Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 90 | Friday, July 25, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 90 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

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A locally stranded individual (LSI) walks by a passenger bus that will bring LSIs to their respective provinces, including Davao Region, in this undated photo. The Department of Health 11’s (DOH 11) Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) disclosed that some returning residents in Davao Region refused to comply with the 14-day home quarantine. Edge Davao

STUBBORN Some returning residents in Davao Region are non-compliant to the 14-day home quarantine: report STORY ON PAGE 2

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 90 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

STUBBORN

Some returning residents in Davao Region are noncompliant to the 14-day home quarantine: report

By MAYA M. PADILLO n official of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) disclosed that it has received reports that some returning residents in Davao Region who are positive with Covid-19 are non-compliant to the 14day home quarantine.

A President Rodrigo Duterte reminds Filipinos to strictly wear masks, practice social distancing and abide by the health protocols as Covid-19 cases in the country continue to rise. Presidential Photo

“Meron pa rin pong nag-breach pero mas konti na ngayon kasi mas active na ang mga Local Government Units (LGUs) in monitoring and in picking up individuals most especially kung symptomatic at dinadala sa facility. Yes we had reports but remember even if the circumstances show na nag-karoon sila ng infection or illness or they were reported around

the time that a certain individual who was positive, there may be possible connection between the two.

But we have to understand these people also go out,” said Dr. Cleo Fe Tabada, medical officer of DOH 11RESU in a presser via Zoom on Friday.

Tabada added that there are instances where returning residents who are positive with Covid-19

Congress and their spouses, former presidents, foreign diplomats, government officials and other dignitaries are invited to attend the annual SONA. The Batasan complex usually bustles with hundreds of guests to listen to the President’s speech.

However, there will only be a limited number of people who can attend this year’s event.

Only 15 seats will be reserved for Cabinet members and 25 seats each for senators and congressmen.

Attendees would have to undergo a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests a day before the event.

From flair to bare

The classic red carpet won’t be rolled out this year for guests. Instead, disinfection mats, sanitizers, and infrared thermometers would welcome them at entrances as health and safety protocols.

In previous years, the SONA was akin to a fashion show as politicians and other top-level guests have graced the event in formal wear.

The chamber’s hallways would always be filled with members of the media as they await guests to walk down the red carpet, stop for photo ops, and entertain interviews.

"Syempre po, wala na yang madamihan na opisyales na nag-a-attend,

directly go home resulting to direct contact with other household members. This has reportedly led to infections within the household.

“Some of the returning residents are able to return straight home. The general protocol now has improved na lahat ng darating ay ina-isolate, lahat kahit saan sila galing. Ang usapan susunduin ng LGU, take care of them, bring them to a facility if an LGU has adequate room and facility to accommodate them,” Tabada said.

Tabada reminded that those people undergoing home quarantine for 14 days should allocate a separate room with adequate ventilation with own toilet and bath.

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TF Davao on the lookout How Covid-19 changed the hosting of SONA for Covid-19 test evaders P

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uthorities are on the lookout for individuals who try to evade coronavirus protocols in Davao City, the head of Task Force Davao said Friday.

Some individuals opt to enter Davao City by land to evade the mandatory Covid-19 swab testing in the city's international airport, Task Force Davao commander Colonel Consolito Yecla said.

"We monitored na napakaraming individuals opted to travel by land or use other airports like airport in GenSan (General Santos City), Cotabato, and Cagayan de Oro para maiwasan 'yung ating mandatory testing sa Davao International Airport," Yecla

said.

"So we were tasked by the city mayor to intercept 'yung mga LSIs (locally stranded individuals) and ROFs (returning overseas Filipinos) na magla-land trip," he added.

On Friday alone, Yecla said the task force intercepted and escorted 42 stranded individuals to Covid-19 testing centers.

Local authorities in Davao require individuals headed for the Mindanao city to present a negative COVID-19 swab test result.

Mandatory COVID-19 testing, meanwhile, is required by the government for all returning Filipinos to prevent the entry of more cases of the virus.

resident Rodrigo Duterte's 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) makes a striking departure from tradition in the time of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

The government has revamped the way SONA is traditionally held with current restrictions on mass gatherings in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

Despite the threat posed by Covid-19, Duterte decided to be physically present at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City when he delivers his fifth SONA on July 27.

Trimmed-down affair Traditionally, the presidential family, members of

wala na yung fashion show na pagandahan ng suot, at tingin ko po, kakaunti lang ang mag-assemble sa Kongreso (Of course, there would be no longer too many officials who would attend. There’s no more fashion show and I think, there would only be a few who would assemble in Congress),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

In an advisory sent to reporters, the House of Representatives said no members of the media will be allowed inside the premises of Batasang Pambansa during the President’s SONA. Only members of the

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DavNor guv orders 'lockdown' of ASF-hit village in Panabo

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avao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib has ordered the lockdown of a barangay in Panabo City following confirmation of 12 cases of the African swine fever (ASF) infections in the area.

In a statement on Friday, the Davao del Norte provincial government said the "lockdown" that began on July 22 meant that no pig or pork products may enter or leave Barangay Cagangohan while all pigs in the area will "immediately" be culled to prevent the infection from further spreading.

“We now blocked the entry and exit of live pig and pork products to and from Caganguhan to stop the spread of the disease,” Jubahib said, adding that affected growers will be compensated.

In February this year, the provincial government

implemented a temporary ban on entry of live hogs and pork products following confirmed cases here as well as Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental provinces.

Jubahib's Executive Order 28 prohibited the entry of live pigs and by-products from the three areas, as well as other places with confirmed ASF cases.

The governor said he already coordinated with local officials and residents on strict quarantine procedures, together with the Department of Agriculture-Region 11 chief Ricardo Oñate Jr. Police and military authorities, he said, have been tapped to help implement the quarantine.

According to DA-11, growers of culled pigs are entitled to receive PHP2,000 per suckling

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A meat van and a mini dump truck carrying sand and gravel figure in accident in Matina Pangi, a known accident prone area, on Friday. Photo courtesy of Gareb Ruaya

VOL.13 ISSUE 90 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

The Lab-N-Go program of Davao Doctors Hospital.

DDH opens drive-thru laboratory C

By MAYA M. PADILLO ommitted to continue serving its clientele without compromising the quality of patient care amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Davao Doctors Hospital launched the first drive-thru laboratory services in Davao City dubbed as Lab-n-Go. Especially with the safety tients in mind, offers features

designed of its paLab-n-Go such as

contactless as blood will be drawn out while the patient stays inside the vehicle.

The program promises safety as patients do not need to step inside the hospital, limiting exposure to other patients and adheres to social distancing.

It is also convenient as drive-thru addresses the perennial problem of parking space and after procedures, results will be posted online via online. ddh.com.ph It also promises faster transaction as there are

only three steps involved to complete the process in just 15 minutes: pay at the cashier, drive-up the extraction site, and exit.

“We understand that there is a feeling of hesitancy going to the hospital at this time of a pandemic crisis; the reason why the Lab-n-Go program of DDH was introduced. It is a new concept designed to offer convenience and safety assurance to our patients

and to anyone who wants to avail of its services. With our drive-thru laboratory, anybody can have their much-needed laboratory tests done without setting foot inside the hospital from the convenience of their vehicle,” said Dr. Fides R. Ababon, assistant medical director for special projects and Lab-n-Go chair.

Ababon said the program is one of the three pillars of DDH’s new medical

lifestyle that is designed to deliver holistic contactless patient care namely: Telemedicine, MedExpress Pharmacy Delivery or Pickup, and the Lab-n-go.

The Lab-n-Go is open from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with procedure to be done at the drive-thru. No appointments needed and all blood works except HIV tests and some procedures for send-outs.

he Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the country's participation in a global initiative that guarantees access to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines worldwide.

“The members of the IATF likewise approved the participation of the Philippines in the Gavi Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility, including the corresponding allocation of funds,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, who also serves as IATF-EID spokesperson, said in a press statement.

The COVAX Facility is a mechanism designed to ensure rapid, fair, and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines for every country in the world, be it a rich or poor nation, to make rapid progress towards slowing the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement.

The COVAX, co-led by WHO, Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Pre-

paredness Innovations, aims to step up the development and manufacture of Covid-19 vaccines by getting the support of developed and developing country vaccine manufacturers.

The WHO noted on July 15 that about 75 countries have already submitted expressions of interest to protect their populations by joining the COVAX Facility.

The 75 nations, which would finance the vaccines from their respective budgets, have partnered with some 90 lower-income countries that could be supported through voluntary donations to Gavi’s COVAX Advance Market Commitment.

The WHO noted that the goal of COVAX is to deliver two billion doses of safe, effective, vaccines by the end of 2021.

It ensured that the vaccines would be delivered equally to all participating countries, proportional to their populations, initially prioritizing health care

PH joins global facility that ensures vaccine access

DSWD launches e-distribution of SAP 2nd tranche in Davao Region T

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he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD XI) has recently launched the electronic distribution of the 2nd tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) which is expected to merit a smooth distribution process to verified SAP recipients.

As of writing, the DSWD XI has already distributed a total of 30,346 recipients for the Pantawid beneficiaries and another total of 6,188 recipients who belong to the wait-listed or those bene-

ficiaries who were not included in the 1st tranche of the SAP distribution.

DSWD XI Regional Director Grace Subong discussed how it is going to be more convenient and safer for beneficiaries of the 2nd tranche of SAP distribution since SAP recipients will be notified via text message once their cash assistance will be made available at their nearest financial service provider (FSP).

“If we are talking about digital pay-out, the financial service provider

that we partnered with has over one hundred outlets in the Region… recipients will also have an option to set a more convenient date to claim his or her cash assistance via text message,” Subong said.

According to the estimates provided by DSWD XI, the new mode of distribution that was opted for by the said department will minimize the time needed for distribution to only two to three days for all the 298,000 recipients throughout Region XI.

on the Facebook account of the self-exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison.

Agcaoili died on Thursday afternoon in Utrecht, The Netherlands where he was exiled.

“According to the doc-

tor, the cause of his death was pulmonary arterial rupture which caused massive internal bleeding.

It was not Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) related,” the NDF said.

Agcaoili was supposed to turn 76 on August 8, the NDF said.

Subong recalled how the DSWD resorted to digital payment since there is a shortage on the amount of man-power available due to limitations imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and available personnel.

“The DSWD has resorted to digital payment due to the main reason that there are limited special disbursement officers available to cover the target number of the beneficiaries,” Subong said. (PIA XI/KPLCaro)

NDF negotiating panel chair Fidel Agcaoili passes away

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idel Agcaoili, the chairperson of the National Democratic Front’s (NDF) peace negotiating panel, passed away on Thursday.

Agcaoili, 75, succumbed to pulmonary arterial rapture, the NDF said in a statement posted

The NDF added that Agcaoili’s remains will be flown to the Philippines following the wishes of his family.

Agcaoili took over as NDF chief peace negotiator in 2016 when Luis Jalandoni resigned.

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 90 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

PH increases output of PPE, ventilators

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he country has increased its capacity in producing N88 surgical masks, medical-grade coveralls, and ventilators vital for its fight against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Kitchen wares are gathered outside an establishment which is preparing to open to the public along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

ADB financing to PH seen to hit record-high $4.2-B

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inancing to be extended by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) to the Philippines is expected to rise to record-high USD4.21 billion this year.

In a virtual briefing Thursday, Oscar Badiola, ADB Philippines senior programs officer, said from an average of USD800 million annually from 2011-2017, total lending to the Philippines is expected to hit USD4.2 billion this year and an average of about USD3 billion in the next two years.

Badiola said the additional lending includes those for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) response.

About 70 percent of the total financing is for projects under the priority Build, Build, Build (BBB) program, especially for the Visayas and Mindanao, he said.

ADB data indicate that project financing that have been approved to date include the USD1.5-billion Covid-19 active response and expenditure support program, USD200-million social protection support project second additional financing, the USD400-million support to capital market generated infrastructure financing sub-program 1, the USD500-million expanded social assistance program, the USD126-million Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project additional financing, and the USD26.5-million local governance reform projects.

Programs that are in the pipeline for financing this year are the USD400-million competitive and inclusive agriculture development program, subprograms 1; the USD300-million inclusive finance development program, subprogram 2; the USD125-million health

systems enhancement to address and limit Covid-19; the USD500-million disaster resilience improvement program; and the USD130-million EDSA greenways project.

For next year, 10 programs will be funded and these are the south commuter railway project, USD1.75 billion; the integrated flood risk management sector project, USD400 million; sustainable tourism development project, USD50 million; Metro Manila bridges project, USD180 million; Davao public transportation modernization project, USD238 billion.

Also funded are the Mindanao irrigation development project phase 1, USD100 million; local governance reform program, subprogram 2, USD400 million; facilitating youth school-to-work transition, subprogram 3, USD400 million; Baguio City sanitation improvement project, USD100 million; and the building up implementation and local level drivers for universal health care program, USD500 million.

Badiola said there is also a standby program worth USD1 billion for the Bataan-Cavite Bridge Project.

“For this year we expect (lending) to reach USD4.2 billion and yes, that will be the largest ever for the Philippines,” ADB Country Director for the Philippines Kelly Bird said in the same briefing.

In terms of how this financing level places the Philippines vis-à-vis the other developing Asian economies as ADB financing beneficiary, Bird said they “won’t know (this) until the end of the year.”

He said ADB has estab-

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Data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) show that as of July 2020, local production of N88 masks can reach 32 million a month from the monthly output of six million.

Medical grade coveralls and ventilators are now locally produced with a capacity of manufacturing 300,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) and 1,000 ventilators.

“Investments (are) being implemented this July such as arrival and installation of equipment for N95 mask production, production of melt-down N88 middle filter, and non-woven polypropylene (NWPP) medical grade fabric needed for PPE production,” DTI’s technical report said.

In a previous online media briefing, DTI Under-

secretary Ceferino Rodolfo said one of the challenges in producing PPE in the country is the raw materials for these products, such as the middle filter for N88 masks and fabric for medical-grade PPE. One of the initial actions of DTI in ramping up production of much-needed PPE amid the government’s Covid-19 fight is the repurposing of facilities of garment exporters to locally produce medical-grade PPE. In April, member companies of the Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines (Conwep) started to produce 10,000 coveralls daily.

Conwep has pioneered the local production of medical-grade PPE in the country.

The DTI also encouraged the repurposing of

manufacturing facilities to produce critical products during the pandemic.

Luen-Thai Reliance, Collins Aerospace, and Peridou Inc. are now making PPE; while EMS, Everwin, Richmond Healthcare, Distinctive Binds, and Office Supply, IMI, Minoura Philippines, Bioteq, TACCA Group, and Hyundai are producing hospital-grade masks.

Mandaue Foam, UP-Ateneo, Armscor, My3D Concept are also making face shields while Destileria Limtuaco and Tanduay Distillers are producing alcohol and Lloyd Laboratories are producing drugs.

DTI’s Shared Service Facility Fabrication Laboratories or SSF FabLabs also contributed to the increase in the manufacturing of critical products.

These SSF FabLabs already produced 59,026 face masks, 79,789 face shields, 1,872 medical gowns, 3,996 liters of ethyl alcohol, and 253 aerosol boxes.

These were distributed to 1,319 hospitals, health units, and institutions doing frontline work. (PNA)

year, it posted a net income of P1.8 billion.

"To address the impact of the flight shutdown that persisted into April and May, PAL's shareholders have infused new capital and endorsed an aggressive strategy to generate revenues and control costs, as the flag carrier gears up for a new normal in air transportation," it said.

PAL said it operated 640 local and international cargo flights carrying medical and food supplies since March. It also mounted 222 sweeper and repatriation flights across Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and North America.

A number of regular weekly commercial flights to the United States, Japan,

Canada, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Southeast Asia, greater China, Australia and some domestic destinations were also restored starting June.

PAL's network will offer 122 weekly domestic and international flights by the start of August, with plans to progressively increase routes and flight frequencies as travel demand recovers.

"All flights are operated under a strict set of "Fly Safe, New Normal" public health measures....every PAL aircraft is equipped with an advanced air flow system that refreshes cabin air every few minutes and employs High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to screen out viruses

and bacteria, on top of intensive disinfection of aircraft surfaces before and after every flight," it added.

The pandemic hit the aviation industry hard, as it restricted movement and travel.

Cebu Pacific earlier said it would lay off more than 800 employees by August while AirAsia Philippines announced it would lay off 12 percent of its work force or some 264 workers as it grapples with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns.

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

P8,930,029,588.48 from its previous market value of P12,739,945,687.04 on July 10.

The company said it will continue to operate in other businesses that do not require a legislative franchise, such as, international licensing and distribution, digital and cable businesses, as well as, continue with the syndication of content through various streaming services.

To recall, the PSE suspended trading of the shares of ABS-CBN in light of the congressional denial of its franchise bid.

On July 10, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises voted to deny the franchise application of ABS-CBN. The panel adopted the Technical Working Group’s (TWG) Committee Resolution recommending the denial of the network's franchise application through 70 yes votes, 11 no votes, and three who did not participate.

ABS-CBN went off air on May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist against the network for lack of franchise.

PAL: 'Cost control strategies' to cushion pandemic's impact on operations

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hilippine Airlines on Thursday said it is implementing "cost control strategies" to ensure continued operations as the coronavirus pandemic curbed global and local travel.

"This will include a delay in the delivery of new aircraft, suspension of capital expenditures, adoption of a skeleton work force, slashing senior management salaries and non-essential expenses," the country's flag carrier said in a statement.

Philippine Airlines reported a comprehensive loss of $183.1 million or P9 billion for the first quarter this year, as it was "severely" hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. For January this

ABS-CBN's share prices down 30%, loses P3.8B in market capitalization

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BS-CBN on Thursday lost over P3.8 billion in market capitalization after its share price closed at P10.36 each, down 30% from its last traded price of P14.78 on July 10.

The Philippine Stock Exchange lifted the suspension on the trading of ABS-CBN's shares after it disclosed its plans after a House committee denied its application for a legislative franchise.

The media company lost P3.809 billion in market capitalization.

The network is now valued at

With the plunge in its share price, ABS-CBN lost P3.809 billion in market capitalization.

Analysts earlier said that shares of embattled media giant ABS-CBN Corp. will suffer a blow after the lower chamber voted to deny its franchise application.

Nevertheless, the company said it was “confident that any payments or financial obligations that may arise under its customary or usual business agreements are manageable and will not have a material adverse impact on ABS-CBN at this time.”

VOL.13 ISSUE 90 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

ADB official eyes PH economic recovery to start in 3rd quarter

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An ingenious hawker uses a customized mobile stall to sell his merchandise along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

SEC sees progress in criminal raps vs. KAPA after Apolinario's arrest

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is looking forward to the progress of the cases pending in various courts against Kapa-Community Ministry International (KAPA) for scamming the public, in violation of the country’s securities law and Revised Penal Code, following the arrest of Joel Apolinario for syndicated estafa.

The combined forces of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Phil-

ippine National Police, Philippine Army and Philippine Coast Guard arrested Apo-

linario in an isolated resort in Lingig, Surigao del Sur around 7:30in the morning of July 21, as announced by the Police Regional Office 13 (CARAGA).

The law enforcers arrested 25 others during the operation, where an encounter with the armed men of Apolinario ensued. The gunfight killed two of the KAPA founder’s men and another seriously wounded.

High-powered firearms were seized during the operation, as follows: 30 units

of M16 rifle; two units of M4 rifles; one Garand rifle; four 7.62mm, M60 light machine guns; one Cal 50 sniper rifle; three Cal 22 rifles; one carbine; one shotgun; two RPG rifles; five Cal 45 pistols; two rocket propelled grenade; and several rounds of live ammunition of different caliber.

The operation was based on a search warrant issued by the Cantilan, Surigao Del Sur Regional Trial Court Branch 41 for violations of

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deeper contraction was expected for the Philippines economy in the second quarter due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon from middle of March to middle of May but a recovery is seen this quarter.

In a virtual briefing Thursday, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for the Philippines Kelly Bird declined to give specific figures but said economic contraction in the second quarter likely was “fairly deep” because 70 percent of the economy was on lockdown.

He, however, forecasts a “soft rebound” from July to September although the full-year forecast remains to be a contraction of between 2.3 to 5.3 percent.

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

Aside from the government’s infrastructure program and revitalization of economic activities as movement restrictions are continuously being eased, Bird said additional boost for domestic output for this year include the restoration of both the consumer confidence to lift consumer spending and investors’ confidence.

“We do expect that as the economy is opening up and workers are returning to their offices, we expect a rebound in consumer spending,” he said but added this will depend on how consumers perceive the recovery will be along with the issue of job security.

Another factor is the government’s fiscal response for the next six to 12

months, he said.

Bird said a good news on this front is the purchasing manager’s index (PMI) as of June which showed some stabilization which, he said, indicates that confidence on the economy continues to return.

On the international front, he said exports have also recovered globally as more economies continue to open up.

“So it’s really about consumer confidence being restored, it’s about fiscal stimulus, and it’s about international trade on the export sector. These will be the three factors that will help lead the economic recovery over the next six to eight months,” he said.

Meanwhile, ADB forecasts a 6.5-percent growth for the Philippine economy in 2021, to be driven by the infrastructure program and availability of adequate fiscal space.

Bird said implementation of the priority “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program "puts the Philippines in a very good position" to support its recovery program.

"In that sense, the Philippines is well-positioned in its rebuilding and recovery phase," he said.

Bird further said economic managers' plan to increase government borrowings to address needs for Covid-19 response is not expected to negatively impact the economy because the proportion of debt to domestic output has gone down to below 40 percent.

He said the additional borrowings will increase the debt-to-GDP ratio to about 50 percent, which is the average for countries with the same credit rating as the Philippines.(PNA)

Finding opportunities in real estate amid the pandemic

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espite the economic downturn brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused bankruptcies and unemployment, many people are looking for alternative ways of finding income and revenues.

For Brendon Colongan Rojas, a professional real estate salesperson, there are many ways of finding new livelihood or income opportunities. And for him, one that shines the brightest is a career in selling real estate.

“COVID 19 has brought most of the industries to its knees, some did not make it, some hardly bounced back, but one industry, aside from food and telecoms, which is gracefully bouncing back is the real estate industry, it’s business as usual,” Rojas said.

Currently the unit manager of Filipino Homes, a real estate company founded by Anthony Leuterio, Rojas says even during the pandemic his sales team has always been hitting their sales target of P50-million a month.

“It has been so far, so good, even during this pandemic my team continue to close sales from one project to another. In one

occasion, we were able to sell 25 units of house and lot just in one day,” Rojas describes the current bullishness of the real estate market.

He says a real estate salesperson can earn a six-digit income from a successful sale of a condominium unit and can earn around P30,000 to P50,000 from a socialized housing unit, all without spending any capital.

“Since Filipinos are scattered around the globe, the market of real estate in the Philippines becomes global. In this advent of information technology, selling real estate in a global scale becomes easy, partnered with the E-Commerce Law of the Philippines, sending electronic data and documents has never been easy for real estate transactions.

The online banking really helped in easing the payment of fees from overseas,” Rojas describes the increasing convenience of doing business.

“One thing that I really love about real estate, is that, I really enjoy doing it and the return of energy is very high compared to the energy exerted, the business is fail safe and relatively no risk at all,” he

added.

A father of two beautiful daughters, Rojas was an educator for 13 years and then ventured into printing and advertising business for another 12 years.

It was only in 2017 when he and wife Litlit attended a real estate seminar.

“I really love to sell and when I was listening to the seminar I realized that I had a chance at this,” Rojas recalls the first encounter with his newfound career.

He describes it as an instant synergy of passion and opened opportunity, during the launching of the first real estate project they joined, the Rojas couple were able to sell 16 condominium units.

“We did not really expect the success, after one year of practicing real estate I closed my printing and advertising business and decided to focus my time and effort in real estate and the rest is history,” he said.

Selling Strategy Rojas says in the time of pandemic which has forced many Filipinos to transition to a new economy where social distancing is the norm, their strategy at Filipino Homes is fit for the changing times as they have effectively

Real Estate sales person Brendon Colongan Rojas at a housing development site. Rojas is encouraging people to try real estate as an alternative livelihood in this time of pandemic utilized information technology like social media in selling their varied real estate products.

“I encourage my agents to use social media like, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to market real estate projects and brokerages,” Rojas said.

A former IT and multimedia teacher, he now

trains his agents how to use the medium to bring their message across. He teaches photography, photo-editing, videography, video editing to his agents which enables them to create eye-catching social media posts.

Rojas with fellow agents under his Filipino Homes unit. Many of

whom have seen their lives improved.

“As a team leader, I always look after to the needs of my agents, I have invested on some electronic gadgets like drone, cameras, stabilizers and gimbals that can be used in capturing real estate structures and landscapes

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 90 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

On President Rodrigo Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) making a striking departure from tradition in the time of the Covid-19 global pandemic:

Syempre po, wala na yang madamihan na opisyales na nag-a-attend, wala na yung fashion show na pagandahan ng suot, at tingin ko po, kakaunti lang ang mag-assemble sa Kongreso (Of course, there would be no longer too many officials who would attend. There’s no more fashion show and I think, there would only be a few who would assemble in Congress).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque

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NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

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

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

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 90 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

REMEMBERING 1997 AND ITS LESSONS FOR US NOW Adversities like the Asian Financial crisis of 1997 showed me the difference between being a real entrepreneur and simply self employed.

For those who remember, the 1997 Asian financial crisis happened because of many factors including overborrowing and government interventions to fund many investments that looked good on paper and impressive in the brochures and bloated stock values, but did not deliver a lot of job generating growth.

All across southeast asia the rage were luxury properties, and in the Philippines, golf clubs and proprietary shares, pumping 36 hole internationally designed courses with enough extra amenities to impress buyers and investors, most of which didn’t even play the sport.

The game was to trade the shares for future par value and sell fairway subdivision lots. Before announcements of price increases will be made, buyers would scramble to make deals before the

new markups come ine and owners would sell their assets on the secondary market at a lower price to make a small profit.

A lot of paper value that was, which eventually built the bubble that burst, eventually driving down share values and seeing the value of asian currencies coming down vs. the dollar. This was the time we went from 26 pesos to 30 pesos to a US dollar in a matter of weeks. A shock to many, it upended the economic dream of new asian tiger status for the Philippines and other asean countries.

Feel free to do your research on the abundance of online material on this epoch in investment history. It was a black swan event that i guess defined the term before a name was thought for it.

It was, however a teaching moment for many of us.

In the years after 1997 we saw many continue to fold up, competitors who could no longer manage high overheads to protect their brands would close or be ac-

quired.

The real entrepreneurs found ways to move forward in business, finding new or related businesses to pursue, using innate creativity, talents and strengths, and developing new ones in the process of transformation and rebranding. Many of them that took root in the crisis continued for decades after, bringing success in new forms for them.

Of course, the tools to migrate online were not available then. Dial up Internet was the basic standard and reserved mainly for emails.

The internet was itself still an infant at this stage, with many of us only beginning to discover its potentials for business, trade and networking. Face to face and person to person contacts were still deemed the most proper way of engagement, and up until this current pandemic, remained the case.

The use of emails, for instance, to send formal documents and proposals was only beginning to gain acceptance. Teleconferencing was

a less than savory substitute, and not the real thing for genuine meetings, with very simple, often grainy means of videoconferencing hampered by slower connection speeds than today. Apps and software have caught on, of course, driving the need for speed.

Some capitalized on technology and other new tools to gain customers.

They succeeded. Those that insisted on waiting for a better time, or hoped for manna from heaven from investors for bailouts to help them through never got it.

After the 1997 crisis, corporate scandals involving corporate giants such as Enron, BreX Minerals and similar outfits took center stage, fueling what i would deem a mistrust of many financial institutions and the markets.

The 2008 US subprime mortgage financial crisis saw the end of many american financing companies, the Icelandic and Greek financial troubles exacerbated our anxiety over the world of high finance, coming as they

did, to countries deemed politically and economically stable.

The complexities over these outcomes proved even more nebulous, creating fodder for many analysts and investigative reporters that drove even more concerns over investing per se. As these developed, pyramiding schemes proliferated, victimizing many out of their hard earned money.

The word disruption emerged in the beginning of the 2010s to give meaning and explain the recurring shock that would greet investors with every new scandal.

The key lesson is that in any situation real entrepreneurs will have a clear mind and the sense of fortitude to keep moving, creating and transforming to adapt to the situation despite the disruption. Entrepreneurs always have hope in any situation.

It will be a tough and rough ride, but the journey will continue and we have little choice but to remain on it for our survival.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

WHEN YOU ARE 50 AND OVER In the fifties and sixties, persons who reach the mid-century point of their earthly lives are the septuagenarians of today. (A septuagenarian is a person who is from 70 to 79 years old.)

Today, in this millennium, the reverse has happened. So many men and women just in their fifties are already complaining of - and afflicted with - diseases and illnesses that only septuagenarians and octogenarians usually suffer from.

(By the way, persons in their forties are called Quadragenarians; those in their fifties: Quinquagenarians; in their sixties: Sexagenarians).

High blood pressure (leading to stroke and cardiac arrests), diabetes, arthritis, dementia or memory loss, obesity (or overweight) and depression are six of the most frequent diseases that are

being medically listed and complained of by many sufferers.

Smoking, drinking alcohol and indiscriminate food intake exceeding moderate limits during our younger years are two of the major reasons why people who reach the age of fifty begin to feel various aches and pains in their bodies.

(In my particular case, I used to smoke and drink heavily before I was twenty till my mid-thirties. With a strong will (mind over matter), I got rid of both vices more than 30 years ago, developed and cultivated good eating habits (leafy vegetables and fish), and happily (with God’s grace) am not today suffering from any of the above cited diseases at 72 years. Mind you, my BP is perfect at 120/80. Thank God!).

Many if not most people may be ignoring the value of taking multi-vitamin supplements. Instead

of spending your money to pay for hospital bills and saving painful efforts to recover, smart and practical minded persons should actually buy much-needed multi-vitamins that will supplement what they cannot get from regular meals, especially those on a diet.

For me I researched the medical journals available and here is what I discovered.

To re-invigorate my senior citizen frame, I regularly take B-complex (B1, B6, B12), Vit C for immunity and respiratory strength, Ginseng to reinforce my weary body, Ginkgo Biloba for mental nourishment and Fish Oil for the heart.

For my prostate health I take Saw Palmetto and L’Arginine to help maintain healthy blood vessel tone.

I have kept my weight between 130-135 pounds, ideal for my 65-inch altitude.

I feel as healthy as a fif-

ty-year old. I haven’t been sick of any major illness and have not landed in the hospital for as long as I can remember. (Again, thank You Lord!). The most painful aches that I suffered from are colds and toothaches. Oh, I hate these!

No kidding.

Of course, I am not prescribing these for everyone to take as we have different needs. Foremost, one has to keep track of his lifestyle. If you desire to live a healthy, quality and longer than usual life, a person needs to keep away from the “pleasures” the world offers today.

I need not emphasize that depression sets in when a person lands in the hospital. Even if the family has adequate resources, anxiety and worry bother all household members especially if the sick person is critically diagnosed to be worse than bad.

I don’t have diabetes.

While I take soda pop once in a while, I drink a lot of water and lemonade (calamansi juice). I measure my intake of sugar (from rice, cake desserts and chocolates).

I don’t have ED, either.

I don’t want to live longer than what my smart grandson wishes me. He said I will live to more than a hundred. Ouch!

By that time, all my peers and friend are no longer around. Who will I say hello to?

What I actually wish is enough time to enjoy the company of my cute grandchildren and see them grow in the realm of a good Christian life. As it is often advised: “Try not to become a man of success but try to become a man who obeys God more.”

STAY HEALTHY, PLEASE! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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EDGEDAVAO

LIVING

ACCESS A UNIVERSE OF AMAZING EXCLUSIVE DEALS WITH ZREWARDS YOU DESERVE A REWARD! Beginning July 15, everyone will have a chance to unlock exciting and exclusive freebies and discounts never offered before by today’s hottest and biggest brands courtesy of ZRewards by Zeal.

ZRewards by Zeal is the country’s newest one-stop shop for awesome deals. Through their website, users from all over the Philippines can grab hold of premium and solid offers redeemable at their favorite online shops and physical stores. Best of all, there’s no strings attached.

Membership is free, so the entire family can join in on the fun.

Making the most out of your bucks ZRewards by Zeal aims to embody what it wants to deliver.

For foodies, Restaurant Concepts Group, Inc. (RCGI), is giving out 25% discount coupons, the first time it has ever done so. RCGI is the brain behind top notch restaurants Barcino, Single Origin, Bluesmith Coffee, and Meat Depot. If you haven’t tried them, now is the perfect time.

Diners can also indulge in international gastronomical delights from the Bistro Group and Bistronomia hosts of restaurants while at home and still get the most value out of their money. Dine in style with Helm

and Savage. Satisfy seafood cravings with Red Lobster and Fish & Co. Recreate a Spanish fiesta with Las Flores, Rambla, Tomatito, BCN by Las Flores, La Lola Churreria and El Pollo Loco. Go Italian with Italianni’s and Osteria Daniele.

Have some dessert from Coldstone, Tous Les Jours, Jipan and Goldilocks or just let your hair down with other deals from Zark’s and Bo’s. Shakey’s is also unveiling an exclusive promo on ZRewards where you can get a free large thin Hawaiian Delight pizza for every purchase of their new Supercard+.

And even while in community quarantine, you can transport yourself to America with Friday’s, Denny’s, Texas Roadhouse, Hard Rock Cafe, and Buffalo Wild WIngs. If you love East Asia, visit China

with Modern Shanghai, proceed to South Korea with Bulgogi Brothers, and drop by Japan with Watami.

For your essential needs, take advantage of the wonderful deals from Unilever, Minimart, The Naturale Market, Breville, and Misso. Keep yourself happy, fit, and entertained with discounts from Zalora, Flowerstore, The Smile Bar, Beauty Scout, Chris Sports, Grand Videoke, WOW Fiesta, and Beyond the Box. Once the community quarantine is lifted and you can finally go out, use your discounts to flex your muscles at Gold’s Gym and get yourself a makeover from Browhaus and Strip.

Pinoy challenges “We acknowledge the ever changing needs of our customers, especially under the new

PINAS SARAP NOW AIRS ON SATURDAY BEGINNING JULY 25

BEGINNING JULY 25, join Kara David in her food adventures as Pinas Sarap moves to a new timeslot— now every Saturday at 7:45 pm on GMA News TV. This weekend, Pinas Sarap airs one of the viewers’ favorite episodes where the show went to Albay in Bicol.

Bicolanos are known for being ‘uragons’ or daring, especially when it comes to eating because most of their food are spicy. From appetizer to dessert, Bicolanos add the very hot sili to their dish—pansit bicol express, kandingga, and tinutungang manok! For dessert?

They have a mix of sweet and spicy flavors with sili ice cream and cold brew chili.

Pinas Sarap also highlights another popular Bicolano dish, the pinangat which is made of gata or coconut milk and gabi leaves. Pinangat has a lot of versions. Bicolano also gave it an Italian twist through pinangat pasta and Mayon pizza. They also have inulokan, another kind of pinangat except it contains ulok or freshwater crab.

Brace yourself for a flavorful food trip this Saturday in Pinas Sarap, 7:45 p.m. on GMA News TV.

normal. Because of the pandemic, consumers and businesses alike have fewer opportunities to connect with one another.

That is where we come in. We envision ZRewards by Zeal as a source of discovery and delight for the consumers and a platform for merchants to reach out to their customers,” said Glenn Z. Estrella, Chief-ExecutiveOfficer of ZRewards by Zeal.

One of the pain points right now for a lot of Filipino consumers is that looking for deals is challenging. For some brands, it includes a paid membership to a loyalty program. For others, it entails going through dozens of websites just to find one single deal which may not even be valid or worth the effort.

Deals have become even more important during the COVID-19 outbreak. As people try to manage their finances more sustainably, deals, discounts and

rewards can make a world of difference.

It’s a similar situation for businesses. With the limited number of people going out, a lot of restaurants and stores need to find a way to sustain business operations. Deals are one of the few effective ways to entice customers to grab their phones and make an order. However, distributing those deals can also be problematic and costly.

Through ZRewards, it’s a winwin situation for both parties.

Businesses now have another platform to meet their customers while customers will benefit from big saving and irresistible deals under just one roof. Visit their website and sign up today: https://zeal.ph/signup .

ZRewards by Zeal is a brand under 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe.

ZEPHANIE DROPS NEW SINGLE “SABIHIN MO NA LANG KASI” ZEPHANIE demonstrates her maturity as a singer through her upcoming single under Star Music “Sabihin Mo Na Lang Kasi”.

“I love listening to heartbreaking songs, so hearing this track for the first time made me really excited to start recording it,” Zephanie recalled.

“Jonathan Manalo (producer) and I made sure that I was able to deliver the right emotions since this is very different from my previous releases,” she added.

“Sabihin Mo Na Lang Kasi” is a melodramatic acoustic that centers on a person’s daring but painful appeal for her partner to be upfront and confess that their

relationship has reached its end, instead of acting like nothing is wrong. It highlights the softer and more calming voice of Zephanie rather than her impressive belting.

Earlier this year, the “Idol Philippines” grand winner released her third offering “Pangako Ko,” followed by her rendition of Gloc 9’s “Simpleng Tao,” which was used as the theme song of the Star Cinema film “James and Pat and Dave.”

Don’t be afraid to demand for the truth no matter how hurtful it can be and listen to Zephanie’s “Sabihin Mo Na Lang Kasi,” out on various digital streaming services.

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EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

9

An immersive opportunity:

MCM launches Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020

M

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.13 ISSUE 90 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

“Yung home quarantine allowed na rin yun ng LGUs kasi hindi naman ganon talaga kadami ang isolation facilities but of course the preference again is the facility,” she said.

Tabada also said there are some returning residents who do not want to go to a facility and opted to do home quarantine.

“May iba kasing naka-derecho sa bahay tapos doon na notice ng LGU na meron palang arrival from other areas,” she said.

Tabada said this is the time that the LGUs and their Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) will talk

to the returning residents and bring them to the facilities for swab testing.

“Yes nakikita na positive siya at yung family saan either nag-sama sila in a day or two for until the time na nakuha siya will be investigated at titingnan if there is a possible contact.

Yun ang ginagawa ng LGU, to take care of the contacts na puwedeng na infect dahil may positive na umuwi sa kanilang bahay,” she said.

These returning residents who undergo 14day quarantine are being monitored by the LGU and BHERTS daily. They will be monitored if they devel-

op fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, sore throat, body aches and pain, including flu like symptoms.

“Kunwari itong araw na ito meron ba siyang fever, cough, cold, diarrhea or any other symptoms na meron siya. Nakaktulong rin na nagre-report yung actual person being monitored.

Araw raw po ang monitoring depende sa strategy ng BHERTS,” she said.

However, Tabada cannot attribute the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the region to those who breached the 14-day home quarantine.

“Mahirap i-associate directly pero meron po pero

hindi specific number kung ilan talaga sa kanila ang dahil sa pag-breach kasi hindi namin mapasok ang bahay 24/7. Pero meron mga kuwento ang members of the community o kapitbahay or minsan kasama sa bahay dahil sa mga breach na ganyan but not adequately naka-document,” she said.

Tabada added that presently, evidence shows that a patient who is confirmed Covid-19 positive can infect three to four individuals.

“Reproduction rate ang tawag ana nga ang isa ka kaso mudaghan hangtod three to four cases,” she said.

Presidential Broadcast Staff-Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM) will be authorized inside the chamber’s premises to cover the SONA, the advisory read.

Despite the limited media coverage of the annual

event, RTVM said Duterte’s SONA will be aired live and without edits.

However, there will be no live singing of the Philippine national anthem, and video playback will be presented instead before the delivery of the speech.

Film director Joyce Bernal will be directing the SONA for the third time.

Article 7, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the President to “address the Congress at the opening of its regular session.”

The SONA is delivered by the President of the Philippines every year to report the state of the country, unveil the government’s agenda for the coming year, and may also propose to Congress certain legislative measures. (PNA)

Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, and Republic Act No. 9516, the law on illegal/unlawful possession of explosives.

Apolinario and the 25 others arrested on July 21 will face charges for violations of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, the law on illegal possession of explosives, Articles 147 (illegal association) and 148 (direct assault) of the Revised Penal Code, according to the Police Regional Office 13.

The operation also carried out the warrant of arrest issued last February 18 by the Cagayan de Oro City Regional Trial Court Branch 21 against Apolinario, along with eight other people connected to KAPA, for syndicated estafa.

Aside from syndicated estafa, Apolinario, along with other officers and promoters of KAPA, faces criminal charges before the regional trial courts in Bislig City, Quezon City and Antipolo for various violations of Republic Act No. 8799, or The Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

The Bislig City Regional Trial Court Branch 29 earlier issued warrants of arrest against Mr. Apolinario, together with KAPA Corporate Sec-

retary Reyna L. Apolinario, Trustee Margie A. Danao and promoters Reniones D. Catubigan, Marisol S. Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico and Moises Mopia.

On February 19 and 27, the Apolinarios and Catubigan respectively surrendered and posted bail for their temporary liberty while facing the investment fraud charges filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In separate Informations, the DOJ has accused KAPA of “willfully, unlawfully and criminally” engaging in the selling or offering for sale or distribution of securities in the Philippines without a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the SEC. Accordingly, the DOJ charged KAPA, Mr. and Mrs. Apolinario and Danao of violating Sections 8(8.1), 26.1 and 28 of the SRC. It also indicted Diaz, Fernandico, Mopia and Catubigan for violation of Section 26.1 of the SRC for promoting the investment scam.

The DOJ further charged Diaz before the Antipolo Regional Trial Court for violation of Section 28. It filed similar Informations against Mopia and Fernandico with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 93, which

then issued warrants of arrest against the respondents on December 2, 2019.

The criminal proceedings stemmed from the complaint filed by the SEC on June 18, 2019 against KAPA, after finding the group to have enticed the public to invest at least P10,000 in exchange for a 30% monthly return for life, without having to do anything other than invest and wait for the payout.

The Commission also found KAPA to have employed a Ponzi scheme, an investment program that offers impossibly high returns and pays investors using the money contributed by later investors.

In a resolution issued on September 25, 2019, the DOJ found probable cause to bring charges against KAPA. “With the mastermind already behind bars, we are positive about the progress and resolution of the criminal cases we have initiated to bring KAPA to justice,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said.

“The Commission stands committed to protecting the public from predatory and fraudulent investment schemes, more so during the pandemic. It will be persistent in pursuing the perpetrators.”

A person found to have

violated the SRC, or the relevant rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, will face a maximum fine of P5 million or imprisonment of 7 to 21 years, or both.

Considering the use of Facebook and YouTube in the illegal investment scheme, the DOJ recommended that the penalty to be imposed against KAPA, its officers and agents be one degree higher than what is prescribed by the SRC, pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The SEC has secured convictions under the SRC since its enactment in July 2000.

In November 2015, for instance, the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 56 convicted spouses Saturnino and Rosario Baladjay, who operated a pyramiding scam through Multitel International Holdings, Inc., of 65 counts of violation of Section 8 of the SRC. The court sentenced the Baladjays to serve seven years in jail for each count of violation for a total of 455 years and ordered them to pay the complainants a total of P8 million. In addition, Rosario was sentenced to suffer life imprisonment in a separate conviction for syndicated estafa, affirmed by the Supreme Court in July 2017.

with great details,” Rojas said.

His team consists of around 40 to 50 sales agents coming from different fields. "I have doctors in my team, medical representatives, clerks, housewives, engineers, businessmen and businesswomen and I even have students in my team, but we all agree about the great potentials of real estate," Rojas describes his motley group of active

agents, many of whom have seen their lives improved.

However the secret to becoming a successful real estate person is having the correct attitude and not aptitude. "The skills in selling can be trained and knowledge can be transferred to anyone who are willing.

There are only few things to learn in real estate before you can start selling, but it’s the kind of attitude that really dictates wheth-

er a particular salesperson flourishes or wither away" Rojas said.

He foresees increasing demand for real estate as Davao City is considered as the next big thing.

“Many people are seeing the value of buying properties now when it is still cheaper because they see Davao City is booming.

People in Davao City who bought condominiums as investment are making the

right decision because everything will be going vertical already for residences and offices. Land in the city will become very expensive and scarce,” he says.

“That is why developers are coming in and when there are developers, there is real estate to sell and people are looking for homes and properties. There are unlimited opportunities COVID or no COVID,” Rojas added. (PIA/RG Alama)

weight ranks at 49-1 before dropping three fights in a row in 2004-2005.

His championship run

included a 2003 victory over John Ruiz for the World Boxing Association heavyweight title, a

crown he never defended before rejoining the light heavyweight ranks.

Jones fought at least

once a year into 2018 but has spent more time as a commentator than fighter in recent years.

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and PHP8,000 per hog as indemnification.

Jubahib said the provincial government will also begin delivering native chickens to the affected households next week to make up for lost income.

Also, Oñate said the affected hog raisers could

avail themselves of a zero-interest loan of up to PHP30,000 from the DA’s Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), payable in three years.

"Let us work together in ending the threat of ASF in Davao del Norte,” the DA-11 chief said. (PNA)

Peace talks between the government peace panel and the NDF, political arm of CPP, were terminated by Duterte in November 2017, following the series of attacks staged by the communists' armed wing, the New People's Army, against the government troops and civilians.

In November 2018, Duterte said Agcaoili and Jalandoni sought to return to the Philippines for the possible revival of peace

negotiations with his administration.

Agcaoili and Jalandoni had initially eyed to go back to the Philippines but dropped the plan because of alleged threats to arrest them upon their arrival in the country.

In June this year, Malacañang raised the possibility that Duterte might once again open the door to another resumption of peace talks with the communist movement in the future. (PNA)

workers then expanding to cover 20 percent of the population of participating nations.

The WHO added that additional doses would be made available based on the country’s needs and vulnerability, and the threat of Covid-19.

“The COVAX Facility will also maintain a buffer of doses for emergency and humanitarian use, including dealing with severe outbreaks before they spiral out of control,” it said.

Meanwhile, Roque confirmed that the IATFEID has approved the creation of a sub-technical

working group (sub-TWG) that would study the possible amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. This was contained in IATF-EID Resolution 58 approved on Thursday.

Roque said the subTWG would be chaired by the Department of Health, with the departments of justice and interior, Philippine National Police, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority as members, he said. (PNA)

lished a USD20-billion Covid pandemic response facility and other countries have tapped this facility.

“But certainly, ADB’s over-all lending for this year has increased across ADB,” he added. (PNA)

lowing offseason surgery on both shoulders. It certainly looks like George got healthier over the

break though, as he put up 18 points in 19 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Magic.

on Thursday. The Mavericks guard had a perfect night, hitting all nine of his shots, including 6-for6 from 3-point range and 1-for-1 from the free throw line. He finished with a game-high 23 points in 15 minutes.

Freaky foul trouble The Bucks looked great in their win over the Spurs, scoring 113 points in 40 minutes, but Giannis Antetokounmpo seemed to have a little trouble remembering that NBA basketball is played with referees. The Greek Freak picked up five fouls in just 12 first-half minutes, an impressive feat for any level. He managed to avoid picking up another foul in the second half and finished with 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals in 21 minutes, including a no-look dime to Robin Lopez for a third-quarter 3-pointer.

The bigs are back The Blazers looked re-energized and excited for their first scrimmage game, probably due to the long-anticipated return of big men Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins. Nurkic hasn’t played since suffering a brutal leg injury in March of 2019, and Collins has missed all but three games this season with a shoulder injury. Nurkic, who finished with 14 points and eight rebounds in 20 minutes, immediately showed how his size and post-up skills can lead to easy baskets for Portland. Sure, the Pacers didn’t have their two best big men, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, but it was still impressive for a guy who hasn’t played NBA basketball in almost a year and a half.

He also showcased his playmaking ability as a facilitator, setting up teammates for easy buckets.

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Tyson, 54, to make ring comeback in September

M

Lebron James had a slightly different look showing up to the Lakers’first scrimmage game against the Mavericks on Thursday with prominent gray patches on his beard.

Lakers bow to Mavs on Day 2 of NBA scrimmages NBA scrimmage scores for Thursday, July 23 Milwaukee Bucks 113, San Antonio Spurs 92 Indiana Pacers 91, Portland Trail Blazers 88 Dallas Mavericks 108, Los Angeles Lakers 104 Phoenix Suns 101, Utah Jazz 88 The NBA officially returned with scrimmage games on Wednesday, and while Bol Bol was an absolute delight, some much bigger names took the stage on Thursday.

LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard were among the stars to make their bubble debuts, and it was nice to see some familiar faces on our screens.

Things continued to be a bit weird and awkward as the players and pro-

duction crews get used to games with no fans, but overall it was another good, full day of NBA hoops. Let’s take a look at the scores, and some of the things that stood out from Thursday’s games.

LeBron the Gray Lakers fans, and NBA fans in general, were excited to see LeBron James in game action once again, but he had a slightly different look. He showed up to the Lakers’ first scrimmage game against the Mavericks on Thursday with prominent gray patches on his beard, something we haven’t seen all season.

This either means that LeBron is embracing his 35 years on this earth, or he forgot to pack his Just For Men beard dye before he left for the bubble. Ei-

ther way, it’s clear the despite the new look, we’re still going to see the same LeBron James in Orlando.

James only played the first half of the Lakers’ bubble opener, putting up 12 points, five assists and three rebounds in 15 minutes. He and Anthony Davis combined for 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting in 30 minutes. The Lakers look ready to embark on their postseason trek.

Virtual Laker girls Yeah, this whole thing is gonna take some getting used to ... but kudos to the Lakers for making the effort.

Don’t mess with the Boban Not only is Boban Marjanovic a co-star in John Wick 3 -- he’s also a pretty good basketball player. The 7-foot-4 fan

n aura of collective glee permeated the homes of NBA fans across the globe on Wednesday, as actual basketball -- one NBA team playing against another NBA team -- took place for the first time since March.

Sure these are exhibition games and don’t count toward the standings, but they take on a whole new level of importance and energy because of the four-month hiatus.

The temptation to overreact to the first set of games is nearly impossible to suppress, but a lot went down on Wednesday -- ranging from genuinely exciting to comically awkward -- as we got our first glimpse of how NBA basketball will look inside the Disney bubble. Below are the scores from the first scrimmages of the restart, along with some key takeaways.

We’d heard rumors of Bol Bol -- the Nuggets’ mysteriously tantalizing rookie who had yet to play an NBA game -- looking great in practice, and we got to see his talents in full bloom on Wednesday in his Denver debut.

The 7-foot-2 20-year-old wasted no time working NBA Twitter into a frenzy with his blocked shots, 3-pointers and ball-handling. He finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in a win over the Wizards, producing countless highlights along the way.

Bol also apparently caught the league’s attention, as he underwent a random drug test after the game.

Bol’s performance was exciting on a number of levels. First, it was just plain fun to watch -- especially after the long break from NBA action. Second,

Bol simply hasn’t played very much since high school, taking the court for eight G League games this season after playing just nine games as a freshman at Oregon. Third, there’s a real chance that Bol could see minutes during seeding games given the Nuggets’ current lack of bodies.

Looking great in one exhibition game against the worst team in the bubble is obviously no guarantee of future success, but Bol, who has a ridiculous 7-foot-9 wingspan, displayed an intriguing skill set that shows the Nuggets’ second-round gamble might end up paying off in a big way.

A healthy, rested PG-13 As the Clippers’ Robin to Kawhi Leonard’s Batman, Paul George hasn’t consistently looked like himself this season fol-

Bol Bol shines in debut A

FBOL BOL, P10

favorite dominated in the Mavericks’ win over the Lakers on Thursday, finishing with 17 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks in 23 minutes, including a no-hesitation, nothingbut-net 3-pointer.

Lest you think Marjanovic is just putting up fluky numbers in a meaningless scrimmage game, don’t forget that he went off for 31 points and 17 rebounds in the Mavericks’ final game before the hiatus back in March, a 113-97 win over the Nuggets.

Seth Curry with the shot You might not be able to see Warriors star Stephen Curry in the bubble because his team was so bad they didn’t get invited, but his brother Seth was just as entertaining

FLAKERS, P10

ike Tyson, the former world heavyweight champion who retired in 2005, said Thursday he will make a comeback at age 54, fighting Roy Jones Jr. on September 12 in Los Angeles.

On his Legends Only League website, Tyson announced the eightround exhibition bout against Jones, a 51-yearold fighter who briefly held the heavyweight title and has fought consistently into his 50s.

"It's just going to be amazing," Tyson said on a video call on ESPN. Tyson shrugged off any notion of danger for serious injury for himself or Jones, saying that California rules will require they both wear headgear for the fight.

"We're both accomplished fighters," Tyson said. "We know how to protect ourselves. We'll be alright."

Tyson finished 50-6 with 44 knockouts while Jones, who last fought in February 2018, is 66-9 with 47 knockouts.

Tyson vowed it would be competitive rather than for show -- "we're showing our skills and fighting" -- and said he wants to recapture the fearsome form he once displayed.

"It's 100 percent of it looking to be Mike Tyson in the ring," Tyson said.

"I've got one speed -- forward."

In a battle for the aged, Tyson said he wants to show older can still mean exciting in the sports realm.

"It's because I can do it and I believe other people believe they can do it," Tyson said. "We aren't washed up. Somebody says over-age is washed up but they have a bigger fan base than the guys who are training now."

Tyson envisions el-

der statesmen events of mixed martial arts and NBA fame, mentioning such former NBA stars as Dennis Rodman and Allen Iverson.

Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 20 years and four months when he stopped Trevor Berbick in the second round in 1986 to win the World Boxing Council crown.

Within a year, Tyson was the undisputed champion and dominated the division, earning his nickname as "The Baddest Man on the Planet" and going 37-0.

But in February 1990 at Tokyo, Tyson suffered a 10th-round knockout at the hands of James "Buster" Douglas in a stunning upset.

'TAKEN CARE FOR MY BODY' He was arrested for rape in 1991 and convicted in 1992, serving three years in prison before his 1995 release and return to the ring.

Tyson regained the title but lost twice to Evander Holyfield, disqualified the second time for biting his rival's ear, earning a suspension that kept him sidelined for 18 months.

He had one last chance at the heavyweight crown, losing to Britain's Lennox Lewis in 2002, and retired after six rounds against Kevin McBride in 2005 in his final fight, days shy of his 39th bithday.

"I've been through some experiences and now I'm back here," Tyson said. "I've taken care of my body."

Jones has done much the same since winning his first middleweight title in 1993 and rolled through the super middleweight and light heavy-

FTYSON, P10

Bol Bol finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in a win over the Wizards, producing countless highlights along the way.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 90 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

GETTING SET

Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao and Karate Pilipinas regional director Rommel Tan (second from right) receives the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez from So Kim Cheng Sports Foundation Inc. chairman So Peng Kee (second from left) during the awarding ceremonies of the annual So Kim Cheng Sports Awards on Thursday at Eskina in Lanang Business Park.

Order for sports practice to be released next week: GAB T

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

he Games and Amusements Board (GAB) said on Thursday the joint administrative order (JAO) that will pave the way for the return of sports practices amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic may be released next week.

The development was a result of a meeting between GAB chairman Baham Mitra, its division heads, and Department of Health (DOH) policy and technology section chief Rodley Bautista.

In a statement, GAB said it is just waiting for the approval from the DOH legal department before the JAO will be released.

Once the JAO is put in place, sports athletes, whether individual or team,

can resume their training as soon as possible provided that they follow the health and safety protocols.

The resumption of sports practice is seen as the first step toward the return of local sporting events amid the pandemic.

The mother of Female Athlete of the Year Sherhalee Bulaso (third from left) receives the plaque on behalf of her daughter from So Kim Cheng Sports Foundation Inc. chairman So Peng Kee (second from left) during the awarding ceremonies of the annual So Kim Cheng Sports Awards on Thursday at Eskina in Lanang Business Park.

League (PFL) for their protocols set so that they return to practice.

Philippine Football Federation secretary general Ed Gastanes, PFL PBA, PFL lauded commissioner Coco Meanwhile, GAB Torre, and PBA depucommended the ty commissioner Eric Philippine Basket- Castro unveiled their ball Association leagues’ respective during (PBA) and the Phil- guidelines an online meeting ippines Football

among GAB’s stakeholders on Wednesday.

Torre first revealed the PFL’s “11 core strategies” that will be implemented once its season kicks off by September the soonest.

He also bared that the league would now adopt a contactless registration process and online

health-monitoring system for the member clubs’ players, coaches, and support staff.

The processes will be done using quick response codes, he added.

Gastanes, on the other hand, said GAB can oversee the training sessions by giving agency live streaming access.

Castro, meanwhile, said the PBA would follow the GAB medical guidelines and the DOH’s minimum health and safety protocols.

The league has mandated the teams to undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing for their players and personnel. (PNA)