Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 81 | Wednesday, July 15, 2020

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MULAWIN’S TIME DAVAO’S MORALDE SEES ACTION ON THURSDAY IN LAS VEGAS SPORTS P11

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VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

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‘Bakunadors’ safe to conduct polio vaccination amid pandemic STORY ON PAGE 2

A worker assembles a bicycle at a bike shop along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. Most of the bike shops in the city are experiencing shortage of stocks due to the demand brought by the quarantine. Edge Davao

WORLDWIDE COVID-19 NUMBERS BOARD

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PHILIPPINES

WORLDWIDE

CONFIRMED: 13,236,249 • DEATHS: 575,540 • RECOVERED: 7,696,547

CONFIRMED: 57,006 • DEATHS: 1,599 • RECOVERED: 20,371

As of July 14, 2020, here’s the Top 5 list of countries with most number of COVID-19 cases 1. U.S.A CONFIRMED: 3,479,483 DEATHS: 138,247 RECOVERED: 1,549,469

2. BRAZIL CONFIRMED: 1,887,959 DEATHS: 72,921 RECOVERED: 1,213,512

3. INDIA CONFIRMED: 907,645 DEATHS: 23,727 RECOVERED: 572,112

4. RUSSIA CONFIRMED: 733,699 DEATHS: 11,439 RECOVERED: 504,021

5. PERU CONFIRMED: 330,123 DEATHS: 12,054 RECOVERED: 221,008

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

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

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President Rodrigo Duterte salutes the wounded soldiers he visited at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu on Monday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRRD cautions Sara anew against running for president

‘Bakunadors’ safe to conduct polio vaccination amid pandemic

By MAYA M. PADILLO ealth experts in Davao Region assured that health workers or the so-called “bakunadors” who will conduct the house-to-house polio immunization have undergone orientation on Covid-19 infection control and testing.

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The regional office of the Department of Health (DOH 11) will resume polio vaccination through “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio” campaign on July 20 to August 2 after being suspended amid the health crisis.

“Supposedly this should be conducted on March 23,

2020 but due to Covid-19 pandemic the immunization was suspended,” said Dr. Annabelle Yumang, regional director of DOH 11 in a virtual presser.

Yumang acknowledged that the house-to-house approach for the immunization is a big help to reach

more children.

Yumang also assured that the “bakunadors” or health workers were already equipped in terms of health protocols and measures, particularly that most of the confirmed Covid-19 cases nowadays are asymptomatic.

“If naay simtomas dili muapil ang mga health workers as “bakunadors”.

Gina-protektahan nila ang ilang sarili na dili sila maka-takod ug dili matakdan sa sakit,” Yumang said.

DOH Undersecretary for Field Implementation and Coordination Team (FICT) for Visayas and Min-

ithout having to declare martial law, President Rodrigo Duterte said he “dismantled” the oligarchy.

In a taped speech before soldiers in Jolo, Sulu aired Tuesday, Duterte said he was ready to die because he “dismantled” the oligarchy that has been controlling the country for several years.

“Kaya ako mamatay, mahulog ‘yung eroplano, p***** i** (I can die, even if the plane crashes), I am

very happy. Alam mo bakit (You know why)? Sabi ko, without declaring martial law, I dismantled the oligarchy that controlled the economy of the Filipino people,” he said.

Duterte, however, did not elaborate on what he meant by “oligarchy.” He shifted topics then mentioned this again later in his speech.

“Sabi ko sa lamesa, sabi ko ang oligarchy ng Pilipinas binuwal ko talaga. Iyan ang...

Iyan ang sentimiyento ko

rin para malaman mo rin (I told the table, I dismantled oligarchy in the Philippines.

That’s my sentiment just to let you know),” he said.

Labor groups have seen Duterte's threat against the country’s two largest water firms Manila Water and Maynilad, as well as local broadcast network ABSCBN, as part of his alleged plan to favor his cronies.

Duterte, however, denied that he has started his own brand of cronyism in the country during his

danao Abudllah Dumama Jr., also guaranteed that the health workers assigned for the polio immunization undergone intense briefing on health and safety protocols.

“Respetuhon ang mga health workers. Yung mga health workers were already oriented not to break the health protocols and precautionary measures.

Both the health workers and the public are at risks,” said Dr. Julinda, Acosta, chief of technical division and City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City Health Office (CHO). watch.

In previous speeches, Duterte referred to the water owners as oligarchs over “onerous” 1997 contracts with the government.

He said he considered Manila Water and Maynilad as "big fishes" that take advantage of their consumers.

On January 7, the President gave the two water firms the option to either accept the new water contracts or face cancellation of their present deals.

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Duterte says he ‘dismantled’ oligarchy without martial law

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has renewed his call to his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte, not to run for president in the 2022 general elections, saying the job would give her nothing but “exhaustion.”

“Sabi ko sa anak ko, kay Inday, ano -- sabi ko, ‘Day, p***** i** ‘wag mong pasukin ‘yang trabaho na ‘yan’ (I told my daughter, Inday, I said, ‘Day, don’t enter that job),” he said in a taped speech before soldiers in Jolo, Sulu aired over state-run PTV-4 on Tuesday. “Wala ka talagang makuha diyan, pagod lang (You’ll get nothing but exhaustion).”

He discouraged Sara, saying the position did not even make much money as high-ranking generals could earn more than him.

The only acceptable reason for running as president, he told her, is if she had something to offer the nation.

“Suweldo mo PHP194,000. Ang ibang generals dito mas malaki pa sa suweldo ko, totoo lang. Sinabi ko kay Inday ‘wag kang mag-presidente unless you see something na kaya mo para gawain mo sa bayan (Your salary will be PHP194,000. Other generals earn more than me, to be honest. I told Inday, don’t be President unless you see something you can do for the country),” he said.

According to him, if

his daughter has the ambition to seek the presidency, it was not worth pursuing.

He warned that there would come a time that she would also experience what he is going through.

“Unless you are driven by patriotism. O ‘yan, kung gusto mo talaga mag-service sa bayan mo, ah sabi ko -- kaya sabi ko sa kanya (if you really want to serve the nation, I said) in English they say, ‘if you cannot stand the heat in the kitchen, get out,’” he said.

This is not the first time the President advised his daughter against seeking the highest public office.

In several speeches, he also said he regretted his decision to run for president and that he was ready to step down anytime.

In 2018, Duterte said he saw his daughter succeeding him soon but eventually changed his mind.

Duterte previously said the presidency could both “educate” and “destroy” his eldest daughter.

Sara, who also leads a regional political party called Hugpong ng Pagbabagpo, has neither confirmed nor denied plans to seek the presidency in 2022.

She said her decision to run for president will depend on the circumstances but she could decide by January 2021.

(PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

No ‘final’ quarantine classifications yet

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he Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) has yet to make “final” recommendations on the fate of the nationwide community quarantine after July 15, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

In a virtual press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said members of the IATF-EID would meet on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the possible retention of or changes in the quarantine status in the country.

He said the meeting of IATF-EID members would take some hours to discuss the proposed quarantine classifications that would be imposed in the country after July 15.

“Pag-uusapan pa lang mamaya ‘yung mga apela (The IATF-EID will still discuss the appeals [made by local governments]),” said Roque, who is also spokesperson of the IATF-EID. So far, only Bacolod City has appealed, he said, noting that he, however, was not privy as to whether the appeal was to impose a stricter or more relaxed community quarantine in the city.

The current quarantine classifications in the country are set to expire on July 15.

Roque said Duterte would announce the new quarantine status on

Wednesday because the IATF-EID has yet to come up with finalrecommendations.

“Wala pa pong pinal na rekomendasyon kay Presidente (There is still no final recommendation to the President),” he said. “Bukas pa po ma-anunsiyo ni Presidente dahil mamaya pa po mapa-finalize yung recommendations (The President will make the announcement tomorrow because the recommendations will be finalized later).”

Roque reiterated that the classification of community quarantine beginning July 16 would be based on the case doubling rate and critical health care capacity.

To date, only Cebu City is under an enhanced community quarantine, the most stringent quarantine classification.

Under the general community quarantine (GCQ) are Metro Manila, Benguet, Cavite, Rizal, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Ormoc City, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Cebu’s Talisay City, Minglanilla, and Consolacion.

A stricter modified GCQ (MGCQ) is imposed in Abra, Baguio City, Ifugao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Angeles City, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Lucena City, Palawan, Puerto Princesa, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,

NEWS 3

Some 831 Work for Davao beneficiaries who were given various tasks in their respective barangays from June 22 to July 3, 2020 receive their salaries at People’s Park in Davao City on Tuesday. CIO

Resto owners welcome reduced rental fees from some lessors

By MAYA M. PADILLO ouncilor Danilo Dayanghirang announced that some lessors have already extended or reduced rental fees after availing of tax relief from the FNO FINAL, P10 city government.

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Dayanghirang earlier sympathized with the Davao restaurateurs in appealing to property owners and lessors to bring down rental costs as they are facing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Restaurant owners have lamented their “zero sales” status but still spending the same expenses that include rental fees and income taxes amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Majority of these restaurants consider commercial space rental as the biggest item in their cost structure and because people are still afraid to go to restaurants due to Covid-19 making it impossible for these restaurateurs to generate income and pay their payables including rental fee.

Dayanghirang said in a text message that apart from reducing the rental

fees, this also include the extension of the third quarter to fourth quarter payment of real property tax.

“This will be a gradual process for us to stay afloat with the declaration of MGCQ. We are now gradually recovering but like other countries all of us is hard up in this time of crisis,” he said.

Restaurateurs have expressed their gratitude to the city council for responding to their appeals among them is reverting back to the 2017 Real Property Tax rates until 2023.

Restaurant owners have started opening their in-dining services to a maximum of 30 percent of their dining area capacity starting June 15, 2020, based on the latest provision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) of the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has approved three ordinances, which were proposed by Dayanghirang, to help local businesses cope with the losses during lockdowns.

Dayanghirang, chairman of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, has lobbied for the passage of three ordinances aimed at easing the burden of local business owners during the pandemic.

On top of the remedial measures is Ordinance No. 0243-20 or “An Ordinance extending the deadline of the Second Quarterly installment for payment of Business Tax, and First Quarterly installment for the Real Property Tax and additional levy on real property for the Special Education Fund and Rental Fees from March to June for Public Markets, DCOTT, Sta. Ana Port, Magsaysay Park, and Pasalubong Center to June 30 in view of the threat of COVID-19 in the Philippines”.

This was passed by the City Council on March 20, 2020.

On April 16, 2020, the City Council passed the Ordinance No. 0257-20 or “An Ordinance Waiving the Interest, Penalties, and Surcharges incurred for

City Agriculture Office; together with Enya B. Celoso Agricultural Center Chief III and Jan Mark Amahit Science Research Specialist l of Davao Commercial Agriculture Research Station (DaCARS).

The training was supported by Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, Councilor Eric Rabat of the Committee on Agriculture, and City Agriculture Office head Eleanor E. Sambas.

The training beneficiaries were members of the Libudon Organic Farmers

Association (LOFA) of Barangay Libudon, City of Mati.

Davao Commercial Agriculture Research Station (DaCARS) Region XI under Engr. Ricardo M. Onate, Jr.Regional Executive Director (RED) of the Department of Agriculture in Region XI (DA-XI) also provided the starting kit materials like Rice Bran, Agri Lime, Brown Sugar, PVC, PP bag.

Earlier on, same training was conducted in Barangay Macambol from July 2-6. (CIO MATI)

FRESTO, P10

Mati agriculture office conducts mushroom production trainings

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he Mati City Agriculture Office is conducting series of oyster mushroom production training as part of the city's food security program amidst the pandemic.

On their latest engagement, the Mati CAO conducted a 4-day Oyster Mushroom Production Training from July 10 to 13 in Barangay Libudon.

The training was facilitated by Romel M. Avance, Agricultural Technologist; Norosesalam M. Cambing and Alfor G. Silveron of the

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

DTI to expand capacity for dine-in restos, fast food starting July 21

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will further increase the capacity of dine-in restaurants and fast-food establishments in general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified community quarantine (MGCQ) areas effective July 21.

In a text message Monday, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said dine-in services will be allowed to open up to 50 percent in GCQ areas and up to 75 percent in MGCQ areas.

At present, dine-in is only allowed up to 30 percent in GCQ areas and up to 50 percent in MGCQ areas.

“This is subject to strict social distancing, frequent sanitation of hands, wearing of mask when not eating, and (a) better exhaust system for air-conditioned restaurants,” Lopez said.

He said while capacity of dine-in services will expand, implementing health protocols should be stricter and customers need to be extra careful.

Health experts said there is a higher risk of transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) especially in closed spaces like restaurants.

A new memorandum circular (MC) expanding dine-in capacity will be issued this week, Lopez said.

The DTI earlier issued an MC that expands the services offered by barbershops and salons, as well as their capacity from 30 percent to 50 percent in GCQ areas, and from 50 percent to 75 percent in MGCQ areas effective July 16.

“We just have to manage and live with the virus. It will be here to stay. [We] need to

FDTI, P10

SSS starts online processing of sickness benefit reimbursement applications

A repairman repairs a shoe while a customer waits at a makeshift stall along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

BOI records P645-B approved investments in 1st half of 2020

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he Board of Investments (BOI) recorded PHP645.3 billion of approved investments in the first six months of the year, bouncing back strongly with a 112-percent surge from just PHP304.4 billion in the same period in 2019, Trade Secretary and BOI chairman Ramon Lopez said Monday.

“The robust bounce back despite the pandemic shows the country’s resilience as we begin the transition to easing out the restrictions after a prolonged lockdown of the economy. While we expect a lower GDP (gross domestic product) output in the second quarter than the first

quarter due to the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), there are already signs that the economy is humming back to life with industry conditions becoming stable,” he said in a statement.

Lopez said the rebound in investments is expected since the Philippines is still

Global super-rich call for wealthy to face Covid tax

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ore than 80 millionaires on Monday urged governments around the world to tax the super-wealthy much more to help fund the global recovery from the coronavirus outbreak.

In an open letter, the group, calling themselves "Millionaires for Humanity," said they should be taxed higher, "immediately, substantially, permanently."

Signatories, included Ben and Jerry's ice cream co-founder Jerry Greenfield, the screenwriter Richard Curtis and filmmaker Abigail Disney.

US entrepreneur Sidney Topol and New Zealand retailer Stephen Tindall also signed.

"As COVID-19 strikes the world, millionaires like us have a critical role to play in healing our world," the letter read.

"No, we are not the ones caring for the sick in intensive care wards.

"We are not driving the

ambulances that will bring the ill to hospitals. We are not restocking grocery store shelves or delivering food door to door.

"But we do have money, lots of it. Money that is desperately needed now and will continue to be needed in the years ahead, as our world recovers from this crisis."

The letter was published before the forthcoming meeting of G20 finance ministers.

As countries scramble to respond to the economic impact of the global pandemic, some have already mooted introducing higher taxes.

In the UK, the Institute of Fiscal Studies think-tank has said higher taxes were inevitable for many, not just the super-wealthy.

Earlier this month, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez indicated his government could introduce higher taxes and Russia will also target higher earners.

Saudi Arabia has in-

FGLOBAL, P10

considered one of the top investment destinations with strong economic fundamentals, and direct investments always have a medium to long-term horizon in their investment decisions.

He cited that the country’s manufacturing sector is close to stability as the Philippine Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey of IHS Markit showed that the manufacturing index score increased to 49.7 in June 2020, up from 40.1 in May. The country recorded an increase in its output index, the first monthly increase in four months. The output index in June was 51.1, coming from a low of 10.2 in April

and 29.4 in May. Indices below 50 show a decrease in manufacturing output while above 50 mirrors an improvement of activity. The change in community rules boosted the manufacturing output in making inroads towards stability at the end of the first half of the year.

Companies have begun to increase their production as they reopened operations after a long shutdown.

Lopez added he expressed optimism that the economy will recover by the third quarter with a positive growth as most of the country is expected to have a relaxed form of community

FBOI, P10

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mployers may now fill out their Social Security Sickness Benefit Reimbursement Applications (SBRAs) online, the Social Security System (SSS) announced Monday.

In an emailed statement, the SSS said employers can now file their sickness benefit reimbursement claims through its website www.sss. gov.ph.

To avail of the online facility, employers must have a registered My.SSS account, and must be enrolled in the SSS Sickness and Maternity Benefit Payment Thru-theBand Program, with a reg-

istered bank account in the My.SSS portal.

They must also have an SSS-approved sickness notification from their employees who are entitled to the sickness benefit.

Aside from these, the SSS said employers also need to have a certification that the sickness benefit was paid in advance to their employees, consistent with the approved sickness notification.

"Aside from expediting the processing time of sickness benefit reimbursements by eliminating the transmission of claims from SSS Branches

otorists will have to pay more for pump prices of petroleum products starting today, following the rollback imposed by firms last week.

In separate advisories, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and SEAOIL Philippines Inc. said they will hike prices per liter of gasoline by P0.65, diesel by P0.30, and diesel by P0.40.

Cleanfuel and Petro Gazz will implement the same changes, excluding kerosene which they do not carry.

The changes will take effect 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14 for all the firms except for Cleanfuel which will implement the adjustments 4:01 p.m. the same day.

Other firms have yet to make similar announcements.

According to the latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) year-to-date adjustments stand at a net decrease of P4.97 for gasoline, P8.84 for diesel, and P12.99 for kerosene as of June 30, 2020.

FSSS, P10

Gasoline, diesel prices up today

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A pedestrian walks pass a mobile store selling school supplies and other educational materials along F. Bangoy Street in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

5 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

Coral bleaching hits the Philippine waters “F

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

or color, sheer beauty of form and design, and tremendous variety of life, perhaps no natural area in the world can equal coral reefs.

Their beauty has fascinated generations of people, both scientific and lay, down through the years.” – J.W. Nybakken While the Philippines is figuring out how to flatten the curve of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the country’s ecologically-fragile coral reefs are also struggling, based on the posts of some members of a group that maps out and monitors the extent and severity of coral bleaching and other stressors in the country.

“Underwater world has (its) own version of pandemic.. coral bleaching,” wrote Jessie Fronda Delos Reyes in his explanation of the photos he posted in the group’s Facebook account, Philippine Coral Bleaching Watch (PCBW), on July 6.

“Today, I tried to revisit the Buntong Gasang point in barangay Gulod Calatagan, Batangas hoping that the corals were in good condition and has recovered from coral bleaching which I documented last June. But what I saw was this – the bleaching is getting worse,” he further wrote.

Three days earlier, another member, Melchor Deocadez, posted some photos of coral bleaching that happened in Uyon Bay in San Salvador, Masinloc in Zambales. On July 5, new member Wille John Du also posted some photos he had taken between 8 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon of coral bleaching that took place in Pagkilatan, Batangas.

Mark Eakin, coordinator of the Coral Reef Watch (CRW) program of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reported that the Philippines is now up to Alert Level 1. CRW is an ef-

fort focused on the monitoring of coral reef ecosystems around the world through satellite, in situ, and paleoenvironmental observations.

Based on the NOAA coral bleaching thermal stress levels, Alert 1 Level means “bleaching likely happening.”

The levels are scaled from 0 (no heat stress) to 4 (coral mortality likely) based on the following attributes: sea surface temperature, temperature anomaly, hotspot, and degree heating week.

Although no mortality is being reported yet, it is already alarming – especially if the coral bleaching continues. “While corals can recover from mild bleaching, severe or long-term bleaching kills corals,” NOAA explains.

In some instances, even if corals survived from bleaching, they are now more susceptible to diseases, according to a study which appeared in the journal Ecology. “Traditionally, scientists have attributed coral declines after mass bleaching events to the bleaching alone,” says Marilyn Brandt, the leader of the study.

Warmer water temperatures can also lead to increased incidences of coral disease, which, unlike most bleaching, can cause irreparable loss of coral tissues. In many cases, bleaching and disease occur concurrently on coral reefs.

Brandt and her colleagues wondered if the occurrences of bleaching and disease were linked beyond simply occurring under the same conditions.

“Coral bleaching and coral diseases are both related to prolonged thermal stress,” says

Brandt.

Once corals die, it usually takes decades for the reef to recover. “Recovery is only possible if the reefs are undisturbed,” NOAA reminds. “After corals die, reefs degrade and the structures corals build are eroded away, provided less shoreline protection and less habitat for fish and shellfish.”

This is bad news as fish is the other staple food of Filipinos. An estimated 10-15 percent of the total fisheries come from coral reefs. About 80-90 percent of the income of small island communities comes from fisheries. “Coral reef fish yields range from 20 to 25 metric tons per square kilometer per year for healthy reefs,” says Dr. Angel C. Alcala, former head of the environment and natural resources.

Philippines, whose coral reef area – estimated at 26,000 square kilometers – is the second largest in Southeast Asia. The Inventory of the Coral Resources of the Philippines in the 1970s found only about 5% of the reefs to be in excellent condition, with over 75% coral cover (both hard and soft).

John C. Ryan, who made an extensive report on the phenomenon for the Washington, D.C.-based Worldwatch Institute, consider bleaching as “the worst threat to the survival of coral reefs.”

“Coral bleaching occurs when corals are stressed by changes in environmental conditions such as temperature, light or nutrients,” NOAA states. “The coral expels the symbiotic algae living in its tissue, causing the tissue to turn white or pale.”

The Management of Bleached and Severely Damaged Coral Reefs traced coral

bleaching as far back as 1870. However, since the 1980s, bleaching events have become more frequent, widespread and severe.

The first ever documented mass coral bleaching in the country was reported in 1998. Mass coral bleaching happens when corals across a large space simultaneously lose their colorful energy-giving plants and turn white or fluorescent due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

In 2010, as much as 95% of the corals in the Philippines suffered bleaching after a warming event.

There are three major types of coral reefs, according to Dr. Angel C. Alcala, former head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. These are fringing type (those found on the edges of islands and which constitutes 30% of the country’s coral reefs); the barrier type (best exemplified by the Dajanon Reef of Central Visayas); and the atoll (of which the Tubbataha and

Cagayan Reef in the Sulu Sea are ideal examples).

The Philippines is home to over 400 local species of corals, which is more than what is found in the famous Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Unfortunately, most of these species are now gone and others are facing extinction. “Nowhere else in the world are coral reefs abused as much as the reefs in the Philippines,” deplores Don E. McAllister of the Ocean Voice International.

The decline is thought to be due primarily to destructive human activities.

Destructive fishing methods – ranging from dynamite blasts to cyanide poisons – are destroying vast areas of reef. Fishermen blast reefs with dynamite to stun the fish. When fish float to the surface, fishermen scoop up large quantities at once.

In many parts of the world, natural poisons have long been used in fishing without apparent damage.

But such is not the case of sodium cyanide. In the Philippines, 80% of the exotic fish destined for pet shops and aquariums throughout Europe and North America are captured using cyanide.

There is also a growing demand for live fish at upscale restaurants.

Another equally destructive fishing method is the “muro-ami,” a drive-in net used for fishing in coral reefs. While he admitted that “muro-ami” is an effective fishing gear, Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III cited some disadvantages.

“The problems related to “muro-ami” fishing are its employment of minors (young boys) for fishing, their exposure to health hazards (like the “bends” or narcosis) and the destruction of coral reefs because of

the weighted scarelines,” explained Dr. Guerrero, former executive director of Philippine Council for Marine and Aquatic Resources Research and Development.

Coral mining has also depleted the country’s reefs.

In fact, an estimated 1.5 million kilograms of corals are harvested annually as part of the international trade in reef products.

Also contributing to the destruction of coral reefs in the Philippines are sedimentation from soil erosion as a result of deforestation in the uplands. Other causes of the deterioration of coral reefs in the country: the quarrying of coral reefs for construction purposes; pollution from industry, mining, and municipalities; and coastal population growth.

The government is doing its best to save the country’s remaining coral reefs by passing several laws. But all those laws, it seems, are not enough. “Despite considerable improvements in coral management, the country’s coral reefs remain under threat,” said Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim when she was still the director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the environment department.

There’s more to reefs than just fish. “The extensive destruction of Philippine coral reefs has constricted the development of tourism in the country's coastal areas,” contends McAllister. “If the coral reefs recover, there will enormous growth in coastal tourism. Today, with most of the coral reefs in a poor state, it is not an exaggeration to say that the country has lost one-third of its potential as a tourist spot in Asia.” – ### (Photos taken from the Facebook post of Jessie Fronda Delos Reyes)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

On the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) making “final” recommendations on the fate of the nationwide community quarantine after July 15: Pag-uusapan pa lang mamaya ‘yung mga apela (The IATF-EID will still discuss the appeals [made by local governments]).

Wala pa pong pinal na rekomendasyon kay Presidente (There is still no final recommendation to the President),” he said. “Bukas pa po maanunsiyo ni Presidente dahil mamaya pa po mapa-finalize yung recommendations (The President will make the announcement tomorrow because the recommendations will be finalized later).

Presidential Spokesperson

Harry Roque

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

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

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS A GARDEN OF ROSES The cliché should instead be “…a bed of roses.”

Anyway, whatever phrase or term is employed here, the meaning will aptly remain the same.

Life is a cycle, oftentimes referred to in the vernacular (Tagalog) “gulong ng palad” that explains in very human terms that sometimes you go up and sometimes you go down. Like a rollercoaster ride.

You can’t stay up there forever in the same manner that you can’t stay down in the mire for eternity too.

Life moves up and down, up and down, up and down.

Depending on how one is able to maintain his balance as he treads the lever of life’s fulcrum, you may stay longer up there which is everyone’s ideal goal.

Where we live today – these contemporary times – tell us that more problems will come our way and more pain and sorrows.

Yes, problems and pain

will continue to haunt us.

Oops, I don’t mean to be negative. I am merely expressing my observations as gleaned from what is going on here and around the globe.

Not to over-emphasize, take the CoVid 19 pandemic and the world-wide crises it has created.

The US is burning (as Rome is burning) in quite a literal way. The communists and the anti-Trump political opposition are on a make or break attempt to dislodge the incumbent American president, either by foul or fair means.

The whole of Europe and Africa reeled and staggered.

Even Asia and South America.

Here, remarkably, the same efforts are being wielded by vested groups in business, media and a mixed alliance of a decimated and disgruntled political opposition.

It is getting to be nasty.

Anyway, I just want to lift up your spirits that, despite

the gloom the enemies of PRRD are painting the situation, this is far, too far from the truth.

There are several Biblical characters whose lives may inspire you. They had the spirit of faith and the love of God in their hearts such that their enemies – who either tried to kill and dispose of them – did not succeed.

As the Bible says, “if God is with you, who is against you?”

Moses is the first character that comes to mind. He was a stutterer, a wanted man who murdered an Egyptian in defense of a fellow Hebrew; he was mocked by his wife and nearly stoned to death by the very same people he led out of Egypt. Moses plodded on and succeeded. God was with him all those times.

Joseph, son of Jacob, was abused by his envious brothers and sold to slavery. He suffered but being an obedient and loyal servant of God, survived imprisonment and rose

to success in a foreign land (Egypt).

King David was pursued relentlessly by his own fatherin-law (Saul); harassed and hassled by his ambitious son and deserted by his friends.

He spent his time writing songs and hymns to God (Psalms of David) while hiding in secret places and even caves. God shielded him.

Noah endured building the Ark alone for 120 years. In between, he tried preaching the Word of God to his fellowmen. They shoved him aside, mocked him and even tried to kill him and his family.

John the Baptist was beheaded because of a whim by the mother of a go-go dancer.

The apostles never had a bed of roses all throughout.

Paul and his companions suffered shipwrecks, stoning, jailed, tortured and eventually brutally killed.

Only John survived (he was immersed in burning oil) and exiled eventually in the island of Patmos where the

An immersive opportunity:

Lord Jesus appeared to him and instructed him to write the Book of Revelation.

Today, we are confronted with stinging issues and concerns.

There is no let up from the back stabbing and fault-finding.

The enemies of the state don’t want us to even lie down – for a day or so – on a bed of roses (or smell the scent of roses in the garden).

Aren’t we all blessed that a leader of strong determination and political will is able to hold this country together despite the rough distressing times?

This man is able to teach his people to hold on and stand together.

Be reminded of this Confucian adage: “If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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

M

FLOWERS AS FOOD

matics, Business, may proceed to alayan Colleges Mind- MCM’s online ed by MCM. anao, a Mapúa School learning tools In order for Humanities and this link: https:// such as Blackto Social Sciences, “Flowersannounced are the sweet- its theirfirst agreeable brancy, and theparticipants flavors add to decorate cookies, cakes and makebit.ly/MCMDIGIjamaico, a cool drink inDig-appearance est things God ever made, and smell. Around theboard world, zest Learn, to any dish.”maximize puddings. fusionTALBOOTCAMP perfect for refreshment the and Basic Edital Learning 2020, and forgot to put a soulBootcamp into,” people use flowers for a wide Oftentimes, flowers are Do you know that you can on a hot summer’s day and Blackboard online ucation for infollow the noted Henry Beecher.

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8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

LIVING

GLOBE, VIRTUALAHAN HELP RECOVERING DRUG DEPENDENTS TO START ANEW IN JUNE 2019, Shaun Rodriguez was caught in a drug buy bust operation in Cebu. Shaun has been a progressive prohibited drug user for over five years but it was the first time he landed behind bars.

The experience was a wake up call that jolted Shaun into leaving his past and starting anew. With the help of Project New Life, a joint digital training initiative of Globe Telecom and Davao-based social enterprise Virtualahan, he found a career in creating digital arts and eventually became a coach for graphic design at Virtualahan starting November 2019 where he shares his knowledge and stories with other recovering drug dependents like Klein and Zendie.

“I will be forever grateful to Globe and Virtualahan for truly helping me start a new life. I admit to have made wrong decisions in the past but joining the Virtualahan training has become one of the best decisions I made. Daghang salamat!,” said Klein who currently works as a customer service agent in Cebu.

Zendie, who is now an administrative assistant, also shares Klein’s feelings. “Now I can do better!” I’m grateful to Virtualahan and Globe for taking a risk on me, on us. I’m also grateful to our coaches for not only sharing their knowledge

but also for the patience and understanding and for guiding us every step of the way. I just didn’t learn about digital skills but also about life. I have now a new perspective towards the word ‘impact’,” she said.

Project New Life is a pioneering project in the Philippines that provides aftercare and reintegration support to recovering or former drug dependents in Cebu City by equipping them with skills and mindset to become competitive employees and entrepreneurs using the equalizing power of technology.

Globe and Virtualahan started working on the project together last year to help drug dependents who were brought to the New Life Center, the first-

of-its-kind drug rehabilitation and treatment center in Pinamungajan, Cebu which Globe constructed and turned over to the Cebu provincial government in June 2019. The facility was in support of the national agenda to help former victims of drug abuse recover from addiction and become productive members of society again.

Under the set-up, Virtualahan provides the training and employment support while Globe takes care of the digital tools, specifically, the internet connectivity for online learning.

This is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) numbers 10 for reducing inequality, 8 for decent work and economic growth, and 4 on

providing opportunities for everyone to have access to quality education which increases the social protection for this disadvantaged group.

“Recovering our youth from drug dependency and providing new skills for gainful employment is at the heart of Project New Life. We are grateful for partners like Virtualahan who do business by aiming for social impact to make a difference in the lives of the marginalized.

We hope the people who benefitted from the training program will have a better future,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

“Some of our scholars have criminal records which makes it

ERIK SANTOS CROONS “KUNG MAIBABALIK” THE KING OF OPM THEME SONGS Erik Santos sings the hopeful love ballad “Kung Maibabalik,” the official soundtrack of the Kapamilya Channel’s morning K-drama “Familiar Wife.”

“Kung Maibabalik” evokes the feeling of wanting to go back to what it was before, complementing the story of the romance fantasy drama where a married couple, Paolo (Ji Sung) and Aileen (Han Ji-min), suddenly becomes strangers living

different lives after an unexpected, fateful incident.

The song is part of the Kapamilya singer’s “Erik Santos 15” album released under Star Music, along with 14 other tracks including Erik’s musical collaborations with various OPM artists.

Composed by couple Moira dela Torre and Jason Hernandez, “Kung Maibabalik” is produced

by ABS-CBN Music’s creative director Jonathan Manalo.

Check out the lyrics of “Kung

Maibabalik” on Star Music’s YouTube channel and watch out for the song in “Familiar Wife,” airing on weekdays at 9:30am on Kapamilya Channel, currently available on SKY channel 8 on SD, SKY channel 167 on HD, Cablelink channel 8, G Sat Direct TV channel 2, and most member-cable operators of the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA) nationwide, and also online via livestreaming on the iWant app and on iwant.ph.

very challenging when we work with employers. So we have to take the bigger risk and our scholars are very determined to help us influence the players in our labor system that recovering drug addicts are not a hopeless case. Their success stories give a new meaning to diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” said Ryan Gersava, CEO & Founder of Virtualahan.

Virtualahan has been operational since 2015, training over 450 scholars with a 78% overall employment rate to date. For Project New Life, Globe and Virtualahan already successfully trained 30 former drug dependents, 12 are now fully employed.

Virtualahan ensures that the most excluded populations of society are given equal opportunities for high-level work in the new digital economy using an impact formula that integrates well-being sessions and community-building with digital job skills training. It is also one of the winners of Globe Future Makers Program, the social innovation program of Globe which helps enable emerging social innovators to create a positive impact on society through technology.

To learn more about Globe’s sustainability programs, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/ about-us/sustainability.html.

For Virtualahan, visit https:// www.virtualahan.com/.PR

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VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

A bigger showroom for better experience

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

he process of getting the customers to buy a new car starts from the moment they set foot in the showroom for a closer look and feel of their dream car.

It is also in the showroom where the commitment of Southern Motors of Davao Inc, (SMDI, Isuzu Davao), which is an Isuzu’s exclusive dealer for Southeastern Mindanao, to deliver an extraordinary expe-

rience not just to the customers but also to its prospects.

SMDI has broken ground on July 8, 2020, for the construction of its new building that will house a bigger showroom. The structure will be

built in the existing location of Isuzu Davao along MacArthur Highway.

The showroom promises an amazing experience for the customers, a waiting area or lounge that gives emphasis to leisure and a sense of comfort to customers when they walk in.

The property, which has a total area of 10,000 square meters, will be built with a state-of-the-art structure where the showroom, which will become an attraction, will be developed on a 2,000 square meters area.

“We will be having a very big showroom so that when the customers come in they will be more comfortable.

We allotted with setback of 25 meters from the highway for parking. It will be a more enjoyable experience for our

customers,” said Jockson Liu, president and general manager of Isuzu Davao in an interview.

Liu said the facelift signifies the commitment of the company to deliver quality service. He said the company started the construction at the back of the building, which houses the three paint booths.

‘The booths are enclosed instead of do the painting outside. We really want to deliver quality service. We emphasize our service for the maintenance,” he said.

The construction is eyed to be completed next year.

SMDI carries the reliable Isuzu Crosswind AUV, the tough Isuzu D-MAX pick-up, the comfortable Isuzu Alterra SUV. For light trucks, SMDI also sells the country’s favorite light and medi-

um commercial trucks such as the N Series and the larger F Series.

Originally established as Southern Motors, Inc. in 1949 under the Yutivo and Sons Group of Companies, SMI as a company managed the network of branches and handling distribution, parts and services in Visayas and Mindanao.

SMI sold General Motors Corporation vehicles such as Chevrolet, Pontiac, Opel, Holden, Vauxhall and Isuzu including genuine parts and provided full service repair and maintenance shops.

In 1953 the late Frank N. Liu, Sr., patriarch of the present day company, joined the Davao office as branch manager until 1973 when General Motors (GMs) decided to take more active control of the

business.

In that same year as part of GMs new plan, the Yutivo Group divided the network of branches into three independent companies which became Northern Motors in Luzon, Cebu Southern Motors in Visayas and Southern Motors of Davao, Inc. in Mindanao.

On July 2, 1973, under the leadership of the late Frank N. Liu, Sr., SMDI was incorporated and approved by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) with an all Filipino ownership. On that day SMDI became the exclusive franchised dealer of General Motors Pilipinas (GMP) for Southeastern Mindanao and continued to provide the products and services of General Motors.

When the American car companies slowly withdrew from the Philippines in the late 80s, SMDI became the exclusive authorized dealer of Isuzu Motors Pilipinas Inc. in 1991 and sold all Isuzu brand new vehicles covering the whole of Southeastern Mindanao.

In 1996 Southern Motors of Davao, Inc. became the exclusive franchised dealer of Isuzu Philippines Corporation, distributing bWrand new Isuzu Vehicles for Southeastern Mindanao and also operating a Five Star motor vehicle repair shop duly accredited by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) up to the present.

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Acosta said they are targeting to immunize 196,000 children below five years old in Davao City for the campaign.

“This week gumagawa na kami ng mga microplans for the new normal. It might be different from the approaches dati,” she said.

She said it was also being devised how to deliver the polio vaccination in the Barangay 23-C, which is currently on lockdown due to high number of cases of Covid-19.

“The delivery of the vaccine to the lockdown barangay will be from DOH to the district health office na at hindi dumadaan sa CHO. Although, extra careful po kami dahil maraming cases doon but meron na pong ginawang plano ang district health officer for the Brgy.

23-C derecho po sa health station nila. Bakunadors will do house-to-house as long as precautionary mea-

sures will be observed,” she said.

Dumama emphasized the need to sustain the synchronize efforts to successfully stop the transmission of polio virus by ensuring “no child is left behind”.

“Ang layunin ng kampanyang ito ay upang ma-seguro natin na ang lahat ng ating kabataan below five years old ay ma-protektahan laban sa polio virus sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng dalawang patak ng oral polio vaccine,” he said.

He said there were children who missed the vaccination during the first round in January this year and among the reasons are the children were sick and were not at their homes.

“Dahil sa pag-punta ng health worker ay maysakit sila or wala sa bahay ang mga bata or sila ay taga ibang lugar. These are some of the challenges during the first round,” he said.

However, Duterte early May this year thanked business tycoons Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Manuel V. Pangilinan of Manila Water and Maynilad, respectively, for helping the government respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 health crisis.

Describing the pandemic as "humbling experience", the President also apologized saying he was no longer the snob as before when he refused to speak with them, as he stressed gratefulness for their continued assistance.

In February, Duterte accepted ABS-CBN's apology after the media giant failed to run his political ads during the 2016 presidential campaign.

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises

on Friday (July 10) junked ABS-CBN’s franchise bid for another 25 years in a 7011 vote. The panel denied the franchise application of ABS-CBN to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and broadcasting stations in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the President said he did not mind if he was replaced as President.

“Kaya ako kung mag-decide kayo na tanggalin ako, mas mabuti. P***** i**. Kasi ayaw kong maghawak ng gobyerno na wala akong magawa. May mga batas kasi (If you decide to remove me, that’s better. Because I don’t want to run a government I can’t do anything about. There’s a law),” he said. (PNA)

Naga City Capiz, Iloilo City, Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, and Cebu province.

Also under a stricter MGCQ are Bohol, Negros Oriental, Tacloban City, Western Samar, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental,

Cagayan de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao City, Davao de Oro, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao.

The rest of the country is under a more relaxed MGCQ. (PNA)

balance health and economy and time to restart the economy. [We] provide more livelihood at this time,” Lopez said.

He added treatments are getting better with more recoveries.

Covid-19 cases in the Philippines reached 56,259 on July 12, of which 38,679

are active cases.

Testing capacity and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) testing laboratories in the country also increased.

As of July 11, the country tested 978,651 individuals and testing laboratories climbed to 85. (PNA)

to Processing Centers, this online facility will also reduce face-to-face interactions in our branches," said SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio.

The SSS is mandated to develop, promote, and perfect a sound and viable tax-exempt social security system suitable to the needs of the

people.

It is tasked to promote social justice through savings, and ensure meaningful social security protection to members and the beneficiaries against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden.

creased sales tax to offset the repercussions of the virus and a slump in oil prices.

The "Millionaires for Humanity" letter was a collab-

oration between groups including Oxfam, Tax Justice UK and the Patriotic Millionaires of high-net worth US individuals.

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Nonpayment of All Local Taxes, Fees, Charges, and Fines which fall due during the Period of Community Quarantine and Enhanced Community Quarantine.”

The latest of the approved ordinance is Ordinance No. 0278-20 or “An Ordinance providing Relief to Mitigate the Adverse Eco-

nomic Effects of Covid-19” which was enacted on June 9, 2020.

The said ordinance grants relief to any person, firm, or entity conducting business in Davao City through proportional reduction of garbage fee for Calendar Year 2021.

The garbage fee shall be

reduced based on the number of months the establishment was closed, provided that the closure is within the period of CQ (Community Quarantine) or ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine).

Business owners can also deduct from their gross sales or receipts the

amount of waived rental fees they granted to their lessees, the monetary value of contributions of establishments utilized as quarantine facilities, and monetary value of donations made to the city government of Davao as an aid in response to Covid-19 situation.

quarantine.

He, however, acknowledged that strict physical distancing and health protocols will still remain in effect to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Approved investments among domestic sources went up to PHP626.7 billion, surging by 166 percent from PHP235.6 billion from the same period last year.

In contrast, approved figures by foreign businessmen reached PHP18.6 billion, a 73-percent deceleration as compared to PHP68.9 billion in the same period a year ago.

Vice chairman and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said construction/infrastructure is the pace-setter among industries with PHP530.8 billion as of the

first half.

Rodolfo said the transportation and storage sectors remain strong with PHP86.7 billion, a 785-percent improvement from last year’s figure of just PHP9.8 billion.

Real estate posted a solid 16.5-percent growth to PHP9 billion from PHP7.7 billion in 2019.

Renewable energy/ power, manufacturing, and accommodation (tourism) recorded PHP6.6 billion, PHP5.3 billion and PHP3.8 billion in approved projects, respectively.

A total of 96 projects got the green-signal and upon operations, it will generate 27,082 jobs, a jump of 57.3 percent from 17,214 in the same period last year, he said.

France remains in the driver’s seat among foreign

investors with PHP1.5 billion approved investments. Netherlands is runner-up with PHP1.06 billion.

Japan remains third with PHP790 million. Malaysia places fourth with PHP601 million and India fifth with PHP329 million.

“It is important to highlight the strategic nature of the projects and their important contribution towards building a more modern Philippines. The project proponents have reaffirmed their commitment to the immediate implementation of these infrastructure, ICT (information communications technology) and transport projects—towards completion in the medium-to longterm term. Prior to approval of the big-ticket projects, the BOI required them to provide written confirmation of

their commitment,” Lopez added.

Among the recent approvals include San Miguel Aerocity, Inc.’s PHP530.8-billion airport project in Bulacan, Seaoil’s PHP654-million downstream petroleum project in La Union, Gigasol3 Inc.’s PHP2.4-billion 63MW solar project in Central Luzon, Royale Cold Storage North Inc.’s PHP1.5-billion storage facility in Laguna, and Heineken International BV’s PHP1-billion brewery plant in the Metro.

Regionally, Central Luzon tops with PHP538.1 billion by virtue of the large Bulacan airport; National Capital Region is second with PHP85.4 billion; Calabarzon is third with PHP9.2 billion, followed

by Davao Region (PHP4.6 billion) and Northern Mindanao (PHP3.2 billion). (PR)

er Mark Bernaldez wasn’t as lucky as Plania. In Las Vegas last July 2, Bernaldez was shut out by Albert Bell, who stood six inches taller, and lost by a unanimous decision. “Mark just couldn’t adjust and deal with the height advantage,” said Manangquil. “Mark’s not really a pressure fighter. He’s a counter-puncher and a boxer kaya ‘di siya naka-deal sa style.” Bernaldez will remain in the US to train.

Manangquil’s prime protégé Reymart Gaballo was supposed to fight former world champion Juan Carlos Payano on July 18 but the date has been moved to Aug. 1 with Connecticut as a tentative site.

Payano, a Dominican Republic veteran known as “Baby Pacquiao,” dealt Plania his only loss and will be a test for Gaballo whose record is 23-0, with 20 KOs. Gaballo is the WBA’s No. 1 ranked bantamweight.

In demand Henson wrote that "more and more Filipino fighters are being lined up for fights in the US but WBO bantamweight champion

JohnRiel Casimero is still waiting for a date when to battle super WBA/IBF titlist Naoya Inoue while staying in shape in Las Vegas. For sure, once travel restrictions ease up, Inoue will make his way from Tokyo to Las Vegas and keep his appointment with Casimero. Inoue is Top Rank’s new darling and Bob Arum is eager to test the Japanese against the hard-hitting “monster hunter” from Ormoc. Until then, Casimero has to be a little more patient and keep focused because it’s likely the big fight will happen before the year ends."

The same report said another Filipino waiting in Las Vegas is Nonito Donaire, Jr. who’s penciled to face WBC bantamweight ruler Nordine Oubaali of France. The fight will be held somewhere in the US, maybe in Las Vegas, maybe in California and Ringstar Sports CEO Richard Schaefer expects it to unravel in late September or October.

Donaire lives in Las Vegas with his family so he’s home away from home. It’s different with Casimero be-

cause he lives in the Philippines although he’s with his brother Jason and Filipino trainer Ting Ariosa staying in a comfortable house with all provisions paid for

by MP Promotions. Coping with the pandemic has been difficult for everyone and Casimero just has to realize overcoming homesickness is a sacrifice that will be worth it in the end.

Because Casimero and Donaire are facing opponents based outside the US, they’re playing the waiting game. Meanwhile, Filipino fighters now in the US are getting a fair share of the action.

A Filipino too much in demand in Las Vegas is welterweight Reymond Yanong who beat Clay Burns on a split six-round decision last June 25 and was knocked out by Genaro Gamez in one round 12 days later.

GAB boxing chief Dr. Jesucito Garcia issued a memo last July 10 citing Yanong for fighting overseas without GAB clearance and for violating GAB’s safety procedures by engaging in two bouts only 12 days apart.

Under GAB rules, there is

a mandatory rest period of at least 30 days in between fights. Yanong, 26, has a record of 11-6-1, with 9 KOs. Another Filipino fighter in the US is featherweight Mark John Yap who is scheduled to battle Colombia’s Miguel Marriaga on the same card as Moralde this Thursday.

Yap, 31, compiled a 12-5 record in Japan from 2012 to 2018 and has lost his last two fights in Las Vegas, both on points. The former OPBF bantamweight king is a huge underdog against Marriaga, a three-time world title challenger.

Unbeaten Filipino lightweight John Dato was set to engage Angel Luna of the Dominican Republic in Sta. Ynez, California, last Friday but it was apparently cancelled since no result was reported. Dato migrated to the US when he was seven and lives in Santa Maria, California. Filipino featherweight Mark Magsayo recently landed in Los Angeles from Manila and expects to see action in September with two or three fights on the table before going for the world title.

July 8.

Gyms instituted safety protocols for members and gym users following the inspection and guidelines set by the city government.

Davao City government allowed fitness gyms to operate after it was declared under an improved MGCQ status last July 1. To be able to operate anew, fitness gyms underwent inspections conducted by the City Sports Development Office.

Under the Beefit Gym’s guidelines, the gym will follow strictly a first-comefirst serve rule with only 40 individuals per time slot based on 40% gym capacity), 90-minute time lim-

it per person, wearing of face mask and face shield, undergo hand disinfection procedure, thermal scanning and filling out of screening form prior to entry.

Beefit also required all gym users to bring their own towels--one big towel to wipe the equipment and one small towel for wiping off sweat. Gym users are prohibited from using the shower and working out closer than the required physical distancing rules, no machine sharing, no buddy workout and no spitting.

For Arcadia, before a member visits, they must

reserve a schedule via Front Office and get a confirmation sent through SMS. Only 20 members are allowed per gym schedule which will be for 90 minutes per session. A member is allowed to enter Arcadia 10 minutes before the session. There will be no walkins and use of the gym will be exclusively for members at this time. New members are encouraged to sign up online and gym visits/ tours are temporarily suspended.

Upon entry, temperature checks shall be conducted at the front doors.

Members who are unwell or with temperature of

37.8C or higher shall be restricted from entering.

Members are obliged to provide contact tracing information upon their first visit for record keeping.

This will be done via paperless forms and are initiated at Front Desk or via phone prior to visit.

Sanitized mats are placed outside the access doors from the gym area and everyone is required to sanitize their hands prior to entry. Disinfectant sprays are provided for members inside the gym area. However, members are advised to bring their own to avoid communal items inside the gym as much as possible.

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MULAWIN'S TIME

Davao's Moralde sees action on Thursday in Las Vegas A

fter the successful outing of Gen. Santos City's Mike Plania, it's now the turn of Davao City's John Vincent Moralde to take his act to Las Vegas on Thursday when he meets Mexico’s Alexis del Bosque.

Nicknamed 'Mulawin', the 26-year old Moralde has won twice in five US outings and is coming off back-to-back first round KO wins, the last over Matias Arriagada of Argentina in Miami last December.

His professional record stands at 22 wins 3 losses and 0 draws.

Moralde will have his hands full against Del Bosque who is a towering 6-footer.

Sanman lightweight prospect John Vincent Moralde (23-3, 13 KOs) will be the third Filipino to see closed door action at the MGM Grand's Conference Center in Las Vegas on July 16.

In Del Bosque (17-5, 9KOs), Moralde will face a tough fighter who has been on a four-fight winning streak.

Moralde’s recent engagement ended in a knockout victory against Matias Arriagada. The event is organized by Top Rank.

“We have similar records. This is a important fight at this stage of my career and I don’t want to spoil the chance. I want to bring home another win.

I have been grinding in the gym all this time and I've been staying ready.

Thanks to my team for giving me this opportunity. I am so lucky to book a fight

John Vincent Moralde will be seeing action in Las Vegas on Thursday against Mexico's Alexis Del Bosque.

in the midst of this crisis," Moralde said in a report by Boxingscene.com.

The fight was also reported on Philboxing.com website by veteran boxing writer Joaquin Henson of The Philippine Star.

The superbantamweight Plania got the Filipino bandwagon rolling with an upset win over Joshua Greer at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas last June 16. Luckily, Plania and four other SanMan fighters were brought

by J. C. Manangquil to train in Cuban Moro Fernandez’ gym in Miami early this year so they were available when boxing was restarted in Las Vegas.

Plania recently returned home and is now in General Santos City. He landed in Cebu, was swab-tested, quarantined in a hotel and got the green light to fly home.

Another SanMan fight-

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Westbrook says he tested positive for the coronavirus Marcial hopes PBA teams can

R

ussell Westbrook, the Houston Rockets star and one of the most high-profile players in the NBA, said Monday in a social media post that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.

He said his positive test came before the Rockets left for Orlando, Florida, where the NBA is attempting to restart its season.

“I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared,” Westbrook said in his statement. He added: “Please take this virus seriously. Be safe.

Mask up! #whynot.”

Westbrook and Houston’s other superstar guard, James Harden, did not travel with the team to the Walt Disney World

campus in recent days.

Luc Mbah a Moute, a veteran forward whom the Rockets signed earlier this month, also did not make the trip. Coach Mike D’Antoni did not specify why in comments to reporters over the weekend but said he expected them to be in Orlando shortly.

“These are things that people are dealing with,” D’Antoni said. “We’re not

going to get into why not.

They’re on their way.”

It is unclear when Westbrook will be able to join the Rockets or when his quarantine period began. Other players, like Spencer Dinwiddie and DeAndre Jordan of the Brooklyn Nets, are skipping the NBA restart entirely after they learned they had the coronavirus.

In this file photo Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets dribbles downcourt during the first half of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 29, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. AFP

begin practicing by next week

T

eams of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are set to undergo testing for the novel coronavirus once again, in the hopes that they can resume practices by next week.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial will coordinate with Barangay Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua, who offered the facilities at the San Miguel Corp. headquarters as the testing venue for the league. "'Yung testing, mag-uusap pa kami ni governor Alfrancis Chua para kung kelan sila pwedeng i-test. Kasi, this week puno yata sila eh," Marcial said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday.

"Baka by next week, ite-test kasi kailangan ma-test muna lahat bago kami nagsimula ng practice. Tina-target ko pa rin, July 22. Sana by July 22, na-test na, makapagsimula tayo ng practices natin," he added.

Last July 3, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) gave the go-signal for professional basketball and football teams to resume practices, after the PBA and the Philippine Football Federation sought permission and submitted protocols.

Marcial has spent

the past week discussing those guidelines with coaches and team managers as well as with the Board of Governors.

"Dapat maging ready sila," he said of the teams.

Practices will take place in each team's facility. NLEX, for instance, will continue to train at the FCL Sports Center in Xavierville, which they use exclusively. Coach Yeng Guiao has said they will implement even stricter protocols than the ones provided by the PBA. Marcial will again write to the IATF in August, this time to ask permission for teams to hold scrimmages. Under current community quarantine guidelines, five-onfive basketball is still not allowed. The PBA's protocols for practices also bars scrimmages and tune-up games.

"Sa akin kasi, baka sa katapusan ng buwan, sana, baka MGCQ (modified general community quarantine), so ang laking bagay na sa atin 'yun na (pwedeng) mag-scrimmages," the commissioner said.

The PBA Board of Governors will decide in August whether to resume the league's 45th season, which has been on hold since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 81 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

CLOSING AGAIN? With impending GCQ reversion, Davao gyms brace for closure anew

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO arely getting back their bearings after re-opening last week from nearly three months of closure, Davao City’s fitness gyms are bracing for yet another episode of closure.

B

File photo shows a gym member working out at the Arcadia Fitness Gym inside the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center.

That’s hardly breaking a sweat.

Jimmy Javier, who operates the Beefit Gym with two branches in Gov. Duterte Street and in Lanang, told Edge Davao it is unfortunate that they will have to close again once the city is declared reverted to General Coomunity Quarantine (GCQ) status

by Wednesday (July 15).

“Wala tayo magawa dyan guidelines ng GCQ closed ang mga gyms,” Javier said.

Beefit re-opened last July 3 after President Rodrigo Duterte lowered the quarantine levels for Davao City to Moderate General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) from GCQ. On Monday, Mayor

Sara Duterte-Carpio hinted the city will be reverted back to GCQ status effective July 15. She added tat they city government has made early appeals for reconsideration.

“Sana hindi na (bumalik sa GCQ), nag start pa lang bumalik mga clients,” said Javier.

The veteran fitness trainer said he hopes any decision to revert to GCQ by the national government will be reconsidered.

“Waiting pa sa announcement ni President bukas kung ano ang verdict nya sa Davao City,” he said.

Aside from Beefit Gym, Arcadia Fitness Gym also recently re-opened last

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