Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 53 | Friday, June 12, 2020

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Groundbreaking of Davao-Samal bridge set for last quarter: Uy STORY ON PAGE 2

A Philippine flag waves prominently in front of a government building along Chavez Street in Davao City on Thursday. The country is celebrating its 122nd Independence Day today, June 12, 2020. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

Duterte, Modi vow bilateral cooperation to fight Covid-19

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Fishermen carry a fishing boat onto the shore of Mati City’s Dahican Beach in this undated photo. The Mati City Tourism Office (CTO) announced on Thursday that Dahican Beach and other tourist destinations in the city are now ready to welcome guests. Edge Davao

resident Rodrigo Duterte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have sought strengthened bilateral cooperation to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic that continues to grapple both the Philippines and India.

During their “engaging and productive” telephone conversation on Tuesday night, Duterte and Modi acknowledged the need for Manila and New Delhi to be partners in fighting Covid-19, Malacañang said in a press statement issued on Wednesday.

“The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to harness international and bilateral cooperation to effectively address the

India assures steady supply of hydroxychloroquine to PH

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he government of India is assuring the Philippines that it will have a steady supply of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, which is used in the treatment of some COVID-19 patients.

In a 25-minute phone call on Tuesday night, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also assured President Rodrigo Duterte of the supply of affordable medicine and COVID-19 pharmaceutical products, according to Malacañang.

Malacañang said Modi also told Duterte that the Philippines will “definitely

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Uy said this was relayed to him by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) regional director Allan Borromeo during their last meeting.

“Na-move ang groundbreaking in the last quarter of this year. In the next meeting, I will ask Dir. Borromeo kung kanus-a gyud ang exact date sa groundbreaking kay na re-schedule man siya to last quarter,”

Uy said in a virtual presser on Wednesday.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Project Manager 1 Engineer Lilibeth Rico said that the Davao-Samal Bridge is not yet on the stage to conduct groundbreaking next month as what Governor Edwin Jubahib of Davao del Norte earlier announced. She added that for the start of its con-

struction and whenever the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) is lifted and if permitted, DPWH may proceed with the contract negotiation for the Detailed Engineering Design (DED).

The duration of the DED is 10 months.

Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects Vince Dizon assured that the Davao-Samal Bridge project will continue.

“Nalipay ko sa announcement ni Sir Vince Dizon na ipadayon ang bridge. In fact naa nay Japanese contractor mag-design sa DED,” Uy said.

Uy also shared that projects, which were launched during Samal’s 22nd anniversary celebration last March 7, 2020, are now moving.

Contractors and personnel of DPWH 11 are coming in the island to inspect the projects that include the construction of the Community Fish Landing Center in Peñaplata.

“Hopefully, anytime soon magsugod na ang construction,” he said.

Uy also mentioned the construction of the circumferential road around Talikud Island with an initial funding of P250 million has been surveyed already.

DCHD Dr. Lenny Joy Rivera discussed that it is vital for households to properly dispose of used PPEs when it comes to the segregation of waste materials and disinfecting garbage containers.

“We are going to advocate on the definitions of infectious wastes and how to dispose of them properly… surgical face masks that are used by people should be disposed

of properly and not just thrown out anywhere and the proper disinfection of waste bins should be practiced in each household,” Dr. Rivera said.

The DOH DCHD will coordinate with the City Government of Davao and local governments of all provinces in Region XI on how to disinfect trash bins which may be exposed to infectious waste materials from households all over

the region “We will discuss with the City Government as well as the provincial LGUs the guidelines on how to properly disinfect designated areas or containers for the mass collection of waste materials and to also start an information campaign so that people would know what to do if there will be used PPEs,” Dr. Rivera added.

(KPLCaro/PIA XI)

DOH-11 bats for proper PPE waste disposal in household

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he Department of Health Davao Center for Health Development (DOH DCHD) advocates for the proper disposal of waste in households. This is due to the surge in the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and facemasks due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Assistant Regional Director for the DOH

benefit” from the COVID-19 vaccine that India is developing.

Hydroxychloroquine is among the drugs in the World Health Organization-led solidarity trial against COVID-19. Use of the drug in the trial was briefly halted over safety concerns, following a study which suggested a higher mortality rate among patients treated with it.

The Philippines has resumed using hydroxychloroquine in the solidarity trial after the WHO concluded that “there are no reasons to modify the trial protocol.”

Local executives appeal for passage of anti-terror bill

Groundbreaking of Davao-Samal W bridge set for last quarter: Uy

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Al David Uy of Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) disclosed that the groundbreaking of the Davao-Samal connector has been moved to last quarter of 2020.

coronavirus pandemic,” it said.

As of Wednesday, the Philippines has reported 23,732 Covid-19 infections.

On the other hand, confirmed Covid-19 cases in India have already climbed to over 277,000.

The Palace said Duterte and Modi had lauded each other for their efforts to manage the Covid-19 pandemic.

Duterte, it added, also took note of India’s 2.82 percent Covid-19 fatality rate, which is among the lowest in the world.

“They also underscored the importance of sharing valuable lessons and best practices on addressing Covid-19,” Malacañang said.

ith the anti-terrorism bill up for the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte, local executives in various provinces in the country called for its passage as they appeal for their constituents to support the measure “for the protection of the people."

Davao Oriental Governor and chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council 11 Nelson Dayanghirang expressed his strong support for the measure, saying this will boost the country’s campaign in the fight against terrorism.

“This is an urgent and essential concern. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the Filipino people is an agenda that cannot be ignored and postponed. This will allow for the consistent strides toward peace and development," he said in a statement Wednesday.

Dayanghirang added that only those who are indifferent and sympathize with the terrorists will oppose the bill.

The bill was approved by the Senate last February while the House of Representatives passed it on third and final reading last week after President Duterte certified it as urgent.

Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano and San Mateo, Isabela Mayor Gregorio Alipio Pua both declared their support on the passage of the bill, noting

that peace and harmony will help the country progress.

“I also appeal to our constituents in Tuguegarao City to support the Anti-Terrorism Bill that aims to provide a strong legal backbone to protect the life, liberty, and property of the Filipino people against the threat of terrorism,” the two officials said in their statement.

The anti-terror bill is seen to provide more teeth to the law against terrorism and effectively repeals the Human Security Act of 2007.

It seeks to provide a strong legal backbone to support the country's criminal justice response to terrorism, provide law enforcers much-needed tools to protect the people from the threat of terrorism, and at the same time, safeguard the rights of those accused of the crime.

Meanwhile, Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona said he thoroughly studied the bill before voting for it.

“I studied the bill prior to voting and voted accordingly because this is the best weapon we will have to deter the dreaded terrorist acts planned against malls and other public places by extremists,” he said.

With the bill submitted to Malacanang, President Duterte has 30 days to ei-

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EDGEDAVAO

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President Rodrigo Duterte talks on the phone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City on Tuesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Davao online sellers T cry foul over BIR order

IATF OKs reopening resto dine-in under GCQ areas

By MAYA M. PADILLO uarantine and social distancing protocols are crippling local businesses hard. Without the usual face-to-face interactions and physical encounter with merchandise, consumers are taking their shopping to online platforms.

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The migration has caused heavy online traffic and has encouraged more individuals into online selling to earn income amid the coronavirus crisis.

It is no surprising that when the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR’s) issued the Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 602020 last June 1 mandating online sellers to register and pay taxes, the order drew mixed reactions from the online selling sector in Davao City.

The RMC states that all persons doing business and earning income in any manner, especially those into digital transactions should be compliant with the tax code: should be registered with the BIR; should issue proper receipts/invoices; should keep books of accounts; and should file and pay tax returns on time.

If sellers register before July 31, 2020, there will be no penalty imposed for late registration and late filing for past transactions.

Golda Meir Veloso,

who is selling BananaFatt cupcakes online, said BIR should run after big companies and not the online sellers.

“Kay kaning mga naga-online selling mao ni ang mga nawad-an ug work ug naningkamot para naay ma-pakaon sa ilang pamilya. Dili lng sad unta isabay sa COVID-19 ang ilang pagpaningil,” she said.

Mel Osa, who is a reseller and selling buko and mango pie, bangus, and kimchi online said online sellers are increasing as most of them are affected by the pandemic.

“Most of us are “No work, No pay”, if mag-tanga lang mi and do nothing, unsa ang among ipakaon sa among family? Kaya we have to think of something na maka- earn mi masking naa lang sa balay ug ang isa ka way kay maging reseller,” Osa said adding that resellers only marked up P10 to P30 in the prices.

“Dapat klarohon seguro nila ilang guidelines kay looy ang mga mga resellers if mag-kuha pa sila ug BIR,

mas dako pa cguro ang ilang bayaran sa BIR kasya sa ilang halin.”

Meanwhile, Genelle Dyan Magaso, who is unemployed and a single mom, is selling Takoyaki online.

“Unsa diay amo buhaton na wala na gani mi work, natanggal mi sa work so naghahanap kami ng paraan para makakain and para may pang gastos to survive everyday,” she said.

According to her, she didn’t receive any cash assistance from the government such as the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

“Though, registering our business is required kay nagapabayad mi pero ginagmay ra man gud ni amoa unya temporary ra,” she said.

Darlene Gay Caro, online seller of RTW and food products, said she is not in favor of BIR’s new mandate.

“Unahon siguro pakuha ang mga suppliers.

Dili ko uyon kay dili man ni permanent amo negosyo. Sideline lang baya na kasagaran sa mga housewives,” she said.

Ann Clerigo, who is also an online reseller of RTW and food products, said she rarely received orders and sometimes orders are not

pursued or taken.

“Pila ra man unta akong tubo unya mamasahe pa.

Dapat ang mga suppliers ang mag bayad ug tax,” she said.

Davao Sakura Beauty, which is selling beauty supplements online, believes it is fair that the BIR had reminded the online sellers to register and pay their tax dues and that this is also one way to help the government to recuperate financially as long as there are clear guidelines and options to process or pay online so people would not crowd in government offices.

On his end, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., (DCCCII) President John Carlo Tria said businesses, including online selling, that are registered have more access to loans and financing assistance.

“All businesses required to get permits should get them and follow the rules. Formalizing business also makes it possible to apply for loans and assistance,” Tria said citing that if start-ups get business permits and pay taxes, it is possible that they could expand their businesses in the future.

“If they pay taxes and business permits makaku-

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he COVID-19 task force has approved the recommendation to allow restaurants located in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas to partially resume dine-in services starting June 15, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said on Thursday.

The recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force will be presented to President Rodrigo Duterte, who has the final say. He is expected to announce his decision on this recommendation and the fate of community quarantine in the country on June 15.

Lopez said they came up with the recommendation to allow restaurants to gradually offer dine-in services to help workers who have been struggling due to strict stay-at-home rules.

"We are doing this essentially in the interest of workers so they can get back to work. We shall be doing this on a gradual basis starting at a 30 percent operating capacity," he said.

The secretary added, "This is some kind of a preparation for the eventual de-escalation of Metro Manila and similar areas from GCQ to modified GCQ in the near future."

If approved, restaurants in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zamboanga City, Davao City and several cities and provinces in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Central Visayas can start offering dine-in services

starting June 15. Restaurants in other parts of the country under modified GCQ have been allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity.

He said social distancing by spacing tables 1.5 meters apart and installing acrylic or clear barriers in between customers should be done. Other health protocols, such as wearing of masks and disinfection, must also be observed.

Restaurants and fast food stores have ceased accepting dine-in customers since March when strict quarantine measures were enforced to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease. The government is easing these restrictions as officials cite the need to reopen the economy.

Lopez said the gradual reopening of these establishments will help the workers and the country bring back its losses incurred during one of the longest community quarantine imposed all over the world.

"We are really working on reopening the economy, bringing back jobs.

This is the only way that we can restart the economy. It is up to the government to find that healthy balance, bringing back jobs while making sure the health protocols are complied with so we can still avert any spread and transmission of COVID-19.

We don't want to lose the gains that we have enjoyed during the GCQ," he said.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

Rows of restaurants and cafés are found along Torres Street in Davao City. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president John Carlo Tria believes restaurant owners should look out new business models so they could adapt to “new normal”. Edge Davao

Samal tourism income takes T deep dive due to COVID-19

COVID-torn hotels, resorts to get tax relief: DOT chief

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ayor Al David Uy of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) bared that their tourism income plunged by about 60% due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing quarantine.

“Dako kaayo impact sa tourism, in fact ang local income nato is really affected. Siguro ang estimates nako average lang in the last three months, from March, April hangtod sa May, naa sa 60% ang affected talaga. We lost 60% of our tourism income if not 70%. (It greatly impacted our tourism in fact our local income is really affected, in my estimates we averaged in the last three months from March,

April to May it is 60% affected, We lost 60% of our tourism income if not 70%),” the Mayor said.

This can be attributed to the 90% of almost 130 resorts in IGaCoS which did not operate during the lockdown. Borrowing a medical parlance, Mayor Uy describes the state of the city’s tourism industry as in a comatose state.

He said to alleviate the loss of income and livelihood, the city government

has been providing food assistance consisting of rice and canned goods since March. Mayor Uy said they have completed the third wave of food pack distribution and there is a forthcoming fourth wave.

Mayor Uy said that the Sangguniang Panglungsod under Vice-Mayor Richard Guindolman has revised the revenue ordinance where those applying or renewal for this year’s business permits will get 30% discount in fee and charges. The local government is also waiving rent for market stalls and spaces in government structures for three months.

Aside from the local government, the national government thru the De-

everage firm Coca-Cola Philippines has rechanneled a part of its P150-million advertisement fund to provide water access to more than 2,000 low-income families in Cavite province amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

As frequent hand washing can help in fighting against the virus, Coca-Cola Philippines has partnered with Water and

Life Philippines to join the Water Relief Fund that gives low-income families access to potable water.

“Water has always been an essential resource for us, as evident in the nature of our business and in our interactions with the communities we serve,” Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Winn Everhart said.

“Experience has shown us that addressing the critical water needs of com-

munities has truly manifold benefits — socially, in health, and even financially as we help ease the burden of families with their water bills—which is why we will continue to support programs such as the Water Relief Fund,” Everhart added.

During the first week of the community quarantine measures, the beverage company announced that it will redirect its PHP150-million budget

partment of Social Welfare Social Amelioration Program or SAP, the Department of Labor and Employment TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) and the Social Security System Small Business Wage Subsidy program has benefited the city’s residents.

Before the pandemic, IGaCoS was a major tourism destination for Davao Region, the city is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs and dive spots. Tourism has been a high growth industry in IGaCoS; from 520,000 tourist arrivals in 2013, it registered 1.3 million visitors in 2017. (PIA/RG Alama)

for advertisement to support relief and response efforts amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

It added that the firm has forged partnerships with various organizations to deliver relief efforts to communities, hospitals, and local government units (LGUs).

According to Coca-Cola Philippines, that its ads budget has yielded to providing more than 50,000

Beverage firm provides water access to over 2K families

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he Board of Investments has approved tax incentives for tourism enterprises that would rehabilitate and upgrade their facilities for health and safety purposes, the Department of Tourism said Wednesday.

“Tax incentives include income tax holiday for three years and duty-free importation of capital equipment,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat told the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

Romulo-Puyat said hotels, resorts and tourist transport firms are entitled to levy breaks. She added that the BOI will be asked to include tour operators in the list of beneficiaries as they, too, “have to make adjustments for the new normal.”

The incentives would cover renovation of guest

rooms, food and beverage outlets, function meeting rooms, recreational areas, other common areas, upgrades of laundry, kitchen, housekeeping and employee facilities, building of full, partial or moveable partitions, and installation of thermal scanners and hygiene gates and booths, the official added.

The BOI’s decision was welcomed by an industry group.

“These BOI incentives will help hotels a lot to pay for their uprates,” Arthur Lopez, Philippine Hotel Owners Association president, said in the same briefing.

Tourism players such as PHOA and the Tourism Congress of the Philippines have been calling for tax breaks for travel and leisure companies, arguing

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MoneyGram waives money transfer fees to BPI accounts in certain countries

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he Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and American money transfer firm MoneyGram have partnered to waive fees for money sent to the bank’s account holders in select countries, in a bid to ease the burden of COVID-19 pandemic on overseas Filipino workers.

In a statement, the Ayala-led bank said MoneyGram waived fees for money transfers from the

US, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain to BPI or BPI Family Savings Bank accounts done through MoneyGram Online and mobile app.

“Our tie-up with MoneyGram provides valuable service during this challenging situation brought about by COVID-19,” said Melinda Dulay, head of BPI Inward Remittance.

Meanwhile, Money-

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ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

DA eyes higher SRP for pork T

A neighborhood store in Digos City has put up a sign advising customers that buying/selling of liquor is already allowed, although drinking is only permitted at home and not in public places. Buying/selling liquor was

absolutely prohibited under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ). Digos is now under the more lax modified GCQ. (MindaNews photo taken 10 June 2020 by ERIC SB LIBRE)

COVID-torn hotels, resorts to get tax relief: DOT chief

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he Board of Investments has approved tax incentives for tourism enterprises that would rehabilitate and upgrade their facilities for health and safety purposes, the Department of Tourism said Wednesday.

“Tax incentives include income tax holiday for three years and duty-free importation of capital equipment,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat told the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

Romulo-Puyat said hotels, resorts and tourist transport firms are enti-

tled to levy breaks. She added that the BOI will be asked to include tour operators in the list of beneficiaries as they, too, “have to make adjustments for the new normal.”

The incentives would cover renovation of guest rooms, food and beverage outlets, function meeting rooms, recreational areas,

other common areas, upgrades of laundry, kitchen, housekeeping and employee facilities, building of full, partial or moveable partitions, and installation of thermal scanners and hygiene gates and booths, the official added.

The BOI’s decision was welcomed by an industry group.

“These BOI incentives will help hotels a lot to pay for their uprates,” Arthur Lopez, Philippine Hotel Owners Association president, said in the same briefing.

Tourism players such as PHOA and the Tourism

Congress of the Philippines have been calling for tax breaks for travel and leisure companies, arguing they would help them recover after months of pain. The National Economic and Development Authority has estimated industry losses at about ₱60.25 billion for a twomonth shutdown.

Since June 1, tourism businesses in areas under modified general community quarantine have been allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. But they must first comply with basic infection control measures set by authorities.

countries have grounded flights, big airline companies have filed for bankruptcy including Latin America’s largest airline Avianica and Thailand’s flag carrier Thai Airways.

This week, Emirates also announced its second wave of job cuts as it laid off 600 pilots and 6,500 cabin crew.

Covid-19 impact on Philippine tourism industry In an online forum of the German-Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCC), Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc. General Manager Gregor Zajc gave a picture of the country’s tourism industry before and during the pandemic.

In 2019, the country recorded 8.26 million of international visitors, 15 percent higher than the figures in 2018.

Top sources of foreign visitors in the country in 2019 were South Korea, China, the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The sector contributed 12.7 percent to the Philippine economy employing 5.4 million people.

With the Covid-19 outbreak and quarantine measures implemented since middle of March, tourist arrivals in the country fell by 54 percent to 1.3 million from January to April 2020 from 2.8 million visitors in the same period last year.

Zajc added that hotels, travel agencies, and tourism establishments are closing as they can no longer absorb the impact of the pandemic to their businesses.

Travel bubble To lessen the damage

in the travel and tourism sector, Zajc said stakeholders are adapting measures so travelers can fly again.

He mentioned that certain countries will forge agreements whereas they will be allowing travel only between the nationals of these countries, or the travel bubble.

He cited that Australia and New Zealand are in talks for a travel bubble between their countries.

Zajc added that similar initiatives are being done in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), where the Philippines is a member country.

“The industry is actively working on to enable possible travelers,” Zajc said.

He added that travelling within neighboring countries through trav-

‘Travel bubble’ more likely in near term

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any countries have closed their borders to foreign travelers due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and now takes toll on the tourism industry.

According to the latest bulletin of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) released on Tuesday, the Covid-19 pandemic would set back international tourism arrivals by 58 percent to 78 percent by end 2020.

The APEC Tourism Working Group also noted that the impact of the Covid-19 to the tourism industry is five times that of the 2008 financial crisis.

Of the total 75 million jobs at risk worldwide, 2.1 percent is from travel and tourism industry.

As the lockdown measures of different

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he Department of Agriculture (DAP) is reviewing the suggested retail price (SRP) of pork for a possible hike due to increased production cost, its spokesperson said Thursday.

DA Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes said the P190 per kilo SRP was based on the old production cost and farm gate price.

“Kinokonsulta namin ‘yung hog raisers. Ang sabi nila tumaas na ‘yung production cost dahil limitado ang supply dahil nga karamihan tinamaan ng African swine fever,” he said.

“Nire-review ng DA na itaas talaga kasi sabi nila ‘yung dating presyo na P120 sa farm gate nasa P150 na ngayon,” he added.

“Pinag-aaralan na po ‘yan ng livestock group namin.”

The recommendation of the group -- composed of representatives from the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, and Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) -- will be sent to the DA next week.

According to Reyes, some hog raisers depopulated their farms due to the risk of African swine fever. Though hog raisers in areas unaffected by the disease increased the number of their livestock, the delivery was hampered by the checkpoints due to the quarantine measures being implemeted amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As an intervention to the limited supply, Reyes said the DA will use its quick response fund to support farmers in safe areas with the repopulation.

BSP TDF's rates decline anew

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trong demand continues to drive the auction for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) term deposit facilities (TDF) Wednesday, which also saw the re-offering of the 14-day facility.

Data released by the central bank showed that rate of the seven-day facility’s averaged at 2.2507 percent, down from its 2.2510 percent during the auction last June 3.

BSP offered this facility for PHP120 billion and the auction committee made a full award after tenders totaled to PHP284.139 billion.

Bid coverage ratio increased to 2.3678 from 1.9334 last week, when the facility was offered for PHP170 billion and bids amounted to PHP328.68 billion.

Relatively, average rate of the 14-day TDF went down to 2.2520 percent from 3.7757 percent when this tenor was auctioned last March 11, or before

the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

This was offered for PHP20 billion and tenders reached PHP70.65 billion.

Bid coverage ratio increased to 3.5325 percent from 1.4169 percent in the previous auction when this facility was offered for PHP50 billion and tenders reached PHP70.844 billion.

BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said interest rate of the seven-day TDF went down by 0.026 basis points while the 14-day’s declined by 152.37 basis points.

He explained that results of the TDF auction this week “show strong market interest for BSP’s deposit facilities as financial system liquidity further stabilize.”

“The BSP will continue to assess closely market developments and liquidity conditions in determining the volume and tenors in its TDF operations,” he added. (PNA)

ADB approves $500-M loan for PH 4Ps program

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apan-led multilateral lender Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved another loan for the Philippines, this time $500 million to expand the conditional cash transfer program.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ADB said the approved loan will cover the expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) introduced in 2008.

"The 4Ps program provides vulnerable households with an income supplement to help their children become educated, stay healthy, and leave poverty for good. Our evidence shows that this is working," said ADB vice-president Ahmed Saeed.

"The 4Ps program has helped 1.5 million people escape poverty since it began in 2008. Through this

project loan and technical assistance support, ADB is helping the Philippines expand these gains," he added.

The 4Ps gives poor families cash assistance provided their children remain in school, visit health centers, and attend family development sessions.

In addition to the loan, the ADB said it will also provide a $3.1-million technical assistance to help improve development sessions, provide livelihood packages, support IT reforms, and prepare for the integration with the national identification system.

The ADB already approved in April a $200-million loan for the Philippines to finance emergency cash subsidies for beneficiaries of the 4Ps program.

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

On President Rodrigo Duterte signing into law Republic Act (RA) 11470 establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS): The Philippines has demonstrated that we can be on par with our neighbors in the region in terms of sports. With PRRD’s (President Rodrigo R. Duterte) signing of RA 11470, we are confident that we will be able to raise our student-athletes’ competitiveness in the field of sports and produce world-class athletes in the years to come.

Presidential Spokesperson

Harry Roque

EDITORIAL

Finally, a school for athletes

With President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing into law of Republic Act 11470 or the National Sports Academy Act of 2020, the road is paved for student athletes to have a dedicated education program where they can learn while they train. And yes, totally for free.

Under the new law, the NAS is tasked to implement a secondary education program that is integrated with a special curriculum on sports to help young Filipino athletes develop further their sporting skills. The NAS will be attached to the Department of Education (DepEd), which in close coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), is directed to develop the athletic skills and talents of students in facilities at par with international standards.

The DepEd secretary will chair the academy’s Board of Trustees while an executive director appointed by the education chief and has an expertise in sports will head the NAS. The Academy will be equipped with the necessary sports facilities, housing, and other amenities that are based on current international standards.

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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

School buildings with a sufficient number of classrooms and facilities will also be constructed at the complex.

The new law allows the academy’s board to approve the hiring of licensed foreign coaches, trainers, and consultants dulycertified by PSC to ensure the international competitiveness of the student-athletes.

The best thing is, RA 11470 grants full scholarship to qualified student-athletes.

The Academy will be readily operational because its main campus will be established at the spanking new New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac. That means, the complex will be optimized and will not be rendered a white elephant like many sports complexes in the country.

With the NAS in place, children with athletic potentials from the provinces can now look forward to polishing their skills further in a world-class training facility whilst they attend school.

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

VOL.13 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

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.

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.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

INDEPENDENCE DAY “… It was resolved unanimously that this Nation, already free and independent as of this day, must use the same flag which up to now is being used, whose design and colors are found described in the attached drawing, the white triangle signifying the distinctive emblem of the famous Society of the ‘Katipunan’ which by means of its blood compact inspired the masses to rise in revolution; the three stars, signifying the three principal Islands of this Archipelago-Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay where this revolutionary movement started; “The sun representing the gigantic steps made by the sons of the country along the path of Progress and Civilization; the eight rays, signifying the eight provinces-Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas - which declared themselves in a state of war as soon as the first revolt was initiated; and the colors of Blue, Red, and White, commemorating the flag of the United States of North America, as a manifestation of our profound gratitude towards this Great Nation for its disinterested protection which it lent us and continues lending us.”

The above statement was part of the Philippine Declaration of Independence proclaiming the sovereignty and independence of the islands of the Philippines from the

colonial rule of Spain after the latter was defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

In “History of the Filipino People,” Teodoro A. Agoncillo wrote that the proclamation was first ratified on August 1, 1898 by 190 municipal presidents from the 16 provinces.

It was again ratified on September 29, 1898 by the Malolos Congress.

The United States nor Spain didn’t recognize the declaration of independence.

Later on, the Spanish government ceded the Philippine archipelago to the US leading to the 1898 Treaty of Paris. For its part, the Philippines Revolutionary government did not recognize the treaty which led to the Philippine–American War. “Handbook Philippines: Society, Politics, Economy, Culture,” considered the Philippine-America War as “marked by cruel warfare that lasted for three years.”

Authors Rainer Werning and Niklas Reese wrote in the chapter, “A History of ‘the Philippines,’”: “The 6 million-strong population of the young, short-lived republic is virtually decimated at the hands of American fighters.

Rebel leader Maracio Sakay continued his resistance even after the Americans have already declared an end to the war.”

On July 4, 1946, the United States granted the Phil-

ippines the independence it had been longing for through the Treaty of Manila. July 4 was chosen as the date because it corresponds to the United States’ Independence Day. Until 1962, the Fourth of July was observed as the Independence Day in the Philippines.

But on May 12, 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Presidential Proclamation No. 28, which declared June 12 a special public holiday throughout the Philippines, “... in commemoration of our people’s declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence.”

Two years later, on August 4, Republic Act No. 4166 was signed renaming the July 4 holiday as “Philippine Republic Day,” proclaiming June 12 as “Philippine Independence Day,” and enjoining all Filipino citizens to observe the latter with befitting rites.

So many lives have been lost just to get the independence they long for. In “Rights of Man,” Thomas Paine wrote: “When it can be said by any country in the world, my poor are happy, neither ignorance nor distress is to be found among them, my jails are empty of prisoners, my streets of beggars, the aged are not in want, the taxes are not oppressive, the rational world is my friend because I am the friend of happiness.

When these things can be said, then may that country

boast its constitution and government. Independence is my happiness, the world is my country, and my religion is to do good.”

Independence means freedom – to do things you want to do. Freedom, according to Egypt’s Moshe Dayan, “is the oxygen of the soul.”

Rabindranath Tagore shares this illustration: “I have on my table a violin string. It is free. I twist one end of it and it responds. It is free. But it is not free to do what a violin string is supposed to do – to produce music. So, I take it, fix it in my violin, and tighten it until it is taut. Only then is it free to be a violin string.”

Joseph Sizoo further explains, “Freedom is like a coin.

It has the word privilege on one side and responsibility on the other. It does not have privilege on both sides. There are too many today who want everything involved in privilege but refuse to accept anything that approaches the sense of responsibility.”

Freedom is a very broad concept that has been given numerous different interpretations by different philosophies and schools of thought.

The protection of interpersonal freedom can be the object of a social and political investigation, while the metaphysical foundation of inner freedom is a philosophical and psychological question.

Both forms of freedom come together in each individual as the internal and external

values mesh together in a dynamic compromise and power struggle; the society fighting for power in defining the values of individuals and the individual fighting for societal acceptance and respect in establishing one’s own values in it.

In philosophy, freedom often ties in with the question of free will. Libertarian philosophers have argued that all human beings are always free. Jean-Paul Sartre, for instance, famously claimed that humans are “condemned to be free.”

The philosopher Isaiah Berlin drew an important distinction between “freedom from” (negative freedom) and “freedom to” (positive freedom). For example, freedom from oppression and freedom to develop one’s potential. Both these types of freedom are in fact reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Freedom as the absence of restraint means unwilling to subjugate, lacking submission, or without forceful inequality. Natural laws restrict this form of freedom; for instance, no one is free to fly (though you may or may not be free to attempt to do so). “There are two freedoms - the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought,” said Charles Kingsley, an English university professor, social reformer, historian and novelist.

8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

Farming in the cities

I

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

f the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, so goes a Turkish proverb retold by Francis Bacon, then Muhammad must go to the mountain.

These days, that’s the case of farming which, almost always, is associated with rural areas and countryside. In the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Filipinos are urged to stay home.

With nothing to do and sources of food getting scarce, people are planting in their backyards or places available for growing crops. In time, the value of urban agriculture comes to light.

“Vegetables and fruits are more nutritious,” explains Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar when asked about the relevance of urban agriculture in the times of pandemic. As such, they help “build up the immune systems of individuals.”

The Department of Agriculture is currently promoting urban agriculture, particularly in Metro Manila, to ensure household food security. “We need to promote proper implementation of urban agriculture in the metropolis so that when there is tightening of food supply from the provinces there will be enough in the urban as well,” pointed out Dr. Dar, who has been advocating the importance of urban agriculture even before the COVID-19 happened.

This is also true in other

cities in the country which rely much of their supplies of vegetables and fruits from neighboring provinces and towns. “We need to explore all strategies to ensure that food productivity, availability and sufficiency is attained, particularly in this challenging time,” said the agriculture chief.

Dr. Dar urged Filipinos “to join us in promoting this urban agriculture program to ensure a continuous supply of home-grown nutritious vegetables on the tables of every Filipino household.”

Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, director of the Laguna-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), agrees. “COVID-19 pandemic will drive agriculture to the urban communities,” he says, adding that urban agriculture will make the cities food secure, “especially if there’s a lockdown.”

Urban agriculture, defined as the practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas, is not a new phenomenon. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, reports that during World War I, US president Woodrow Wilson urged fellow Americans to utilize any available open space for good growth, “seeing

this as a way to pull them out of a potentially damaging situation.”

In 1893, people of the depression-struck Detroit in the United States were asked to use any vacant lots to grow vegetables. During the 1960s, a number of community gardens were reportedly established in the United Kingdom, influenced by the community garden movement in the United States.

In his Manila Bulletin column, Senator Francis N. Tolentino cites four reasons why urban agriculture – “a very promising alternative that can help manage and stabilize the prices of prime commodities” – must be pursued relentlessly by Filipinos who live in the cities.

“Urban farming is undertaken for the following purposes: (1) for addressing food shortage in the community, (2) for maintaining the environment, (3) for ensuring adequate food supply within the community, and (4) stabilization and strengthening of food prices in the market,” wrote Sen. Tolentino.

As a support to this growing interest in urban agriculture, the SEARCA has come up with a new policy paper entitled, “Policy imperatives to promote urban agriculture in response to COVID-19 pandemic among local government units in the Philippines.”

“At the current rate, urban agriculture shortens the food supply chain, and

in the process empowers consumers to have more control and direct access to food,” the paper explained.

“This ensures access to the ways and means for the consumers to produce their own food and is now viewed as a democratic process that enables individuals and families to be more self-sufficient and self-reliant.

“In times of food disruption brought about by disasters and hazards and the likes of COVID-19 pandemic, urban agriculture shows a big potential to sustain urban families with their needed food, both quantity- and quality-wise,” the paper added.

The policy paper notices that in recent years, various designs of urban

agriculture systems are up for the picking. Below are some of the examples of emerging ideas for urban farming: Containerized and modular farming: Food can be grown indoor or outdoors even in concrete spaces by using growing containers. This method can use recycled products, surplus materials, and otherwise considered waste output from residential, commercial, and industrial operations.

Vertical farming: This utilizes height to maximize plant growth. Containers like wall cups can be used onto the walls of buildings.

It is best utilized if integrated into the overall architecture and design of the infrastructure. Alternative technologies may be used, such as hydroponics or the use of water as a medium to grow crops instead of soil, and aquaponics or the utilization of the symbiotic relationship between the fish and the plant to grow food.

Closed loop system: This combines technologies on crop production, water conservation, waste-to-energy, solar power, aquaculture, among many others. This scheme is based on the concept of nutrient efficiency through reduced dependence on external farm input. The irrigation system, for instance, can tap solar energy to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of water use.

The policy paper also highlights three general principles of urban agriculture when it comes to basic cultural management: Provide unrestricted conditions for the free movement and growth of roots. This means the root

system should establish good anchorage in the soil.

The plant should also take enough water and nutrients to facilitate hormonal synthesis and trigger storage of nutrients and/ or movement to the shoot system.

The right medium is loose/coarse and light soil.

Recommended soil medium is 20% processed animal manure, 20% sawdust, 5% lime, 15% carbonized rice hull, and 40% regular soil.

Put on nutrients readily available.

Nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, secondary and micronutrients can be supplied to the plants by using supplemental microorganisms and humic acid.

Produce a strong root system using a plant growth regulator supplement.

The policy paper – authored by Dr. Gregorio and seven others (Rico C. Ancog, Arlene B. Arcillas, Erlinda C. Creencia, Victorino E. Aquitania, Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, and Garry A. Hidalgo) – featured three successful urban agriculture programs: · In Laguna, the Santa Rosa government has implemented a pilot urban agriculture demonstration project as part of its efforts to strengthen the city’s climate change adaptation program while also ensuring the promotion of safe and fresh produce. · In Nueva Ecija, the Central Luzon State University of the Science City of Muñoz has adopted the concept of urban agriculture since early 2000 using recyclable containers and receptacles, which has been disseminated and replicated in several baran-

FFARMING, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

9

An immersive opportunity:

MCM launches Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020

M

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! 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

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

MCM’s online learning tools such as Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Panopto, Wiley Plus, and Cengage Learning to complete learning tasks designed for incoming Grade 11 and 1st Year College students.

These tasks will be delivered in either synchronous or asynchronous learning sessions to allow for participants to get a feel for the different modalities of remote learning provid-

ed by MCM. In order for participants to maximize the online learning experience, they will need a device such as a computer unit, laptop or a tablet; and internet connectivity of at least 1 Mbps for asynchronous sessions and at least 2 Mbps for synchronous sessions.

Familiarization with the online system and tools will initiate the program, after which, participants will be allowed to select short learning modules on General Mathe-

matics, Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Basic Education for incoming Grade 11 students; Basic Algebra, General Physics, Business and Management, and P ro g ra m m i n g and Coding for incoming college students. A full course on Math, Humanities, and Social Science will also be made available for demonstration during the bootcamp period.

To register for this activity and get a chance to win amazing prizes, interested participants

may proceed to this link: https:// bit.ly/MCMDIGITALBOOTCAMP and follow the subsequent instructions and link to the “MCM Digital” account that will be sent through the email address provided upon your registration.

For any additional inquiries about the MCM Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020, please feel free to email at admissions@mcm. edu.ph or contact +63918 918 1626, +63999 227 7493, or +63917 831 8048.

10 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

LOCAL... FROM 2

ther sign the bill into law or veto it.

The measure may also

lapse into law after 30 days of receipt without the chief executive signing it. (PNA)

ha sila ng benefits sama sa bank loans ug dili pareho sa mga colorum nga didto padulong sa mga informal lending institutions with higher interest rates,” he said.

He added that register-

ing the business also helps DCCCII monitor against scams.

“Because if you are already a registered business there should be no problem to sell online,” he said.

sets of personal protective equipment for medical workers and food packs for 39,000 vulnerable families.

The company also distributed 500,000 liters of

beverages to 125 hospitals, 99 LGUs, 53 national government agencies, and 50 non-governmental organizations and foundations.

(PNA)

they would help them recover after months of pain.

The National Economic and Development Authority has estimated industry losses at about ₱60.25 billion for a two-month shutdown.

Since June 1, tourism

businesses in areas under modified general community quarantine have been allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. But they must first comply with basic infection control measures set by authorities.

Gram Online users in Austria, Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Slovakia can enjoy a flat rate of €1.99 when making direct bank transfers to BPI accounts.

“This partnership enables millions of consumers in the Philippines to quickly and easily receive money directly into their bank accounts,” MoneyGram chief operating officer Kamila Chytil said.

el bubble agreements is more likely in the near future than flying across continents.

For instance, it is now seen that there are lesser flights between Asia and Europe, while airfares are also expected to increase, which will be the key challenges for travelers for long haul flights.

People still motivated to travel Zajc remains optimistic with the travel and tourism industry despite a challenging environment brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There’s the motiva-

tion and desire from travelers that they want to travel again,” Zajc said.

For his firm, he said they are receiving bookings for the future starting November onwards.

“We are receiving bookings, although not at the level we had before, but there’s the desire from travelers,” he added.

He mentioned that the top things that travelers are considering before their trips are flexible booking conditions, healthy and safe environment in their travel destination, and travel deals.

(PNA)

The ADB in 2010 and 2016 approved a $400-million loan grant to the Philippines for the same program, which is said to be thr fourth-largest CCT in the world after India, Brazil, and Mexico.

The Philippines and the ADB in April also signed a $1.5-billion loan agreement, roughly P76.5 billion, as budgetary support for the government's fight against the coronavirus disease 2019.

FIFA, which has shown zero tolerance for players expressing their views on the field, has asked competition organisers to use “common sense” regarding protests over Floyd’s death.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who was widely criticised for the league’s handling of Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling protests in 2016, said on Friday the NFL had made mistakes in not listening to players and encouraged them to speak out and “peacefully protest”.

Anti-racism movements are expected to be

discussed at an IOC executive board meeting on Wednesday.

While athlete protests at the Olympics are rare, at the 1968 Mexico City Games black U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos bowed their heads and raised black-gloved fists on the podium to protest racial inequality.

At Rio 2016, Ethiopian marathon runner Feyisa Lilesa raised his arms and crossed his wrists when crossing the finish line to show support for his Oromo tribe’s protests over government plans to reallocate farmland.

DAVAO... FROM 3

BEVERAGE... FROM 4 COVID... FROM 4

Ford Philippines makes vehicle ownership easier with buy now, MONEYGRAM... pay later and low monthly plans

F

New offerings available this month include a buy now, pay later payment scheme, low monthly plans, and a financing plan with 0% interest up to 3 years.

“With our special offers this month, we are making our Ford vehicles accessible to more Filipinos especially during these challenging times.

With our easy-to-own plans, low monthly fees, freebies, and cash discounts, customers can choose which option best matches their purchase preferences. Now, it’s easier and more convenient to own a Ford vehicle,” says Ryan Lorenzo, marketing director, Ford Philippines.

Ford Ranger now available for as low as PHP9,999 monthly

Still available at a starting retail price of PHP943,000, the Ford Ranger 2.2L XLS can now be purchased through options of a PHP9,999 low monthly amortization, an all-in low downpayment of PHP88,000, or 0% interest up to 24 months.

Customers purchasing a Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo Wildtrak 4x4 can still get a cash discount of PHP100,000. Those who prefer to avail of this variant on a financing promo can also take advantage of the 0% interest offer for up to 18 months.

All Ranger 2.2L FX4 and XLT variants are available with a cash discount of PHP90,000 or via a financing promo of 0% interest for up to 18 months.

Ford EcoSport now of-

fered with a free 4-month amortization, Ford Explorer and Expedition available at 0% interest up to 3 years Customers can also take advantage of Ford’s great deals across its SUV lineup. As a new offer, those who will buy any EcoSport variant on a financing promo can avail of a free 4-month amortization.

Meanwhile, those who prefer to pay in cash can get a PHP100,000 cash discount for all EcoSport variants.

Alternatively, customers getting the EcoSport 1.5L Trend MT have the option to avail of the PHP68,000 all-in low downpayment.

On the other hand, the Expedition 4x4 Limited MAX with Bucket Seats, Expedition 4x4 Limited MAX, and Explorer 3.5L Sport V6 EcoBoost AT are now offered on a financing promo of 0% interest up to 36 months at 20% downpayment.

The Explorer 2.3L Limited EcoBoost AT can

gays of the municipality. · In Quezon City, an urban agriculture program, called Joy of Urban Farming, was launched in 2010.

It piloted three demonstration farms in Quezon Memorial Circle, which has been instrumental in showcasing urban agriculture concepts and set-ups for interested individuals and organizations.

“It will be strategic for

local government units to implement an urban agriculture strategy to sustainably mainstream it in local governance,” the policy paper stated, adding that sustainability of such strategy is highly determined by financial and political legitimacy.

“Formal recognition and support for urban agriculture is beneficial for both urban farmers and

the city,” the paper said.

“Overall, implementation depends on the measures of financial, physical, social, and human capital that the local government could invest in, commit, and sustain.”

Last year, Senator Francis Pangilinan filed Senate Bill 257, otherwise known as the “Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming Act of 2019,” wherein he urged

the public to grow crops in idle or abandoned government-owned lots and buildings.

“In our homes, we can start with planting herb gardens, even if only in garden plots,” the senator was quoted as saying by The Manila Times. “Aside from the joy of savings in grocery bills, there’s also joy in harvesting and eating your own products.”

ident in last year’s State of the Nation Address, as recommended by Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and one of the principal

authors of RA No. 11470,” Roque said.

Go, chairperson of the Senate sports committee, was confident that with the establishment of the NAS, student-athletes can

enjoy a level of training that is at par with the best in the world and at the same time be given quality education.

“It is about time that we establish a learning

institution focused on sports,” he said. “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.” (PNA)

ord Philippines is making vehicle ownership easier and more affordable this June with special deals and promotions for its pick-ups, SUVs, and Ford Transit van.

FARMING... FROM 8

NAS... FROM 11

be availed at a financing promo of 0% interest up to 24 months at 20% downpayment, while the Expedition 4x4 Limited MAX is available with an PHP88,000 all-in low downpayment.

Customers who purchase the Everest 2.0L Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4x4 AT and Everest 2.0L Turbo Titanium 4x2 AT variants will receive a PHP50,000 cash discount. On the other hand, the Everest 2.2L Trend 4x2 AT has a PHP25,000 cash discount.

Best deal ever for the Ford Transit Rounding up the deals available this month is for the Ford Transit, where customers getting the 15-seater Ford van will get cash savings of up to PHP301,000 together with a free 5-year scheduled service plan.

All deals are available until June 30, 2020. For more details, visit a Ford dealership nearest you or log on to www.ford. com.ph/shopping/hotdeals/2020/retailoffers/.

TRAVEL... FROM 5

ADB... FROM 5 IOC... FROM 11

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

US soccer backs peaceful protests before games

U

S top-tier football division Major League Soccer (MLS) supports players' protests on the pitch against racism and discrimination.

"Major League Soccer released a statement Tuesday reiterating a longstanding position supporting players’ right to peacefully protest during National Anthems before games," the competition said in a statement.

The MLS emphasized the freedom of speech, equality and diversity in the US and Canada, allowing the athletes to protest George Floyd's murder.

"If players or staff decide to stand, kneel or otherwise exercise their right to peaceful protest during the playing of the National Anthems before league games, we support them," the MLS added.

The death of Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, sparked outrage.

A bystander’s video footage of Floyd's arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25 after he reportedly attempted to use a counterfeit USD20 bill at a local store triggered mass protests that were not limited to America's borders.

Floyd is seen pinned to the ground in handcuffs by a white Minneapolis police officer, his neck compressed by the officer's knee for nearly nine minutes.

Floyd pleaded with the since-fired officer, telling him he could not breathe, calling out to his mother and saying "everything hurts" in some of his final words before he appeared to lose consciousness. The officer continued to maintain the position on Floyd's neck.

An independent autopsy found that Floyd was killed by "asphyxiation from sustained pressure."

(Anadolu)

he Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters during an online Executive Board meeting amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Lausanne, Switzerland, May 14, 2020.

Denis Balibouse, Reuters.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that athletes are still banned from protesting at the Games after several sports moved to allow protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death in police custody, the Telegraph has reported.

Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter states “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”

Athletes who breach the rule are subject to dis-

cipline on a case-by-case basis and the IOC issued guidelines in January clarifying that banned protests include taking a knee and other gestures.

The IOC told the Telegraph the guidelines were still in place and that it would not speculate on “hypothetical cases 13 months before the Olympic Games”, the newspaper said.

Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes on May 25.

His death sparked worldwide protests against racial injustice, with several soccer players in Germany’s Bundesliga delivering their own messages of support during games.

World governing body

11

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the creation of the National Academy for Sports

NAS aims to produce IOC confirms protest ban remains world-class athletes T P FIOC, P10

resident Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) designed as an educational facility for student-athletes, Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday.

Duterte inked Republic Act (RA) 11470 in a simple ceremony in Davao City on June 9, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

“The Philippines has demonstrated that we can be on par with our neighbors in the region in terms of sports. With PRRD’s (President Rodrigo R. Duterte) signing of RA 11470, we are confident that we will be able to raise our student-athletes’ competitiveness in the field of sports and produce world-

class athletes in the years to come,” Roque said.

Malacañang has yet to release a copy of RA 11470.

Under the new law, the NAS is tasked to implement a secondary education program that is integrated with a special curriculum on sports to help young Filipino athletes develop further their sporting skills.

RA 11470 grants full scholarship to qualified student-athletes.

The main campus of the NAS will be established at the newly construct-

ed New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.

According to the law, it would be equipped with the necessary sports facilities, housing, and other amenities that are based on current international standards.

School buildings with a sufficient number of classrooms and facilities will also be constructed at the complex.

The NAS will be attached to the Department of Education (DepEd).

The DepEd, in close coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), is directed to develop the athletic skills and talents of students in facilities at par with international standards.

The DepEd secretary will chair the academy’s Board of Trustees while an executive director ap-

FNAS, P10

2020: Roger is out

S

Roger Federer will miss the remainder of the year as he tries to recover from surgery on his right knee.

pointed by the education chief and has an expertise in sports will head the NAS. The new law allows the academy’s board to approve the hiring of licensed foreign coaches, trainers, and consultants duly-certified by PSC to ensure the international competitiveness of the student-athletes.

Roque deemed the signing of RA 11460 as a “good follow-through” to the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games where it emerged as the overall leader in the medals tally.

He also lauded the senators and congressmen for making sure that the measure establishing the NAS would be enacted into law.

“This is one of the priority legislative measures mentioned by the Pres-

wiss tennis star Roger Federer on Wednesday announced he would miss the remainder of the year after suffering a setback during his initial rehabilitation from surgery on his right knee last February.

“A few weeks ago, having experienced a setback during my initial rehabilitation, I had to have an additional quick arthroscopic procedure on my right knee,” Federer, 38, said on Twitter. “Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100 percent ready to play at my highest level.”

The 20-time Grand Slam winner said he

looks forward to returning to the court at the beginning of the 2021 season.

In 2016, Federer missed the majority of the season with a knee injury but returned the following year to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

He has not played since losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals in January.

The ATP Tour is currently suspended until at least the end of July because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, with the US Open currently scheduled to start on August 31 and the French Open beginning on September 20.

(Anadolu/Xinhua)

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 53 • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

BREAKTHROUGH The Philippine Sports Commission hailed the passage of the National Academy for Sports Act which Sen. Bong Go co-authored.

PSC execs hail enactment of PH sports academy law T he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expressed elation after President Rodrigo Duterte finally signed a law establishing the long-awaited National Academy of Sports (NAS) of the country.

"We are elated to see the hard work of our leaders in Senate and Congress come to fruition with this law," said PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez in a statement on Wednesday, hours after Duterte inked Republic Act 11470 or the National Academy of Sports Act. Ramirez added that his four

commissioners, Mon Fernandez, Arnold Agustin, Charles Maxey, and Celia Kiram, share the same sentiment with him.

Set to be built at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, the NAS will cater to deserving high school student-athletes who want to excel in the sports they

are in while getting quality education as well.

"The PSC commits its support and cooperation in the implementation of RA 11470's provisions, recognizing its success as a vital boost to the country's sports development and complementing the sports agency's efforts in line with its mandate

to develop grassroots and elite sports," the PSC's statement added.

RA 11470 grants full scholarship to qualified student-athletes.

According to the law, it would be equipped with the necessary sports facilities, housing and other amenities that are based on current international standards.

School buildings with a sufficient number of classrooms and facilities will also be constructed at the complex.

The NAS will be attached to the Department of Education (DepEd).

The DepEd, in close coordination with the PSC, is directed to develop the athletic skills and talents of students in facilities at par with international standards.

The DepEd secretary will chair the academy’s Board of Trustees while an executive director appointed by the education chief and has an expertise in sports will head the NAS.

Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and one of the principal authors of RA 11470, said this law heralds a new era in Philippine sports development.

“It is about time that we establish a learning institution focused on sports,” he said.

“I firmly believe that with this law, we will be able to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of sports d e v e l o p m e n t .”

(PNA)