Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 82 | Thursday, July 16, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

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Travelers from Manila make up bulk of rise in Covid-19 cases in Davao City STORY ON PAGE 2

An office worker checks the Facebook page of Davao City’s most popular online barter community, the Davao Barter Community, on Wednesday. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reminded the public that online and non-online barter-trading is illegal as it violates tax laws and it is only allowed in “very limited” areas in Mindanao specifically Siasi and Jolo in Sulu and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

GOING UP, UP

Travelers from Manila make up bulk of rise in Covid-19 cases in Davao City

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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avao City has recorded high number of Covid-19 cases since last week after the city started accepting locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning OFWs who arrived in the city via air and land transport.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio issues a request the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to direct all airlines to require all Davao City-bound pas-

sengers to submit a negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken within 48 hours of the departure date. Edge Davao

DPWH Sec Villar tests positive for Covid-19

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epartment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar on Wednesday announced that he has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“I regret to announce that today, July 15, I received my test result and it is positive for Covid-19,” Villar said in a Facebook post.

Following the announcement, he did not attend the inauguration of the final section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway set on Wednesday.

He will also skip the scheduled inspection of the

new terminal building of the Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

During a Palace press briefing on Monday, Villar was named as the country's "isolation czar" among government officials tapped to lead the country's response to the pandemic.

In the same briefing, Villar reported that the government has a total of 55,416 available beds in local and national quarantine facilities in the country for Covid-19 patients.

He added that they were looking to build an additional 50 quarantine facilities in the country. (PNA)

Based on the data shared by the Department of Health-Davao Center for Health Development to Davao media, 45 Covid-19 cases were recorded on July 14, 2020; 17 on July 13; 15 on July 12; 23 on July 11; 29 on July 10; 41 on July 9; 17 on July 8; 17 on July 7; seven on July 6; and 12 on July 5.

In a statement issued by the City Information Office (CIO) on July 15, 2020; an attached summary of the history of exposures of confirmed Covid-10 patients in Davao City from the period of July 5 to 13, 2020, shows that travelers from Manila are the highest number of cases in the city for the said period.

The data shows that 42 cases or 37 percent

of the 113 cases traveled from Manila; 36 cases or 32 percent were exposed to Covid-19 patient; 18 cases or 16 percent were community unknown exposure; seven cases or six percent had community exposure; four cases or four percent had exposure to suspected Covid-19 case; two cases or two percent traveled from Cebu; one case or one percent traveled from Clark; one case or one percent was an OFW; one case traveled abroad; and one case had exposure to a health care facility.

On July 13, 2020, Mayor Sara attributed the latest high number of cases to the LSIs and returning OFWs that arrived in Davao City.

“Nagadaghan ni tungod

sa positive cases sa LSIs and OFWs as expected. On top of local transmission nagdungag ang LSIs and OFWs during sa testing nato,” she said.

LSIs and returning OFWs were beneficiaries of the Grand Hatid Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The statement stated that the mayor has asked the National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to implement preventive measures in its repatriation procedures of the OFWs and the LSIs immediately.

In her letter addressed to OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, the mayor enumerated the following measures: OFWs and LSIs must present a negative result taken within 48 hours of departure before boarding by land, sea, or air; OWWA flights should be scheduled regularly so

FGOING, P10

Gov't to impose motorcycle shield use by July 20: Año

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overnment will strictly impose the use of motorcycle shields beginning July 20 to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the vice chair of the National Task Force against the pandemic said Wednesday.

Motorcycle back-riding was allowed by government starting July 10 for married couples only and required physical bar-

riers to limit virus transmission.

"Ngayon sinisita at kino-cautionan sila. Starting Monday magpapatuapd na JTF (Joint Task Force)SHIELD ng panghuhuli," said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

The NTF COVID-19 has approved motorcycle shields designed by Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, which was tested in his province, and Angkas

among others, Año said.

"Pinag-aralan naman yan, 'yan ay safe. Even other countries like Indonesia ay ginagamit din yan," Año said of Yap's design.

"Wala namang disgrasya, lalo pa ngang naging maingat yung driver."

(This underwent study and it was found to be safe. Even other countries like Indonesia use it.

No accident so far, it made drivers even more care-

ful.)

"Nakita natin very safe dito sa Metro Manila," he said of Angkas' design.

(We found it was very safe for use in Metro Manila.)

The use of motorcycle shield has earned criticism, with Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla saying it was "dangerous, inconvenient, and does not make sense."

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Palace: Some areas to go back to stricter lockdown

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ome areas will go back to a stricter pandemic lockdown, Malacañang said Wednesday as cases of the novel coronavirus continued to shoot up.

Several areas will return to general community quarantine or GCQ from modified GCQ, said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, hours ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's announcement of fresh lockdown classifications.

Four cities and 1 province earlier appealed their lockdown level, said Roque. He did not say whether or not these are the areas that would go back to GCQ. "But by and large, the

Philippines will be under MGCQ, overwhelming," he said. "I guess you can say we have reigned in the COVID threat to the extent that can open up to 75 percent of the economy."

The government "in the coming few days... might even consider declaring some areas under the new normal," he said.

Roque in the same interview said relaxing the lockdown of 12 million people in Metro Manila was "out of the question."

The health department on Tuesday reported 634 additional COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 57,545.

The City of Mati LGU through City Tourism and Promotion Office and City Risk Reduction and Management Office installs an information booth in the Tagamot border that aims to help and guide tourists to have easy access to information during their visit to Mati City. CIO Mati

VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Duterte not referring to Lopezes in Sulu speech

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President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the troops during his visit to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu on Monday.

Malacañang clarified that the President was not referring to the Lopez

family, which controls ABS-CBN Corp., when he claimed that he has “dismantled” the oligarchy without having to declare martial law. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Agdao may be placed under hard lockdown A

By MAYA M. PADILLO

fter Barangay 23-C, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said that placing Agdao under hard lockdown is being discussed after the rise of Covid-19 cases reported in the area.

Agdao is among areas in Davao City identified as very high risk area along with Brgy. 23-C and Leon Garcia, this is based on the barangay classification and risk assessment issued by the city government of Davao on July 6, 2020.

“Bago mag-panic, its

just a discussion lang weighing kung kinahanglan ba o dili na ba or unsa pa ba’y lain puwedeng buhaton bago istoryahan ang hard lockdown,” the mayor said in a live interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Wednesday.

Mayor Sara said that although the cases in Agdao are increasing, they are still are manageable.

“Increasing pud ang numbers didto but so far makita nako sa reports murag ma-agapan man ang ilahang cases,” she said.

Currently, Brgy. 23-C is under hard lockdown for 14 days since July 4, 2020, due to high incidence of local transmission of Covid-19.

“Wala pa ta update didto and we will get back to them pag-testing ug balik

increasing economic activity” in the country, Nograles said the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has surpassed its collection target for June 2020 by 4.4 percent or PHP1.8 billion despite the pandemic.

The BOC was able to collect PHP42.539 billion in customs taxes and duties, exceeding its June target of PHP40.739 billion.

Nograles also noted that the Philippines’ credit rating, according to Tokyo-based debt watcher Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd., reached the “A” grade level for the first time in June.

He was referring to the Philippines’ credit score of “A-” with a “stable” outlook in June which is one notch higher

than the previous “BBB+” and the highest rating the country has ever received.

“Even amidst the pandemic, international credit rating agencies have affirmed our sovereign ratings and have kept them at investment grade levels,” Nograles said.

More businesses have been allowed to resume their operations when President Rodrigo Duterte eased the quarantine restrictions in the country.

Nograles earlier said the government has crafted plans to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 crisis on the Philippine economy.

On July 7, Duterte said the Philippines cannot afford to completely reopen the economy amid

sa sulod,” Mayor Sara said.

Earlier, the city has cautioned Dabawenyos to refrain from visiting or travelling in the barangays in Davao City identified as very high risk and high risk, unless the purpose of going is work, business, and emergency.

Identified as very high risk areas are Brgy. 23-C, Agdao Proper, and Leon Garcia; while high risk areas are Brgy. 5-A, Bucana, Buhangin Proper, Ma-a, Matina Aplaya, and Matina Crossing.

PH economy recovering despite Covid-19 pandemic: Nograles C abinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Wednesday said the Philippine economy is recovering from the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

During the second part of the pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA), Nograles said there are signs of economic rebound from Covid-19 induced slump.

“Mga kababayan, hirap man tayo ngayon, may mga senyales din na lumalaban at bumabangon ang ekonomiya (To my fellow countrymen, we may be experiencing difficulties but there are signs that our economy is improving and recovering),” Nograles said in his opening remarks.

Citing “evidence of

the Covid-19 pandemic, as it would only lead to a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Nograles, in his latest remarks, stressed that while the country suffered from severe economic recession, it is still considered as one of the best performing economies.

“Dahil sa repormang pinansyal at maayos na pangangasiwa sa ating ekonomiya bago pa man tumama ang pandemya, tayo ang isa sa pinakamalakas, pinakamatibay at pinagkakatiwalaang ekonomiya dito sa rehiyon (Because of financial reforms, we are one of the countries with strongest, most robust, and most trusted economy in the region before the pandemic hit us),” he said.

(PNA)

resident Rodrigo Duterte was not referring to the Lopez family, which controls ABS-CBN Corp., when he claimed that he has “dismantled” the oligarchy without having to declare martial law, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that Duterte was referring to tycoons Lucio Tan, Manuel V. Pangilinan, and the Ayalas who earned Duterte’s outrage due to past issues, which have now been resolved.

Tan is chairman and chief executive officer of Philippine Airlines (PAL), Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Investments Corp. owns a controlling stake in Maynilad, while Ayala Corp. owns a stake in Manila Water.

“He (Duterte) must be referring to the oligarchs which he named and he actually threatened to destroy but reconsidered,” he said in a virtual Palace briefing.

Roque said he understood who Duterte was referring to, based on his “prior contemporaneous statements.”

He said Duterte’s mention of dismantling the oligarchy just three days after the House Committee on Legislative Franchises junked ABS-CBN’s franchise bid was merely a “coincidence.”

“I believe so kasi palagi niya naman sinasabi sa mga talumpati niya na ang mga oligarchs na talagang siya mismo ang bumuwag.

Eto namang kaso ng ABSCBN, e kaso po na nag expire ang prangkisa at hindi po narenew ng Kongreso (because he has always mentioned the oligarchs which he personally dismantled in his speech. The case of ABS-CBN is a case of their franchise expiring which was not renewed by Congress),” he said.

In February 2019, Duterte cleared Tan of his past PHP6-billion tax liability, saying he would "forever shut up" on the subject.

His statement came after Tan offered an additional plane to fly home repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Kuwait.

Last May, Duterte apologized to Pangilinan and the Ayalas for launching a word war against them in relation to “onerous” water concession agreements, even threatening to file plunder charges against them.

Duterte ordered the crafting of a new and “better” concession agreements with the two water firms.

However, he thanked the two water firm owners for helping the national government in its coronavirus disease (Covid-19) response.

No cronies Amid claims that Duterte destroyed oligarchs to replace him with his own, Roque denied anew that Duterte was at all cultivating his own set of cronies including Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy. Roque said Uy has been “rich” since the very beginning since he owns a gold mining business in the town of Diwalwal in Compostela Valley. “‘Wa mo nating isipin na yung kayamanan niya is because of President Duterte. Dati na po siyang mayaman (Let’s not think that he got rich because of President Duterte. He [Uy] is rich already),” he said.

He said Uy did not need Duterte’s help to build his fortune despite their being close.

“Kung akala niyo po yumaman si Dennis Uy, siguro po mas mayaman na siya ngayon pero simulat’-mula, mining po sila. So hindi na po sila kinakailangan tulungan ni Presidente para lumaki (If you think Dennis Uy became richer, maybe it’s true he’s richer now, but from the very start, they have a mining business.

So there is no need for the President to help him earn more money),” he said.

Talks about Uy eyeing ABS-CBN surfaced after he formed the Udenna Communications Media and Entertainment Holdings Corp., which expands his business to the media and entertainment sector.

Meanwhile, he refused to comment on the statement made by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayeta-

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Info booth in Tagamot border installed to help, guide tourists

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he City of Mati LGU through City Tourism and Promotion Office and City Risk Reduction and Management Office installed an information booth in the Tagamot border.

The booth was installed to help and guide tourists to have easy access to information during their visit to Mati City.

The information booth will also provide details on the different destinations and the best tourist spots in Mati.

Posters, handouts, information boards and helplines are all provided in the booth.

City of Mati Tourism Officer Dashiel Indelible said that they will try their best to open the booth to the public within this week.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office had also set up a thermal scanner in the booth to ensure that travelers passing thru the Tagamot quarantine checkpoint do not have fever or flu-like symptoms upon entering the border.

Aside from the health screenings, travelers are also asked to fill-up the travel manifest form for easy contact tracing in case of Covid-19 infection. (CIO MATI)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Imported vehicle sales rebound in June

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

DTI: Online barter trade is illegal, violates tax laws

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nline selling during the monthslong community quarantines has become so prevalent that even barter-trading has found its way to the internet.

But the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded the public on Tuesday that barter-trading is illegal as it violates tax laws.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that while barter-trading is allowed in “very limited” areas in Mindanao, it is not legal in the rest of the country.

The Cabinet official said barter-trading - where goods

and services are exchanged without using money - is allowed in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi pursuant to an executive order issued by the President, particularly Executive Order No. 64 signed in 2018.

“Ang barter trade ho ay allowed po iyan doon po sa mga limited places sa Mindanao dahil po sa nature po ng … iyong mga lugar doon na kailangan ma-improve iyong livelihood, iyong mga hanap-

buhay po lalo na sa tabi ng dagat,” the Trade chief said.

“Pero po sa ibang lugar ay hindi po allowed iyong barter trade. At saka kailangan ho, ano pa, iyong regular transaction tayo diyan at saka dapat ho ay may tax na binabayaran,” Lopez added.

The Trade chief said the government will implement a crackdown on online barter trading.

“Bawal nga po so – at saka nalalabag nila iyong tax law diyan – anyway, ipapahanap po natin iyon dahil illegal po iyong activity,” Lopez said.

“So diyan po, umaaksiyon naman po iyong ating team, composite team ng

DTI at ng PNP (Philippine National Police), NBI (National Bureau of Investigation),” he said.

Lopez, however, said the DTI has not yet received complaints concerning barter-trading online.

“So marami na rin ho tayong natanggap na complaints but not on barter,” he said.

“But in general dito po sa mga online from 1,000 I think, in January of this year to 10,000, ang ibig sabihin ang mga complaints. Ganoon din kadami kasi tumalon ang transaksiyon sa online selling lalo na iyong quarantine, the height of the quarantine period,” he said.

In the first quarter of the year, the domestic economy contracted, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), by 0.2 percent, the first negative output since the last quarter of 1998.

From the original 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent growth target for this year, economic managers have revised their target to a 2 percent to 3.4 percent contraction due to the expected impact of the pandemic.

Diokno said the second-quarter output is expected to be in a deeper contraction because it was when the enhanced community quarantine was implemented.

Economic managers,

however, project a recovery in the latter part of the year and a growth rebound of about 8 percent to 9 percent for 2021.

In the same briefing, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) president Roberto Tan said that despite the challenges and negative economic impact of the pandemic, the Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC), which is composed of the BSP, PDIC, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Department of Finance, “wants to be sure that the Council is an enabler of the recovery.”

Thus, the implementation of several measures to ensure, among others,

that liquidity is available for healthy economic activities.

“There should be enough liquidity in the system to address uncertainties that may be priced into market yields.

It also means keeping stakeholders updated so that everyone makes informed decision(s),” Tan said.

He also noted that the financial market “is not a separate silo from the rest of the economy.”

“That is why we have been collaborating with our economic agency – NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) – and in fact, Secretary (Karl Kendrick) Chua attended the FSCC meeting earlier,” he added.

(PNA)

strongly capitalized and in solid liquidity position to manage credit risks.”

The non-renewal of ABSCBN’s franchise has sparked fears it would hurt the economy and investments.

“The prudential measures instituted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas allowed the banking industry to remain strong and healthy through the years that en-

abled the banks to withstand various crises,” it said.

The group said even amid the pandemic and the non-renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise, banks would continue to be "steadfast" as they are supported by "strong financial conditions, robust risk management systems, and good corporate governance.”

“Most importantly, we are confident that our member

banks are prudent and take the welfare of their depositors at paramount importance. Your deposits are protected,” it added.

Last May 5, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order against ABSCBN to stop is broadcast operations after its legislative franchise expired on May 4.

(PNA)

Diokno stresses importance of gradual re-opening of economy

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he economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is projected to be greater than expected, hence, the need for the gradual re-opening of the economy to prevent it from further contraction, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

“We fully recognize that challenges are out there today but we also cannot stay idle and allow the economy to collapse. The prudent approach is a calibrated opening of the economy,” Diokno said in a virtual briefing Tuesday.

The BSP continues to forecast a U-shaped recovery for the domestic economy.

PH banks can manage credit risk from ABS-CBN loans

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hilippine banks remain strongly capable of managing risks on their credit portfolio despite the non-renewal of broadcast giant ABS-CBN’s franchise, an organization of universal and commercial banks said Tuesday.

In a statement, the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) said the domestic banking sector “remains

ot only locally assembled vehicles recovered from business disruption due to community quarantine measures but also sales of imported vehicles improved in June compared to the previous month.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reported Tuesday its monthly sales in June 2020 jumped by 198 percent to 3,697 units from 1,239 units in May this year.

By segment, passenger cars sold 1,199 units in June, increasing by 239 percent from May’s sales of 354 units; light commercial vehicle sales jumped by 181 percent to 2,462 units last month from 876 units in May; and commercial vehicle sales surged by 300 percent to 36 units in June from nine units in its previous month.

AVID president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said the group remains cautious despite demand for imported vehicles significantly improving coming from the lockdown measure that started in midMarch.

The government started the reopening of businesses in May. “While AVID members and their partner dealerships have gone to great lengths to Covid-proof their facilities, strengthen online e-commerce assets, and offer extraordinary promotions and deals to win back

customers and encourage buying; headwinds remain.

These include lower remittances, weaker demand, and the prospect of a second wave so we can’t let our guard down,” Perez-Agudo said.

Meanwhile, AVID sales in the first six months of the year fell by 54.8 percent to 19,455 units from 43,082 units in the same period in 2019.

Passenger car sales plummeted by 60 percent to 6,111 units in January to June 2020 from 15,279 units sold in the first half of 2019.

Light commercial vehicle sales in the first half of 2020 also dropped by 51.6 percent to 13,207 units from 27,300 units sold during the same period last year.

Commercial vehicles for the first two quarters of the year plunged by 73 percent to 137 units from its sixmonth sales last year at 503 units.

“This is not the industry’s first crisis but it is surely the most challenging.

We can’t face it alone, so we are closely working with (the) government and other stakeholders to help contain this pandemic while gradually reviving the industry in a safe and sustainable manner. Mobility is key to driving the economy forward and a stronger AVID, within and beyond this pandemic, will definitely play a key role,” Agudo added. (PNA)

DMCI group sees strong business recovery in 2021

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iversified engineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc. is optimistic about a “very strong” business recovery in 2021 after a marked slowdown in consolidated earnings it expects this year amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) that continues to drag down economic activities.

In a virtual media briefing Tuesday, DMCI Holdings chairman and president Isidro Consunji said once public transport returns to normal and the government starts relaxing various regulations, their business is expected to improve significantly.

“Wala kaming nakikitang (We don’t see) new opportunities aside from construction, infrastructure buildup.

Hopefully, the government will relax on its permits (particularly) permits in the area of mining, then that will be a very big boost immediately to the company. Aside from that, we don’t see any major development for this year,” he said.

DMCI Homes president Alfredo Austria is confident about having good residential real estate sales by the middle of next year.

“For real estate, I think generally, we are expecting that things will be slow. But for residential real estate, I think we are serving a need market so there are a lot of people who need homes,” he said.

Austria said the company plans to launch one or two projects this second half of 2020.

“Our current projects are still encouraging despite common expectations na wala ng bumibili (that no one

buys). In fact, marami pa rin bumibili (many still buy) in a few projects that we have available units,” he added.

DMCI Mining Corp. president Cesar Simbulan Jr. said the company expects next year will be better than 2019.

“At this first half of the year, we already shipped as much as what we shipped the whole of 2019. We still have another half (of the year)... We are pretty sure we can do 30 shipments this year as opposed to 23 of last year. Our only drawback is prices of nickel are on the average slower than last year,” he added.

Meanwhile, Consunji said they see weak demand and low selling prices to affect most of their businesses this year.

“DMCI (D.M. Consunji, Inc.) could show more resilience if supported by massive public spending and timely issuance of permits and rights-of-way,” he said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

Similar to most companies, DMCI Holdings and its subsidiaries are deferring their capital spending to boost liquidity and keep balance sheets healthy.

“Consolidated capex (capital expenditures) will be streamlined by more than half to PHP19.4 billion. Most of the reduction will come from DMCI Homes, which plans to slow down its land acquisitions this year. From PHP19 billion, their land banking expenses will be limited to PHP4 billion,” he said.

The conglomerate originally planned a capital spending of PHP40.4 billion.

(PNA)

VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

An elderly sidewalk vendor displays "ukay-ukay" at a makeshift store along Gempesaw Street in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

NEDA sees PH trade recovery

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rade growth is expected to gain momentum in the coming months as quarantine measures ease, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Tuesday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported last July 10 that the country’s total merchandise trade registered a slower decline of 38.7 percent in May 2020, after a steep 59.5-percent decline in April 2020.

Merchandise exports declined by 35.6 percent but with notable improvements in agro-based, forest and manufactured prod-

ucts.

Imports, meanwhile, fell by 40.6 percent but showed slower contractions in major commodity groupings, particularly capital goods, raw materials including chemicals and manufactured goods, and consumer goods.

“The slower decline in trade performance is a welcome indication that eco-

nomic activity has started to pick up. This is due to the relaxation of quarantine measures in certain areas, the gradual reopening of business, and the restarting of production within the country and its trading partners,” acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in a statement.

Manufactured goods, which accounts for almost 80 percent of total exports, is seen to gradually recover as the latest results of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the Philippines rose from 40.1 in May to 49.7 in June 2020.

Notwithstanding the ongoing lockdown in Cebu where some of the electronics firms are located, the Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) also indicated a gradual pick-up in semiconductors exports in the coming months and projected a flat growth in 2020.

The NEDA chief said that given significant downside risks to global trade, the country needs to ramp up efforts to build a more competitive trade sector.

“We have made some notable improvements in the past decade. However,

will help during these challenging times," he said.

"SMS is our core business and we see that SMS technology will play a big role in distance learning, we conceived the development of BeeSuite, this is the first SMS-based distance learning platform in the Philippines," he added.

Its BeeSuite desktop platform combines features of Moodle, Google for Education, and its BeeSuite SMS program which allows teachers to communicate with students in realtime via SMS. The platform is scheduled to be launched by next week, once the necessary licenses are secured.

Under the platform, teachers may use either an existing SIM card or a dedicated SIM card and insert

this in a GSM modem stick which will then be connected to a computer or laptop.

The program's features include personalized SMS, scheduled messages, inbox advanced filters, bubble conversations, virtual class discussions, automatic grade notifications, virtual backup, automated lessons, and automated exams.

Hernandez said students will be able to access lessons anytime, ask questions anytime, and retain access to lessons anytime as the lessons will be stored in their mobile phones.

The BeeSuite Academy, available via Google Play and the Apple App Store, will then automatically detect the GSM modem stick and will be ready to go without internet connections.

The platform allows

teachers to send their lessons to students via SMS, with a character limit of 160 characters per text. Students will then have to input a keyword for them to access the next part of the lesson.

It also allows automated exams, where questions will also be sent to students via SMS. A class of 50 is expected to receive the message within 1 to 2 minutes of sending.

"Learners need an ordinary phone (either ordinary multitap phone or smartphone) to start learning. With BeeSuite, learners don’t need to buy tablet, laptop, or PC and internet services," said Hernandez.

He noted, however, that both teachers and students will be encouraged to avail of promotional unlimited texts

Local firm pushes for SMS-based learning for students without internet

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ybusybee Incorporated, a local value-added services and cybersecurity firm, is pushing for a short message service (SMS) learning platform to cater to students without any internet connection.

In an interview, Mybusybee founder and chief executive officer Rico Hernandez said the company plans to officially launch its BeeSuite platform by next week, which allows offline SMS-based learning for students amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"After reading many headlines about DepEd's challenges in planning and implementing distance learning in the Philippines because of the internet situation, this served as inspiration for us to find ways that

FLOCAL, P10

we need to capitalize on this and further improve infrastructure, logistics, productivity, and the whole manufacturing value chain in order (to) bring down the cost of production and remain internationally competitive. In addition, we can attract more new technology and innovation through the passage of the Public Service Act, and provide performance-based, timebound, and targeted incentives through the proposed CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act) bill. These can all help improve the enabling environment for

foreign investments and external demand,” Chua said.

The NEDA is leading the updating of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, which aims for a healthy and resilient Philippines.

The updated PDP will highlight government efforts to re-calibrate and re-focus its strategies to address the economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. These strategies include building consumer and business confidence in the near term and enhancing economic resilience over the medium term. (PR)

Authorities sustain policies boosting economic growth

F

inance authorities continue to have policy leeway to support domestic growth as inflation remains manageable, a ranking Department of Finance (DOF) official said Tuesday.

In an economic bulletin, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran described as still moderate the uptick in last June’s rate of price increases to 2.5 percent on an annual basis from the previous month’s 2.1 percent.

“Inflation continues to be manageable despite supply issues arising from the pandemic. This allows significant elbow room for policymakers to sustain economic policies supportive (of) growth,” Beltran said.

The acceleration of the June inflation rate is still

slower than the 2.7 percent during the same period last year.

This development was traced to quickening in the transportation index due to the rise of crude oil prices in the international market.

Beltran, however, said that “easing in food prices helped cushion the effect of the increase in non-food prices.”

He said average food prices increased by 2.7 percent last June, slower than its 2.9-percent pace last May. Average inflation in the first half of the year stood at 2.5 percent, within the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target band until 2022.

Monetary officials forecast inflation to average at

FAUTHORITIES, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

On the proposed temporary use by the government of ABS-CBN’s former television and radio frequencies for effective distance learning:

Inequality and inaccessibility of opportunities such as those pertaining to internet connectivity and possession of a laptop pose a variety of challenges for teachers and learners ... Engaging our students require[s] going beyond exclusive reliance on online strategies. The reduction of losses in learning require[s] creativity in remote learning strategies.

Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte

EDGEDAVAO

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MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

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

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!

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

FLOWERS AS FOOD “Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into,” noted Henry Beecher. “Earth laughs in flowers,” Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in Hamatreya.

Emma Goldman declared, “I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.”

The great variety of delicate and beautiful flowers has inspired the works of numerous poets, especially from the 18th-19th century romantic era. Famous examples include William Wordsworth’s “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” and William Blake’s “Ah! Sun-Flower.”

Because of their varied and colorful appearance, flowers have long been a favorite subject of visual artists as well. Some of the most celebrated paintings from wellknown painters are of flowers, such as Van Gogh’s sunflower series or Monet’s water lilies.

Flowers are also dried, freeze dried, and pressed in order to create permanent, three-dimensional pieces of flower art.

In modern times, people have sought ways to cultivate, buy, wear, or otherwise be around flowers and blooming plants, partly because of

their agreeable appearance and smell. Around the world, people use flowers for a wide range of events and functions that, cumulatively, encompass one’s lifetime: for new births, as a corsage to be worn at social functions or for holidays, as tokens of love or esteem, for wedding flowers for the bridal party and decorations for the hall, as brightening decorations within the home, and as a gift of remembrance for bon voyage parties, welcome home parties, and “thinking of you” gifts.

Flowers are also used during funerals as and as expressions of sympathy for the grieving family. In countries such as Belgium and Austria, the chrysanthemum is used almost exclusively as a memorial on graves.

For all the times you’ve sent your beloved flowers, how often have they been tempted to taste their distinctive, delicate flavors? Probably never.

Unknowingly, hundreds of fresh flowers are edible but few are widely marketed as food.

As one chef puts it: “One of the best things about edible flowers is that they transform ordinary food into a dazzling creation. Their colors add vi-

brancy, and the flavors add zest to any dish.”

Oftentimes, flowers are used to add color and flavor to salads. Squash flowers, for instance, are dipped in breadcrumbs and fried. Edible flowers include chrysanthemum, carnation, chicory, and sunflower. Some edible flowers are sometimes candied such as daisy.

Some flowers are made into herbal teas. Dried flowers such as chrysanthemum, jasmine, and camomile are infused into tea both for their fragrance and medical properties. Sometimes, they are also mixed with tea leaves for the added fragrance. In China and Japan, chrysanthemum petals, a symbol of future joy, are ladled into soup or poured made into tea pitchers – as they have been for more than a millennium.

Most people might not know this, but roses are edible and as with many edible flowers, they actually are quite tasty! Some claim they taste like a sweet apple fruit and others fail to be able to describe the taste of a rose.

There are many recipes for the use of roses, but a favorite is always candied rose petals, which are a great confection

to decorate cookies, cakes and puddings.

Do you know that you can make omelet out of gumamela leaves? This has been discovered in a study on ornamental plants conducted by researchers from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB).

“Most ornamental plants are also rich in vitamins and minerals,” said Dr. Gregorio Lugod and Dr. Ludivina de Padua of the UPLB Department of Botany, who conducted the laudable study.

Gumamela is very common in many gardens, but it is mostly used to adorn table tops or a girl’s hair. Unknown to many, the shrub’s flowers and leaves can now be eaten as food. The UPLB researchers said that gumamela can provide the body with starch, glycogen, calcium oxalate, sulfur and pectic substances to prevent colds, cancer, and ulcer.

The petals of gumamela flowers can be pickled or even made as jelly. The flower buds and leaves can also be prepared into a vegetable salad, as an omelet (fried with scrambled egg) or as sautéed vegetable dish. In Mexico, gumamela flowers are used to

make jamaico, a cool drink infusion perfect for refreshment on a hot summer’s day and flavor ice cream and sorbet.

Roselle, a relative of the gumamela, can supply the body with vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid. Lack of these substances in the body, especially niacin, causes loss of appetite, nervousness, redness of the tongue, skin discoloration and mental depression.

The red and fleshy calyces (outer petals) of roselle flowers can be made into wine and jellies. In addition, the young leaves can be used as substitute for spinach, or may be cooked with fish or meat in making sinigang.

On the other hand, the young leaves of alibangbang (called so because the leaves look like butterflies) can be eaten raw or cooked in soups, stews and meat or fish dishes.

Its flowers and buds can also be pickled. The leaves, flowers, and buds contain starch, glycogen, hydrocellulose, fats, tannin, saponin, protein and calcium oxalate needed to make the human body fit and strong.

Yes, flowers are not only for appreciation but consumption as well!

8 EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

LIVING

SMART TO HOLD #TRAVELSMART WEBINAR

TO INTRODUCE DIGITAL TOOLS TO HELP REVIVE PH TOURISM IN NEW NORMAL

AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS of lockdown in various parts of the Philippines, efforts are underway to revive economic activity. This includes the tourism industry which is a top job generator for the country.

For this purpose, a twohour web forum titled “#TravelSmart: Safe and Sustainable Tourism in the New Normal” will be held on July 16, 2020. DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat will be the keynote speaker in the webinar.

The web forum has been organized by PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. in partnership with the DOT together with key partners such as Grassroots Travel, a non-government organization that helps communities protect their natural and cultural heritage through sustainable tourism.

Joining DOT Secretary Puy-

at as speakers are Al S. Panlilio, Smart Communications Inc. President and CEO, Joselito “Boboi” Costas, founder of Grassroots Travel, Mon Isberto, Public Affairs Group Head for PLDT and Smart, Carlo S. Ople, PLDT Vice President, Marvin Santos, PayMaya Philippines Inc. Enterprise Head

for Public Sector, Max Limpag, InnoPub Media Co-founder, and Jomelyn Manigos-De los Reyes, Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association Vice President.

The webinar aims to shed light on the current challenges being faced by the tourism industry, to share best tourism

practices of various institutions, and to present digital tools and mobile applications that local tourism players can tap and use to improve the tourism experience post-COVID. Target participants for the webinar include representatives of local government units, tourism officers, culture and

heritage groups and members of the news media.

“Reviving domestic tourism under current conditions requires that we combine seemingly opposed qualities: discipline with creativity, caution with confidence. We hope that this webinar will provide insights on how the different stakeholders can work together to achieve this. For Smart, we are keen to explore how digital technologies can help,” says Mon Isberto, Public Affairs head for PLDT and Smart.

“To resuscitate the tourism industry, we have to work top to bottom and bottom to top, and empower the industry stakeholders especially the local communities in the rural areas who are the most vulnerable group even before this pandemic. They need to have the technological tool in order to advance--- digital tools and a wealth of information and skills to have a share of the pie in the post-COVID era,” Costas adds.

ALL-NEW FORD TERRITORY SUV ARRIVING SOON IN THE PHILIPPINES FORD PHILIPPINES is set to bring the all-new Ford Territory for the first time in the country to give Filipino customers a new SUV offering that will complement today’s modern lifestyles and needs.

Ford Philippines is the first market in the company’s International Market Group (IMG) composed of nearly 100 markets around the world to offer the all-new Ford Territory, which will reinforce Ford’s presence in the small and mini-SUV segments in the country.

Launching in the Philippines in August, the all-new Ford Territory will deliver an appeal to young professionals and small families with its segmentleading features and capabilities offered at a competitive price point.

“The all-new Ford Territory is designed to empower the modern Filipino driver who don’t want to compromise features, space, technology and versatility in their vehicle,” said PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines. “With Ford’s heritage and

global expertise in designing classleading SUVs, we are confident that the all-new Ford Territory will resonate with Filipino customers looking for an all-in-one package in their SUV.” Customers can sign up for exclusive updates and product details on the all-new Ford Territory by visiting www. ford.com.ph/kmipage/.

9 MOTORING COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 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

An immersive opportunity:

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.

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 TRAINED... FROM2

VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

that receiving LGUs can properly plan for the pickup of their residents and no OFWs are left waiting for hours or even days for their pick up; in cases where the receiving LGUs are more than five hours away by land transport from the Davao International Airport (DIA), OWWA or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should provide transportation to immediately ferry the passengers to their LGUs to ensure acceptance of the returning residents.

Mayor Sara also sent a letter to NIATF Chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez on July 14, 2020, stating three measures: regular commercial flight passengers to the DIA must present upon check-in at the airport origin of a neg-

ative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) taken within 24 hours from departure time; discontinue carrying Davao Region LSIs in sweeper flights to other airports other than the DIA; Philippine Air Force planes to Davao City must carry personnel only and must temporarily stop from accommodating civilians unless it is an emergency; and all individuals exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms should not be allowed to board any flight or vessel.

Submit negative Covid-19 results In a separate statement, Mayor Sara has requested through a letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to direct all airlines to require all Davao Citybound passengers to sub-

mit a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of the departure date.

On June 8, 2020, flights at DIA resumed operation and the city has been receiving OFWs, LSIs, and commercial flight passengers.

The mayor said they city intends to keep DIA open, however, reiterated previous request of assistance in mandating that all airlines require Davaobound passengers to submit negative RT-PCR test results before departure.

The mayor cited rapidly depleting resources and the increasing number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the region as two pressing issues that the LGUs in the region are facing right now that is why the mentioned measures must take effect immediately.

Año, however, urged "motorcycle experts" to respect government's policy.

"Marami kasi dyang expert sa pagmomotor. We respect na expert ka sa pag-

momotor pero irespeto mo naman yung expert sa pandemic. Sila yung nagsasabi at nagliligtas ng buhay," he said.

(There are many ex-

perts in motorcycling. We respect that you are an expert but respect also those who are expert in the pandemic. They are the ones who save lives.)

no that the congressional vote against the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise was “simply part of this season’s

uprooting of the weeds and a reclaiming [of] our patrimony from the oligarchs.”

Duterte himself has

denied that he has started his own brand of cronyism in the country during his watch. (PNA)

2.3 percent this year, 2.6 percent in 2021, and 3 percent in 2022.

Except for the uptick last June, inflation has been on a deceleration path since last January.

This gave monetary offi-

cials the flexibility to reduce the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key policy rates by a total of 175 basis points since the start of the year, 150 basis points of which was made since March alone.

The rate cuts were

meant to help lift the domestic economy from the impact of the pandemic by encouraging more banks to lend and for the public to borrow from financial institutions to ensure that economic activities remain healthy. (PNA)

GOV’T... FROM2

DUTERTE... FROM3

AUTHORITIES... FROM5

National Task Force vice chair and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año announces that the government will strictly impose the use of motorcycle shields beginning July 20 to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Edge Davao

LOCAL... FROM5

for them to be able to send the SMS to one another on a cheaper basis.

"Because not everybody is equipped for online learning, SMS-learning technology via Beesuite will be able to bridge this gap," he said.

"Moreover, SMS technology is already mature and stable in the Philippines, making it a reliable medium of learning. There may be a lot of options, but this could be the best choice," added Hernandez.

Teachers will also have to pay a monthly fee of P200,

and will be encouraged to pay a maintenance plan of P100, totaling P300 per month.

Hernandez said the fees collected -- lower than the P5,000 charges for corporate clients -- will be used for support for the platform.

"We hope that with BeeSuite, we can be able to help DepEd in bridging the gap of communication between teacher and student," he said.

Mybusybee already caters to several DepEd projects also involving SMS-

based services.

"Sana marinig kami ng DepEd. Our goal is really, sana makarating ito sa DepEd, itong tech na ito, kasi it will really help them," said Hernandez.

To recall, the Department of Education has called for blended learning, as it reiterated that there will be no face-to-face classes until a vaccine against the coronavirus disease will be available.

As of Monday, the DOH recorded 57,006 COVID-19 cases, with 20,371 recoveries and 1,599 fatalities.

two negative tests before he is allowed to join the Rockets in Disney World.

Harden, meanwhile, must first fulfill the NBA's quarantine protocol before joining the Rockets in

practice.

The eight-time AllStar is averaging 34.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds for Houston, which sits at sixth place in the Western Conference

with a 40-24 win-loss record.

The NBA season will resume on July 30, after having been suspended in March due to the health crisis.

place without fans.

It means Woods will tee off on Thursday alongside world number one Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka without the customary horde of spectators that usually follows him around a course.

"It's going to be different, there's no doubt about it," Woods said.

"For most of my career, pretty much almost every competitive playing round that I've been involved in, I've had people around me, spectators yelling, a lot of movement inside the gallery with camera crews and media."

Woods, who is making

only his fourth tournament appearance of the season this week, said he has improved his health during the long layoff.

A stiff back hampered his performance at the Genesis in February, but Woods said he had not been troubled since.

"I feel so much better than I did then," Woods said.

"I've been able to train and concentrate on getting back up to speed and back up to tournament speed.

During Woods' layoff, the United States was convulsed by nationwide protests against racism following the death of un-

armed African-American man George Floyd during his arrest by police in Minneapolis on May 25.

Woods said he applauded efforts of Black Lives Matter activists to bring about change.

"I think change is fantastic as long as we make changes without hurting the innocent, and unfortunately that has happened.

Hopefully it doesn't happen in the future, but a movement and change is fantastic," Woods said.

"That's how society develops. That's how we grow. That's how we move forward. That's how we have fairness."

HARDEN... FROM11

New SKY subscribers rewarded WOODS... FROM11 with Shopee discounts

P

ractical rewards await new SKY subscribers with its partnership with online shopping app Shopee— discounts when they buy their essentials in the new normal.

From June 7 to August 7, 2020, new SKY Fiber, SKYcable subscribers who applied via mysky. com.ph can enjoy discounts of up to Php400 on their next purchase of protective gear, cleaning materials, grocery staples and any other item they deem essential in the on-

line shopping platform.

The offer is SKY’s way of helping subscribers deal with the transition to digital platforms necessitated by the pandemic.

SKY has always encouraged subscribers to maximize digital channels in managing their accounts and in settling their bills and has continued to make many of its services accessible via digital channels.

All qualified SKY subscribers during the promo period will be able to receive 2 Shopee voucher

codes in their registered email within 3-5 days from successful installation. Each code will enable the subscriber to enjoy 10% off their purchase in Shopee, capped at Php200, upon checkout.

Those who are interested in SKY and Shopee’s latest deal can apply for SKY’s services via mysky.com.ph/skyfiber and mysky.com.ph/skycable.

For more details about the promo mechanics, visit http://bit.ly/skyshopeepromo

EDGEDAVAO

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11

A view of one of the pitches at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona. Photo courtesy of the PFF website.

PFF training center set up in Carmona

I

n preparation for the return to training by the clubs of the Philippines Football League (PFL), the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has set up a National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

PFL clubs, as well as teams of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), received the go-signal to resume training from the government last July 3. Clubs were then tested for COVID-19 last week ahead of the re-

sumption.

The PFF reported via their official website that the National Training Center is now ready, with three pitches available to be used by the PFL clubs.

The center has one FIFA-funded 105 meter x 68

meter artificial turf and two 20 meter x 40 meter mini artificial pitches funded by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

"We thank the FIFA and AFC for providing the facilities needed to improve the PFF National Training Center," PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta said.

"These developments in the facility are a great help to clubs and our own national teams in their training sessions," he added.

PFL clubs will train at the Carmona facility, which will serve as a "bubble" to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Games will be held there as well, once the federation and the league secure the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force.

The PFF guaranteed that the training center is fully compliant with its protocols, which includes mandatory temperature checks, use of face masks, and physical distancing, among others.

Harden arrives at Disney World

O

ne of the Houston Rockets' All-Star guards is now at the Disney World complex, after James Harden arrived in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday evening.

The team posted a video on Twitter of Harden making his first appearance at the campus. Harden, the 2018 NBA Most

Valuable Player, was not with the team when the Rockets flew to Orlando a week ago.

Houston's other AllStar guard, Russell Westbrook, has yet to join the team after announcing on Monday that he tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He has to produce

tour earlier but had wanted to see how the first few events of the post-coronavirus shutdown fared before coming back.

"I just felt it was better to stay at home and be safe," Woods said Tuesday.

"I'm used to playing with lots of people around me or having lots of people have a direct line to me, and that puts not only myself in danger but my friends and family, and just been at home practicing and social distancing and being away from a lot of people.

"Coming back and playing the tour, in my case over the 20-some-odd years I've been out here, that's really hard to say, that I'm used

to having so many people around me or even touch me, going from green to tee.

"That's something that I looked at and said, well, I'm really not quite comfortable with that, that whole idea."

Memorial organisers had initially planned to allow fans on the course at this week's tournament, but abandoned that idea as COVID-19 cases across the United States began to skyrocket.

- 'Going to be different' On Monday, PGA Tour officials confirmed that the remainder of the 20192020 season would take

FHARDEN, P10

Woods cautious about return ahead of Memorial

W Tiger Woods plays a shot during a practice round prior to The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club on July 14, 2020 in Dublin, Ohio. Sam Greenwood, Getty Images/AFP

In this file photo taken on May 26, 2018 James Harden (13) of the Houston Rockets falls into the crowd at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. AFP

ASHINGTON -- Tiger Woods admitted Tuesday that concern over the coronavirus delayed his return to the PGA Tour as he prepares to play his first event since February at this week's Memorial Tournament in Ohio.

The former world number one has not played since appearing in the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles in February but will tee off at Muirfield on Thursday chasing a sixth victory in the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event.

The 44-year-old 15time major winner said Tuesday he had contemplated returning to the

FWOODS, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 82 • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

PINOY STREAK Dabawenyo lightweight prospect John Vincent Moralde (right) fights in the bubble on Thursday (July 16, Las Vegas Time).

D

Can Moralde follow up Plania’s win?

abawenyo lightweight prospect John Vincent Moralde hopes to keep the Pinoy runaway train going.

On Thursday (July 16), the 26year old 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.

He will face tough Mexican Alexis del Bosque (17-5, 9KOs), 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 in the midst of this crisis," Moralde said in a report by Boxingscene. com.

Moralde hopes to follow up on the swashbuckling run

by Sanman stablemate Mike Plania of Gen. Santos City who demolished bantamweight prospect Joshua "No Blink" Greer last month.

Meantime, Christian ‘Coqqos’ Schembri defeated his old rival Scott Dixon over 10 rounds of non-stop action in Malta. Significant because it was their trilogy fight, but more

significant due to it being slated as the first spectated boxing event in the world post-coronavirus lockdown.

Former Commeanwealth champion Dixon, coming back from a four year ban, fought well on the backfoot landing some heavy blows. However, Schembri’s relentless advance and punch volume ensured that he was always in control during a thrilling bout.

The return of live boxing guaranteed a sell-out crowd at the outdoor Montekristo venue.

Now leading Dixon 2-1 in their rivalry, Schembri told

BoxBets.co.uk, “Victory tastes so sweet!

Tough fight you put up Scott Dixon, respect for you always and forever.

“All the great fans I have, I could never do it without you.

You’re the best. I love your screams every fight. Having you behind me is a blessing. On to the next one!”

Local promoter Demis Tonna commented, “It was great to see a huge crowd after such a long time out for boxing.

Sunday’s event proved that the sport is in huge demand. Christian boxed like the seasoned boxer that he is, outboxing his opponent Scott Dixon

on the night.

“Christian has a few boxers that I know he would love to have a rematch with, and then move onwards and upwards. He will be back towards the end of September for another explosive night of boxing.”

On the undercard, rising star Brandon Borg maintained his unbeaten record with a chilling first round knockout of Rakhim Kazanov. Borg put his opponent down twice before knocking him out cold with just seconds of the first remaining.

The win now takes him to 9-0 as he looks for a sterner test next time out.