Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 67 | Sunday-Monday, June 28-29, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

LIFE IN A WORLD OF SOCIAL DISTANCING INDULGE P9

Serving a seamless society

TEST VALUE

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

SPMC conducts study on the effectiveness of rapid test for COVID-19 STORY ON PAGE 2

A resident practices “tuob” after a visit to a crowded community public market in Matina Aplaya, Davao City over the weekend. The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public that there’s still no scientific evidence that tuob or steam inhalation can fight off and cure COVID-19. Edge Davao

WORLDWIDE COVID-19 NUMBERS BOARD

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PHILIPPINES

WORLDWIDE

CONFIRMED: 9,904,963 • DEATHS: 496,866 • RECOVERED: 5,357,840

CONFIRMED: 34,073 • DEATHS: 1,224 • RECOVERED: 9,182

As of June 27, 2020, here’s the Top 5 list of countries with most number of COVID-19 cases 1. U.S.A CONFIRMED: 2,552,956 DEATHS: 127,640 RECOVERED: 1,068,703

2. BRAZIL CONFIRMED: 1,280,054 DEATHS: 56,109 RECOVERED: 697,526

3. RUSSIA CONFIRMED: 620,794 DEATHS: 8,781 RECOVERED: 384,152

4. INDIA CONFIRMED: 509,446 DEATHS: 15,689 RECOVERED: 295,917

5. GREAT BRITAIN CONFIRMED: 309,360 DEATHS: 43,414 RECOVERED: --

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

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

Dabawenya artist gives reflective sashes to bikers, frontliners

A

A biker is forced to take the middle part of Leon Garcia St. in Davao City on Wednesday as he could not use the bike lane on the right already occupied by jeepneys and trucks. The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has created bike lanes lately as more and more

people adopted the mode of transportation with the limited availability of public transport because of the quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MindaNews photo by GG BUENO

TEST VALUE SPMC conducts study on the effectiveness of rapid test for COVID-19

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) is now studying the usefulness of the rapid test for COVID-19.

T

The COVID-19 rapid antibody test is a blood test that identifies antibodies produced by the immune system as it develops immunity to the virus.

This test can read immunoglobulin M (IgM), or the early immune response, and the immunoglobulin G (IgG), or the delayed immune response. A positive IgM test indicates that the tested person may have been infected, may still be infected, or may have recently recovered from COVID-19 infection.

On the other hand, IgG antibodies indicate that the tested person could have had COVID-19 in the recent

C

OTABATO CITY – Four more cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)-positive patients were reported in the Soccsksargen region, raising its total number of confirmed infections to 56, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday.

Three of these new patients were from Sultan Kudarat province and the other from Sarangani province, Arjohn Gangoso, DOH 12 (Soccsksargen) health education and promotion officer, said in a statement released Friday night.

past and have developed antibodies that help protect the body from future infection.

Dr. Ricardo Audan, chief of clinic and Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB) of SPMC, said in a virtual presser that the ongoing research aims to study the correlation of the rapid test with the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

The use of rapid antibody testing kits is being required by some local government units (LGUs) and government agencies to supplement existing screening procedures for persons suspected of

COVID-19 infection, however, the test is not being recommended by some medical experts because these tests do not accurately tell if an individual is infected with the virus unlike the RT PCR that directly detects the presence of the virus’ RNA. Meanwhile, SPMC has boosted its testing capacity by a maximum of 1,000 tests per day after Ayala Group of Companies and San Miguel Corporations donated COVID testing machines early this month.

SPMC has recently received 100,000 consumables for the RT PCR from the national government through the effort of Health Undersecretary for Special Concerns Dr. Leopoldo Vega.

“These consumables are very important in using

our automated and RT PCR kits kay daghan ta RT PCR kits pero wala ta’y consumables for the extraction,” Audan said.

During the last presser, Audan has announced that there was a shortage of extraction kits at SPMC and this new 100,000 is a big help for the hospital. In a RT-PCR test for COVID-19, the extraction kits are needed for getting swab samples on genetic material from individuals to test for infection of the virus.

As of June 25, 2020, SPMC has an admission of 85 COVID-19 patients and out of this 85, there are 36 patients tested positive. There are also 85 patients admitted to other COVID-19 facilities in Davao City wherein 81 are tested positive. There are

“All of them are asymptomatic and all have traveled to Manila. They are all awaiting PH numbers,” Gangoso said.

Soccsksargen’s 53rd patient is a 43-year-old woman from Sultan Kudarat who had traveled to Manila and returned home on June 18. She is in stable condition.

A 37-year-old woman, also from Sultan Kudarat, is the region’s 54th patient. She had traveled to Manila and arrived in the province on June 15.

The 55th patient, a 38-year-old woman, ar-

rived in Sultan Kudarat from Manila on June 15.

On the other hand, the 56th positive patient, a 44-year-old woman, arrived in Sarangani from Manila on June 15.

All four were locally stranded individuals who returned home from Metro Manila, which has a high incidence of Covid-19.

All the new patients are confined in the provincial isolation centers in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, and Alabel, Sarangani, and are being closely monitored by health front-liners.

Meanwhile, the DOH

also reported that a 37-year-old woman in South Cotabato who traveled to Manila has recovered from the disease, raising the number of recoveries to 32.

South Cotabato has the highest number of positive cases at 16 with nine recoveries, followed

by Cotabato City with 15 infections and 13 recoveries.

Gangoso reminded the public to continue wearing face masks, regular washing of hands with soap, and safe physical distancing at all times. (PNA)

FTEST, P10

fter seeing more Dabawenyos use bicycles in the time of Covid-19 pandemic, Dabawenya artist Mavi Novelero decided to give out free reflective sashes to bikers and frontliners, giving the popular social media jargon “seen-zone” a different meaning.

“Seen-zone” on social media means “ignored.”

But the 30-year old artist and biker had one thing in mind while pulling this initiative off the ground – putting the bikers and frontliners in the “seen-zone” to make them more visible, particularly at nighttime, to keep them away from harm’s way.

Novelero said her sister and some friends helped distribute reflective sashes to bikers, especially the newbies who have yet to equip themselves with proper safety gears and accessories like helmet, reflectors, lights, and blinkers, emphasizing the importance of road visibility.

“We prioritize the bikers who have no helmet and other safety accessories. There are so many of them. At the same time, we need to educate them on the importance of visibility. I am hopeful that when they have savings, they will invest in proper safety gears and accessories,” she said.

Novelero thought of doing this project to mark her 30th birthday last June 9 after a member of Tiklop Society of the Philippines, a Facebook group created for folding bike owners in the country, distributed free “Kita Ka” reflective sashes to bikers in Metro Manila and encouraged its members across the country to replicate similar initiative.

“They encouraged everyone to do the same on a personal level. I realized that making the sash would be easy. We have newbie bikers and we can see a lot who still have no proper safety gears or accessories,” she said.

Excited to help, Novelero immediately buckled down to work, borrowed a sewing machine from her sister who taught her to sew, and asked friends to help her distribute along the main streets of Davao such as Quirino Avenue, Magallanes Street, C.M. Recto Steet, and J.P. Laurel Avenue.

She said they planned to be out on the streets again on June 28 to give out reflective sashes.

“Hopefully, I can continue this project. I need volunteers who can help distribute in different areas and supporters who can donate materials,” she said.

She added one roll of reflective strip costs P600800 at local shops and P150-P650 online.

She said a 50-meter roll could make about 30 sashes.

Anyone interested to help Novelero in her cause can contact her through Orange Trails on Facebook.

As the artist behind the seven-year old online shop Pinshoera, Novelero sells some of her hand-painted shoes and caps to raise more funds to sustain her project.

“Since we are affected

by COVID-19, I have the time to make hand-painted shoes and caps again. Some of my profits from my ‘quarantine’ orders will be used to buy reflective sash materials,” she said.

She said she was elated to see that Dabawenyo bikers are growing in number, hoping more commuters will appreciate bicycles as an alternative micro mobility option amid the Covid-19 threat as it can benefit not only one’s health but also the environment.

“I hope the government and even the private sector will give more support to biking and other activity mobility options as an excellent alternative of transportation. I hope we can see more protected bike lanes, secured bike racks

FDABAWENYA, P10

29 returning residents in Caraga Region test positive for virus

T

wenty-nine more returning residents in Caraga Region tested positive for Covid-19 according to test results released Friday bringing to 116 the total number of confirmed cases in the area.

A report from Department of Health-Center for Health Development Caraga (DOH-CHD Caraga) noted that there were actually 47 confirmed cases but 18 were follow-ups for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) tests from the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

The laboratory results also showed 160 cases tested negative. The negative results were from the follow up tests of 22 confirmed cases, nine suspect cases, two probable cases.

The rest are high-risk individuals who either tested positive in the rap-

id antibody tests or with relevant travel history and exposure to Covid-19 patients.

Of the new cases, 26 are locally stranded individuals and three are returning overseas Filipinos. Sixteen of them are males and 13 are females.

Many of them (44.83 percent) belong to the 2130 age bracket.

In Agusan del Norte, Butuan City has three cases Cabadbaran City has one, Nasipit has two.

In Agusan de Sur, Bunawan, Rosario, San Francisco, Sibagat and Trento towns in Agusan del Sur have one case each.

In Surigao del Norte, Surigao City has two, Bacuag has two, Claver has four, Mainit has three, while Malimono, Placer, San Francisco and Tubod have one each.

In Surigao del Sur, Bislig

F29 RETURNING, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Go urges DepEd to present action plan for ‘Blended Learning’ system

A

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says she respects people practicing some traditional cures or home remedies like 'tuob' or steam inhalation but according to her, people still need to follow medical advice to prevent contracting the coronavirus disease. Edge Davao

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte’s administration is transparent when it comes to handling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said on Saturday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the government is making sure that the public is aware of its achievements and even shortcomings in addressing the Covid-19 crisis.

Roque issued the statement in response to the claim of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo that the government is currently in “denial” about the lapses in its response against Covid-19.

In a press statement, Roque said Robredo’s latest remarks that the national

government is in a state of self-denial or praising its actions are “baseless.”

“We have been as transparent about our lapses as we are about our gains, and as we have said in previous occasions, fighting Covid-19 is a collective effort. It is a whole-of-government approach,” he said.

In an interview with CNN Philippines on Friday, Robredo said the impacts of Covid-19 would have been more manageable, had the government responded im-

Congress’ support needed to boost fight against Covid-19, says PRRD

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte on Friday expressed hope that his administration would once again get the support of lawmakers to ensure the country’s quick recovery from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

This, after Duterte and his fellow Southeast Asian leaders had a “productive” exchange of views and interface with representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) through a virtual conference, Malacañang said in a press statement.

The AIPA, founded in 1977, is a forum for inter-parliamentary friendship and cooperation among lawmakers of the 10 Asean member-states.

Duterte, the Palace said, acknowledged that his

government would need the lawmakers’ help in its continuing battle against Covid-19.

He made the remarks as he lauded the Philippine Congress for enacting Republic Act (RA) 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act that expired on Thursday.

According to Malacañang, the President was elated that RA 11469 enabled his administration to implement ”timely” emergency measures to mitigate the adverse impact of the Covid-19 crisis, as well as to save the lives of Filipinos.

“Covid-19 is likely to stay with us in the foreseeable future. As we transition to the new normal and move towards recovery, we will once again need the support of the legislative branch,” Duterte said.

FCONGRESS’, P10

mediately before the novel coronavirus grappled the country.

Robredo added that the government could have done more to defeat Covid-19.

The government instead “missed” many of its targets to arrest the further spread of Covid-19 in the country, Robredo claimed.

Looking at glass ‘half-empty’ Roque said it was “unfortunate” that Robredo has engaged in nitpicking anew to criticize the government’s Covid-19 response, despite Duterte’s call to stop finger-pointing amid the pandemic.

“The Executive has no monopoly of good ideas and deeds and we have to stress that the effects of

Covid-19 have been unprecedented. No country in the world would proudly announce that it has been prepared to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic,” he said.

He also lamented that Robredo has opted to look at the glass “half-empty” rather than appreciate the Duterte administration’s efforts to combat Covid-19.

“We find the action of the Vice President, which is looking at the glass half-empty — focusing on the shortcomings just to score political brownie points at the expense of the Administration — totally unwarranted,” Roque said.

Roque assured Robredo that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infec-

s the education system adopts blended learning methods to protect students from COVID-19, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go urged the Department of Education to lay down an action plan to address concerns of Filipinos in preparation for the upcoming school year.

The Senator also reminded concerned agencies to work together to provide for alternative, remote learning methods that can ensure education access even for students who have no internet connection.

“Meron pa rin sa ating mga estudyante ang walang access sa internet.

Dapat siguraduhin na mabigyan pa rin sila ng oportunidad para maituloy ang kanilang pag-aaral,” Go said.

“Kaya naman po hinihikayat ko ang DepEd na gawing mas accessible at

inclusive ang kanilang mga programa para sa mga kabataan kahit saan mang parte ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng online at offline methods of teaching,” he added.

A global framework formulated by the United Nations Children's Fund; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; and the World Bank recommends that, for the safe re-opening of classes, focus should also be on other learning modalities to reach areas without internet connection.

Go earlier recommended to the education sector to maximize the use of available media, such as television and radio, to facilitate distance learning among students.

“May available multimedia platforms na pwedeng gamitin at airtime sa radyo at telebisyon na

tious Diseases (IATF-EID) has been conducting daily meetings to review its policies and guidelines on the implementation of quarantine rules.

“The good and applicable ones are continued while those proven to be ineffective are replaced for better ones. This is evident in the number of times we have amended the guidelines. The Office of the President, too, has been submitting weekly reports to Congress,” he said.

Ask for detailed reports Roque also responded to Robredo’s statement that the information on Duterte’s weekly report to Congress, as well as the President’s public addresses, were not enough.

Roque told Robre-

do that she could get the “complete details” with the respective government departments, including their bureaus and agencies, which have been communicating to the public through regular briefings, interviews, webinars, and printed reports.

“The Vice President or her research staff should have checked this as well,” he said.

Roque, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson, said Robredo may also make a request for the information she wanted from the concerned offices in the executive department.

He enjoined Robredo to give “valuable inputs” as he assured her that her “concrete ideas” would be

FGO, P10

FPALACE, P8

President Rodrigo Duterte reviews a document as he joins other leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries during the 36th ASEAN Summit video conference at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Friday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

Davao del Norte furthers assistance for MSMEs

A

International organization ACDI/VOCA and coffee farmers are optimistic to see positive developments as Davao Region is now gearing to shift to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), which would mean

that there will be more options for shipment and transportation for the movement of coffee products from the farms to the shops and cafés.

Edge Davao

Business Continuity Plan is being pursued for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.

During this week's episode of Kapihan sa DavNor, Davao del Norte Investment and Promotion Center (DNIPC) Development Management Officer, Mirriam D. Bolipata, announced that a Business Continuity Plan will be pushed through by the second semester of this year as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Bolipata, the purpose of which is to better prepare MSMEs for future unforeseen calamities such as the current COVID19 pandemic.

“Kung naay crisis sama ni ini, ang uban bitaw [niingon] wala man gyud miy gihimo nga pagpangandam (In times of crisis like this [COVID19], others have said that they didn’t have any preparations),” Bolipata said.

A Business Continuity Plan is a business’s prevention and recovery plan that ensures a company or business is able to adapt in case of a calamity or an event of

a disaster.

She added that this will also help MSMEs to have more opportunities for loans since a Business Continuity Plan is a requirement for many loan agencies.

“Naa gyud diay mga agencies na kung gusto ka mu avail ug loans, pangitaan ka ug business continuity plan (There really are agencies that ask for your Business Continuity Plan if you want to avail of loans).

What if a disaster strikes?

Unsay imong buhaton as a negosyante? Naa bakay mga options? (What will you do as a business owner, do you have options?), Bolipata said.

As such, the provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Romeo Castañaga, said that DTI will conduct a Business Continuity Plan coaching to the MSMEs to make sure that the plan will be put in writing and the employees of a business will know the plan. This way, the Business Continuity Plan will be actualized.

In addition, he claimed

FDAVAO DEL NORTE, P10

Coffee farmers expect more options for shipment, transport of products

By MAYA M. PADILLO eeling from the effects of the health crisis with low sales and downward trend in the purchase of coffee products, Davao Region’s coffee sector hopes to rebound under an improved quarantine status.

R

International organization ACDI/VOCA is optimistic to see positive developments as the Davao Region is likely headed to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) status by July 1. According to the group, this would mean that there will be more options for shipment and transportation for the movement of coffee products from the farms to the shops and cafés.

Emmanuel Quisol, business development coordinator of PhilCAFE Project and implemented by ACDI/ VOCA, said in an email interview that during their

online forum on the coffee industry last June 17, 2020, some of their partners from Philippine Coffee Guild (PCG) has shared that many of the cafes across the region have reported low sales and a downward trend in the purchase of coffee products.

Quisol said some of the farmers have also expressed challenges in the delivery of their coffee beans because of travel restrictions and difficulty in transporting their goods.

“With the implementation of an MGCQ, cafés and coffee shops may open their doors to customers

following the approved physical distancing guidelines and consumers will have better access to their favorite coffee products,” he said.

According to him, overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has mainly affected the distribution of products from the farms to the shops and to the consumers, yet, ACDI/VOCA is optimistic that this concern will be addressed soon with the shift to a more or less restrictive community quarantine.

To cope with the impact of the pandemic, the coffee farmers have to adapt to the ‘new normal’.

“Like everyone else, this will not be easy, and they have to embrace some adjustments with the way they transact business with the key players in the coffee sector value chain,” Quisol said.

He cited that the Phil-

CAFE Project is implementing some adaptive measures to ease the situation of the farmers such as the PhilCAFE Project team designed an adaptive training program in response to COVID-19 that allows learning in the rural areas while observing physical distancing and following official guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO).

One aspect of the training program involves radio broadcasts and the first segment of a three-part series of on-air on good agricultural practices (GAP) had its maiden broadcast on May 30, 2020 through a local radio station in Davao City. The broadcast reached areas in Davao Region and some parts of Sarangani Province and was

streamed live on the radio station’s official Facebook page.

Virtual training sessions on coffee production were also conducted among farmers and producer organizations (POs) with access to the internet.

Similar trainings are currently being conducted for PhilCAFE project-supported POs. “These sessions will continue until different levels of community quarantine are still in effect across the region,” Quisol said.

He added that the PhilCAFE project team also continues its assistance through virtual and remote supervision of nurseries managed by grant recipient POs across project sites. The nurseries have so far showed encouraging progress with many of the POs successfully completing their targets for the

month of May. “Coffee nursery establishments continue to progress with most of needed materials procured and delivered thanks to the DA that issued food and beverage pass that allowed PhilCAFE Project’s delivery vehicles to circulate,” he said.

The PhilCAFE Project aims to increase production of conventional and specialty coffee, boost the country’s coffee exports, and build the capacity and expand service provision of coffee value chain. It is funded by the US Department of Agriculture and is being implemented by ACDI/VOCA, an international organization founded in 1963 that fosters broad-based economic growth by promoting economic opportunities for cooperatives, enterprises, and communities.

Benjamin Diokno described as uncalled for the observations that the central bank is carrying most of the weight of the government's response to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“We continue to work closely with the fiscal authorities. We can act faster because the central bank is autonomous. We don’t need Congressional action or something like that. So, we thought that given the

tem,” Diokno said during the "Emerging Market Debt: A Roadmap Beyond Covid-19" webcast hosted

by Bloomberg on Thursday night.

The liquidity infusion was made through a reduction of 175 basis points in the BSP’s key policy rates, 150 basis points of which were made at 50 basis points each between March and June while the government was fighting the pandemic.

big banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by 200 basis points – half of the 400 basis points that the Monetary Board (MB) authorized Diokno to implement this year – to infuse additional liquidity needed by the economy during this period.

Diokno placed the amount of liquidity that will be released because of these measures at about PHP1.4 trillion or about 7 percent of the gross do-

also entered into a repurchase agreement with the national government wherein the BSP extended PHP300 billion in financing for the Covid-19 response.

Under the agreement, the fund extended by the central bank would be used to purchase government securities and the period by which the government should give the funds back is three months, although

Employers implemented WFH Diokno cites BSP's contribution to coronavirus disease response angko Sentral ng Pili- pandemic, we have to inAside from the key rate mestic product (GDP). setup to preserve jobs –ECOP pinas (BSP) Governor fuse liquidity into the sys- cuts, the BSP also reduced The central bank has

R

esponding to the Department of Labor and Employment’s suggestion that employers should shoulder or reimburse the additional expenses incurred by workers during work from home arrangements, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on Friday said most employers implemented the arrangement to avoid retrenchment of workers amid the COVID-19 crisis.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, ECOP President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said that most employers that implemented workfrom-home arrangements did it to “accommodate” their employees who needed to keep their sources of livelihood.

“Job preservation na lang ‘yan,” Ortiz-Luis said.

He added that workfrom-home arrangements, in the first place, was not

FEMPLOYERS, P10

B

FDIOKNO, P8

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

PITC cancels 300K MT rice importation

D

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said that its attached agency, Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC), has abandoned the plan of importing 300,000 metric tons (MT) of rice.

The PITC is tasked to implement government-to-government (G2G) rice importation through a directive from the Department of Agriculture (DA) as stated in the Rice Tariffication Law

(RTL).

PITC initially eyed to import 300,000 MT of rice for the lean months of July and August.

“It will be recalled that the initial decision for the G2G importation plan

Market goers gather in front of a stall selling fruits minutes before the 5 p.m. closing time of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City over the weekend. Fruit vending business is one of the thriving sectors during

was a result of the potential threat to maintaining a good buffer supply of rice for the country. Earlier computations from DA showed a threat to the targeted level of buffer stock following the imposed ban of rice exportation from Vietnam in April," Lopez said in a statement Friday.

Vietnam has initially banned shipping out rice during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak to secure the staple for its own market. But

Vietnam already lifted the rice importation ban.

“With the lifting of the rice export ban of Vietnam, we can expect more comfortable buffer stock levels moving forward," Lopez said According to DTI, the country imports 7 percent to 14 percent of the country’s rice requirement.

Over 90 percent of these rice imports are coming from Vietnam.

In a statement last

FPITC, P10

this time of the pandemic when people eat more fruits and vegetables as they became more health conscious. Edge Davao

House bills seek to protect Filipino freelance workers As more Filipinos are expected to turn to freelance work amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the House Subcommittee on Labor Relations tackled the bills seeking to protect freelance workers.

“With the pandemic hitting our economy hard and thousands of workers projected to lose their jobs… the number of freelancers is expected to grow even higher. More individuals will most likely turn to freelance work to earn a living and more business owners are anticipated to look into hiring freelance workers to cut on labor costs and to address seasonality of demand,” Subcommittee chair Rep. Michael Aglipay said.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) expressed support for the proposed measures, but asked Congress to be careful with the language used in the legislation to prevent it from being abused by the hiring party.

“Some of our social partners in the employment and management sector may try to avail of this well-intentioned law to work out independent contracts with masons, carpenters, who have no bargaining power, and no leverage,” TUCP vice president Luis Corral said.

“We are flagging the concern that there might be misclassification of

functions such that even activities necessary and desirable to the company or core to the function of the company might be subjected to independent contracts,” he added.

But Aglipay assured Corral that his concern is addressed by the bill’s definition of independent contractors.

The proposed measure seeks to provide hazard pay and night shift differential to freelancers. The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) expressed reservations to these provisions for freelance workers in the movie and television industries.

“It is regular practice to schedule night shoots…

We feel that adding a 10 percent night differential would unduly burden everyone in the industry, and it will inhibit growth in the production,” DGPI’s Paolo Villaluna said, noting that very few freelancers in the film industry are minimum wage earners. He added that the industry is also considering providing overtime pay.

Aglipay then proposed to mandate the payment of night differential only to freelancers who earn a maximum of P30,000 a month.

“Freelancers who are required to be physically present in the workplace or those on field assignments, and who earn a

FHOUSE BILLS, P8

BDO NETWORK BANK, INC. Balance Sheet – Head Office and Branches (As of March 31, 2020) ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale (AFS) Financial Assets - Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets - Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans - Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security - Net

AMOUNT (PHP) 1,519,357,501.27 804,636,606.25 2,019,614,424.93 0.00 1,864,561,666.29 336,935,950.91 0.00 0.00

Loans and Receivables - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision

23,773,885,050.98 0.00 0.00 24,236,822,000.82 0.00 462,936,949.84

Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures - Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment - Net Real and Other Properties Acquired - Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets - Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL ASSETS

194,919,278.64 0.00 1,973,819,416.41 4,081,386.50 0.00 1,142,875,207.73 0.00 33,634,686,489.91

LIABILITIES Financial Liabilities Designated at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitute d) Others Bonds Payable - Net Unsecured Subordinated Debt - Net Redeemable Preferred Shares Special Time Deposit Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Capital TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

0.00 26,674,891,055.42 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 367,627,377.73 603,991,238.70 0.00 27,646,509,671.85 5,806,871,778.55 (186,891,856.73) 368,196,896.24 0.00 5,988,176,818.06 33,634,686,489.91

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advisory/Consultancy Derivatives Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

AMOUNT (PHP) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 13,808,417.02 13,808,417.02

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a) Gross NPLs b) Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) c) Net NPLs d) Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) e) Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) f) Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a) 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises b) 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a) Total CAR (%) b) Tier 1 Ratio (%) Equity Tier 1 is only applicable to all Universal and Commercial c) Common Tier 1 Ratio (%) [Common Banks and their subsidiary banks.]

Deferred Charges not yet Written Down Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Received

25,883,559,821.53 1,646,737,820.71 2,056,150,704.94 7.94 755,137,758.45 2.92 102.60 80.09 3,353,565,427.85 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 11.42 0.03 -2.36 16.71 15.87 15.87 0.00 0.00

We, Roger C. Basco and Jesus Antonio S. Itchon of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to our best knowledge and belief.

(SGD.) ROGELIO C. BASCO Operations Group Head

(SGD.) JESUS ANTONIO S. ITCHON President

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 24th day of June 2020 at Davao City, Philippines, affiant exhibiting their Driver License No. N03-08-001465 and SSS No. 03-6988730-4 respectively.

Doc. No. 241 Book No. 1 Page No. 50 Series of 2020

(SGD.) MARLIE S. MUÑOZ Notary Public Commission expires on December 31, 2020 Notarial Commission Serial No. 2019-272-2020 Roll of Attorneys No. 72654

IBP OR No. 115938; January 10, 2020; Pasig City PTR No. 3754006C; January 3, 2020; Davao City MCLE: RECENTLY ADMITTED TO THE BAR (2019) Km. 6, Sta. Cruz, Buhangin, Davao City

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

On the market prospects for the coffee industry under a MGCQ status in the Davao Region:

With the implementation of an MGCQ, cafés and coffee shops may open their doors to customers following the approved physical distancing guidelines and consumers will have better access to their favorite coffee products.

Emmanuel Quisol, business development coordinator of PhilCAFE Project

EDITORIAL

Slowly but surely

The anticipation for an improved quarantine status

by July 1 in Davao City is building up. Everyone is already looking forward to finally get out of the long hiatus brought by the chains of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Along with the optimism also comes the fear of further outbreaks and a second wave.

The much-awaited announcement from the national government on the quarantine status by July 1 will be one of a ministerial nature, a political decision that’s backed by medical evidence. Whatever the decision will be, much of that will depend on the recommendation of health experts.

Davao City can only await for the fate that will befall it once an announcement is made.

Nevertheless, it is important that Davao residents be wary that the Covid-19 virus is still very much around.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

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

The likelihood of another outbreak is not remote. Hence, lowering the guard will be a very risky proposition. While the city can proceed with relaxed restrictions and closing in on normalcy, the duty of every resident to practice safety protocols should not be missed. It remains the best weapon against another wave.

People have to be absolutely prepared and do that in a way that isn’t about government accountability alone. People must use the learning of the last few months and rapidly assimilate that learning into actions that can safeguard our future.

It must not be lost in everyone’s consciousness that Covid-19 is far from having gone away and they must be prepared for the possibilities of further outbreaks and a second spike.

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

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 1923 In 2023, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce, then without a ‘city’ attached to its name, will be celebrating its centennial. In effect, the organization by that time will become the longest surviving businessmen’s group in the region.

As Davao Chamber of Commerce, it was registered as a “no capital stock” corporation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Its first officials were William H. Gohn, as president, and Nactaro Inouye, Alejandro Livicko, Rafael S. Castillo, E. C. Walters, as directors.

Gohn, a retired U.S. soldier, was a resourceful trader; he was engaged in motor sales, shipping, lumber, trucking, real estate and invested in Davao Light & Power Co. He also owned a farmland in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, and was the first to introduce irrigation in the region.

Married to Mary Matthewson, an American nurse, Gohn partly owned the 126-hectare Keller & Gohn Co. farm. He

was dubbed as Davao’s ‘father of boxing.’ After the war, he repatriated on aboard the Red Cross vessel MS Gripsholm for Louisville, Kentucky, USA. As chamber president, Gohn, with the support from Manila exporters and chambers of commerce from the U.S. west coast, led the petition to make concrete Santa Ana wharf and open Davao as port of entry. The appeal, passed during the chamber’s December 12, 1923 regular meeting, was twofold, namely: (i) to avoid the need for American and other ocean steamers to enter through some other domestic port of entry and (ii) the higher volume of hemp export emanating from Davao compared to Zamboanga, the main port of entry.

Among those who supported the chamber’s position were M. M. Saleeby, of Hanson and Orth; H. H. Boyle, of Columbia Rope Co.; John W. Haussermann and Samuel F. Gaches, chamber directors; and Brig. Gen. Frank R. McCoy, of the Governor General’s staff,

to name a few.

Davao Chamber of Commerce, elated by the positive response of the government to their request, went on to spearhead numerous engagements that pump-primed trading in the region. As a multinational group, it took a low-profile position during the Commonwealth.

The war, as expected, rendered the chamber activities inactive. The organization remained active despite the return of Gohn to the U.S. A 1951 letter in The American Chamber of Commerce Journal identified the sender as L. S. Lozano, acting secretary of the chamber. The letter was about the annual subscription of the group to the monthly journal.

Obviously, the chamber, for one reason or another, died down in the 1950s. It was only on February 15, 1968 when leading capitalists of Davao met for dinner at the Davao Beach Club to revive the organization with the objective “to promote and uphold he material interest of the Phil-

ippine and the Filipino people in general, and in particular, of the local Filipino businessmen engaged in trade, commerce, industry, and agriculture.”

The historic banquet was well attended. Later, the nucleus of the chamber would include businessmen Vicente Ang Cho-Kok, Ruben E. Angeles, Francisco Ma. Basilio, Juan G. Bosquite, Honesto E. Cabarroguis, Jose B. Custodio, Ricardo B. Garrido, Honorio S. Hilario, Celso L. Navales, Carlos G. Puentespina, Rodolfo P. del Rosario, Jose C. Sevilla, Ramon A. Tirol, Ernesto Fadullon, Cesar Leonardo, and Mariano Pantaleon.

Four of those who attended the dinner eventually became chamber president, namely: Tirol (1968-70), Madrazo (1971), Custodio (1972), and Sevilla (1973).

Installed as the first officers were Tirol, as president; Garcia, as vice president; Cabarroguis, as secretary; Sevilla, as treasurer; Custodio, as Public relations officer; and Bosquit, Hilario, Madrazo, and

An immersive opportunity:

del Rosario, as directors. They were inducted into office on May 11, 1968 in ceremonies held at Davao Insular Hotel.

Coincident with the event was the presentation of the chamber’s Charter of Affiliation by the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

Initially, the organization had a total of sixty-one members.

The gathering of entrepreneurs was the initiative of Teodoro Araneta, then vice-president for Mindanao of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines who linked with Davao businessmen Edmundo N. Madrazo, Leon Ma. Garcia, Jr., and Ramon A. Tirol to reorganize the new organization after its proposed Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws were done.

A few days thereafter, the documents were forwarded for perusal by the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in Manila where the national board, in no time at all, approved and accepted the affiliation of the Davao chapter.

MCM launches Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020

M

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

matics, Business, may proceed to alayan Colleges Mind- MCM’s online ed by MCM. tools In order for Humanities and this link: https:// anao, a Mapúa School learning TRUTH SETS YOU FREE announced its first Dig- such as Black- participants to Social Sciences, bit.ly/MCMDIGILearn, maximize the and Basic Ed- TALBOOTCAMP ital“Never Learning Bootcamp 2020, board be afraid to raise burden he has in hisBlackboard heart. was all about.

So, he just mem“So, what was it then little pigs. and each ofthe her Col- online learning ucation forex- inandShefollow your voice forall honesty and and The Bible states it directly, orized the pages concerned. actly this truth-telling?” asked piglets had a long-curved horn inviting SHS College laborate, Micexperience, they Swift coming Grade 11 subsequent truth and compassion against “You shall know the truth, and When he was called upon to Graham in Mothering growing out their foreheadinbestudents in and Mindanao to shall expeinjustice and lying greed. the truth make you free” recite, he dutifully reeled off Sunday.

“It was about being tween the ears.” rosoft almost 365, word Mi- forwill need a de- students; Basic Atstructions and If people allthe over the world…

(John 8:32). word what true to the very stuff of life, this point, the clergyrience first fully integratcrosoft vice such itaswasaabout Algebra, to his thestory “MCM would do this, it would change A wise man once said: “Ev- the Teams, book said. The instructor trying to Genercap- man link stopped and the Faulkner ery person has in two ends: an looked at him in a puzzled sort ture, though you never could, ran his eyes over the congreedearth.”—William online learning system Zoom, Panopto, computer unit, al Physics, Busi- Digital” account *** end to think with and an end of way and inquired, “Do you the very feel of being alive. It gation. Everybody was wide andhis theory?” laptop or awastabManbe sent theI don’t region —said MCM — heWiley know who it, to Digital sit with. What accom- Plus, understand about ness finding aand language. awakethat now. will “How strange,” he but I remember the words to plishes depends on the end he It was a bad moment for And it was about being true told the audience.

“A minCengage Learn- let; and internet agement, and through few the and get the opportunity to use this effect: “One good thing chooses – heads, he wins; tails, the young cadet, but he stood to the fact, the one thing only utes ago, when I was telling completeandconnectivity of at from P rotheg other, ra mthat m i nyou g the email MCM’s about tellingpowerful the truth is youonline he loses.”learn- ing to upstraight answered followed truth, you address all went to don’t have to remember what A person may belearning one in- bravely, “No, sir.” least 1 Mbps many things in life – of so for sleep.provided But now, when you have tasks for and Coding upon ing tools for FREE! dividual but actually there are you said.”

Hearing his answer, every- many more than we think – heard a whooping lie, you are designed for in- asynchronous incoming college your

registra-

Those words came to my three of him: the one you are, one in the class seemed to stop can never be explained at all.” all wide awake!”

This themselves coming Grade 11Yousessions at isstudents.

A full “How tion.often have I said to mind when I Digital read what Dr. the one other in people think breathing. could have and Truth stranger than ficTony Leachon wrote in his you are, and the person you heard a pin drop.

The young tion, so goes a familiar saying. you that when you elimLearning Boot- the first fully in- and 1st Year Col- least 2 Mbps for course on Math, For anyhaveaddiFacebook account recently. really are. The same is true MacArthur braced himself and Oftentimes, however, people inated the impossible, whatevcamp be the tegrated lege students. s yinstructor n c h r o nprefer o u sto listen Humanities, tional inquiries “Most of uswill avoid telling with truth.online In every case filed waited. Then, the to fiction thanand er remains, however improbatruth because it’s uncomfortbefore a judge, there are three said very slowly, “Neither do I, knowing the truth.

From ble, must be the truth?” wrote held on June 1 to learning system These tasks sessions.

Social Science about the MCM able,” he posted. “We’re afraid sides: the protagonist’s, the Cadet MacArthur. The class is Gems of Thought comes this Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his 13, and – is in Mindanao. will be delivFamiliarizaDigital of the 2020 consequences making antagonist’s and the truth. dismissed.” anecdote: will also be made Sherlock HolmesLearning novel, The others feel uncomfortable, In his book, Reminis“Truth is generally the One Sunday, a clergyman Sign of Four. described as an The partic- ered in either tion with the on- available for Bootcamp 2020, hurting their feelings or risk- cences, General Douglas best vindication against slan- was preaching one Sunday In some instances, truth immersive ex- ipants will– known be synchronous orAmerican line system demonstration ing their anger.”

MacArthur in the der,” wrote presi- andand noticed that his congre- may please be buried feel in thefree beDr. Leachon resigned rePhilippines for his famous dent Abraham in a letter to gation was sleepy.

Suddenly, ginning.

But just the perience inside given access to asynchronous tools will initiate during the boot- to email like at inadcently as an adviser to the quote, “I shall return!” – re- Secretary of War Edwin Stan- he paused, and then in a very movies, at the end, it will be MCM’s Online ses- onethe period. missions@mcm.

Inter-Agency Task Force MCM’s on called a online classroom learning experi- ton. To which sageprogram, added, loudafvoice, camp related an incident revealed.

Mahatma Gandhi Emerging Infectious Diseases. ence he had as a West Pointto“Truth not always had no connection whatsaid itedu.ph right. “When Learning Syslearning portal, sions allowis for ter popular, which, that parTo register orI despair, con“And yet,” he further wrote in cadet.

His class was studying but it is always right.” soever with his sermon.

I remember that all through tem, aiming to “MCM Digital” participants to ticipants will “Ibe for this activity tact +63918 918 his post, “when we don’t tell the time-space relationship, There is also truth to this was once visiting a vil- history the way of truth and demonstrate and where can get a feel for the allowed andto get a chance 1626, +63999 the truth, and others don’t tell whichthey the great genius Albert statement

by Arthur Schopen- tolageseand came the house of love have always won.

There us the truth, we can’t deal with Einstein later called his “Theohauer: “All truth passes a farmer,” the clergyman relathave been tyrants and give participants explore and get differentthrough modallect short learn- to win amazing 227 7493, muror reality.” ry of Relativity.” three stages. First, it is ed. “I stopped for a bit when I derers, and for a time, they can an By saying opportunihands-on remote ing modules on prizes, all those that The textexpewas veryities compli- ofridiculed.

Second, it is violentsaw something strangerinterestthan I seem +63917 invincible, but in the831 end, he knew, Dr. Leachon has set cated and Cadet MacArthur ly opposed.

Third, it is accepthad ever seen in my life.

There they always fall.

Think of it – ty to immerse rience utilizing learning provid- General Matheed participants 8048. himself free from whatever could not figure out what it ed as being self-evident.” was a sow with a litter of ten always.”

8 EDGEDAVAO

PALACE... FROM3

tabled for discussion in future IATF-EID meetings.

“This is how we work for the common good,” Roque said. “We, therefore,

welcome inputs from all sectors, including constructive ideas from the political opposition, to improve our delivery of services.“ (PNA)

maximum total monthly compensation of P30,000 a month, shall be paid a night shift differential of not less than 10% of his/ her compensation for the day that he or she performed his work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.,” he said.

“Mahirap i-implement.

It will require the independent contractor to disclose all compensation. If he tells me I’m not earning more than P30,000, how will we check?” Philippine Motion Picture Producers Association’s Alex Cruz asked.

Aglipay said since the film and TV industry is small, it should not be difficult to determine whether an independent contractor is earning more than P30,000.

DGPI’s Carlos Siguion-Reyna, meanwhile, expressed concern over the mandatory hazard pay, saying the rates for hazardous assignments in the film and television industry are already usually higher.

“For example, stunt actors, usually it’s higher than the normal rate of actors, I believe. It’s kind of built in there. Talents can always refuse hazardous assignments if they don’t get their higher pay

anyway. There’s a built in impetus to raise the rates if it’s a dangerous assignment,” he said.

“If the producer is so burdened, I'm just concerned that there will be less production activities and less jobs,” Siguion-Reyna added, noting that the pandemic has already increased production cost by up to 30 percent.

“When we pass legislation, it’s really with the presumption of regularity. So it’s supposed to be considering provisions outside of a pandemic,” Subcommittee vice chairperson and author of the bill, Rep. Christopher De Venecia said.

“There’s wisdom in institutionalizing a hazard pay because it’s already being practiced,” he added.

The Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines supports De Venecia’s position.

De Venecia asked stakeholders, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to submit a position paper on the proposed night differential and hazard pay for freelancers. These will be tackled again in the hearing of the House Committee on Labor and Employment.

HOUSE BILLS... FROM5

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

DIOKNO... FROM4

this may be extended by another three months.

Diokno said this repurchase agreement is “perfectly legal and provided for in our Charter.”

The BSP Charter, he said, allows the central bank to lend to the national government an amount that is equivalent to 20 percent of the latter’s average revenues in the past three years, which to date is about PHP540 billion.

“Because of the pandemic, government revenues are reduced and at the same time, the government has to spend a lot of money for granting aid,

subsidies, and for beefing up our health system.

So higher spending, lower revenues. They need money, so we create them.

We entered (into) a repo arrangement with them,” Diokno said.

During the same briefing, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who is part of the central bank’s seven-man MB as the Cabinet member designated by the President to the Board, said the national government is “assisted by the central bank” in the Covid-19 response “but mostly our financing has come from our domestic

commercial borrowings, as well as foreign borrowings.”

Dominguez said the Philippines is experiencing the impact of the pandemic on a very strong position, with the ratio of debt to GDP at its record-low of 39.6 percent and the government is now gaining the benefits of the tax reform measures pushed since the start of the Duterte administration in 2016.

“So we have a lot of space here. And, you know, we see that our economy is going to be hit hard. Probably, we will shrink by maybe about three-and-a-half

percent this year but we’re ready for a big bounce back next year,” he said.

Dominguez also said the unexpected 50 basis points reduction in the BSP’s key policy rates on Thursday was really needed.

“Essentially, we’ve seen that we have to bring back confidence to our bankers.

We have to bring bank confidence to our consumers.

Our economy is about 70 (percent) to 75 percent consumption-driven, so it is utmost important that we bring back the confidence of our public,” he added. (PNA)

feeling well and progressing well. I plan to join my teammates in Orlando for the resumption of the NBA season and playoffs."

Parker confirmed his diagnosis and said he was isolating in Chicago.

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

Denver Nuggets AllStar center Nikola Jokic, was reported on Tuesday to have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The only one of the

group who was specifically identified was Jokic, who reportedly is under quarantine in his native Serbia, per multiple media outlets.

Two unnamed members of the Phoenix Suns have the virus, according to the Arizona Republic. And ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that an unnamed Western Conference playoff team had four players test positive in the past week.

The NBA is due to restart late next month with 22 of the 30 teams competing at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla. Training camps at Dis-

ney are due to open July 11.

NBA worried, but 'resolute' about restart as virus spreads Jokic was scheduled to return to Denver this week. According to ESPN, Jokic has been asymptomatic since testing positive last week.

Per the report, he is expected to be cleared to travel to Denver within a week.

Players who left their home team market were scheduled to return to their pro team market on June 15 for testing. Jokic was granted an exception by the NBA to stay in Sombor, Serbia.

All other players are due to report Tuesday, per the terms of the NBA and National Basketball Players Association agreement, as the league begins advanced preparation for the resumption of the 20192020 season.

Jokic, 25, was in Belgrade for an exhibition game on June 15.

The Suns have been holding voluntary team workouts in Phoenix, and the Republic reported that Mikal Bridges, Elie Okobo, Frank Kaminsky III, Dario Saric, Jevon Carter, Aron Baynes, Jalen Lecque and Cheick Diallo have attended.

NBA... FROM12

9 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

LIVING

LIFE IN A WORLD OF SOCIAL DISTANCING

HAD I WRITTEN THIS IN ANOTHER TIME, the title itself might get you thinking of that beer brand—ice cold and best consumed beside a tropical beach. But no, we’re living in different times, very different times.

This pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we live life. Temporary for the majority, permanently for a minority, but ultimately, nobody is living life the same. I never imagined I’d live to see a time like this, but here it is, and nobody wanted this to happen.

The majority of us are resigned to stay at home, and it’s not the ideal staycation we had in mind.

I have been living in an unconsciously quarantined residence—almost 10 kilometers away from the nearest city.

With only the sound of crashing waves as “noise pollution,” it’s still not the same.

I rarely hear children playing outside, nor do the banter of neighboring workers permeate the walls of my humble seaside studio.

The air seems different.

The winds seems to convey a sense of dread, whichever way you perceive it. The fear of the uncertain or of what we hope

we wouldn’t have to face, but for the more significant majority, it’s inevitable.

But there’s a ray of sunshine amidst the stormy clouds.

One day, I decided to wake up, and instead of feeling the usual dread from checking the news, I thought of ways time could spend more positively.

There’s virtually nothing we can do except following government protocols, be responsible for our own health, do something kind for others, pray and wait.

I’ve realized a few things that made me realize that this imposed quarantine was actually a call to rest, only in the guise of a pandemic. A call to rest our beaten bodies, a call to rejuvenate the soul—an overdue call that nature desperately needed to answer. A kind of rest we never thought we needed but so much deserve.

Instead of focusing on what we cannot do, change your perspective, and think of what you can do. What have you always wanted to do? With these thoughts in mind, I slowly discovered a few life lessons that I never thought I’d need to learn in a time like this.

Never take everyday things for granted What are the items that you use every day,

1

and you’ve never bothered once to think about it? For me, it was sunscreen, zinc, and contact lenses. Never have I thought that one day, I’d have to ration my use to make it last longer.

The more homemade, the better Are there items you can make at home? Then do it.

Best if you can easily and locally source ingredients or resources, and it’s even way better if you have your own backyard farm. But not all of us are blessed to have an extra plot of farmable land. If you’ve got the resources, try planting simple vegetables or herbs in potted plants with healthy soil.

Is agriculture not for you? Try making your own food. There are tons to choose from! Homemade granola, peanut butter,

LEFT: Nothing like a healthy meal made from your own produce.

Photo by Max Delsid.

TOP: Planting your own herbs during the quarantine period is not a bad idea. Photo by Skyla Design.

TOP: Even basic skincare are not to be taken lightly when it takes you three hours and a four border crossings to get to your favorite brand.

Photo by The Honest Company.

2

LEFT: Meal prep your healthy salad and grains. Photo by Mariana Medvedeva.

vegan parmesan, or any vegan cheese, even baking your own bread. The ideas are unlimited

as your Google search results!

Stay tuned for the continuation of this series next week!

10 EDGEDAVAO EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PABLO M. UNGAB JR.has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE leaving the following real and personal properties described as follows: TCT No. 161-2014000023, A.Soriano Corporation Common Stocks executed among his Heirs-Vendor, per Doc. No 59; PageNo.13; Book No.83 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC NEIL B. JAO

TEST... FROM2

DABAWENYA... FROM2

for every establishment, and laws that protect and incentivize bikers,” she said.

Mayor Sara Duterte released Executive Order 40 last June 20 suspending bicycle registration and the collection of registration fees, pending amendments to the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code and the 2020 Bicycle Ordinance of Davao to harmonize conflicting provisions.

The same order also requires bikers to wear helmet, headgear or protective head covering; use reflectors, or headlights, or rear lights or any other warning lights attached to the bicycle or on his/her person.

Bicycles made for single riders should not carry

more than one passenger at a time while tandem bicycles will be allowed only for the capacity for which it is made.

Riders with cargo will not carry the same with their hands while operating the bike, nor place the same on their handlebars or along the wheelbase, and cargo must be placed in a wearable backpack or on a basket or carrier in front of the handlebars or behind the seat.

Section 1 of the EO provides that the requirements in the Traffic Code that would be suspended are the license required, registration, and attachment of license plate; and under the Bicycle Ordinance, the registration. The collection of penalties in

both local laws have likewise been suspended.

“The temporary suspension of the implementation of some provisions of the two ordinances would allow Dabawenyos the use of the bike lanes without fear of penalty for non-registration,” the order said.

It added that the suspension would last until the state of public health emergency is lifted, or until the amendments harmonizing the Traffic Code and the Bicycle Ordinance have been approved or otherwise lifted by the City Mayor.

Section 4 of EO 40 states that the 72-kilometer bicycle lane marked by the City Transportation and Traffic Management Office may be used by all persons on bicy-

cles, except pedal-operated passenger tricycles for hire.

The order prohibits all motorized transport vehicles to use, park or stop on the marked bicycle lanes while pedestrians are told to avoid walking along the bicycle lanes.

The marking of the 72-kilometer bicycle lane is ongoing. Two-way bicycle lanes are to be marked along Ma-a Road, MacArthur Highway, Quimpo Boulevard, Quezon Boulevard, Quirino Avenue, F. Torres St., Cabaguio Avenue, Leon Garcia, JP Laurel Avenue, Quinones Road and R. Castillo St while oneway lane will be marked along San Pedro St., Pichon St. and Claro M. Recto Avenue. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

City has one and the towns of Cantilan and Lingig have one case each.

Twenty-three of the cases were asymptomatic and were isolated in quarantine facilities of the local government units for strict

monitoring.

The remaining six cases showed signs and symptoms and were admitted to identified treatment facilities.

“Our goal has always been to flatten the curve

by particularly preparing our health care system and not overwhelm it. Given the current situation and with the continued rise of our cases, the DOH regional office is continuously intensifying its technical

assistance and logistic support to all treatment and monitoring facilities region-wide. Our safety lies in our hands,” said DOH Regional Director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna Jr. (Chris V. Panganiban/MindaNews)

dapat allotted for educational programs. Ayon sa batas, pwede po itong gamitin bilang alternative mode of teaching and learning,” he stated.

The Senator cited Republic Act No. 8370, also known as the Children’s Television Act of 1997, which requires a minimum of 15% of a network’s daily total air time to programs that further children’s positive development.

Meanwhile, state media company Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) has offered to use its television facilities as a remote learning platform.

The proposal should enable DepEd to air curriculum-based programs when the school year reopens.

“Sa planong 'blended learning' ng DepEd, dapat masiguro na hindi lamang online learning ang focus nito kundi pati na rin ang ibang modalities na hindi nangangailangan ng internet connection," he said.

Go added that teachers must be given sufficient training in the use of various multimedia platforms for teaching. Given the ongoing health crisis, the Senator also reminded DepEd that educators should also be ready to provide psychosocial support to their students.

Go stressed that students with disabilities should be considered in the implementation of the plan. The integration of social and emotional learning should also be emphasized given the ongoing pandemic which has affected the lives of students and their

families.

“Ayaw po nating maantala ang klase, ngunit prayoridad natin lagi ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng mga Pilipino,” said Go, who is also Chair of the Senate Committee on Health.

The Senator has staunchly backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to disallow face-to-face learning until it is deemed safe or until a vaccine for COVID-19 is available.

President Duterte also earlier suggested the use of radio as a mode of distance learning given that it is the most accessible form of media even in far-flung areas.

“We will take this one step at a time so that we can slowly, but surely ensure that education continues without compromising the safety of our students.

Kahit ayaw nating maantala ang klase nila, importanteng safe sila,” Go cautioned.

The Senator also urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology and other concerned agencies to work together to fulfill the vision of providing universal internet access that is stable and affordable for all Filipinos.

“Sa panahon ngayon, lahat nagta-transition na to online. From E-governance, E-commerce and also online learning. Importante na hindi po maiwan ang bansa pagdating sa pagkakaroon ng access to the internet. Malaki po ang maitutulong nito para mabigyan ang kabataan ng oportunidad na maka-

pag-aral at makapag-trabaho sa ‘new normal’ na haharapin nating lahat,” he explained.

Meanwhile, DepEd has been developing its Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan to cope up with the pandemic. The plan directs schools to implement blended/distance learning modalities wherein lessons will be delivered to the students in their homes.

Under said plan, DepEd has developed a learning portal called “DepEd Commons” where online learning resources are published. Television- and radio-based instruction is also part of the plan.

As for students who lack access to these technologies, DepEd’s plan is that they will be provided with printed or digital modules to be delivered to their homes, or picked up by their parents at designated areas, within coordinated schedules for learners. The use of printed self-learning modules is an alternative to digital learning. These printed modules will supplement the TV broadcast and radio-based instructions being strategized by DepEd. “Siguraduhin lang po na maaksyunan ang planong ito sa paraan na walang mapapabayaang Pilipino,” he urged.

Go also suggested to DepEd to work with local government units which may have the capability to provide free internet access to address concerns of students who may be financially constrained and cannot afford to pay for in-

ternet connectivity.

In line with this, Go filed Senate Bill No. 396 last year, which seeks to amend the Local Government Code of 1991 by expanding the uses for which the Special Education Fund (SEF) taken from the additional 1% on real property tax may be spent.

The bill will enable LGUs to utilize the SEF to operate Alternative Learning System programs as well as provide for the salaries, allowances and other benefits of ALS facilitators.

Recently, Go reiterated his call for its passage recognizing that the measure will provide LGUs the flexibility they need to maximize available resources to help their public schools adapt to blended learning techniques.

Meanwhile, Go also commended the enactment of Republic Act 11476 which institutionalizes Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education as integral and essential parts of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum. The Senator acknowledged the efforts of his co-authors and the sponsors of the measure while thanking the President for signing it into law.

“This new law will help mold the youth into upright and responsible members of society, instilling in them family values and love of country. Bukod sa magandang edukasyon, importante ring maituro sa kabataan ang magandang asal, pagmamalasakit sa kapwa at pagseserbisyo sa bayan,” Go said.

He said among the key areas that need urgent legislative action are the institutionalization of national preparedness and response mechanisms for pandemics and other hazards.

Duterte also sought the

creation of a Medical Reserve Corps and a stockpile of strategic and critical materials.

He further noted the need to amend the country’s Labor Code, strengthen its social protection system, and update its eco-

nomic regulations given the advances in the digital economy.

Through RA 11469, the President was granted temporary special powers to address the Covid-19 pandemic.

Malacañang has re-

peatedly said Duterte’s emergency powers should be extended to allow his government to effectively fight Covid-19, which requires “close cooperation and coordination between the executive and the legislature.” (PNA)

29 RETURNING... FROM2

a total of 170 admission wherein 117 patients were tested positive.

“For the past six days the trend of cases based on the data of SPMC is decreasing but dili ta makasulti na mag-rejoice ta because the reduction is fluctuating and not on pla-

teau,” Audan said.

SPMC has tested 2,729 employees through RT PCR where 2,607 already have results and 122 still awaiting results. As of June 25, 2020, there are a total of 17,064 tests conducted at SPMC including those patients who were referred.

that DTI will also help the MSMEs to “connect” to the market by teaching them how to participate in e-commerce and enable them to operate online.

“Ang problem nalang is how to connect to the market. It’s more of online…mao na atong gina tudlo karon sa MSMEs nga maka participate sila sa e-commerce. Naa tay mga series of webinars (The

only problem now is how to connect to the market.

It’s more online, that’s what we’re teaching to the MSMEs, for them to participate in e-commerce. We have series of webinars for that),” Castañaga said.

Since the COVID19 pandemic, many businesses have shut down and online businesses have flourished.

(Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIAXI)

compulsory and should not be forced on small businesses.

“Kapag ‘yan ay pinilit mo lalo na roon sa maliliit ay maraming mawawalan ng trabaho,” he said. “Unang una, pinagbibigyan na nga sila wala na silang masyadong assignment, hindi sila namamasahe, hindi sila nakikipagsiksikan para humanap ng sasakyan.

“Ang sinasabi ko lang, marami sa mga nagtatrabaho sa bahay ngayon walang assignment. Ina-accommodate lang sila,” Ortiz-Luis claimed.

The ECOP chief reiterated that work-from-home under the Telecommuting Act was not compulsory and should be agreed on by the employer and employee.

Under the Telecommuting Act, the “work arrangement must not be less than the minimum labor standards set by law.”

The employer and employees shall adhere to and be guided by the mutually agreed policy or telecommuting agreement in terms of specific provisions such as the use and cost of equipment.

week, the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) questioned the importation of 300,000 MT of rice by the PITC. They cited that based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Rice Tariffication Law, PITC may

proceed with the importation if there is an official declaration of rice shortage in the country.

The group added that DA Secretary William Dar has stated that the country has enough supply of rice.

(PNA)

seven seeds in each conference for the NBA playoffs.

If the eighth-placed team in either conference leads the number nine club by more than four games in the overall standings, it will become the eighth seed in that conference.

If the gap is four games

or fewer, there, those two clubs would meet in a onegame play-in matchup to decide the eighth spot.

That would set the field for a typical playoff run of four best-of-seven rounds, concluding with the NBA Finals ending no later than October 13.

DAVAO DEL NORTE... FROM4

EMPLOYERS... FROM4

PITC... FROM5

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

LAKERS-CLIPPERS... FROM11

GO... FROM3

CONGRESS... FROM3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

11

Lakers-Clippers highlight NBA's return from Covid-19 status

T

he NBA will offer a tasty Western Conference matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers when play resumes after a near four-month shutdown on July 30.

The game is one of two on the slate for the opening night of play in the season re-start, which will be taking place with 22 teams competing in a "bubble" quarantine environment in Florida and playing games at the Walt Disney World Resort campus.

The NBA announced the schedule for 88 "seeding games" on Friday, starting with the July 30 double-header of the Utah Jazz v New Orleans Pelicans and Lakers-Clippers.

The Milwaukee Bucks, who owned the best record in the league when play was shut down on March 11 after Jazz big man Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus, highlight a six-game slate on July 31 taking on the Boston Celtics.

From there, the NBA will play up to seven games each day, with tip-offs taking place between noon and 9 pm (1600 gmt-0100 GMT) across three different courts at the sports complex at Disney World.

Each team will be des-

ignated as the home team in four seeding games and the visiting team in four seeding games.

The NBA said the seeding matchups were selected from the games that remained among the remaining 259 to be played in the regular season and will count toward the final regular-season standings and regular-season statistics.

But not every team will be around to finish out the disrupted season.

Nine teams in the post-season running from the Eastern Conference are led by the Bucks and the reigning champion Toronto Raptors.

They're joined by the Celtics, Miami heat, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.

Thirteen teams from the West are conference leaders the Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and the Jazz.

The seven teams with the top overall season win percentages after the seeding games will take the top

P

Winners and losers in NBA re-opening sked

W

hen the 2019-20 NBA season resumes on July 31 in Orlando, each of the 22 teams invited will play eight “seeding” games that will constitute the conclusion of the regular FLAKERS-CLIPPERS, P10 season. After those eight games, the 1-7 seeds in each conference will be locked into place, while the No. 9 seed in each The PBA plans to start conference will have a shot at a play-in having players in small batches train before actual series if it is within four games of the No. team practices resume.

8 seed.

In seeking goverment

Players back PBA restart BA Commissioner Willie Marcial met some players face-toface for the first time recently.

Marcial called for two representatives each from the 12 PBA teams for a general meeting, discussing everything from their quarantine life to taking their pulse regarding the planned league comeback.

The players present were all in agreement that they will take the court if the PBA comes back later this year.

Earlier this month, the league started dialogue with the IATF to get clearance regarding player workouts.

Liverpool clinched its first league title since 1990 on Thursday, ending an agonizing title drought without the players even having to take the field.

approval and to help ensure team safety, the PBA health protocols are all under a "no test, no practice" policy.

Pending IATF response, the PBA Board is also in line for a crucial meeting

by August to decide if the league will continue with the stalled 2020 Philippine Cup or shut down the 45th season altogether.

So far, more than half of the 12 PBA teams have confirmed to take the COVID-19 test. No one has tested positive.

So these initial eight games will determine a lot in Orlando. No, homecourt advantage won’t be at stake as it usually would, but as always, first-round matchups and sides of the bracket matter immensely, and in particular the race for the West’s final spot is set up for a photo finish.

As it stands, the Grizzlies hold a three-game lead in the loss column over the Pelicans, Kings, Spurs and Suns, and a four-game lead over the Blazers.

That means each of

those five teams is within the four-game frame that would afford a play-in series vs. Memphis, but only one of them can get that shot. The Pelicans, who have the easiest remaining schedule of all 22 teams in Orlando based on opponent winning percentage, might just catch the Grizzlies, who have the sixth-toughest remaining schedule, before that.

Pelicans: Easiest road?

It’s been over three months since fans have looked at the NBA sched-

The TNT management has confirmed on Thursday the news that Baldwin is out as a consultant and assistant coach for the flagship MVP franchise.

ule for any meaningful reason, but that all changed on Friday when the league announced the schedule for the resumption of the 2019-20 season at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida starting on July 30. The slate of games for all 22 teams was revealed, with some teams coming up a little more fortunate than others.

The NBA tried its best to adhere to the remaining schedule before the shutdown, but, obviously, with eight teams staying home, adjustments needed to be made. With playoff spots and positioning still to be determined, the schedule will have a lot to do with how things shake out. Here is a look at some winners and losers based on their opponents in the eight seeding games in Orlando.

It’s only fair because the Pelicans had the most favorable schedule remaining before the hiatus, but New Orleans now has every chance to make their

move for the No. 8 seed in Orlando. Only three of their eight games are against current playoff teams, one of those coming against the Grizzlies, who they’re chasing for the final playoff spot out West. Another one of those teams is the Jazz, who will be playing their first game since losing their second-leading scorer, Bojan Bogdanovic, to wrist surgery. New Orleans is the only team that has a combined opponent win percentage below .500, and each of their last six opponents currently owns losing records.

Also, the second half of the Pelicans’ schedule pits them against four teams -the Wizards, Spurs, Kings and Magic -- who could potentially have nothing to play for at that point in the seeding games. Many have picked Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans to chase down Memphis and make the playoffs, and this schedule makes that a real possibility.

Baldwin kicked out of TNT C ontroversial coach Tab Baldwin has been eased from the TNT KaTropa staff in the PBA. Team manager Gabby Cui confirmed Thursday the news that Baldwin is out as a consultant and assistant coach for the flagship MVP franchise.

Nevertheless, Baldwin remains as head coach for the UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles and as a program director for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

"Coach Tab will be focusing on his coaching chores in Ateneo and his role in SBP," Cui said.

"We would like to thank Coach Tab and wish him well," he added.

Baldwin was fined P75,000 and suspended for three games by the PBA last week for his comments on the Coaches Unfiltered podcast.

However, the KaTropa implied that the decision to let Baldwin walk away from TNT was unrelated to the incident.

"We decided on this transition way before the lockdown," Cui said.

"The team is adapting well to the system of coach Bong Ravena and consultant Mark Dickel," he added.

12 SPORTS

NBA ALERT EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 28-29, 2020

Out of 302, 16 NBA players test positive for Covid-19

A

total of 16 NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19 from 302 tests conducted last Tuesday, the league and its players union announced Friday.

None of the players or teams involved were revealed by the NBA in its two-sentence statement.

The tests were required as players committed to participating in the 2019-20 season restart in a "bubble" quarantine setting next month at Orlando, Florida.

Each player who tested positive will remain in self-isolation until he meets public health protocol for leaving isolation and is cleared by a physician.

The NBA season was shut down on March 11 after Utah's Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavi-

rus.

In preparation for the planned resumption of play, NBA teams this week began testing all players and some staff.

Indiana Pacers playmaker Malcolm Brogdon and Sacramento Kings forward Jabari Parker said this week they have tested positive for the deadly virus, both adding they expect to join their teammates when the NBA season resumes.

"I recently tested positive for the COVID virus and am currently in quarantine," Brogdon said.

"I'm doing well,

FNBA, P8

Denver Nuggets All-Star center Nikola Jokic (left), was reported on Tuesday to have tested positive for the coronavirus recently.