Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 98 | Tuesday, August 4, 2020

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THE EXTERMINATORS

AGRITRENDS P9

LEGALIZATION

VOL.13 ISSUE 98 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

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City to legalize ‘habal-habal’ as public transportation STORY ON PAGE 2

A market goer shows her Food and Medicine (FM) pass to authorities upon entering Agdao Public Market on Monday morning. The city government of Davao has lifted the implementation of FM pass and curfew after Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio released an Executive Order. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 98 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Sunday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

LEGALIZATION T City to legalize ‘habal-habal’

Council set to repeal 7 outdated ordinances

as public transportation

I

By MAYA M. PADILLO

n what could be a pandemic-influenced move, the once-frowned upon ‘habal-habal’ could soon be a legitimate public transport.

The legalization of ‘habal-habal’ or motorcycle taxi as a mode of public transport is now a subject of joint committee hearings for the possible passage of a regulatory ordinance initiated by city councilors Danilo Dayanghirang and Conrado Balu-

ran.

Dayanghirang is the chairman of the Committee on Finance, Ways, and Means while Baluran heads the Committee on Transportation and Communication.

Dayanghirang said last week they have conducted

committee hearing where motorcycle drivers present unanimously agreed that it is time to regulate ‘habal-habal’ to ensure the safety of the riding public.

Dayanghirang said the routes of ‘habal-habal’ will also be regulated to avoid possible conflicts. He said routes will be reviewed and heard by local tricycles board under the city government of Davao.

“These motorcycles are necessary to ferry pas-

sengers especially in the far flung areas and even during night and day time where shortage of riding unit is apparent. Also minors and driving under the influence of liquor will be stop also,” he said.

Dayanghirang added that motorcycles to be regulated must be roadworthy and will guarantee the safety of the riding public.

“Ang atoang city council is conducting committee

ner.

“You are just a human being. I'm sure that you know nothing or little at all about governance if you are there into corruption,” he said in a late night public address.

He said he had no respect or compassion for them, noting that he would think twice about sending them to jail or suspending them because he wanted them “removed from the horizon.”

“I just want the graft and corruption stopped and the parties involved in that corruption be prosecuted be the mayor, the city council, or the barangay captain,” he said.

Instead of engaging in corrupt activities, he urged them to “work” by strictly enforcing localized lockdowns to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in their respective areas.

“It’s time that you really work. Isauli mo sa tao

‘yung honor na ibinibigay nila sa inyo -- ibinigay ninyo at ibinigay sa inyo ng tao (Return the honor given to you by the people). You work. Strictly enforce ang quarantine, lalo na ‘yung lockdown (the quarantine protocols, especially the lockdown),” he said.

Cut red tape Meanwhile, he also ordered other local government officials to release the necessary papers such

FLEGALIZATION, P10

Stop acting like gods, PRRD to corrupt local executives

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte on Sunday chided corrupt local government, warning them that he would account for their behavior once the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation in the country improves.

Duterte urged barangay captains, in particular, to refrain from acting like gods in their barangays saying they do not deserve to be part of government if they acted in such a man-

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he Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City is set to repeal seven ordinances for being outdated and "overtaken by events."

The decision to move for the omnibus repeal was reached during a virtual committee hearing jointly last July 20 by the committee on special publications headed by Councilor Ma. Belen S. Acosta and the committee on rules, privileges and ordinances chaired by Councilor by J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Calendared for repeal in future sessions are the following local laws: -- Ordinance No. 130, Series of 1989, otherwise known as "An Ordinance Prohibiting the Pasting of Any Kind of Propaganda Materials in City Streets and in Any Public Place in the City of Davao", --Ordinance No. 92, Series of 2000, otherwise known as "An Ordinance Regulating the Construction, Repair, Renovation, Installation and Maintenance of Outdoor Advertising Materials and for Related Purposes," --Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 51, Series of 1989, otherwise known as "An Ordinance Regulating the Operations of Video Machines for Commercial Purposes in Davao City," --Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 86. Series of 2000, otherwise known as "An Ordinance Banning the Distribution of Bandera

Magazines and Other Papers, Magazines and Other Printed Materials Displaying Obscene Pictures in the City of Davao," -- Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 568, Series ofv1992, otherwise known as "An Ordinance Prohibiting the Selling of Immoral Doctrines, Obscene Publications and Exhibitions and the Showing of Indecent Shows and Pornographic Films Disapproved for Public Exhibitions and Regulating Admission to Moviehouses, " --Ordinance 0amending Ordinance No. 1329, Series of 1993 , otherwise known as "An Ordinance Penalizing Recruiters, Pimps, Funhouses, Operators and Customers who Victimize Women to Commit to a Life of Prostitution and other Activities.

It was the consensus of the councilors, heads and representatives of government agencies and the private sector invited to the joint meeting the most if not all of the ordinances' subjects are now covered by national laws and newer city ordinances.

The move to repeal the seven ordinances was calendared last week but was not taken due to a lenghty discussion on an ordinance proposed by veteran Councilor Bonifacio Militar regarding the application of DMCI company to reclassify its land in Panacan from light industrial to heavy industrial for its plan to establish a batching plant in the site. ANTONIO M. AJERO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 98 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

NEWS 3

Not the time to talk about who’s tired: Sara

By MAYA M. PADILLO

M

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reacted to the call of health workers for the re-implementation of Food and Medicine Pass (FM Pass) as its lifting will result to spike of Covid-19 cases in Davao City.

Some Dabawenyo health workers from hospitals like the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) are calling for the re-implementation of the pass because they feel that the lifting will result to even more cases of Covid-19 and that they are already tired.

“Kung naa’y tao na gikapoy diri, ako to. Sa tinuod lang. Because one person and one office only sees one dimension kato

lang naa sa iyahang opisina sa iyahang sector. Ako, I see everything and this is not the time nga mag-istorya ta ug kapoy,” the mayor said.

The city government of Davao has ordered for the lifting of the FM pass and curfew hours for Davao City that started on August 3, 2020, as part of easing of restrictions under the general modified community quarantine (MGCQ).

Duterte wants health workers’ stipend included in Bayanihan 2

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resident Rodrigo Duterte "strongly recommended" the inclusion of stipend and additional benefits for healthcare workers in the socalled “Bayanihan 2” — a bill that contains a stimulus package for the country’s recovery from the impact of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“Well, if you want to term it stipend or allowances, or pay, give us time, we will make the report.

Sana masali ito sa the second Bayanihan (I hope it will be included in the second Bayanihan),” he said in a late night public address on Sunday.

Duterte said if the stipend would be included, he would release it to healthcare workers “without delay.”

“From the treasury, diretso na sa inyo (if will go straight to you). If you want it to be treasury warrant, fine. If you want it to be encashed, fine. We will look for the right persons to distribute it to you. But the thing is you can rest assured that there will be no corruption dito (here),” he said.

He said additional benefits for healthcare workers will also be included in the Bayanihan 2.

“Regarding the benefits, we will also strongly recommend it to be included in the Bayanihan 2: insurance, then free accommodation, free transportation, free and frequent testing,” he said.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Duterte approved his Cabinet’s seven-point recommendation to address issues of healthcare workers after they called

for a “timeout” or a shift back to a more stringest quarantine classification to curb the spread of the deadly disease.

Among these are additional benefits for healthcare workers, such as risk allowance for private sector healthcare workers treating Covid-19 patients, the amount of PHP10,000 to 15,000 for every healthcare worker that gets infected with Covid-19, life insurance, free accommodation, free transportation, free and frequent testing.

Duterte approved the recommendation to hire additional healthcare workers; minimize movement by implementing quarantine passes; directing local government units (LGUs) to intensify the localized lockdowns; enforce guidelines for minimum health standards; and prioritize the use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing.

He also reverted Metro Manila and the provinces of Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, Bulacan to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) after Covid-19 cases in the country breached 100,000.

Join the police Recognizing the need for healthcare workers to have better salaries, Duterte urged them to consider joining the police force to earn better wages.

“Those who want to work with government, lahat ng mga nurses, pumasok kayo sa pulis kasi malaki ang suweldo(join the police force, because they have a higher pay). If you remain a nurse outside, you only get about eight,

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Mayor Sara explained that under MGCQ, there are activities that do not require an FM pass. She also cited that the fourth quarter of every year is a celebratory mood for everyone.

“Lahi ang mood ug batasan sa mga tao during the fourth quarter of the year they become happier, celebratory, ambot. Maybe because kaniadto kung duna pa’y klase, wala na’y klase ana that time so ang families are together and doing their thing,” she said.

She said that “celebratory” mood will soon come and it is important that Dabawenyos will understand that ,although, it is the joyous season there

is still a need for basic health protocols to be implemented.

“So dapat masabtan siya sa mga tao karon pa lang. Let’s not wait na ang mga tao hyped na kaayo sila sa muabot na season without emphasizing sa ilaha na there is a need to regulate themselves with mask, distancing, handwashing, and planning your lakaw para most of the time you are home,” she said.

Mayor Sara reminded the public that all are in the same boat called Davao boat and each one has a task to do to ensure that protocols are implemented.

“We are on the same boat it’s called Davao boat

Health workers on duty at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City wear complete protective personal equipment (PPE) while attending to a patient. President Rodrigo Duterte has recommended

and unfortunately, dili mo namo puwede i-jettison so kauban gihapon mo namo. Mag-kauban tang tanan aning barkoha ni and everyone has a task to do or otherwise kung dili ninyo ni buhaton ang inyuhang task malunod ang atoang barko,” she said.

She said each must contribute in carrying the hospitals and health care workers by observing the health protocols of social distancing, wearing of mask, handwashing, and staying at home.

“Ang atoang hospitals and healthcare workers naa sila tanan didto sa taas (boat) and we are all carrying them on our shoulders. Kung naay isa sa atoa nga dili mukar-

ga sa ilaha mayabo ang atoang barko. Mutakilid and what do we mean when we say we are carrying them on our shoulders mao na tong stay at home, wear mask when going to public places sugod sa pag-gawas sa inyong gate, distancing,” she said.

The mayor also directed the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to instruct personnel to bring a stick of one meter long when deployed to measure distancing.

“We need to emphasize sa mga tao nga kanang mask ug distancing mag-dungan na sila because kung mask lang ug walay distansiya, mutaas ang risk na matakdan siya,” she said.

the inclusion of stipend and additional benefits for healthcare workers in the so-called “Bayanihan 2”. Edge Davao

Soldier on, PRRD tells ‘bone-weary' medical front-liners

R

ecognizing the hardships of medical front-liners amid the surge in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday encouraged them to soldier on for the people.

In a late night public address, he acknowledged that healthcare workers were all “bone-weary”, saying he could not force them to work if they no longer felt like doing so.

However, he said they were in the frontlines because the Covid-19 pandemic is a “war” that they

have been trained to fight.

“Kung walang tutulong sa bansa at mga kababayan natin, sino ang aasahan ko? Sino ang aasahan natin na gumawa ng trabahong ito? Huwag kayo mawalan ng pag-asa (If nobody will help the country and our people, who will I rely on?

Who will we rely on to do the job? Don’t lose hope),” he said.

Heeding medical front-liners’ call for a timeout, Duterte reverted Metro Manila and the provinces of Laguna, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan to modified enhanced community

quarantine (MECQ).

He vowed to hire additional healthcare workers; provide them with additional benefits, life insurance, free accommodation, free transportation, free and frequent testing; minimize movement by implementing quarantine passes; directing local government units (LGUs) to intensify the localized lockdowns; enforce guidelines for minimum health standards; and prioritize the use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing.

He said the government is doing “everything possible” to alleviate the situation, to assist healthcare workers, and enhance the country’s healthcare system.

He appealed for more patience and fervor, discouraging healthcare workers from acting as if they were prepared to quit their jobs.

“You raise the spectacle ng agony ninyo (of your agony), you treat it as if you are ready to stop work, ‘wag naman ganun kasi kawawa ang mga kaba-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 98 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of finance, ways and means committee of the City Council, bares that last week he conducted committee hearing and that motorcycle drivers are unanimously agreed that it’s time to regulate “habal-habal” to ensure the safety of the riding public of the motorcycle taxi. Edge Davao

No return to ECQ but address health workers’ concerns: Lopez G

Globe appeals for rationalized LGU fees, expedited permit processing

T

rade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Saturday reiterated the mindset of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to revive the economy while fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Amid the call of medical groups to place Metro Manila under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Lopez said the government cannot afford to revert the National Capital Region (NCR) to stricter community quarantine. “(W)e cannot go back to ECQ. (It’s) damaging to people’s health, with unemployment and poverty affecting health and wellness and nutrition intake.

(It) will affect long-term health and capacity to learn

for children,” he told trade reporters in a text message.

Lopez, however, said what is needed is to fully support and address the concerns of health workers.

With the increasing number of infections in the NCR, allotted capacity for Covid-19 cases for some metro hospitals has reached the maximum level.

Some hospitals in the NCR, such as the Ospital ng Maynila and Caloocan City

Medical Center-South, are temporarily closed as the coronavirus has hit their workers.

“How can we help our front-liners? They need more support in all aspects – health care workforce, relievers, beds, facilities, equipment, expanding testing capacities, tracing etc., as well as living quarters for front-liners, logistics, and other needs. We should find ways,” he added.

Lopez noted that the government is currently balancing health and economy and protecting lives and livelihood.

Before President Rodrigo Duterte announced new community quarantine statuses in the country, businesses have expressed concern about putting Metro Manila back to ECQ. Business groups, as

equivalent to 21.8 percent of the country's gross domestic product, the DBM said.

It aims to ensure food security, increase investments in public and digital infrastructure, and help "communities cope and prevail in these trying times," the agency said.

Duterte approved the proposed budget last

Thursday, according to the DBM. The 2021 National Expenditure Program (NEP) and other budget documents will be submitted to Congress before the 30-day Constitutional deadline, it said.

The Senate last week passed the Bayanihan to Recover as One (Bayanihan 2) bill on final reading which provides

well as Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion instead back a granular lockdown.

“There are now other ways, like granular lockdowns (building, street, barangay), massive tracing, testing, isolation, treatment, and stricter compliance (with) health protocol in transportation and business establishments,” Lopez said.

He said they have been very careful in reopening sectors, focusing on those with the highest impact on livelihood and micro SMEs (small and medium enterprises).

“Also, we made it clear to have very strict compliance (with) health protocols, otherwise we close the stores until they correct their deficiencies,” Lopez added. (PNA)

PRRD approves proposed P4.5T nat'l budget for 2021

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte has approved the proposed P4.50w6-trillion national budget for 2021 which will "sustain government efforts" against COVID-19, the Department of Budget and Management said Sunday.

Next year's spending plan is 9.9 percent higher than the P4.1 trillion budget for 2020, and is

P140-billion fund to sectors reeling from the pandemic.

The Philippines on Saturday reported record-high coronavirus infections for a third day at 4,963 new cases, raising the nationwide total to 98,232.

The tally includes 2,039 fatalities, 65,265 recoveries and 30,928 active cases.

lobe Telecom Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Ernest Cu appealed to local government units (LGUs) for rationalized fees and expedited processing of permits to put up cellular towers across the country.

Following threats by President Rodrigo Duterte that telecommunications firms that failed to improve services by December would be shut down, Cu cited the "debilitating" process of securing permits to build cellular sites and towers.

"Each year, we make massive investments in billions of pesos to make our network perform at par with other counties.

However, we can only go as far as what our existing infrastructure can give," he said.

"If we want robust connectivity we really need to build more cell sites and roll out more fiber to homes. The current permitting process and fee structures simply do not allow us to do these," he added.

Cu said that at present, some 29 to 35 permits are needed to build a single tower, which takes at least eight months.

Just last week, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte threatened to shut down dominant telecommunications firms Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. if they failed to improve their services by

December.

"Kindly improve the services before December.

I want to call Jesus Christ to Bethlehem. Better have that line cleared," said Duterte.

In response, Globe said it will heed the order, as it noted that it has earmarked $1.2 billion for its capital expenditure this year alone.

"This is a time when all industry stakeholders need to work together for the benefit of the consuming public. Connectivity is now an essential need especially during this pandemic. Let's turn a new leaf and help enable the industry to build," Cu said Sunday.

Cu has since met with Duterte to explain the difficulties telecommunications companies face in securing permits to build towers or cell sites.

Duterte then ordered his Cabinet to employ the "most drastic measure you can find," with Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano noting that a joint memorandum circular has already been signed to shorten such process.

He was referring to the government's common tower policy, whose guidelines were released by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) last month.

The planned common tower policy seeks to free telecommunications com-

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ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

PRRD: No more money for food, financial assistance

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday evening again claimed that the Philippines has no more money for financial assistance for the poor, as he said the savings of the country are only for a drizzle and not enough for the rainy days.

In a televised address, Duterte said the government can no longer fund food and financial assistance to those hit by the lockdowns.

“I’m sorry Manila, ngayon magsabi kayo i-lockdown mo na ang Manila, ang ibang lugar, kahit Philippines, para talagang mahawa—wala ka nang mahawaan, wala ka nang mahawa,” he said.

“Problem is wala na tayong pera. I cannot give food anymore and money to people,” he added.

In the same speech, Duterte said the Philippines should not be compared with other countries as he claimed it does not have much savings.

“Unang una, wala nang makain. Iilan lang ang tao

talaga na may savings for a rainy day, while our savings is just good for a drizzle,” he said.

“Ambon lang, ibang preparation an for a typhoon. Hindi tayo mayaman,” added Duterte.

The Department of Finance (DOF) in July said borrowings have reached P1.22 trillion in the first four months of 2020, as the administration ramped up its reliance on lending to fund the COVID-19 response and economic relief initiatives.

In June, Roque said the Philippines has secured at least $5.758 billion in loans to support efforts against the coronavirus.

According to the latest data available from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr),

the national government’s outstanding debt swelled to a record P9.054 trillion as of end-June.

Just last month, Duterte again raised the possibility of selling Philippine assets to make funds to procure vaccines against COVID-19 once available.

“If there is a thing that develops which is really good for you, mauna ako.

Mag-utang ako. Magpabili ako kung saan puwede magpabili ng lupa. Ibili ko ng medicine, he said.

Duterte mentioned such a possibility in April, as he said this would be considered if funds for the fight against the disease would run out.

This was reinforced by Malacañang earlier this month when presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. on July 3 said assets would be sold to ensure that the Philippines could pay for vaccines.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said, however, that Duterte was only joking when he raised such a possibility.

ture, and the right incentives to we will be ready to roll out the EVs in a big way," he said in an emailed statement.

The lawmaker has since filed Senate Bill 1382 or the Electric Vehicles and Charging Station Act, which aims to support the transition to new technologies, generate jobs, and attract investments to grow globally competitive.

Currently up for interpellation in the Senate, the measure aims to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for the importation,

utilization, and manufacture of EVs in the country.

This includes a nineyear exemption from value-added tax, customs duties, and discounts on the motor vehicle user's charge, as well as the expedited registration procedures for EV users.

The bill also aims to reduce the Philippines' dependence on oil, with the country saving an estimated P297.92 billion from annual oil importation.

In his statement, Gatchalian also cited that the adoption of EVs will

Oil firms announce rollback in prices of petroleum products starting 6 a.m. today. Price of diesel will decrease

by P0.30 per liter while gasoline by P0.25 per liter. Edge Davao

Senator wants incentives for electric vehicle importers, manufacturers

S

enate Committee on Energy Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian over the weekend called for the creation of a policy framework for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines moving forward.

Gatchalian on Sunday cited the need to develop a regulatory framework before the boom of the e-vehicle in the industry as batteries are expected to become much cheaper.

"We have to make sure that we have the right policies, the right infrastruc-

help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the local transport sector contributing 31.6% of the GHG in 2017.

"If you want to reduce the GHG in the country, you hit the transport sector. If you want to increase the energy security in the country, you hit the transport sector," he said.

"That’s why our rationale for promoting the EVs in the country is to improve the air quality, improve environmental conditions, and promote energy security," he added.

Fuel companies announce rollback in prices of diesel, gasoline, kerosene

S

ome fuel companies announced a rollback in the prices of their diesel, gasoline, and kerosene products this week.

Effective 6 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, Petro Gazz and Seaoil will decrease the prices of their diesel by P0.30 per liter,

and their gasoline by P0.25 per liter.

Seaoil will also cut the price of its kerosene

by P0.15 per liter.

Unioil said in its forecast for August 4 to 10 that diesel prices may go down by P0.10 per liter and gasoline prices by P0.25 to P0.30 per liter.

Microsoft says to continue exploring TikTok purchase

M

icrosoft said Sunday it was continuing talks with Chinese-owned video sharing app TikTok to purchase its US operations, following a meeting with President Donald Trump.

"Following a conversation between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and President Donald J Trump, Microsoft is prepared to continue discussions to explore a purchase of TikTok in the United States," the company said in a statement.

Trump has threatened to bar the wildly popular app in the United States, citing national security concerns, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier Sunday that the president was set to announce strong action against TikTok. "President Trump has said, 'Enough,' and we're going to fix it," Pompeo told Fox News.

"And so he will take action in the coming days with respect to a broad

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PAL awaits COVID-19 taskforce guidelines on flights under MECQ

P A pedestrian browses through a display of hundreds of knock off shoes along San Pedro Street in Davao City over the weekend. Edge Davao

hilippine Airlines said Monday it was awaiting the guidance from the country's coronavirus task force on how flights would proceed following the reimposition of modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

President Rodrigo Duterte on late Sunday placed Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan under modified ECQ until Aug. 18 after cases surged and after

frontliners asked for some "breathing space.

Under MECQ, public transportation is not allowed, to curb the spread of COVID-19.

"We are awaiting guidance from the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force), CAAP, CAB, MIAA on the specific effect of the return to MECQ on flights. We will inform the public accordingly once such guidance/ information is given," PAL spokesperson Cielo Villalu-

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 98 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

On the legalization of ‘habal-habal’ or motorcycle taxi as a mode of public transport in Davao City: These motorcycles are necessary to ferry passengers especially in the far flung areas and even during night and day time where shortage of riding unit is apparent. Also minors and driving under the influence of liquor will be stop also.

Ang atoang city council is conducting committee hearings ug naga-paminaw na sila sa mga tao about sa pag-regulate sa motorcycle as mode of public transportation.”

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Ways, and Means

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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

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VOL.13 ISSUE 98 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

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EDGEDAVAO LIVING

GLOBE, DEPED HOLD TRAINING TO KEEP TEACHERS, LEARNERS SAFE ONLINE

GLOBE TELECOM and the Department of Education (DepEd) have joined hands to create a safe and healthy online learning environment for teachers, students, and home educators this coming school year.

While technology has been playing a big part in the lives of many teachers and students since the community quarantine started over four months ago, it also poses more risks to users who are now expected to spend more time online when classes start.

Thus, as part of its learning continuity planning, DepEd has highlighted the urgent need to keep everyone in the educational community safe online. Globe heeded the call for support and collaborated with DepEd to conduct a live webinar on cyber security and wellness for the sector.

The webinar, entitled “Global Filipino Teacher Series: Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP)” will be held on August 4-5, from 2:00-4:00 PM via the Globe Bridging Communities Facebook Page (https://www. facebook.com/GlobeBridgeCom/). It will be led by Globe with panelists from UNICEF and the DepEd and is open to all teaching and non-teaching staff of DepEd covering the national, regional, and division offices, and all public schools nationwide. Parallel to the

webinar, Globe is launching shorter and shareable versions of the DTP cyber wellness training modules which are meant to reach a wider audience online.

“Globe continues to support DepEd’s thrust of delivering quality education and training to learners and educators and is one with the government in helping keep the online community safe for everyone, especially the children,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

DTP is a series of workshops on digital citizenship, online

safety, and the responsible use of the internet. The modules were designed to increase the participants knowledge of current and constantly changing landscape of life online in the Philippines; various online threats, abuses, and predatorial and abusive behavior

and how to protect one’s self; essential principles and practices around cyber safety and security; online etiquette and how to help create a responsible online community; how to identify what information online is credible or questionable; and how parents and educators can keep children

safe online.

In 2019, Globe turned over the DTP modules to DepEd for integration into the K-12 curriculum and a localized version was implemented per region.

Meanwhile, in partnership with DepEd regional offices, Globe has been rolling out a series of training under its Global Filipino Teachers Program that focuses on 21st century skills needed by teachers most especially in the new

normal such as digital literacy and overall capacity-building to maximize the digital tools available to them.

The GFT program was first established in 2009 and has since delivered teacher training to all 17 regions in the country including BARMM. The program has covered various topics including 21st century learning methods, tech integration in the classroom, and online safety and responsibility.

ABS-CBN LAUNCHES KAPAMILYA ONLINE LIVE ON YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK ABS-CBN gives birth to a new viewing experience of its programs on digital as it launches Kapamilya Online Live to provide livestreaming of its new and well-loved shows on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Offered for free and without any subscription fee, Kapamilya Online Live will livestream a mix of current shows and classic Kapamilya programs throughout the day as ABS-CBN strengthens its digital presence to reach more Filipinos.

It will also allow viewers to catch the latest episodes of their favorite shows as it will be available ondemand in the next 24 hours.

On YouTube, Kapamilya Online Live will stream continuously throughout the day from as early as 7:40 AM until 10 PM. On Facebook, on the other hand, viewers can catch their favorite shows on regu-

lar timeslots with scheduled breaks between timeblocks. Livestreaming of shows on both platforms will be available exclusively in the Philippines.

“Kapamilya Online Live is the newest home of ABS-CBN’s wellloved shows that Filipinos miss watching on TV. Our bond with our Kapamilya is unbreakable, and we will continue finding ways to be with them and provide entertainment to Filipinos despite the nonrenewal of our broadcast franchise,” said Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN’s chief operating officer of broadcast.

The weekday slate will begin with “Magandang Buhay,” “Magpahanggang Wakas,” and “MMK” in the morning block, and continue with “It’s Showtime,” “Love Thy Woman,” and “The General’s Daughter” in the afternoon.

On primetime, Kapamilya

Online Live will initially stream in its first three weeks “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” episodes that were previously aired on Kapamilya Channel on cable and satellite TV before new episodes come out in the fourth week. Viewers will also be able to watch “100 Days to Heaven,” “Forevermore,” “Los Bastardos,” and “A Soldier’s Heart” for the rest of the night.

On Saturdays, the morning

lineup will feature “Halik” and “It’s Showtime,” followed “Wansapanataym Presents” and “I Feel U” in the afternoon, and Judy Ann SantosAgoncillo’s “Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan” and “It’s Showtime sa Primetime” in the evening.

Kapamilya Online Live’s Sunday programming, meanwhile, will include “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” “ASAP Natin ‘To,” and “Ipaglaban Mo” in the morning and Angel Locsin’s

“Iba ‘Yan” and “Be Careful With My Heart” in the evening.

During “TV Patrol” and “The World Tonight,” meanwhile, viewers will be redirected from Kapamilya Online Live to ABS-CBN News’ YouTube channel and Facebook page.

All members of the family will surely enjoy tuning in to Kapamilya Online Live with its programming mix of Kapamilya classics and current shows, and livestreaming of currently airing shows.

Catch the livestream of your favorite Kapamilya shows, old and new, on Kapamilya Live Online and subscribe to ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel (www. youtube.com/abscbnentertainment) and Facebook page (www.facebook. com/ABSCBNnetwork). For the complete programming schedule, visit kapamilyaonlinelive.com.

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Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) of AboitizPower Oil Business Unit partners with the LGU of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte to distribute food packs, sacks of rice, and other prime commodities for 760 households.

AboitizPower oil business unit assists LGUs through ER 1-94-funded projects

A

s local government units (LGUs) face great challenges in battling the effects of COVID-19, it is necessary to maximize all available resources in order to protect and support their constituents. AboitizPower Oil Business Unit has been closely coordinating with its host localities, lending assistance at every length through various projects. The company is also providing them with much-needed funds through the Energy Regulations 1-94 (ER 1-94) program.

This program allows host communities to directly access funds generated from the operations of AboitizPower facilities, which are intended for use in developing local projects and activities.

It is a policy under the Department of Energy (DOE) Act of 1992 and

Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) which states that host communities will receive shares generated by power plants operating in its area.

Through the DOE Department Circular 2020004-0008, the remitted funds can now be utilized

for initiatives to combat the effects of COVID-19.

AboitizPower Oil Business Unit, through Therma Mobile, Inc. (TMO) in Luzon and Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) in Mindanao, has been assisting local communities in their COVID-19 response and relief efforts funded fully by the ER 1-94 program.

TMO, along with the Navotas Local Government, turned over medical supplies to the workers of Brgy. North Bay Boulevard South and delivered additional relief goods to 6,415 households within the same barangay and in Brgy. North Bay Boulevard North.

Meanwhile, the host LGUs of the TMI unit in Maco, Davao de Oro used their ER 1-94 funds to purchase and distribute food packs for 540 households in Brgy. San Roque, which included rice,

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. continues to invest in local operations with additional $22M

C

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc, was recently cited as the best-performing Coca-Cola bottler globally after bagging the Candler Cup 2019—the most coveted award within the Coca-Cola System. A historic first for the Philippine operations, and a testament to the dedication, diligence, and pride that Filipinos rightly place in their work.

canned goods, noodles, and other prime commodities. The funds were also utilized by the municipality to provide 20 units of foot-operated hand-washing facilities.

The second TMI unit based in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte partnered with the Brgy. Sta. Ana local government for the procurement and distribution of rice and food packs for 760 households.

AboitizPower continues to support its host communities, not only by providing assistance in the disbursement of ER 1-94 funds, but also by working closely with its LGU partners in the implementation of COVID-19 response initiatives. AboitizPower’s Oil Business Unit has several more ongoing projects in partnership with host LGUs to further support fellow Filipinos affected by the virus.

oca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI)— the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country—has allotted an additional $22M investment, or approximately PHP1.1B, in its local operations for 2020, augmenting the original $73M investment already earmarked for the year. The incremental capital infusion will go to new production lines to be established throughout the Philippines, as well as people development via job protection and job generation.

CCBPI’s total 2020 investment, amounting to over $95M (approx. PHP 4.75B), is support that is imperative amid the challenges of the pandemic— especially as we collectively pursue restarting the Philippine economy and uplift Filipino communities amid unprecedented times.

“We remain confident in

the Philippine economy, and this additional $22M investment is testament to our faith that the Filipino people can look to a better tomorrow,” says Gareth McGeown, President and CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. “Throughout our journey of over a century in the Philippines, Filipinos have helped us grow, and we are as committed as ever to supporting our people, customers, and communities, especially given the challenges we are facing. We are doing what we can to help make sure that the Filipino trait of resilience can shine through.”

CCBPI is one of the major employers in the country, operating 19 manufacturing plants and over 70 sales and distributions offices. According to one study, for every one direct job at the Coca-Cola bottling arm, the Company generates seven more across

its value chain.

The bottling company was recently cited as the best-performing Coca-Cola bottler globally after bagging the Candler Cup 2019—the most coveted award within the Coca-Cola System which honors the bottler that best demonstrates executional excellence across the Coca Cola system around the world, as determined by their peers.

CCBPI bested strong competition among international Coca-Cola bottlers from across regions, such as Europe, Latin America, North America, Middle East, and Africa for the prize—a historic first for the Philippine operations, and a testament to the dedication, diligence, and pride that Filipinos rightly place in their work.

“Our investment in the Philippines is an investment in the Filipino,” says McGeown. “The government

and the private sector have always come together to nurture development in the country—and, given the unprecedented difficulties of the pandemic, private companies like Coca-Cola need to do the best they can to help restart the economy in order to secure and protect as many jobs as possible, to help as many local communities, micro and small businesses rebuild their livelihoods, and, most critically, help displaced workers get back on their feet.”

CCBPI is confident of continued excellence in its overall industry performance, not only as a result of continued and sustained investments in its operations, but also through its various programs benefiting Filipino communities, as well as close coordination with and support for stakeholders, partners, and customers.

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THE EXTERMINATORS

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

B

ees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. They are known for their role in pollination and for producing honey and beeswax. A 2011 United Nations report estimates that bees and other pollinators do work worth US$203 billion a year to the human economy.

Despite their importance, they are now disappearing in various parts of the world, according to some European scientists.

In two studies published in the journal Science, British and French researchers fear that pesticides are destroying bee populations.

“In North America, several bumblebee species which used to be common have more or less disappeared from the entire continent,” said Dave Goulson of Stirling University in Scotland. In Britain, three species have become extinct.

The threat to bee populations also extends to Asia, South America, and the Middle East. The two studies looked at bees and neonicotinoid insecticides – introduced in the 1990s and now among the most commonly used crop pesticides in the world.

The Rome-based UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that up to 35 percent of the losses in annual crop production worldwide are due to pests – insects, weeds, plant diseases, rodents, and birds. Of the estimated one million insects in the world, between 150 to 200 species frequently cause serious damage to crops.

When losses due to pests are combined together with post-harvest losses, worldwide food losses would amount to 45 percent. “This is almost one half of the world’s potential food supply,” FAO surmised.

To annihilate pests, most farmers use pesticides. The Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority defines

Kakawate

pesticide as “any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any insects, rodents, nematodes, fungi or weeds, or any other form of life declared to be pest.”

It also refers to “any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.”

Pesticides are classified according to their degree of danger. The pesticide’s label should give a warning notice in the shape of a symbol. Skull and crossbones on the label means that the pesticide is extremely or highly toxic. A highly toxic pesticide may be lethal when an adult ingests less than a teaspoon.

For a long time, no one seemed to question the safety of pesticides. Not until 1962, when marine biologists and writer Rachel Carson wrote the now classic Silent Spring. In her book, she described how pesticides cause long-term hazards to birds, fish, other wildlife, and humans, but provides only short-term gains to controlling the pests.

“Pesticides are like bombs being dropped in the food web creating enormous destruction,” said Dr. K. L. Heong, an entomologist who once worked with the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Unknowingly, pesticides are killing more than just the pests. “Some pesticides harm the living organisms other than the targeted pests,” noted the Davaobased Technical Assistance

Makabuhay as part of organic pesticide

Hot pepper Center for the Development of Rural and Urban Poor.

“Some travel to the food chain to bioaccumulate in higher organisms.”

In their book, Pesticides and You, Gretta Goldenman and Sarojini Rengam

explain that pesticides concentrated even to toxic levels via the food chain.

Thus, an increase feeding on plants sprayed with pesticides might be eaten by another insect which might be eaten by a bird. “Traces of pesticides too small to kill the targeted pest can accumulate to levels high enough to harm species further on up the food chain,” the authors warn.

Health experts claim pesticides can enter the human body through the lungs, digestive system, or skin. Depending on the kind of pesticide, health effects can be immediate (acute) or they can occur after years of low-level exposure.

Generally, acute poisoning occurs after an accident such as pilling a bottle of pesticide on the skin or drinking from a bottle containing pesticides. The symptoms of acute poisoning occur within 24 hours: vomiting, headache, respiratory problems, and heart failure, among others.

Long-term effects of shown to have insecticidal pesticides include skin dis- properties. Used widely orders, damage to internal until the 1940’s, these natorgans (particularly liver, ural pesticides were diskidneys, and lungs), in- placed by modern synthetic creased sensitivity to pes- pesticides that at the time ticides and effects on the seemed cheaper, easier and progeny. longer lasting.

“Every year, hundreds “The increasing awareof thousands of people are ness of the dangers posed killed due to accidental by chemical pesticides to poisoning by agricultur- human health is prompting al chemicals,” said Roy C. many Filipino farmers to Alimoane, director of the use botanical formulations Davao-based Mindanao that they themselves are Baptist Rural Life Center preparing,” said a paper Foundation, Inc. written by L. Masana and A. The Geneva-based Manuel.

World Health Organization “Natural pest controls reports that three people like the botanicals are safer are poisoned by pesti- to the user and the environcides every minute around ment because they break the world. All in all, about down into harmless com10,000 die annually to pes- pounds within hours or ticides. days in the presence of sun“The health hazards as- light,” wrote Eric Vinje in an sociated with pesticide use article which appeared in have been known for years Planet Natural. “They are and the extent of harm they also very close chemically cause has increased, yet, to those plants from which chemical companies keep they are derived, so they are on pouring millions of tons easily decomposed by a vaof pesticides annually into riety of microbes common the world’s biosphere,” de- in most soils.” plored Dr. Romeo F. QuijaMany plants have inno, a professor at the Uni- secticidal properties. Exversity of the Philippines tracts of these plants can College of Medicine. be sprayed on the crop to The lack of regulation either kill or repel insects. in most developing coun- “Kakawate” (Gliricidia sepitries often accounts for the um) is one good example. importation of banned pes- FAO reports that “kakawaticides. In some instances, te” leaves contain coumafarmers try to apply untest- rin, which can be converted ed chemicals which they into an anticoagulant disthink could drive away in- coumerol found to be an sects and pest. In 1992, the efficient rat killer. illegal use of cyanide comAside from rodents, “kapounds by cabbage farmers kawate” also acts potently in the Cordillera region pro- on insects. In many counvoked a public outcry. tries, its leaves are placed in In time, the use of bo- chicken runs, or left to soak tanical pesticides again in hot water and used to gain wider acceptance eliminate fleas and lice on among farmers. Botanical domestic animals. pesticides are derived from Many other plants can plants which have been FTHE EXTERMINATORS, P10

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hearings ug naga-paminaw na sila sa mga tao about sa pag-regulate sa motorcycle as mode of public transportation.”

Dayanghirang believes that adding motorcycle as public transportation will also serve as additional means of transport for the riding public and a source of economic livelihood in this time of crisis.

He said the passage of an ordinance is supported

by Mayor Sara and almost all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has reiterated that using ‘habal-habal’ as mode of public transportation is prohibited.

“Before ang Covid-19,

bawal ng habal-habal ug during Covid bawal ng habal habal and after Covid bawal gihapon ng habal habal because it is not dependent sa presence sa Covid-19. Bawal gamiton as transportation ang motorcycle,” she said.

However, Mayor Sara said she already referred this to the city council on how to regulate ‘habal-habal’ as public transportation.

“Because we can see in other parts of the world nga ginagamit jud ang motorcycle as public transportation,” she said.

Consultations are being finalized and the resolution is expected to be passed soon.

nine, 10 [thousand pesos],” he said.

Last month, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued Budget Circular 2020-4, that upgrades the entry-level salaries of government nurses from Salary Grades 11 to 15.

On Saturday, 80 medical associations representing thousands of doctors signed a letter asking the government to implement a more stringent quarantine classification, saying they are “tired” of fighting a losing battle against Covid-19. (PNA)

panies from costly capital expenditures in building communication towers.

"We thank President Duterte for giving us the opportunity to present our predicament, and for his swift action on our problem with tedious LGU permits for the construction of our cell sites. We are hopeful that we can get more cooperation from LGUs and HOAs," said Cu. "As Filipinos adapt to the new normal, having ample ICT infrastructure is particularly important to improve internet speed, increase coverage and capacity for data hungry customers. In addition, having

many cell sites is critical to successfully roll out advanced technologies like 5G services in the country," he added.

To recall, Globe in 2017 blamed homeowners' associations in at least 25 villages in Metro Manila, including Makati City, for blocking the construction of cell sites and as a result, causing insufficient telecom services in particular areas.

It also earlier filed a civil suit against a resident of the upscale Dasmariñas Village in Makati City for preventing the telco from constructing cell sites inside the subdivision.

array of national security risks that are presented by software connected to the Chinese Communist Party," he added.

Earlier media reports had suggested Trump would require that the app's US operations be

divested from its Chinese owner ByteDance.

But The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday that Microsoft's plans to buy TikTok's US operations were on hold after Trump's threat to bar the app.

na said.

Local airlines PAL, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia earlier grounded fleets when the entire island of Luzon was placed under lockdown.

Flights gradually resumed after restrictions were

eased on June 1.

On land, the operators of MRT-3 and LRT-2 on Monday announced that operations would be temporarily suspended starting Aug. 4, in compliance with the MECQ guidelines.

would be much more preferred by the boxing frater-

nity. Certainly more than any McGregor circus.

opment throws a wrench into the PBA schedule, Marcial believes it is still possible for the season to be salvaged.

The PBA had to halt all activities in March due to COVID-19 outbreak.

A shortened conference is one option for the PBA, although the situation remains fluid. Marcial is expected to meet with the Board of Governors this month to discuss their next steps.

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as ordinances within three days or face charges “I’m telling you now, kayong mga (you in the) municipal, city -- or I do not know if the provincial board is included -- ‘pag hindi ninyo inilabas ‘yan (if you didn’t release them) beginning today, I’m going to give you exactly three days, report to the [Department of the Interior and Local Government],

city, provincial, ibigay mo doon and for the DILG to inform Secretary [Eduardo] Año, ‘yung boss nila, na submitted na (Give it there and inform DILG Secretary Año, that it’s submitted),” he said.

He warned that they may face prosecution if they failed to comply immediately.

“So the clock is ticking except on the days we do

not hold office, I will count the 72 hours weekdays.

Tapos (Then) for example it has been there on Monday, then two to three days, should be on Thursday. If you fail to do that, I am directing Fiscal Yang to file the case immediately with the department or sa ano,” he said.

It was unclear who he was referring to as “Fiscal Yang” but Duterte said he

was a former fiscal from Nueva Ecija.

“I’ll see to it that you are effectively suspended preventive -- suspended as a form of a punishment.

But I would prefer that you would be dismissed immediately and the courts for not to interfere,” he added.

He added that delays in the release of papers could lead to more “missteps” because of corruption. (PNA)

bayan natin (don’t do that because our people would be pitiful),” he said.

He also suggested that healthcare workers could relay their concerns directly to government next time because the government is always willing to listen.

As cases of Covid-19 infected healthcare workers continue to rise, Duterte

said his common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña has expressed interest to practice nursing again.

“My wife has also volunteered to be a front-liner. May anak kami (We have a child). But since she is moved with a sense of… kasi sabi niya nahihiya siya sa sarili niya (it’s because she says she’s ashamed).

She’s a nurse and yet itong ganitong it’s a war against microbes. Who are our soldiers? The nurses and the doctors,” he said.

Avanceña once worked as a nurse in the United States.

He added that if healthcare workers refuse to “go the extra mile” in the battle against Covid-19, he com-

pletely understood.

On Saturday, at least 80 medical associations representing thousands of doctors signed a letter asking the government to implement a more stringent quarantine classification to prevent the collapse of the country's healthcare system amid the prevailing health crisis. (PNA)

also be used to prepare extracts with pesticidal properties. A mixture of garlic, onion, marigold, and hot pepper (siling labuyo) can annihilate a wide range of insect pests.

One Filipino farmer who believes in using botanical pesticides is Benjamin Lao, owner of the Lao Integrated Farms, Inc in Eman, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. “I had a tragic experience with chemical pesticides when I was still a teenager while cultivating rice in our farm located at the neighboring barangay,” he reasoned out why he uses botanical pesticides in his farm.

He applies what he calls as Eman, which stands for “epektibo, mura, at natural” (effective, cheap, and natural). “This is a concoction composed of fresh goats’ manure, kakawate, makabuhay, and hot pepper,” he informed. “These are soaked together for 48

hours and after that the concoction is ready for application.”

According to him, Eman is effective in repelling plant pests and diseases. In addition, it is also a good course of foliar fertilizer. “We are committed to help preserve our environment. We want to teach Filipino farmers the right way of farming through natural method and that is by not using commercial fertilizer or pesticides,” he said.

“Botanical pesticides are one answer to the pest problem in developing countries,” said Gaby Stoll, a German agrobiologist and author of Natural Crop Protection. However, she sounds a word of warning: Not all botanicals are riskfree. “Some are as dangerous as chemical pesticides,” she warned.

But Stoll says the move from chemical to botanical pesticides is “an import-

ant step in the search for a balanced, self-regulating agricultural system.” Another advantage of botanical products is that they are not very persistent. Most of them will break down quickly under influence of high temperature or sunshine. Therefore they don’t have a long lasting contaminating effect on the environment.

One disadvantage of botanical products is that they are generally not specific.

Many plant extracts will also kill or repel beneficial insects. Just like synthetic pesticides, the botanical products should thus be avoided and only be used as a last resort.

However, if a farmer decides, after careful consideration, that active control of a pest is required, botanical extracts are usually a better choice than chemical pesticides.

Aside from botanical

pesticides, a farmer can resort to other means of pest control, according to Alimoane. These include tilling (which exposes pests that live in the soil and increases soil aeration), crop rotation (it stops the buildup of microorganisms around plant roots), crop combination, and companion planting.

Meanwhile, some pesticides are losing its potency.

“Resistance to pesticides is as natural as evolution,” wrote Peter Weber of the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute. “In fact, it is natural selection in fast forward, provoked by the very chemicals meant to control the pest. Resistant strains develop particularly quickly when farmers overuse pesticides and try to eliminate pests rather than control them. Kill 99.9 percent of the insects in a field, and the survivors are a superstrain.”

that streak than ever before. Entering the shutdown, San Antonio was on the bottom of a logjam in the standings, needing to pass the New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and of course, the No. 8 seeded Memphis Grizzlies to get into the playoffs. Under typical rules, the odds of them doing so would have been slim.

But now, four days into bubble ball, the Spurs not only lead the pack for the No. 9 seed but have a real shot at sneaking up to No. 8 and taking away Memphis’ play-in advantage.

The Spurs came to Orlando with the fifth-easiest schedule among bubble teams. Memphis had the seventh-hardest, and Portland, their likeliest competition for No. 9 now that New Orleans has dropped their first two games, has five straight games against real contenders before mercifully drawing the Nets in their finale. Death, taxes and the Spurs making the playoffs.

Dallas came up short in the clutch... again

Make that 18 losses by five points or fewer for the Mavericks this season, the most in the NBA. Remove games that included NBA-defined clutch situations and the Mavericks would have a 26-6 record.

They have the most efficient offense in NBA history and the third-best net rating in the Western Conference, yet they’re likely going to finish with the No. 7 seed after falling in the fourth quarter yet again, this time to the Phoenix Suns. They led by 13 at the half, but coughed up their lead in the third quarter and couldn’t generate a good game-tying attempt in the final seconds.

The Mavericks are young. They have a coach with championship experience. They’re going to grow out of this. But by every metric except for record, Dallas should be a true contender. They aren’t, because yet again they’ve fallen short in the clutch. Playoff games are rarely blowouts. This doesn’t bode well for their postseason hopes.

One of the day’s big

winners were… the Minnesota Timberwolves?

It sounds counterintuitive. Minnesota isn’t in the bubble. But the Nets are, and Minnesota owns their first-round pick… provided it falls outside of the top 14.

It seemed nearly certain to do so until Brooklyn players started dropping like flies. With only Caris LeVert left to lead a group of backups, Brooklyn could’ve theoretically tanked its way out of the playoffs and into the lottery. The Wizards would have needed to make up only two games in the standings to force a play-in. Trade rumors have linked them to some of the biggest fish on the market.

They have championship aspirations next season.

A lottery pick would have been helpful for Brooklyn.

Alas, there will no be in-bubble tanking. The Wizards lost their opener to Phoenix, but Brooklyn’s loss to Orlando left the door ajar. The Nets slammed it with a win over Washington on Sunday. For all intents and purposes, they have now clinched the No. 8 seed in the Eastern

Conference. The Timberwolves will likely get their pick now, when it is still quite valuable, as opposed to next season, when Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will presumably drop it into the 20s. A big win for a team that isn’t even playing at the moment.

Injuries, sadly, were inevitable The resounding success of the bubble’s first few days made the sobering reality of Sunday that much more jarring. Jonathan Isaac was the first player to suffer a seemingly serious injury. In all likelihood, he won’t be the last.

Going from four months off back into high-level professional basketball so quickly was always going to increase the risk of injuries.

Isaac already had red flags.

Had the season not been extended, he wouldn’t have played at all for the Magic after suffering a serious knee injury in January.

Hopefully, that makes this an isolated incident. But sadly, we need to grapple with the likelihood that more soft-tissue injuries are coming.

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Giannis Antotekounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (34) goes up for a shot.

to MECQ, PBA Rockets fix their defense, Back adjusts its timeline Spurs grab wheel for No. 8 T The Rockets fixed their defense Houston’s thesis is based on three pillars: win the 3-point battle, the free-throw battle and the turnover battle. Everything else is immaterial if they just own those three categories. In service of those goals, they have eschewed the center position entirely. Not only does that give them more shooting, but it takes their worst ball-handler off of the floor to help limit turnovers, and it allows them to switch every screen defensively, effec-

tively cutting off all open 3-point attempts for an opponent while also making them susceptible to more strips, tips and deflections from quicker defenders.

That strategy played out flawlessly in their battle with the Bucks. Milwaukee had 40 more points in the paint and 29 more rebounds than Houston on Sunday, and it didn’t matter because the Rockets forced 14 more turnovers, took eight more free throws and, most importantly, attempted 26 more 3-pointers. The Bucks are a fairly modern team in their own right.

They take only 5.6 fewer 3-pointers on average than the Rockets. But Houston’s defense so effectively cut off their open attempts that Milwaukee not only took fewer 3s than they do on average but made only nine because of how few open looks they got.

This style of defense

is inherently straining.

It requires everyone on the floor, including James Harden, to run more than a typical scheme would suggest. Flying around the court is exhausting, especially for the wings who are also tasked with defending big men in the paint.

The Rockets sacrifice size in the name of speed, but that only works when they actually use it. They were lazy on Friday against the Mavericks. They brought their A-Game against the Bucks. That was the difference. They may have allowed 116 points, but they won the battles that mattered, and ultimately, the game with them.

San Antonio’s playoff streak is alive and well!

The Spurs haven’t missed the postseason since the Cretaceous period, though this season posed a greater threat to

from the outspoken Irishman.

Pacquiao is still yet to comment on the reports he could ditch title belt for a cross-codes encounter with the two-weight UFC champ.

Picking up the WBA welterweight crown from Keith Thurman last July, the ‘Pacman’ would certainly be required to make a defense as soon as possible.

This is due to time elapsed due to the pandemic.

Yordenis Ugas is the number one contender with the World Boxing Association. Ugas will want his shot by 2021, at the

very latest.

If Pacquiao decides to go another route, the WBA may be forced to act or could give Ugas a chance.

At least to fight for the lowly-regarded ‘regular’ version.

A blow was suffered by the Senator over the last week with the new Errol Spence is facing Danny Garcia on November 21.

Spence had been a big target for Pacquiao in order to have three belts on the line for a mega-clash.

MANNY PACQUIAO vs CRAWFORD Garcia looks likely to get his opportunity to headline a Pay-Per-View event

alongside Spence. But even then, the winner won’t be able to battle Pacquiao.

Shawn Porter has been top-rated with the WBC since his entertaining battle with Spence last year.

Porter is now pitted against Sebastian Formella later this year.

Whoever comes out on top is expected to face the winner of Spence vs Garcia in the first half of 2021.

Any Pacquiao vs McGregor event will simply be a one-off PPV blockbuster.

That’s unless a deal can be worked out with Terence Crawford.

Pacquiao vs Crawford

DAY 4: Final Scores Nets 118, Wizards 110 Celtics 128, Blazers 124 Spurs 108, Grizzlies 106 Magic 132, Kings 116 Rockets 120, Bucks 116 Suns 117, Mavericks 115

Day 4 of the NBA’s Disney bubble is in the books, and with most teams having played multiple games by this point, the playoff picture and the narratives that will follow it are beginning to take shape. A surprising team has jumped into the lead for the Western Conference’s No. 9 seed, two championship contenders duked it out in a potential Finals preview, and sadly, we’ve had our first major injury of the restarted season. Here’s everything you need to know about today in the NBA.

FROCKETS, P10

A possible Pacquiao-McGregor fight will not involve UFC: White

A

ny future boxing match-up seeing Manny Pacquiao taking on Conor McGregor may not have the backing of UFC boss Dana White.

Speaking at a press conference regarding his UFC event, White said in no uncertain terms that he couldn’t care less whether Pacquiao and McGregor square off.

McGregor posted a cryptic message to Pacquiao in Filipino on his social media just hours after apparently accepting a UFC offer from White.

It seems White is not impressed at potentially getting the run around

FPACQUIAO, P10

he Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) may have to wait a little longer than August 12 before resuming practice.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said PBA teams will have to delay their return to practice. He initially pegged August 12 as their planned date for resumption of non-scrimmage training.

However, Marcial remains hopeful that the league can still resume its games later this year, even after Metro Manila was placed under stricter quarantine protocols anew.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday night announced that Metro Manila and neighboring provinces -- Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan -- will be under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from August 4 to 18 due to rising

COVID-19 cases.

"Maga-adjust tayo ng training, maga-adjust tayo ng practice," Marcial said in a news report. "'Di ba dapat, August 6 and 7 'yung testing, ia-adjust natin," he added. "Bale mga 10 araw ang ia-adjust natin, sa testing pa lang 'yun."

PBA teams were supposed to undergo swab testing at the Makati Medical Center, in order to be cleared for a return to training.

Marcial will remain in contact with the hospital as to when the PBA teams can be accommodated.

While this latest devel-

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. PBA Media Bureau

FBACK, P10

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BACK

Pro practices to be delayed after MECQ status in Metro

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xpect another delay in the resumption of practices for the country's professional sports teams after President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday put Metro Manila and neighboring provinces under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) as COVID-19 cases took a surge.

Reacting to the MECQ order, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) on Monday confirmed some delay but clarified that it could be "for a couple of days only."

The MECQ will be in place from August 4 to 18.

"With regards to the resumption of the PBA, Chooks-to-Go 3x3 and PFL's trainings, there will be a slight delay," GAB chairman Baham Mitra said in a news report. "But rest assured that GAB will take advantage of this temporary halt to prepare our stakeholders in order to ensure the safe return of activities related to professional sports."

Professional teams seemed all set to resume training last week after the signing of the joint administrative order by GAB, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Department of Health.

The JAO serves as a guide for professional leagues on how to conduct practice sessions and other activities in the time of COVID-19.

With Metro Manila under MECQ, only individual sports or physical activities such as jogging, running or biking are allowed.

Mitra also advised the leagues to delay their COVID-19 testing, especially if they

were scheduled to undergo the tests this week.

The chairman said the implementation of the MECQ "will give us all time to comply with the 14-day health monitoring for symptoms and temperature checks."

"After that, the testings can commence," he said.

Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force to put Metro Manila and nearby provinces under stricter quarantine measures, after healthcare workers' groups called for a return to ECQ to give frontliners a breather.

"I have heard of different groups from the medical community for a two-week ECQ in Mega Manila. I fully understand why your health workers would like to ask for such a time out," Duterte said in a speech aired Sunday night.

As of Sunday, the Philippines had a total of 103,185 reported cases of COVID-19. An expert from the University of the Philippines has warned that the country may surpass 150,000 cases by the end of August.

Professional teams seemed all set to resume training last week after the signing of the joint administrative order by GAB, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Department of Health.