Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 78 | Friday, July 11, 2020

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VIRUS HITS KIDS

VOL.13 ISSUE 78 • SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020

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Diners eat their meal at a table installed with a divider at a restaurant along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Friday. Some restaurants in the city, which offers dine-in service, have installed dividers to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Edge Davao

Infants, teens among new Davao virus victims STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 78 • SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020

Davao City, private sector join forces vs. Covid-19

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is praised by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar for her “proactive approaches”in preventing the spread of Covid-19 in Davao City and mitigating the impacts of the pandemic to Dabawenyos. Edge Davao

VIRUS HITS KIDS Infants, teens among new Davao virus victims

By MAYA M. PADILLO 10-month old infant from Davao Oriental is the youngest among new cases of Covid-19 in Davao Region reported by the Department of Health-Davao Center for Health Development (DOH-DCHD).

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Based on the regional situation update on Covid-19 in Davao Region as of 5 p.m. of July 9, 2020 posted by DOH 11, the boy from Aragon in Cateel town is asymptomatic and his history of exposure is still

being investigated.

Also included in the newest cases are a two year-old boy from Brgy. 76A, Davao City, a five year-old female from Ilang, Davao City and 15 year-old female from Brgy. 23-C.

These patients comprise the 41 new cases of Covid-19 in the region after testing 368 persons which was conducted on July 9, 2020, bringing the total number of cases to 689. Of these cases, 32 are from Davao City and nine are from Davao Oriental.

In Davao City: six cases from Buhangin Proper; three from Barangay 28-C; two from Brgy. 23-C; two from Matina Crossing; two from Ilang , Tibungco; one from Agdao Proper; one

Go renews push for passage of DDR

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s the country observes National Disaster Resilience Month, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go renewed his push for the passage of his proposed measure creating the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) and another bill mandating the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers nationwide.

Go said that there is a need for a change in mindset and approach when dealing with natural disasters and calamities given that these situations are regular occurrences in the country and the hardships caused to the people are heightened in times of crises such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is high time that we fully recognize that our country is highly vulnerable to ominous disasters

given the frequency of natural calamities, like typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, that hit and affect us every year,” Go said.

“Just this year, we have witnessed how pandemics and calamities pose an existential threat to the country,” Go said. “Therefore, fostering a culture of proactivity and resiliency is necessary to ensure the preparedness and safety of Filipinos during these times of crises.”

The Senator also highlighted the importance of promoting awareness, information dissemination and educating the public in a community’s disaster preparedness effort, especially as the country observes the National Disaster Resilience Month.

Executive Order No. 29 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in June of 2017

mandates the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month nationwide every July. Activities related to promoting disaster resilience covering prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation, and recovery are usually conducted during this month-long commemoration.

“We should acknowledge the fact that government as a whole can do more to educate and inform the public when it comes to disaster preparedness. Lalo na po sa mga LGUs na pinaka-apektado ng pandemya, malapit sa bulkan o palaging tinatamaan ng bagyo o lindol,” Go said.

“This is also one of the reasons why I am pushing for the creation of DDR. Parte ng magiging mandate nito ay ang pag-improve lalo ng information dissem-

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from Centro, Agdao; one from Lubogan, Toril; one from San Antonio, Agdao; one from Brgy. 19-B; one from Wangan, Calinan; one from Brgy. 39-D; one from Brgy. 76-A; one from Cabantian; one from Sasa; one from Mudiang; one from Panacan; one from San Isidro, Bunawan; one from Binugao, Toril; one from Calinan; one from Bunawan Proper; and one from Toril Proper.

Davao Oriental: two

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he city government and the private sector here have initiated complementary initiatives to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on the local economy while preventing the deadly disease from infecting more residents.

When the community quarantine started right after the national health emergency declaration in March, the business sector immediately volunteered assistance to help the local government manage the contagion.

For instance, inns and hotel operators offered to host Covid-19 front-liners and Business Process Outsourcing workers who were at risk of losing their rented dormitories as fear of the disease grew among the population.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president John Carlo Tria said the generosity of the inn and hotel owners "meant so much to the nurses and BPO workers" as it gave them roofs over their heads while enabling them to continue their work.

“Their (accommodation facilities) kindness ease the feeling of discrimination facing the front liners who up to this day are gambling their lives against COVID-19 to save other people’s lives,” Tria said in an interview early this week.

Some of the accommodation facilities that opened their doors to nurses and BPO workers are Davao Airport View, Circle-B Suites, Chateau Cinco Dormitel, D’Airbus Inn, Yellow Pad, Sharana Pensionne, Capital O World Palace, Blue Lotus Hotel, and Oh George.

Moral support Dr. Roy Ferrer, Department of Health assistant secretary, said front-liners need "moral support to remain strong as they are most vulnerable to contamination with Covid-19 positive patients just in front of their noses."

Blue Lotus Hotel communications officer Arra Amatong said the hotel decided to offer nurses and BPO workers with accommodation during the height of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) at heavily discounted rates.

“It is our way of helping the front-liners ease their predicaments on where to temporarily stay during the quarantine period,” Amatong said.

Patient care centers A number of businesses, meanwhile, even went further by turning their establishments into patient care centers that house persons identified by health authorities as probable and suspect Covid-19 cases. These establishments include La Vida Inn, the Alternative Learning School (ALS), and Queensland Hotel.

In several interviews, Mayor Sara Duterte thanked the businesses that voluntarily offered to house Covid-19 patients, saying it helped eased the capacity of hospitals--especially the Southern Philippines Medical Center, the main referral facility of Covid-19 patients in Davao Region, where severe cases are primarily treated.

Isolating the probable and suspect cases, Mayor Sara said, also helped prevent the spread of the virus.

The patient care centers, she pointed out, are staffed with medical practitioners and volunteers, and on average can accommodate 20 people.

“There are PUIs (persons under investigation for Covid-19) who insist on staying in hospitals. I think that as a PUI, if you are not sure that you are positive of Covid-19 but you exhibit symptoms, you are better off in the PUI centers than in the hospitals, which have patients with positive cases,” the mayor said in one of the meetings with the local task force on Covid-19 in

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Davao City ‘model’ for other LGUs in Covid-19 response: PCOO chief

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A foodpanda delivery rider traverses along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City in this undated photo. The Land Transportation Office 11 (LTO 11) will implement Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code

where food delivery riders are required to be professional driver’s license holders. Riders shall also register their bag carriers. Edge Davao

Barangays told to set up separate evacuation, isolation centers

By MAYA M. PADILLO ith the onset of the rainy season in July, disasters such as flooding, landslides, and rising of water in the riverbanks are expected occurrences.

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To ensure that disaster preparedness and timely evacuation will be implemented while ensuring the safety of Dabawenyos amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) instructed barangays prone to flood, fire, and landslide to set up separate evacuation and isolation facilities.

Likewise, protocols such as social distancing shall also

be observed.

“We have instructed the barangays of flood, fire, and landslide prone areas in Davao City to set up a separate evacuation for identified persons under investigation (PUIs) and persons under monitoring (PUMs).

They also have to look for other evacuation area as an alternate kasi hindi sila puwede magkumpol-kumpol like the covered courts with the physical distancing

12K Covid-19 testing backlogs partly due to overwhelmed labs, DOH says

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ver 12,000 submitted samples for COVID-19 testing are considered as backlogs in various laboratories nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday.

In a virtual forum, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the processing of these samples have been delayed for various reasons, including the "overwhelming" arrival of specimens due to revised protocols for expanded COVID-19 testing.

"Ang backlogs natin ngayon medyo lumaki, 12,208 testing backlogs.

May malaking contributors dito katulad ng mga laboratoryo na kakabukas lang and they got overwhelmed noong dumating ang mga sample sa kanila," Vergeire said. "'Yung iba naman, it is still because of supplies na kailangan natin at 'yung iba marami kasing samples na dumadating ngayon dahil nag-expand na tayo ng pro-

tocol," she added.

Last week, Malacañang announced that even people who do not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms would be includedin the government's expanded testing program.

To finish the backlogs, Vergeire said the laboratories have capped the number of samples they accept per day.

The DOH has also implemented zoning for easy referral to other nearby laboratories.

"Pag ang isang laboratory ay nagkakaroon na ng problema like backlogs, puwede natin hingin ang tulong ng isang laboratory na malapit sa kaniya para mashare niya 'yung burden of these tests that are being processed," Vergeire said.

As of July 9, there were 83 laboratories in the country that are accredited to conduct COVID-19 tests— 62 of which are polymerase chain reaction facilities and

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minimum requirements there is a need to look for another evacuation center,” said Lyndon Leovic Ancajas, administration and training chief of Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DCDRRMO) in Connect media forum via messenger room.

Ancajas said majority of the barangays already submitted their designated isolation facilities at DCDRRMO. Some barangays, he said, opted to use their respective multipurpose hall for isolation. “No need to create another building just use the existing building

and convert it into an evacuation or isolation facility.”

To ensure that infection will not happen inside the evacuation centers, Ancajas said DCDRRMO has coordinated with the City Health Office (CHO) to conduct Covid-19 testing among the evacuees.

Meanwhile, in line with the observance of the 2020 National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) for the entire month of July, the DCDRRMO will be posting disaster preparedness videos from the Project Disaster Information for Nationwide Awareness (DINA) on the official facebook page of DCDRRMO.

residential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday hailed Davao City as a “model” for other local governments in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) response.

In a statement, he praised Davao City Sara Duterte for her “proactive approaches” in preventing the spread of Covid-19 in Davao City and mitigating the impacts of the pandemic to Dabawenyos.

“Mayor Sara Duterte’s effective government interventions have aided Dabawenyos in their daily struggles as they found themselves confined in their homes and lacking a stable source of income and resources, following the strict implementation of community quarantines,” he said.

Andanar said Davao City’s four types of food relief programs: food ration, agri-food, hot mealson-wheels, and the rice distribution program, provided basic necessities and sustenance for the majority of Dabawenyos which encouraged them to stay indoors.

He said Davao City also successfully implemented the national government’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/

Displaced Workers or TUPAD Program to assist Dabawenyos in their livelihood.

This was further augmented by undertaking the “Work for Davao”, “Eskwela Davao”, and other educational assistance programs, he added.

He pointed out that Davao City also immediately implemented the use coded passes, such as for food and medicine, to limit movement and further control the spread of the virus.

Andanar also said Dabawenyos showed “great discipline” throughout the community quarantine in following protocols and observing health standards.

On April 4, Davao City was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) but eventually relaxed to a less restrictive general community quarantine (GCQ).

Davao City is currently under modified GCQ (MGCQ) – the most relaxed quarantine phase—until July 15.

As of July 8, Department of Health-Davao reported 648 Covid-19 cases in the region, with 33 deaths and 406 recoveries.

Of the total confirmed Covid-19 cases, only 484 were in Davao City. (PNA)

House panel junks ABS-CBN’s bid for 25-year franchise

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he House committee on legislative franchises on Friday denied the application of media giant ABS-CBN Corp. for a new 25-year franchise.

By a 70-11 vote, with one abstention, the panel, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, approved the resolution denying the franchise application of ABS-CBN Corp. to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and broadcasting stations

in the Philippines. Two other lawmakers inhibited from voting.

Cebu Rep. Pablo John Garcia said the technical working group that drafted the resolution has determined that the "likely consensus" among the panel members was to disapprove the application ABSCBN for another franchise.

The previous House hearings have exhaustively discussed the network’s

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Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma bares the agency has already released over P6.73 million in medical assistance to almost 900 eligible indigent beneficiaries nationwide as of July 9. Edge Davao

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VOL.13 ISSUE 78 • SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020

Banks waive PESONet, InstaPay fees until September, year’s end

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ome Philippine banks will waive fees for PESONet and InstaPay transactions until the end of the third quarter while others will be until the end of the year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

In a Viber message to journalists Thursday, Diokno said this move is part of the banking sector’s responses “to the call for relief measures that will benefit the general public and at the same time deepen the use of digital payments during the Covid-19 period.”

Banks that will waive the fees for both transactions until end-September are BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), China Banking Corporation (ChinaBank), Bank of Commerce, Robinsons Bank, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), and China Bank Savings.

Other members of the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) that will also waive fees until end-September this year are Paymaya and GXI. Diokno said the deadline for the fee waiver extension by the Philippine National Bank (PNB) will be known “until further notice.”

Meanwhile, banks that will waive fees for both transactions until the end of the year are Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), Asia United Bank (AUB), Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), Security Bank Corporation (Security Bank), Sterling Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank.

Diokno said HSBC will waive fees for retail clients until the end of the year, but implemented re-

duced fees for corporate clients from PHP150 per transaction to PHP50 per transaction since last July 1.

He said the central bank is “actively pushing for the use of digital payments now as part of a safe and convenient payments system.”

“My goal is to have half of all financial transactions –in volume and value– in digital form by the end of my term, which is midyear 2023. With the quantum jump in the use of digital payments during the lockdown, I’m confident that this goal would be achieved sooner,” he added.

PESONet and InstaPay are the two real-time electronic payment systems under the BSP’s National Retail Payments System (NRPS).

InstaPay allows bank clients to transfer funds up to PHP50,000 per transaction without limit daily while PESONet is a credit payment scheme for business-to-business and people-to-business transactions, such as crediting of salaries to employees’ accounts.

BSP earlier said that volume of InstaPay transactions during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in mainland Luzon from March 17 to May 12 rose by 84 percent, while PESONet transactions grew by 24 percent.

In a separate report, the central bank said the volume of InstaPay transactions reached about 8.86 million last April, up by about 509,151 percent compared to the 1,740 transactions when it was launched in April 2018.

PESONet transactions reached about 1.08 million last April from around 330,000 when the electronic payment system started operations in November 2017. (PNA)

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president John Carlo Tria says the organization is planning to promote the adoption of technology to further increase patronage of local consumer goods among Dabawenyos. Edge Davao

DICT wants P46.6B for 2021, over 7 times its 2020 budget

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he Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is seeking a P46.6-billion budget for 2021, nearly eight times its 2020 budget, to finance mainly digital transformation efforts.

The department’s approved budget for 2020 is P6 billion, with which it is mandated to plan, develop, and promote the national information and communications technology agenda.

In a statement on Thursday, the DICT said the lion’s share or P22.1 billion of its proposed 2021 budget will cover digital connectivity and access programs.

This includes the National Broadband Program (NBP), the Free WiFi for All in Public Places and State

Universities and Colleges Program, and the Government Emergency Communications System.

“Digital connectivity and access is the foundation of digital transformation,” said DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II. “It is only with a secure and reliable Internet connectivity for every Filipino can we implement programs and initiatives towards digitalization in various sectors of our society,” he added.

A Cebu Pacific aircraft lands at the Davao International Airport in this undated photo. The airline company has announced its plan to lay off more than 800 employees by August as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to“negatively impact”the airline industry. Edge Davao

In the proposed budget, the DICT earmarked P11.7 billion for its Digital Government initiatives, P10.2 billion for the Digital Workforce and Digital Education, P1.05 billion for cybersecurity, P55 million for the Digital Cities and Provinces, and P1.3 billion for “internal DICT programs.”

“We hope that both houses of Congress will approve our proposed budget for 2021. Now more than ever, the call for digital transformation has never been more urgent,” said Honasan.

“We need all the resources to fast-track the country’s digital transformation for us to better adapt to the new normal brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

To recall, former DICT Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr.filed his resignation in February after butting heads with Honasan over the P300 million in confidential funds for the department tasked mainly to develop the national ICT development agenda.

Duterte initially rejected the resignation in March, and Rio and Honasan were said to have reconciled their differences.

However, in May, Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. announced that the resignation was accepted.

Rio said he was “eased out” of his position after raising concerns such as privacy and compatibility issues regarding the official

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vide affordable and accessible air transport services to the public," it added.

Retrenchment package for affected employees include tax free one-month basic salary for every year of service, gratuity pay equivalent to one-month salary, health coverage for the rest of the year, pro-rated 13 month pay, conversion of unused leaves and 2 round trip tickets to any destination, it said.

Pay cuts on the management to augment salaries of other employees were implemented while select non-essential projects were also deferred, the carrier said. New hires, promotions and salary adjustments were also suspended, it added.

Cebu Pacific restarted its commercial operations on June 2, after Metro Ma-

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CebPac to lay off over 800 workers ebu Pacific said Thursday it would lay off more than 800 employees by August as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to "negatively impact" the airline industry.

The worsening impact of COVID-19 prompted Cebu Pacific to reprioritize operating and capital expenses while employees were given the option for voluntary separation, one of the country's leading carriers said in a statement.

"As the impact of COVID-19 worsened, CEB took immediate steps to manage financial resources...Because of this, CEB is constrained to retrench more than 800 employees

by August 2020," Cebu Pacific said.

"This is a difficult but necessary decision for CEB in order to fulfill its longterm commitment to pro-

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ECONOMY 5

Workers are seen atop the metal structure of an advertising billboard along Matina, Davao City on Thursday. Advertising experts believed billboard industry is dying in the age of digital marketing as people travelling from places to places are focused less on the outer environment but more on their mobile phones. Edge Davao

debt funds boost firms’ LBP offering loans of up to P300K Corp. liquidity needs amid pandemic in ‘study now, pay later’ program T

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tate-run lender Land Bank of the Philippines on Thursday announced that it was offering up to P300,000 in loans for parents and guardians of students under its “study-now-pay-later” program in school year 2021 to 2022.

The direct loan program is launched to cover students’ tuition to assist parents or guardians “who may be reeling from effects of the COVID-19 health crisis,” Landbank president and CEO Cecilia Borromeo said in a statement.

The state lender has allotted P1.5 billion in credit support under its I-STUDY or Interim Students’ Loan for Tuitions towards Upliftment of Education for the Development of the Youth lending program to

cover the tuition and other enrollment-related fees of eligible students.

The I-STUDY Program is open to parents and guardians of incoming students who are qualified under the admission and retention requirements of an academic institution recognized or accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), or the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

(TESDA).

Parents and guardians can borrow the amount of tuition equivalent to one school year or two semesters, or up to P150,000 per student but not more than P300,000 per eligible borrower.

“Landbank supports President Duterte’s call to finance students’ access to quality education amid the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic. Through the I-STUDY Lending Program, we hope to help students finish their studies despite the difficulties they are facing,” Borromeo said.

The I-STUDY lending program offers an affordable fixed interest rate of 5% per annum for short

term loans for pre-school, primary, and secondary students payable within one year, as well as for term loans for tertiary students payable up to a maximum of three years, inclusive of one year grace period on the principal.

Eligible parents and guardians should have an established repayment capacity, credit history, and good credit standing.

Eligible students, meanwhile, cannot be a current beneficiary of the Universal Access for Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 or Republic Act No. 10931, or any scholarship program or privilege granted to honor students and should be of good moral character as certified by school.

mark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at USD40.74 a barrel at the same time for a 0.39-percent loss after ending the previous day at USD40.90 per barrel.

Commercial crude oil inventories in the US rose by 5.7 million barrels for the week ending July 3.

However, the market expectation was a decline of 3.1 million barrels.

The surprise increase in crude inventories in-

dicates that oil demand is likely to stay low for the world's largest oil consumer for at least the third quarter or possibly until the end of the year.

On the demand side, the risks over a second wave of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) continue to keep the outlook for global oil demand weak, and this keeps downward pressure on crude prices.

The Covid-19 cases in the US climbed above

three million on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The new cases in the worst coronavirus-hit country soared by one million in less than a month.

While the milestone of one million was reached approximately three months after the beginning of the outbreak, the second million was added only 45 days later.

(Anadolu)

Oil prices down with surprise increase in US crude stocks

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il prices went down on Thursday with a surprise increase in US crude oil stocks, signaling that oil demand could remain weak in the world's largest oil-consuming nation.

The international benchmark Brent crude was trading at USD43.17 per barrel at 0626 GMT for a 0.28-percent decline after closing Wednesday at USD43.29 a barrel.

The American bench-

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is working on a new regulatory framework for the development of a capital market where closedend investment companies primarily invest in corporate debt papers of large and medium enterprises to cushion the economic fallout due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

The Commission on July 8 issued for public comment the draft rules providing the minimum requirements and guidelines in the creation and operation of such investment companies called corporate debt funds (CDFs).

“With the proposed regulatory framework, we hope to help avert credit and liquidity crises that may arise from the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and support the recovery of businesses and the overall economy therefrom,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said.

Aquino said the new investment vehicle, CDF, will be particularly helpful in providing for the liquidity needs of large and medium-sized corporations for repayments, emergency spending, and investments necessary to sustain their operations and preserve jobs in these challenging times.

A CDF is a closed-end investment company that offers for sale a fixed number of non-redeemable units of participation or shares and has a limited offer period.

Its objective is to invest in the portfolios of corporate debt papers of large corporations and medium-sized enterprises operating or deriving income in the Philippines, or any company guaranteed by a large or medium-sized domestic corporation or by the Philippine government and/or its agencies.

The CDF may offer different share or unit classes with similar investment objectives but are managed as separate asset pools. Each class shall correspond to a distinct part of the assets and liabilities of the CDF. Subscription in a CDF is done only on initial public offering and redemption is at maturity although it can make periodic distribution of income to investors on a pro-rata basis. It may also pay out the proceeds of the underlying investments of each share/ unit class upon their liquidation until the termination and maturity of its securities.

To incorporate, the CDF shall have a minimum subscribed and paid-up capital of PHP50 million.

But as an exception, the subscribed and paid-up capital shall not be lower than PHP1 million if the CDF forms part of a group of investment companies to be created or already in existence to be managed or under management by the same fund manager with a track record of at least five years.

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On the House resolution on ABS-CBN Corporation: The decision of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises denying the franchise application of ABS-CBN Corporation is a sole prerogative of Congress that we in the Executive recognize.

The Palace has maintained a neutral stance on the issue as it respects the separation of powers between the two coequal branches government.

Much as we want to work with the aforesaid media network, we have to abide by the resolution of the House committee.

Presidential Spokesperson

Harry Roque

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VANTAGE POINTS EDGE DAVAO

DENNIS R. V. GORECHO ANTONIO FIGUEROA PINOY MARINO RIGHTS FAST BACKWARD

Born in Cabanaturan City “Taking 14, responsibility on January 1924, Luisfor T. the health allson human souls Santos wasofthe of Nicolas on theirand ships also defines the Santos Illuminada Toribio. shipowners’ humanA product of sense public of school edity and he justice. ship sails ucation, went No on to earn an without a in human Associate Arts crew.” degree from Thus declared the Suthe University of the Philippine preme Court ainbachelor’s the case deof and finished gree the Ateneo de Manila Oscarfrom Paringit vs. Global GateUniversity. way Crewing Services, Inc. ( war broke out, 28, he G.R. When No. 217123, March joined guerrillas of Luzon 2019) the where it pointed out and Bricthat assumed a crew Kumander properly nourcio Hidalgo as nomfit, deand guerre. ished, adequately enAfter conflict,working he migrated joyingthe humane conto Davaowill withredound his wife, to Cataliditions the na Garcia, to open a junk benefit of the shipowners.shop, which chiefly engaged in Thewasproverbial saying scrap iron. The couple later ‘you are what eat’Timber is the established L.T. you Santos notion that the food one Co., which exported logs eats and has a bearing on one’s into statereof lumber, and branched mind and health. Santos Land alty by founding Without Corp. safe, adequate, Development varied and nutritious meals In the sixties, Santos was prepared and in unhyappointed chiefserved of police gienic seafarers der the conditions, administration of city would not be able to perform mayor Carmelo Porras, which their duties on earned him the effectively moniker Diego board ship.

Salvador, after a very popular Visayan radio are drama, his Seafarers on for board no-nonsense campaign against vessels in the high seas for a substantial length of time and food supplies are usually frozen, preserved, smoked, salted and canned meats as these items are not easily perishable.

On the other hand, fresh

MAYOR (SHIP’S COOK) AND DAVAO’S ‘DIEGO SALVADOR’ THE SEAFARER’S HEALTHY DIET

criminals. His popularity as a fruits vegetables cannot top gunand eventually became his last long in the high seas. ticket to fame.

A seafarer no choice Setting asidehad his badge and of what to eat on board except nightstick, he joined politics in those the vessels 1965. provided He ran asoncandidate of and consisted mainly Sr. of Sen. these Alejandro Almendras, high-fat, high-cholesterol, and for Congress against Lorenzo S. low-fiber (Leonis NavSarmiento,foods. a protégé of Rep. Ismael Veloso; he lost. In, G.R. 1968No. he igation v. Villamater ran against reelectionist 179169 March 3, 2010 ) Rep. Artemio Al. Loyola, aare congresThe shipowners mansional protégé dated under of theAlmendras, Maritime Sr. but again was defeated.2006 Two Labour Convention years later, he returned the (MLC2006) to make tosure electoral to trounce city that foodscene and drinking water mayor Elias Lopez, an Alsupplies shallB. be suitable in mendras bet.

In 1976, Luigi, as respect of quantity, nutritionhe value, was fondly called, reapal quality andwas variety, pointed by President Ferdinand having regard the duration E. Marcos as citytomayor. and In nature of the the 1980, for voyage, the second number of seafarers on board time, Santos had to face Lopez in as as their rethewell mayoralty racereligious which took quirements and cultural praca year for the Commission on tices as they pertain to food.

Elections to resolve.

Also conMLC2006 recognizes the testing his position were city need of ensuring sufficouncilors Victorio that Advincula cient food L.and drinking waand Zafiro Respicio.

Despite ter of appropriate quality are efforts to seek the intervention served on board in by aqualified of the President protest filed trained before the electoral body, and catering personthe Palace eventually took the nel.

The ship’s cook, who is more popularly called “Mayor” by his fellow crewmates, is the person whose primary responsibility on board a ship is to prepare food for the crew of the ship.

side of Lopez who was declared Hisinrole extends winner March 1981. beyond the As preparation of isfood to city mayor, he best reinclude maintenance of the membered for several accomkitchen and ensuring the plishments.

He established the cleanliness and hygiene of Davao City Water District, infood andthedrink troduced Worldpreparation Bank-fundareas and Improvement the handling and ed Slum storage of food and stores. for Resettlement Program squatters, and in themust 1970’s The ships’ cook be worked for the expropriation of trained, qualified and found a 100-hectareforCuison competent the property position at the boundary of Catalunan through the completion of Pequeño and Mintal use as the duly approved fortraining resettlement and governcourse, whichsitecovers practiment center. food and personal cal cookery, Duringfood the storage, Cory Aquino hygiene, stock administration, Santos ran for control, and environmental Congress and elected as protection and was catering health representative of the city’s third and safety. district.

He resigned on October It is an anecdote among 27, 1987 to accept the offer as seafarers that the cook minister (later secretary) is of bethe friended by many so that Department of Interior andthey Locan ask extras for the day’s cal Government (November 9, meal.

1987 - December 10, 1991). AfBut thethe lifegovernment, of a cook, just ter serving he like any other seafarer, before is not accepted a consultancy always retiring.a walk in the park.

In 1990, Taminatvs.theMagsaysay height of Maritime Corp. a coup d’etat, Santos(G.R. led a No. police and military to 220608, Augustcontingent 31, 2016), arrest Col. Rodolfo duty Aguinaldo while on kitchen and chopping pork knuckles for lunch, the chopping knife accidentally slid down and cut the cook’s left forefinger at about 1.5 inches, causing it to detach from the joint bone.

The Supreme Court ruled

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, who that the loss of his indexHefinger attacked Hotel Delfin. was does not in preclude an award cornered the operation but for total and permanent escaped unharmed.

The disenability because,of infire labor laws, suing exchange cost the disability need not renderthen the life of Col. Oscar Florendo, seafarer absolutely Armed Forces of thehelpless Philipor feeble to be compensable. pines spokesman.

It isDuring enoughhis that it incapacistint as DILG secretary, was criticized tates him Santos to perform his cusby Fidel work.

V. Ramos, who resigned tomary as defense secretary Since his entire to leftcontest hand House speaker Ramon V. Mitra was permanently affected, he as Lakas Demokratikong would not ng be able to resume Partido candidate for president. his previous occupation and A West Pointer, that Ramos wrote the probability he would Mitra to air grievance.

His be hired byhis other maritime letter was quoted in W. Scott employers would be close to Thompson’s Trustee of the Naimpossible. tion: The Biography of Fidel V. In (2017): Teodoro vs. Teekay Ramos Shipping Phil.

No. “The case of DILG(G.R. Secretary 244721 February 5, 2020), Luis T. Santos is a most glaring the Supreme Court considone. He is openly campaign for ered the loss of vision the Speaker Mitra and is notofeven cook’s left so. eye shy in doing For as theattributpurpose able to the sudden extreme of his personal and official camchanges temperature from paign for in Speaker Mitra, Secrethe to thedangling freezer taryupper Santosdeck has been during theofhauling and storthe threat the non-release of age process for funds the food NALGU-BALGU to provincial governors and municivisions. pal mayors.”

The panel of voluntary arbitrators pointed out that the company’s personnel were exposed to extreme temperatures without the proper protective clothing, thus, creating a more dangerous work environment that resulted

Ramos said that while he to permanent didthe notseafarer’s wish to impose his blindness in theon leftother eye peoand norm of conduct his resume the ple, incapacity he believedtothat propriety same line of remained a work. valid and moral Supreme Court notdutyThe of every public official “not ed that the 7 disabilito utilize the Grade vast resources of ty rating assessment by the their office.” company-designated In 2001, during the physipresidencynegates of Gloriaany Macapagal-Arcian claim that royo,non-listed Santos’ name was floated the illness is not to assume the DILG portfolio work-related. vice In JoseTorillos Lina, who recomvs.wasEastgate mended for the department of Maritime Corp. (G.R. No. trade andJanuary industry 215904, 10,position.

2019), He was at the time president of the Supreme Court affirmed Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino, that the illness, lumbar sponArroyo’s party. dylosis, was work connected Santos had be a dozen kids though it may degenerawith his first spouse; he was tive. also known as Winchester. One ruled that it of hisThe sonsCourt is Briccio G. Santos, was aggravated by his film director and former work head as chief whose duties of the Filmcook Development Couninvolved manualduring labor cil of theheavy Philippines such as carrying the heavy the Benigno S. Aquino adminprovisions the ship, istration. Heoflater took prepaa secration andHilda, serving all meals ond wife, andofresided at for the entire the vesDarong, Santa crew Cruz,of Davao del sel, dining,akitchen Sur, cleaning after he of suffered stroke and work of areas and ofchronic utenas a result his being smoker. He died on August 3, sils.

2011, at age Dennis 87.

(Atty.

Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)

GOOD MORNING, INSOMNIACS FRED C. LUMBA “If you can’t sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there and worrying. It’s the worry that gets you, not the loss of sleep.”

– Dale Carnegie, American I don’t think my dear writer and lecturer readers *** would be raising theirWeeyebrows I write spend at asleast oneabout of a topic that issleeping. not so third our lives seldom written about.

Unfortunately, most of us is 8a hours subject less Actually, sleep lessitthan of that is about sleep permore night,talked the required these days. amount of sleep each of us needWhy? to have.

Well, is Philippines wholly or In fact,it the in part,as due the global ranks the tofourth most CoVid 19 pandemic sleepless country that in has the claimedaccording the livesto of more world, a recent than a million people from survey conducted

by Sleep all over athepopular world. sleeping Cycle, You have to be physically tracking application. healthy if you to surThe survey want showed our vive thishours monstrous average of sleepCorona range virus from Wuhan, from six hours andChina.

30 minthey utesSome to six say hours andare 45lucky minto have reached seniority age utes per day. while others they Less sleepwonder meansifmore wouldforgetheart to the senior’s risk attacks and bracket.Type II diabetes, obestrokes, here cancer are some of sity,Anyway, depression, and the not-so secret tips toThat’s help shortened lifespan. you stop wondering and what James Maas andhow Rebecca why youstated could in catapult into Robbins their book, the long zone. Everything Sleep forlife Success!

– physically and You Health must Know About Sleep spiritually is and must be But Are Too–Tired to Ask. the “After person’s rea17 primary to 19 hours

SPECKS OF LIFE

without sleep, our brain activity is similar to someone with a blood alcohol level of 0.05,” the book explains. In most states of America, the legal limit for intoxication is 0.08. son forlike living.

If you are not “Sleep, credit-card debt, is healthy (meaning are cumulative.

You can’tyou correct sickly), yourbysituation will the problem banking sleep definitely hinder or abort on the weekend.” yourMost goal of to those live many who years have past your desiredare age.the urtrouble sleeping friends but select ban Make people.

Dr. Robert Lim, Socializing agood sleepcompany. advocate, says stress, in wholesome with anxiety and theactivities environment the right minded that people enare the factors make able a person look at life’s adults living intothe cities uncomplexities positive able to sleep. with Thisa observamind and attitude. tion was based on several Get he into sports. studies has done.Golf, basketball, and people other “City running life makes muscle-flexing more prone to activities insomnia help and take types away ofthe stress that other sleep disorders you get through every day. such as sleep apnea, narcoEnrolling a fitness gym is lepsy, andinrestless legs synone of the regular drome than thoseitems livingthat in most people haveDr. resorted to the countryside,” Lim told because the ambiance is conPhilippine Star. ducive to the exercise regi“Everyone has troumen.with insomnia once in a ble Sleep least eight while,” he at said.

“But forhours some daily. For some towho can’t, people, getting sleep or make sure youis take thirty staying asleep a recurring minuteand to insomnia one hour quick battle, becomes naps to make up for the lost a frustrating battle.” night timeisslumber.

Sleep defined as “unA healthy (less diet consciousness fromsalt) which complements enhances the person can and be aroused by

sensory or other stimuli.” Experts say that people normally cycle through distinct stages of sleep five or six times during the night, The Merck Manual of Medical Informathe above. fresh little vegtion states.Eating Relatively etables fruitssleep and time is and spentfresh in deep drinking3 less or time sug(stages and of 4).soda More ar-based will movekeep is spent inliquids rapid eye ament person from visiting his sleep – the time when friendlydream doctor.– as the night people White meat is stage recomprogresses, but this is mended while redreturns meat interrupted by brief should avoided. to light be sleep (stage 1). Brief Of course, smoking and awakenings happen throughalcohol should be a BIG NO. out the night.

TheyA weaken one’s immugood night’s sleep nity to respiratory diseases means waking up rested and such as flu, cough colds.a energized.

On and average, For adult seniors whobetween are alhealthy needs ready six and bothered eight hoursbyof some sleep diseases, aage-related night, according to Dr.reguRavi larly reading the expert Bible usuSeshadri, a sleep and ally keepdirector them atofpeace and clinical MD Speassured of beingat relieved cialist HealthCare the Parof either anxiety mood agon Medical Centeror in Singaswings. pore.

I can guarantee you that However, the amount of Gospelit takes reading takes away sleep to achieve rejuthe cares varies of the from world.person It devenation velops your faint God to person.

“It’s hope not ainfixed and strengthen person’s number,” says Dr. aPatrick Gefaith Moral, that believes the exrard head ofin the sleep istence of a Supreme Being and snore diagnostic and who created treatment unit the of theuniverse, Univerwhoofprovides and cares for sity Santo Tomas.

He adds us and for whom we owe that length is not the only our im-

portant factor in sleeping but the quality as well.

“Sleep is a natural physiological phenomenon, but it’s also a learned behavior,” points out Dr. Michael Stevenexistence. son, clinical director of the TheValley BibleSleep teaches us salNorth Disorders vation in through Jesus Christ Center California. the Don Son Hawley, of Godauthor sent to reof the deem mankind’s sins via His book Smell a Few Flowers, ofdeath on the fers these tipscross. to beat insomnia: Reading the Scriptures also1.teaches goodIncreasmoral Exerciseus more. and spiritual lessons that ing your activity during enthe rich will our understanding of huday make it much easier manyou relations, good manners for to fall asleep at night. and right conduct, loyalty, Don’t, however, do anything wisdom in the dispensation strenuous just before retiring. of brief, justice and stroll transparent A leisurely is usugovernance, ally beneficial. wealth acquisition and distribution, 2. Have a fixed time forfor giveness and going to bed.compassion.

We are creaThese positive values tures of habit, and dropping areto a big help to living long off sleep should be aacomquality life. fortable routine.

However, having Don’t so 3.

Avoid late meals. much money (while this eat anything during the hours thrills money-loving just prior to retiring, people) and let oftentimes become headthe final meal of theaday be ache because the possessor light, perhaps fruit or soup. of such hugenap wealth is often 4. Don’t in the evebothered by how could ning.

Avoiding a naphetoo late double his makes treasure or more how in the day one he would prevent losing his tired and ready for sleep. business.

5. Take a warm bath. A Worry is a product of warm bath soothes the nerves having too muchto ofsleep. one thing and is conducive

6. Avoid stimulants. Remember that coffee, tea, cola, and tobacco all tend to keep people awake.

7. Practice deep breathing. Breathe out through or having thatseveral a perthe nose, too holdless it for son is deprived of enjoying seconds, and exhale through his earthly your nose life. as slowly as you person must can.Therefore, Wait a fewa seconds, and exert honest effort repeat the process. to balance his appreciation of his exis8. Learn to relax systemtence and relationship the atically.

Consciously to think world and the situation he is about completely relaxing in. part of your body, starteach Moderation is the practiing at the top - the scalp, the cal solution. a world fore head, theIneyes, thewhere ears, there is so the much material althe mouth, neck, the arms, lurements, chances are that the trunk, the legs. so many may be 9. Think of entrapped peaceful and ensnared. a prime things.

Begin toAsunwind an example, read the vignettes hour or so before bedtime. of Hollywood showbiz celebPush away the worries and rities – how they lived problems of the day, andand ocperished – andwith you pleasant will recupy the mind alize that too much of a good thoughts. thing 10.brings Opendisaster. the windows.

Liveyour a Godly lifetoandsome live Treat lungs it long. fresh air. A cool room is more I leave toyou thisthan quotea conducive sleep from Confucius who said: warm one.

“The11.more Keepman out meditates unwanted upon good thoughts, light.

Pull the shades,the orbetobter will be his world and the tain a comfortable pair of eye world at large.”

(Email your covers. feedback to quiet. fredlumba@ya12. Seek You may hoo.com.)

GOD THE have to resort to BLESS ear plugs to PHILIPPINES! cut out unwanted noise.

(NOT-SO) SECRET TIPS TO A LONG, GOOD LIFE

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 78 • SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 78 • SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

LIVING

Thai Green Curry Chicken with Spring Rolls.

THE CURRENT STATE OF TRAVEL has placed many individuals with wanderlust on hold as international travel has become complicated due to the current pandemic. While everyone should be responsible and stay put, it does not hurt to dream of distant exotic destinations through the flavors of international cuisine.

At Dusit Davao, quarantine meals are definitely not boring with many of your favorite dishes from Madayaw Café, Benjarong Davao and Dusit Gourmet now available from the comforts of your own home.

Available for pick-up and delivery are crowd pleasers such as Lechon Kawali, Spring Rolls, Lumpia and Croquettes from Madayaw Café and Dusit Gourmet’s Ube Ensaymada and Malagos Chocolate Cake, among others.

Dreaming of a Thai food trip? Try Benjarong Davao’s Tom Yam Gung (Hot and Sour Soup with Prawn), Gang Khieo Wan Gai (Green Curry Chicken), Gaeng Massaman Nuea (Beef Massaman Cury), and Pad Thai Gung Sod (Fried Noodle with Prawn).

For orders worth Php900 and above, free delivery applies to areas within a 3-kilometer radius of the hotel and orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance.

For big families, Dusit Davao also offers four sharing set menus that start at

Php2,000 for four persons.

This comes with a starter, soup, an assortment of mains and dessert and guests can choose from Thai, Filipino and Western dishes. Orders for sharing set menus must be placed 24 hours in advance and come with free delivery within a 5-kilometer radius of the hotel.

Pick-up of orders will be at Siam Lounge. Contactless payment options through debit and credit cards are also available.

“Despite the current situation, we remain committed to delivering quality meals and food products to our loyal customers who prefer to stay home at this time. We abide to strict hygiene standards and our takeaway meals are prepared based on the government’s prescribed safety and sanitation guidelines,” explains Christopher Kuch, Resident Manager of dusitD2 Davao and Dusit Thani Residence.

Dusit Davao accepts orders from Mondays to Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. To order, guests can call +63 (82) 272 7500 or +63 927 9444637. For

Taste authentic Thai flavors with Benjarong’s Massaman Beef Curry.

A TASTE OF THAI AT HOME DUSIT DAVAO OFFERS ITS BESTSELLERS FOR TAKEAWAY the full takeaway menu, you may visit their social media pages at dusitD2 Davao facebook.com/dusitd2davao or instagram.com/dusitd2davao or Dusit Thani Residence Davao facebook.com/OfficialDusitThaniResidenceDavao or instagram.com/dtrdavao.

For those who wish to dinein, Dusit Davao is also open for dine-in customers with the Siam Lounge accepting diners daily from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM and Benjarong for lunch from 12:00 NN to 2:30 PM and dinner from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Benjarong will be closed on Sundays. Reservations are highly encouraged.

Dusit Delight’s Mango Mousse Cake.

EDGEDAVAO EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 78 • SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020

AGRITRENDS COMPETITIVE EDGE

9

An immersive opportunity:

MCM launches Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020

M

alayan Colleges Mindanao, a Mapúa School announced its first Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020, inviting all SHS and College students in Mindanao to experience the first fully integrated online learning system in the region — MCM Digital — and get the opportunity to use MCM’s powerful online learning tools for FREE! This Digital Learning Bootcamp will be held on June 1 to 13, 2020 and is described as an immersive experience inside MCM’s Online Learning System, aiming to demonstrate and give participants an opportunity to immerse

themselves in the first fully integrated online learning system in Mindanao.

The participants will be given access to MCM’s online learning portal, “MCM Digital” where they can explore and get hands-on experience utilizing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 78 • SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020

Cop, driver killed; 4 others hurt in Maguindanao blast

A

roadside bomb explosion ripped through a police car in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Thursday evening, killing a policeman and its civilian driver while hurting four others.

In a report, Col. Arnold Santiago, Maguindanao police chief, identified the fatalities as Master Sgt. Antonio Balasa and a certain Bobby, the civilian driver.

Injured were identified as Sgts. Larry Amoran and Guerrero Domingo; and Corporals Guai Mangrag and Clyde Peria.

"Investigation is still ongoing,” he said.

Onboard the police car was Maj. Erwin Tabora, chief of the provincial drug enforcement unit, who was reportedly not hurt in the blast.

Tabora’s group was on board the vehicle some 500

meters away from Camp Datu Akilan Ampatuan, the provincial police office in nearby Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao, when the roadside bomb went off in Barangay Mother of Shariff Aguak around 8:30 p.m.

Maj. Oligario Salvador, Shariff Aguak police, said the bombing bore the signature of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Shariff Aguak Mayor Marop Ampatuan has condemned the attack and has offered a bounty of a still unspecified amount to any information leading to those behind the bombing.

"Let us not allow terrorism to prevail in our town as we have long worked hard for the peaceful atmosphere in our area,” he said. (With a report from Noel Punzalan/ PNA)

from Sibajay, Boston; one from Poblacion, Caraga; one from Aragon Cateel; one from Lambajon, Baganga; one from Mikit, Baganga; one from Central, Baganga; one from Poblacion, Boston; and one from Lucod, Baganga.

The ollowing are the profiles of the latest confirmed Covid-19 cases in Davao Region: 56 year-old female from Poblacion, Caraga, Davao Oriental; 21 year-old female from Centro Agdao, Davao City; 28 year-old female from Lubogan, Toril; 28 year-old female from Matina Crossing (confirmed case); 24 year-old female from Barangay 23-C, Davao City; 26 year-old male from San Antonio, Agdao (confirmed case); 50 year-old female from Buhangin, Davao City (confirmed case); 41 yearold female from Buhangin (confirmed case); 35 yearold female from Buhangin, Davao City; 44 year-old female from Brgy.19-B, Davao

City (confirmed case); 29 year-old female from Ilang, Davao City; 67 year-old male from Wangan, Calinan; 78 year-old male from Agdao Proper, Davao City; 58 year-old male from Buhangin; 23 year-old male from Brgy. 39-D; 27 yearold male from Cabantian, davao City (confirmed case); 21 year-old male from Buhangin, Davao City; 32 year-old male from Sasa, Davao City; 23 year-old male from Mudlang, Davao City; 61 year-old male from Panacan, Davao City; 26 year-old male from Lambajon, Baganga, Davao Oriental; 34 year-old male from Mikit, Baganga, Davao Oriental with history of exposure in Manila; 25 year-old male from Central Baganga, Davao Oriental; 63 year-old male from Sibajay, Boston, Davao Oriental with history of exposure in Manila; 37 year-old female from Binugao, Toril; 36 year-old female from Calinan; 21 year-old female from Bun-

awan, Davao City; 37 yearold female from Toril; 31 year-old female from Buhangin; 36 year-old male from Brgy. 28-C, Davao City; 52 year-old female from Brgy. 28-C, Davao City; 24 year-old male from Brgy.

28-C; and 31 year-old female from Lucod, Baganga, Davao Oriental.

DOH-DCHD also reported 20 recoveries, of which 13 are from Davao City, three are from Davao Oriental, two from Davao del Sur, and two from Davao de Oro. The following are the profiles of recovered patients: 23 year-old male from Agdao Proper; 45 year-old female from Agdao, Proper; 24 year-old female from Agdao Proper; 40 year-old female from Centro, Agdao; 62 year-old male from Agdao Proper; 39 year-old female suspected case from Hagonoy Crossing, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur; 36 year-old male from Mercedes, Caraga, Davao Oriental with histo-

ry of exposure in the US; 51 year-old female, confirmed case from Brgy. 22-C; 24 year-old female from Brgy.

23-C; 39 year-old female from Brgy.23-C; 31 yearold female from Poblacion, Compostela, Davao de Oro; 24 year-old male from Brgy 23-C; 35 year-old male from Calinan; 45 year-old male from Central, Mati City; 25 year-old female from Sobrecarey, Caraga, Davao Oriental; 50 year-old female from Dumoy, Davao City; 21 year-old female from Brgy. 23-C; 29 yeraold female from Tigbao, Maragusan, Davao de Oro; 34 year-old male from V. Hizon Sr., Sasa, Davao City; and 24 year-old male from Guihing, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. All recovered patients were already discharged.

DOH-DCHD also reported that among the 689 cases, 33 have died, 426 have successfully recovered, while 230 are still active cases.

ination and in educating the Filipinos better on how to prepare for and respond to such crises,” he added.

Go filed in July last year Senate Bill 205 or the Department of Disaster Resilience Act which seeks to create an empowered, highly specialized and responsive DDR with clear unity of command and primarily responsible in ensuring safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient communities.

The department shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better.

Presently, various government agencies dealing with disaster risk reduction and management are scattered in several departments and offices and the current lead National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is merely a coordinating body.

“Kailangan na po talaga nating i-scale up ang preparedness and resiliency against disasters. Napapanahon na din na talagang magkaroon ng sariling departamento na nakatutok talaga dito sa mga ganitong pangyayari. Mayroon dapat klarong in-charge sa ganitong mga sitwasyon,” Go previously said.

“Sa pagpapatayo ng departamentong ito, mas magiging mabilis ang pagtugon ng pamahalaan, mas maiibsan ang masamang epekto ng kalamidad at mas mabilis makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan.

Kailangan ding magpatayo ng mga safe, permanent at dedicated na mga evacuation centers sa mga piling lugar,” he added.

Aside from the DDR bill, Go also filed SB 1228, also known as the Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which will require every province, city and municipality to construct such centers that will be equipped with emergency packs, medicines and other basic necessities. “(At least) by city or municipality po dapat. Kulang ang by region. Huwag na nating hintayin na magkaroon pa ng mga lindol o baha. Naaantala ang pagaaral ng mga bata. Minsan nagagamit ang eskwelahan.

Panahon na magkaroon na ng permanent evacuation centers, lalung lalo na po para sa mga apektadong bata,” Go said.

“Dapat may higaan, comfort rooms, ‘yung sanitation maayos, hanggang sa makauwi sila sa kanilang mga pamamahay,” he added.

While the Mandatory Evacuation Center bill is

being deliberated in the Senate, Go acknowledged the need for temporary evacuation centers with the onset of the typhoon season. Go, then, urged authorities to set guidelines to ensure that these temporary evacuation centers are also COVID-proof.

“With the onset of the typhoon season, panigurado pong maraming mga Pilipinong tatamaan ng bagyo ang mangangailangan ng evacuation centers. Sana po ay maglabas ng guidelines ang IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) ngayon pa lamang kung papaano sisiguruhing COVID-free at sumusunod sa tamang health protocols ang gagamit ng mga evacuation centers,” Go said.

“Ayaw naman po nating magkahawaan ang ating mga kababayan na sisilong sa mga evacuation centers na ito kung kakailanganin man,” he added.

Go, then, cited his visits to victims of natural and man-made disasters where it has become clear that a proactive and holistic approach is the most effective way to address the catastrophic effects and mitigate the adverse impacts caused by pandemics and natural disasters.

“Bagama’t hindi naman nape-predict ang ganitong

mga pangyayari, dapat palaging maging handa ang mga Pilipino dahil geographically and historically prone talaga sa ganitong mga disasters ang ating bansa,” Go said.

Urging the country to learn from its past mistakes and lessons from the current COVID-19 pandemic, Go said it is high time that the nation scales up its preparedness and resilience against pandemics and natural disasters.

“Huwag na po tayong magsayang ng oras. Huwag na po nating hintayin na may dumating pang matinding kalamidad na tumama sa ating bansa. It is time to scale up our preparedness and resiliency against natural disasters and pandemics,” Go said.

The Senator added that he will not limit his public service to just being a legislator and will continue to go around the country to continue assisting disaster-stricken Filipinos. Since the start of his term in July 2019, Go has helped more than 31,000 Filipino families whose houses were razed by fire incidents.

“Kahit saang sulok po ng Pilipinas, pupuntahan ko po kayo hanggang sa makakaya ko para magbigay ng tulong at mag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” Go said.

are participating are expected to be in the bubble by the end of the night, according to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, though cer-

tain players and coaches will be arriving later for various reasons.

The league has several plans in place to help play-

ers speak out about social issues during play in Florida. They are going to paint “Black Lives Matter” on the sidelines of all three courts

that will be used, and players are allowed to change their last name on their jerseys to a pre-approved social justice message.

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May. Incentives for businesses As way of acknowledging the contributions of the private sector in the city's Covid-19 response, as well alleviate the impact of the health crisis on local businesses, the City Council passed at least three ordinances that gave various incentives for businesses.

Councilor Danny Dayanghirang, chair of the City Council committee on finance, ways and means, said the incentives aim to help struggling businesses get on their feet again.

The incentives include tax payment extensions, installment schemes, waived interests, penalties, and surcharges, and conditional tax relief.

“Like a family, we have to support each other especially in times of unexpected crisis like this,” Dayanghirang said.

Tria said the business sector will continue to coordinate with the city government to help various sectors restart their businesses, especially the agriculture industry.

Tria underscored the importance of "continued collaboration" as the local economy transitions to the "new normal".

“We have been coordinating with the city government with regards to helping our various sectors especially agriculture and farms. With the entry to MGCQ (modified general community quarantine), public transport is back, our discussions with the various industry sectors are continuous so that we can find ways for them to recover," the local business leader said.

He also expressed gratitude to Mayor Sara and the members of the City Council for the incentives and other reliefs granted to the business sector, saying the measures were important in revving the local economy back to life again.

“The City Council measures waiving penalties for rentals, payments, taxes, and permit fees falling due during quarantine periods and for incentives are a big help to businesses especially those that had flat sales," Tria said. (PNA)

franchise issues, including the citizenship of ABS-CBN chair emeritus Gabby Lopez; the possible violation of the constitutional limits on foreign ownership; reported labor and tax violations; and other violations of the terms of its legislative franchise.

The resolution emphasized that the network’s franchise application is not a press freedom issue.

“It is what it is--a denial of a privilege granted by the State because the applicant was seen as undeserving of the grant of a legislative franchise,” it said. (PNA)

21 are GeneXpert laboratories.

The average number of tests conducted daily from July 1 to 7 was 19,459.

Vergeire added that the average turnaround time or the waiting time to get the COVID-19 testing result is 24 to 48 hours for GeneXpert laboratories, and 50 hours for RT-PCR laboratories.

As of July 9, the Phil-

ippines recorded a total of 51,754 COVID-19 cases with 12,813 recoveries and 1,314 deaths.

DOH data from July 8 showed that over 845,000 individuals have undergone COVID-19 testing nationwide.

In June, the country's testing czar Vince Dizon said the government targets to test 10 million in the next eight to 10 months.

contact tracing app, StaySafe.ph.

For its part, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it is already preparing the P4.3-trillion national budget for next year. This is 5%

higher than 2020’s P4.1 trillion.

Roque earlier said the 2021 budget will be mainly to support government efforts against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

nila and other areas transitioned to general community quarantine after following an 11-week lockdown.

The current number of flights accounts for less than 10 percent of the pre-quarantine levels, it said.

AirAsia Philippines earlier announced it would lay off 12 percent of its work

force or some 264 workers as it grapples with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III earlier said some 5 million Filipinos could lose their jobs due to the pandemic. Up to 10 million jobless workers is also a "possibility," he said.

The CDF shall be exempt from the registration requirements prescribed under Section 8.1 of Republic Act No. 8799, or The Securities Regulation Code.

However, such exemption must be confirmed or approved by the SEC, and, for such purpose, the CDF

shall submit a simplified prospectus and a product highlight sheet.

The draft rules on CDF, prepared in consultation with the mutual fund industry through Philippine Investment Fund Association, are available on the SEC website. (PR)

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11

GAB meets with semi-pros on practice protocols

M Dabawenya boxer Nesthy Petecio will try to bid for a slot to the Tokyo Olympics.

Roque back’s athletes’ return to training

P

residential Spokesperson Harry Roque said he would personally support the request of sports officials to allow the resumption of training of Tokyo-bound Filipino athletes and others seeking Olympic slots.

In a virtual presser, Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has yet to decide on the resumption of training activities for Tokyo-bound athletes.

“Wala pa pong aksiyon (There have been no actions taken yet), but I would personally support that because I want gold in the Tokyo Olympics like everyone else,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee agreed to endorse for approval of the IATF-EID the resumption of training of the four qualified national athletes to the Tokyo games

and some hopefuls.

“We initiated the meeting with POC with the good of our national athletes in mind. Lagi ‘yan priority (That’s always the priority) as Chairman Butch Ramirez always says” said PSC Officer in charge, Commissioner Ramon Fernandez.

Fernandez is currently in charge of the government’s sports arm while Ramirez is on leave.

He, however, said the final decision will remain with the IATF. “We can only recommend, but they have the final say,” he said.

The PSC board has already identified six facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila City and the

Tiger sets PGA return at The Memorial

T

iger Woods has confirmed he will make his return to PGA Tour action next week at the Memorial Tournament.

The 15-time major champion will headline a star-studded field at Muirfield Village, an event he has won five times, having sat out of the first five PGA Tour back since golf’s resumption from the coronavirus pandemic on June 11.

Woods has not played an official PGA Tour event since the Genesis Invitational in February, where he finished last out of those who made the cut, with the 44-year-old then skipping the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players due to a back injury.

The former world No 1 was last seen starring in The Match: Champions for Charity back in May, where he formed a winning partnership with Peyton Manning to defeat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady, with Woods now looking forward to returning to competitive action.

In a short statement, Woods tweeted: “I’m looking forward to playing in the @MemorialGolf next week. I’ve missed going out and competing with the guys and can’t wait to get back out there.”

Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka are all set to be in the field for the event, where Patrick Cantlay is defending champion after finishing two strokes clear of Adam Scott in 2019.

Philsports Complex in Pasig City, which may be available for training.

These are the Fencing Hall, Multi-Purpose Center, Strength and Conditioning Building, Dormitory Training Hall in Philsports, and the Taekwondo and Boxing gyms at the RMSC. He assured that they will observe strict quarantine protocols to ensure athletes’ health and safety.

Earlier, the IATF-EID approved the joint administrative order of the Philippine Sports Commission, Games and Amusements Board, and Department of Health that provides guidelines on the conduct of “health-enhancing physical activities and sports” during the pandemic.

“Pinayagan po ‘yung practice at conditioning ngbasketball at saka ng football (The practice and conditioning of basketball and football players are now allowed),” Fer-

nandez said.

In May, the IATF-EID allowed the resumption of non-contact sporting activities in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Under IATF-EID Resolution 38, athletes and enthusiasts of running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, and skateboarding can now play the sports they love in places under GCQ. They are, however, mandated to observe minimum public health standards, such as “wearing of masks and maintenance of physical distancing protocols.”

Four Filipino athletes have so far qualified to compete and try to win the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo next year. They are pole vaulter Ernest Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and boxers Eumir Marcial (men’s middleweight) and Irish Magno (women’s flyweight). (PNA)

ANILA – The Games and Amusement Board (GAB) has invited club leagues not under its sanction for a consultation with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) regarding the practice protocols they will set amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Merong consultation yung IATF technical working group, PSC (Philippine Sports Commission), GAB, at saka DOH (Department of Health). It will be chaired by the DOH. In-invite na yung volleyball (leagues) at MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) (There is a consultation among the IATF technical working group, PSC, GAB, and DOH. It will be chaired by the DOH. The volleyball leagues and the MPBL have been invited),” GAB chairman Baham Mitra said during the Usapang Sports forum by the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports on Thursday.

The ongoing consultation serves as an avenue for such leagues, which function as professional but have yet to be sanctioned

by GAB, to submit their training protocols for their member teams to resume practice.

According to Mitra, the meeting stemmed from in-

quiries on why the IATF approved only the protocols set by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Philippines Football League (PFL), and the Chooks-ToGo Pilipinas 3x3.

“Kung meron kayong ma-submit na maayos na protocol, eh di okay na (If you can submit a proper protocol, then you are good to go),” Mitra said, disclosing what he told the socalled “semi-pro” leagues when they were invited for the consultation.

Already GAB-sanctioned, the PBA and the PFL sought its help for their protocols to be ratified by the IATF. Meanwhile, GAB also endorsed those of ChooksTo-Go Pilipinas 3x3 even if it has yet to become a fullfledged pro so that its mainly backed national team competing in the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament next year in Austria can resume training.

Mitra previously said the Chooks-To-Go Pilipinas 3x3 is seeking its sanction to become de jure professional.

On the other hand, he reiterated that even though he invited the semi-pros for the consultation, it remains their call if they want GAB to intervene and become formally pro.

“It’s really up to them,” Mitra said. (PNA)

Raptors arrive in Disney

T

he NBA’s reigning champions rolled into Walt Disney World on Thursday ahead of the league’s restart plan on Thursday, and delivered a strong message in the process.

The Toronto Raptors pulled into the Disney campus in a pair of busses outfitted with “Black Lives Matter” written across the sides. Several players had T-shirts with the same phrase on them, too.

The statement is just the latest from the NBA

Tiger Woods is one win away from breaking Sam Snead’s all-time record of 82 PGA Tour titles

world since George Floyd’s death in police custody in May — which sparked widespread protests and movements for racial and social justice across the country. Countless athletes, both in the NBA and elsewhere, have spoken up and joined in on the cause, too.

The NBA is scheduled to resume play on July 30 after what will be a morethan four month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All 22 teams that

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VOL.13 ISSUE 78 • SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020

ALL GOOD

PSC tests 100% COVID-19 free

A

fter months of mental and physical stress caused by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the only positive news everybody is wanting to hear nowadays is to be tested negative from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) announced on Wednesday that 200 out of 200 of its employees, workforce, including some national athletes and coaches, who got swab-tested in the past week all tested negative from COVID-19.

“We are thankful to the Lord that the PSC community is free from COVID-19.

We hope and pray it stays that way,” said PSC Overallin-Charge Ramon Fernandez

who also underwent Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test or swab testing.

The PSC conducted RT-PCR tests for PSC staff, along with some members of the national team on 112 persons at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila and 88 at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City. The test was conducted in three batches.

“We are proud to say that both PSC complexes, which

is under a high-risk area since we have venues housing COVID-19 patients, can be declared COVID-19 free. We conducted the test to give the confidence back to the regular workforce, occupants, athletes, and coaches who frequently go to PhilSports and RMSC.” said Dr. Randolph Molo, Head of PSC Medical Scientific Athletes Services (PSC-MSAS) Unit.

“We opted for the RT-PCR/ swab test over any form of rapid testing since this test is more reliable and reflective on one’s COVID-19 status. As of Wednesday, July 8, we can declare that all of the 200 persons who underwent testing are all clear/negative from the Coronavirus. This should help restore the confidence

and ease the fears of our staff as we continue to keep PSC COVID-19 free.” added Dr. Molo.

After RT-PCR testing, the PSC has also put in place additional security measures by requiring all staff working onsite to submit a Health Declaration Form which was made accessible by QR code or the PSC website. This is screened by the MSAS unit which will grant them a gate pass via SMS once they get cleared.

The sports agency hopes this practice will help them keep PSC premises COVID-19 free.

The PSC is also strictly implementing health security protocols advised by the Department of Health and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in all of its facilities.

A PSC employee undergoes swab test.