Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 65 |Friday, June 26, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 65 • FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020

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Sara wants additional flights for Davao, reminds public on Covid-19 protocols STORY ON PAGE 2

Barriers made of plastic material is placed along the aisle of a public utility jeepney on Thursday. The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has issued an order to all public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers to remove the plastic barriers in front of the face of the passengers. CTTMO has also advised that seat barriers between passengers is still in effect. Edge Davao

WORLDWIDE COVID-19 NUMBERS BOARD

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PHILIPPINES

WORLDWIDE

CONFIRMED: 9,533,286 • DEATHS: 485,159 • RECOVERED: 5,179,390

CONFIRMED: 32,295 • DEATHS: 1,204 • RECOVERED: 8,656

As of June 25, 2020, here’s the Top 5 list of countries with most number of COVID-19 cases 1. U.S.A CONFIRMED: 2,462,554 DEATHS: 124,281 RECOVERED: 1,040,605

2. BRAZIL CONFIRMED: 1,192,474 DEATHS: 53,874 RECOVERED: 649,908

3. RUSSIA CONFIRMED: 606,881 DEATHS: 8,513 RECOVERED: 368,822

4. INDIA CONFIRMED: 473,719 DEATHS: 14,907 RECOVERED: 271,723

5. GREAT BRITAIN CONFIRMED: 306,862 DEATHS: 43,081 RECOVERED: --

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

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 65 • FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020

Pulong pushes for scholarship, educational grants for teachers

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ouse Deputy Speaker Paolo “Pulong”Duterte is pushing for the passage of the scholarship grants and educational assistance for public school teachers and their children.

Rep. Duterte and colleague Rep. Eric Go Yap (Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Party List) filed House Bill No. 7012 or “The Scholarship Grants to Public School Teachers and Educational Cash Assistance to their Children in Tertiary Education” on June 17, 2020.

The bill aims to extend scholarship grants to teachers for graduate and post-graduate studies. Rep. Pulong said that under the bill, teachers who avail of the scholarship may also apply the same for their children in state universities and colleges.

The young congress-

man said that they are doing their best to lift the social and economic burden from the teachers by granting them with opportunities to hone their expertise in a specialized area of study and by providing their children in tertiary education with educational assistance.

“Rest assured that we are looking into more ways to uplift the lives of our school teachers to show our gratitude and appreciation for their hard work,” Rep. Pulong said.

For his part, Rep. Yap said the measure is their way of appreciating the teachers who have shown their dedication in educating students in the country notwithstanding the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

He added that the bill has been referred to the Committee on Higher Education (CHED).

MORE FLIGHTS A signage reminding market goers to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing is placed by a vegetable trader in front of his stall at Bankerohan Public Market. Edge Davao

Sara wants additional flights for Davao, reminds public on Covid-19 protocols

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced on Thursday that the city government of Davao has submitted a proposal for additional flights to the central office of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

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The proposed new flights are Manila-Davao-Manila every Monday via Cebu Pacific; Manila-Davao-Manila every Wednesday via AirAsia; Manila-Davao-Manila every Thursday via Philippine Airlines (PAL); Davao-Iloilo-Davao every Friday via PAL and Davao-

Clark-Davao also every Friday via PAL. “Duna ta gi-submit na proposal for additional flights and the new schedules came up during the inter-agency meeting conducted together with Davao International Airport (DIA) and CAAP,” Mayor Sara said.

Nearly 2M Covid babies expected in '21: POPCOM

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he Philippines will have nearly 2 million live births next year, the Commission on Population said Thursday as millions of people on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic may not have access to family planning methods.

Around 1.8 million babies are expected with another 200,000 due to the pandemic, according to POPCOM executive director Juan Antonio III, citing projection by the University of the Philippines' Population Institute and the United

Nations Population Fund.

"Alam naman natin sa loob ng household ay...hindi naman ganun kastrikto. Sa mag-asawa di mo madidikta 'yan so nangyayari pa rin 'yun," he said.

Ten percent or some 180,000 teenagers give birth every year, according to Antonio, adding that the agency is working with the Department of Health in its campaign against unplanned pregnancies.

Healthworkers distributed 3 months' supply of birth control pills house-to-

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The mayor reminded the public that with more people arriving in Davao City due to the proposed additional flights, they must continue to practice Covid-19 safety protocols like physical distancing.

“Possibly daghan na pasulod ug Davao ug mag-remind ta sa tanan nga dili ta muduol sa bag-ong niabot especially tong naa sa quarantine.

Magpalayo ta sa ilaha hangtod mahuman ilang quarantine. If anytime during their 14-day quarantine, mag-manifest sila ug symptoms derecho sila sa Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC)

para ma-testing sila,” she said.

The city has resumed regular commercial flights from DIA since June 8, 2020. Existing routes from DIA are: M a n i l a - D ava o - M a n i l a every Monday via PAL; Cebu-Davao-Cebu every Tuesday via PAL and Cebu Pacific; Manila-Davao-Manila every Wednesday via Cebu Pacific; Cebu-Davao-Cebu every Thursday via AirAsia; Manila-Davao-Manila every Friday via AirAsia; and Clark-Davao-Clark every Saturday via AirAsia.

Voluntary and free COVID-19 testing

The mayor also announced that starting Monday (June 29), the city government of Davao will start implementing voluntary and free COVID-19 testing via real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to passengers who arrived in Davao City via air travel since June 8, 2020.

“Manawagan nata sa ilaha katong mga nag-abot sa Davao City by air travel sugod atong June 8, naa ta libreng COVID-19 RT-PCR testing sa ilaha and this is voluntary,” she said.

Volunteer passengers may reach out to the city’s

COVID -19 Operation Center Hotlines if they want to avail the free testing.

“Volunteers lang, asymptomatic o symptomatic, puwede mo magpa-test. Mao ni among pamaagi para mangita ug pasyente ug ang mga doctors pud nag-sulti na i-test sila,” she said.

Presently, the city government of Davao has allocated budget for the 1,000 test kits for the free testing.

“Nakig-istorya pa pud mi sa laboratoy kay ingon sila nga kung daghan or kung 10 kabuok mubaba pa ang cost sa test kits,” she said.

unite to face a hidden enemy that is more insidious and seemingly unbeatable, I am confident that we will, like in the past, prevail with the solid friendship and alliance that has become the foundation of our bilateral relationship," South Korean Ambassador Han Dongman said in his message for the 70th anniversary of Korean War posted on Philippine Star.

Last April 2020, it provided coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test kits that can yield a total of 35,000 tests valued at USD500,000 (approximately PHP25.38 million)

further boosting Manila's testing capacity.

Seoul also donated some 50,000 face masks to the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines through the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs reflecting its lasting recognition to the veteran soldiers' valor and selfless act when the war broke out in 1950.

The Philippines was the first Asian country to send combat troops -- a total of 7,420 elite PEFTOK members -- when communist North Korea invaded South

Korea. After the bloody battle to regain the latter's freedom, PEFTOK suffered a total of 112 casualties, over 300 wounded, and 16 missing-in-action.

For Han, the Filipino soldiers' sacrifice and bravery had laid a "solid foundation" to the enduring partnership and friendship between Seoul and Manila.

In light of the current health crisis, the envoy echoed President Rodrigo Duterte's message for the war's 70th anniversary that "the solidarity and sacrifice must be remembered in this difficult time".

PH, SoKor unite ‘once again’ vs. COVID-19

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even decades since the Korean War, the Philippines, and South Korea remain united, this time against a more formidable enemy -- the coronavirus.

And just as the Philippines came to its aid in June 1950, Seoul is now extending its hand to assist Filipinos to cope with the pandemic through a series of donations, capacity-building efforts, and provision of the much needed personal protective equipment and test kits.

"Seventy years after the Korean War, as the Philippines and Korea once again

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VOL.13 ISSUE 65 • FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020

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EDGEDAVAO

Violence over land intensifies in the Bangsamoro amid pandemic

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TAKAMBUL. Tuwa Babayi Gayun, 67, of Barangay Talibadok, Datu Hoffer municipality in Maguindanao, supports herself and her grandchildren by cooking “takambul,” fried sweet banana wrapped in cassava

flour, and selling it for five pesos apiece. She also tills a small plot of land, which she borrowed from the “datu,” and plants it with vegetables and root crops. MindaNews photo by JULES BENITEZ

Most stranded individuals are Davao-bound: airline exec

By MAYA M. PADILLO n executive of an airline company revealed that most stranded individuals in Manila are Davao Citybound.

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Cebu Pacific Air corporate communications director Charo Logarta Lagamon said based on their tracking of passengers’ destination through their tickets and bookings at the airport, majority of them are flying to Davao.

With the high passenger volume, the airline is willing to fly the stranded individuals back home by mounting more flights to Davao City.

Lagamon added that government entities that include the Philippine Army, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) are helping organize their repatriation.

“We know where they are going. We know their destinations, we know if they have valid tickets or not and we are able to get them into a group so that we can mount special flights,” she said.

She also said that the current once a week flight of Manila-Davao-Manila is

already booked until July this year.

“The only other way to solve this dilemma of stranded individuals who have nowhere else to go in Manila in particular is to really add frequency,” she said.

Lagamon said Cebu Pacific is appealing to the city government of Davao to allow the airline to mount more flights. She said the airline is ready to do so and ready to comply with whatever are required.

“We are also implementing every possible preventive measures to ensure and to minimize the risk of infection,” she said.

Lagamon said Cebu Pacific already sent a letter addressed to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio appealing for additional flights as the once a week Davao-ManilaDavao and once a week of Davao-Cebu-Davao is not enough and will take so long before all of the stranded passengers are able to fly back home.

“We are really appealing for the city government

of Davao to allow us and we are ready to mount additional flights that we can announce in regularity so that the people know when they have to be at the airport,” she said.

“We can even do once daily for Davao City or more because in places like Cagayan de Oro for instance we are allowed twice a day already. Note that the demand for CDO is not much as Davao. But we are still very far cry from where we used to be where before if you recall we are mounting multiple flights per day to and from Davao to various destinations while today you only have two routes and you only flying them once a week,” Lagamon added.

Lagamon also thanked the city government of Davao as the airline has been mounting several special flights for the past two weeks to fly stranded individuals to Davao.

“We are very thankful to the city government of Davao and we have been cooperating with them. We have been mounting several special flights already for the past two weeks to fly stranded individuals to Davao but the thing is, since it is a special flight and the

tendency of other people who are stranded because they are desperate to get home is to make their way to the airport thinking they would take their chances like any other chance passengers but it is not the case anymore in this new normal for flying because if you do not have a confirmed flight you will not be allowed inside the airport,” she said.

Currently, Cebu Pacific is flying to about 18 domestic destinations and the frequency of the flights depend on the route.

“We are doing either twice a day, some are once a day and some three times a week. It really depends on the destination and their capacity to admit or accept travel individuals as well as quarantine policies that are in placed in that locality,” she said.

Lagamon shared that pre-COVID-19, the new coronavirus 2019, pandemic and the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), for Manila-Davao-Manila, Cebu Pacific had flight schedules of 63 times a week and fly 34,000 passengers while the current once a week of the same route they could

system is an alternative to the online enrollment process which has been launched on June 1.

"Enrollment since [the] third week of June includes 'drop-box' system. Through [the] help of LGUs, DepEd is also able to go houseto-house for learners who don’t have access to online platform and/or those who are still in strict quarantine conditions," Sevilla said.

Under this offline enrollment, children may be registered by submitting

the necessary forms and documents through drop boxes placed in schools and barangay halls.

The dropbox enrollment system applies to both public and private schools in the country, according to Gudoy.

The online enrollment experience of an incoming Grade 7 student in Caloocan City, who resorted to using "pisonet" for lack of gadget and internet connection, recently went viral.

A big chunk of the 14.4 million enrolled students to date have registered through online and other remote means such as calls and texts, but Gudoy said the figures will still change as enrollment is ongoing.

The regions with the highest enrollment turnout were Calabarzon with 2.16 million, Metro Manila with 1.7 million, Central Luzon with 1.6 million, and Central Visayas with 1.17 million, based on latest data from the DepEd.

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DepEd says some 4.2M students enrolled through dropbox system

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round 4.2 million basic education learners have enrolled, so far, through the dropbox system, a Department of Education (DepEd) official said Thursday.

Director June Gudoy, incharge of the Oplan Balik Eskwela, said that a total of 14.4 million K-12 students nationwide have enrolled both in public and private schools, as of June 25.

DepEd spokesperson Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said the dropbox

iolent conflict over land erupted across the Bangsamoro while the country grappled with the COVID pandemic, according to a Critical Events Monitoring System (CEMS) bulletin.

The CEMS is an SMSand high frequency radio-based reporting system run by peacebuilding organization International Alert Philippines that captures conflict incidents and tensions in communities. It is used by Alert’s Early Response Network (ERN), a group of men and women who share real-time information and work with key stakeholders in coordinating quick and context-specific responses.

According to the CEMS bulletin, the ongoing violence erupted on May 29 in South Upi, where portions of land are occupied by the indigenous Teduray but also claimed by the Maguindanaon Muslims. The contested land is also being eyed by agribusiness and mining groups.

A series of clashes also occurred in Maguindanao and North Cotabato between commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and between MILF groups, including their families and clans.

MILF combatants occupying land surrounding their base camps in Lanao del Sur compounds the conflict, the bulletin revealed.

Nikki de la Rosa, International Alert country manager, explained that while these flashpoints are tied to land issues, the groups’ access to weapons and manpower and their links to State apparatus prolong violence.

“They have access to resources and have political connections, that is why they are able to engage in long-term violence,” she explained.

Clashes between MILF and MNLF commanders happened in Pikit over several days in April and in Matalam on April 29. There were also clashes in the towns of Sultan Kudarat and Guindulungan on April 12 and May 14 to 15, respectively. Firefight erupted again in the boundary of Pikit and in Pagalungan from May 7 to 10. Recurring conflict played out between two MILF commanders in Pikit from April to May. De la Rosa said the clashes show an important sign of polarization of communities around land and other natural resource issues, coupled with identity and political issues.

“Polarization is a state of increased attitudinal divergence between groups of either side of a social boundary, whether ethnic identity, clans, cultures, and beliefs. High levels of polarization indicate looming violence between two parties that have taken extreme positions,” explained de la Rosa.

These shooting wars that have killed many and forced the evacuation of thousands of families actually mimic the armed conflict between Christian paramilitary groups and ally indigenous peoples groups versus Moro tribes and their armed fronts in the 1960s and 1970s, de la Rosa added.

“We see that violence activated by land disputes and deepened by religious divides half a century ago, resulting from government’s resettlement of hordes of Christian Filipinos from Luzon and Visayas to Mindanao, has kept its grip on the region and will continue to affect generations to come,” de la Rosa explained.

Francisco Lara, Jr., International Alert Senior Peace and Conflict Adviser pointed out that the failure

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‘Hatid Probinsya’ program in Caraga temporarily stopped

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etching home locally stranded individuals (LSIs) through the “Hatid Probinsya” program was temporarily stopped in Caraga Region in the wake of rising positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-IED) has decided for a moratorium of Caraga-bound flights, mercy voyages and all forms of transportation limited to LSIs only from June 22 to July 4.

The move was in response to Resolution No. 41 of Caraga Regional IATF-EID which asked the national IATF-EID to impose the moratorium of sweeper flights, mercy voyages and all modes of transportation for ROFs (returning overseas Filipinos) and LSIs after their influx has started to reach to 5,994.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who also sits as

Caraga Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security, told Agusan del Norte Gov. Dale Corvera , regional chairperson of Regional Task Force Against COVID-19 One Caraga Shield, that the national IATF-EID has allowed the moratorium only for LSIs pending accreditation of the region’s proposed COVID-19 laboratory testing centers.

The approval of the moratorium came when Caraga has recorded a rapid increase of COVID-19 positive cases to 87 as of June 20, a tenfold spike in barely three weeks from just eight cases.

Charito Plaza, director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) who helped facilitate the travel home of some 2,200 LSIs and ROFs in Caraga, was disheartened to learn the sudden halt of the “Hatid Probinsya” program, saying there

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VOL.13 ISSUE 65 • FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020

St. Luke’s Medical Center, first to use convalescent plasma machine in PH

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t. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) has recently upgraded its equipment for convalescent plasma therapy with the two Scinomed Plasma Collection Machines (iPCM) from Getz Healthcare Philippines.

“St. Luke’s Medical Center is one of the first hospitals in the country to conduct convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients. We are always looking for ways to provide better care to our patients. So we are very grateful to Getz Healthcare Philippines for their donation,” said Dr. Arturo De

La Peña, SLMC President and CEO. With the donation of the Scinomed Plasma Collection Machines, SLMC can significantly increase the amount of plasma collection and in turn, the number of patients who can benefit from this treatment. With these machines, collection of donor

plasma can be completed in 40 minutes instead of the current 1.2 to 1.5 hours. This provides greater efficiency, increased donor comfort and safety, and the ability to greatly increase the amount of plasma collected in the same timeframe.

In addition, the machines can collect up to 1,000ml instead of the current 500ml. This increased volume of plasma can be easily transferred to smaller bags, providing treatment to two to three patients, instead of the current one patient.

“St. Luke’s Medical

Center will be the first in the country to use a stateof-the-art machine built specifically for the collection of plasma, increasing collection speed and donor comfort,” said Ian Grist, General Manager of Getz Healthcare Philippines.

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, convalescent plasma collection has become an urgent and important requirement in hospitals.

Currently, over 100 Scinomed iPCMs have been deployed in the United Kingdom and across Europe to collect convalescent plasma successfully.

Inc.; spirits manufacturing through Emperador Inc.; quick service restaurants through Golden Arches Development Corporation (GADC), popularly known as McDonald’s Philippines; and infrastructure developments through Infracorp, AGI remains optimistic that it can hurdle the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

Last year, AGI reported a record profit of P27.1-billion in 2019, reflecting a growth of 15% from P23.7-billion the year before. The Group’s stellar performance came on the back of a 15% improvement in consolidated revenues to P180-billion from P156.8 billion the year before. Net income to owners during the year stood at P17.7-billion, up 17% from last year’s P15.1

performance last year has placed the AGI Group on a strong and healthy financial footing that served us well during this time of the coronavirus pandemic,” says Kevin L. Tan, chief executive officer, AGI. AGI also ended 2019 with a consolidated net debt-to-equity ratio of 49%, among the lowest gearing in the industry.

"This has also allowed the AGI Group to quickly respond to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic where we have released a total of P1.1-billion in donations and financial assistance to various institutions, local government units (LGUs), hospitals, and other partner beneficiaries,” adds Tan. Earlier during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), AGI and its subsidiaries contributed

pine Disaster Resilience Foundation, and another P66-million in donations to various LGUs and other organizations that support pandemic frontliners as well as poor communities affected by the crisis.

Together with Emperador, the holding firm also donated one million liters of disinfectant alcohol worth around P250-million to various LGUs as well as frontline workers that include medical personnel, policemen, soldiers and other marshals during the lockdown.

Megaworld and its subsidiaries, on the other hand, donated P60-million to the Philippine Red Cross for the purchase of four brand new sets of COVID-19 test laboratories in Metro Manila. The real estate group also donat-

AGI accelerates digitalization efforts across businesses Sun Life exec assures firm's ndrew Tan-led Alli- tality through Travellers billion.

P110-million to Project strength amid health crisis ance Global Group, International Hotel Group, "Our much-improved Ugnayan of the Philip-

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Inc. (AGI) is accelerating its innovation and digital transformation strategies, as the conglomerate braces for the ‘new reality.’

"This pandemic is accelerating our digitalization efforts across our businesses. These involve investments in e-commerce applications, interactive customer service management, and contactless online transactions, among others. This should help us navigate the business environment and provide our customers with the enhanced services they need under the new reality,” says Kevin L. Tan, chief executive officer, AGI. With varied interests spanning real estate developments through property giant Megaworld Corporation; leisure, entertainment and hospi-

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he ongoing pandemic has not negatively impacted Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. (Sun Life) business and its executives assured policyholders that the company remains strong.

In a virtual briefing Wednesday, Sun Life CEO and Country Head Benedict Sison said the company has “not seen any significant surrenders or redemptions in any of our VUL (variable unit-linked) or any products on account of volatility brought about by this Covid-19 pandemic.”

“We continue to maintain an ample amount of liquidity so that in the event that we experience a spike in this area we’re able to service any potential surrenders or redemptions,” he said.

During the same briefing, Sun Life Chief Market-

ing and Client Officer Mylene Lopa, who presented the result of the regional survey conducted by their mother company recently, said 48 percent of Filipino respondents said they are affected by the pandemic in terms of financial situation.

In terms of the respondents’ recovery plan, 49 percent said they are somewhat ready, 27 percent are neutral, 13 percent are very prepared and has a recovery plan in place, 10 percent are somewhat not ready and the remaining 1 percent said they are not ready at all.

Lopa attributed the respondents’ answer that the health crisis hit their financial situation to lack of preparation and to Filipinos’ tendency to be shortsighted.

“Because we have so

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VOL.13 ISSUE 65 • FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020

CLI housing sales rise 20% in H1 despite coronavirus lockdown

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ebu Landmasters, Inc., a residential developer in Visayas and Mindanao, sold PHP3.4 billion worth of homes or over 1,500 housing units for economic and mid-market buyers from April to June despite a national lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

This brings its total first-half reservation sales to PHP6.2 billion, which is 20 percent higher than the PHP5.2 billion it achieved in the same period last year.

“Our projects have maintained high sales velocity indicating strong demand for houses in the Visayas and Mindanao particularly now that owning a home has become a priority,” CLI chief executive officer Jose Soberano said in a statement Wednesday.

Soberano said CLI only had 10 percent of its residential units available in its inventory as of end-May, and new project launches are currently ongoing to further increase housing inventory.

CLI’s residential portfolio dedicates 50 to 60 percent of the economic segment to fill housing backlogs in Visayas and Mindanao.

A market study of Leechiu Property Consultants, one of the country’s top real estate services firms, projected that Visayas and Mindanao housing backlogs would be at 2.85 million houses by 2022, with an average of 475,000 new housing units adding up to the increasing demand annually.

The study also reveals

that 44 percent of this backlog is for economic housing and a total of 200,000 units are needed per year.

Several of CLI’s housing projects are located in cities that allowed construction works to continue, such as Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Bacolod, and certain areas within the province of Cebu as these places were not as badly affected

by Covid-19 as Luzon.

CLI projects that remain under construction during the lockdown are sustained by third-party workers following strict health and sanitation protocols and financially supported by the CLI with weekly supplementary allowances to support their livelihood and their families.

“We can see buyers now putting even higher priority in owning a home.

Perhaps this is their way of securely dealing with the many uncertainties and investing in housing is as stable as it is necessary,” Soberano added.

CLI vice president for sales Rose Yulo said the company stretched the payment terms, making product offers more attractive for buyers and easy for their pockets, especially during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, CLI recently boosted its digital capabilities, a welcome development during the lockdown period.

“Even prior to the lockdown, we had already foreseen the need to go digital.

Early on, we took the necessary measures to make the buying transaction accessible and convenient

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ECONOMY 5

Construction workers cover a newly-concreted road along Chavez Street with huge tarpaulin on Thursday. Pending road concreting and other projects in Davao City have resumed after the city was placed under General Community Quarantine (ECQ). Edge Davao

2021 nat'l budget focuses on economic recovery, livelihood

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he programs that will ensure the recovery of the Philippine economy, as well as people’s livelihood, will be the priorities under the proposed PHP4.3-trillion national budget for next year.

The proposed 2021 national budget is slightly higher than the PHP4.1 trillion this year.

During the Laging Han-

the budget proposals that have been submitted by the various government agencies.

Avisado said an executive review will be made in the first week of July to thresh out issues and ensure that priority programs will have enough financing.

“Lahat ng ito ay nakatuon sa priorities ng national government in line pa rin with our (These proposals

are in line with the national government’s) desire to precisely continue to combat this pandemic and at the same time also provide the kind of programs, activities, and projects for our people lalo’t higit iyong mga nawalan ng hanapbuhay or trabaho at ng sa ganoon ay mayroon po silang mapagkukuhanan. (especially those who lost their

he Department of Finance (DOF) has issued Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 152020 further extending till end-December 2020 the deadline on availing of the tax amnesty for delinquencies under Republic Act (RA) No. 11213 and ensuring the timely processing of such applications by the relevant Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) offices.

The new RR further extends the deadline provided under RR 11-2020, which amended RR 102020 and 7-2020, and first extended the amnesty deadline to June 22, 2020.

These regulations were issued to implement the provision in RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal As

One Act allowing the extension of statutory deadlines and timelines to ease the burden on taxpayers following the imposition since mid-March of community quarantines nationwide in a government bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

Under RR No. 15-2020, taxpayers can avail of the tax amnesty for delinquencies until Dec. 31, 2020.

This extended deadline intends to give taxpayers ample time to settle their tax delinquencies while allowing the BIR to increase its collection from this new tax amnesty program.

The RR likewise provides deadlines for BIR offices to process the doc-

umentary requirements needed to avail of this tax amnesty.

Now, Certificate of Delinquencies/Tax Liabilities must be issued or denied with a legal and factual basis by concerned BIR offices within three (3) working days from the submission date of the request.

In addition, the completed amnesty application and return must be endorsed for payment by the BIR within one (1) working day from complete submission.

This streamlining ensures the BIR's prompt processing of tax amnesty applications.

Taxpayers may access RR No. 15-2020 at https:// bit.ly/2Cp9bH4.

aintaining fiscal prudence to support and improve credit rating is a must for the Philippines in its bid to recover from the impact of the pandemic, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

During the virtual Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum Wednesday, Dominguez said continued improvement of domestic fundamentals allowed the country to face the pandemic’s impact on a strong position.

He said the propor-

tion of debt to gross domestic product (GPD) has improved to record-low of 39.6 percent, revenues posted its biggest share to domestic output at 16.1 percent in 2019, inflation remains manageable, and foreign reserves continue to rise, with the end-May 2020 level at USD93 billion Dominguez added right before the health crisis hit the country, the Philippines received affirmation on its investment grade credit ratings.

Specifically, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its BBB+

rating with stable outlook on the county last May 31, Moody’s Investors Service kept its Baa2 rating with stable outlook last May 12, and Fitch Ratings affirmed its BBB rating but changed the outlook from positive to stable last May 7.

Last June 11, the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCRA) upgraded its rating on the country from BBB+ to A- as it considers the country to remain strong despite the pandemic.

Dominguez said the country also remains to be

da public briefing Wednesday, Budget and Management Secretary Wendel Avisado said they continue to do technical reviews on

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DOF further extends deadline for tax amnesty

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Fiscal prudence crucial for PH recovery: DOF chief

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On the possibility that more people will be arriving in Davao City due to the proposed additional flights: Possibly daghan na pasulod ug Davao ug mag-remind ta sa tanan nga dili ta muduol sa bag-ong niabot especially tong naa sa quarantine. Magpalayo ta sa ilaha hangtod mahuman ilang quarantine. If anytime during their 14-day quarantine, mag-manifest sila ug symptoms derecho sila sa Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) para ma-testing sila.

MAYOR SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO

EDITORIAL Understanding bike laws While the City Traffic and Transport Management Office (CTTMO) has started demarcating portions of several streets in Davao as bike lanes, there is much to know about bike lanes for everyone.

The CTTMO had initially demarcated a portion of Quimpo Boulevard as a bike lane. The demarcation of bike lanes is in line with the directive of the Department of Interior and Local Government for LGUs to establish bike lanes and a bicycle road network. Bicycles are seen as alternative transportation with the shortage of public transportation due to COVID19 quarantine.

Images of the newly-painted bike lanes were posted online by the cycling community of Davao along with the stern warning of the CTTMO to penalize those who violate the bike lane provision. The images included some parked vehicles along the demarcated bike lane which impede the flow of cyclists.

There is also some confusion over the demarcation lines. Some sections were painted with broken white lines and some with solid white lines. In countries already providing bike lanes, solid white

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

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

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA JASPER V. BACSAL OLIVIA D. VELASCO General ManagerPresident Advertising Specialist General Manager/Finance VP-Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

line is used as demarcation line which, under universally accepted traffic laws, serve as imaginary fence which separates cyclists from motorized vehicles on the road. The solid white line serves as a protective shield for bikers as cars are barred from crossing over the white line. The white line also can only be broken on intersections and dedicated stops for public and private transport, and where they traverse through the bike lane section, bikers may pull to a stop and proceed when safe.

With the bike lanes in place, it is imperative that the CTTMO educate both bikers and motorists on the bike lane rules as well as strictly enforce the law against those impeding the bike lane like parked vehicles, vendors, illegal signages and other obstruction. Likewise, the road imperfections in Davao where some lamp posts stood in the middle of the bike lane, CTTMO must provide warning signs and if possible, some sort of protection to prevent injuries to bikers.

It’s a work in progress which necessitates everyone’s understanding and awareness of the law concerning bike lanes.

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

CORPORATE SEALS OF DAVAO CITY Since its creation as a city in 1937, Davao has alrerady adopted two different corporate seals.

Under Commonwealth Act No. 51, which created the city effective March 1, 1937, one of its provisions, particularly Section 4, provides the corporate seal, which can be changed anytime.

The same provision is also invoked under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 4354, the Revised Charter of the City of Davao, approved June 19, 1965. Under the law, particularly Section 10 (c), the City Secretary is imbued with the power to secure the corporate seal: “(c) He shall keep the corporate seal and affix the same with his signature to all official acts of the mayor and to all other official documents and papers of the government of the city as may be required by custom or usage, in the discretion of the mayor.”

In the seal, the outer and inner circles are formed from simple circles with a shield encased in the inner sphere. The shield has four quadrants and

a overlaid circle. The quadrants carry the pictures of a banana, abaca rope formed in reef knot, coconut tree, and Mt. Apo with undulating waves. The circle, meanwhile, has a stylized star, with each point presumably representing a district. The symbols highlight the rich agricultural resources (farming and fishery) of the city.

In the revised corporate seal, the symbols or features are also symbolic of the city’s resources (land, natural and mineral resources, and population), namely: The circles, which is defined as “a round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed point (the center); a group of people with shared professions, interests, or acquaintances.” There are two corded circles, outer and inner, which wrap the word ‘Lungsod ng Davao’ and the word ‘Sagisag.’

The abaca rope reminds of the old town of Davao which owed its huge progress to the

booming plantation economy it underwent during the prewar period. For six decades (190060), abaca, thanks to Lebanese, American and Japanese entrepreneurs, was chief cash crop of the region.

The shield, protected by an inner circle of hemp, represents protection and is symbolic of the defense of the city against peril, threat, and other hostile events.

The official city logo is divided into four quadrants and a superimposed rectangle. Rectangles represent stability and are familiar shapes in many government logos; they also represent honesty and solidarity.

The quadrants in the shield, meanwhile, carry the following representations, namely: (i) ‘warehouse with chimneys’ stands for the industries that made Davao region vibrant; (ii) ‘coconut groves’ represent Davao region’s main product; (iii) ‘durian and orchids’ represents the city’s fruits and flowers; (iv) ‘ocean-going steamer’ represents the city’s trade and commerce; and ‘tilted shield

with bolo’ represents the Moros and natives who defended the region from invaders.

The importance of a corporate seal is again cited under Republic Act No. 7160, The Local Government Code of the Philippines, approved on October 10, 1991. Book I, General Provisions, Title One, Basic Principles Chapter 1, which is The Policy, Code and Application, states under Section 22 (b), Corporate Powers, thus: “Local government units may continue using, modify, or change their existing corporate seals: Provided, That newly established local government units or those without corporate seals may create their own corporate seals which shall be registered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government: Provided, further, That any change of corporate seal shall also be registered as provided herein.”

Meanwhile, Administrative Order No. 270, which prescribes the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Local

An immersive opportunity:

Government Code of 1991, was approved on February 21, 1992.

Article 48 of the Order, titled as Corporate Seal, stipulates: “LGUs may modify, change, or continue using their existing corporate seals. Newly established LGUs or those without corporate seals may create their own corporate seals in consultation with NHI [now National Historical Commission of the Philippines] and shall register such [corporate] seals with DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government]. Any change of corporate seal shall also be registered with DILG.” To fully appreciate the evolution of the city’s corporate seal, some questions cry for answers: When was the first seal made?

When was it approved and under what ordinance? When was the second seal made? When was it approved and under what ordinance? How any districts did Davao City have prior to RA 7160? What are their names?

Do the five points of the star in the original corporate seal represent the five districts?

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

M

FACING ADVERSITY

matics, Business, may proceed to alayan Colleges Mind- MCM’s online ed by MCM. His attitude know, Dad,’ I replied. ‘Find her,’ he that goes round and round and was understand- in life. Again, here’s what Harold toolsto eitherInclimaxorder thishaslink: https:// told me. School ‘Bring her here.learning She will never comes or able,for but heHumanities badly underestimat-and B. Walker to say: “I walked anao, a Mapúa never see anything like this again conclusion.

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Now, ever heard of a “TrouLearnlet; and internet agement, and through the and get the opportunity to useand disasters but forges face the adversities steel, so goes an old There are two verses from the ble Tree”? One wise businessto Russian complete of at ra–mGenem i nman g has email of this human existence.ing He also proverb. connectivity So just what Bible I wantPtoro givegyou such a kindaddress of tree. It is MCM’s powerful online learnknew that 67 years were in the adversity does to you depends sis 42:36 and Romans 8:28.

We located about a block from learning tasks least 1 Mbps for and Coding for provided away upon that the loss of money was upon what is in you. “The tests have the option of these two atti- his house, where he has to pass it ing tools for FREE! past… nothing really, because there was of life are to make, not break us,” tudes. We need the perspective every evening on his way home.

WHAT do these words have one thing in common: hardship, difficulty, danger, misfortune, harsh conditions, and failures?

Well, they all mean the same thing: adversity.

William A. Ward once said: “Adversity causes some people to break; others to break records.”

John F. Kennedy, one of America’s most beloved presidents, remarked: “Only when the winds of adversity blow can you tell whether an individual or a country has steadfastness.” Henry Ward Beecher points out, “Adversity, if for no other reason, is of benefit, since it is sure to bring a season of sober reflection. People see clearer at such times. Storms purify the atmosphere.”

When he was still alive, New Jersey Governor Charles Edison told a vignette about his famous father, a man of resilient, undefeatable spirit. Of course, you know who I am talking about – Thomas Alva Edison. Here goes the story: On the night of December 9, 1914, the great Edison Industries of West Orange was virtually destroyed by fire. Thomas Edison lost two million dollars that night and much of his life’s work went up in flames. He was insured for only US$238,000 because the buildings had been made of concrete, at that time thought to be fireproof.

“My heart ached for him,” Charles said. “He was 67 – not a young man anymore – and everything was going up in flames. He spotted me. ‘Charles,’ he shouted, ‘where’s your mother?’ ‘I don’t

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

designed for in- asynchronous incoming college your registrasays Maltbie D. Babcock. “Trou- of the latter.”

“When I reach that tall tree in coming ble Grade 11 sessions at students.

A full tion. he explains, “I leave may demolish a man’s busi- and Hansen turned to the passagthe evening,” ness but build his character.

The es, read them, then prayed and all the worries of the and 1stblow Year Col- least 2 Mbps for course on Math, troubles Forandany addiat the outward man may be left. The young man, Alex Balc, day right there. ‘Let them hang on lege students. s ytonthec inner h r o ntook o uthes message Humanities, tionalif theyinquiries the greatest blessings to heart. Heand the branches want to,’ I say man.

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In all the adversities we face Remember what Ralph WalHe continues: “I used take synchronous or line system and demonstration please feel tofree each day, God is just a prayer do Emerson said about adversi- my troubles home to my wife, and asynchronous will themen bootaway. But in mosttools instances, we initiate ty? “When itduring is dark enough, often to they email would stayat withadme take Him for granted.

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that inner strength that would allow him to build again,” Charles concluded his story.

“Prosperity is a great teacher,” Victor Hugo says, “adversity is greater.” To which Robert Collier adds, “In every adversity, there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time.” William A. Ward gives a more definite meaning: “As the valley gives height to the mountain, so can sorrow give meaning to pleasure; as the well is the source of the fountain, deep adversity can be a treasure.”

Harold B. Walker has a very thought-provoking idea about adversity. “You can think about your problems or you can worry about them, and there is a vast difference between the two,” he said. “Worry is thinking that has turned toxic. It is jarring music

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

against me” (Genesis 42:36).

ing up and learning some lessons

never happened.”

8 EDGEDAVAO

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house last March and will have to distribute again, he added.

For those seeking reproductive health information, the public may call Popcom through these numbers: (02) 8782-9284; (02) 8531-6897; 0917597-0770; and 0998-8652810.

Popcom's wellness clinic in Barangay Addition

Hills, Mandaluyong City is also open Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Per Popcom estimates, the Philippines has a population of 108 million people, according to 2015 projections. The Philippine Statistics Authority placed the growth rate in 2015, the last census, at 1.72 percent. The next census is set for this year.

"The Philippines and Korea should go hand-inhand based on the spirit of solidarity that 70 years ago our predecessors

have shown for defending our common values and overcoming the common challenges confronting us," Han said. (PNA)

only fly 800 passengers.

For Cebu-Davao-Cebu during pre-COVID-19 and ECQ, the flight schedules were 25 times a week and

fly 9,000 passengers while presently, it could only fly 350 passengers for the once a week flight of the same route.

caused some to question his presidency of the ATP Player Council, which advises the ATP board.

"I think there's a lot of his peer group who are scratching their heads," veteran coach Paul Annacone told Tennis.com.

Martina Navratilova, who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, tweeted: "Yikes... this is not good and it's a pattern... What now, US Open? Roland Garros?

We have a lot of work to do."

Brazil's Bruno Soares, a doubles player who sits on the Player Council, called the Adria Tour a "horror show".

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said it was a les-

son for other tournaments.

"It's a little bit like when you tell your kids when they try to learn to ride the bike to wear the helmet," Gaudenzi said. "It's 'no, no, no'."

"And they ride the bike, they fall, and then they wear the helmet."

Djokovic had already raised eyebrows during lockdown for his anti-vaccination stance and for unusual claims including that human emotions can change the quality of water.

Serbian newspaper Danas said that the farcical end to the Adria Tour could "maybe be the best warning for all others that no one is immune to a vicious virus".

many concerns we don’t really plan. And also probably because we have so many concerns we don’t really plan that far ahead into the future. And we don’t always plan for emergencies or unforeseen events,” she said.

Relatively, Sison said they earlier expected lots of claims as a result of the pandemic but this has not happened so far.

He traced this partly to a lack of insurance coverage of those who were infected by the virus.

“And that, to me, is an indication that the Philippines remains to be an underpenetrated market for individual insurance,” he

said.

He attributed this to the lower financial literacy of Filipinos compared to neighboring countries.

Authorities said insurance penetration in the country is still below 5 percent but it has improved compared in the past as more Filipinos improve their financial capacities because of having better-paying jobs and the country's overall economic expansion.

Sison said more and more younger Filipino professionals are becoming financially aware of insurance and investments.

(PNA)

to our sellers and buyers online – from the selection of properties up to the pay-

ment of reservation fees and down payments,” Yulo said. (PR)

jobs),” he said.

Avisado said the programs “will concentrate more on labor-intensive projects and activities to give income opportunities to the most vulnerable and the most affected sector and workers both in public and private sectors.”

If the Budget department will not be able to submit a copy of the proposed budget to Con-

gress after the President’s State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA), which the law requires to be held on the fourth Monday of July, which this year falls on July 27, it will be submitted in the second week of August, he said.

Avisado added they submitted this year’s proposed budget on Aug. 20, 2019, or the last day of the submission period. (PNA)

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to end violent land conflict proves the remaining massive weaponry still in the hands of rebel commanders and combatants and the pervasive use and trade of illicit weapons.

The MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces kicked off phase two of its normalization process in September 2019 as part of its peace deal with the government in 2014, targeting to decommission 30 percent of its 40,000 members until March 2020.

This while there has been an increase in the purchase of small arms and light weapons across the region, the NGO report-

ed. According to the CEMS bulletin, this was enabled by people’s access to subsidies during the pandemic and points to people’s anxiety amidst loss of livelihood and unresolved clan wars.

“There has been less focus at the regional level to establish formal rules to prevent land conflict.

Priority should be given to establish an institutional framework for resource use management, agrarian reform, and the protection of indigenous rights over land as soon as possible,” Lara explained.

Other types of violent polarization

The CEMS bulletin reported other types of tensions occurring in the Bangsamoro aside from disputes over land and natural resources.

“We monitored polarization between the BARMM government and local leaders, between ideological groups, and between ethnic affiliations especially during the government’s hard approach in response to COVID-19,” de la Rosa shared.

The CEMS bulletin reported on the assassination on May 25 of Aniceto Rasalan, executive secretary of Cotabato City mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, clashes

between the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and a joint military-MILF group in parts of Maguindanao, and tensions among ethnic groups amidst government distribution of health services and relief.

“The next 18 months will be critical in the Bangsamoro because it can motivate warring groups to arrive into a political settlement to end longstanding conflict or provoke more community-level violence magnified by the loss of livelihood on the one hand and a scramble for resources for the 2022 national elections on the other,” de la Rosa explained.

are still more than 500 remaining Caraga residents scheduled to return home on June 27.

She said the effort to bring home stranded Caraga residents in Metro Manila and Cebu was a joint effort of PEZA, partner private firms, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for ROFs and Department of Tourism for LSIs. Plaza criticized local officials in Caraga for blaming the program on the

spike of COVID-19 positive cases, saying the local government units (LGUs) were just not really prepared to facilitate their returning residents after more than three months of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Some LGUs are good and medical monitoring are good but many others badly need improvement,” she said, adding that “it’s unfair and unfounded to blame us for bringing the OFWs and LSIs as COVID-19 carriers

in Caraga.”

Plaza, who hails from Butuan City, questioned why the LGUs in Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City facilitated and welcomed their returning residents while the Caraga local officials could not do it.

“From the very start most LGUs in Caraga never wanted OFWs and LSIs to go home so that there never was a show of interest and concern to their sad plight,” she noted.

Plaza refuted the Regional IATF claim of the rising cases attributed to the massive influx of returning residents, citing figures of LSIs who availed of sweeper flights and mercy voyages from Manila and Cebu and arrived at the Butuan’s Bancasi Airport and Nasipit Seaport from May 26 to June 20 which recorded only 18 COVID-19 positive cases from 1,311 passengers. (Chris V. Panganiban / MindaNews)

ed more than P10-million worth of meals, groceries, personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies, and transport services to various hospitals, security checkpoint frontliners, LGUs, and partner organizations around the country.

GADC or McDonald’s Philippines also rolled out its McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen that provided meals and financial assistance amounting to around P500-million to poor communities and its employees around the country.

Likewise, Travellers and its partners donated around P125-million worth of PPEs to hospital partners and food distribution to poor communities around Metro Manila. The company also contributed P12-million to ABS-CBN’s Pantawid ng Pag-Ibig project coming from the proceeds from the livestreaming of its hit musical Ang Huling El Bimbo.

"Now that the economy has slowly opened up from the government-imposed restrictions, the AGI Group has also been at the forefront in providing a safer,

better and more secure environment for our employees, tenants, customers, home dwellers, communities and other stakeholders,” reveals Tan. In addition to enhanced safety protocols and sanitation efforts within its townships, the AGI Group has also installed state-ofthe-art disinfecting equipment in its facilities and even partnered with medical institutions, various pharmaceutical and personal care brands, and tech companies as part of its intensified efforts during these challenging times.

In 2019, property giant, Megaworld, chalkedup attributable net income of P17.9-billion in 2019, a hefty 18% increase from its year-before level of P15.2-billion. Consolidated revenues grew 17% to P67.3-billion, with rentals, contributed by Megaworld Premier Offices and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, driving the growth as revenues jumped 18%, while its residential and hotel segments posted 12% and 67% increases in revenues, respectively. The company also reported EBITDA of P29.6-billion,

reflecting a 19% year-onyear improvement, as the company continues to benefit from its improving business mix.

Travellers International, owner and operator of Resorts World Manila (RWM), posted an attributable net income of P945-million in 2019, down 35% from P1.44-billion the year before. While consolidated net revenues grew 38% to P28.3-billion from P20.6-billion, this was offset by higher costs and expenses related to its new gaming and non-gaming facilities in RWM, in addition to increased interest charges. Gross gaming revenues went up by 38% to P27.6-bllion, helped by the faster recovery in its VIP segment, overall improvement in volume and hold rates, and record level foot traffic to the complex.

EBITDA stood at P5.5- billion, up 42% from its year ago level of P3.9-billion.

Emperador, the world’s biggest brandy producer and owner of the world’s fifth largest Scotch whisky manufacturer, recorded core attributable profit of P7.0-billion in 2019, reflecting a 5% improve-

ment from P6.7-billion the year before.

Consolidated revenues rose by 10% year-on-year to P51.6-billion, driven by its continued dominance in the brandy market, and increasing contribution from its whisky business. Gross profit grew by 10% yearon-year to P16.9-billion, while EBITDA went up 7% to P11.1-billion.

GADC, a long-term partnership between AGI and the George Yang Group that holds the exclusive franchise to operate restaurants in the Philippines under the ‘McDonald’s’ brand, reported attributable net income growth of 15% year-onyear to P1.9-billion in 2019, already aligned with the Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) 16. Before such adjustment, GADC net income should have grown by 18% as consolidated revenues grew 13% to P32.0-billion during the same period. Same-store sales growth stood at 5.8%, a significant improvement from 4.0% in 2018. GADC closed the year with 669 stores, from 620 stores the year before. (PR)

among the most financially sound economies.

“At a time when nearly all governments around the world are taking on debt to fight the economic downturn, we will be competing for scarce fi-

nancing. By maintaining a prudent fiscal program that has allowed us to protect our credit-worthiness, the commercial markets and the development partners continue to lend to us at generous interest

rates and longer terms,” he said.

He added the same advantages are being enjoyed by Philippine firms.

“The ability to refinance at lower cost will help us recover more

quickly and more sustainably.This is what makes credit ratings precious to restoring our economy’s health. This is precisely the reason why we are guarding them very well,” he added. (PNA)

be able to bring this great tournament to Austria", added Basketball Austria President Gerald Martens.

With original host nation India having a rapid

increase in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, FIBA decided to move the Olympic qualifiers to Austria.

"FIBA is delighted that

the road to the Olympics will stop in Graz's iconic Hauptplatz and that the Austrian authorities have vowed to make it the greenest, most sustainable event

to date, which is entirely in line with our concept of reduced ecological footprint of 3x3,” said FIBA executive director for Europe Kamil Novak. (PNA)

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9

Bill seeks to rename NAIA

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that LANANG REALTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (represented by Ms. Myra C. Como, Davao Admn. Head) with business office at Block 2A Lot 8 First Mindanao Business Park, Mandug, Davao City has filed with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Region XI for a CHANGE OF NAME of DUSIT THANI RESIDENCE DAVAO located at Maryknoll Drive, Bo. Pampanga, Lanang, Davao City from DUSIT THANI RESIDENCE DAVAO to TIERRA LONZO DAVAO PHASE 1.

Any person with valid objection to the change of ownership may file his objection in writing with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Region XI , telephone number 297-2399 within (5)days from date of last publication.

19 June 2020, Davao City

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fter having recovered from its image as one of the worst airports in the world, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is now poised to change its name to finally get rid of the bad image and start fresh.

In Congress, there is a bill that seeks to change the name of the country's primary airport from NAIA to PPP or the Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas.

House Bill No. 7031 is authored by Representatives Paolo Duterte (Davao City 1st District), Lord Allan Jay Velasco (Marinduque), and Eric Go Yap (ACT-CIS).

Republic Act 6639, enacted on December 10, 1987, renamed then Manila International Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport during the administration of then President Corazon C. Aquino.

Being the international gateway of the Philippines, the three congressmen said that "there is a need to identify the same as belonging to the Philippines" and not to one person alone.

The proposed name Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas is a name that clearly represents the whole nation and brings

pride to the Filipinos with the use of the national language.

Rep. Velasco said that having a very Filipino name for our international gateway sparks nationalism in each and everyone of us.

He said that our Filipino language should be the very first thing our visitors see upon landing at the airport an indication that we Filipinos are proud of our heritage.

The proposed bill will be calendared for 1st Reading where it will be referred to the Committee on Transportation for deliberation.

including Los Amigos, Riverside, Calinan Proper, Malagos, Wangan, Baguio Proper, Wines, Biao Joaquin, Talandang, Lacson, Gumalang, Tamugan, Marahan, Marilog, Baganihan and neighboring areas.

Moreover, a 3-hour power interruption will also be conducted on the same day from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. affecting customers from De Lara Street to Biao Joaquin, Talandang and neighboring areas.

Also affected are customers from Philippine Eagle Center to Baguio Proper, Wines, Tawan-tawan, Cadalian and neighboring

areas.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience brought about by this scheduled power interruption. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier.

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

Please contact our 24/7 Customer Contact Service at 229-3572, 0917864-2793 (Globe) or 0920970-1357 (Smart) for any power interruption that will fall outside the given schedule.

Service disruptions in Tugbok, Calinan, Baguio, Marilog Districts on June 28

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avao Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct a series of power interruptions on June 28, Sunday, affecting customers in Tugbok, Calinan, Baguio and Marilog Districts.

These service disruptions will be necessary to facilitate upgrading works of Davao Light 69 kV line along Tugbok and Calinan.

The first two power interruptions will be for 30 minutes anytime between 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m..

Specifically affected are customers from Tugbok Central Elementary School going to Baguio and Buda,

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Melatonin vs. COVID-19

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO hen an unknown disease (later known as coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19) spread throughout Wuhan, China in December last year, health experts said the outbreak would only be local. But by January, the disease had been reported in other parts of the world.

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On January 30, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.” By March, it was already considered a pandemic.

As of June 23, more than 91.7 million cases have been reported across 188 countries and territories, resulting in more than 474,000 deaths.

More than 4.59 million people have recovered.

In the Philippines, the biggest reported single spike ever in one day happened on June 23: 1,150 total new cases and 789 fresh cases - a record for total cases in a single day, and the highest number of “fresh cases” in a day since that nomenclature was started. All in all, the country has 31,825 cases, with 8,442 recoveries and 1,186 deaths.

The virus, called SARSCoV-2, as it is a distant cousin of the original Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus, is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets. When a person sneezes, laughs, sings, talks, or simply breathes, these droplets

can travel into another person’s mouth or nose and establish an infection.

Recommended measures to prevent infection include frequent hand washing, face coverings, maintaining physical distance from others, quarantine, covering coughs, and keeping unwashed hands away from the face.

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

But some groups of people carry a bigger risk of infection and even an increased chance of dying from COVID-19. These are the elderly, pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions (like diabetes or liver disease), and those with compromised immune systems.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. The less common symptoms include aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, and a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers and toes.

Right now, there are no vaccines nor specific anti-viral treatments available for COVID-19.

Management involves the treatment of the symptoms, supportive care, isolation, and experimental measures.

However, there are some testing and trials conducted in various parts of the world. In the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has approved the clinical trials on the use of melatonin as a supplementary treatment for COVID-19.

The clinical trials – which involves 350 patients over a four-month period – are being conducted by a team from Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) led by Dr. Rafael Castillo, a cardiologist who’s also a newspaper columnist.

“High-dose melatonin is being considered as a potential treatment for COVID-19,” wrote Dr. Castillo in Health and Lifestyle, a monthly publication where he serves as editor-in-chief. “While the hormone does not kill the novel coronavirus, it is said to neutralize its damaging effects on the body.”

The MDH is the first in the world to try high-dose melatonin for high-risk COVID-19 patients. It has been reported that several patients who were given the hormone already had adult respiratory distress syndrome prior to taking melatonin, but they all survived.

One of those who sur-

vived was the father of a cardiologist. “Her father was about to be intubated and hooked to a breathing machine because his pneumonia was getting worse,” Dr. Castillo reported. “After being given high-dose melatonin for three days, however, his condition improved and nine days later, he was discharged.”

Studies abroad has also confirmed the use of melatonin in combating COVID-19. “A body infected with the novel coronavirus suffers from excessive inflammation, oxidation, and exaggerated immune responses, which contribute to acute lung respiratory distress syndrome,” Dr. Castillo explained.

“Since melatonin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and im-

mune-modulating hormone, it is said to be protective against severe viral-induced diseases like SARS and COVID-19,” he added.

The MDH is teaming up with the DOST’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) in the study.

“We are aiming to build on the use of melatonin as a commonly available supplement to support our fight against COVID-19,” PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya said in a press statement. “If the project proves to be successful, we may be able to de-escalate COVID-19 cases better, and possibly reduce the mortality rate of the infection.”

Melatonin is a natural hormone made by the body’s pineal gland. This is a pea-sized gland located just above the middle of the brain, which helps the body know when it’s time to sleep and wake up.

“Normally, your body makes more melatonin at night,” the website, wedMD.com, states. “Levels usually start to go up in the evening once the sun sets. They drop in the morning when the sun goes up. The amount of light you get each day – plus your own body clock – set how much your body makes.”

Melatonin is called the “Dracula of hormones” as it only comes out in the dark. “Even if the pineal gland is switched ‘on’ by the clock,” the US-based Sleep Foundation explains, “it will not produce melatonin unless the person is in a dimly lit environment.”

Melatonin production declines with age. But it is

now available as a supplement, typically as an oral tablet. Most melatonin supplements are made in a laboratory.

“People commonly use melatonin for sleep disorders such as insomnia and jet lag,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Unlike with many sleep medications, you are unlikely to become dependent on melatonin, have a diminished response after repeated use (habituation) or experience a hangover effect.”

Taken orally, melatonin is generally safe.

However, the Mayo Clinic says it can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. Because of the latter, doctors advise not to drive or use machinery within five hours of taking the supplement.

“Less common melatonin side effects might include short-lasting feelings of depression, mild tremor, mild anxiety, abdominal cramps, irritability, reduced alertness, confusion or disorientation and abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension),” the Mayo Clinic states.

WebMD.com also states that melatonin supplements might cause problems if you take them with some medicines, including blood-thinning medications (coagulants), drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants), diabetes drugs, and birth control pills.

Aside from COVID-19, doctors are also studying if melatonin can help with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, high nighttime blood pressure, and sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorders.

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Sacramento Kings' Buddy Hield and Jabari Parker and Indiana Pacer Malcolm Brogdon.

3 more join list of NBA players with Covid-19 N

Djokovic slammed for ‘horror show’

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pair of Sacramento Kings have reportedly been diagnosed with COVID-19.

According to The Athletic, shooting guard Buddy Hield has tested positive for the coronavirus, as has Jabari Parker.

Parker announced his own positive test earlier in the day.

While Parker has played just one game for the Kings since arriving in town at the trade deadline, Hield is a prominent part of the team’s starting lineup. The 27-year-old has averaged 19.8 points per game in 64 contests so far this season.

It’s unclear at this point if Hield is symptomatic.

Parker stated in his announcement that he is progressing in his recovery and feeling well.

As the Kings gear up for the unique challenge of trying to claw their way into the Western Conference playoff picture when the league resumes at Disney World next month, they’ll be eager to get both players back to full strength.

The Kings, who added

wing depth with the addition of Corey Brewer yesterday, sit 3.5 games behind the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies.

According to reports, Parker expects to be ready for the NBA season’s restart despite testing positive for the coronavirus.

The 25-year-old journeyman issued a statement that read, “Several days ago I tested positive for COVID-19 and immediately self-isolated in Chicago which is where I remain.

I am progressing in my recovery and feeling well. I look forward to joining my teammates in Orlando as we return to the court for the resumption of the NBA season.”

Parker is with his fifth team in the past three seasons. Earlier this season, he played 32 games for the Atlanta Hawks, making 23 starts and averaging 15 points and six rebounds.

The Hawks traded Parker and center Alex Len to the Kings on Feb. 6

in exchange for center Dewayne Dedmon and two second-round draft picks.

Parker appeared in just one game for his new team, finishing with four points and four rebounds against the Grizzlies on Feb. 20. He sat out Sacramento’s last nine games before the NBA season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Kings are among the six NBA teams currently outside of a playoff position who will join the 16 currently in postseason positions when the league assembles in early July near Orlando, Fla. The 22 invited teams will each play eight regular-season games ahead of the postseason, which could include play-in games for the last spot in each conference depending upon how close the ninth-place teams are.

Sacramento (28-36) is 3 1/2 games behind the eighth-place Memphis Grizzlies (32-33) in the Western Conference standings.

Pacers’ Brogdon tests positive for Covid-19 Indiana Pacers point guard Malcolm Brogdon

tested positive for the coronavirus, the Indianapolis Star reported Wednesday.

Brogdon, 27, has been active in racial and social justice efforts since the coronavirus pandemic caused a work stoppage March 11. Brogdon was injured and not playing when the NBA was forced to pause the season.

He was traded to the Pacers from the Milwaukee Bucks prior to the season and is averaging 16.3 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Brogdon’s hip injury is not expected to be a factor in his potential return.

However, it’s not yet clear whether the former NBA Rookie of the Year will be available when the season resumes in Orlando next month due to the positive COVID-19 test.

The Pacers are scheduled to arrive in Florida for training camp the first week of July.

Individual workouts have taken place in Indianapolis with trainers and coaches permitted to lead players through one-onone sessions.

33-year-old Younghusband said. "I have loved playing this game."

"Thank you to my family, bosses, managers, coaches, team mates, opponents and all my supporters who have been part of my professional career," he added.

"I feel lucky to have experienced wonderful memories and thankful for every moment of my time with my clubs and country."

Younghusband had 101 caps for the Philippines, scoring 12 goals. He was part of the Azkals team

that defeated Vietnam in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, a milestone that has since been dubbed the "Miracle in Hanoi."

He played club football for the Loyola Meralco Sparks, Davao Aguilas, and Ceres Negros.

His announcement was met by an outpouring of love from the Philippine football community, with several former and current players paying tribute to Younghusband.

"It was an honor to play with you," said former Az-

kals player Anton del Rosario. "Miss owning that right side with you."

Patrick Reichelt said Younghusband will be remembered as "one of the Philippines' greatest of all time" and thanked the veteran for being a role model.

"You'll do great in whatever will follow," he said.

Simon McMenemy, who coached the Azkals in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, lauded Younghusband for his humility. "Congrats on a history changing career," he said.

James Younghusband hangs up his boots

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ne of the pillars of the Philippine Azkals' "Miracle in Hanoi" run James Younghusband is hanging up his boots.

James, the other half of the fabled Younghusband brothers, announced on Thursday his retirement from the sport, after a celebrated career that saw him help elevate football's popularity in the Philippines.

On Instagram, Younghusband said it was "time to say goodbye."

"Thank you for the amazing memories," the

ovak Djokovic was widely condemned for hosting a tennis exhibition where he was one of four players to test positive for the coronavirus, a lapse that sent shudders through a sport struggling to get back on its feet.

The world number one on Tuesday issued an unstinting apology for the now-cancelled Adria Tour in the Balkans, where social distancing was minimal and matches were played in front of thousands of fans.

Djokovic, 33, said he is "so deeply sorry" that the tournament "caused harm". His wife Jelena has also tested positive after the couple travelled back from Croatia to Belgrade to be tested.

Among the scathing criticism of Djokovic, there were questions about whether he, or tennis, should be allowed back on any court in the near future.

Many voiced concerns over attempts to restart professional tournaments in August, including the US Open which is scheduled to begin on August 31.

Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive after taking part in the Adria Tour event in Croatia, where players embraced across the net, played basketball and even danced in a nightclub.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios, so often in the crosshairs for his own on-court indiscretions, said the incident was pure "stupidity".

"Don't @ me for anything I've done that has been 'irresponsible' or classified as 'stupidity' -- this takes the cake," tweeted the world number 40.

Britain's Andy Murray, a three-time Grand Slam winner who has known Djokovic since their junior days, said: "I don't think it has been a great look for tennis."

"In hindsight, it's not

something that should have gone ahead," Murray told reporters.

"Some people have said maybe this has put the US Open in doubt –- which it may well do. But the measures and the protocols they have in place at the USTA (United States Tennis Association) are different to Serbia and Croatia. No fans for a start."

In the latest repercussion, Serbian NBA player Nikola Jokic has reportedly tested positive for the virus after being pictured with Djokovic at a basketball event in Belgrade earlier this month.

Jokic's team, the Denver Nuggets, who are ramping up preparations for a resumption of the NBA season, declined to comment on the report in the Denver Post, citing medical privacy.

The player is now in quarantine in Serbia.

The president of the Croatian tennis federation insisted that at the time of the Zadar event, it appeared safe to go ahead without strict health regulations.

"When we accepted Novak's idea to organise the tour, the epidemiological situation in Croatia was much better," Nikolina Babic told the Vecernji List daily paper on Wednesday.

"Maybe some minor mistakes were made but the idea was good."

- PR disaster COVID-19 has been a public relations disaster for Djokovic.

He was criticised for breaking lockdown rules to train in Spain and raised eyebrows by insisting he would not be prepared to vaccinate against the coronavirus.

Djokovic also described limits on players' entourages at the US Open as "extreme" and "impossible", again putting him at odds with much of public opinion.

His latest misstep has

FDJOKOVIC, P8

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BATTLE-READY Gilas 3x3 remains ready, awaits

VOL.13 ISSUE 65 • FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020

green light to get back to practice

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he Philippine team that will play in the FIBA 3X3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament expressed readiness even if their training was stalled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We will be ready come 2021," said Bounty Agroventures president Ronald Mascarinas, the chief backer of the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s team for the FIBA 3x3 OQT. Mascarinas said Gilas Pilipinas is just waiting for the go-signal from the government so it can resume practice.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino earlier said he is in talks with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases for the Gilas 3x3 and the rest of the national athletes who are vying to make it to the Tokyo Olympics next year

to continue their training.

The inaugural FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) will now take place in Austria.

In a press conference on Tuesday coinciding with Olympic Day, Austrian Vice Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler announced that the city of Graz will host the OQT now reset to May 2630, 2021.

“The focus of our Government in sports is the promotion of trending and green sporting event,” Kogler said. “The FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament combines modernity and sustainability in a unique way.”

"We are very happy to

FBATTLE-READY, P8

The Gilas Pilipinas' 3x3 squad who will try to qualify for the Olympics is composed of Davao City's Alvin Pasaol, Joshua Munzon, and professional players Moala Tautuaa and CJ Perez.