel or public transport. It is the cheapest way of moving about. It doesn’t clog up the streets and more importantly, it is also the environmentally cleanest way of commuting.

Hence, there is everything to desire about bicycles.

To own a bike these days, the cheapest one can get is from the surplus shops where one can fetch to a few thousand pesos for a decent commuter. Add a helmet to the cost and a few safety accessories like lights and reflectors and one should be good to go. That is the ‘new normal’ of commuting.

While Davao’s biking population are still wishing the city government finally put in place the long overdue bicycle lanes as they face the risk of having to ride side by side with speeding vehicles, another ‘obstacle’ is getting into the way. The CTTMO is enforcing the registration requirement for every bicycle in the city. Although not new, the timing could be off. Bike registration in the city began in 2019 but acording to CTTMO only 250 units have so far been registered. The requirement itself is based on the 10-year-old City Ordinance No. 0409-10, also known as the Bicycle Ordinance

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KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Cartoonist Correspondent Consultant Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO 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

of Davao City.

CTTMO chief Dionisio Abude said in a Philippine Information Agency (PIA) report that bike registration is important to be used in litigation when road accidents involving bicycle and its rider occur. Abude reasoned that they have to consider the cases like destruction of life and property.

Currently, the annual bicycle registration fee is P150. Upon registration, a bicycle will be issued a license plate and sticker. What’s more, owners are also required to mount a horn, side mirrors, and reflectors at all times.

While bicycle registration may have sound basis to enforce, what appears to be unnecessary and even unreasonable at this point is to exact registration fee of P150.

CTTMO can still do the registration without having to collect fees from bikers.

One practical reason is that there are no dedicated bike lanes yet for the city’s bikers, so why collect fees? Another is that given the current pandemic, it is too much asking from lowly bike owners to pay registration fees.

But the more enraging reason is when you see cars illegally parked and occupying one lane of the roads and the CTTMO does not do anything to ‘clean it up’ and make room so that bikers can at least use that space. That is unforgivable.

Do something for bikers first before asking them to pay.

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)

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.13 ISSUE 52 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

7

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

RECOVERING OUR BUSINESS UNDER A NEW SET OF NORMALS Recovery is going to be a challenge, to say the least.

The 17% unemployment, and the -2% growth in the first quarter can mean that the low growth will probably persist into the second quarter. Estimates put a rebound to happen late in 2020, or sometime in 2021. The slow but safe return to business operations include having to deal with new normal.

What do these new normal entail?

We are looking at new operating environments where people are more cautious about their health, and will not want enclosed or crowded spaces if they can avoid it.

They will also not want

to spend at the same level they used to, will avoid travel and will likely save whatever money they have since the prognosis for a vaccine or reliable treatment is still years away.

It also means a preference for online modes of payment and deliveries rather than in store purchases.

The key response to these new normals and new operating environment is innovation.

Simply put, innovation in the business sense is a new way of doing business, or maybe , a new business altogether.

One way of changing the way we do business is to integrate forward or backward.

An example is to offer related products or services to what you currently offer. This can enable you to meet new market segments and leverage on existing capabilities such as present personnel. The closer it is to your current business, the easier it will be to migrate.

Another way is to engage in online channels that allow you to sell the product or service in a new market.

For example, some Davao companies have gone online to promote and sell their products and services” he noted, citing the rise in restaurants now on food panda and related apps such as Buylocal. We have also noted a rise in new businesses.

Innovation sometimes means taking some risks to ensure the survival and recovery of our businesses.

Some sacrifices will need to be made, new skills learned, and new platforms or channels explored and maximized.

Innovation will enable you to capitalize on the various government support programs on offer, such as, for example, Land Bank, DBP and Small Business Corporation. The capacity to create new revenue will be crucial to ensuring repayment of these loans.

Take note, though, that borrowing from government agencies presupposes compliance to government requirements.

An immersive opportunity:

Taking all of these into consideration, this new flexibility will sharpen our entrepreneurial skills. The ability to adjust to fast changing conditions and find opportunity in crisis. It also requires a clear head, and a tenacity that enables us to keep moving and adjusting. This is what the new normal forces us to do.

Looking at the next year many businesses will not see growth unless they innovate.

In my business i have had to do the same. It may not be easy at first, but once all the data is in, such as financial information, possible receivables, and opportunities for integration, dealing with the new reality becomes easier.

MCM launches Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020 HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

INDEPENDENCE DAY

“… It was resolved unan- colonial rule of Spain after ippines the independence it boast its constitution and values mesh together in a dyimously that this Nation, al- the latter was defeated at the had been longing for through government. Independence namic compromise and powready free and independent Battle of Manila Bay during the Treaty of Manila. July 4 is my happiness, the world is er struggle; the society fightas of this day, must use the the Spanish-American War in was chosen as the date be- my country, and my religion ing for power in defining the same flag which up to now is 1898. it corresponds the is to do good.” valuesmay of individuals and the MCM’s causeonline ed bytoMCM. matics, Business, proceed to being used, whose design and In “History of the Filipino United States’ Independence Independence means individual fighting for socielearningDay. Until tools order for –Humanities this link: colors are found described People,” Teodoro A. Agoncillo 1962, theIn Fourth of freedom to do things youand tal acceptance andhttps:// respect in in the attached drawing, the wrote that the proclamation July was observed as the Inwant to do.

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alayan Colleges Mindanao, a Mapúa School announced its first Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020, inviting all SHS and College students in Mindanao to experience the first fully integrated online learning system in the region — MCM Digital — and get the opportunity to use MCM’s powerful online learning tools for FREE!

8 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 52 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

Saving the lungs of the earth

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“T

he world’s oceans are in danger, and the enormity of the challenge is bigger than one country or organization.” – World Bank “Let us all work harder so that generations after generations may enjoy the benefits of healthy oceans.”

That was what Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, executive director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, urged as the international community celebrated World Oceans Day last June 8.

“Covering more than two-thirds of the planet, oceans are key to humanity’s survival and wellbeing,” Dr. Lim said a statement. “With their vastness supporting the world’s largest volume of life, oceans serve as food source for roughly 3.1 bil-

lion people and source of livelihood for more than 500 million people around the globe.”

Source of her information for the figures was the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Another UN agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), also said, “All of us must work together to protect the oceans, seas, inland waters and marine resources and ensure sustainable livelihoods, diets and development for the future.”

Fish is a staple food of Filipinos, along with rice.

The Filipinos, however, are

not alone. “The world’s appetite for fish and fish products shows no sign of slowing,” the FAO points out.

In 2018, total global capture fisheries production reached the highest level ever recorded at 96.4 million tons – an increase of 5.4% from the average of the previous three years.

“The increase was mostly driven by marine capture fisheries, with production from marine areas increasing to 84.4 million tons in 2018 – up from 81.2 million in 2017,” the UN food agency said.

Since the dawn of life on earth, oceans have been the ecological keel of the biosphere. But their seminal contribution to the planet was life itself.

Scientists believe that the very organisms were

bacteria that developed in the depths of the seas some four billion years ago. These were the evolutionary forerunners of all subsequent organisms, and helped create the conditions under which life as it is now known could evolve.

It’s not surprising that the oceans are now touted as the source of the

future’s medicines. “The sky's the limit,” says Dr. Deborah Gochfeld, a senior research scientist at the National Center for Natural Products Research of the University of Mississippi.

“The oceans have a much broader diversity of chemical structures than are found in plants – which include uses for cancer, heart disease, and infections, among others – so it is likely that marine animals will include all of these options and more.”

Dr. William Fenical, director for marine biotechnology and biomedicine at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, echoes the same idea. “Marine resources could be the major source of drugs in the coming years,” he pointed out.

Most of these marine resources thrive in coral reefs. “Many coral reef species produce chemicals like histamines and antibiotics used in medicine and science,” reports The Nature Conservancy, an organization whose mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities by protecting the lands and waters needed for their survival.

“Coral reef plants and animals are important sources of new medicines being developed to treat cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, heart disease, viruses, and oth-

er diseases,” says the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “Some coral reef organisms produce powerful chemicals to fend off attackers, and scientists continue to research the medicinal potential of these substances.”

Apart from providing food and livelihood, the oceans produce most of the Earth’s oxygen, the reason they are called “lungs of the Earth.” In fact, 70% of the oxygen humans breathe in comes from the oceans.

“Healthy marine ecosystems thriving in the oceans play a central role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, as well as in climate adaptation,” Dr. Lim said. “Oceans sequester and store carbon and absorb excess heat.”

Unknowingly, 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans is absorbed by the oceans.

In the past, the ocean was seen mainly as a means of travel. Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Christopher Columbus are some of the famous voyagers who discovered new lands using the oceans.

“The conflicts that arose were about territories, about trade routes,” notes Federico Mayor, former director-general of the United Nations Economic,

FSAVING, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 52 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 19th Regular Session Series of 2019 PRESENT:

Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. -Temporary Presiding Officer Councilor Ralph O. Abella Councilor Nilo D. Abellera Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N.Advincula Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor Jonard C. Dayap Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte

ABSENT:

Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte

Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Councilor Pamela A. Librado-Morata Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Councilor Alberto T. Ungab Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

- OB- Exchange of Cooperation by and among the City of Davao and the Cities of Jinjiang, Chongqing and Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China - On Official Business - On Domestic Emergency Leave - On Official Business - On Domestic Emergency Leave - On Official Business - On Official Business - On Official Business - On Official Business - On Official Business

ORDINANCE NO. 0105-19 Series of 2019 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING ANNUAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ALL QUALIFIED SENIOR CITIZENS OF DAVAO CITY Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ALL QUALIFIED SENIOR CITIZENS ORDINANCE OF DAVAO CITY”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICIES – Article XV, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution declares that it is the duty of the family to take care of its elderly members while the State may design programs of social security for them. In addition to this, Section 10 in the Declaration of Principles and State Policy provides that the State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development. Further, Article XIII of the Constitution provides that the “state shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and social services available to all people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the elderly”.

SECTION 3. PURPOSE - This Ordinance aims to support the senior citizens in the cost of their maintenance for medicines and other expenses relative to their health.

SECTION 4. AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - Qualified Senior Citizens shall be entitled to a financial assistance in the minimum amount of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PHP 1,500.00) annually. This provision shall be subject to review every two (2) years by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

SECTION 5. QUALIFICATION - The applicant must possess all the following qualifications, to wit: a) Must be sixty five (65) years old within the calendar year starting 2020; b) Must be a holder of an original Senior Citizen’s Identification Card issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) of Davao City; c) Must be a registered voter of Davao City as evidenced by the list of registered voters issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC); d) Must be a member of a duly recognized Senior Citizens Organization recognized by OSCA and CSSDO; e) In case of permanent bedridden senior citizen due to illness who is not a registered voter, he/ she must present a certification from CSSDO assigned in the barangay as to his/her condition.

SECTION 6. GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE 1. Composition – The Grievance Committee shall be composed of the following: a. OSCA Head or an authorized representative b. CSSDO Head or an authorized representative c. Davao City DILG Director or an authorized representative d. Chairperson, Committee on Social Services of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or any member in case of his absence; 2. Functions – The Grievance Committee will settle any qualification issued duly referred to it through a written complaint within a period of three (3) working days from the receipt thereof.

SECTION 7. ENFORCEMENT - The Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) of Davao City, the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) and the City DILG shall enforce this Ordinance.

The CSSDO shall take charge in the processing of the application and shall prepare the payroll of the qualified applicants.

SECTION 8. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DISTRIBUTION - The annual financial assistance to all qualified senior citizens of Davao City shall be given every second week of November of each year starting the year 2020. The financial assistance shall be distributed by CSSDO at the Barangays on a date that will be announced by OSCA in coordination with the City Treasurer’s Office, the City Social Services and Development Office and the City Accountant’s Office.

The financial assistance shall be claimed personally by the qualified recipient except in case of bedridden senior citizens who may claim through a relative within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.

SECTION 9. BUDGETARY ALLOCATION - The budgetary requirements for the annual financial assistance to senior citizens shall be included in the annual budget of the City subject to the usual auditing and accounting rules and procedures.

SECTION 10. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE BARANGAY - The Barangay may likewise grant the same benefits to its Senior Citizens with funds to be taken from its Real Property Taxes (RPT) subject to the availability of funds.

SECTION 11. REPEALING CAUSE - All ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations whose provisions are inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 12. APPLICABILITY CLAUSE - The provisions of existing ordinances, resolutions or executive orders which are not contradictory with this ordinance are hereby adopted as an integral part of this ordinance.

SECTION 13. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected thereby shall continue to be full time and effect.

SECTION 14. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.

ENACTED, November 19, 2019, by a unanimous vote of all members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED:

J. MELCHOR B. QUITAIN, JR. Temporary Presiding Officer cns/ray

For in the absence of the Secretary:

MA. THERESA A. REYES

Acting Secretary to the SangguniangPanlungsod (Local Legislative Staff Officer IV)

07 JAN APPROVED : ________________, 2020

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registration.

SAP beneficiaries need to wait for DSWD’s confirmation and announcement for the second wave of payouts as the agency will have to validate first their registrations.

Roque reiterated that the military would help DSWD in the manual distribution of cash aid.

“The balance for those who have no access to elec-

tronic payments will still be done manually. But this time, it will be disbursed with the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

Amid the country's fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), around 17 million low-income households can avail of the second tranche of cash aid from the national government.

Some 12 million of the 17 million SAP recipients also received the first tranche of emergency subsidies, while the remaining 5 million are new beneficiaries.

Under the SAP, poor families will receive emergency subsidies ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 to help them sustain their needs amid the pandemic. (PNA)

in the island],” he said.

Uy said they are also looking at strengthening the health protocols at the port of entries of IGACOS. “Eventually, we will slowly allow the entries of those who have properties

and businesses in Samal once we have the QR tracking system,” he said.

But Uy added that he would not hesitate to delay the reopening of the island once he sees the needed health protocols are not

yet put in place by the resorts to prevent a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases.

The mayor said the IGACOS at present has three active COVID-19 cases.

(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

abroad, so we're able to provide 30 from the total of 32," Vergeire said.

The department has finished distributing the PHP100,000 check to 19 out of 19 front-liners with severe cases of Covid-19.

"Nineteen out of 19 severe cases received their PHP100,000 checks," she

said.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte gave the DOH until June 9 to finish distributing benefits to sick and fallen health care workers as mandated by the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or Republic Act (RA) 11469.

Duterte also ordered

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to form a new team to oversee the distribution of benefits to health care workers.

The department tapped the PHP100-million Medical Assistance Fund as a source of the health care workers’ compensation.

(PNA)

“Those who are living in flood-prone areas, especially those near the riverbanks must be alert anytime and not be complacent. There’s no LPA (low-pressure area) and there is no development of LPA monitored in the Pa-

cific Ocean near the Philippines,” he said.

Baloran said the rains experienced during the afternoon and evening are brought by localized thunderstorms and the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

He said based on the weather outlook of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the public must expect weather disturbance during the afternoon and the evening. (PNA)

was pending since January of 2018. It’s been approved four months ago in the Senate and of course, it was already discussed, finished at the committee level at the House of Representatives but the approval on second and third reading of the House came after the certification,” he said.

Constitutionality Recognizing that he once challenged the constitutionality of the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007, the law which the anti-terror bill seeks to amend, Roque pointed out that since he and his fellow petitioners “failed” to succeed, it was no use to continue

questioning its constitutionality.

“We actually went to court and attempted to question the constitutionality of HSA and failed. The courts have said it’s constitutional, then why would you continue questioning its constitutionality?” he said.

In 2007, Roque challenged the constitutionality of the HSA but he and his fellow petitioners eventually lost at the Supreme Court in 2013.

Under the anti-terrorism bill, persons who shall threaten to commit terrorism, and those who will propose any terroristic acts

or incite others to commit terrorism shall suffer imprisonment of 12 years.

Suspected persons can be detained for 14 days without a warrant of arrest with an allowable 10-day extension.

A 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists can also be conducted by the police or the military, with an allowable 30-day extension.

The opposition and progressive groups have strongly opposed the passage of the measure in Congress over concerns that it would further erode human rights in the country.

(PNA)

nymized data from users who have opted in."

Google has more than

one billion monthly active users for its app, and has mapped more than 220

countries and territories and offers live traffic updates in 171 countries.

PSA said.

Declines were likewise seen in electronic products (-48.6%), other mineral products (-46.7%), fresh

bananas (-28.0%), and gold (-9.5%).

On the other hand, higher export sales were recorded in petroleum

products (+1,755.3%), cathodes and sections of cathodes of refined copper (+80.4%), and pineapple products (+25.7%).

negative test result, PAL said it would fly them to Manila for free.

On Tuesday, meanwhile, PAL was able to mount two international flights via Manila.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said flight PR8102 Manila-Los Angeles-Bridgetown was a flight

to pick up Filipino seafarers in Barbados; while flight PR8728 Manila-Goa, India was a repatriation flight for stranded Indian nationals.

Six PAL domestic flights were also mounted on Tuesday. These flights were between Cebu and Davao, Manila and Cagayan De Oro, and Manila and Paga-

dian.

Villaluna added that four sweeper flights between Manila and Cebu, and Bacolod, were also scheduled on Tuesday.

Sweeper flights are being carried out to ferry stranded individuals, not just foreign nationals.

(PNA)

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the Global Financial Crisis and oil price spike in 2008 and 2009. There is no comparison for the dimension of this crisis."

De Juniac said IATA research "shows that people will return to flying as soon as borders open" and carriers had to be prepared for an orderly resumption once demand returns in line with health guidelines.

"The outlook is challenging to say the least.

But aviation is a resilient industry," De Juniac added.

"With a globally harmonized and mutually recognized approach to the re-start measures, we can

rebuild the confidence of travelers and kick-start the recovery in aviation and more broadly.

He added the sector hoped that a range of safety measures including more effective mass testing would "give governments the confidence to re-open borders without quarantine measures" as "if quarantine is introduced economies are effectively kept in lockdown for the purposes of travel."

But De Juniac warned of a growing debt burden as despite government relief measures that had grown by $120 billion to

$550 billion -- equivalent to some 92 percent of expected 2021 revenues.

The IATA warned in April that airlines faced an "apocalypse" without state aid and forecast that revenues would fall by some 55 percent amid the sharpest falloff in passenger demand since the 9/11 attacks in the United States in 2001.

De Juniac said he hopes to see a more orderly resumption of service than on that occasion "when everybody essentially did their own thing and we have spent 20 years sorting out the differences."

papayagan na po at ia-allow na po ngayon pong under MGCQ doon po sa mga over 60 provinces and cities na under Modified GCQs,” Lopez said.

“Ang iba pa pong sarado under GCQ ay bubuksan din under Modified GCQ. Ito po iyong entertainment industries tulad po ng mga cinemas, theaters, mga karaoke bars,

etc,” he added.

Other business activities allowed to reopen in MGCQ areas are the following: • Kids amusements • Archives • Museums • Travel agencies • Other personal care services • Pet grooming • Internet, and com-

puter shops, and other education support establishments “So ito po ay mga sarado under GCQ subalit ia-allow na pong magbukas under the Modified GCQ. So, doon po sa area na Modified GCQ, puwede na rin po itong mga activities na ito at 50% operating capacity,” Lopez said.

played for the Memphis Grizzlies, the Chicago Bulls, the San Antonio Spurs and the Milwaukee Bucks.

“My intention is to play another season if the foot is OK, either in the NBA or in Europe,” he said. “A final season with the Lakers is attractive, finishing at Barça is attractive, but

you have to see the real possibilities and see what situation would be best for the circumstances of the moment.”

Gasol said it was positive that the NBA will be able to finish its season amid the pandemic but hoped the current format changes would not cause future conflicts for play-

ers wanting to play in the Olympics next season.

Gasol made his comments while launching a free online basketball academy that will run from June 28-July 4. His brother Marc Gasol and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon will be among those participating in the virtual program.

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Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). “It was the surface of the sea that was being fought over, as if it were an extension of the land.”

Although the oceans are vast and huge, they are not spared from destruction. “We are aware of risks to the ocean’s health -- which is deteriorating because of growing population pressure along the coasts,” Mayor said. “Twothirds of humanity actually live within 60 kilometers of the coast.”

This growing population helps pollute the oceans. These days, an average person living in Western Europe or North America consumes 100 kilograms of plastic each year, mostly in the form of packaging. Asia uses just 20 kilograms per person, but this figure is expected to grow rapidly as the region’s economies expand.

These days, wherever you go, you see plastics around.

Unfortunately, most of these plastics end up in the oceans. “Growth in the volume of plastic used in the global economy is projected to increase significantly over the next 10 years, especially in markets where waste management is only emerging,” says the study, “Stemming the Tide: Land-based Strategies for a Plastic-free Ocean.”

“If we continue our ways, the world’s oceans will soon be home to more plastic than fish,” says a report from the World Economic Forum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

“The best research currently available estimates that there are over 165 million tons of plastics in the ocean today,” the report reads. “In a business-as-usual scenario, the ocean is expected to contain 1.1 tons of plastic

for every 3.3 tons of fish by 2025, and by 2050, more plastics than fish (by weight). In other words, in just 34 years, plastic trash in the ocean will outweigh all the fish in the sea.”

Oil is another widespread pollutant in the oceans. In the Philippines, the sinking of a Caltex oil tanker in Limay, Bataan in 1990 comes to mind. Although it was much smaller in proportions -- when compared to the 11 million gallons of oil spilled from the Exxon Superlaner Valdez in Alaska in 1989 – it gave Filipinos a preview of the potential hazards of oil spills.

The oceans must be saved before it’s too late!

“Life originated in the ocean millions of years ago,” Mayor reiterated.

“Today, life depends on the oceans. They were the roots of life. Now, they are its wings.”

strictions have been relieved, and this clause can factor as well in the IATF’s decision on whether it will allow the PBA teams to practice again even if Metro Manila is still under the regular GCQ. Primarily based on the basketball restart protocols set by FIBA with some added rules, the PBA protocol for return to practice will start with individual conditioning, in which only four players, a trainer, and another staff member are

allowed inside the practice facility at a time.

The practice regimen is expected to ease as time goes by until the players can now practice together in small groups and eventually full team training again.

The league advised the head coaches of the teams to only show up once they can do full practices again, although the gaffers will also have to undergo Covid-19 testing like the players.

Should it decide to push through, the PBA is eyeing an October resumption to Season 45, although it will now be in the form of a single season tournament similar to those of the National Basketball Association and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Marcial, however, added that San Miguel’s 94-78 opening night win over Magnolia on March 8 will still be credited to both teams’ respective records.

(PNA)

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PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial has already submitted the protocols he and the PBA board of governors mapped out on how they can start training amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

PBA awaits IATF-EID nod M for resumption of practices

Pau Gasol eyes NBA return

T

he Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is still waiting for the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to give the league the go signal before it can resume practices.

Commissioner Willie Marcial on Tuesday he has already submitted the protocols he and the PBA board of governors mapped out on how they can start training amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Hinihintay pa rin namin yung desisyon ng task force at ng government para makagalaw. Hanggang wala silang sinasabi, hindi tayo makakagalaw (We are still waiting for the decision of the task force and the government for us to

Shaw to handle Kai’s G League squad

B

rian Shaw was officially announced as the head coach of the NBA G League team that will feature Jalen Green and Kai Sotto, among other top prospects.

G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim called Shaw the “natural choice” to lead the young squad, given his extensive experience as both an NBA player and a coach.

Shaw was part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ threepeat team from 2000 to 2002, and also won two more titles with them as an assistant coach.

“Brian’s extensive experience and success as an NBA player and coach make him a natural choice to lead the new NBA G League team,” Abdur-Rahim said.

“We look forward to watching these terrific young players develop

their skills and grow as professionals under Brian’s leadership,” he added.

The G League team will feature Green, one of the top prospects in the United States, and 7-foot2 Filipino teenager Sotto, along with Daishen Nix and Isaiah Todd. In opting to skip college, they will receive NBA-level coaching on the court and mentorship off of it to prepare them for the professional life.

Shaw, 54, said he is excited for the task that lies ahead.

“This is a new and different challenge in my career, and I’m ready to get to work mentoring, coaching, and developing the next generation of NBA stars,” he said.

The 18-year-old Sotto said on social media that he is looking forward to working with Shaw.

move. As long as they are not saying anything, we cannot move),” Marcial said during the second online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

Marcial also said the league is looking forward to seeing Metro Manila’s quarantine status downgraded further to a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Only provinces which are under MGCQ can resume holding sporting events provided that the arenas are restricted to accommodate at most 50 percent of their seating ca-

pacities.

Marcial said the IATF’s final say can also affect the PBA’s decision if its 45th season, which has been stalled due to the pandemic, will continue at all.

“Doon namin dedesisyunan by August kung anong mangyayari (We will make a decision by August on what is going to happen next),” he added.

Athletes of contact sports like basketball can only return to play once their provinces will be eased further to the “new normal”, that is, all the re-

FPBA, P10

Brian Shaw will be the coach of Kai Sotto-s G League squad. AFP

ADRID (AP) — Pau Gasol wants to return to the NBA next season but hasn’t ruled out finishing his career in Europe.

The 39-year-old Gasol said Tuesday he needs to be playing next season to give himself “a chance” of making it to the Olympics one last time.

The Spaniard said he is keeping his options open but going back to the Los Angeles Lakers would be an “attractive” option, as would be returning to a club like Barcelona in Spain.

He said a decision on his future will likely have to be made in September or October.

Gasol, a three-time Olympic medalist with Spain, has been out of ac-

tion for more than a year because of a foot injury.

He said the coronavirus pandemic has slowed his recovery process, but that was not necessarily a bad thing.

“I’m feeling good. I’ve had more time to recover,” he was quoted as saying

by Spanish media. “When I can start running and jumping I will have a lot more information to know for sure if the foot and the bone are consolidated for me to be playing professional basketball again.”

Gasol won two NBA titles while playing for the Lakers, where he stayed from 2008-14. He started his professional career with his home team in Barcelona, where he played from 1998-2001. He also

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The National Academy of Sports Act is expected to establish an educational facility designed for student-athletes.

PRRD approves bill creating National Academy of Sports S

en. Christopher “Bong” Go said on Wednesday that President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the National Academy of Sports Act, which would establish an educational facility designed for student-athletes.

Under Republic Act 11470, the government is mandated to “develop” the National Academy of Sports (NAS), which integrates secondary education with a special curriculum on sports to help young Filipino athletes study while training.

“I firmly believe that with this law, we will be able to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of sports development,” Go, one of the principal authors

of the measure, said in a statement.

“Maganda ang performance natin noong nakaraang SEA Games pero kailangan nating maibalik ang pagiging sports powerhouse ng Pilipinas sa Asya,” said Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports.

(We had a good performance during the Southeast Asian Games but we have to regain the Philippines’ title of being the sports powerhouse of Asia.)

“Naniniwala ako na epektibong paraan ang sports upang mailayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga, kriminalidad at katiwalian,” he said.

(I believe that sports is an effective way to keep our children away from

illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.)

Under the law, qualified student-athletes can enter the National Academy of Sports through scholarships.

The multi-billion New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac will house the National Academy of Sports where students “shall have access to existing sports facilities” in the area previously used as venues for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The Academy’s budget will be included in the Department of Education’s annual funding, and “all income and monetary donations” given to the

academic institution will be placed into the Sports High School Fund.

The fund will be subject to existing government budgeting, accounting and auditing rules, according to the bill.

“With this landmark measure, the Philippines can produce more worldclass Filipino athletes who are well-educated and well-rounded, with a strong sense of patriotism and love of country,” Go said.

The approval of the measure that seeks to strengthen the Philippines’ footing in sports comes a week after the Philippine Sports Commission decided to strip losing national athletes of allowances.