Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 68 | Tuesday, June 30, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

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Parents fill out enrollment forms at a covered court beside Leon Garcia Sr. Elementary School in Bangkal, Davao City on Monday. Parents who do not have internet access at home brave crowded schools to enrol their children amid COVID-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

Dayanghirang to CTTMO: widen bike lanes

By MAYA M. PADILLO ouncilor Danilo Dayanghirang has requested the office of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) to widen the bike lanes in Davao City to ensure safety of the bikers.

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In a letter sent to Retired Police Superintendent Dionisio Abude, chief of CTTMO, Dayanghirang has asked the possibility of implementing the wider bike lanes in District 2 provided all things considered for the safety of the bikers

WORLDWIDE COVID-19 NUMBERS BOARD

to the following areas: Bunawan enroute Panacan to Agdao; Gaisano Mall in Bajada to Catitipan Road in Buhangin and other streets in the second district that may be deemed necessary.

While not specifying

the measurements for the proposed changes, Dayanghirang said it is also important to put in place reflectorized markers for these lanes to ensure shield for the bikers especially at night and the strict implementation of

speed limit to the vehicles as a gesture of respect to these riders using their new assigned tracks.

According to Dayanghirang’s social media and communications team, the letter was already at the of-

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PHILIPPINES

WORLDWIDE

CONFIRMED: 10,249,840 • DEATHS: 504,491 • RECOVERED: 5,557,980

CONFIRMED: 35,455 • DEATHS: 1,244 • RECOVERED: 9,686

As of June 29, 2020, here’s the Top 5 list of countries with most number of COVID-19 cases 1. U.S.A CONFIRMED: 2,637,077 DEATHS: 128,437 RECOVERED: 1,093,456

2. BRAZIL CONFIRMED: 1,345,254 DEATHS: 57,658 RECOVERED: 733,848

3. RUSSIA CONFIRMED: 634,437 DEATHS: 9,073 RECOVERED: 399,087

4. INDIA CONFIRMED: 549,197 DEATHS: 16,487 RECOVERED: 321,774

5. GREAT BRITAIN CONFIRMED: 311,151 DEATHS: 43,550 RECOVERED: --

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

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

OYO commits to strengthen footprint in Davao

By MAYA M. PADILLO ccommodation brand OYO Hotels and Homes has committed to strengthen its hispitality footprint in Davao City by providing a technology-driven experience through quality affordable accommodations.

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OYO currently has 45 properties in Davao City.

Ankit Gupta, country head of OYO Hotels and Homes in the Philippines, said in an email interview that to cushion the impact on its partners, the company has proactively initiated several initiatives focusing on its customers, partners and technology by launching marketing campaigns and partnerships to stimulate demand and encourage guests to stay at OYO properties in Davao and these include working with corporates, government agencies, BPO companies and frontliners in healthcare and

other essential services to provide living spaces to anyone in need of it.

“We also offered our hotels as quarantine centers and also free accommodation to healthcare practitioners on the frontlines of Covid19,” he said.

During the lockdown in Davao City, OYO worked with the Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) and the Department of Health 11 (DOT 11) to provide clean, living spaces to BPO employees, employees of essential services, and medical frontliners.

“In the hospitality industry, maintaining the trust and confidence of

guests is key - and this is reflected in the guest-first approach OYO is taking through our new protocols,” Gupta said.

He said in preparation to face the protocols of the new norm, the company has re-thought every aspect of its business and will continue to consider all options that enable it to succeed and contribute towards the success of its partners and the communities it serve.

“Our goal is to get back to our core purpose that is providing clean living spaces at affordable prices and we will continue to move towards that goal,” he said.

Gupta added that all aspects of the customers' journey especially on hygiene and cleanliness is being re-looked at going forward. He said contactless experiences also will be important.

“We also believe that travelers will demonstrate preferences for hotels, restaurants and lodging facilities that communicate enhanced sanitation and hygiene protocols. The focus is on being clinically clean,” he said.

'Sanitized Stays' is an initiative that OYO has rolled out not only in the Philippines but globally to implement comprehensive hygiene protocols and step up vigilance measures pre- and postcheck-in and throughout the stay to curb any potential spread of COVID-19, the new coronavirus 2019.

This initiative includes minimal contact service, sanitized stays tags, training of on-ground teams, health screening, proper disinfection, encouraging in-room dining, distance markers and amended

policies for dealing with outside suppliers and contractors.

As a brand, Gupta said OYO is committed to offer safe accommodation options in all its OYO properties and is proactively leading the change in housekeeping and cleanliness protocols within the hospitality industry. “We believe in maintaining the trust and confidence of guests and this is reflected in the guest-first approach OYO is taking through our new protocols, to provide reassurance and peace of mind to guests. We will continue to work with the authorities and support the hospitality industry as we face the new normal in the way we operate moving forward."

Gupta added that government imposed travel restrictions and isolation protocols across the Philippines have resulted in

Strict protocol, compliance crucial in curbing Covid-19

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A bicycle lane along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Lanang, Davao City leads to a concrete wall. These are among the common issues besetting the bike lanes where impediments like lamp posts, walls, or movable obstructions abound. Edge Davao

significant drops in demand at properties with an uncertain duration and revenues have fallen and occupancies have dropped by over 50 percent to 60 percent.

“It looks like a big dip, but we’re faring better than the industry benchmark where global leading hotel chains have experienced a drop in revenues by as much as 75 percent,” he said.

According to Gupta, while the whole country was in the lockdown, OYO has tapped heavily into a few other segments and this has overlapped with the company’s efforts to provide service to the society and communities it operate in.

“This includes our work with corporates, frontline workers including healthcare organizations, embassies and governments alike,” he said.

hile a vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has yet to be developed, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go stressed the importance of strict enforcement of measures and proper compliance as “crucial” in curbing the deadly disease.

Go, chairman of the Senate Health and Demography Committee, made this remark after data from World Health Organization (WHO) showed that the Philippines has the fastest-growing number of new Covid-19 cases among over 22 countries in Western Pacific Region.

“Wala pang bakuna at gamot sa sakit na ito (There is still no vaccine for this disease). That is why strict enforcement of existing measures and proper compliance of everyone are very crucial,” he said in a statement.

He said the only way to slow down the rate of Covid-19 infections in the country is to have people cooperate as the government works on improving its capacity to provide critical care to patients.

“Kung susunod po tayo sa mga patakaran at patuloy tayong magtutulungan para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit, kung mas maisasaayos rin ang ating health facilities and capabilities — ito po ang mga tanging makakapagsabi kung kailan natin malalampasan at tuluyang matapos ang krisis na dulot ng Covid-19 (If we follow rules and help each other to avoid the spread of the virus, if we enhance our health facilities and capabilities—this is the only way we can determine if we will be able to overcome and end the crisis brought

by Covid-19),” he said.

The senator from Davao City urged the government to beef up the

Department of Health’s and the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) Project T3 (Test, Trace, Treat) which aims to expand national testing capacity to 50,000 tests per day by the end of the month.

“Habang tumataas ang kaso ng Covid-19, mas tumataas rin dapat ang quarantine, contact tracing, at necessary treatment capabilities natin. (I will continue to urge the government to enhance its Test, Trace, and Treat strategy (While Covid-19 cases continue to increase, there should also be an increase in quarantine, contact tracing, and necessary treatment capabilities),” he said.

Meanwhile, he also pushed for the passage of the 'Bayanihan to Recover as One' bill dubbed as the 'Bayanihan II', vowing to support necessary legislative measures that can address the public’s most immediate needs.

“We need to immediately pass the Bayanihan to Recover as One bill.

Hanapan dapat ng paraan na mapondohan ang mga programang kinakailangan upang maitigil na ang pagkalat ng sakit, mailigtas ang mga naghihirap na Pilipino, at makabangon muli ang ekonomiya ng bansa. (We will look for ways to fund the programs needed to stop the spread of the disease, save poor Filipinos, and helping the economy recover),” he said.

He said the government will always prioritize people’s health over anything else.

“Sa anumang mga hakbang na gagawin ng gobyerno at pati ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan, palagi nating unahin ang buhay at kapakanan ng kapwa nating Pilipino (Whatever steps the gov-

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4 NEWS

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VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), the lone referral hospital for COVID-19 in there city, announces that it will reopen its surgical services in early July, after a temporary closure since March. Edge Davao

welcomes P58-B SPMC to reopen surgical DOT tourism recovery fund D services in early July

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he state-run Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), the lone referral hospital for COVID-19 in there city, will reopen its surgical services in early July, after a temporary closure since March.

“It’s not forever that we will close our services even though there is no vaccine, even though there is no medicine (yet for COVID-19). We really have to open some of the services, especially the elective surgery, because there are a lot of patients already waiting to be operated on to alleviate their pains,” said Dr. Ricardo Audan, Chief of Clinics and Health Emergency and OIC SPMC

chief.

Audan said the decision to reopen the surgical department was reached early this week.

Initially, he said, the plan was to reopen on July 1 but it might be moved to July 8.

He said the surgical department has adopted protocols and guidelines for patients and doctors who will do the surgery, to eliminate the risk of trans-

mitting the disease.

Audan said walk-in patients will not be admitted unless they make a prior appointment with the hospital for the schedule of their surgery.

The hospital will prioritize charity patients, he said.

But prior to the surgery, patients would be required to undergo a 14day home quarantine and would be subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) test on the 15th day.

Those who test positive for COVID-19 will not qualify for operation and will instead be referred for isolation, he said.

The RT-PCR test, he

said, will be free of charge for patients but the hospital will require a payment of 750 pesos for the personal protective equipment (PPE).

Audan said the doctors will also be required to undergo RT-PCR tests.

“We cannot remain closed forever. We need to do something for our patients who are waiting for elective surgery,” he added.

As of June 26, Davao City recorded 402 COVID-19 cases out of the Davao region’s 503.

Davao City and Zamboanga cities are the only cities in Mindanao that remain under General Community Quarantine.

as of last week showed the country has already conducted over 600,000 coronavirus tests.

Dizon added officials will be also recommending the expansion of the Health Department’s testing protocols to include non-medical frontliners-- including policemen, soldiers, supermarket personnel, and even street vendors.

He cited the need to test these individuals, as they are some of the “most susceptible” to the viral disease, and can potentially be some of the biggest spreaders to the wider population.

Apart from this sector, Dizon added they’re also pushing to test employees coming back to work amid relaxed lockdown restrictions— including those working in the business process outsourcing industry and factories.

“The idea now is we have to shift the strategy in order to manage COVID-19 and keep the economy working, in order to make sure we can bounce back from the (contraction) we experienced in the first quarter,” Dizon added.

Malacañang earlier revealed that the country is aiming to cover 1.5 to 2

percent of its almost 110 million population for the COVID-19 tests, following the example of model nations, including South Korea.

Calls for mass or targeted testing have surfaced since March, when the coronavirus infections in the Philippines started to spike. Officials have argued that ramping up testing is the first step in the isolation and containment of the mysterious virus.

Cases of the infectious disease in the country have meanwhile surpassed 35,000, as of the Health Department’s latest record.

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Gov’t eyes 10M Pinoys tested for C-19 in the next 10 months

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he Philippine government aims to test around 10 million citizens for COVID-19 in less than a year, COVID-19 Response Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon said Monday.

“Given the supplies coming in, given our increased capacity to test and screen, our goal is to test 10 million Filipinos… We’re looking at (within) the next 8 to 10 months,” Dizon said.

In a previous briefing, the testing czar noted that authorities have set the goal of testing one million people by the end of July.

National government data

epartment of Tourism (DOT) chief Berna Romulo-Puyat happily announced the approval by Congress of the P58-billion stimulus package to fund the Tourism Response and Recovery Program (TRRP).

In her Laging Handa interview over PTV, Puyat said P58 billion TRRP allocated from the P1.3-trillion Philippine Economic Stimulus Act (PESA) would be used to revive the country’s tourism sector, which suffered serious losses due to the ongoing global health crisis.

“With stimulus package now earmarked for the tourism sector, we look to a foreseeable recovery from the industry’s massive losses,” she said.

To recall, the tourism industry is one of the hardest hit due to imposed lockdowns and restricted travel, which limited the flow of international and domestic tourists in the Philippines, a country known for its world-famous beaches, budget-friendly tour packages, and welcoming locals.

Puyat said the tourism sector lost a total of negative 60% starting January to May of 2020.

She then said there was an 8% rise in tourism in the first month of the year, but it started decreasing to negative 45% in February due to imposed travel bans be-

cause of the pandemic.

With the stimulus subsidy, Puyat said, tourism stakeholders will be able to avail zero percent interest loans, and working capital. Along with the subsidy, DOT has decided to unburden businesses and waived the accreditation fees for establishments.

DOT accredited establishments can apply for the certificate of authority to operate online. The certification will ensure that the establishment is adhering to the prescribed minimum health standards.

During the more stringent enhanced community quarantine period, however, the DOT has been closely monitoring all tourism establishments and coordinating with the respective local government units.

As the DOT encourages more domestic tourism, Puyat said future tourism plans involve ‘travel corridors or travel bubbles’ in which tourists from countries with few or zero COVID-19 cases can fly directly to the country’s COVID-free tourist destinations via international airports.

The tourism chief likewise, encouraged Filipinos to continue posting photos of the country, to buy local and support local, as well as to visit and travel local destinations once an area has started accepting tourists. (PIANCR)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

Data shows high price of fertilizer in PH prior to centralized bidding

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rior to the centralized bidding of fertilizers, government data showed that the average price of urea in the country’s 14 regions was higher than PHP1,000 per 50-kilogram (kg) bag.

Based on data released by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the national average price of urea fertilizer from January to June 2020 were as follows: PHP1,080.85 (January), PHP1,066.43 (February), PHP1,058.62 (March), PHP1,046.80 (April), PHP1,028.33 (May), and PHP1,029.98 (June).

From February to April 2020, the months immediately preceding the centralized bidding, the national average price of urea fertilizer was PHP1,051 per bag.

In a virtual press briefing last week, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the centralized bidding of fertilizers conducted by the DA last April was aboveboard, transparent and yielded the best price for government at less than PHP1,000 per bag.

In fact, Dar said, the centralized bidding influenced the retail prices of urea to drop even further in recent weeks.

“The downward trend of urea prices shows that we’re on the right track in centralizing the bidding process, thus providing our farmers nationwide with affordable and reasonably-priced fertilizers,” he added.

Debunking claims of alleged overpricing, DA Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes said the approved budget for the contract (ABC) for the fertilizer bidding of the DA Rice Program was based on the month-long price trends collated by the FPA and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The same price trend

was noted in retail outlets across the Philippines based on copies of actual receipts and invoices presented to the media.

After the first and second biddings, 1.8 million bags were awarded to two companies, namely: La Filipina Uy Gongco Corp. and Atlas Fertilizer, offering urea at prices ranging from PHP900 to PHP995 per 50-kg bag.

Per delivery schedule set by the DA Rice Program, the winning suppliers will distribute the fertilizers directly to municipalities covered under the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) in four lots, corresponding to four regions: Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.

Last June 5, Reyes said 14 prospective suppliers attended DA’s pre-bid conference for the next 26 fertilizer lots, but only four submitted bid proposals. Of the four, only three were considered.

The fourth bidder was disqualified due to lack of required bid documents.

The DA-BAC (Bids and Awards Committee) expects to complete the evaluation of the three bidders and declare the winners by July 9.

The winners must deliver 50 percent of the urea fertilizers per lot not later than July 15, 2020, and the rest not later than July 31, 2020.

There are still 18 lots up for bidding.

For transparency, the DA’s bidding process is live-streamed via the official DA Facebook page.

“All we want is to encourage other qualified industry players to participate and thus maintain the spirit of competitiveness -- to provide our farmers quality and reasonably-priced fertilizers

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Alorica opens nearly 4K BPO jobs by end of July

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usiness process outsourcing (BPO) firm Alorica, Inc. needs close to 4,000 jobs by end of July, the company said in a statement Friday.

These BPO jobs are in Alorica offices in Alabang, Cebu, Centris, Clark, Cubao, Davao, Fort Bonifacio, Ilocos Norte, Lipa City, Makati, Marikina, Pasay, and Sta. Mesa.

The company welcomes applicants with good communication skills even those new graduates and those who have worked in other industries.

“The BPO industry continues to provide essential services, even during a post-pandemic scenario.

Our teams are supporting customers from all over the world, from fulfillment to financial transactions, as well as assisting in internet and telecommunications services,” Alorica President of Asia Pacific Operations Bong Borja said.

As the threats from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) are still present, Alorica said it is enforcing comprehensive health, safety, and sanitation measures compliant with guidelines from the government.

It added that the firm providing complimentary shuttle service, observing strict physical distancing, mandatory thermal checks, heightened disinfecting and sanitizing activities, daily health surveys, and assigned safety officers.

It also offers workfrom-home arrangements for qualified applicants.

“As we continue to grow and service some of the biggest brands in the world, we’re pleased to be able to help support the local economy and provide thousands of jobs, especially to many who have become unemployed as a result of this health crisis,” Borje added. (PNA)

Double parking of vehicles is a common sight outside the Department of Public Works and Highways 11 (DPWH 11) along Guerrero Street in Davao City which usually causes traffic congestion in the area. Edge Davao

IPOPHL urges MSMEs to protect their intellectual property rights

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he Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is calling on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to protect their intellectual property (IP) rights in order to gain or maintain a competitive edge even amid a crisis.

IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba urged MSMEs to explore and take advantage of the IP system, citing its multipronged developmental purposes which includes equipping businesses to gain a stronger market position.

“The IP system is a wide and rich array of sources for establishing competitiveness. For businesses capitalizing on innovative products, you can leverage the patent system which protects inventions, utility models and industrial designs.

For the creative industry, we have the copyright system to protect your literary pieces, artworks,

software, among many other artistic works. And for protecting your brand name to distinguish you from your competitors, we have trademarks,” Barba said in a statement.

He said protection means that works meet the legal standards for owners to have temporary rights to profit exclusively from these intellectual properties.

“And when your rights as exclusive owner are violated, you have the legal upper hand to discontinue their infringing acts and even demand monetary damages, among other remedies accorded to you by your bundle of IP rights,” he added. “Having

exclusive rights allows you to make headway into the market faster and easier as they clear your road to success of unfair competitors who steal and profit from your intellectual creations.”

Barba encouraged MSMEs to optimize IPOPHL programs that are designed specifically to help their sector grow.

Among these programs are the Juana Make a Mark Program which waives trademark application fees for MSMEs founded by a woman or a group with at least one woman as a member; the Inventor Assistance Program which provides free legal advice on patent applications and free basic seminars on patent search and drafting; the IP Depot, an online marketplace where MSMEs can market their IP-protected products for free; and free basic IP lessons which are now made available online in light of the pandemic.

To boost support for

MSMEs, IPOPHL will soon partner with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Philippine Trade Trading Center-Global MSME Academy, the national center of MSME training.

Under the partnership, the two agencies under the DTI will work together to assist MSMEs in developing their IP strategies.

An IP strategy involves identifying which components of the IP spectrum is most suitable for a business to leverage, given their product or service offerings and operations, and how they can best safeguard their IP rights once granted by IPOPHL. Having an IP strategy will enable MSMEs to be more profitable and more attractive to investors who can provide them with capital -- crucial especially as MSMEs commonly deal with limited access to financing, as aggravated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

of 49.92 against the greenback, which is also one of its strongest levels in the last two years.

Ricafort attributed the unit’s appreciation during the day to the fresh 50 basis points reduction in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key policy rates on Thursday, a decision made to further support the domestic economy from the impact of the pandemic.

He said the local currency has already appreciated by 1.4 percent compared to its 50.635 close against the US dollar at the end of last year.

He partly attributed the peso’s appreciation in recent months to lower imports because of the

lockdown implemented since mid-March to arrest a big jump of coronavirus disease (Covid-19 ) infections.

The drop in imports, he said, lessened the need to purchase US dollar so it is a plus for the peso.

“The peso exchange rate could end 2020 at the range of 49.50-50.50,” he said in a reply to e-mailed questions from PNA. Other plus factors for the peso this year include rising global oil prices, which is seen to help narrow the country’s trade deficit; the possible recovery of the domestic economy in the latter half of the year; the record-high foreign reserves; and the upgrade of the country’s

credit rating, with the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCRA) elevating its rating on the country from BBB+ to A- on the belief that the domestic economy will remain resilient even after the pandemic.

“These reflect the Philippines' improved economic and credit fundamentals, as well as improvements in fiscal performance in recent years that could help attract more international investments and international credit/loans at much lower cost into the country, in view of the need to finance Covid-19 programs and other economic stimulus measures needed to help sustain the economic

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Economists weigh in on peso's resiliency in 2021

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n economist expects the Philippine peso to remain strong against the greenback on account of resilient domestic fundamentals but another economist forecasts it to weaken due to slower remittance growth and recovery on imports.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) senior economist Michael Ricafort said the peso, to date, continues to stand its ground given the combination of strong domestic fundamentals and lesser import requirements on account of lower demand due to the pandemic.

This Friday alone, he said the peso posted its over two-week high close

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

Alternative medicine is not new to Pinoys, This country is known for its albularyos in rural areas where there are no doctors and health centers. Old-fashioned ways of medication are recognized

by Philippine laws through the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) which was created under Republic Act (RA) 8423 otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 authored by Senator Juan Flavier, who was a former Health Secretary, and approved on December 9, 1997.

EDITORIAL

Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act

‘Tuob’ or steam inhalation is a cultural wellness practice among Filipinos, especially in the rural areas. It is as deeply cultural as ‘hilot’ and all other forms of alternative medication.

Is it effective in killing Sars Cov 2, the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)?

To be fair with those practicing ‘tuob’ or those advocating it in this times of the pandemic, nobody has openly made a claim that it can. However, where there is no known cure in sight, anything that makes one feel ‘secured’ from the virus is not essentially wrong for as long as there are no false claims.

So when the Department of Health (DOH) last Thursday warned the public against possible harms of ‘tuob’ or steam inhalation, which purportedly kills Sars Cov 2, the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the agency appear to be shutting down a cultural practice that does no harm in the campaign to make the public safe from the coronavirus.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there is no scientific evidence proving that inhalation of steam with salt, lemon, and other ingredients could prevent Covid-19 infection. She also noted that local medical societies do not recommend steam inhalation as a curative or preventive measure. Medical experts say the virus may get into the steam which may cause diseases. It also increases nasal secretions that can be spread through coughing or sneezing. Steam inhalation can also cause skin burns, according to the DOH.

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Before the Covid-19 pandemic, nobody said ‘tuob’ is a bad practice and does more harm than good.

Alternative medicine is not new to Pinoys, This country is known for its albularyos in rural areas where there are no doctors and health centers.

Old-fashioned ways of medication are recognized by Philippine laws through the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) which was created under Republic Act (RA) 8423 otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 authored by Senator Juan Flavier, who was a former Health Secretary, and approved on December 9, 1997.

Among the objectives of the law are: to encourage scientific research on and develop traditional and alternative health care systems that has direct impact on public health care; to promote and advocate the use of traditional, alternative, preventive and curative health care modalities that has been proven safe, effective, cost-effective and consistent with government standards on medical practice; and to develop and coordinate skill training courses for various forms of traditional and alternative health care modalities.

The present DOH must be reminded of existing laws which promote deeply-rooted alternative health practices prior to ceremoniously thumbing down a relatively harmless and gentle advise for the marginalized Pinoys to practice alternative means.

Again, for as long as there are no medical claims for that matter.

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VANTAGE POINTS

COMPETITIVE EDGE

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO CITY’S DEPUTY MAYORS Appointing deputy mayors to act as alter ego of the city mayor dates to the time of Carmelo L. Porras, first elected mayor of Davao City. The idea could have been implemented during his second term (196064). Given the expanse of the city’s territory, which is about 244,000 hectares, visiting all the barangays was very difficult given the other responsibilities and functions a city chief executive has to conduct and comply.

Deputy mayors, as functionaries, were deployed to administrative districts to deliver the city mayor’s intent, hear public pleas, suggestions, and complaints, assess peace and order condition, and monitor projects within their jurisdictions.

Originally, the city was divided into seven administrative districts, namely, Talomo, Toril, Buhangin, Bunawan, Tugbok, Calinan and Baguio. Each distrift was assigned a deputy mayor. When martial law was declared, the bustling city proper, then comprised of 10 barangays, was collectively orga-

nized to form another executive district. Eventually, under the Duterte administration, Agdao was split into 11 barangays and organized into a new district.

During the watch of city mayor Luis T. Santos, a new feature was added. He appointed a deputy mayor at large who acted as head of deputy mayors and acted like a vice mayor minus the legislative obligation. More aptly, he performed the duties of an acting mayor by representing the chief local executive in various activities, such as delivering messages.

Over time, the city’s administrative districts, with the rise of new urban centers, expanded to 11, namely Poblacion, Talomo, Agdao, Buhangin, Bunawan, Paquibato, Baguio, Calinan, Marilog, Toril, and Tugbok. Later, as part of honoring the city’s 11 tribes, the appointment of a deputy mayor for each tribe was institutionalized.

The 11 tribes are the Bagobo, Maguindanaoan, Maranao, Tausug, Matigsalog, Ovu-Manuvo, Sama, Tagabawa, Tausog, Ata, Kagan, and Klata-Guiangan.

(Interestingly, the city has yet to include the seafaring Badjaos in the roster of recognized tribes.)

In 1984, during the leadership of city mayor Elias B. Lopez, Davao had nine deputy mayors, namely Dalmacio Desabilla (at-large), Roque Bosque (Bunawan), Dr. Manuel Garcia (Calinan), Simplicio Tano (Baguio), Dr. Juan C. Tolero (Tugbok), Ricardo Reyes (Toril), Gregorio Perez (Talomo), Pablo Juinio (Buhangin), and Glbert Navarro (Paquibato).

Under the Local Government Code, the city mayor is imbued with the power to appoint all officers and employees based on the Local Government Code of 1991, or Republic Act 7150, subject to the laws and regulations of the Civil Service Commission and only if such appointments are deemed necessary in carrying out the functions of the local government.

Under the old setup, deputy mayors were employed as consultants or contractual employees designated under another title. In Cebu City, for instance, councilors appointed as deputy

mayors became a focus of legal suit. Under Republic Act 5525, the city mayor was authorized to transfer an employee in the interest of public service and may introduce a “corresponding change of title.” Arguably, no transfer was involved in the assignment as Cecu City deputy mayor because it was merely an added title.

On the other hand, if the City Council, to formalize the creation of the position of deputy mayor, can pass an ordinance establishing the title, which makes it a regular position but still subject to the civil service regulations and other pertinent laws.

In the annals of personalities who held the position of deputy mayor-at-large, Nemesio ‘Nene’ Romano Depillo, the first to hold the position in 1971, was the most visible and well-received. A native of Ayungon, Negros Oriental, he was former barangay captain of Kilate, Toril district. He took high school at the Davao Central College and tertiary education at Rizal Memorial Colleges

An immersive opportunity:

before finishing at the Siliman University, in Dumaguete City.

Considered a farmer-leader, Depillo was also rural broadcaster whose velvety voice was the signature of his early morning program, Tingog sa Barangay (Village Voice), which gave out tips for cultivators with help from agriculture experts.

The on-air broadcast survived for 15 years, including the time he was already functioning as deputy mayor-at-large. At the time, the city had only 80 barangays as compared to today’s 182.

Almost unrelenting in his development efforts, Depillo earned plaudits for his trendsetting initiatives. He was honored as most outstanding barangay captain, outstanding public servant, outstanding alumnus of Davao Central College, and most outstanding member by the Lions International. An effective public speaker, he was married to Paulina Bandayanon with whom he has seven grown-up children.

He died on March 12, 1996 at age 61.

MCM launches Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020 DENNIS R. GORECHO

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09088665786.)

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fice of Abude but there was no response yet as of this writing.

The CTTMO has demarcated a bike lane network which started last Wednesday (June 24) in the city aiming to establish a 72-kilometer bike lane network.

However, some assigned bike lanes received negative reactions from bikers after they found some obstructions including electric posts, moving vehicles, and trash bins.

Bikers also will have to deal with public utility jeepneys (PUJs), trucks, taxis, and private vehicles in using the dedicated bike lane from Bolton Bridge to Quimpo Boulevard.

Councilor Maria Belen “Mabel” Acosta also

shared a “hair-raising” bicycle riding experience in Davao City after accepting the challenge of the city's biking community to get a real feel of how it is to ride a bicycle on the proposed bike lane.

In her Facebook account, Acosta posted that “most cars and jeeps would just load, unload, park, swerve without consideration to bikers."

Acosta added that the city has to level up the public’s awareness about shared roads with bikers as well as streets and signs have to be improved. She also said traffic enforcers should be strict about apprehending violations on illegal loading and unloading.

ernment and its people take, we will also prioritize the life of our fellow Filipinos),” he said.

Data from the WHO showed that the country recorded 8,143 coronavirus cases since June 16, the highest among 22 countries in the region. Singapore came in second with 2,351 new cases during the same period, while China, where the Covid-10 originated, had 302.

The Department of Health (DOH), however, said the Philippines should not be compared to other countries with different socioeconomic context like population, living conditions, and health system capacity.

"Our socioeconomic context, particularly living conditions, as well as health system capacity, even prior to Covid, is different from Singapore. Please take that into account when we do our analysis. Let us not cherry pick the countries we want to compare our-

selves to,” DOH said in a statement.

DOH explained that Singapore has a population of only 5.9 million, with a total number of cases of 43,246 while the Philippines has a population of 109 million with 34,803 total cases, as of Sunday.

“Per 1 million people, Singapore has a higher case at 7,393 cases per 1 million population compared with Philippines at 318 cases per 1 million population,” it added.

The agency said it is currently addressing the rising critical care utilization through augmentation of equipment and workforce and ensuring it can manage possible surge of cases.

The DOH also emphasized the implementation of minimum health standards such as wearing of masks and physical distancing, as the most effective preventive measure in the absence of a vaccine.

(PNA)

The rest are under Modified General Community Quarantine which is a step away to what is referred to as “new normal.”

Audan said the hospital will gradually reopen other departments, including Dermatology, ENT (eyes, nose, and throat), Ophthalmology, Family Medicine, and Pediatrics.

He said these services are currently available only through teleconsultation.

“These are not really closed because they are doing teleconsultation.

The majority of the departments are doing teleconsultation. What are closed are the face-to-face consul-

tations,” Audan said.

For several months, the SPMC has been the only hospital in Mindanao that processed test results of suspected COVID-19 patients through RT-PCR. At present, Davao Region has three COVID-19 testing facilities, with the addition of Davao One World Diagnostic Center Inc. in Davao City and Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Testing facilities are now also available in the key cities of Mindanao such as Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Cotabato, Koronadal and Surigao. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

house, it was already dead and Pacquiao even watched when the famous dog was buried inside the sprawling mansion.

Pacman was a familiar sight during Pacquiao’s training camp not only in Manila, Baguio City, and General Santos City but also in the US as well.

Pacquiao decided not to bring along Pacman a few years ago after noticing that it could no longer keep up with his pace.

Pacman became Team Pacquiao’s official mascot in 2006 when the Filipino ring icon was getting ready for the third fight with Erik Morales in Las Vegas.

STRICT... FROM2

A food delivery rider traverses in Matina Aplaya, Davao City on Monday. Majority of vehicular accidents in the city nowadays involve food delivery riders as they tend to ignore their safety just to beat the delivery time imposed by their company. Edge Davao

DATA... FROM5

that will enable them to increase their crop yields and incomes,” Reyes said.

Studies show that application of proper

amount of fertilizers at the right time can significantly increase average rice yield by two tons per hectare, from 4-5 metric

tons (MT) per hectare to 6-7 MT/hectare for certified inbred seeds; and from 5-6 MT/hectare to 7-9 MT/hectare or even

up to 10MT, for hybrid rice farmers.

The current national average yield is 4 MT/ hectare. (PNA)

Filing activities at IPOPHL are largely driven by MSMEs.

From 2015 to 2019, the average annual share of MSMEs to IP filings

stood at 78 percent for inventions; 77 percent for trademarks; 75 percent

for utility models; and 68 percent for industrial designs. (PR)

recovery after Covid-19, thereby could further help boost the country's GIR to new record highs, going forward,” he added.

On the other hand, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa, in a reply to queries from PNA, said he expects the peso to weaken in the remaining months of the year partly

due to the projected drop of remittance inflows.

BSP data show that cash remittances last March reached USD2.4 billion, higher than the previous month’s USD2.358 billion but lower than yearago’s USD2.514 billion.

In the first quarter this year, remittances grew by 1.4 percent to USD7.403

billion, lower than the 4.2-percent expansion it registered the same period last year.

Monetary authorities expect remittance growth to contract by 5 percent this year, a turnaround from the 3-percent growth projection earlier, due to job losses among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Mapa said another risk factor for the peso this year is the projected recovery of imports in the second half of the year as the government’s priority Build, Build, Build program gains traction.

“PHP (The Philippine peso) could settle at 52.06 by year-end,” he added.

(PNA)

love him as a person. I care about him as a person.”

“I was only 18. I didn’t even know how the NBA worked. [Kidd’s firing] hurts a little bit more because he was here for 3 1/2 years. He trusted me. He put the ball in my hands. He pushed me to be great.”

This looks pretty good for Kidd, but if we’re considering it evidence that Giannis would leave the Bucks to reunite with Kidd, we should take into account that ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Milwaukee wasn’t worried about that.

“Giannis has a good relationship with Kidd,” Wojnarowski said on “SportsCenter” at the time.

“He’s a respectful guy. He’s going to be respectful of whoever the coach is. But the organization didn’t see something there that was going to injure them long-term with Giannis. He wants to win. They feel like they’ve got a team that can do better.”

In other words, winning matters most. But that isn’t to say there’s no bond between them. Kidd was the one who put the ball in Gi-

annis’ hands, let him play point guard and helped develop the ball-handling, passing and vision that have made him such a dynamic, dominant player.

Kidd was there through Giannis’ formative seasons, as the Greek Freak matured as a player and a person. Even now, Giannis has played more games for Kidd than any other coach.

For all the good things Kidd did, though, there were plenty of negatives. He barred Giannis from taking 3s, a mandate that crushed his young star’s confidence, and looks even more foolish now than it did at the time.

Via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: After Antetokounmpo shot 34.7% on 118 threepoint attempts as a rookie, Kidd told him to stop shooting from outside. That took a toll on Antetokounmpo.

“I think it was my second year he told me not to shoot the ball,” Antetokounmpo said. “Then my third year, at the end of the year, he told me to shoot the ball a little bit. In my fourth year, he let me shoot the ball and in my fifth year he told me, ‘You have the green light, do

whatever you want,’ but I wasn’t comfortable enough.

It’s hard. When you’re not shooting the ball, it’s hard to get back [to shooting].”

Then there was Kidd’s hard-nosed style. Though Giannis admitted he enjoyed it at the time, he’s experienced enough now to know it isn’t the way to long-term success.

“I was used to [former Bucks coach] Jason Kidd,” Giannis told Yahoo Sports earlier this season. He was breaking us down, but I was happy about it. I think I was the only one that was embracing that. I came from nothing and worked hard every day. That’s what I was used to.

“Having Jason Kidd was fun. Obviously, we didn’t break through from the first round, but it’s different.

Like, if this is the middle, Jason Kidd was right here and Mike Bud[enholzer] is way over there [in coaching philosophy]. They’re totally different. Mike Bud wants you to rest, he wants you to stay with your family, but the day we work out, he wants you to be there and he wants you to give everything.”

On top of that, Kidd never built a team or system that maximized Giannis’ skills, had the Bucks playing a foolish, outdated defense and couldn’t get them out of the first round. With his combination of skills and determination, Giannis would have become an MVP candidate no matter what, but it’s hard to imagine him turning Milwaukee into a perennial contender if he were still stuck with Kidd. On both ends, Budenholzer’s Bucks have maximized his talent by playing a radically different style.

Also relevant: Giannis’ reported dislike of the Knicks for the way they treated his brother Thanasis, and his quotes about not wanting to play in a big market.

As much as Giannis respects and admires Kidd, he is surely smart enough to recognize how much better his basketball life has been with Budenholzer. This season, Giannis will likely win his second MVP and his first Defensive Player of the Year award, and Milwaukee has been the league’s best team, at least in the regular season.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

Gasoline prices to be hiked for 4th consecutive week

M

otorists will once again be greeted with heftier pump prices of petroleum products this week, marking the fourth straight week of hikes for gasoline, and the eighth for both diesel and kerosene.

In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said it will increase prices per liter of gasoline by P0.70, diesel by P0.30, and kerosene by P0.40.

Cleanfuel will implement the same changes,

excluding kerosene which it does not carry.

The changes will take effect 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30.

Other firms have yet to make announcements for the week.

Latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) shows that year-to-date adjustments stand at a net decrease of P5.67 per liter for gasoline, P9.14 for diesel, and P13.39 for kerosene, as of June 23, 2020.

GCash cash-in via MasterCard, Visa to be charged 2.58% convenience fee

C

ashing in to GCash via MasterCard and VISA bank card transactions will have a 2.58% convenience fee starting July 6, 2020, the company announced Monday.

In an emailed statement, GCash said the fee — a direct charge of payment partners — will be computed and stated in the GCash application for each cash-in via bank card transaction.

As an example, a customer that cashes in P100 in the GCash wallet will be charged a convenience fee

of P2.58, bringing the total to P102.58.

GCash clarified, however, that other cash-in methods remain free such as cashing in via linked BPI or UnionBank accounts, or through bank applications or websites powered by InstaPay. "We would like to assure that GCash does not earn a single centavo from the direct charges implemented by our payment partners," said GCash president and chief executive officer Martha Sazon.

9

FB Inc. ad boycott campaign to go global, organizers say

O

rganizers of a Facebook Inc. advertising boycott campaign that has drawn support from a rapidly expanding list of major companies are now preparing to take the battle global to increase pressure on the social media company to remove hate speech.

The "Stop Hate for Profit" campaign will begin calling on major companies in Europe to join the boycott, Jim Steyer, chief executive of Common Sense Media, said in an interview with Reuters on Saturday. Since the campaign launched earlier this month, more than 160 companies, including Verizon Communications and Unilever Plc, have signed on to stop buying ads on the world’s largest social media platform for the month of July.

Free Press and Common Sense, along with US civil rights groups Color of Change and the Anti-Defamation League, launched the campaign following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man killed

by Minneapolis police.

"The next frontier is global pressure," Steyer said, adding the campaign hopes to embolden regulators in Europe to take a harder stance on Facebook.

The European Commission in June announced new guidelines for tech compa-

nies including Facebook to submit monthly reports on how they are handling coronavirus misinformation.

The outrage in the United States over the death of Floyd has led to an unprecedented reaction from corporations around the world.

Its impact has been felt beyond US borders. Unilever, for example, changed the name of a skin-lightening product popular in India called Fair and Lovely.

The global campaign will proceed as organizers continue to urge more US companies to participate.

Jessica Gonzalez, co-chief executive of Free Press, said she has contacted major US telecommunications and media companies to ask them to join the campaign.

Responding to demands for more action, Facebook on Sunday acknowledged it has more work to do and is teaming up with civil rights groups and experts to develop more tools to fight hate speech. Facebook said its investments in artificial intelligence have allowed it to find 90% of hate speech before users report it.

Expanding the campaign outside the United States will take a bigger slice off of Facebook’s advertising revenue but is not likely have major financial impact. Unilever, for instance, on Friday committed to

pausing its US spending on Facebook for the rest of the year. That only accounts for about 10% of its overall estimated $250 million it spends on Facebook advertising annually, according to Richard Greenfield of LightShed Partners, a media and tech research firm.

Steyer said they will urge global advertisers such as Unilever and Honda, which have only committed to pausing US ads, to pull their Facebook ads globally.

Annually, Facebook generates $70 billion in advertising sales and about a quarter of it comes from big companies such as Unilever with the vast majority of its revenue derived from small businesses.

But the publicity around its hate speech policies have hurt its perception and stock. On Friday, Facebook's 8.3% decline in stock price wiped out $56 billion in market capitalization.

The renewed push to urge more companies outside of the United States to join demonstrates the level of frustration felt by social justice groups and the companies that support them over Facebook’s lack of action on misinformation and hate speech, Steyer said.

He and Gonzalez said Facebook’s efforts on Friday to introduce new measures to ban ads and label

hate speech from politicians to appease boycotters fell short of the campaign’s demands.

“If they think they are done based on Friday, they are sorely mistaken,” Gonzalez said. “We don't need a one-off policy here and there. We need comprehensive policy.”

Stop Hate for Profit has outlined a set of demands, which include a separate moderation process to help users who are targeted by race and other identifiers, more transparency on how many incidents of hate speech are reported and to stop generating ad revenue from harmful content.

Moreover, Facebook did not address demands that it refund companies whose ads are displayed next to content that is later removed for policy violations, said Ian Orekondy, chief executive of AdComplyRx, an advertising tech company that helps pharmaceutical brands with their digital ads, which has joined the boycott.

The boycott has accelerated to include other digital advertising platforms such as Twitter. Starbucks said Sunday it would pause advertising on all social media platforms while it works with civil rights organizations to "stop the spread of hate speech."

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VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

LIVING

HOMEGROWN WELLNESS FROM KULTURA

GIFTS from our fields and forests, - coconuts, rice, and nuts are not only delicious and nutritious – but make wonderful wellness products as well. With that, they can help create a healthy and relaxing retreat at home to de-stress pamper your body, mind, and spirit.

And you can now enjoy these items from home with Kultura Filipino’s You Click We Deliver service and with ShopSM. Laurin 100% CocoMCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) is a life-giving superfood supplement made of coconut oil that captures the nourishing power of nature and man’s capacity to harness it. It promotes Ketone production as immediate energy source, improves brain function and memory, increases fat-burning for weight loss, balances cholesterol level and protects your gut from bacteria and fungi.

CocoBody, on the other hand, creates natural earthfriendly handmade natural cosmetics from virgin coconut oil which soothes, moisturizes, cleanses, and heals from head to toe. It also has Cocobody

Cocolicious Virgin Coconut Oil products that helps boost our immune system with its antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Bedrock Home and Body Essentials is a cottage industry that creates and produces functional, friendly and safe handcrafted products that use only natural, raw and local ingredients in their products. Care for your skin with the finest natural Filipino materials like sampaguita with Bedrock’s shampoo, conditioner and hand wash.

Oryspa rice bran products reveal a centuries-old secret for unparalleled Asian beauty.

Rice Bran products are rich in Vitamins E and A, as well as oryzanol, a nutrient that is an anti-oxidant and anti-aging. It is today the first and the finest maker of rice bran based health and beauty care, home and spa products in the country.

Pili Ani’s s organic, sustainable, all natural beauty and wellness products are crafted using rare and exquisite Pili and Elemi oils made by local artisans. Pili Oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, and aids in the natural healing process of the skin with its unparalleled anti-ageing properties. It has also become

Clockwise from top left: Relax and destress with the comforting scents of Simoy ng Haraya Puto-Bumbong and Kape Odor Neutralizers. Strengthen your immune system, increase your energy and discover more wondrous health benefits of rice bran by treating yourself to Oryspa products like its Aromatherapy Body Oil, herb-infused room spa elixirs, and Rice Bran Sniff Balm. Bedrock’s handcrafted natural Sampaguita hand wash, shampoo and conditioner. Laurin’s CocoMCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) made from the healthiest portion of coconut oil give your body, mind and immune system a boost. Nourish your skin and body with these Pili Ani’s Hand & Body Lotion, Body Oil and Soap. known for effectively diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Pili oils are packed with vitamins A and E, essential in nourishing, hydrating and bringing back our skin’s elastic-

ity. Pili Ani also uses Elemi oils from the bark of the pili trees that have been proven effective for its skin firming and also has anti-bacterial properties.

Simoy ng Haraya (whiff of imagination) creates carefully curated and lovingly crafted Philippine products for body, home and wellness with scents that help relax and de-stress.

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GMA NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL CHANNEL ‘HEART OF ASIA’ As it celebrates its 70th anniversary, GMA Network continues to change the game in providing topnotch entertainment to every Filipino household with the launch of its new digital TV channel “Heart of Asia” on Monday, June 29.

Proudly known as “Home of the best Asian dramas”, the Kapuso Network – through “Heart of Asia” – is set to bring to digital TV viewers no less than the biggest and the freshest K-drama titles alongside the best Asianovela series that are sure to warm the hearts of Filipinos.

Perfectly complementing these are some of the most-loved GMA titles that include unforgettable stories that have captured the viewers’ hearts and touched their lives.

“Heart of Asia” viewers should look forward to the award-winning Korean series ‘Sky Castle,’ which revolves around four housewives living in a luxurious residential area called Sky Castle in suburban Seoul. They all have one ambition – to get their children to Seoul National University Medical School.

Lending their voices to these powerful female characters are Kapuso actresses Lotlot de Leon, Angelu de Leon, Chynna Ortaleza, Angelika dela Cruz, and Sunshine Dizon.

Meanwhile, be inspired by how a person’s rank in society does not dictate his or her fate in the grand epic Korean drama ‘Dong Yi.’ Follow Dong Yi (Han Hyo Joo) as she surpasses her low state to become one of Korea’s successful women.

All set to spread good vibes is ‘Love in Trouble’ starring Ji Changwook as Gerald Noh and Nam Ji-hyun as Monique Eun. Things get complicated as their careers and love lives get entangled, but one thing brings them together — catching the real culprit responsible for a series of murders before they run out of time.

Heart of Asia is also set to air the irresistible story of ‘You’re My Destiny,’ the first ever Lakorn or Thai series on Philippine TV. Starring Esther Supraleela as Martina, it tells the story of a law office clerk who was given the moniker “Sticky Note Girl” for being overly-keen and a push-over employee. Her life changes after a one-night stand with company heir Paolo (Wisetkaew Sukrit).

Aside from Filipino-dubbed Asianovelas, Heart of Asia offers as well a blend of all-time favorite Kapuso content that vary from The Best of GMA to various Pinoy and foreign movies.

Take a journey back in time with Philippine TV’s first ever epicserye ‘Amaya,’ top billed by Kapuso

Primetime Queen Marian Rivera.

Set in the pre-colonial period of the 1500s, Amaya is about a princess who is forced into slavery. She later discovers her extraordinary powers that she uses to lead her people at a time when males dominated society.

Last but not the least, relive heart-warming love and life stories in the ‘90s via ‘T.G.I.S. (Thank God It’s Sabado),’ the youth-oriented drama series which catapulted the careers of many celebrities such as Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, Sunshine Dizon, and Dingdong Dantes among others.

Viewers can catch the Heart of Asia channel on the GMA Affordabox and on other digital TV boxes on free-to-air broadcast.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

PSC exec bares plans to honor female athletes

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hilippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Celia Kiram is looking to commend women who have excelled in sports.

In the PSC Chatroom podcast on Saturday, Kiram bared that she is considering putting up a means to honor the female athletes in the near future.

“Meron akong iniisip na magkaroon kami ng mga parangal sa mga kababaihang atleta natin (I have something in mind in which we will hand out honors to our female athletes),” Kiram said.

She then said that this awarding event will be different from the general awards the PSC is giving to the athletes.

The recent years saw a huge surge in female athletes giving glory to the Philippines.

The main highlight of this was weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s silver medal in the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.

Two years later, Diaz led the Philippines’ gold medal charge in the Asian Games in Jakarta.

The 2018 Asian Games also began skateboarder Margielyn Didal’s road to prominence as well as golfers Yuka Saso, Bianca

Pagdanganan and Kaye Go. All of the Philippines’ four golds in the Asian Games came from these athletes.

Last year’s Southeast Asian Games also saw the dominance of the likes of taekwondo jin Pauline Lopez and second generation athlete Jamie Lim of karatedo.

Other notable events involving female athletes are the RP Blu Girls’ recent dominance that put them just within arm’s reach of the Top 10 in the world softball rankings and Nesthy Petecio’s gold medal in a world boxing event.

Irish Magno is also expected to be recognized for earning a slot in the Tokyo Olympics Games which was reset in 2021 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Magno is the first Filipina boxer to qualify for the Olympic and one of the four athletes who have so far qualified in the Tokyo Olympics after fellow boxer Eumir Marcial, gymnast Carlos Yulo and pole-vaulter EJ Obiena.

Once this will finally push through, Kiram said this awarding ceremony will serve as a boost for the female athletes in the future. (PNA)

Evans beats Edmund in Battle of Brits final

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an Evans beat Kyle Edmund in the final of the Battle of the Brits exhibition tournament on Sunday.

The 30-year-old won 6-3 6-2 in the behindclosed-doors event played at the National Tennis Centre in west London.

Evans had beaten former world number one Andy Murray in Saturday's semi-final.

The 33-year-old Murray, who was playing his first event since November, withdrew from his third-place playoff match against Cameron Norrie after a busy week.

Murray's brother Jamie organised the charity tournament to help provide

some competitive action while players await the resumption of the season which was closed down in March because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The former world number one Murray, 33, returned to action following a seven-month injury layoff at the charity event organised by his brother Jamie this week.

The three-times Grand Slam champion played four matches in five days, beating Liam Broady and James Ward on the way to the semi-finals where he lost to Dan Evans on Saturday.

Ward took Murray's place in the match against Norrie.

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Knicks want Kidd, Giannis The Knicks are reportedly interested in Jason Kidd as coach because of his closeness with Giannis Antotekounmpo.

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ith their season now officially over, the New York Knicks have embarked on their latest coaching search, a process that has become quite familiar to them over the past two decades. Since Jeff Van Gundy resigned in 2001, they’ve had 12 different head coaches, and are about to make it 13.

Interim head coach Mike Miller earned himself a look at the full-time job with his work since taking over for David Fizdale, while several assistant coaches -- Mike Brown (Warriors), Ime Udoka (76ers), Pat Delany (Magic) and Chris Fleming (Bulls) -- are all expected to be interviewed.

They also interviewed Tom Thibodeau, who was at one point considered an early favorite.

One name, however, has stood out among the Knicks’ reported candidates: Jason Kidd. The Hall of Famer spent the last season of his playing career

with the Knicks, and is now on the Los Angeles Lakers’ bench as an assistant. He has largely underwhelmed as a head coach in his two previous stints with the Brooklyn Nets (44-38) and Milwaukee Bucks (139152), but the Knicks aren’t interested in his results so much as the relationships he built along the way.

In particular, the Knicks reportedly believe that Kidd could help them lure Giannis Antetokounmpo to Madison Square Garden in the summer of 2021. They aren’t the first team to think this way -- there were reports that the Lakers had

the same idea -- and it’s no secret that Giannis looked up to Kidd.

All of this could be irrelevant if Giannis decides to re-sign in Milwaukee, an appealing option considering both financial incentives and the ability to compete for a title. But, assuming he does hit unrestricted free agency in 2021, would Kidd’s presence really be enough to sway him to sign with New York?

In January of 2018, with the Bucks treading water and heading toward another .500 season, the team fired Kidd. Giannis was clearly on the ascent to superstardom, but the team was stagnant and its defense was a disaster. By the time he was let go, even Kidd knew his time was up.

The notion that Kidd could influence Giannis’ free agency decision stems directly from comments and reports in the aftermath of his firing. Giannis was “devastated,” accord-

FKNICKS, P8

Clippers sign Noah

T The Los Angeles Clippers have signed free agent Joakim Noah to a new contract for the rest of the season, three months after he first signed a 10-day deal with the team.

ing to a report from Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

Giannis offered to make some calls to get the team to reverse the decision, Kidd claimed in an interview with Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. “He called me and said, ‘Coach, this isn’t right what they’re about to do, but [they] are gonna let you go,’” Kidd told ESPN. Kidd said he replied, “I had a feeling that was gonna take place.”

To which Antetokounmpo responded, “’What can I do? I’ll call the owners, I’ll call my agent.”

Kidd said he told him, “There’s nothing you can do. All you can do is tell the truth. That’s it.”

In his first public comments about the firing, Giannis was effusive with his praise.

“He’s a big part of my success in the league,” Giannis said. “I’m loyal to the people I work with. I

he Los Angeles Clippers announced the signing of two-time All-Star center Joakim Noah on Sunday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Noah originally signed a 10-day contract with the Clippers on March 9, two days before the coronavirus pandemic forced the league to shut down.

Noah, 35, hasn’t played in the NBA this season. He played in 42 games for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018-19 and averaged 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

The 6-foot-11, 230-pound Noah spent his first nine seasons

(2007-16) with the Chicago Bulls. He was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2013-14 season.

Noah also spent part of two seasons with the New York Knicks. He has averages of 8.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocked shots in 667 career games (512 starts) since being selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.

The Clippers were 4420 and in second place in the Western Conference at the time of the hiatus.

They are part of the NBA’s planned 22-team restart in Orlando, Fla., scheduled for late July.

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BYE, ‘PACMAN’

VOL.13 ISSUE 68 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020

Manny’s dog ‘Pacman’ dies in freak accident: report

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acman, the dog who served as boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s sidekick and running mate for over a decade, is dead.

The 14-year old Jack Russel terrier died after accidentally being ran over by a car driven by the boxing champion’s close aide in General Santos City the other day, boxing writer and Pacquiao chronicler Nick Giongco of the Manila Bulletin reported.

Giongco wrote in an article published in Philboxing.com website that the incident took place when the Mazda sedan of David Sisson struck Pacman “after running under the vehicle” as Pacquiao’s security people were trying to clear up the garage.

“I didn’t even see him and the boss’ bodyguards said he came out of nowhere

and it was too late,” said Sisson, who was saddened by the mishap.

The poor dog was brought immediately to a veterinary clinic but the doctor said the injuries were too severe for the 14-yearold Jack Russell Terrier.

“If he was like seven years, he could have made it, according to the vet,” said Sisson, who quickly told Pacquiao and wife Jinkee about what happened.

“They understood and accepted what happened. It was a freak accident,” said Sisson, noting that Pacman even ran away after getting injured.

When Pacquiao was brought back to the

FBYE, P8

Manny Pacquiao’s pet dog Pacman leads the champion in one of his morning jogs while on training.