Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 9 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

A MEETING WITH JAPANESE CONSUL GENERAL MIWA AT AEON TOWERS

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VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

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Sara: City won’t go back to ECQ status STORY ON PAGE 2

Catholic devotees attend a mass at San Pedro Cathedral along San Pedro Street in Davao City. Faithful are urged to observe Holy Week activities in their homes to prevent the surge in Covid-19 cases.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

NO ECQ

President Rodrigo Duterte arrives at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila to preside over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Sara: City won’t go back to ECQ status

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said on Tuesday that Davao City will not be placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) even if there will be a possible second wave of Covid-19 cases.

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“Wala na’y ingon ana.

During our first wave katong pinakataas nato nga cases, nag-ingon na ang Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) na dili na mag-ECQ. Nag-remind lang sila na wala’y public transportation during ECQ. They do not recommend ang ECQ,” she said.

Dabawenyos raised their concerns over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) of possible surge of cases as the city is now relaxing regulations and opening for travelers.

Mayor Sara assured the city will try its best to prevent from happening the similar surge of cases in

the National Capital Region (NCR) and Cebu City.

She said if there will be possible second wave of Covid-19 cases the city will implement the same Covid-19 response plan: trace, test, treat, isolate and quarantine.

Dubbed the three pillars of Covid-19 response, “test, trace, and treat” are the city’s strategies in containing the virus. These are complemented by an efficient isolation system and the city’s initiative to offer free cremation services for deceased patients.

It can be recalled that

he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 12 said it is fast-tracking the completion of a major road network that would connect the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat to Davao del Sur. DPWH-12 Director Basir M. Ibrahim said Monday

the Datu Paglas-Columbio-Matanao road project connecting the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Davao del Sur is already 91.2 percent complete.

“It is composed of a 23.2-kilometer road opening and concreting which also includes two bridges with a total length of 240

meters,” Ibrahim said.

He said road concreting that started a few years back in Barangay Poblacion, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, is now nearing Matanao town in Davao del Sur. Ibrahim said the coronavirus disease pandemic slowed down the project, which seeks to promote

Mayor Sara issued Executive Order No. 23, placing the entire city under enhanced community quarantine from April 4 to 19, 2020.

Under the enhanced quarantine, government workers are required to adapt the “work from home” policy except those who are in the security, health, and social services among others who continue to work in full operation. It also allows workers in the private sector involving essential services.

Public transport is also suspended except those who are hired to work by the city government. fast and safe inter-regional linkage and trade between Regions 11 (Southern Mindanao) and 12 (Soccsksargen).

Ibrahim said that with improved mobility, people would have access to better economic opportunities and government services, thus, alleviate the lives of

Road linking Maguindanao to Davao Sur nears completion

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Duterte questions indemnity clause in vaccine contracts

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Monday questioned the demand of vaccine manufacturers for the national government to shoulder liability for adverse effects of Covid-19 vaccines procured by the private sector.

Duterte, a lawyer and former prosecutor, said he found “holes” under the indemnity clause in vaccine procurement contracts that require government to assume liability for private sector-procured vaccines.

“The government cannot guarantee much less give you an immune status na (that) you are freed of any and all liability. I think we cannot even do that even if we wanted to yung assumption of liability,” he said in a pre-recorded public address.

He said his reason for raising reservations is because the government would be prevented from going after vaccine manufacturers.

“In the first place hindi atin ‘yan, ngayon kung nagka letse letse ‘yan (it’s not ours so if there are problems like) mishandling or for whatever reason it is not as effective as advertised then they will go after against whom? Ang gusto ng mga manufacturers na ang private sector magbili, ang gobyerno mag assume ng liaibility. Hindi ho puwede yung ganun. May malaking butas diyan actually (Manufacturers want the private sector to buy them and government to as-

sume liability. That cannot be the case. There’s a huge hole there). Assumption of liability na ganun (like that),” he added.

Duterte said the indemnity clause in vaccine procurement contracts could even be “illegal”.

“We are not allowed to sign any agreement to that effect na nandiyan nakalatag lahat (with those conditions) they are the buyers of such and such tapos nandun yung payment tapos nandun yung indemnification na gobyerno magbayad (and the payment is there and the government assumes liability)? I do not think that it will be legal,” he said.

An act of Congress, he said, may be needed to resolve the questionable indemnity clause.

“Ang makagawa lang ‘yan is Congress, wala nang iba (Only the Congress can take action, no one else)," he said.

On February 26, Duterte signed into law the Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 that aims to fast-track the administration of Covid-19 vaccines and establish a PHP500-million indemnification fund for those who may show adverse side effects after getting the shot.

The fund will be sourced from the 2021 national budget’s Contingent Fund and administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

The law also allows local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to purchase Covid-19 vaccines. (PNA)

VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

No lifting of liquor ban, curfew on March 31

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announces that the city will not be placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) even if there will be possible second wave of Covid-19. Edge Davao

ot too fast.

On Tuesday, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio was quick to say there will be no lifting of liquor ban and curfew on March 31, 2021 as these two orders will still be re-imposed in case a possible second wave of Covid-19 cases hits Davao City.

“Dili pa ma-lift ang liquor ban and curfew because we are still waiting for the second wave and if duna’y possible na second wave na muabot, ibalik gihapon nato na ang atong liquor ban and curfew. So, i-derecho na lang nato na siya sa pagkakaron para dili siya mag-create ug confusion sa mga tao,” she said.

Last month, Mayor Sara has extended the 24hour liquor ban and cur-

few in the city until March 31, 2021 under Executive Order (E.O.) No. 5, Series of 2021.

The city re-imposed the 24-hour liquor ban in the city to prevent the exposure of individuals to Covid-19 through unbridled drinking sessions while the curfew was re-imposed to avert the spike of cases during the holiday season, to support the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) in its anti-criminality efforts, and to intensify terrorism surveillance and anti-illegal drugs operations in the coastal areas.

The mayor said it is necessary to extend the said orders to regulate some activities that can contribute to local transmission in the city.

By Maya M. Padillo

everal business establishments operating in the City of Mati have been fined by the City Government after they were found to have failed in following the minimum health standards (MHS) protocol.

In a report submitted by the City Treasurer’s Office, six establishments have been meted with a fine of P2,000 each for their first offense in violation of the City Ordinance No. 472 or the City of Mati’s Disiplina Panahon sa Pandemya Ordinance.

The erring establishments are pawnshops, surplus shop, salon, motorcycle shop and an internet cafe.

Based on the ordinance, first time offenders will be fined P2,000; 2nd time of-

fenders P3,500; and third offenders or more will be fined P5,000 and possible cancellation or revocation of their business permit upon approval of the City Mayor.

Several individuals have also been cited by authorities for violation of the MHS like non-wearing of facemask or faceshield and not observing physical distancing and mass gathering, among others.

Erring individuals are however slapped with community service only on their first offense. Second offense would be P2,000 fine and third and succeeding offenses would be a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of one to three months, or both, at the discretion of the court. (CIO MATI)

Mati establishments fined for failure to follow MHS

AstraZeneca vaccines bought S by city expected to arrive Q3

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio disclosed that the AstraZeneca vaccines the city government of Davao ordered are expected to arrive third quarter of this year.

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The city has ordered vaccines from AstraZeneca via a tripartite agreement with the national government.

“Their commitment for delivery is 3rd quarter of this year, although, sa pagka-karon wala pa ta kahibalo kung matuman ba nila ang delivery by third quarter,” she said.

The mayor earlier said that the city will augment the vaccines that the national government will allocate for Davao City so herd immunity can be achieved.

The city government of Davao has been receiving batches of Sinovac and

AstraZeneca vaccines as allocation from the national government for health care workers in the government and private hospitals.

“Nakadawat nata ug Sinovac ug AstraZeneca vaccines gikan sa Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the recent verbal information is duna’y muabot na vaccines by the end of this month but wala nagsulti kung unsang brand of vaccine and how many doses ang muabot,” the mayor said.

On the other hand, Mayor Sara also warned the public against fake Covid-19 vaccines.

“Ang mga tawo dapat

maging vigilant. Last year paman nang mga black market sa bakuna,” she said.

The mayor also said that the public should be aware that only the national government currently has the access and the authority to purchase Covid-19 vaccines in the Philippines.

“Keep in mind government palang, walay laing tawo or office dunay access sa bakuna. Kung dunay mga tawo diha nga maglako og magtunol og bakuna, dapat magduda napo,” she said.

The mayor reiterated that when one gets across somebody selling him or her a Covid-19 vaccine, he or she must at once “raise a red flag” as it might be fake and only contains water.

“Dapat jud magduol mo sa atoang FDA og DOH maaksyunan nila og walay

mabiktima sa fake nga bakuna,” she said.

On March 22, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) jointly allowed private companies to procure vaccines, provided that they enter into tripartite agreements with the Philippine National Government and the vaccine manufacturers.

Pursuant to RA 11525 or the “Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021”, recently passed by the Senate and lower house, private companies and Local Government Units are authorized to procure COVID-19 vaccines which have been given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration, in cooperation with the DOH and the NTF through a tripartite agreement.

26, he added.

“So ang total doses po na darating ngayong (So, the total doses that will arrived this) first quarter is 2.793 million,” Galvez told the President.

The country kicked off its vaccination on March 1 following the arrival of 600,000 doses donated by the Chinese government.

On March 4, the government welcomed 487,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX facility followed by another set of 38,400 doses that arrived on March 7.

Galvez added that some 1,523 vaccination sites have been activated nationwide.

The Philippines is also slated to receive 5.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the second quarter of this year.

Part of which is 1.5 to 2 million doses of CoronaVac vaccines, 3 million doses produced by Gamaleya Research Institute, and 1 million doses will be coming from the COVAX facility.

As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Gamaleya Research Institute, Galvez said the government can now procure vaccines from them.

"Tomorrow, we will be having our negotiation and we are negotiating to acquire 2 to 3 million [doses of vaccines]," he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is set to receive more than 8.9 million doses of vaccine in May, Galvez said.

Part of this bulk is 2.6 million doses of vaccine procured under a tripartite agreement among the

private sector, national government, and the AstraZeneca company.

The private companies, through the Go Negosyo alongside the government, are already preparing supply agreements for the deployment of private sector-procured AstraZeneca vaccines.

With the signing of the supply agreement, Galvez said some 194,000 doses of Moderna vaccine will also be delivered in May. He added that around 11.5 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine will arrive in June, while 13.5 million will be delivered in July.

The government, he said, is expecting a steady supply of vaccines in the third and fourth quarters of this year.

It also targets to inoc-

More than 2.3M doses of Covid-19 vax arriving end-March: Galvez

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ome 2,379,200 doses of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine are set to arrive within the month of March, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Monday.

In a virtual meeting with President Rodrigo Duturte, Galvez said additional 400,000 doses of Sinovac's CoronaVac jabs donated by the Chinese-government will arrive on March 24.

Galvez added that 1 million doses of government-procured vaccines from Sinovac Biotech company are also scheduled to arrive on March 29.

The COVAX facility through the World Health Organization (WHO) will be sending 979,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from March 24 to March

FMORE THAN, P10

PRO 11 chief orders cops to intensify drive vs. reds

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olice Regional Office (PRO) 11 director Brig. Gen.. Filmore Escobal directed all unit commanders in the Davao Region to be on alert following the ambush by communist New People’s Army in Labo, Camarines Norte Friday night killing five police officers and wounding two others.

Escobal also directed all provincial and city directors in the region to sustain community engagements through Revitalized-Police Sa Barangay (RPSB) program to win the trust of communities, gain valuable intelligence, as well as deny Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) access to insurgency-cleared barangays and Indigeneous Peoples (IP) communities.

He directed units to intensify police operations against most wanted personalities of the communist group.

All barangay-based institutions such as Barangay Peace and Order Councils must also be strengthened, Escobal said.

Escobal also tasked provincial and city direc-

tors to activate barangay peacekeeping institutions such as Barangay Tanod, Barangay Intelligence Networks, and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT).

“Capacitate them through training and guide them in the conduct of peace building activities” he said.

On Sunday (March 21), Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered all police commanders across the country to strengthen police community works especially in NPA-infested areas.

Eleazar said the ambush perpetrated by NPA was planned and this means that some local residents either aided the attacks as supporters, or they knew of the presence of rebel but they were afraid to report it to the authorities.

The order is in support of the objective of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to

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VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

A child picks strawberries at the newly-opened Moso Strawberry Agritourism Park at the foot of Mt. Matutum in Sitio Amgu-o, Barangay Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato on Sunday, 21 March 2021. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

Japanese Consulate, MinDA to host BE investment event I

Infra spending to revitalize economy amid pandemic

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he Consulate General of Japan in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority is set to conduct the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA)-Japan Investment Seminar in the city this week to offer a platform of exchange between the Mindanao stakeholders and the Japanese business community.

Aiming to provide an opportunity to promote and share the essence of the sub-regional economic cooperation especially the investment sector while at the same time gather perspectives from both the Philippines and Japan, the forum is seen to also re-affirm Japan’s support for the BIMP-EAGA initiatives as one of its development partners.

MinDA Chairman Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol highlights the significant role of the Japanese community in helping BIMP-EAGA investment sector and its economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We thank the Consulate General of Japan for inviting potential investors to the BIMP-EAGA region, particularly to Mindanao and Palawan. The pandem-

ic has brought all economies into a realization that big and small countries are all in the same boat of recovery and, therefore, need stronger cooperation,“ said Secretary Piñol.

According to Secretary Piñol, it is necessary to look anew on investment for development to rebuild the economy from the pandemic’s adverse impact.

“We consider the development of local industries as fundamental to economic recovery. Investments in local industries or the Domestic Development Investments, which targets local industries utilizing available raw materials and human resources, invigorate the domestic economy with foreign and local investment funds,” Piñol added.

It can be noted that Japan had been pouring in

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10,663 units from 11,890 units sold in the same months in 2020.

Passenger car sales had the largest drop of 19 percent during the period with sales reaching 2,868 units this year from 3,540 units sold a year ago.

Sales of light commer-

cial vehicles declined by 9 percent to 7,522 units in January to February 2021 from 8,264 unit sales in the same period last year.

On the other hand, commercial vehicle sales surged a whopping 217 percent to 273 units from 86 units in 2020.

billions-worth of Mindanao development assistance, especially in support of the peace process, reflecting solid ties between the two countries.

The Philippine government continues to be thankful for the importance given to the country particularly the commitment of the Japanese government to achieve sustainable development for the people of Mindanao.

More on BIMP-EAGA investment opportunities and Japan-BE relations will be discussed in the upcoming event via Zoom with the media outlets, government agencies, investment promotion centers, and researchers and students with interests in Japan-Philippines ties, business, and regional economy as among the expected participants.

For February 2021 alone, sales declined by 15 percent versus last year.

AVID’s sales last month reached 5,401 units from 6,342 units in February 2020.

“AVID ended 2020 on a high note. And while we

Jan-Feb sales of imported vehicles down by 10% mported vehicle sales for the first two months of the year declined by 10 percent compared to the same period a year ago, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) reported Monday.

AVID sales in January to February this year reached

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ncreased government infrastructure spending is more needed now after the implementation of stricter quarantine measures in the National Capital Region (NCR) and four nearby provinces from March 22 to April 4, 2021.

The government, through the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (AITF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, implemented stricter general community quarantine (GCQ) for the National Capital Region (NCR), Laguna, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan for two weeks to help address the surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.

In a reply to e-mailed questions from the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said “tighter restrictions could slow down economic recovery.”

“The resulting reduction in the capacity and scale of some affected business and industries, somewhat reverting back to levels a few weeks ago, would slow down the pace of economic recovery,” he said.

Ricafort said the recent upticks in Covid-19 infections, with the March 22 figure at record-high of 8,019, “would also result in less people going out as a matter of prudence and would

result in reduced consumer spending and slower pickup in economic/business activities.”

He said while the latest measures are stricter compared to recent weeks, it is still “milder” compared to those implemented last year since it aims to “lower new Covid-19 cases and better manage Holy Week, which is a potential superspreader event as people travel, meet, and congregate, while keeping the economy as open as possible while observing strict health protocols.”

“Thus, government spending especially on infrastructure would be needed more to pump-prime the economy, as a result, also in preparation for the 2022 presidential elections a little over a year from now,” he added.

Ricafort said “reduction in new Covid-19 cases and further arrival and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines would be key to further justify reopening of the economy to support economic recovery prospects.”

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said his department “has always advocated a policy of conserving all our resources in anticipation of a recurrence of the contagion, in order for the country to be able to make the appropriate response at

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

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‘Secret parties’ possible cause of Covid-19 surge: DTI’s Lopez

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Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III gives updates to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Monday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Closing biz again will be disastrous to PH: PRRD

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Monday admitted that closing businesses amid a spike in Covid-19 cases nationwide would spell “disaster” for the Philippine economy.

In a pre-recorded public address, Duterte made the statement after he approved placing Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under a general community quarantine (GCQ) bubble until April 4 to curb the spread of Covid-19.

He acknowledged that the surge in Covid-19 cases could be due to the fact that many areas in Metro Manila are “heavily laden” with people, including Divisoria, Manila’s famous flea market.

“Nanonood ako ng TV (I watch TV) and every time Covid is being discussed they play a certain footage dun sa(in) Divisoria. How can you control the people there? It’s such a small place, there are so many thousands there trying to wriggle in and out of…’yan ang mahirap because of the space na wala kasi tapos dumating itong pandemya dito tayo nahirapan (that’s what makes it difficult because of the lack of space and then this pandemic

happened that’s why we’re having problems),” he said.

Duterte, however, said he could not impose another lockdown since people’s source of livelihood would be affected.

“Kung sarahan mo naman ‘yan lahat medyo tagilid na ang ekonomiya (If you close it all our economy is not in good shape) and that’s a problem. Kung sarahan mo talaga lahat (If you close it all), it would be disaster for the country.

So balance balance nalang tayo (So we have to maintain a balance),” he added.

Duterte also defended his decision to impose additional restrictions in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces, stressing that the state can control the movement of the people especially under a prevailing health crisis.

“The curtailment of your freedom to travel is always subject to the power of the state to control the movement of its citizens especially if there is a pandemic. The state has that

kind of power although hindi ‘yan sa (it’s not) martial law. It’s just putting you in the right places at this time,” he said.

On Sunday, Duterte approved additional restrictions in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces for two weeks to cut by 25 percent the number of Covid-19 cases nationwide.

Currently, operational capacities of essential and non-essential services/industries will be maintained subject to minimum health standards.

Gyms and fitness centers inside the GCQ bubble are allowed to operate up to 75 percent of their capacity while spas are allowed to operate up to 50 percent capacity.

The operation of gyms, fitness centers, and spas is subject to adherence to safety protocols and minimum public health standards, particularly in the prohibition of aggregation in communal areas such as pantries and canteens, among others.

These establishments will only be allowed to operate depending on the local government units (LGUs). Quezon City has prohibited the operation of these establishments.

In restaurants, only

overnment banks are encouraged to continue providing loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to keep their businesses afloat as the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) expanded quarantine protocols.

During the online Tapatan sa Aristocrat Monday, University of the Philippines School of Economics Alumni Association

president Jeffrey Ng said it is crucial that MSMEs survive amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic as they account for the bulk of employment in the country.

The IATF placed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under a stricter general community quarantine (GCQ) due to the surge in Covid-19 cases.

Covid-19 cases in the country hit nearly 8,000 cases daily in the past two

days, with National Capital Region (NCR) and Regions 3 and 4A leading the number of new infections.

“It would be best for the government to continue providing credit access to these micro, small and medium enterprises. Let say Landbank, DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines), and Small Business Corporation should be able to lend more to these struggling companies because once they closed, they will have a difficult

outdoor dining will be allowed at 50 percent operational capacity provided that engineering and administrative controls are in place like acrylic or small dividers, limiting to two persons per table, among other. Indoor dining in restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments will be limited to delivery and take-out.

Operations of driving schools, traditional cinemas and video and interactive game arcades, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers, limited social events at accredited tourism establishments and limited tourism attractions will be temporarily suspended except open-air tourism attractions.

All public gatherings including religious gatherings are prohibited while face-to-face meetings are discouraged.

Weddings, baptisms, and funeral services will be limited to 10 persons.

There will a be a common curfew imposed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. However, workers, cargo vehicles, and public transportation will not be restricted by the said curfew.

Public transportation will also retain current capacity. (PNA) time reviving their operations,” Ng said.

He added private banks are more conservative in their lending policies as they are also being challenged by the pandemic.

“I think it’s only the government that can infuse needed liquidity and credit to these thousands of small entrepreneurs all over the country,” Ng said. “They are the ones who have to take on risk on lending on these strug-

Gov’t banks urged to continue providing loans to MSMEs

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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez has rebutted the claims that the reopening of economic activities led to a surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, but “secret parties” or private meetups might be a possible cause of the rising number of infection.

In a radio interview Monday, Lopez said many have attempted to have their private reunions with friends and relatives wherein minimum public health standards, such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing, are no longer observed.

“Ang maraming nangyari talaga ngayon, maraming nag-attempt na magkita-kita ulit… Parang may ‘secret parties’. Dito ‘yung medyo bumaba ang compliance rate (What happened is a lot of people attempted to meet again…

There have been ‘secret parties’. This is where the compliance with health protocols declined),” he said.

Although there are no available data yet to prove that private gatherings caused the surge in Covid-19 cases, Lopez said one can observe and attest that many private meetups and parties have taken place.

He recalled that since the gradual reopening of business establishments and economic activities in August of last year, daily Covid-19 cases were declining.

The trade chief add-

ed the compliance rate of establishments including restaurants and fast-food chains is also high.

Last Thursday, Lopez said establishments have over 95-percent compliance rate to health protocols.

Compliance rate for proper wearing of face masks ranges between 92 and 100 percent; between 43 and 100 percent for proper wearing of face shield; between 56 and 100 percent for not talking and eating in public transportation and confined areas; between 75 and 100 percent for adequate ventilation; between 88 and 100 percent for proper disinfection; and between 88 and 100 percent for appropriate physical distancing.

“So it is not the dine-in restaurants (that caused the surge) but (the) increase in other activities and gatherings like reunions, meetups and low compliance (of health protocols) in communities,” Lopez told reporters in a Viber message.

In the Resolution 104 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, it now prohibits dine-in services on restaurants and fast-food chains, except for alfresco dining and take-out services.

This will be implemented along with new restrictions in areas under general community quarantine, which include Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal. (PNA)

DOF sec: Gov't loans weren't just for COVID-19 vaccines

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inance Sec. Carlos "Sonny" Domínguez III said Monday the loans that the Philippines took since 2020 were not only used for acquiring COVID-19 vaccines but also for other expenditures, such as paying other loans and government projects.

His statement came after Senators Panfilo Lacson and Risa Hontiveros questioned the Philippines' supply of COVID-19 vaccines and the pace of the vaccine drive, respectively, amid a renewed surge of coronavirus infections in the country.

Lacson tweeted a list of Philippine loans from various organizations and asked where the vaccines are, while Hontiveros noted that the number of vaccinated health workers is still low, given that the vaccine drive started on March 1.

Dominguez explained in a public briefing that aside from the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines, the Philippines paid for its loans before the pandemic. He said that in 2019, the country spent P3.8 trillion on various projects while collecting only P3.1 trillion in taxes. The country only had a deficit of P666 billion.

But due to the COVID-19 crisis which began in 2020, the deficit rose to P1.37 trillion in the same year after the Philippines spent P4.23 trillion, of which "almost P250 billion" were spent

on financial aid for Filipinos who lost their jobs or were not able to generate income due to the coronavirus lockdown, Dominguez said.

According to the finance chief said that in the same year, only P2.86 trillion in taxes were collected by government, and the Philippines had to borrow P2.74 trillion to cover the shortfall.

"First part of the borrowing was to cover the deficit, so that we could spend the P4.23 [trillion]," Dominguez said.

"We borrowed more because ... we have more projects that we were still funding like the Build, Build, Build [infrastructure program], the different bridges we were starting, so we borrowed more. Plus, bumaba ho 'yung interest rate in 2020, so humiram tayo para bayaran 'yung old debt kasi mas mura na ang interest (The interest rate in 2020 went down so we took another loan to pay our old debt).

"At the end of 2019, our debt to GDP was only 39.6%. Now it's 54.5%.

And that is caused mainly or solely by the COVID-19 crisis," he said.

Dominguez explained that the Philippines has P82.5 billion funds for the COVID-19 vaccines, including waste disposal and logistics. According to him,

FDOF, P10

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

On Davao City being placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) if there will be a possible second wave of Covid-19 cases: Wala na’y ingon ana. During our first wave katong pinakataas nato nga cases, nag-ingon na ang Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) na dili na mag-ECQ. Nagremind lang sila na wala’y public transportation during ECQ. They do not recommend ang ECQ.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL Policy change for the better All private companies in the country can now procure their own anti-Covid 19 vaccines for as long as these firms will enter into a tripartite agreement with the national government and authorized vaccine makers.

The private companies allowed to buy vaccines now include cigarette-makers, infant formula andalcoholic drinks which are considered products in conflict with public health.

Companies making these commercial products are excluded in the draft guidelines prepared by the Department of Health, a provision heavily-criticized by many Filipinos including some lawmakers.

The criticisms were directed at the DOH leadership, specifically Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who seems to be the favorite whipping boy of this administration’s rabid detractors and plain doomsayers.

EDGEDAVAO

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Another condition imposed by the guidelines on companies wanting to procure vaccines for use of their employees and members of their families is that one half of the procured vaccines should be donated to the government, a requirement that is acceptable to the private companies.

The change of heart of the government, specifically that of the DOH, is for the better, It augurs well for the government’s desire to inoculate 70 percent of the country’s population of 110 million in order to achieve herd immunity and eventually defeat the pandemic.

The motive behind the desire of private companies to buy vaccines for their own employees should be deemed noble. It should be encouraged by the government if the end result will help in achieving its desire of winning the battle against Covid 19.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

ARE VACCINES REALLY NECESSARY? “Despite what you may hear or read, all current vaccines are safe,” assures Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, professor of pediatrics and director of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. “Vaccines have helped prevent more diseases than all antibiotics put together.”

“Vaccines are one of our most important tools for preventing outbreaks and keeping the world safe,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said in a press statement.

But like all medicines, side effects can occur after getting a vaccine. “However, these (side effects) are usually very minor and of short duration, such as a sore arm or a mild fever,” the WHO said. “More serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare.”

A person is far more likely to be seriously harmed by a disease than by a vaccine.

For example, tetanus can cause extreme pain, muscle spasms (lockjaw) and blood clots, measles can cause encephalitis (an infection of the

brain) and blindness. Many vaccine-preventable diseases can even result in death. The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks, and many more illnesses and deaths would occur without vaccines.

According to WHO, all the ingredients of a vaccine play an important role in ensuring a vaccine is safe and effective.

Some of these include: antigen (a killed or weakened form of a virus or bacteria, which trains the bodies to recognize and fight the disease that can be encountered later on), adjuvants (help to boost the immune response), preservatives (ensures a vaccine stays effective), and stabilizers (protect the vaccine during storage and transportation).

Vaccines are different from drugs. “A vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if you were exposed to the disease,” explains the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that dis-

ease, without having to get the disease first.”

That’s what makes vaccines such powerful medicine. Unlike most medicines, which treat or cure diseases, vaccines prevent them. And this is the reason why children, particularly newly-born babies, are advised to be vaccinated.

“Immunity is the body’s way of preventing disease,” the Atlanta-based CDC says.

“When a baby is born, his immune system is not fully developed, which can put him at greater risk for infections.

Vaccine reduces a child’s risk of infection by working with his body’s natural defenses to help safely develop immunity to disease.”

Here’s an even more understandable explanation from WHO: “Our immune systems are designed to remember. Once exposed to one or more doses of a vaccine, we typically remain protected against a disease for years, decades or even a lifetime. This is what makes vaccines so ef-

fective. Rather than treating a disease after it occurs, vaccines prevent us in the first instance from getting sick.”

Most vaccines are given by an injection, but some are given orally (by mouth) or sprayed into the nose. Aside from those mentioned earlier, vaccines protect against many different diseases, including: cervical cancer, cholera, hepatitis B, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, measles, mumps, pneumonia, rabies, rotavirus, rubella, typhoid, varicella, and yellow fever.

Vaccines protect people throughout life and at different ages, from birth to childhood, as teenagers and into old age. “If we delay vaccination, we are at risk of getting seriously sick,” the WHO warned. “If we wait until we think we may be exposed to a serious illness – like during a disease outbreak – there may not be enough time for the vaccine to work and to receive all the recommended doses.”

Not everyone could be vaccinated though. Among

those that cannot be immunized are the very young babies, those who are seriously ill or have certain allergies.

“They depend on others being vaccinated to ensure they are also safe from vaccine-preventable diseases,” the WHO said.

As with all medicines, every vaccine undergoes several studies and testing before it is released to the public. “To develop a vaccine, there first has to be research done to understand the nature of the infection you’re trying to prevent,” Prof. Adam Finn, the David Baum professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, explained to Gary Finnegan’s Vaccine Today. “You need to know enough about the virus or bacterium that causes the infection; you have to understand the structure of the bug because in order to create a vaccine you need to know enough about the infection to be able to mimic it. A vaccine is essentially a mimicked infection.”

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

“PERSONAL COMFORT” DOCTRINE AND COMPENSABILITY OF INJURIES DURING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES A seafarer’s injury during any recreational activity such as a videoke session is compensable under the “personal comfort” doctrine.

The Supreme Court utilized this legal paradigm in the recent case of John Oscares vs. Magsaysay Maritime Corp (G.R. No. 245858 December 2, 2020) in awarding disability benefits to the injured seafarer.

While the vessel was anchored in Panama, the seafarer was singing in front of a videoke machine together with another crew member when he slipped and fell out of balance.

As a result, he suffered major knee injuries.

Upon his repatriation to the Philippines, the seafarer underwent surgery followed by physical rehabilitation wherein he shouldered the cost.

When he claimed for disability benefits, the company denied liability arguing that his knee injuries are not compensable since the incident is not work related. He was not hired to sing on board so it cannot be said that his injury was incidental to his employment. His act of singing while jumping

has no relation to his duties as Second Assistant Engineer.

It was a purely personal and social function.

In order for a seafarer’s injury to be compensated, it must be shown that: (1) the injury or illness must be work-related; and (2) the work-related injury or illness must have existed during the term of the seafarer’s employment contract.

A work-related injury is defined as one arising out of and in the course of employment.

In the case of Luzon Stevedoring Corporation vs. WCC ( 193 Phil. 91), the Supreme Court held that “acts reasonably necessary to health and comfort of an employee while at work, such as satisfaction of his thirst, hunger, or other physical demands, or protecting himself from excessive cold, are incidental to the employment and injuries sustained in the performance of such acts are compensable as arising out of and in the course of employment.”

The Supreme Court awarded disability benefits to the seafarer using the “personal comfort” doctrine where acts of personal ministration

for the comfort or convenience of the employee or necessary to his physical well-being is an incident of employment.

The company argued that the personal comfort doctrine is not applicable since it only covers acts which are related to one’s personal comfort for a brief momentary period, such as using the restroom.

The seafarer’s act of singing while jumping is not included, is a purely personal and social function, and is not incidental to his work.

However, the Supreme Court pointed out that the seafarer’s act of singing can be considered necessary to his health and comfort while on board the vessel. He incurred his injury while he was performing this act.

Music plays a special role on Filipino seafarers’ life, whether at sea or on land. It is an understatement to say that karaoke is a central part of pop culture of Filipinos, including seafarers whether on board or in between contracts.

The seafarer neither willfully injured himself nor acted with notorious negligence. Notorious negligence is defined as something more than mere

or simple negligence or contributory negligence; it signifies a deliberate act of the employee to disregard his own personal safety.

Jumping while singing cannot be considered as a reckless or deliberate act that is unmindful of one’s safety.

There is nothing inherently dangerous about jumping while singing. The company did not allege that the seafarer intentionally injured himself or was negligent. He simply lost his balance.

Accordingly, the seafarer’s injury is compensable.

While inside the vessel for several months, a seafarer is exposed to extreme weather conditions and rough seas as well as physical and psychological stress due to his job, lack of sleep, heat stress, emergency works and homesickness for being away from his family.

These can have potentially disastrous consequences in terms of reduced performance as well as poor physical and mental health.

Recreation is an important consideration for the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC2006).

Each member state shall

ensure that ships that fly its flag provide and maintain decent recreational facilities, amenities and services, as adapted to meet the special needs of seafarers who must live and work on ships, consistent with promoting the seafarers’ health and well-being.

Recreational facilities and services should be reviewed frequently to ensure that they are appropriate in the light of changes in the needs of seafarers resulting from technical, operational and other developments in the shipping industry.

Some of the facilities that should be included at no cost to the seafarer, where practicable are (a) sports equipment including exercise equipment, table games and deck games;(b) electronic equipment such as a radio, television, personal computer and cassette recorder/player; and (c) bars on board for seafarers.

Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

8

VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

COURTESY VISIT AT AEON TOWERS. (L-R) FTC-GOCC/Aeon Towers executives VP for Operations Engr. Daniel Manalo, CEO & President Mr. Ian Cruz with Consulate General of Japan in Davao Hon. ConGen Yoshiaki Miwa, Vice Consul Rie Mitsuhashi, ALPI VP for Sales & Marketing Ms. Almira Mariano, Aeon Towers Property Manager Arch. Mitch Casado and Mr. Johnny Abadilla during the courtesy visit at Aeon Towers, Davao City on March 15, 2021.

A MEETING WITH JAPANESE CONSUL GENERAL MIWA AT AEON TOWERS

A RARE chance to host Japan Consulate General in Davao Yoshiaki Miwa is something the executives of the FTC Group of Companies (GOCC)-Aeon Towers considered a “great honor and privilege.”

On Monday (March 15, 2021), FTC-GOCC/Aeon Towers executives welcomed the Consulate General of Japan in Davao Hon. Yoshiaki Miwa and his entourage for the first time to its signature project Aeon Towers.

Welcoming Consul General Miwa were FTC-GOCC President and CEO Mr. Ian Cruz, Senior VP for Sales and Marketing Andrew Bautista, VP for Sales and Marketing Almira Mariano, VP for Operations Engr. Daniel Manalo,

Aeon Towers Property Manager Arch. Mitch Casado and Security Manager Johnny Abadilla.

During the visit, Consul General Miwa was ushered into the new tower, the first tallest skyscraper in Mindanao at 32 levels.

The Japanese diplomat marvelled at the awesome

36-degree view of Davao’s sea and landscapes--the vast blue waters of the Davao Gulf and the view of the majestic Mt. Apo--from the roofdeck at Level 32 of the tower.

Consul General Miwa said “Aeon Towers has the best view of Davao City” during his tour to some of its finished units and amenities.

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

The Question:

TB or not TB

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

U

nlike the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), tuberculosis (TB) is curable. Although no one gets panic if a member of the family is infected with the bacteria that causes it, TB is a grim reaper: it kills one person every 20 seconds.

Despite advance knowledge in science and recent discovery of sophisticated drug regimes, the disease has continued its deadly progression. “Tuberculosis is perhaps the greatest killer of all time,” observes Dr. Frank Ryan, author of Tuberculosis: The Greatest Story Never Told.

An estimated 10 million people fell ill with TB worldwide in 2019: 5.6 million men, 3.2 million women, and 1.2 million children.

Of the total, 1.4 million died from TB, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the Philippines, about one million people have active TB disease.

“This is the third highest prevalence rate in the world, after South Africa and Lesotho,” the WHO regional office states. “Every day, more than 70 people lose their lives to TB needlessly.”

There is no end in sight.

“Tuberculosis rose slowly, silently, seeping into the

homes of millions, like an ageless miasma,” Dr. Ryan writes. “Once arrived, TB stayed, a stealthy predator.”

The tenacious TB bacillus – Mycobacterium tuberculosis – has preyed on people since antiquity. TB-induced skeletal deformities point to the disease’s existence as early as 8000 BC. Unmistakable signs of tubercular bone decay were found in the skeletons of Egyptian mummies as long ago as 2400 BC. “Year after year, century after century, it tightened its relentless grip, worsening with wars and famines that reduced people’s resistance, infecting virtually everyone but inexplicably sparing some while destroying others,” wrote Dr. Frank in his book.

Like the COVID-19 virus, TB is spread from person to person through the air. “When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air,” the

WHO explains. “A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected.”

A less common route of transmission is through the skin. Pathologists and laboratory technicians who handle TB specimens may contract the disease through skin wounds. TB has also been reported in people who have received tattoos and people who have been circumcised. A person may become infected with TB bacteria and not develop the disease.

His or her immune system may destroy the bacteria completely.

“People infected with TB bacteria have a 5-15% lifetime risk of falling ill with TB,” the WHO says.

“Those with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a higher risk of falling ill.”

The four most familiar signs of TB, according to health experts, are chronic cough, mild fever in the afternoon and sweating at night, chest and back pain, and progressive weight loss. In more serious or advanced cases, the symptoms are spitting blood, pale and waxy skin, and a hoarse voice.

The disease can occur in two stages: primary and secondary. “In primary

TB,” explains Maria Luisa Padilla in Encarta Encyclopedia, “a person has become infected with the TB bacteria but often is not aware of it, since this stage of the disease does not produce noticeable symptoms. Macrophages, immune cells that detect and destroy foreign matter, ingest the TB bacteria and transport them to the lymph nodes where they may be destroyed or inhibited.”

TB is not contagious in the early stage. “About three weeks after initial infection,” Padilla continues, “bacteria may be inhibited, destroyed, or allowed to multiply. If the bacteria multiply, active primary TB will develop.”

Symptoms of carriers include coughing, night sweats, weight loss, and fever. A chest X-ray may show shadows or fluid collection between the lung and its lining.

If the bacteria are inhibited, rather than destroyed, the immune cells form a mass known as granuloma or tubercle. In effect, the immune cells form a wall around inactive bacteria.

“As long as the immune system remains strong, the TB bacteria remain walled off and inactive,” Padilla maintains. “The tubercle gradually collects calcium deposits to form what is

known as a Ghon focus.

These initial tubercles in the lung usually heal, leaving permanent scars that appear as shadows in chest X-rays.”

At the primary stage of TB, the disease does not progress, but bacteria may remain dormant in the body for many years.

If the immune system becomes weakened, the tubercle opens, releasing the bacteria, and the infection may develop into active disease, known as secondary TB. In the secondary TB, the formerly dormant bacteria multiply and destroy tissue in the lungs. They also may spread to the rest of the body via the bloodstream. Fluid or air may collect between the lungs and the lining of the lungs, while tubercles continue to develop in the lung, progressively destroying lung tissue. Coughing of blood or phlegm may occur. At this secondary stage, carriers of TB can infect others.

In the past, TB was considered the world’s deadliest disease. Then, in 1944, 21-year-old “Patricia” with progressive, far-advanced pulmonary TB received the first injection of streptomycin. She improved dramatically during the ensuing five months and was discharged in 1947.

She was evaluated in 1954 and found to be healthy

and the happy mother of three children.

“This injection began the age of modern anti-TB treatment and led - until recently - to dramatic reductions in TB in industrialized countries,” the WHO says.

Other anti-TB drugs are thioacetazone (first introduced in 1946), isoniazid and pyrazinamide (both first tried in 1952), and ethambutol (used for the first time in 1961). The most recent one, rifampicin, was released in 1966.

The success of drug therapy and the declining rates of disease incidence in the middle part of the 19th century instilled a sense of confidence in public health officials that TB could be conquered.

But like phoenix that rises from ashes, TB has staged a comeback - in a deadlier and more complicated form.

“The current TB epidemic is expected to grow worse, especially in developing countries, because of the evolution of MDR (multidrug-resistant) strains and the emergence of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which comprises human immune system and makes them more susceptible to infectious diseases,” notes Anne Platt of the Washington-based

FTHE QUESTION, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO ROAD... FROM2

those living in the once considered far-flung communities.

Once the road project is completed, travel time from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat to Matanao, Davao del Sur would be reduced from four hours and 10 minutes to only two hours and 20 minutes, Ibrahim

said of the PHP1.1 billion project.

“With the directive of DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, we are doing our best to expedite construction activities and keep up from construction suspension due to the effect of the pandemic last year,” he said. (PNA)

ulate around 500,000 to 1 million individuals weekly between April and May. So far, about 369,049 healthcare workers have been vaccinated with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccines.

Galvez said they are conducting a systematic approach of vaccinating

health workers, considering the adverse effects of the vaccines may affect the healthcare services in the hospital.

As the cases continue to surge, Galvez noted the need for the healthcare personnel to man the Covid-19 referral hospitals and isolation facilities. (PNA)

put an end to communist insurgency problem in the country through the ‘whole-of-government’ approach not only in encouraging the rebels to surrender but also enlist the support of the people in communities through peace and development programs and projects.

The NTF-ELCAC is currently pushing for the implementation of the Barangay Development Program

which allocates millions of funds to the barangays previously infested but were already cleared of the influence of the CPP-NPA-NDF. The program includes livelihood opportunity, road construction and improvement, water, health and sanitation and projects related to education.

Those projects have been deprived to the local community due to the presence of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

acknowledge that recovery will not come quickly, we remain focused on taking ‘baby steps’ at all fronts of our respective businesses and count on government to heed our call for a more comprehensive, long-term

approach to reopening the economy by creating more job opportunities, upgrading infrastructure and logistics, and improving the ease and cost of doing business,” AVID president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said. (PNA)

any given time.”

“We will examine all available facts and weigh the knowledgeable opin-

ions from domestic and international sources to arrive at a recommendation for action,” he added. (PNA)

gling MSMEs.” Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. vice president Cecilio Pedro said they are looking forward to economic recovery by the second half of this year.

Pedro said once the Covid-19 immunization program for the general public starts, the government “will rush in and put all their resources to help

the economy and bring back the economy to a preCovid level”.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been rolling out its Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program since the middle of last year.

The CARES program, implemented by DTI’s financing arm SB Corp., provides zero-interest loans to MSMEs. (PNA)

The Thunder responded with a barrage of 3-pointers, one each from Pokuševski and Isaiah Roby and two from Gilgeous-Alexander that put Oklahoma City back on top 73-62.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch called a timeout to stem the tide, and Towns responded by converting a three-point play.

That keyed a 12-2 spurt that pulled Minnesota back to within a point.

But Pokuševski drained another 3 and Gilgeous-Alexander converted a driving layup and another 3-pointer of his

own to keep Oklahoma City on top 83-76 after three.

TIP-INS Thunder: The team record for 3-pointers in a game came on April 10, 2019, when Oklahoma City converted 23 of 54 3s in a game at Milwaukee. …

Jerome came off the bench to hit four 3-pointers in the second quarter. He was recalled from the G League Oklahoma City Blue on Feb. 25. In 11 games since his recall, the second-year guard from Virginia has made 21 3-pointers while averaging 27 minutes a game.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 9 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

Businessman killed, girl hurt in shooting A 40-year old businessman was killed, while his 33- year old girlfriend was injured after the car they were riding in was peppered with bullets by still unidentified assailants in front of Cybergate Delta building along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City at around 3:40 p.m Monday (March 22).

Capt. Rose Aguilar, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson, identified the fatality as Wilhelm Pocot Cubelo, resident of Barangay Tipas,

Magugpo East, Tagum City.

Seriously wounded was Lynrose Toralba Sarahino of Puan, Davao City.

Initial investigation indicated that the victims’

black Ford Raptor was traversing along J.P Laurel driven by Cubelo when gunmen inside a white Toyota Innova car without plate number suddenly fired shots at them.

The gunmen’s car then left the scene heading to an unknown direction.

Cubelo, who sustained several gunshot wounds in the body, was declared dead on arrival at the Southern Philippines Medical Center, while Sarahino is still in critical condition.

Scene of the Crime Op-

eratives (SOCO) recovered at the crime scene five fired cartridge cases believed to be from .45 caliber pistol.

The glass door of an establishment located near the area was also damaged by a bullet.

Motive of the crime has yet to be determined as investigation continues.

It was learned that Cubelo has pending cases of violation of Republic Act 10591 or illegal possession of firearms and charges of Usurpation of Authority.

(AMA)

resident Rodrigo Duterte will witness on March 29 the arrival of around 1 million doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine purchased by the Philippine government from Chinese drugmaker Sinovac Biotech, Malacañang confirmed Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement in an online presser after announcing that Duterte would skip the March 24 turnover ceremony of additional 400,000 doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccine donated by the Chinese government.

“Hindi po sasalubong si Presidente sa 24 pero nasa kalendaryo po ng Presidente ‘yung pagsalu-

bong doon sa 1 million na binili natin sa Sinovac ‘no on the 29th,” Roque said in an online press conference (The President would not witness [the delivery of Sinovac vaccines on March] 24 but he is scheduled to welcome the arrival of 1 million procured Sinovac vaccines on [March] 29),” Roque said.

Secretary Vivencio Dizon, the country’s Covid-19 testing czar, would instead attend the turnover rites on Duterte’s behalf on March 24.

The first batch of the Chinese government’s donated 600,000 CoronaVac vaccines was delivered to the Philippines on Feb. 28, allowing Duterte to kick off his administration’s

free immunization drive on March 1.

The Philippine government hopes to achieve its goal of vaccinating 70 million Filipinos by yearend.

Covid-19 vaccine czar and National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr., who joined Roque at the press briefing, said the government’s target is to inoculate around 500,000 to 1 million Filipinos weekly between April and May. Galvez added that the country is expecting a steady supply of Covid-19 vaccines by the third and fourth quarters of this year.

He said the Philippines has already signed supply agreements with pharmaceutical firms Sinovac, As-

traZeneca, Moderna, and Novavax.

The supply agreement with Johnson & Johnson is expected to be signed this week, while negotiations with Gamaleya and Pfizer are still ongoing, Galvez noted.

Apart from Sinovac vaccines, the Philippines has so far received 525,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines through the Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility.

Malacañang earlier announced that Duterte had approved the recommendation to administer the AstraZeneca vaccines as the first dose to medical front-liners to provide them partial protection against Covid-19. (PNA)

P12.5 billion of which were allocated from the national budget, while P58.4 billion came from loans and financing by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank. Another P11.6 billion also came from the Official Development Assistance (ODA).

"Now, P82.5 billion pesos, will buy us enough doses to inoculate 100% of our adult population, kasi according to the Department of Health, 'di pa

pwede i-inoculate 'yung mga bata (minors can't be inoculated)," he said.

"So that money … plus the private sector and another P10 billion from the LGUs, we'll be able to vaccinate all the adults in the Philippines this year," he added.

Most of the funds, especially the loans, are "in the bank yet", Dominguez said.

"Sa 2021 ho, [our] revenues will be more or less flat as compared to 2020.

It's only P2.88 trillion. Our expenditures will be high-

er, to P4.66 trillion, because we are spending more for healthcare, more for Build, Build Build, and salaries of government," he projected.

"So [our] deficit is going to go up, from P1.37 trillion to P1.78 trillion. So we will borrow, this year, around P3 trillion. A little more than 2020. That's the plan," Dominguez added.

To date, the Philippines has acquired 600,000 China-donated COVID-19 shots from Beijing-based Sinovac Biotech, and 525,600 doses of UK's As-

traZeneca-Oxford vaccine, through the COVAX Facility initiative.

Vaccine "czar" Secretary Carlito Galvez said 1.4 million more Sinovac doses are set to arrive in the country this month, and about 900,000 AstraZeneca by early April.

As of Monday, the Philippines has logged 671,792 COVID-19 cases, 80,970 of which are active. Nearly 13,000 fatalities have been reported, while 577,850 have recovered from the deadly disease.

Worldwatch Institute.

In the Philippines, many TB patients develop MDR, which are more expensive and difficult to treat.

The MDR TB is any strain of the bacteria that is resistant to anti-TB drugs. It generally develops through improper use of TB medication. People being treated for TB normally must take a mixture of drugs over an extended period of time. If they don’t complete their full course of medication, the strongest bacilli surviving in the lungs are given the opportunity to reproduce.

Those bacilli will likely be drug-resistant and, if the patient continues to suffer from active TB, can be

spread by coughing to other people.

Poverty has been cited as the major reason for the resurgence of TB. “Overcrowded, impoverished dwellings are its breeding ground, and TB thrives on immune systems weakened by other chronic infections and by malnutrition,” said The Stop TB Initiative 2000 Report.

“Even before the cause of TB was discovered in 1822, thus paving the way to effective drug treatments, the rates of disease were falling in many developed countries because of an improvement in peoples’ standard of living,” the report added.

A significant cause of the dramatic rise in TB cas-

es from the mid-1980s onwards is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the microorganism that causes AIDS. Today, TB is the single biggest killer of people infected with HIV. “HIV and TB form a lethal combination, each speeding the other’s progress,” the WHO says.

HIV weakens the immune system. Health experts say someone who is HIV-positive and infected with TB is 30 times more likely to become sick with TB than someone infected with TB who is HIV-negative.

“There is nothing a person can do to not get TB,” laments the WHO. “You can change your behavior to lower the risk of

AIDS, but you cannot stop breathing.”

The international community wants to end TB from this planet by 2030.

After all, TB is preventable and curable. But in the Philippines, the number of people with TB continues to increase every year.

“Ending TB requires concerted action by all sectors and all care providers,” the WHO points out.

“Everyone has a role to pay in ending TB – individuals, communities, businesses, governments, societies.

Everyone must join the race to end TB by 2030.”

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. It’s time to ensure that no one dies of TB anymore! – (Photos courtesy of WHO)

Duterte to witness arrival of procured 1M Sinovac vax on March 29

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Rose hasn’t played since Feb. 28. He missed the final two games before the All-Star break and all six games so far in the second half of the season.

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Lakers great Baylor passes away

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EW YORK — Derrick Rose rejoined the New York Knicks on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time), though it’s unclear when he will play again as he recovers from COVID-19.

Looking tired, Rose detailed his struggles on Monday, saying his kids also had gotten sick and they all quarantined together.

“They say everybody is different, but with me I never felt anything like that before,” Rose said. “I’ve had the flu. It was nothing like the flu.

“It was that times 10. So

like I said, I’m slowly getting back. I’m progressing every day and just trying to get back in the swing of things.”

Rose hasn’t played since Feb. 28. He missed the final two games before the All-Star break and all six games so far in the second half of the season.

The Knicks announced that he was out of the NBA’s

Thunder make season high 21 triples to beat Wolves

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INNEAPOLIS — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder relied on strong 3-point shooting on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time) to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 112-103.

The Thunder set a season high with 21 3-pointers in just 37 attempts (56.8%). Eight of the nine players who entered the game for the Thunder hit at least one 3-pointer. Only center Moses Brown didn’t convert from beyond the arc, but he contributed 17 rebounds.

Reserve guard Ty Jerome led the way by hitting all five of his 3-point attempts. Gilgeous-Alexander was 4 for 6 from deep, while Aleksej Pokuševski and Théo Maledon each hit three 3s.

Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 33 points and 10 rebounds.

Anthony Edwards scored 16 points and Ricky Rubio added 11 points and 11 assists for the Wolves, who lost their second straight.

The Thunder entered the game averaging 12.8 3-pointers a game, putting them in the middle of the pack among NBA teams.

Their 34.6 shooting percentage on 3s, however, was worse than all but four teams.

Leading by seven points at the break, the Thunder staved off two big Timberwolves runs in the third quarter to maintain their cushion. First, Jake Layman scored on a reverse layup to cap a 10-0 run that gave Minnesota a 60-59 lead early in the period.

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health and safety protocols, but the point guard has to regain his strength and fitness before he can return to competition.

“He has to go through conditioning and once he’s ready to go we’ll move forward with it. But he’s been out for a while now so he’s just starting to ramp it up again and we’ll see how it goes,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Rose missed his first game on March 2 at San Antonio. He said he became ill the next day and wasn’t even able to exercise while in quarantine at home.

Rose has averaged 12.5

points in 10 games, including three starts, since the Knicks acquired him from Detroit on Feb. 8. The move reunited the 2011 NBA MVP with Thibodeau, his coach in both Chicago and Minnesota.

The Knicks have gone 7-3 when Rose plays, winning the final three games when he was in the starting lineup.

“Getting back and playing in rhythm and trying to get myself back to where I was is going to take some time,” Rose said, “but every day I’m getting the most out of all my days so that’s all I can do.”

Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 33 points and 10 rebounds.

OS ANGELES — Elgin Baylor changed the very direction of basketball when he joined the NBA and brought his vertical feats of athletic brilliance to a largely horizontal game.

He filled scoresheets and sparked young imaginations with his trailblazing aerial style, and every high-flying player of the past 60 years has followed his path.

Although the Lakers’ first superstar in Los Angeles never won a championship ring, Baylor still looms high above the franchise and the game he loved.

The Hall of Fame

forward died on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) of natural causes in Los Angeles with wife Elaine and daughter Krystal by his side, the team said. He was 86.

An 11-time All-Star who soared through the 1960s with a high-scoring artistry that became the model for the modern basketball player, Baylor played a major role in revolutionizing basketball from a ground-bound sport into an aerial show.

“Elgin was THE superstar of his era — his many accolades speak to that,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement.

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UNLUCKY IN MIAMI

Eala bows to Slovakian foe in Miami Open qualifiers

ilipina tennis sensation Alex Eala battled hard but still went down to Slovak Republic’s Viktoria Kuzmova, 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, in the first round of the qualifying draw in the 2021 Miami Open on Tuesday morning at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, USA. Eala, whose phenomela rise in the women’s tour has turned heads, entered the prestige pocket tournament joined by the top Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)

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players in the world on a wild card pass.

Her stint, however, was cut short as Kuzmova, a WTA no.

104, pulled off a late comeback.

The teen prodigy had a strong start, clinching the first set 6-4, before the 22-year-old foe, w h o once attained a world rank of No. 43, rallied back in the seco n d and forced a decider.

T h e match that lasted 2 hours and 21 minutes, and put an end to Eala’s Miami Open hopes.

Nevertheless, the Florida trip was still a useful one. Prior to the opener, she was able to practice with some of the top-ranked women’s players in the world.

“Transitioning from being a junior to a professional is a scary point in one’s career. I am unsure about what the future holds and there are a lot of ups and downs. My family never failed to support me and know they are rooting for in whatever I do,” she said in a release from WTA.