Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 92 | Tuesday, July 28, 2020

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INDULGE P8

SITTING RALLY

VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

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Maximum tolerance, seats for rallyists highlight SONA protest in Davao

STORY ON PAGE 2

Employees of an establishment watch the television coverage as President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

SITTING RALLY

Maximum tolerance, seats for rallyists highlight SONA protest in Davao

By MAYA M. PADILLO ou can’t be more tolerant than this: rallyists given seats for proper social distancing.

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Unlike the previous rallies where protesters were clustered, standing, holding banners and chanting, the city government of Davao provided chairs at the Freedom Park in Davao City to ensure physical distancing during the 5th State of Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday afternoon.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the city provided 50 chairs for protesters. The chairs provided signify that police officers will not disperse the rallyists but will allow them to air their grievances.

The mayor said the city has allowed the conduct of protest rally following the guidelines of Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Omnibus Guidelines issued on June 25, 2020, of mass gatherings but solely for business or government purposes, and only up to 50 percent of the seating capacity of venue.

“This is the first time nga ang nag-rally giandaman ug lingkuranan. Kay naga-follow ta sa instructions sa City Health Office ug sa city government of Davao that we must have to strictly enforced.

Nag-storya ta sa ilaha

nga naa ta’y giandam nga lingkuranan for them mga 50 kabuok. Alas dose pa lang daan ganihang udto giandam na nato ni. Naka-social distancing na ang mga lingkuranan ug igo nalang sila mulingkod,” said Police Major Jack Leon Tilcag, chief of San Pedro Police Station, in an interview on Monday.

Tilcag said leaders of the various progressive groups in Davao City have appealed to him not to use the seats as they prefer to stand.

“Nakig-negotiate ang mga leaders nga kung puwede dili daw sila diri sa lingkuranan ug diha daw sila mutnidog sa kilid kay dili daw sila mgadugay ug dali lang daw sila. Pero ingon ko dili puwede kay naa ta gipatuman, kung dili lang pandemic, wala man ta’y problema. Naa man gud ta’y health protocols karon and prevention,” he added.

Rallyists were also required to bring Food and Medicine (FM) pass, ID, alcohol and face mask.

“Bisan pag mag-rally number one duna’y distancing, suot ug mask at all times ug dili hubuon ang mask ug magdala ug alcohol. If crimes are committed diha na mu-intervene ang mga pulis,”

Mayor Sara said.

The mayor added that the city did not receive applications for rally permit.

“Wala man ta’y nakuha nga nag-apply for a rally permit so ang expectation nato is ang mga raliyista will be there sa Freedom Park. Ang Freedom Park gi-ready na nato daan ang mga silya para na sila’y distancing. Gi-ready na daan sa atonag DCPO para makita na daan sa mga tao ug raliyista nga muabot ang ilahang lingkuranan ug para naka-distansya na daan,” said Mayor Sara.

Personnel of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) deployed at Freedom Park also observed distancing.

According to DCPO chief Police Colonel Kirby John Kraft there were about 70 DCPO personnel deployed who were tasked to ensure that safety measures will be implemented during the rally.

“Ang utos ni mam (Mayor) ay maximum tolerance at automatic yan sa police procedure. Ang DCPO ay hindi nag-babawal sa mga protesta, pero dahil ngayon ay panahon ng Covid-19 ay kailangan nilang sumunod sa health protocols,” Kraft said.

Until the start of SONA at 4 p.m. no rally happened at Freedom Park as the rallyists have opted to do the rally at the UCCP-Haran instead.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on Monday.

72% of Pinoys received aid from gov’t amid Covid-19 crisis: SWS

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ajority of Filipinos have received assistance from the government since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country, according to the latest survey conducted by polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS).

SWS, in its July 3 to 6 survey, revealed that the government has so far given money to 76 percent of adult Filipinos affected by the crisis brought about by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The proportion of adult Filipinos who got

financial aid from the government was highest in Metro Manila (85 percent), followed by Balance Luzon (75 percent), Mindanao (65 percent) and the Visayas (64 percent).

Seventy-two percent of respondents in both urban and rural areas said they were given money to help them sustain their needs amid the pandemic.

SWS also found that 75 percent of women and 67 percent of women received cash assistance from the government.

The number of adult Filipinos who were pro-

by those who will conduct a protest rally in time for the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte. The demonstration did not push through at Freedom Park after the protesters failed to comply with the required health protocols. Edge Davao

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PRRD’s push for agri dev't earns praise

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San Pedro Police Station chief Police Major Jack Leon Tilcag stands in front of the 50 chairs prepared by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) for the rallyists at Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue, Davao City on Monday. The chairs where provided to ensure social distancing is followed

vided aid was high among age groups 18 to 24 (70 percent), 25 to 34 (73 percent), 35 to 44 (76 percent), 45 to 54 (77 percent), and 55 and above (62 percent).

Respondents who also received assistance from the government were high among junior high school graduates (77 percent), elementary graduates (75 percent), non-elementary graduates (71 percent), and college graduates (58 percent).

President Rodrigo Duterte imposed an en-

he chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food on Monday commended President Rodrigo Duterte for the inclusion of agricultural development on his development and governance agenda as highlighted in the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, panel chair, said he was elated to hear about the PHP66-billion agriculture stimulus package, which outlines the various interventions of the government on the Philippine agriculture and fisheries sector in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis.

“Actually, this package is contained in the approved house bill we vigorously defended in the plenary before its adjournment last month,” Enverga said. “Part of this congressional initiative also establishes mechanisms for rural agri-fi-

nancing schemes.”

Enverga noted that the President also deserves to be recognized for his push for the “Plant, Plant, Plant” program in agriculture.

“Indeed, with improved infrastructure, we have to ensure our agri growth through production and marketing,” he said.

Enverga supported Duterte’s call for the passage of the Coconut Farmers Trust Fund bill to benefit farmers in the coconut industry.

He said his panel is set to approve the substitute bill on the coco levy funds, which proposes the management and utilization of the levy assets as a trust fund for the development of the industry.

“We assure the President that all his thoughts and guidance will be reflected in the House bill all for the welfare of the coconut farmers,” Enverga said. (PNA)

VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

SONA 2020 is a plea T to everyone: PRRD

NEWS 3

SEC sees progress in crim raps vs Kapa after Apolinario's arrest

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte can be summed up into one — a plea.

With literally every line of the 80-minute speech containing a threepronged messages — an appeal, a request, and an order — President Duterte described his speech just that — pleading everyone to help and cooperate.

“My speech is all a plea to Congress to do this and do that. To make a law or craft or whatever. This speech of mine is one of the longest SONA’s I will deliver. Hindi ko sinansabi in the beginning baka magtindigan kayo. Sabi ko (sa speechwriters) make it short, pag balik sa akin, mas makapal na,” he said.

Among the highlights of his speech were as follows: - He enjoined banks to

provide regulatory relief for SMEs and for loan relief for SMEs without incurring charges. “We need your help to prevent the collapse of companies saddled with amortization. As we embark on our effort of inclusive recovery ito ang panahon para suportahan ang ating mga kababayan na gumagawa ng mga produkto ng sariling atin,” he said.

- He appealed to local government units (LGUs) to harmonize policies to boost the tourism industry, which is the hardest hit by Covid-19, and ensures everyone’s well-being.

“We enjoin everyone to boost the economy by traveling locally. Once the

necessary systems are in place,” he said.

- He bared that he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping if the Philippines can have the priority if they find a vaccine.

“Four days ago, I made a plea to President Xi Jinping, if they have the vaccine can we be the first to get it? So that we can normalize as fast as possible,” he said.

- He urged Congress to create another department focusing on health.

“Covid-19 is not the last pandemic, we need to create a department for national health agency. A national disease prevention to better prepare for a pandemic. We need the full support of the Congress in this critical endeavor. I leave it to the Congress to create anther department but it may be a multilayer, redundant thing like the

Department of Health,” he said.

- He called on property lessors to help the lessees recover by providing them grace period.

“Nanawagan po ako sa ating mga lessors, bayanihan po sana ang pairalin natin. This is not the time to drive away lessees. During normal times they were the source of your income.

It’s time for compassion.

Huwag natin silang ipagtabuyan. Commercial establishments are requested to allow grace periods.

Let us help them recover,” he said.

- He pushed for the creation of a Bureau of Disaster Resiliency and People’s Safety and urges for modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

- He urged Congress to enact for the revival of death penalty to help stop

tion Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict – was officially launched in Barangay Maragatas in the municipality of Lupon, Davao Oriental, one of the province’s top ten priority barangays considered to be among the hotbeds of armed conflict here.

Wednesday’s launching was highlighted by the awarding of national certificates to 125 scholars who completed livelihood skills training under the Tech-

nical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). These scholars, who are residents of Barangay Maragatas, completed their trainings on Masonry NC 2, Carpentry NC 2, Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC 1, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, Food and Beverage Services NCI, and Cookery NC 2.

Under the TESDA program, the scholars received free training and assessment, insurance fee, Per-

sonal Protective Equipment (PPE), internet allowance of P500, and training support fund of P160 per day throughout the course.

No less than the director-general of TESDA, Secretary Isidro Lapeña, who heads the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), graced the activity and handed

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‘Oplan Maragatas’ launched at hotbed of communist insurgency in DavOr

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ith a firm resolve to wipe out the local Communist insurgency, the provincial government recently launched a program offering long-term solutions to address its root causes through good governance and provision of sustainable projects.

On July 22, Wednesday, the “Oplan Maragatas” – a program which strongly supports the national government’s Whole-of-Na-

Non-Davao returnees told to coordinate with own LGUs

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avao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte. (File photo courtesy of the City Information Office) DAVAO CITY – The city government called on locally stranded individuals (LSIs) passing through the Davao International Airport on their way to their home provinces, to coordinate their travel itinerary with their respective local government units (LGUs) to avoid getting stranded in the city.

“Some passengers have difficulty entering their regions from Davao airport.

If they choose the Davao International Airport, they should reach out to their LGU to fetch them so they will not be stranded again here,” Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said in a radio interview on Monday.

The city government recently issued an advisory asking non-Davao City LSIs not to land at the Davao airport if they have not coordi-

nated with their home LGU due to lack of inter-regional buses.

Mayor Sara said the city government has already reached out to other LGUs to provide vehicles to fetch their returning residents at the airport after undergoing swab tests.

Non-residents, she said, were also advised to quarantine themselves in their respective LGUs for their convenience and to prevent potential overcrowding at the city’s holding facilities.

Earlier, the city government required all arriving passengers in Davao City to undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing before exiting from the Davao Airport to ensure that travelers who enter the city are negative of the virus.

Those without a negative RT-PCR test result will undergo testing for free and wait in a holding fa-

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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, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army and Philippine Coast Guard arrested Apolinario in an isolated resort in Lingig, Surigao del Sur around 7:30 in 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 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 Secretary 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

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A pedestrian walks by posters printed with images of progressive group leaders in Southern Mindanao with a caption "Terrorist Recruiter" along Camus Street in Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

DTI 11 to hold online mentorship program

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The 64-hectare Anflo Industrial Estate in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. Photo courtesy of Anflocor

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has continued with its efforts to mentor more entrepreneurs toward success amid the current health crisis.

Since the launch of the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program in October 2016, it has already mentored hundreds of micro entrepreneurs from all over the region. As of December 2019, DTI 11 has already recorded a total of 473 graduates, who are engaged in food processing, manufacturing, among others. For 2020, the program aims to have a total of 84 graduates.

The KMME program has been the agency’s platform in helping micro entrepreneurs improve their operation. Thus, 10 modules are being introduced,

from developing the entrepreneurial mindset to human resource management and learning more about taxation and business law.

The program was designed to include a one-onone coaching between the mentor (a successful entrepreneur or an expert) and the mentee (entrepreneur).

The KMME run in 2020 is also unique as it becomes a “program for the new normal”. Highlighting it is the integration of the Money and Market Encounter initiative of DTI, making it adopt the tag KMME-MME Online. This will be done through the presentation of Business Improvement Plan (BIP) to an expanded panel of evaluators composed of representatives from banks, online market platforms, and other busi-

pine Exporters Confederation in Region 11 (PHILEXPORT DAVAO), the cardava banana variety has huge export potential. Apart from being used for Filipino staple snack banana cue, cardava variety is also used as processed banana chips, which is in demand not only in the domestic but also in the export market. Currently, cardava variety’s biggest markets are China, Vietnam, US, Germany and various Asian countries.

Presently, AIE has 15

locators from Japan, China, the Netherlands, USA and the Philippines at its 64-hectare land that include Del Monte Fresh Produce Philippines, First Panabo Tropical Foods Corp., Phildutch Polymer Inc., Davao Packaging Corporation, Davao Zhenzhi Plastics Corp., CAMECO Realty Development, PMR Pallet Ltd. Co., Fermon Corp., Southern Harvest, Lane Holdings Inc., and Packwell Inc. Three locators are also

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Anflo locator eyeing to employ over 130 workers

By MAYA M. PADILLO very employment opportunity in this time of Covid-19 pandemic is golden.

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Local banana chips producer Southern Harvest Inc. (SHI), which has recently established a facility at the Anflo Industrial Estate (AIEC) in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, is looking to hire 130 employees.

That definitely is golden opportunity for Dabawenyos looking for employment.

Ricardo “Cary” Lag-

dameo, first vice president of Damosa Land Inc. (DLI), said SHI is looking at employing mostly factory workers from production to peeling to packing jobs.

Recruitment of more workers will be posted soon.

The latest addition to AIE’s growing roster of locators, SHI will be producing banana chips and packaging materials, which

will be exported from the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT).

The company is owned

by Davao-based businessman Jam Abella and family.

Its factory is expected to start operating on Monday, July 27, 2020, processing Southern Harvest banana chips for export to Australia, Russia, and China.

The company will start its operations with a daily production of 10 tons, which will gradually rise to 75 tons daily once they are fully operational.

to $6.6 billion by 2021 Diokno told ANC. "We’re very optimistic…there will be a lot of foreign investors coming," Diokno said.

Foreign direct investments registered net inflows of $311 million (P15.3 billion) in April, a 67.9 percent decline from $971 million the previous year, the BSP earlier said.

Diokno said the Philippines is past the "most difficult" quarter and is currently in the rebound stage. Gross domestic product contracted by 0.2 percent in the first quarter.

Second quarter numbers, covering the longer period of the COVID-19 lockdowns, are set to be announced on Aug. 6.

in step with President Duterte's goal to modernize Philippine taxation and spell greater fiscal autonomy for our local governments," said Dominguez.

According to the DOF, the LFRP aims to improve the capability of LGUs in assessing and appraising property values to allow them to raise more revenues from real property taxes.

It targets to digitize the property valuation database and information system, and improve the capacity of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF).

The BLFG, an attached agency of the DOF, is tasked to assist in the formulation and implementation of policies on LGU revenue administration and fund management.

With the additional resources, the BLGF is expected to have more administrative supervision and oversight functions over the treasury and assessment operations of LGUs. The LGRP has a total project cost of $29.8 million or around P1.56 billion, of which the $26.5 billion will be funded by the ADB and the remaining amount by the Philippine government.

The loan carriers a 28-year maturity period, inclusive of a nine-year grace period.

The ADB last week said loans to the Philippines are expected to reach a record-high $4.207 billion this year, with the lion's share going to efforts against the coronavirus disease 2019.

FDIs to recover in '21 after taking virus hit, BSP says

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday foreign direct investments could recover by 2021 after inflows shrank due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign direct investments could "go down" to $4.2 billion in 2020 from $7.6 billion the previous year, but it could recover

Lagdameo said that the opening of SHI will have a direct positive effect on the supply chain.

“Southern Harvest uses cardava bananas. We also have another locator, First Panabo Tropical Foods, which also uses cardava.

This will entice more farmers to grow cardava since there are end users who will process it then export it. Cardava is a good alternative to cavendish especially for small growers,” he said.

According to the Philip-

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PH, ADB ink $26.5-million Local Governance Reform Project loan

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he Philippines inked a $26.5-million Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan which would finance the reforms needed to improve local property valuation and tax collection.

In a statement on Sunday, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the agreement was formally signed on July 1, for the Local Governance Reform Project (LGRP).

It was signed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and ADB Philippines Country Director Kelly Bird.

"This financial assistance from the ADB for the LGRP will help LGUs close the digital divide in their respective localities as they pursue property valuation and tax reforms to generate more revenues,

Residents gather inside a barangay covered court where a distribution of food and cash assistance is being held. 72 percent of Filipinos have received assistance from the government since the start of Cov-

id-19 pandemic in the country, according to the latest survey conducted by polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS). Edge Davao

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

ECONOMY 5

PH Resorts holds annual shareholders meeting

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H Resorts Group Holdings, Inc., the gaming and tourism holding company of the Udenna Group, held its Annual Shareholders’ Meeting today, 22 July 2020, under the leadership of Chairman Dennis A. Uy. The entire original nine-member Board of Directors was reelected with three independent directors.

PH Resorts Chief Operating Officer Jose Angel Sueiro

Economy over 'most difficult'period, now on 'rebound' stage, BSP says

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he country's current monetary policy stance "can hold" over the next few quarters as the economy has passed the "most difficult" period and is now on "rebound" towards recovery, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday.

"The current monetary stance can hold for the next few quarters and I’m positive that what we’ve done is sufficient. We have released into the system some P1.3 trillion," Diokno said.

The BSP cut interest rates by 50 basis points to a record low of 2.25 percent in June to help mitigate downside risks to growth and to boost market confidence.

It also slashed reserve requirements for thrift, rural and cooperative banks by 100 bps effective July 31.

"That is a big help for them because they are the

biggest lenders to micro, small and medium enterprises. That cut translates into P10 billion of resources to thrift and rural banks... they are doing well, they are well-capitalized, profitable," Diokno said.

"The most difficult quarter is the second quarter, we’ve passed that.

We’re now on the rebound stage. I’ve seen the recovery is like the Nike shoes (logo). We’re now looking at a less negative or slightly positive third quarter," added Diokno noting "a very nice" Christmas season ahead for consumers.

Economic growth in the second quarter will likely be worse than the January to March period as the full toll of the coronavirus lockdown is reflected, an economist said earlier.

The Philippine economy will likely contract by 2 to 3.4 percent this year, based on revised government assumptions.

PH peso seen to weaken in Q4 on projected imports recovery

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n economist of ING Bank Manila has forecast the Philippine peso to end the last quarter of 2020 at about 50.36, slightly weaker than its 49-level to date, on expectations that imports would also recover in the near term.

In a virtual briefing on Friday, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the peso’s current strength cannot be considered as general strengthening since this was caused partly by lack of demand for the greenback.

Mapa said the local currency is among the strongest in the region to date, even better than the Japanese yen.

He attributed this to the decline in imports due to

the general drop in domestic demand because of the pandemic.

Mapa said dollar demand among large companies is also low since they need to keep their peso liquidity “to keep afloat, to keep their workers, to augment the salary for their workers because there's no cash flow.”

“They have to generate cash flow and one easy way to do that is (a) drawdown in FCDU (foreign currency deposit unit),” he said.

Government data show that imports last May contracted by 40.6 percent year on year to about USD5.85 billion.

Mapa said Philippine imports rose to as much as USD112 billion in 2018

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PH Resorts Chief Operating Officer Jose Angel Sueiro said, “Despite the challenges of COVID19 we are diligently working on the completion of the first phase of Emerald Bay. Our team continues working to ensure to reduce project costs without sacrificing quality. Our focus is getting Emerald Bay to open on time without cutting corners.”

Emerald Bay will have a total of 146 gaming tables and 729 Electronic

Gaming Machines (EGMs) as well as 780 hotel room bays and 5 villas. The first phase of Emerald Bay is scheduled to open by 2Q of 2022, but the management team is planning for an early opening by the end of 2021, which will initially feature 122 gaming tables for mass, premium mass and junkets; 600 EGMs and 270 hotel room bays. It will then increase its gaming capacity and hotel rooms by 2022.

Proof positive of the

Unibank and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Tolentino was allegedly tagged as the “trustee” of Wirecard’s supposedly missing cash. He later claimed that he was framed and that his identity was stolen by “foreigners” who came into his office asking how they can do business in the Philippines.

On the other hand, BDO said it has fired the rogue employee who allegedly fabricated a bank certificate, while BPI suspended an employee for

supposed falsification of documents.

Racela said AMLC is adopting an “all sources approach” in its investigation.

“This means we gather information from open sources such as news articles, press statements, social media articles, and information shared by law enforcers and supervising authorities both domestic and abroad,” he explained.

“So whatever news articles any person can read are part of our source of

company’s belief in the long-term prospects of the tourism and gaming sector is its recent regulatory filing for an up P1.125 billion follow-on offer of common shares.

The net proceeds will be used to partially fund the completion of the first phase of Emerald Bay. PH Resorts has appointed Unicapital, Inc. and Abacus Capital and Investment Corporation as lead and colead underwriters, respectively.

PH Resorts Chairman Dennis A. Uy ended on a positive note, “We remain very committed to the long-term growth story of tourism and gaming in the Philippines. While many challenges remain, we are confident of overcoming them as we see some recovery by the time the first phase of Emerald Bay is completed and opened to the public.”

57 people, entities included in Wirecard 'all sources’ probe

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he Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said at least 57 people and entities are covered in its ongoing investigation into German payments firm Wirecard's alleged missing $2.1 billion funds, which dragged two of the country’s biggest banks into the issue.

In a text message, AMLC Executive Director Mel Georgie Racela said that the 57 people covered in their probe include lawyer Mark Tolentino and two former junior officers of BDO

Phoenix SUPER LPG is the LPG of choice for two new GrabKitchens that will open in Metro Manila soon. The partnership was made official through a virtual signing ceremony between Grab Philippines President and CEO Brian Cu (left), Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. President Henry

information. This is regardless of their base.”

BDO and BPI have denied involvement with Wirecard, both saying they have determined that documents claiming Wirecard was a client of theirs were false.

The scandal-hit German payments provider, later on, said that the missing money it booked in its accounts “likely never existed.”

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said

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Albert Fadullon (center), and Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Luzon Ton Villanueva. The collaboration is expected to help more SMEs, while offering new food options to more communities.

Phoenix SUPER LPG to fire up two new GrabKitchens

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ffering the safe, sigurado, simple cooking experience, Phoenix SUPER LPG is now the LPG of choice of two new GrabKitchen outlets that are soon to open in Metro Manila. As the exclusive partner, Phoenix SUPER LPG will install the LPG system and supply the LPG requirements of the soonto-be-constructed GrabKitchens.

“We are glad to be part of this innovative project and let Grab, as well as its merchant partners, experience the great quality of our LPG products and services. Despite the dramatic changes in the way we are living nowadays, food will always be a need, and we at Phoenix remain to be of service to fulfill the demands

of the community,” Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Luzon Ton Villanueva said. He also stressed the importance of GrabKitchen as a dining option amid the current pandemic. “Safety is paramount in the new normal, so this dining alternative is ever more relevant, and we are glad to support it. This is also a great opportunity to expand our network and empower other businesses during such a crucial period,” he added.

With this partnership, Phoenix SUPER LPG will be responsible for the two GrabKitchens’ LPG system installation, safety and handling training for the staff, regular quarterly inspections, safety workshops, supply reliability, and tech-

nical support, among other requirements.

GrabKitchen is a cloud kitchen concept that offers users in a particular area a variety of curated food selections from one central kitchen. By leveraging data from historical orders to address cuisine gaps, and by working with merchant partners who want to expand their delivery footprint, GrabKitchen bridges consumer demand and availability of food selections.The first GrabKitchen in the Philippines opened in February in Makati, while there are now over 50 GrabKitchens in four countries across Southeast Asia.

Brian Cu, Grab Philippines President and CEO, also expressed positive ex-

pectations from the partnership. “We have partnered with Phoenix for several projects in the past, but this is the first for GrabKitchen, and we are confident that this will be, yet again, another fruitful endeavor. With Phoenix and Grab working together, we will help more food businesses, especially SMEs, while offering new food options to different communities in the metro,” he said.

Phoenix SUPER LPG is a subsidiary of Phoenix Petroleum, the fastest-growing, homegrown independent oil company in the Philippines. Aside from its operations in the country, Phoenix also maintains its LPG retail operations in Vietnam through PNX Vietnam.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

On the government’s fight against Covid-19:

We will not stop in the fight against COVID-19 until we get it right.

President RODRIGO DUTERTE

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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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)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

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.

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

LIVING

NÉW Lounge PH is ready for change! The demands of this season is crystal clear: the success of a business in the new normal lies on its willingness to adapt to change, to embrace the challenges head on in order to survive and thrive. The brand’s main focus is to make sure everyone is safe, whether customer or employee, because everyone’s trust matters in this time of great unease.

NÉW Lounge PH is slowly reopening all their doors and is very serious with the implementation of their extreme safety protocols. They have reopened Metro Manila lounges in Alabang, Greenhills, Sgt. Esguerra, Mo. Ignacia lounges and their Mobile Services in Manila & nearby provinces of Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan & Pampanga. “We are committed to strictly implement our protocols in our lounges in order to gain the trust of our customers once again. We monitor our staff from the moment they wake up, their whole day at the lounge and until they arrive back at their accommodations. All employee health declarations done twice a day are forwarded to the company doctor in compliance to the strict standards that we have set for ourselves.” says Bia Jacildo, Operations Manager. Their prestige lounge at Shangri-La at the Fort, BGC is targeted to reopen by August while their very first lounge in Las Piñas is just awaiting the final go signal of the LGU. Despite the branch closures due to the community quarantine, the brand is very optimistic about the future. Last July 10, 2020, they opened their newest lounge in the King City of South, their very first in the islands of Mindanao. NÉW

NÉW LOUNGE PH IS READY FOR CHANGE!

Lounge Davao has been fitted with the same safety measures implemented in their Metro Manila lounges, together with a 2-week safety training pro-

vided to the staff. Customers can expect the same level of quality services, comfort and ambience as with the mother lounges in Manila. “I’m so

happy that they opened their first branch in my province, Davao despite the pandemic and following all the ‘new normal’ regulations”, as posted

by NÉW Lounge ambassador, model & beauty queen Katarina Rodriguez.

Located only within a 5-minute ride to the city center, NÉW Lounge Davao won’t be hard to miss. It is very accessible since it is near the Capitol & city’s business hub.

Running errands after a lash appointment would be very quick and easy for all Davao Lash Dolls.

“Ever since we established our first ever lounge, our dream was to reach as many women in our country or even

in the world, as possible. We are very happy that with the opening of our first branch in Mindanao, this dream is slowly turning into a reality.

NÉW Lounge is now in Luzon, Visayas & Mindanao, a big milestone for a brand such as ours.” says Rachelle Bravo, CEO. The future is indeed promising, NÉW Lounge PH is determined to beat the odds, to adjust to the times and to continue to promote beauty & self care in the New Normal.

NÉW Lounge Davao is located at 4F Pink Walters Building, Quimpo Blvd. To know more about NÉW Lounge’s products & services or to book an appointment, head over to www.newloungeph.com

9 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

Hinatuan Mining divers monitor the coral nursery twice weekly to record its detailed growth and to graph survival rates.

Healthy coral outgrowths in HMC’s coral nursery.

Hinatuan mining declares success in ‘coral gardening’

H

inatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) announces with pride the success of its coral nursery project in the island of Hinatuan, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte. HMC is a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC).

“The coral nursery initiative, designed and implemented by HMC’s Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Department (MEPEO), aims to further enhance the growth of the natural coral reef systems around the marine waters of the island,” explains Forester Manuel A. Torres, Jr., HMC’s MEPEO lead and Envi-Manager.

For Jusua dela Peña, HMC’s dedicated marine biologist, ‘success’ means that in less than a year of establishing the nursery – initially with 343 coral frag-

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ness support organizations.

Apart from the KMMEMME Online, there will be three other derivatives of mentorship. First is the Balik Kabuhayan which adopts specific relevant topics for each session and targets any number of interested micro small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs). Second is the KMME 10 or the face-toface learning sessions for those who do not have internet access. Third is the Aptitude.xyz, a platform for customizable learning

ments in 4 nursery beds – the coral fragments have fully recovered with an excellent growth rate and a yield of 90% survival against a mortality rate of 10%.

The nursery begins the successful coral gardening in Hinatuan Island as healthy coral “outgrowths” are transplanted to propagate the coral garden.

The United Nations (UN) connects coral gardening to the current narratives about the pandemic, detailing how humans and our livelihood are connected to corals in so many ways: the fish that live

management system.

DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the KMME Online Project has four major objectives. These include the provision of: a venue for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to learn and be inspired; a channel to capacitate MSMEs, an avenue for business mentorship; and the opportunity to re-strategize and adapt to the new normal of doing business.

“Times could have been difficult since March for a lot of us, especially among

on coral reefs provide food; coral reefs are draws for tourists who bring in the cash that provide livelihood; that there are new medicines being developed from species found in coral reefs; and, that coral reefs help in the protection of our shores from erosion and pollution.

“We know that the priority right now is to keep the communities and our workforce healthy and safe from the virus, but we at HMC will never stop finding ways to also protect the environment and enhance the island’s marine resources,” explains dela Peña.

Engr. Francis J. Arañes, Jr., HMC’s Resident Mine Manager, is most happy about the success of the company’s ‘coral gardening’

because it showcases the healthy waters surrounding the mine site, which is something to be greatly proud of as a miner.

“The coral nursery is located 200 meters from the mine site’s pier and 6 meters in depth from the water line. The excellent growth of the corals signifies that the water quality around the mine and HMC’s marine resources are a healthy support to the overall water ecosystem,” Arañes explains.

“The objective of this program is to highlight NAC-HMC’s sustainable best practices in marine protection, emphasizing our initiatives, as a responsible mining company, in resources protection and tourism development,” Arañes adds.

As a marine biolo-

gist, dela Peña attests to ‘growing corals’ as being labor-intensive, requiring dedication and focus. The nursery is monitored twice weekly with the help of experts and licensed-divers.

Every inch of growth is recorded, ever recovery rate or otherwise, graphed.

“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of ‘coral gardening’ and we at HMC, as responsible miners, are obviously very passionate about this. Coral gardening plays a significant part in the sustainable development of our environment and in maintaining the integrity of our ecosystem,” dela Peña adds.

Dela Peña explains further that, most importantly, the involvement of the community is a vital component to

the success of the coral garden.

Everyone in the mining communities must be taken in as part of the drive to reach the full potentials of the project. This means intensive information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns about corals and, also, to declare the site of the nursery as marine protected area in order to minimize disturbance to allow the corals to reach its full growth to be healthy enough for massive propagations.

The Hinatuan mine site, also known as the “Tagana-an Nickel Project”, is located in Barangay Talavera, Hinatuan Island, municipality of Tagana-an, the Province of Surigao del Norte. Its area of operations is within the Surigao Mineral Reservation.

the MSMEs. However, there are still opportunities for them to take advantage of.

Among them is the KMME Online Project. This is a chance for them to continuously improve their skills and find the most feasible strategies that can help them grow despite the pandemic,” she said, adding that several experts in different fields will be around to mentor them.

The 2020 version of KMME will start on July 28 and end on September.

DTI11/JMM

due to the high demand for raw construction materials, among others.

Despite the current situation, he said he is optimistic about the recovery of the Philippine economy in the third quarter.

Growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), contracted by 0.2 percent in the first quarter,

the first negative output since the last quarter of 1998.

Mapa projected the contraction to further deepen to 6.3 percent in the second quarter or during the height of the lockdown before recovering to -5.8 percent in the third quarter and -3.5 percent in the last quarter.

He saw growth to further improve and postpositive figures of 3.5 percent, 5.7 percent, 5.8 percent, and 4.5 percent from the first to the fourth quarters of 2021 on the continued implementation of fiscal and monetary stimulus measures and the return of consumer confidence.

(PNA)

the missing $2.1 billion did not enter the Philippine financial system.

While the funds did not enter the Philippine financial System, Racela

emphasized that the AMLC did “not want to leave any stone unturned.”

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On a clear day, one can see the majesty of Mts. Apo and Talomo from this spot near the diversion road in Davao City. The road uphill is a perfect exercise for bikers who stop at this spot to take a break and take photographs. MindaNews photo by CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

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drug problems as well as to be more productive.

“We will revive death penalty by lethal injection crimes under 2002 Comprehensive Act. Someday I’ll tell you kung paano tayo binababoy. Pero now’s not the time for storytelling,” he said.

- He urged telecom companies to improve services by December.

“We must run after online scammers and those undermining people. We must protect the Filipino and we must be responsible stewards of digital. I am committing to protect both physical and digital lives of our law abiding countrymen,” Duterte said.

- On the government’s agricultural program, he requested Congress to pass

the P66 billion agricultural program to help agricultural and fishery industries to recover.

“A few good men a few good regional director dedicated workers down below. We can do Plant Plant Program, mas madali ito kesa Build Build Build,” he said.

- He admitted that the government has many

shortcomings on its Covid-19 response.

- He vowed that the government will not stop until it will be able to perfect the process.

“This is the time to bring out the best of us. We will bend our back, but not our spirit. From the rubbles of adversity, we build a nation from bayanihan and pagkakaisa,” he said.

over the certificates.

Sec. Lapeña congratulated the scholars for gaining new skills that will give them many employment and livelihood opportunities. He assured them that the training is only the beginning of the government’s assistance as it also looks into providing aid in terms of employment and livelihood.

A father of six, 44-yearold Reynaldo Budadong, who completed the course on Carpentry, said he is happy to acquire new skills.

He said he looks forward to the housing project that the provincial government eyes to put up in their village as it promises to hire local labor for its construction.

“We would be very happy when the project eventually starts as it will surely provide us with jobs,” he said.

Meanwhile, putting a premium on agriculture and food production, Sec. Lapeña also proposed the establishment of a productivity center in the village where locals can undergo livelihood trainings. The agency has already linked up with the private sector that will set to buy local products, particularly the locally made wine called “bia-is”.

Aside from the interventions brought by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster for the people of Brgy. Maragatas, the mem-

ber-agencies of two other clusters namely the Infrastructure cluster and Basic Services Cluster also turned over projects and provided much-needed services for the people here.

Sec. Lapeña said that all these interventions became possible through the complementation of the efforts of all stakeholders involved.

He lauded the provincial government of Davao Oriental who he says proves that nothing is impossible with good partnership and coordination among partners.

“Our government aims to improve the lives of our people, to get them out of poverty, and enable them to live comfortable lives,” he said, noting that his presence during the activity is an “affirmation of the government’s commitment to supporting the people, especially those from the marginalized sector.”

Village chief Beverly Rebalde expressed her thanks to the government for looking into her people’s plights which they have endured for many years. “What we dreamed for a very long time is now starting to be realized. I can finally see our people able to provide for their own families and send their children to school. And for that, we are very grateful,” a teary-eyed Rebalde said.

Barangay Maragatas which consists of 20 sitios

covering a total of 9,057 hectares of land has a population of more than 3,000 people.

Decades ago, Barangay Maragatas, particularly its hinterland sitios situated on the mountains, was used to be infested with the Communist-Terrorist Group New People’s Army (NPA), forcing locals to provide support to the rebel group while some get easily recruited to join their ranks.

Villagers say that the group used to roam freely in their communities and have thrived for many years here primarily because of the village’s far distance from the government center which also means far from government services.

However, with the government coming into the picture and with the recent inception of the Whole-ofNation Approach to End Local Communist Insurgency, these conditions have changed over the recent years.

Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict The Oplan Maragatas is only part of the national program dubbed as the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Insurgency.

Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Focal Person Ednar Dayanghirang said the program promises to provide long-term government interventions

to address the long-standing societal problems such as poverty and lack of socio-economic opportunities in the communities, which are long to be considered as the root causes of the insurgency.

In the province of Davao Oriental, the program uses the cluster approach in providing interventions.

Dayanghirang said this means that interventions are being provided in a holistic manner delivered by a team of agencies rather than just one agency, thus, ensuring sustainability and effectiveness.

Under the leadership of Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, the province of Davao Oriental has been aggressive in its efforts to address these problems through effective programs and implementation of projects in the communities that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.

“Now is the time to end this long-running armed struggle. The government is already here providing meaningful projects and services. We have a government that is willing to listen. There is no reason to support the enemy’s side which only sows nothing but terror and strife. I only ask that everyone join our government’s cause for peace and its bid for development,” said Governor Dayanghirang. Karen Lou Deloso

said.

That prompted an investigation by NBA security, and ultimately the 10-day ruling.

Williams visited a club that he has often described as being his favourite restaurant, and the establishment even

has chicken wings that are named for him on the menu.

But by being in a group of people and potentially exposing himself to coronavirus, the NBA decided that a longer quarantine was what's required to ensure the safety of those

in the bubble.

Players who exit the “bubble” are tested daily while outside the campus and must spend at least four days in quarantine in their hotel rooms upon their return, with medical experts able to stretch that quarantine time to

10 days if they feel it's required.

With Williams receiving the maximum isolation time starting on Saturday, he is assured of missing the Clippers opener against the Lakers and a game against New Orleans next Saturday.

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CLIPPERS... FROM11

hanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest quarantine classification, in the entire Luzon in March this year to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

In April, Duterte extended the ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas considered high risk for Covid-19.

Duterte then gradually eased the quarantine restrictions in June to allow the resumption of more business activities to revive the country’s economy.

Amid the pandemic, the government has implemented various pro-

grams aimed at helping Filipinos, especially those who belong to the poor and marginalized sector, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

SWS interviewed around 1,555 Filipinos aged 18 and above using a mobile phone and computer-assisted telephones.

The polling firm used sampling error margins of ±2 percentage points for national percentages, ±6 percentage points for Metro Manila, and ±5 percentage points each for Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

(PNA)

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.

cility for 24 hours or more until their results are released.

If they turn out to be positive for the disease, they will be referred to the

Southern Philippines Medical Center, while those who test negative will be sent home and advised to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

(PNA)

expected to start operation in the next two to three months such as Connovate Philippines, PMR Pallet Ltd. Co., and FoamPack, Inc. “Three more by next month and by December this year, our first Japanese locator will be finishing their facility,” Lagdameo

said.

Lagdameo added that AIE has about 30 hectares of land still available and about 10,000 square meters more of ready built facilities available for lease.

AIE is a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) registered facility.

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11

PSC starts meeting with NSAs for training resumption

T

The Trail Blazers have now lost the first two scrimmages in a three-scrimmage schedule leading up to the official restart of the 2019-20 NBA season.

Blazers fall to Raptors

D

espite 21 points from CJ McCollum and a double-double from Jusuf Nurkić, the Portland Trail Blazers fell 110-104 to the Toronto Raptors Sunday afternoon at the VISA Athletic Center on the ESPN Wild World of Sports campus on the grounds of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

The Trail Blazers have now lost the first two scrimmages in a three-scrimmage schedule leading up to the official restart of the 2019-20 NBA season.

With both Nurkić and Zach Collins making it through their first scrimmage with no issue after long layoffs and Hassan Whiteside returning to action after nursing a sore left Achilles, Sunday’s scrimmage was supposed to be the first time the Trail Blazers have had their full complement of players available this season, let alone in Orlando.

However, with Damian Lillard sitting out due to a sore left foot, leaving CJ McCollum to slide over to

point guard and Gary Trent Jr. to start at the two alongside Carmelo Anthony, Nurkić and Whiteside, the entire Trail Blazers roster being at the ready would have to wait for another day.

But while Sunday’s scrimmage didn’t feature the Trail Blazers at full strength, it did provide an opportunity to see Nurkić and Whiteside starting in a “twin towers” lineup, a duo the team has talked about employing since the start of the Orlando training camp.

“I thought they played well,” said head coach Terry Stotts of Nurkić and Whiteside. “I thought the team played well when they were together. We got off

Clippers’ Williams in trouble for strip club caper

N

BA star Lou Williams has been forced to undergo 10 days of quarantine and will miss two games after improperly extending a family emergency leave.

Players from 22 NBA teams are housed in hotels and playing in a quarantine bubble at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, to resume the 2019-20 season.

The restarted season gets back underway on Thursday after a March 11 shutdown for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Williams became the third Los Angeles Clippers player given a release for a family emergency, which has disrupted the practice and scrimmage

sessions for the team as it prepares to return on Thursday against the LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers.

Williams flew home on Thursday to Atlanta to attend a viewing for the death of a family friend.

However he then went to Magic City - a strip club.

When photos of Williams wearing an NBA-issued face mask while with a rapper were posted on social media, it upset Clippers coach Doc Rivers, who has been scrambling to assemble a squad with absent talent.

“Those got out and that's something that we obviously didn't enjoy seeing or like,” Rivers

FCLIPPERS, P10

to a slow start in the third quarter -- I think that’s probably more a team thing than those two guys together -- but it’s obviously something that we’re going to continue to look at.”

Without Lillard, who is likely to play significant minutes during Portland’s eight-game restart that, for all intents and purposes, is an eight-game playoff, on the floor to run the show, it’s hard to take too much from Sunday’s performance. With any luck, Stotts will have Lillard, Whiteside and the rest of the team available for their final scrimmage versus the Thunder on Tuesday. But according to the players, all that matters is who is available for the July 31 restart opener versus the Grizzlies.

Said McCollum: “As long as we’re healthy, we got action.”

The 6-4 Lehigh grad led all scorers with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting to go with five assists, two rebounds and two steals in just under 25 minutes.

Nurkić, despite play-

ing in just his second competitive competition since breaking his left leg in two places 16 months ago, looked no worse for wear Sunday afternoon, finishing with 17 points on 4-of13 shooting from the field, 1-of-5 shooting from three and 8-of-10 shooting from the line, 13 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals in 27 minutes.

Whiteside, who was limited to no more than 20 minutes in Sunday’s scrimmage, finished with six points, five rebounds and two blocks. Zach Collins, also on a 20-minute restriction (he played 21 minutes), came off the bench to relieve Whiteside and finished with seven points, five rebounds, a block and a steal.

Carmelo Anthony added 14 points on 13 shots while also logging five rebounds and two assists.

Anfernee Simons pitched in 13 points off the bench.

Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 19 points and Pascal Siakam contributed 18.

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said Friday it has begun meeting with officials of national sports associations (NSAs) on how national athletes could resume their training in their bid to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"This is to brief them on how they will formulate their updated protocol. This is also for submission to the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) to allow Olympic qualifying sports to start training,” national training director Marc Velasco said in a statement.

Velasco said the PSC recognizes that “our Olympic hopefuls need to maintain momentum and they do that by going back to focused training.”

The PSC's medical scientific athletes services (MSAS), consisting of Dr. Randolph Mayo, Dr. Janis de Vera, Dr. Charles Corpuz, Dr. Joji Quintos, Dr. Pilar Villanueva, Dr. Victor Gaddi, Dr. Arsenio Lantin, Dr. William Occidental, Dr. Raul Alcantara, and Abigail Rivera, commenced with the briefings on Tuesday, meeting first with Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Ed Gastanes, fencing president Richard Gomez, and secretaries general Ed Picson and Jercyl Lerin of of boxing and rowing, respectively.

On Wednesday, the PSC-MSAS met with

Lou Williams will also forfeit $150,000 in salary, Bobby Marks of ESPN reported ahead of the suspension.

secretaries general Rosendo Sombrio of archery and Billy Sumagui of cycling, as well as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas director for operations Butch Antonio, and Coaches Academy head Jong Uichico.

Basketball could be the first to resume its Olympic-related training as the ChooksTo-Go Pilipinas 3x3, which backs the Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 squad going to the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, already submitted its training protocols to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) that was approved by the IATF. The Gilas 3x3 is just waiting for the joint administrative order (JAO) to be formally released before resuming practices.

According to GAB, the JAO could be out by next week.

On Thursday, the PSC-MSAS convened with Dave Carter and Cynthia Carrion-Norton, the top officials of judo and gymnastics, respectively.

The PSC-MSAS has conducted a meeting with officials of golf and karatedo.

Officials of triathlon, skateboarding, table tennis, taekwondo, canoe kayak, weightlifting, and wrestling will also meet with the PSC-MSAS next week.

By the end of the month, the PSC-MSAS will compile all the practice protocols made by the NSAs and will be recommended to the IATF. "The IATF always (has) the last say," Velasco added. (PNA)

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

BALL FREEZE

SBP regional director Glenn Escandor (left) in file photo during a recent SBP meeting.

Kadayawan Basketball, SBP cage programs remain sidetracked

by Covid-19 restrictions

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

F

or the first time since its inception as the sporting highlight of the Kadayawan sports festivities, the annual Kadayawan Basketball Invitational Tournament will not be taking place.

With mass gathering and team sports still barred amidst the current coronavirus crisis, Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas regional director and Presidential Adviser for Sports Glenn Escandor said on Monday the hoopfest is definitely not taking place this year.

“We regret to say we cannot hold the basketball tournament

this year,” Escandor told Edge Davao.

The Kadayawan hoopfest is one of the two biggest basketball events in Davao City, the other being the Araw ng Davao Invitational which was also cancelled earlier.

Escandor also added that the SBP programs for Davao will have to be sidetracked until the

government makes a decision to allow it to proceed with basketball activities.

On Monday, after nearly five months, professional basketball and football teams were officially allowed to resume training provided that strict health and safety protocols are followed.

This, after the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) of the Department of Health, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) was signed on Monday.

Sports that are regulated by

GAB, such as professional basketball, football, boxing, mixed martial arts, and muay thai, can officially begin training again.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) had already approved the protocols submitted by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) on July 3, but the organizations needed the JAO before giving their teams the green light.

“Finally, the wait is over.

The JAO has been signed,” GAB chairman Abraham Mitra said in a statement.