Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 246 | Tuesday, February 2, 2021

TREKKING SINORON INDULGE P6 VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VAX f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

SITE

City to use churches as Covid-19 vaccination sites STORY ON PAGE 2

A fish vendor debones unsold milkfish at a stall at the wet section of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

VAX SITE

The remains of Blaan weaver and Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee Fu Yabing Masalon Dulo will be buried on the land where this weaving center she established, stands in Polomolok, South Cotabato on February 10. Fu Yabing died in her sleep at 12:30 a.m. on January 26, at the age of 106. MindaNews photo by ZAKI C. SARMIENTO

City to use churches as Covid-19 vaccination sites

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

he city government of Davao is now gearing for the Covid-19 vaccination program including the identification of facilities where to conduct the immunization including churches.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio disclosed that churches will be included in the list of options for fa-

cilities for the conduct of vaccination after Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Presi-

dent and Davao City Archbishop Romulo Valles offered to transform churches into vaccination sites.

“Yes nag-direct message siya sa akoa and told him we will include that sa among listahan of options using ilang facilities as vaccination hub,” the mayor said during a live broadcast interview on Monday.

Mayor Sara said currently the options for the facilities where to conduct the vaccination include hospitals, schools, and gymnasiums.

She said based on the guide of the Department of Health (DOH), health workers, frontliners, and high risk sector or elderly will be

the municipal solid waste (MSW) crisis, threat to public health and environmental safety, and will not contribute in mitigating the climate crisis.

In a position statement, the group stated that "burning the city’s wastes will not resolve the issue of waste mismanagement, but it will only magnify the problem

as even the most “advanced” incinerators release thousands of pollutants that contaminate the air, soil, and water. These pollutants include cancer-causing dioxins and furans."

They also claimed that dioxins accumulate in human body fat and are passed on to the fetus during pregnancy, as well as to the in-

fant during lactation – interfering with the hormonal system during the child’s development.

The group believe that with a WTE facility in place, a number of workers will lose jobs including waste pickers, recyclers and haulers, as well as workers from the companies that up-cy-

FVAX SITE, P7

Group calls for junking of WTE project

T

he Sustainable Davao Movement called on the national government, city government of Davao, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to junk the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project in Davao City as well as the passing of WTE Bills in Congress claiming these are false solutions to

FGROUP, P7

State funeral for Fu Yabing, Nat’l Living Treasure, on February 10

F

u Yabing Masalon Dulo, a Blaan weaver honored as Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure), will be laid to rest with state honors on Wednesday, February 10, her grandson said Saturday.

Arthur Gulili, the family spokesperson, said the burial site of his grandmother, who was fondly called Fu Yabing, will be on the land where the traditional weaving center that she established in her community stands. The funeral rites will include a 21-gun salute, he said.

A state funeral is among the benefits and privileges of an awarded of the Gawad sa Manliklikha ng Bayan (Gamaba), the arrangements for and the expenses of which shall be borne by the Government.

Born on August 8, 1914, Fu Yabing died in her sleep at around 12:30 a.m. on January 26. She was 106.

Fu Yabing’s wake in a multi-function hall in the midst of their community in Sitio Amgu-o, Barangay Landan here is open to the public but strict health protocols are being observed due to COVID-19. The function hall is near the weaving center.

Gulili said his grandma was in and out of the hospital last year and was on her sickbed in the past two months She was a master of mabal tabih, the art of ikat (reserve dyeing) and weav-

ing. Mabal is a Blaan term for the weaving process using abaca fiber while tabih refers to the finished hand woven cloth and also the traditional B’laan tubular skirt or malong.

Fu Yabing was declared a national living treasure on January 6, 2017, through Republic Act 7355, which institutionalized the Gamaba, for keeping alive the Blaan’s traditional weaving process and sharing her skills with others, including her community members.

She accepted the award from President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018 during a formal ceremony at the Malacañan Palace in Manila.

“We will be forever grateful to her for the pride that she brought to the Blaan tribe,” Gulili said. “She left a legacy that our generation will continue and will pass on to the next one.”

Fu Yabing was selected as a national living treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the government agency tasked to administer and implement the Gamaba award.

“Her peerless mastery of the Blaan Mabal Tabih is manifest in her impeccable work,” the NCCA said in announcing her death.

“Her exemplary oeuvre has brought pride to her community, animating the interest of many young Blaan in their remarkable cultural heritage.” Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

Galvez hails expected arrival of vaccines starting mid-Feb

N

ational Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., on Sunday lauded the expected arrival of the first wave of Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines from the COVAX Facility.

“This positive news is a testament that under the COVAX facility, it ensures equitable distributions of vaccines throughout the globe, which bodes well with the Duterte’s administration principle of “Walang maiiwan, walang iwanan” (No one will be left behind),” Galvez said in a statement.

Galvez said at least 5.6 million vaccine doses produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca are expected to arrive in the country within the first quarter this year to jumpstart the country’s national vaccination program as part of the global efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“Today, we received a letter from Aurélia Nguyen, managing director of the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility, officially informing the Philippine government that the country stands to receive a total of 9,407,400 doses from the two pharmaceutical makers within the projected first and second

quarters of this year,” he said.

Galvez said the vaccines under COVAX “can now inoculate our healthcare workers, medical-related personnel, and other front-liners”.

The regional review committees from the WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi granted the Philippines two vaccine brands that have been “authorized or very close to being authorized by WHO through an Emergency Use Listing (EUL)," according to the letter.

In its letter, the COVAX Facility said the Philippines will receive 117,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, which are expected to be delivered in mid-February and will cover the first quarter supply commitment.

Galvez said the delivery confirmation of the supplies for the succeeding quarters will be announced later.

The country is also set to receive 5,500,800 to 9,290,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines.

As the company awaits the issuance of its Emergency Use Listing (EUL), Galvez said the “indicative” numbers of doses reflect only the supply for the first two quarters of 2021.

The initial delivery is scheduled by mid to late February as stated in the letter.

He said according to CO-

Davao City collects P8.5-M from smoking, liquor ban violations

T

he city’s Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) has collected PHP8.5 million from fines and penalties for violation of local ordinances that prohibit smoking in public areas and the purchase and consumption of alcohol during certain hours.

In a statement Saturday, the city government said the biggest chunk of the collection came from fines for violation of the anti-smoking ordinance amounting to PHP6.6 million.

This was followed by the liquor ban violations totaling PHP1.8 million, while PHP49,481 were collected from violators of the sobriety ordinance. Another PHP25,000 was collected for the certification fees for "designated smoking area and permit to sell."

VRU chief Hernando Las

said last year's collection is slightly lower than the previous year, which amounted to PHP8.6 million. He attributed the decrease to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“For now, our enforcers will continue to implement the law. At least the violators have learned their lessons because the fines are higher for the smoking violation, at PHP1,000, and PHP5,000 for establishments,” he said.

Meanwhile, Las said the VRU's functions do not only cover enforcement of the anti-smoking ordinance but also help smokers obtain medical interventions to help them quit smoking.

The interventions include smoking cessation counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, he said.

(PNA)

Hunt on for killers of soldier, 3 others in Maguindanao ambush

P

olice pursuit operations are ongoing against a group of armed men who ambushed and killed four persons on Saturday afternoon in Maguindanao.

In his report to the police provincial office, investigator-on-case Police S/ Sgt. Michael Lacsasa said the victims were on board a white multicab vehicle (MAB 2431) traversing the

national highway in Barangay Tulunan of Datu Anggal Midtimbang town when ambushed by unidentified gunmen at 3:45 p.m.

Lacsasa identified the victims through their identification cards as Army Pfc. Heredin K. Kanakan, of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Koronadal City, Heredin Kamidon of Cotabato City, Fatima Usman of Muntinlupa City, and a still unidentified woman.

VAX, the number of doses and the projected arrival of the vaccines are all indicative since it all depends on the global supply.

The Philippines, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), earlier granted both Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA), which means that these vaccines can be safely administered once they become available.

Over the past week, the Covid-19 Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) team has been visiting cities in Metro Manila to monitor the ongoing preparations being carried out by our local government units and the private sector for the arrival of the vaccines, specifically the crafting of their respective local vaccine implementation plans.

Scaling up preparations The team is scheduled to visit other areas across the country in the coming weeks, especially that the Philippine National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for COVID-19 vaccines has been finally approved for immediate implementation.

Galvez said the team has seen the preparedness of many LGUs and the private sector for the vaccine rollout – from their vaccination sites, to their cold storage equipment and facilities, to their personnel. (PR)

NEWS 3

National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., lauds the expected arrival of the first wave of Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines from the COVAX Facility. Edge Davao

Anflo Industrial in talks with 2 foreign locators

By MAYA M. PADILLO amosa Land Inc.’s (DLI) Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE) revealed that they are in discussion with two foreign companies who are interested to take up sizeable chunk of space in AIE.

D

Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo, head of Anflo Industrial Estate Corporation (AIEC), said specific details are not yet available but said these companies are also involved in the agro-industrial chain.

AIE is considered as one major contributors to the property market of the Davao Region, which has

welcomed several local and foreign locators such as Del Monte Fresh, Phildutch Polymer, PMR Pallet, Packwell and Manly Plastics.

“Year on year, we were able to hit investors, to completing infrastructure and bringing in foreign investments,” Lagdameo said during the online event last

January 29, 2021.

To date, there are a total of 15 locators represented by five nationalities that provided jobs for over 600 employees in the region, an increase from January 2020's 289 employees.

Among these locators, four were able to start their operations in 2020 namely Davao Zhenzhi Corp., PMR Pallet Ltd. Co., Southern Harvest, and Connovate Philippines.

“That’s something that we were extremely happy about, it brings joy to our eyes when we see that, de-

he country is set to receive the first wave of PfizerBioNTech and AstraZeneca coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines from the COVAX Facility starting mid-February.

In a letter addressed to the Department of Health (DOH), COVAX Facility Managing Director Aurélia

Nguyen said their office will distribute 117,000 doses of Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine and 5,500,800 to 9,290,400 indicative doses of AstraZeneca AZD1222 vaccine to the Philippines subject to the UNICEF Supply Division and Pan American Health Organization establishing supply agreements with the

manufacturers.

COVAX is a global initiative that ensures rapid and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines for all countries regardless of their income level.

Nguyen said the delivery of the vaccines within in the timeframe would also be subject to the completion of the distribution requirements.

spite the pandemic, people are being given job opportunities,” Lagdameo said.

Japanese paper packaging company, Packwell, Inc. started construction in the park during the pandemic.

Currently, the company has developed about 33 hectares of the entire 63-hectare AIE and part of this is the container yard for the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT).

Lagdameo announced that AIE has developed 2.1 hectares of ready-built facilities and warehouses and

These are indemnity and liability frameworks, including the required legislative framework in place; and execution and providing documentation of national regulatory approval or proof of recognition or reliance on another type of regulatory approval, import license, and signed indemnity and liability agreement.

FANFLO, P7

Gov’t to get Pfizer, AstraZeneca vaccines starting mid-February T

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

Magkono wood products are being sold at one of the islets of Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Edge Davao

20,592 workers in Davao region lost their jobs in 2020 – NEDA 11 M

Millions of pesos in losses estimated as Chinese New Year celebrations go online

A

t least 20,592 workers in the Davao region lost their jobs last year due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the regional office of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) reported on Friday.

In her presentation on the Highlights of Davao Region’s 2020 Socioeconomic performance, NEDA-Davao director Maria Lourdes Lim said that as of December 31, 2020, out of the total affected workers, 18,470 were retrenched as companies opted to downsize operations due to redundancy of work functions and heavy financial losses.

She said 2,122 were displaced as companies decided to close shop after taking a heavy beating due to the pandemic.

Lim said severely-affected industries during this period included the services sector, mainly administrative and support services; other service activities such as activities of membership organizations, repair

of computers and personal and household goods; and a variety of personal services activities; and accommodation and food service activities.

She said the pandemic resulted in the non-hiring particularly in the services sector, as well as shorter working hours with lesser compensation, measures resorted to by establishments to mitigate losses in the second quarter and third quarters of 2020.

She said the business sector was particularly affected during the period of enhanced community quarantine, implemented for the whole of April until May 15, 2020, as Davao City “was still considered high risk for

COVID-19 infection.”

Lim added that employment rate during the second quarter of 2020 was reported at 82.1%, a decrease by 14.8% as compared with 96.9% of the same period in 2019.

According to her, employment rates for third and fourth quarters of 2020 improved to 92% to 93.2% as community restrictions eased.

She said the agency projected employment rate to improve this year, owing to the resumption of businesses but “this will still be at lower levels compared to pre-COVID employment rate recorded in early 2020” at 95.4%. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

illions of pesos in losses are estimated as the pandemic cancels the celebration of Chinese New Year on February 12, the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry said Sunday.

The group respects the capital city's prohibition of gatherings to prevent virus spread and will instead hold virtual celebrations, said FCCCI president Henry Lim Bon Liong.

"Meron kaming sariling celebration namin, puro virtual na lang. Sa social media, we’ll be greeting each other," Lim said.

(We have our own celebration but virtual only.

We’ll be greeting each other on social media.)

The cancellation of the celebrations will affect businesses, he added.

"Usually, 'di lang lion

dance 'yan. Alam namin may procession din kami sa Sta Cruz, Binondo, Ongpin. Tapos along the way, binibigyan namin 'di lang Ang Pao, mga candies. Ngayon, wala na rin yun," he said.

(Usually, it's not only a lion dance. We also have a procession in Sta. Cruz, Binondo, Ongpin. Along the way we give out Ang Pao, candies. We'll no longer have those now.)

"Tsaka yung mag nagtitinda ng pang-swerteswerte, apektado rin sila. I cannot estimate magkano nawala dyan, pero siguro, itong mga ganito, milyon-milyon din ang mawawala sa atin dito."

(Those who sell lucky charms will also be affected.

I cannot estimate how much we'll lose, but it might be millions.)

oyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will open its P4.5-billion vehicle logistics hub in Batangas by late 2021, the company said on Saturday, in a bid to expand its operations in the country despite the pandemic pinch.

The 32-hectare facility is seated near Batangas Port, and boasts of a pre-delivery inspection and post production installation facility capable of handling some 160,000 Toyota units annually, TMP said in a statement.

The new facility also has a stockyard that can house at least 4,500 cars at a time, and an 18-truck lane covered car carrier loading and unloading area.

TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto hoped that the operations of the new hub would help in reviving the Philippine economy battered by the pandemic, noting that the auto industry remains a “key driver

of economic activity.”

“TMP remains committed to supporting the goal of the government to stimulate the economy and to prepare for the eventual resumption of motorization in the country. The… industry is… an essential part of the drive to increase mobility,” Okamoto said.

The country posted a negative full year growth of -9.5 percent in 2020 as the COVID-19 crisis persisted, making it the steepest postwar slump in Philippine history.

"With the recent announcement of Safeguard duties, market recovery will be adversely affected and growth may be much more limited, as early as when provisional duties are implemented... will maximize efforts to promote sales of our Vios and Innova to cushion the impact of safeguard duties,” Okamoto said.

Toyota to open P4.5-B logistics hub in Batangas by late 2021

Coca-Cola PH, PAL to meet labor dep’t over plight of employees T C oca-Cola Beverages Philippines and Philippine Airlines will meet this week with the labor department over the plight of their employees as the COVID-19 pandemic persisted, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Sunday.

"Palagay ko, magkakaroon po ng retrenchment, that’s the reason why they asked for a meeting," Bello said, saying he will meet with representatives from the two companies separately on Monday and Wednesday.

(I think there will be retrenchment, that’s the reason why they asked for a meeting.)

But the beverage company denied that there

would be a retrenchment, saying it only has a voluntary retirement program for employees who meet the criteria, according to Jorenz Tañada, Director for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. "By way of clarification lang po, wala po tayong retrenchment na magaganap sa Coca-Cola Beverages po," he said.

(By way of clarification lang po, there would be no retrenchment in Coca-Cola Beverages.)

"We're actually doing well sa negosyo natin (in our business)... As far as retrenchment, as I said, we're thankful to our friends, particularly in DOLE, for all

the help they've extended, especially throughout the pandemic na hindi natin kinailangan magbawas ng tao (that we don't need to lay off workers)."

Tañada explained that the company's voluntary retirement program may be availed by any of the company's more than 10,000 employees who may want to spend more time with their families.

"Mayroon talaga kaming retirement packages in every office. Ngayon, nag-take kami ng survey, at may mga may gustong mag-avail," he said.

(We really have retirement packages in every office. We did a survey now, and there are employees

who want to avail the offer.)

Tañada also said his department does not have a scheduled meeting with the DOLE. Meanwhile, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the company would "issue a statement at the appropriate time", when sought for comment on Bello's remarks.

The flag carrier in October said it may retrench up to 35 percent of its more than 7,000 workers because of the collapse of the demand for air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We really have to consider naman talaga na medyo alangin na ang operation nila (that their operation is in jeopardy)," Bello said of the two firms.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

ECONOMY A2

LPG prices go up as Feb. rolls in

T

he prices of some liquefied petroleum gas products went up on Monday, February 1.

Petron Corp. announced on Sunday that

its LPG prices will increase

by P2.96 per kg (VAT included) effective 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 1.

The prices of AutoLPG meanwhile will also go up

by P1.66 per liter.

Petron Corp. said the price increases were made to reflect the international contract price of LPG for February.

DOLE safety training in workplaces now free

T

A sales attendant prepares an 11-kilogram cylinder of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) outside a convenience store in Bangkal, Davao City. Oil companies announced they will implement a prices hike of up to P2.96 per kilo starting today, February 1, 2021. Edge Davao

he mandatory occupational health and safety training in workplaces will be offered to workers and enterprises for free starting this year, the labor department said on Sunday.

The new policy is pursuant to the directive of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to enhance workplace health and safety, and ease the burden on micro, small and medium businesses amid the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In issuing the directive to the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), Bello emphasized the need to ensure the health and safety of the workers and employees to boost productivity as the economy reopens gradually.

“We are waiving the training fees being charged to micro and small businesses. The workers in those enterprises have to be assured of their safety and health while at the workplace. This is a big factor to their productivity,” Bello

said. “This is also a form of assistance to our MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) being hardest hit by the restrictions due to the pandemic.”

The OSH law or Republic Act 11058 makes it mandatory to designate and train safety officers in all business establishments, the number of which corresponds the number of employees in enterprises. A fee of PHP5,500 per trainee is fixed by OSHC for the safety training.

In March 2019, the DOLE required establishments to follow OSH-related guidelines after the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the OSH Law released in January of the same year.

Under the guidelines, DOLE said “Providing safety seminars and training to workers is an empowering way of building and sustaining a preventative occupational safety and health culture which results in enhanced productivity at workplaces.”

The guidelines also pro-

vides that all establishments “are encouraged to immediately conduct mandatory workers’ OSH seminars for all workers/employees at no cost to the workers and attendance at such seminar shall be considered compensable working time.”

The OSH Law states that it is the duty of employers, contractors, and subcontractors to inform their workers about the hazards and risks involved in the occupation entered in and provide appropriate job instruction and orientation regarding OSH. The OSH Law also states that all workers are required to attend an eight-hour OSH seminar which should include a joint employer-employee orientation on safety and health standards.

DOLE said it is the responsibility of establishments to determine their risk classification based on the Hazards Identification and Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC). Levels of classification are low-risk, medium risk, or high risk.

(PR)

facturer’s compliance with the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) rules and regulations and the product conformance to the Philippine National Standard (PNS), particularly in this case, the conformity of the product to PNS 15-1:1989.

DTI-Davao Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi explained that the PS audit is one of the mandates

of the DTI-BPS and it is a requirement for the issuance of the manufacturer’s product license.

“This is to ensure the production and distribution of quality products for the protection of the consumer.

And we at DTI-Davao Region are committed to do our part in making sure that consumers are constantly

protected from any substandard product. We conduct regular audits across the region to assess if the manufacturers and industries here that offer products covered by the PNS are compliant,” she said.

Among these products are dry chemical portable fire extinguishers. DTI11/ DBG/jmm

torate-General for Trade (DG Trade) head of unit for South and South-East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand Peter Berz.

“The sub-committee meeting took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere and provided a platform for both the EU and the Philippines to discuss various trade-related topics including bilateral trade and investment performance, with close attention to the implementation by the Phil-

ippines of the GSP+ preferential trade scheme and the related commitments,” the delegation of the EU to the Philippines said in a statement on Saturday.

It added that both sides also discussed issues on market access, regulatory developments, regional trade agreements and reforms in the multilateral trading system, and areas for future engagement and cooperation.

The EU said close cooperation with the Philippines

amid the Covid-19 pandemic is crucial to reinforce international partnership for economic recovery.

The Philippines and the EU strengthen their bilateral ties since the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) entered into force in 2019.

The PCA formed the subcommittee on Trade, Investments and Economic Partnership to boost cooperation between the Philippines and the EU on the economic front. (PNA)

DTI 11 ensures consumer protection, holds 1st PH standard audit for 2021

T

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region has continued to ensure that consumers are protected from substandard products as it conducted its first Philippine Standard (PS) audit for the year.

T

he team of trained personnel from the agency visited Davao

Vanfire Marketing in Davao City last January 15 to check if it complies with the exist-

o strengthen the promotion of youth entrepreneurship in the country, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 conducted a regionwide online business pitching competition. This is part of the Davao Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP).

The Davao YEP! Pitch Competition was aimed at promoting creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial mind-setting among the young people of the region by seeking business opportunities in the community and creating social impact.

Pitched business proposals were deemed on addressing pressing problems in the society through their business ideas. Likewise, it was seen to build the confidence and public speaking skills of the

youth by challenging them to come up with a clear and concise presentation given a limited time.

In the meantime, the YEP is a program to address the young demographics of the country to become productive individuals through entrepreneurship. It will help young Filipinos develop their entrepreneurial skills by offering them a comprehensive package of interventions. It is an initiative intended to harness public and private resources and direct these resources to the development of youth entrepreneurship. This collaboration is directed towards assisting the youth in exploring their full potential to becoming successful entrepreneurs.

DTI 11 names winners in business pitching tilt

T

ing laws and guidelines. In the said activity, the auditors found no violations. The findings will be endorsed to the BPS for further evaluation and for product testing by a third party.

The PS Audit was done to evaluate the effectiveness of the management system and if it complies with PNS ISO 9001:2015. Likewise, it would look into the manu-

PH, EU set focus on GSP+ implementation

T

he Philippines and the European Union (EU) Subcommittee on Trade, Investments and Economic Cooperation held a virtual meeting Friday with “special attention” to the implementation of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).

Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty, representing the Philippine government, led the meeting while the EU side was represented by Direc-

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

On the identification of facilities to conduct the Covid-19 mass vaccination which may include churches as suggested by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President and Davao City Archbishop Romulo Valles:

Yes nag-direct message siya sa akoa and told him we will include that sa among listahan of options using ilang facilities as vaccination hub,” the mayor said during a live broadcast interview on Monday.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL

Not so bad after all

Nothing is wrong with Filipinos criticizing their country’s performance in everything –like managing the country’s economy, poverty alleviation, enforcement of law and order, dispensing social justice, and other aspects of governance. Yes, criticizing governance and governors is perfectly within the rights of the people, the governed.

Today, the focus of a large number of critics is how government is handling the current Covid-19 pandemic that has shocked everybody and their uncle around the world.

This is evident in the number of comments – offensive and defensive – in Facebook, Instagram and other digital apps that we use to express our feelings and opinions on just anything and everything that capture our fancy.

Naturally the easiest way to do the job in criticizing the country is comparing its performance with the rest of the world’s 238 nations when it comes to managing the pandemic.

According to Johns Hopkins University and other sources of statistical data, the total number of people infected with the virus globally is 102,069,205 (confirmed cases) while total deaths have reached 2,206,458 as of last Friday. The figures of the World Health Organization and Worldometer, an international team of developers, researches and volunteers with the goal of making statistics available to the world, are not far behind.

Which countries occupy the top in confirmed infections and deaths as of that day? The top 30 countries as of that day were United States of America in No. 1 spot with 28,932,791 cases and 2,206,458 deaths, followed by India in No. 2 with 10,733,136 cases and 154,147 deaths; Brazil (No. 3) with 9,118,513 cases and 222,666 deaths; United Kingdom (No. 4), with 3,753,593 cases and 104,572 deaths; Russia (No. 5) with 3,771,514 cases and 71,054 deaths; France (No. 6) with 3,212,640 cases and 75,765 deaths; Spain (No. 7) with 2,743,119 cases and 58,319 deaths; Italy (No. 8) with 2,529,070 and 87,858 deaths; Turkey

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

(No. 9) with 2,464,030 cases and 25,736 deaths; Germany (No. 10) with 2,307,393 cases and 56,286 deaths; Colombia (No, 11) with 2,077,633 cases and 53,284 deaths; Argentina (No. 12) with 1,915,362 cases and 47,775 deaths; Mexico (No. 13) with 1,841,853 cases and 156,579 deaths; Poland with 1,502,810 cases and 36,780 deaths; South Africa (No. 15) with 1,443,939 cases and 45,633 deaths; Iran (No. 16) with 1,405,414 and 57,807; Ukraine (No. 17) with 1,253,127 and 23,610 deaths; Peru (No. 18) with 1,119,685 and 40,484 cases; Indonesia (No. 19) with 1,051,795 cases with 25,518 deaths; Netherlands (No. 20) with 984,120 cases and 13,981 deaths; Czechoslovakia (No. 21) with 972,642 cases and 16,072 deaths; Canada (No. 22) with 774,925 cases with 19,801 deaths; Romania (No. 23) with 724,250 cases and 18,196 deaths; Chile (No. 24) 718,749 cases with 18,267 deaths; Belgium (No. 25) with 705,130 cases and 21,016 deaths; Portugal (No. 26) with 698,583 cases and 11,886 deaths; Israel (No. 27) with 633,991 cases and 4,700 deaths; Iraq (No. 28) 618,147 cases and 13,036 deaths; Sweden (No. 29) with 566, 957 cases and 11,591 deaths; Pakistan (No. 30) with 543,214 cases and 11,623 deaths; Bangladesh (No. 31) with 534,407 cases and 8,094 deaths and Philippines (No. 32) with 521,413 cases and 10,600 deaths.

How does the Philippines compare with the topnotchers in confirmed cases and deaths in this list. The negative critics might be surprised but our country is not within the Top 30. It is situated in a safe distance – No. 32 with 521,413 infections and 10,600 deaths to the delight of government defenders.

It is logical for densely populated countries like India, the U.S.A., Indonesia, Pakistan, Brazil, Russia and Mexico to be in the top 30. Don’t you think that it is quite an achievement thus far of the country to be in No. 32, despite the fact that it is ranked 13th in number of population.

We are not doing so badly after all.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Correspondent

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H.RAFAL GRACE M. BORDIOS Layout

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

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

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

PROVIDING CLEAN, SAFE POTABLE WATER

5

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO xcept for those who study geography, not too many Filipinos know where Romblon is. This archipelagic province, which has a total population of 292,782 as of 2015 census, lies south of Marinduque and Quezon.

E

Romblon is composed of several islands with Tabias as the largest. Among the smaller island municipalities, Concepcion is the farthest from the provincial capital (as it takes five hours to travel between the town and Romblon). It is also far from the nearest commercial capital, Odiongan.

“The island is mountainous with steep shores,” the Wikipedia describes. “Its settlements are dispersed along the coast with the población on the south shores. The island’s interior is jagged and forested, with caves, clear rivers, unique rock formations, and hills that offer extensive views. Every village has its own cove and white sand beaches which are used for swimming and scuba diving.”

Despite its dreamy and touristy-like description, Concepcion has one big problem: it is suffering from limited access to safe and adequate water. “The residents only rely on rainwater collected using basins and pails and deep

wells powered by an electric pump as their water source,” Charlotte F. Pizarras, a staffer of the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Although propelling water using an electric pump is a viable option, its operation is unlimited due to high electricity cost. To solve this problem, the DOST installed a solar-powered water pumping system with filtration and treatment facility.

There are nine barangays in this municipal island. The solar energy system-powered water pump was provided to barangay Masadya, touted to be the poorest barangay, through the DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program.

According to Pizarras, in the past the residents in Masadya, compared to those with other barangays, were only given two hours in the morning and another two in the afternoon to get the water their families’ needs.

“Barangay officials were forced to limit the water

collection hours to avoid incurring high electricity costs,” Pizarras reports, adding that each family is required to pay P50 per 10 cubic meters of water per month and an additional P5 per extra 10 cubic meters for the use of the deep well to sustain its operations.

“On average, barangay Masadya is paying P7,000 solely for electricity, which they admit can be utilized for rather more valuable expenses for the community,” Pizarras states.

Aside from the high cost of pumping water, the water quality that is sourced from the water pump is also salty and metallic in taste. Health experts believe these pose many health risks to the residents.

When a household is not able to save enough water within the 4 hours allotment, they have to endure traveling to the next barangay with a water supply.

Barangay Poblacion is about 7 kilometers away.

“It is the barangay Masadya’s dream to reduce this drudgery to improve

the health of its residents and give more opportunity to spend more time on income-generating and other productive activities,” Pizarras says.

With the recent installation of the solarpowered water system with filtration and treatment facility, continued access to clean and safe drinking water at any time of the day is now guaranteed. About 400 residents from barangay Masadya and those from adjacent barangays can now benefit from the improved water source.

In addition, the system’s water filtration and treatment facility greatly improve the quality of water.

“With the technology, the water’s metallic taste has been removed and its brininess has been reduced by 90%,” Pizarras reports.

“Since it is solar-powered, it also helps the community manage their water needs in an environment-friendly way.”

The barangay local government unit maintains the technology and ensures that families can collect as much water as they need that is also assured clean and safe.

“Malaki po talaga ang pagkakaiba ng lasa ng tubig namin. Hindi na sya maalat, kaya panatag na kami na hindi kami magkakasakit,” said Erlindo Fanoga Jr., Masadya’s barangay captain.

Other interventions to guarantee the sustainability and reliability of their water supply include training on the operation and maintenance of the solar-powered water system with filtration and treatment facility, and provision of ceramic water filters to 50 households from other barangays.

Pizarras says the science department recognizes the importance of water security to ensure sustainable rural

development and resilience.

This is especially true in this time of battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic “where sanitation and hygiene serve as the primary defenses.”

The water problem in this municipal island is not an isolated case. It is happening in other parts of the country.

In the 1950s, the Philippines had as much as 9,600 cubic meters of clean water per person, according to Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, a national scientist with the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Four decades later, Filipinos must make do with little more than a third for that volume – 3,300 cubic meters per capita.

Recently, the Philippines ranked second from the lowest among Southeast Asian countries in terms of per capita water availability per year with only 1,907 cubic meters, according to a World Bank report. Thailand was at the bottom, with 1,854 cubic meters. Vietnamese had more than twice what Filipinos get: 4,591 cubic meters.

The Philippines is not yet what hydrologists call a “water stressed nation.” That label applies when annual water supplies drop below 2,740 liters per citizen.

Among the countries which are listed as such are subSaharan nations like Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

While the country is still not “water stressed,” it already has areas suffering from “water scarcity.” Four river basins – Pampanga, Agno, Pasig-Laguna, and Cebu’s island – are experiencing water scarcity.

During summer months, many Metro Manila residents – home to more than 10 million people – are coping with a “water supply crisis.”

The cities of Cebu and even Davao have already

experienced the same “status.”

The three major cities – along with six others (Baguio, Angeles, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga) – were identified by a study done by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 1991 to be “watercritical areas.”

“Water shortages lag only climate change and population growth as a threat to the human future,” said Lester R. Brown, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Earth Policy Institute. “The challenge is not to get enough water to drink, but to get enough water to produce our food. We drink, in one form or another, perhaps 4 liters of water per day. But the food we consume each day requires 2,000 liters of water to produce, or 500 times as much.”

A closer look at the available statistics proves him right. Agriculture is by far the biggest consumer of water around the world – nearly 70%, according to the United Nation’s 2018 Water Development Report.

“Agriculture is where future water shortages will be most acute,” wrote Michael S. Serrill in the newsweekly Time some years back.

Take the case of growing rice. In his book, Water: The International Crisis, author Robin Clark reports that the amount of water needed to produce one ton of rice would fill between two and three Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) claims growing one kilogram of rice with traditional irrigation consumes enough freshwater to fill 25 oil drums.

“The link between water and food is strong,” Brown pointed out. (Photo credits: DOST)

6

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 44th Regular Session Series of 2020 PRESENT: Councilor Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. - Temporary Presiding Officer Sebastian Z. Duterte Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III ORDINANCE NO. 0429-20 Series of 2020

AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING THE FEES AND ESTABLISHING POLICIES FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A CITY-OWNED AND OPERATED CREMATORIUM Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING THE FEES AND ESTABLISHING POLICIES FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A CITY-OWNED AND OPERATED CREMATORIUM.” SECTION 2. COVERAGE - This Ordinance shall apply to the crematorium duly owned and operated by the City Government of Davao and all those that may hereafter be acquired by the City of Davao.

SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION OF CREMATORIUM - The administration, operation and maintenance of all City-owned and operated crematorium shall be under the control and supervision of the Head of the City Economic Enterprise, who shall be the Crematorium Administrator and shall ensure that the provisions of this Ordinance are strictly enforced and complied with.

SECTION 4. IMPOSITION OF FEES - There shall be collected the following fees for the City-owned and operated crematorium: 1. Cremation Service Fee Adult - P20,000.00 Youth (12-18 years old) - P15,000.00 Children (below 12 years old) - P10,000.00 Cremation of Bones/Remains - P10,000.00 Infant - P7,500.00 2. Other Fees

Cremation Permit - P100.00 SECTION 5. EXEMPTION - In cases where the cause of death is COVID-19, they shall be exempted from the payment of the above-mentioned fees.

SECTION 6. DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS - The following documents shall be submitted to the Crematorium Administrator upon application for cremation: 1. Duly Accomplished Cremation Schedule Form; 2. Death Certificate; 3. Cremation Permit; and 4. Official Receipt evidencing payment of necessary fees.

SECTION 7. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid by competent authority, such judgment or action shall not affect or impair the other sections or provisions hereof.

SECTION 8. REPEALING CLAUSE - All other city ordinances, Executive Orders and rules and regulations which are inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby deemed amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval.

ENACTED, on the 3rd day of December 2020, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

ATTESTED:

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. President Pro Tempore Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

JAN 08 APPROVED : ________________, 2021

VAX SITE... FROM2

vaccinated in the hospitals.

“Kadtong low risk, we will still discuss that with Dr. Joy Villafuerte. It can be a public school to maintain distancing or it can be a gym,” she said.

The mayor also warned the public not to engage to individuals selling Covid-19 vaccine.

“Since for emergency use authorization (EUA) pa lang ang vaccines karon ayaw mo ug tuo sa individuals nga nagabaligya ug bakuna because EUA para lang na sa gobyerno sa pagka-karon

GROUP... FROM2

cle, recycle and compost.

The group stated that the proposed WTE facility/ project of Davao City requires a minimum of 600 tons. In 2018, the total waste of Davao City was projected to be at 1,012 tons collected from the city’s 182 barangays wherein 30 percent are residuals. Currently, the Carmen landfill services an average of 602 tons per day of mixed wastes where only 180.6 tons of this are residuals.

The group is urging the city government of Davao to invest instead in a sustainable Ecological Solid Waste Management practices that include reduction-at-source, segregation-at-source, materials recovery, and recycling/upcycling.

They also called on lawmakers to reject the WTE Bills filed in the Congress and Senate and also called on every member of the Davao community including the business sector, barangays, NGOs, private sector, academe and every household to observe ecowaste management and achieve a Zero Waste Davao.

According to the statement one city that will be most affected by the passing of the WTE Bill is Davao

but once mahimo na for general use or commercial selling, dinha namo makakita ug private individuals who can or private doctors selling vaccines,” she said.

On the other hand, Mayor Sara also announced that the city has recently reorganized the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force that will be led now by Dr. Josephine Villafuerte. She said the reorganization aims to align the city’s plan with the national action plan.

Villafuerte, who formerly head the City Health OfCity, as WTE contractors are eyeing of establishing a facility in Brgy. Biao Escuela, Tugbok to address Davao City’s municipal solid waste (MSW) problem that has reached its capacity.

It can be recalled that in November 2017, leachate spill from the Carmen dumpsite reached the Matina Pangi River that endangered livestock and the health of residents.

The group emphasized that Davao City should adopt zero waste approaches using the 4 Rs namely reduce, reuse, recycle (including composting) and redesign (or rethinking) and aims at reducing and diverting 90 percent of the waste away from the landfill or incinerator.

The city government of Davao is poised to undertake WTE project with the sanitary landfill has reached its full capacity.

The said facility will be constructed in a 10-hectare property in Biao Escuela, Tugbok District.

The said position pa-

ANFLO... FROM3

2.06 kilometers of roads.

“We will be looking at acquiring additional land so that we can continue this project. For 2020, we had

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 14 Davao City

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION TO C AUSE THE CANCELLATION OF THE SECOND REGISTRATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF JAPHAR BINGHAY UY IN THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY UNDER REGISTRY NO. 98-24-829

SPL. PROC. NO. R-DVO-20-02608-SP For: CANCELLATION OF SECOND CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH UNDER REGISTRY NO. 98-24-829

JAPHAR B. UY and JAINAH M. BINGHAY

Petitioners, -versusTHE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY, Respondent X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

ORDER OF HEARING

A verified petition dated August 25, 2020 has been filed by petitioners JAPHAR B. UY and JAINAH M. BINGHAY, assisted by counsel ATTY. GENEVIEVE D. BELEN, praying that after due notice and hearing, this petition be granted and an Order be issued to the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City to cause the cancellation of the Certificate of Live Birth of JAPHAR BINGHAY UY in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City under Registry No. 98-24,829. It is likewise prayed for that a copy of the Decision or Judgment of this Honorable Court be furnished to the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City who shall forthwith enter the same in the civil register, pursuant to Section 6, Rule 108 of the Revised Rules of Court, Further, it is respectfully prayed that a copy of the Decision of Judgment be furnished to the National Statistics Office (NSO) now Philippines Statistics Office (PSA), Solicarel Building, R. Magsaysay Boulevard, Sta. Mesa, Metro Manila.

Petitioner further prays for such reliefs and remedies as may be just and equitable under the circumstances.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, this Court hereby set the same for hearing on APRIL 15, 2021 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Davao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

All interested persons may appear before this Court on or before the aforesaid date of hearing to show cause if any, why the petition should not be GRANTED. Furnish a copy of this Order together with a copy of the petition to the City Prosecutor’s Office, Davao City, the Office of the Solicitor General, 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati. ATTY. GENEVIEVE D. BELEN – Public Attorney’s Office, Ecoland, Davao City, the Office of the Clerk of Court, RTC-Davao City, JAPHAR B. UY and JAINAB M. BINGHAY, - Purok 3-C Isla Verde Barangay 23-C Poblacion District, and the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City.

SO ORDERED. Given on this 9th day of October, 2020 at Davao City, Philippines

(sgd.) JILL ROSE S. JAUGAN-LO Presiding Judge

7

fice (CHO), will lead the vaccination clusters for Davao City Covid-19 Task Force.

The vaccination clusters will coordinate with DOH and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in the implementation of the vaccination program.

“Because kaniadto ang atoang Task Force and national action plan nag-focus lang sa Covid-19 response sa karon duna ta’y duha ka component na gi-add didto which is vaccination and recovery. Apil na didto ang vaccine clusters,” the mayor said.

Villafuerte will be the focal person also for the city’s immunization program.

per was signed by academe officials and organizations that include Carmela Marie Santos, Ecoteneo Director, Ateneo de Davao University; Fr. Joel Tabora SJ, President, Ateneo de Davao University; Joshua Donato, Project Coordinator / Field Biologist, EGIP Foundation Inc; Chinkie Peliño- Golle, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS); Ellen S. Trazo, President, Ananda Seva Mission Maharlika Inc.; EcoWaste Coalition, Panalipdan Youth Mindanao, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Davao Shrine Hills Advocates (DSHA), National Union of Students in the Philippines - Southern Mindanao Region, National Union of Students in the Philippines -Davao, College Editors Guild of the Philippines - Davao, College Editors Guild of the Philippines - Southern Mindanao Region, Himati – UP Mindanao, and ANAK - Assumption College of Davao. Maya Padillo to stop our developments during ECQ but before that we were in full swing. Some of the projects that we started even before the start of the pandemic, we were able to finish the spine road from the front gate of the park to the back gate,” he said.

In terms of expansion, Lagdameo said the focus is to fill up the park first before expanding outside the region.

“We want to take advantage of our location in Davao Region. We have a very ideal location,” he added.

Meanwhile, the online event zoomed in on the milestones of AIE and its plans for 2021 and reported the 2020 status of Davao and PH’s property sector and the experts’ forecast for the industry this year.

Lagdameo capped off the event by announcing several projects planned for 2021, which include the launch of AIE’s commercial area through a one-story commercial building and the completion of its much-awaited cold storage facility, which is expected to be operational by February or March this year.

The world-class port terminal facility DICT, which is just 300 meters away from AIE, is also currently expanding its berth and will be operational by March 2021.

“We we’re able to do all of this despite all of the hardships, despite Covid-19 and all of the challenges that really came our way,” Lagdameo said.

B1 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

LANDBANK extends free online fund transfers until March 31; e-banking transactions soar in 2020

I

n line with providing safe, accessible, and convenient electronic banking solutions, state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) continues to waive fees for inter-bank fund transfers until March 31, 2021.

First implemented during the height of community lockdowns in March and previously extended until December 2020, the waiver of fees covers retail clients who transfer funds through LANDBANK’s online banking channels via InstaPay and PESONet. “LANDBANK continues

to leverage on digital solutions to provide our clients a responsive and safe banking experience in the new normal. We look to facilitate more simple transactions online, thereby ensuring our client’s health and safety during this pandemic,” said President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

GSIS increases pension loan limit to 500K, removes age cap

S

tate pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) enhanced its pension loan program by increasing the maximum loanable amount to six times the monthly pension, up to a maximum loan of P500,000, regardless of the pensioner’s age.

“Previously, only old-age pensioners who are 64 years old and below may avail of the maximum amount equivalent to six times their monthly pension. Pero dahil gusto naming mabigyan ng ginhawa ang lahat ng oldage pensioners sa gitna ng pandemyang apektado ang lahat, pwede nang makahiram ang lahat ng old-age pensioner ng maximum amount kahit 65 years old o higit pa sila. Itinaas na rin namin ang credit limit mula sa Php100,000 hanggang Php500,000 sa ilalim ng Enhanced Pension Loan,“ GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

Old age pensioners may now avail of the Enhanced Pension Loan. Qualified are old-age pensioners who are receiving their pension for at least a month. Not qualified to the program are those who have service loan being amortized under the Choice of Loan Amortiza-

tion Schedule for Pensioners or GSIS Program for Restructuring and Repayment of Debts at the time of application; and those who have existing pension loan that have not yet been fully paid.

The applicant must also have at least 25% resulting net monthly pension after loan deduction.

The Enhanced Pension Loan is payable in 24 equal monthly installments through automatic pension deduction. The interest of the loan is 10%.

For their safety, qualified pensioners are encouraged to apply online via the Electronic GSIS Member Online (eGSISMO) or by emailing the requirements to their designated branch office (see link: https:// www.gsis.gov.ph/advisory-on-the-new-email-addresses-of-gsis-offices/?csrt=104333483880 43931798). They must submit a properly accomplished form and photo holding their electronic card (eCard) or unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card (or any two government-issued IDs with their photo and signature) and a newspaper bearing the same date of their application. If the newspaper is not available, they may have

Digital banking soars LANDBANK also announced that transactions facilitated through its six major electronic channels grew by 21% in volume and 36% in amount in 2020 from 2019.

The LANDBANK Mobile Banking App recorded 71.93 million transactions amounting to P85.12 billion, representing upsurges of 68% and 201%, respectively. The app was also upgraded last year with new features such as an improved user interface, cardless withdrawals, and the

registration of LANDBANK Mastercard Credit and Prepaid Cards in the app.

In addition, LANDBANK’s e-payment facility, Link.BizPortal, facilitated 2.12 million transactions equivalent to a 35% increase, with a total value of P7.95 billion representing a 71% growth rate.

The Bank’s institutional internet banking platform, weAccess, also recorded increases of 30% and 41% for transactions and amount facilitated, respectively.

LANDBANK also posted a 47% growth for the

amount transacted via iAccess with P11.86 billion in 2020 compared to P8.08 billion in 2019.

The Bank’s Electronic Modified Disbursement System (eMDS) for national government agency partners posted increases of 110,000 or 8% more transactions and P260.39 billion or a 28% jump in value.

Lastly, LANDBANK’s Remittance System facilitated 1.92 million transactions for a 44% surge, with a total amount of P164.88 billion representing an expansion of 38% in 2020.

Apart from these major e-banking channels, LANDBANK’s online account opening platform—the Digital On-boarding System or DOBS—has also paved the way for the opening of almost 2 million accounts since its implementation in July 2019.

For more information about LANDBANK’s e-banking services, clients may visit the Bank’s official website (www.landbank.com), or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10405-7000.

DSWD XI’s celebration will focus on recognizing the invaluable service of DSWD personnel, partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders who contributed towards the improvement of DSWD’s operations, especially during the ongoing pandemic.

Among the events that will be held is the annual Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards

which recognizes and rewards officials and employees for their outstanding contributions in the improvement of government operations and the conferment of Loyalty Awards to employees and officials who have rendered 10 years or more of faithful government service.

Moreover, stakeholders and partners who have supported and contributed to the successful implemen-

tation of DSWD’s programs, projects, and services will also be awarded through the PaNaTa Ko (Pagkilala sa Natatatanging Kontribusyon) sa Bayan Awards.

As DSWD reaches another milestone, the Department pledges to continue to strengthen its delivery of prompt and compassionate service to the poor and vulnerable sectors to enable them to meet the challenges of the pandemic and evolving challenges of the decade.

beneficiaries during the period.

Retirement, Disability, Unemployment, Sickness and Maternity Benefits of individual members, as well as Funeral and Death Benefits of beneficiaries who are SSS members themselves, are now coursed through Unified Multi-Purpose Identification card enrolled as an ATM card (UMID-ATM), UnionBank of the Philippines (UBP) Quick Card, Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PE-

SONet) participating banks, e-wallets, and RTCs/CPOs. Non-member claimants of Funeral and Death Benefits can opt to receive the benefits through PESONet participating banks, e-wallets, and RTCs/CPOs. Pension loans and shortterm member loans for Salary, Calamity, and Emergency advances are released through UMID-ATMs and UBP Quick Cards. Member loans may also be released through PESONet participating banks.

Employer’s Sickness

and Maternity Benefit Reimbursements are also paid through PESONet participating banks.

SSS issued circulars last year to implement the mandatory checkless disbursements of benefits and loans.

It includes pensioners who are receiving their monthly pensions through checks and non-PESONet participating banks who are given until 31 March 2021 to change their disbursement accounts into PESONet participating banks, e-wallets, or RTCs/CPOs.

DSWD marks 70th anniversary with strengthened service amid pandemic

T

he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) marks its 70th founding anniversary this year with the theme, “DSWD@70: Kabalikat ng Mahihirap sa Panahon ng Pandemya.”

With the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, the DSWD Field Office XI has resorted to the virtual conduct of activities for the anniversary celebration on February 1-5.

Most SSS transactions now done online

T

he Social Security System (SSS) has expanded the use of electronic disbursement channels to release benefits to its members.

SSS said from January to November 2020, about P168.55 billion in social security and employees’ compensation benefits were disbursed using banks, e-wallets, and remittance transfer companies/cash payout outlets (RTCs/ CPOs). It accounts for 98.6% of the total disbursements worth P170.97 billion to 3.68 million members and

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

B2

Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) celebrates with teammates after making the go ahead the go ahead three point field goal against the Brooklyn Nets in the final seconds in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena.

Reuters

Westbrook lifts Wizards to wild win over Nets

R

ussell Westbrook hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds remaining as the host Washington Wizards posted an unlikely 149-146 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night.

Washington's only lead was briefly in the second quarter before the frenetic final seconds that saw them overcome a five-point deficit in the final 12.3 seconds.

Bradley Beal's 3-pointer from the top of the key with 8.1 seconds left got Wash-

ington within 146-144.

Washington had a chance to tie or get the lead when Garrison Matthews intercepted an inbounds pass by Joe Harris intended for Kevin Durant with 6.8 seconds left.

He quickly dished to

Westbrook, who sank a 3-pointer over Kyrie Irving with 4.3 seconds.

After Brooklyn used two timeouts, the Nets could not score when Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot's pointblank layup rolled around the rim and out with seventh-tenths of a second remaining.

After officials ruled there was still time remaining, Beal hit two free throws for the final margin.

points and finishing with 11 rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes.

Philadelphia switched to a 2-3 zone on defense in the fourth quarter, which frustrated Pacers shooters during a scoring drought that lasted four minutes and 27 seconds until Myles Turner hit a pair of free throws.

Trailing by 16 points in the fourth, the Sixers used a 21-2 run to come back, taking the lead on a jumper by Furkan Korkmaz with 2:30 left.

Philadelphia started Tony Bradley in Embiid's place with Dwight Howard rotating in off the bench as he has this season.

The Sixers outrebounded the Pacers 44-41 and were only outscored in the

paint 60-56 despite Embiid's absence. Turner was held to only nine points, with six of those coming on free throws.

Korkmaz scored 17 points and Howard finished with 11 points and 15 rebounds as the Sixers bench outscored the Pacers' reserves 54-37.

Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 25 points on 10-for-21 shooting and Damontas Sabonis totaled 21 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jeremy Lamb finished with 12 points.

Doug McDermott (lower back) did not start, but returned to the Pacers' rotation and finished with eight points and five rebounds in 21 minutes. Aaron Holiday led Indiana's bench with 17 points.

Sixers rally to defeat Pacers for third straight win

F

or the first time this season, the Philadelphia 76ers found a path to victory without Joel Embiid by defeating the host Indiana Pacers 119110 on Sunday night.

Tobias Harris finished with 27 points and eight rebounds and Ben Simmons had 21 points, six rebounds and seven assists to help the Sixers erase a 20-point second-half deficit and win their third consecutive game.

The Sixers outscored the Pacers, who dropped their second consecutive game, 37-15 in the fourth quarter.

Philadelphia had gone 0-4 in games where Embiid didn't play. Embiid played through his back issue on Friday in a 118-94 win over Minnesota, scoring 37

Messi hits goal 650 as Barca gets revenge on Athletic

B

ARCELONA - Lionel Messi scored his 650th goal for Barcelona while Antoine Griezmann struck the winner in a 2-1 home success over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Sunday, avenging a defeat by the Basque side in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Messi curled in a stunning free kick after 20 minutes for his milestone goal on the same day the club pledged to sue Spanish newspaper El Mundo for publishing the full details of the Argentine's contract.

Ronald Koeman's side recorded a fifth straight Liga win and moved above Real Madrid into second on goal difference with 40 points, 10 behind Atletico Madrid who have a game in hand.

Messi had missed a gilt-edged chance at the start when he fired straight at keeper Unai Simon and Barca spurned several more opportunities to increase their lead before halftime.

Athletic, who had won their previous five matches in all competitions in a flying start under new coach Marcelino, failed to get going but levelled in the 49th thanks to an own goal.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. Reuters

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 246 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2021

HE’S SERIOUS

Garcia wants Pacquiao in an official bout

L

OS ANGELES - Up and coming US lightweight Ryan Garcia said on Instagram Saturday that he wants to get in the ring with Philippine icon Manny Pacquiao in an official bout.

With Yahoo among the outlets reporting such a fight is in the works, Garcia said he wanted to make it absolutely clear that it wouldn't be an exhibition.

"Hey everybody, I just want to make it real clear: My fight with Pacquiao would not be an exhibition," Garcia said in a video posted on his Instagram story.

"It will be a real fight, shooting for 12 rounds, all on the line.

Our records will be on the line. I just want to make that very clear for

everybody."

One stumbling block could be the weight class, with 42-year-old Pacquiao long fighting at welterweight.

The 22-year-old Garcia survived an early knockdown to stop Luke Campbell in the seventh round earlier this month in Dallas to claim the interim World Boxing Council lightweight title.

He improved to 21-0 with 18 wins inside the distance.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, hasn't fought since claiming the World

Boxing Association's welterweight "super" world title with a stunning victory over Keith Thurman in Las Vegas in July of 2019, taking his record to 62-7 with two drawn and 39 knockouts.

On Friday, the WBA said it was designating Pacquiao "Champion in Recess" and promoting Cuba's Yordenis Ugas to welterweight world champion because of Pacquiao's inactivity.

The WBA noted that its rules state that the recess can be invoked "when a champion is unable to defend the belt for medical, legal or other reasons beyond his control."

The governing body didn't specify which of those reasons might apply in Pacquiao's case.

Undefeated American fighter Ryan Garcia wants to fight Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao with titles at stake.

SI photo