Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 256 | Saturday, February 13, 2021

PULONG’S OFFICE EXTENDS AID NEWS P2 VOL.13 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021

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CAMPUS VAX SITES More Davao schools commit as vaccination sites STORY ON PAGE 2

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Department of Health 11 (DOH11) personnel conducts a mock vaccination during simulation exercise for the transport of Covid-19 vaccines at Mabini Elementary School in Bangkal, Davao City on Friday.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021

NEWS

President Rodrigo Duterte, “if need be,” will sign an executive order (EO) allowing local government units (LGUs) to purchase vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) sans going through the process of public bidding.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

CAMPUS VAX SITES

More Davao schools commit as vaccination sites

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) disclosed that more than 3,200 employees of SPMC expressed willingness to be vaccinated for Covid-19.

More schools have declared themselves available as vaccination sites once Davao City rolls out the Covid-19 vaccination.

Dr. Ashley Lopez, Davao City Health Officer, said the city has so far identified seven vaccination hubs composed of schools and universities including Mabini Elementary School where part two of the Covid-19 simulation exercise was conducted on Friday.

He said the University of Mindanao (UM) has already agreed to use the school’s other campuses in Guianga, Tibungco, and Ilang. He added that Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) in Matina Campus will also be utilized as vaccination site.

He said there is already a verbal agreement between the city government of Davao and the University of the Southeastern Philippines (USEP) for the same arrangement. Negotiations are also underway with University of Immaculate Concepcion.

Lopez said the city is targeting to set up vaccine site in every district of Davao City.

On the other hand, the simulation exercise held at Mabini Elementary School in Bangkal aims to ensure the smooth flow of vaccine delivery.

It was highlighted with the transportation of the Covid-19 vaccines, which need -70 to -80 celsius temperature, from the

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and the Los Amigos Molecular Laboratory.

A mock on-site vaccination was also conducted.

“In terms of the flow, it was smooth kasi maganda ang set up simula sa gym kung saan ang orientation and screening tapos sa registration, counseling to vaccination process,” Lopez said during the press conference held after the simulation activity.

For the post-vaccine interventions, an area for the low risk group is set up at the second floor of the school while the post for the high risk group is located in the ground floor.

“This (Mabini) is the model vaccination hub in Davao City,” he said.

Dr. Anabelle Yumang, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH 11) commended the city government of Davao and the City

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City extends tax relief measures to DCOTT vendors

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he Davao City Council approved tax relief measures to vendors of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT).

Sponsored by Finance Committee chair Councilor Danny Dayanghirang, said the measures aim to help small vendors cope with the impact of Covid-19 pandemic by adjusting their rental payment from 50 percent

to 70 percent.

“Para sa ilang mga rentals at 50 percent to 70 percent discount kay ang frequency sa mga tao nga ga-travel gamay na lang. Almost 75 percent nawala sa ilang income,” he said in an interview.

He said there are about 250 vendors renting spaces at DCOTT. The said measure is aligned to the policy of Mayor Sara Duter-

te-Carpio aiming to help small, medium and large enterprises including the transport sector and small players renting in the public terminals of the city in order to stay afloat in this time of pandemic.

He said the tax relief will become invalid once the state of emergency will be lifted. Maya Padillo

sulted in a fisticuff.

The injured were two Myanmar nationals identified as The Ko Ko Aung, 41 years old who sustained ear injury; and Nay Lin Zaw, 36 years old with sprain injury and abrasion. The two were treated by the Mati Incident Management Team medical team before being transported to the Alternate Care Site

in Milgarosa for further treatment.

The Bureau of Immigration was also called in to help settle the issues between the crew and the ship captain. The Philippine Coast Guard and the Mati Police were also on the scene to act in case the tension arises.

The ship came from Subic Bay Free Port in Zambales. (CIO MATI)

2 foreigners injured in a ship brawl

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wo foreign nationals onboard an international vessel Merging Grand 9 were injured in a brawl among the ship crew morning of February 10.

The ship was docked at the Mati City Sea Port since February 8, the unidentified ship captain reportedly had a misunderstanding with some of the ship’s crew that re-

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VOL.13 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021

NEWS 3

Personnel from the Department of Health 11 (DOH-11) inspect the high risk post vaccination room at Mabini Elementary School in Bangkal where vaccination will be conducted during a simulation exercise for the transportation of Covid-19 vaccines on Friday. The school is one of the identified sites for vaccination in Davao City. Edge Davao

Medical chief dismisses COVID vax death rumors

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avao Oriental Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID19 Action Officer, Dr. Reden V. Bersaldo, has assured that no person has died because of the COVID19 vaccines.

This assurance was made during the COVID19 Bakunation Press Conference on February 5, 2021 at the Provincial Tourism Complex in the City of Mati.

“Kung tan-awun nimo ang COVID deaths nga proven gyud all over the world, it's 2 million plus already. How many na ba ang vaccine-related death? Zero (If you look at the proven COVID deaths all over the world, its 2 million plus already. How many are vaccine-related deaths? Zero)," he said.

He added that this is

out of the more than 1 million people who have been vaccinated in other countries.

“According to the Infectious Disease Specialist data, kung naa man siguroy mamatay isa duha, in ana (if there are deaths, maybe one or two), but that does not discount the fact that the vaccine is effective,” he said.

On the topic of side effects, he explained that the COVID19 vaccine is just like any other vaccine such as the flu or pneumonia vaccines, the severity of the side effects depends on the person’s health.

“Naka depende rana sa tao ug sa iyang immunity, sa iyahang lifestyle, ug sa iyahang genetics

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PPA files IRR for Sasa Port project to NEDA

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) disclosed that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) requisite documents for the Davao Sasa Port Modernization Project have been submitted to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) last month.

The Port of Davao Sasa Modernization Project was proposed

by Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corporation. The project calls for the operation,

expansion, and maintenance to increase the capacity of Davao Sasa Port due to the increased volume of exporting and importing activities.

Hector Miole, assis-

Miole said the expansion will call for the upgrading of the terminal, reinforcement of the existing berths to accommodate Panamax vessels, which are mid-sized cargo ships that are capable of passing through the lock chambers of the Panama Canal which are 1,050 ft (320.04 m) in length, 110 ft (33.53 m) in width, and 41.2 ft (12.56 m) in depth.

He also said that it is also included in the proposal the installation and

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Pulong’s office extends aid to fire victims in Brgy. 76-A Bucana

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The Office of the First Congressional District distributes cash and rice packs to the 27 families affected of the recent fire incident at Purok 13-B. at Kasilak Gym, Barangay 76-A Bucana in Davao City on Thursday. Contributed photo

tant general manager of PPA, said the IRR and the ICC are required pursuant to the Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) law, which is a contractual arrangement whereby the project proponent undertakes the construction, including financing, of a given infrastructure facility, and the operation and maintenance thereof.

He said the IRR and the ICC were submitted PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago and Transportation Secretary Arturo Tugade to NEDA.

ver 20 victims of a fire incident received their cash aid and rice packs from the Office of the First Congressional District on Thursday afternoon at Kasilak Gym, Barangay 76-A Bucana of this city.

Representative Paolo Duterte’s office distributed cash and rice packs to the 27 families affected of the recent fire incident at Purok 13-B. Of the 27 families, 10 are house owners, five sharers, six

renters and six boarders.

All victims are temporarily sheltered at the Kasilak Gymnasium in the barangay. Initial report said that around 20 houses were gutted by fire leaving the victims homeless at the moment. Local government validates the affected families.

The barangay, in behalf of the victims, expressed their gratitude to the first congressional district office, especially to the young

congressman, for the immediate response to the needs of the fire victims amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

The district office has been providing cash assistance and food packs not only to its constituents, but also to other areas of the city where people are also in need of assistance like families/people affected of the pandemic and other emergency incidents.

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A hawker peddles dried mudfish locally known as‘halwan’near a coastal community in Toril, Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

Pasalubong Center sells farmers’ produce from backyard gardens

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he Davao del Norte Investment and Promotion Office (DNIPC) is now selling fruits and vegetables produced from the local small farmers and backyard gardeners at the Pasalubong Center in the Provincial Capitol.

This was done in line with the provincial government’s KAAGAPAY (Kausa sa Agrikultura ug Panginabuhian sa Baran-

gay) food security program, which promises to take care of the marketing of the harvests on top of the production assis-

tance.

Through KAAGAPAY, the harvests of the small farmers and backyard gardeners are bought by DNIPC, which will then be resold at the Pasalubong Center.

This allows the KAAGAPAY beneficiaries to have guaranteed income through their produce without having to worry

about marketing their own products.

Currently, newly harvested fresh papaya of the Red Lady Variety (hybrid) is currently being sold at the Davao del Norte Pasalubong Shop at a very affordable price.

The KAAGAPAY program is a flagship food security and livelihood program of the provincial

government which provides free seedlings to interested households in the province in order for them to grow their own vegetables and fruits at home.

The produce or harvests are then bought by the provincial government through the DNIPC to be resold at the Pasalubong Shop.

At this point, according to KAAGAPAY Vice Chairperson Dr. Romulo Tagalo, the program includes poultry aside from vegetables and fruits.

And it has so far benefitted the Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities the most, having generated P2 million income in total. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI)

tructural framework of agencies that are part of the fight against money laundering needs to be solid to maximize the benefits of continued amendments in the Philippines’ Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said Thursday.

In a virtual briefing, Diokno said they lauded the latest amendment on AMLA, which now includes real estate developers and offshore

gaming operators and their service providers as among the covered persons.

He said the latest amendments “strengthen the country’s legal framework to fight money laundering” and terrorist financing.

The other amendments in the AMLA include authorizing the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to issue subpoena and investigate suspicious transactions and giving the Council additional power

to “preserve, manage, or dispose asset pursuant to a freeze order, preservation order, or judgement of forfeiture.”

While the measures are seen to address the gap in the AMLA, Dioko, who is the AMLC chairman being the central bank governor, also cited the need to ensure that the structural framework of implementing agencies are intact.

“It is also equally important to ensure that structural framework

structural framework needed JG Summit launches Solid in fight against money laundering big data analytics tool S

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ata Analytics Ventures, Inc. (DAVI), a business unit of JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and NielsenIQ, a global measurement company, have announced a strategic alliance in the use of big data analytics to provide customized and relevant product offers to members of Robinsons loyalty program.

A first in the Philippines, the collaboration introduces an advanced analytics platform that

will uncover insights about market demands and transactions to help improve shopping experience. Through data-driven decisions, the platform will lead to identifying the right price, promotional campaigns, and product assortment.

“To widen our understanding of the swiftly changing Filipino consumer behavior, we have to go deeper into shopper insights. Through loyalty

data, we are able to understand the spending habits of our shoppers and connect the dots to identify new programs to enrich our customer’s lives. These insights can immediately be acted upon through personalized campaigns tailored for specific individuals,” DAVI chief executive officer Jojo Malolos said in a statement Thursday.

In addition, the use of new data analysis tools

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ECONOMY 5

Fruit vendors fix the display of their merchandise in preparation for the influx of customers during Chinese New Year along Monteverde Street in Davao City. Edge Davao

Davao Occidental PLGU recipient of revenue collection efficiency award

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overnor Claude Bautista of Davao Occidental attributed the local government’s revenue collection efficiency award to the relentless support of his constituents.

The provincial government was recently bestowed of the recognition as having the highest local revenue collection efficiency from the real property tax, fees and charges, business tax, and economic enter-

prises among the local government units in the region.

The Department of Finance-Bureau of Local Government Finance (DOF-BLGF) Region XI handed over the plaques of recognitions and re-

newed the Roving Trophy to Vice-Governor Franklin Bautista on behalf of the governor at the Mini-Capitol Building grounds in Malita on February 4, 2021.

In a press release posted on Davao Occidental Facebook page, the DOF-BLGF XI congratulated the leadership of Governor Bautista.

Vice-Governor Bautista, on his part, expressed his gratitude to the DOF

for the recognition, as he offered the award to the employees of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, Provincial Assessor’s Office, and its offices in the five municipalities of Malita, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, and Sarangani.

He said this would enhance the collaborative efforts and confidence of the said offices and employees of the provincial government and its mu-

nicipal governments.

Apollo A. Ebdalin of DOF-BLGF XI said that the Davao Occidental provincial LGU was recognized for its exemplary performance by exceeding the total revenue target in all four major revenue sources on fiscal year 2019 Revenue Generation Program of DOFBLGF. He said the total collection was Php504.397 million or a whopping

224.34 per cent collection efficiency rate from the total revenue target of Php224.838 million.

The Real Property Tax (RPT) Collection Efficiency was 270.00%; Fees and Charges' Collection Efficiency - 108.65%; Business Tax' Collection Efficiency - 138.99%; and the Economic Enterprises' Collection Efficiency 267.51%. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon/Davao Occidental LGU)

noted that inflation is likely to remain elevated in the coming months, reflecting the impact of supply constraints on domestic prices of key food commodities such as meat and vegetables as well as the recent uptick in international oil prices," said BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno.

Diokno said the government must act on these supply-side issues, specifically the impact of the African Swine Fever

on pork supplies.

BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila said the inflation uptick "is of a transitory nature."

"Inflation is expected to go back to within the target range toward the later part of the year," Dakila said.

The BSP also raised its projections for oil prices this year.

He said that in December, they projected that Dubai crude would

BSP raises inflation outlook Viber taps GCash for FoodPH online payments for 2021 from 3.2% to 4%

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iber users who order food on the chat app’s FoodPH directory can now pay for their orders using Gcash.

Viber, Globe myBusiness and GCash announced the partnership on Thursday, which allows online payments to FoodPH sellers via QR codes from GCash.

FoodPH is Viber’s new directory of momand-pop food sellers.

Customers can search for a specific type of food, a

certain cuisine, or look for a dish based on location on FoodPH. Viber’s message bot then directs them to sellers of these products.

“With QR codes, both our FoodPH partner merchants and their customers are now able to seamlessly transact with each other. As we’ve made the experience as convenient as possible, it encourages customers to support local businesses and order their food from MSMEs,”

said David Tse, senior director of Rakuten Viber, during a media briefing on Thursday.

Tse said this was in line with Viber’s earlier stated goal of becoming a “super app.”

“We have the ambition for Viber to move beyond just calls and messages and make its way towards becoming an all-in-one app that fits right into the lifestyles of our users, with no com-

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has raised its inflation outlook for the year to 4 percent from an earlier 3.2 percent, and said inflation was likely to remain elevated "in the coming months."

The BSP kept interest rates steady in its first policy meeting for 2021 even as inflation quickened for four straight months hitting a 2-year high in January.

"The Monetary Board

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On the simulation exercise held at Mabini Elementary School in Bangkal to ensure the smooth flow of vaccine delivery: In terms of the flow, it was smooth kasi maganda ang set up simula sa gym kung saan ang orientation and screening tapos sa registration, counseling to vaccination process.”

Dr. Ashley Lopez

Davao City Health Officer

EDITORIAL Solutions summit Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson twitted recently that the next President of the Philippines will suffer immensely because of the mind-boggling and heartrending problems that the country is facing.

The country’s economy is at its worst and that it will take about a decade or so to recover.

Indebtedness of the country is rising in trillions and still counting. Millions of Filipinos are without work and joblessness is rising.

Corruption in low and high places is worsening as admitted by President Rodrigo R. Duterte himself.

The above problems were either caused or being exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, which in itself, is a huge problem bedeviling our country and the entire world today.

If Mr. Lacson’s lament on the bleak future of the Philippine Presidency as he sees it, didn’t make so much of a stir, it is because the twit is largely true. No debate

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

needed. Besides, the veteran lawmaker must have given the Presidency some serious thought as a good number of Filipinos think that he should take a crack at the country’s highest position once more. (In 2004, Lacson ran for President and lost against Gloria M. Arroyo, Fernando Poe Jr., Raul Rocco and Eddie Villanueva.)

Now that we seem all agreed on the problems and their gravity, we are hoping the country’s well-meaning leaders would initiate a gathering to process these problems and recommend solutions.

Yes, indeed, why don’t our leaders of all colors hold a solutions summit, ponder seriously on the country’s problems and recommend solutions?

It may appear amateurish, even naive, but we submit, it can be done with results that may amaze us. We can unite in a brief moment to think of the country’s future, before we go our separate ways and fight in the next Presidential elections, 15 months from today.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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7 GAME CHANGER EDGEDAVAO VOL.13 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 EDGEDAVAO

Mindanao, Bangladesh celebrate diversity ROMANCElanguage ON INSTALLMENT LIFESTYLE

GMA’S ‘OWE MY LOVE’ PREMIERES THIS FEBRUARY 15 M

By MAYA M. PADILLO

indanaoans are one with Bangladesh in celebrating International Mother Language Day. THEY SAY money can’t bserved by Bangla- ka on February 21, 1952 buy love but could rodeshis every February and many were killed on the mance possibly grow 21st, the United Na- street by police firing. from a business deal? tions Educational, Scientific “We in Mindanao join andsizable Culturaldebt, Organization A a no- Bangladesh not only in cele(UNESCO) declared it asand a brating this important event nonsense contract special day for the promo- but as well as in honoring ation seemingly harmless of multilingualism, and the patriots who passionwhite lie—these are theately fought for this. Lancultural and linguistic diverseeds of an unusual loveguage is the essence of our sity.

For of reference, Bangla- culture. It identifies who we story two strangers desh used to be East Paki- in are as a people and it builds from divergent worlds stan while today’s Pakistan sense of being one as a comthe latest romantic-comused to be West Pakistan. or as a region,” said edy seriesthe from GMA munity When Dominion Joji Ilagan Bian, Honorary Public Affairs. of Pakistan was created in Consul Bangladesh – Mind-

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pretend marriage develops into Eigenmann as Doc Coops, a real romance? Will debt keep Jelai Andres as Jenny Rose Sensen and Doc Migs together Guipit, Jon Gutierrez as Eddie or will it tear them apart?

Ganondin, Jason Francisco as Owe My Love features an Richard Purr, Divine Tetay as impressive supporting cast Juna, Terry Gian as Judith, and which includes the inimiMahal as Mini Divi. table Comedy Concert Queen Owe My Love is directed by herself Aiai Delas Alas as Vida Rember Gelera and Ray GibralMorales, Sensen’s boss-cumtar, and penned by head writer second mother; WinWyn Mar- Volta Delos Santos, based on quez as Trixie Gibs, the clingy the original concept from Joex-girlfriend of Migs and Ms. seph Conrad Rubio. The Public Jackie Lou Blanco as Divina, Affairs production team is led Migs’ greedy stepmother. The

by Program Managers Rubio program also features a rich and Karen Lumbo, with Execuensemble of veteran cometive Producer Lowell Alojado. dians whose antics will leave Catch ‘Owe My Love’ weekthe audience in stitches, led by nights at 9:35 p.m., beginning Nova Villa as Mema Eps, Ruby February 15 on GMA TeleRodriguez as Nanay Coring, babad.

Pekto Nacua as Tatay Oryo, Viewers abroad can also Buboy Villar as Gwaps, and watch Owe My Love via GMA’s Celis and as Evs. flagship international channel, here in Mindanao.Kiray Despite even the Dabawenyo Bangladesh observes Februthese different mother dialect 21stTV. as ‘Shahid Dibash’ Roundingethnic the cast are then Ryanwe have GMAary Pinoy

1947 through the behind partitionthe anao.

From the team of India, and Bangladesh beLinguists say that peotop-rating well-loved came part of Pakistan. The ple learn their first language primetime series Naku, Boss new nation included many from their mothers. The InKo!, Inday Will Always Love tercultural Development Relinguistic and ethnic groups, You, One I Love, and search Association (IDRA) most TODA of which spoke Bengali. The government of “Owe the reiterates that continuing One of the Baes comes Dominion Pakistan to study the mother tongue My Love,” aoftimely showor-about dered that Urdu would be after childhood helps everythe value of true love airing on the official language. one to learn how to value GMA the of daythe afterculture and heritage.

TheTelebabad government Valentines, ondecided February 15. then Pakistan that Bian said maintaining are many instances that we Urdu would by be Kapuso the only Headlined Pre-the first language is critical take our native tongue for state Drama language of Pakistan, mier actress Lovi Poeto everyone’s identity and granted because we never tongues the love for Davao however, the Bengalis, the contributes to a positive have to fight for it . It was Region and Mindanao still and sought-after Kapuso leadspoken at the instance we prevailed because of the majority population of Paki- self-concept. ing man Benjamin strong community spirit stan whose mother Alves, tongue“Owe “Bangladesh showed were born,” she said.

My Love” follows the story She added that Mindan- and the high level of resilis Bangla, protested and how important to them that aoisis a melting pot of many her iency and flexibility of Mindemanded both Guipit Urdu their native tongue ‘Bangla’ of Pacenciathat “Sensen” Meanwhile, Doc Migs to shouldering youngest native tongues danawans. and Bangla be Miguel the official by their own at peo(Lovi) and Dr. “Migs”be spoken a heart surgeon Centimos sibling’sbecause hospital bills - lead “In Davao Region we languages. He said students ple and their difficult jour- many migrants found their Alcancia (Benjamin) whose Medical Hospital. He is also a Sensen to become financially came out in protest in Dha- ney to achieve this. There ‘heaven and their home’ speak Tagalog and Bisaya lives intertwine in a world of financial adviser on a online indebted to Migs. So they forge debt, near-death, and dogged show called “Alcancia ng Baya deal where Sensen pays off dedication to family. an.” Migs grew up in a broken her loan by working as Lolo Sensen, a nursing school family and was raised mostly Badong’s caregiver because undergrad, quits her studby his beloved Lolo Badong for some inexplicable reason, ies and takes on several jobs (Leo Martinez) who taught him Sensen’s presence delays the to keep her family’s finances the value of hard work and sav- symptoms of Lolo Badong’s afloat. Selfless almost to a fault, ing money. But now that Lolo dementia. It’s not as simple she is driven by her positive at- Badong suffers from middleas it seems however because titude that with hard work, she stage dementia, Migs is desper- Lolo Badong is convinced that will someday reap her muchate to delay the effects of the Sensen and Migs are married. deserved rewards. Always on disease and of forever losing his To keep his grandfather happy, the go because opportunities only family.

Migs asks Sensen to keep up are not to be wasted, she has Fate and a series of unforthe pretense while she works little time for herself much less tunate events - from paying off her debt. for romance. off her father’s gambling losses But what happens when their

HOW TO REKINDLE FRIENDSHIPS The pandemic has made distances clear among people and has made it easy to lose in touch with good friends—especially on some days when online meetings and chats just don’t do it for you. But Zoom fatigue, cancelled visits and limits on gatherings should not make you feel like your friends are drifting away.

Take note of these expert tips it’s easy to rekindle close connections.

1. REACH OUT Send a note, a message or a meme to break the ice and see how things are going. Let your friends know that you have been

keeping up with them in social media; tell them that you miss them. Trust your intuition in this: if you are feeling drawn back to someone, there is a good chance they feel the same way about you.

2. DO SOMETHING FUN Online conversations these days often end with “see you soon” or “let us hangout sometime.” Don’t let that be the end of the connection and instead actually make plans. This can be a quick lunch date after doing errands or essential grocery runs.

Initiate the date by sending your friend photos of your favorite

the ‘Ilonggos’ predominantly in some areas in Region 12 and the Muslim language of our Muslim brothers,” she said.

In a statement, Ambassador Asad Alam Siam of Bangladesh to the Philippines stated that every year

or the ‘Day of Martyrs’ with deep respect and remember the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on this day in 1952 to establish their right to speak in Bangla, their mother language.

Eventually Bangla did become the official lan-

being clingy when this is with a close friend or a bestie. Settle guage of Pakistan, but the reflects our passionate love tion,” he said. for one place to On the International sad event flared the Ben- for our mother tongue that hangout—like Mother Language Day, Siam gali nationalism. Under the represents our cultural herto celebrate the laid back food or a link to Shopee’s dining leadership of Bangabandhu itage of thousands of years,” urged everyone all the languages of anthe Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said. comfort of vouchers on sale. SM Lanang PreFor him, language is not world and pay homage to all Bangladesh emerged indeoutdoor dining. mier’s Food Hall merchants, for pendent through a nine- only a means through which mother tongues, equally.

Your bestone bet of instance, are selling online-only people communicate, it is "We value each month long liberation war. is the alfresco coupons that grant diners 20% off also a medium that carries them with its own tradi“As we celebrate the area wealth, in SM wison favorites in Noonsaram, Red Birth Centenary of the Fa- our age-old heritage from tions, creative dom, sounds, symbols and ther of Co.: the Nation and the the ancestors.

Lanang Premier’s Corner Burger Cafe, Juice “It connects people, emotions. They are our comGolden Jubilee of the BanFood Hall—it has The Juice Bar, and Potato Corner. gladesh’s independence time, and generations. Like mon irreplaceable heritage. a river, language also has good seatsdeepest and fresh This runs until May 31, 2021. beAs we pay our rethis year, 21st February its own course: it adapts, spect fore air and buy one get marone Log on to Shopee and click Deals to our language holds more significance in adopts, and morphs. It who sacrificed their weon were promos over-the-counter Near Me. 2021 because it was this too thrives or dies. In this tyrs, in 1952 ourlunchrights day we realized all that the world, every year, many landisconuntillives February 21! for Make to speak in Bangla.

Let us all very essence of our culture guages become You extinct. And nected by social distancing. es in Noonsaram, Salo, and Red 3. CONNECT ON A DEEPER and identity was at stake. with them, die the knowl- cherish our mother tongue. set up weekly coffee dates Corner Burger Cafe fun and cool LEVEL Bangladesh; whichcanmeans edge and the wisdom that And in doing so, let us reand or regular lunch stops.

This with your Coca-Cola.

When offline hangouts are a mindfavorite ourselves once again, ‘the country where Bangla they carry: the myths, the diverse and we makes meeting friendsthe a part of Call a that friendhowever today, reconnect success and go well, have aperhaps, is you spoken’, is the legends, folklores, the may look—in essence—we only country world is emotions, the sounds, the routine and something to make memorable friendship mochance to take friendships to a in theyour all one,” Siam said. known its language. symbols – the keep This friendships intact.

It’s entire not evolumentsare again. deeper level—the way theybywere

8

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Phoenix holds its first-ever Digital National Convention, gathering dealers, partners, franchisees, distributors, and employees nationwide in an online celebration and business conference for all its brands and subsidiaries.

Phoenix Petroleum kicks off 2021 with its first Digital National Convention

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hampioning innovation and collaboration in the face of unprecedented challenges, Phoenix Petroleum made company history as it held its very first Digital National Convention.

Titled "Winnovation: Partner, Kayang Kaya Basta’t Sama-Sama", the annual business conference embraced an all-digital live streaming platform to gather Phoenix brand partners, dealers, distributors, suppliers, and franchise

owners across the country. Apart from celebrating achievements and reviewing company performance, the convention revisited prior-set goals, and introduced new ones as the company braces to venture further into 2021.

The convention’s theme of "Winning Through Innovation" encompasses the mindset and leadership that Phoenix has long ingrained among its partners and participants. For one to succeed during and beyond the pandemic, “one is to continuously adapt and create opportunities”, said Phoenix Petroleum President Henry Albert Fadullon.

"The pandemic was an incredible disrup-

tor, changing everything in a snap, and leaving us with no choice but to adapt–and adapt we did," added Fadullon. "It is by trust, commitment, partnership, and with an engaged and motivated team that we will overcome the challenges we are facing."

The two-day event commenced with a virtual opening ceremony and a tour of the exhibit hall, followed by a series of live-streamed Break-

out Sessions. Heading these sessions were Phoenix leaders Eric Inocencio, General Manager for Retail Fuels; Ton Villanueva and Evelyn Gerodias, General Manager for PLPI-Phoenix SUPER LPG, and General Manager for PLPI Visayas and Mindanao-Phoenix SUPER LPG respectively; Joven Mujar, General Manager for Distribution Business; Arnel Alban, AVP for Retail Operations, Network Develop-

ment, and Real Estate; and Bernard Suiza, General Manager for Philippine FamilyMart.

The main convention proper ensued the following day, introducing a distinguished panel of resource speakers.

Record-breaking and best-selling author Josiah Go, alongside fellow industry experts: Udenna Corporation Chief Innovation Officer Donald Lim, Mercato Cen-

FPHOENIX, P10

WorldRemit partners Mahinog LGU, LANDBANK tie-up for dev’t projects AHINOG, Camiwith Palawan Pawnshop guin – Endowed

W

orldRemit, a leading digital cross-border payments business is ringing in the new year with a new padala partner in the Philippines with Palawan Pawnshop.

Through this partnership, WorldRemit recipients can now directly quote WorldRemit when claiming their cash remittances at Palawan Pawnshop’s more than 3,300 branches nationwide, and at their 2,000 partner locations as well.

“At WorldRemit, we want to ensure remittances are sent back home fast and securely, and for beneficiaries to be able to claim them with ease wherever they may be. By partnering with Palawan Pawnshop, we continue to grow our already robust network of 25,000 cash pick-up

partner locations by another 5,000,” said Earl Melivo, the Philippines Country Director of WorldRemit.

Despite lockdowns in send countries and continued limitations in mobility locally, remittances to the Philippines remain resilient. And the role of digital service providers like WorldRemit are proving crucial in connecting people with their loved ones.

“Our goal at WorldRemit is to make digital financial services more accessible to both senders and receivers. As 2021 rolls in, we continue to develop our technology while boosting our pickup partner network to provide Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) peace of mind that they can continuously sup-

FWORLDREMIT, P10

M

with rich agricultural land and alluring natural attractions, this 5th class municipality in northern Mindanao has great potential for growth. But due to limited financial resources, the municipal government is challenged to pursue high-impact projects that will boost its local economy.

This year, some of the town’s development projects under its Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) are expected to materialize with the recent signing of a loan agreement comprising five (5) term loans for a maximum total of P50.3 million between the local government and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK).

Mahinog Mayor Rogerio C. Acle and LANDBANK Camiguin Branch

Mahinog Mayor Rogerio C. Acle (left) and LANDBANK Camiguin Branch Manager Adrian Lloyd O. Tan (right) sign five (5) loan agreements to finance the local government’s construction and improvement of infrastructure projects, and the purchase of two units of heavy equipment.

Manager Adrian Lloyd O. Tan led the loan signing last November 26, 2020, together with other local government officials.

“May mga dreams ako for my municipality na gustong matupad katulad na lang ng pagpapatayo ng mga infrastructure projects. Ang problema ay hindi namin ma-pursue dahil limit-

ed ang resources, specifically sa budget. Kaya noong nalaman ko na pwedeng mangutang sa government bank gaya ng LANDBANK, nagpursige kaming kumpletuhin ang mga requirements,” Mahinog Mayor Acle said.

The loan will help the local government unit (LGU) of Mahinog acquire a brand new 10-wheeler

dump truck and an excavator with breaker. These will be used to maintain various roads and other infrastructure across the town to ensure easy access and timely transport of goods from farms to the market, and to reduce transportation costs for local farmers.

A separate term loan

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ENVIRONMENT

9

HOW MANGROVES CAN HELP MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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hey may be 100 times fast in storing carbon dioxide than those forests growing in the uplands, but seagrass meadows and mangrove forests are not given the attention they most deserve. In fact, they are fast disappearing!

“They are at great risk of being lost and if the trend continues at current rates, a further 30-40% of seagrasses and nearly all unprotected mangroves could be lost in the next 100 years,” deplored Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, a marine scientist and author of several books and technical articles in refereed journals.

Part of the coastal ecosystems, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests have natural capacity to sequester and store enormous amounts of so-called “blue carbon” in their sediments.

“As carbon sinks, they are a cheap and readily available natural resource useful in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change,” explained Dr. Fortes, the first Filipino to receive the prestigious International Biwako Prize for Ecology. “Once they are degraded or destroyed, their blue carbon stores are released as carbon dioxide and contribute to global climate change.”

Dr. Fortes said that the current rates of loss of these ecosystems may result in 0.15 to 1.02 billion tons of carbon dioxide released annually. “Hence, it is imperative that these blue carbon ecosystems be conserved and well-managed,” he suggested.

“Blue carbon ecosystems” Blue carbon is actual-

ly carbon from the atmosphere and oceans. The coastal “blue carbon ecosystems” sequester these emitted carbon dioxide in going to the atmosphere as these are stored in the plants and sediment. As a result, they help mitigate climate change impacts.

The global community established the International Blue Carbon Initiative, a transdisciplinary, global program that coordinates the International Group of Experts on Blue Carbon (IGEBC). The latter has formulated an action agenda to “identify effective, efficient and politically acceptable approaches to reduce the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide.”

Recent studies conducted by the United Nations Environment Program and International Union for Conservation of Nature found that, when healthy mangrove forests, saltwater marshlands and seagrasses are “extremely effective” at storing atmospheric carbon, thereby mitigating climate change consequences.

“Climate change is occurring now and will intensify in the next few decades, threatening in particular developing nations, with the Philippines being one of the most vulnerable countries in the world,” said the World Bank report, “Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines.”

According to the bank report, the Philippines is “already experiencing temperature increases; sea level rise; stronger storms, floods, and droughts; and ocean acidification, all of which will intensify and affect subsistence livelihoods as well as urban and coastal areas.”

Climate change Dr. Robert Watson, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United Nations body which became a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, explained climate change in these words: ““Climate change is very simple. We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up.

As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.”

Examples of greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

“Our lifestyle has led to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” a fact sheet on climate change explained.

“These gases trap heat from the sun, making the earth warmer. Manifestations of a warmer world include rising mean temperatures, sea level rise and increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts and greater rainfall.”

“Continued emission of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system, increasing the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems,” contends an IPCC report.

Mangroves and seagrasses Both mangrove forests and seagrass meadows can

help capture those emitted carbon dioxide from going to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, these ecosystems, together with coral reefs, continue to degrade and, “in the face of natural catastrophes, are at great risk of being lost in the new few decades,” Dr. Fortes warned.

In 1918, the country’s mangroves were estimated to cover 5,000 square kilometers. By 1970, they had dwindled to 2,800 square kilometers and to 2,420 square kilometers a decade later.

“All over the country, whatever coastal province you visit, you see the same plight – desolate stretches of shoreline completely stripped of mangrove cover and now totally exposed to the pounding of the ocean’s waves,” a Filipino environmentalist decries.

“Mangroves in the Philippines have long been ‘ecologically disturbed’ by rampant cutting for timber products and massive conversion of forests into aquaculture ponds,” read the introduction and overview of the “State of the Mangrove Summit.”

The seagrasses, thriving between coral reefs and mangroves, fare no better.

“In the Philippines, 30% to 50% of seagrass has been lost in the last 50 years,” pointed out Dr. Fortes.

To think, the Philippines has the second highest number of seagrass species in the world. The country is home to 16 of the world’s 50 seagrasses; only Western Australia has more – with 17 species.

Dr. Fortes said all 16 seagrass species are widely distributed from Bolinao Bay in the north, Palawan and the Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor area at the center, and Zamboanga and Davao in the south. Seagrass beds

cover an estimated area of about five million hectares.

Marine experts traced the rapid disappearance of seagrasses to various destructive disturbances caused by both natural and man-induced influences.

Among the natural threats are typhoons, tidal waves and volcanic activity.

Man-made causes include industrialization, development of recreational areas along the coast, dredging, and mining which led to heavy siltation in estuarine areas, resulted in lower productivity and even burial of seagrasses, according to a report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Ignored Despite their massive importance, both mangroves and seagrasses have been ignored in the past.

“In the Philippines, scientific understanding of carbon sequestration and potential emissions from coastal ecosystems is still insufficient to develop effective carbon policy, management, and conservation incentives for coastal Blue Carbon,” he wrote in a briefing paper.

Blue carbon was acknowledged globally only in 2009. “The common drivers of conversion and degradation of blue carbon ecosystems are largely driven by human activities,” Dr. Fortes said, referring to aquaculture, agriculture, mangrove forest exploitation, terrestrial and marine sources pollution and industrial and urban coastal management.

“Greenbelt” But there is good news.

According to Dr. Fortes, approximately a kilometer-wide strip of seagrass (seaward) and mangrove (landward) vegetation runs practically all along the Philippine coastline.

He considered this as

“greenbelt,” which acts “as a composite natural buffer against storm surge, rise in both seawater and air temperatures, seawater acidification, flooding and pollution.”

The country’s mangroves, for instance, can potentially sequester 0.2 billion metric tons of carbon or an equivalent of cleaning the air from carbon emissions of 3 million cars). The mangrove forests can also reduce the height of big waves by 75% and substantially increase biological diversity.

On the other, the seagrass beds have the potential of sequestering 0.02 billion metric tons of carbon (cleaning the air of carbon equivalent to that from emissions of 270,000 cars).

They can also add oxygen to seawater aside from aerating it and maintaining favorable water temperatures. In addition, they remove carbon dioxide from seawater.

“The Philippines has enormous coastal blue carbon resources useful in sequestering carbon dioxide from the global atmosphere,” reminded Dr. Fortes. “However, it has also the potential to add carbon dioxide into the atmosphere if it does not manage well its coastal blue carbon ecosystems.”

Dr. Fortes believed the Philippines could still reverse the loss of mangroves and seagrasses. “An improved scientific and societal understanding of the underlying mechanisms that conserve coastal ecosystems are at hand,” he said. “The blue carbon focus could enhance partnerships in improving resilience of communities towards a blue economy in the face of climate change.”

10 EDGEDAVAO CAMPUS... FROM2

Health Office (CHO) for the smooth conduct of the simulation exercise in the said school.

“Na-impress ko sa preparation sa Mabini Elementary School vaccine site. Kung ingon ani ang set up, makasulti ko nga preparado nata,” she said.

This is the second part of the simulation exercises conducted with the first simulation conducted on February 10, 2021 highlighting the transport of the vaccines from the Davao International Airport (DIA) to SPMC and Los Amigos where the vaccines will be stored.

Retired Police Lt. Colonel Angel Sumagaysay, head of Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSCCC), said the ideal time to deliver the vaccines from the storage facilities (SPMC and Los Amigos) to the vaccination site is 15 minutes and he is optimistic that PSCCC will hit that targeted time.

Meanwhile, Dr. Joy

Villafuerte, former city health and who now leads the city’s Covid-19 vaccination program, said there is a need to strengthen the campaign via information, education and communication (IEC) materials to educate the people on the importance of getting vaccinated.

“The vaccine is already coming. We set up facilities. The city has put a lot of programs. I-push pa natin para daghan magpa-vaccine at para hindi masayang ang efforts natin,” she said.

Lopez also said the masterlist for those who want to get vaccinated is almost complete.

The city government of Davao is targeting around 1.2 million individuals to be immunized in the city, wherein more than 500,000 individuals come from priority groups comprising front liners, senior citizens and uniformed personnel who will be the first to receive the Covid-19 vaccines.

port their families back home,” added Melivo.

“The Palawan Pawnshop and Palawan Express Pera Padala group continues to serve the financial needs of everyday Filipinos. By being a money shop for financial services, we help Filipino families have better lives.

Remittances are not only for everyday expenses, but they also become diplomas, houses, and live-

lihood of our fellowmen,” said Lilian Concepcion C. Selda, Vice President for Finance and Controls of Palawan Pawnshop.

To learn more about how you can send and receive money with ease through WorldRemit, please visit: www. worldremit.com. You can download the WorldRemit app on Google Play and the App Store.

shall finance the con-

year the construction of a 104-square-meter canteen building and a 48-square-meter picnic shed within the park.

Finally, LANDBANK also granted the Mahinog LGU a term loan for the land development of the proposed Benoni Public Market and Transport Terminal. This involves filling up the remaining 3,700 square meters of the one-hectare area with embankment so that a transport terminal and a public market building can be built in the future.

The project aims to decongest the national highway fronting the Benoni Port, which is the gateway to the entire island of Camiguin.

“LANDBANK continues to extend necessary credit assistance to local government units for small- to large-scale development projects. We believe that through these initiatives, we can multiply efforts in spurring local economic activity and growth, especially in the countryside,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

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struction of a two-storey commercial building with a total floor area of 1,291 square meters. The building, which will be divided into various spaces and offered for lease to small and medium enterprises and traders, is expected to promote commercial activities and attract investments to the town.

Another term loan is allocated for the completion of the town’s unfinished Queobe Training Center. The loan will help finish the construction of the center’s training hall, convert the existing mini-training hall into rooms, and expand the dormitory to accommodate more training participants. A portion of the loan will also be used to acquire furniture, fixtures, kitchen equipment and other related paraphernalia needed in the training center.

Adjacent to the municipality’s Queobe Training Center is the Katunggan Park, an eco-park with existing boardwalk and picnic sheds for tourists and trainees. Through one of the term loans from LANDBANK, the local government is targeting to complete this

As of December 31, 2020, LANDBANK has extended P54.47 billion in outstanding loans

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operation of cargo equipment such as container cranes, yard cranes, and other ancillary equipment that would be utilized to facilitate the handling of container as well as provisions for cranes and equipment.

Miole mentioned that a one-stop-shop building and other facilities would be constructed to house the operations of government agencies in the port of Davao to be able to facilitate the transactions of importers and exporters.

He added that the Davao traffic projection is expected to increase

in a 25 year period from 2021 to 2045. He said it is expected that containers in Davao to increase from today’s traffic of close to 200,000 TEUs TEU or twenty-foot equivalent unit to approximately 700,000 TEU or boxes.

“Due to this expected volume and growth, Sasa needs to be developed and this is the reason the project proponent is submitting this proposal,” Miole said.

The proposal was submitted by Chelsea to PPA in February 2020.

The PPA issued a Letter of Acceptance in October 9, 2020.

(That just depends on the person, their immunity, lifestyle, and genetics),” he said.

As such, Dr. Bersaldo emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated due to three mechanisms: “Number one, it prevents the transmission of the disease. Pwede nga di naka matakdan jud (It’s possible that you may never be infected),” he said.

Secondly, he explained that the vaccine helps prevent the onset of the disease.

“Meaning, even if you are infected, you won’t

manifest any symptoms.

You don’t feel anything but you won’t infect others,” he added.

Lastly, he cited that the vaccine will prevent the onset of severe symptoms.

“The bottom line is we need to stop COVID transmission. And we need to lower its fatality, its effect to kill people,” he concluded.

He added that eventually, when everyone has been vaccinated, at worst, people will only feel very mild symptoms even if they are infected.

(Jan Vincent Leuterio/ PIA-XI)

trale and Easy Franchise co-founder RJ Ledesma, DITO Telecommunity chief administrative officer Atty. Adel Tamano, and Phoenix Petroleum’s Arnel Alban discussed the many facets of innovation in business.

Various mini-games, raffles, giveaways, and other entertaining micro-segments were also included throughout the program.

Culminating the event was the much-awaited PhoeniXFactor Night.

During this part of the program, top-performing business partners and individuals of the year 2020 were recognized and awarded for their exemplary performance.

Entertainment was also provided through performances by several renowned artists, including Ian Veneracion and Sheryn Regis.

“For the full experience, we sent attendees videocon kits, and a grazing box, which they enjoyed while the program was ongoing. True to the spirit of innovation, these thoughtful details were meant to make our partners feel special despite our unusual circumstances, and let them know how thankful we are for staying by our side throughout an especially challenging year,” said Phoenix Vice President for Integrated Marketing and Strategies Celina Matias.

allows retailers like Robinsons Supermarket to work with manufacturers and brands in growing fast moving consumer goods categories in its stores.

“The advanced analytics platform (AAP) is being rolled out with clients around the region including Thailand and Hong Kong. The AAP provides deep insights into shopper behavior over time —all calculated over time. We are thrilled to be able to introduce

the platform to the Philippines with DAVI, and to put shoppers at the heart of decision making to drive growth for Robinsons and brands alike,” said Alex Morgan, executive director of NielsenIQ Consumer Intelligence in Asia.

The AAP uses easyto-read dashboards, text summaries, and online help to enable users to gain maximum insight and productivity sourced from DAVI’s data hub.

(PR)

time later this year. Zamboanga and Meng could potentially meet in the tournament, should they advance through the brackets.

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced late last year that the winner of the tournament will go on to challenge reigning ONE Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee when she returns from maternity leave.

While Zamboanga declined giving out as bold a prediction as Meng, she did tell media that fans will be surprised.

"You'll just have to wait until we are togeth-

er in the Circle. I don't really like to talk much unless provoked. I prefer to do my talking in the fight.

I think it's going to be a surprise for everyone,” Zamboanga concluded.

“I just want to get back in there and compete.”

Zamboanga is currently training at Marrok Force gym alongside her older brother, fellow ONE Championship fighter Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga, and their friend Fritz “Kid Tornado” Biagtan.

The Zamboangas look to remain in Bangkok for the time being, continuing their training until they receive a call for their next fight assignments from ONE.

in the respective implementing agencies are well-developed to achieve effective implementation of the law to fight and prevent money laundering, terrorism and terrorist financing cases,” he said.

The latest AMLA amendments, listed under Republic Act (RA) No. 11521, were signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Jan. 29, 2021, a few days before February or the end of the observation period set by the Paris-based anti-money laundering watchdog Financial Ac-

tion Task Force (FATF) on the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) measures.

Failure to prove the effective implementation of AML/CTF measures and address gaps in the law would result in Philippines’ inclusion in FATF’s gray list, which the country was able to graduate from in 2017 upon the enactment of Republic Act 10927 that included casinos as among the covered institutions of the AMLC. (PNA)

free throw by Nix sealed the final score.

NBA veteran Jeremy Lin played 30 minutes and had 18 points and five assists for Santa Cruz. Poole led the Warriors with 22 points.

Rookie Nico Mannion had 17 points for Santa Cruz.

Filipino teenager Kai Sotto is still included in Ignite's roster for the G

League season, which is being held in a bubble at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Disney World. However, the young center is not expected to compete for Ignite as he will instead play for the Philippines in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers.

Ignite returns to action on Friday against Oklahoma City.

promise to our users’ privacy and safety,” the Viber executive said.

Maridol Ylanan of Globe myBusiness said the FoodPH deal is also a form of “advertising support” for the food selling community, showcasing them through the app and providing direct contact between sellers and buyers.

Ylanan said the deal

“is just the start” as they envision more groups on Viber that would cater to Filipinos’ needs at home, and help create more opportunities for small businesses.

GCash said the mobile wallet and payments app has more than 33 million active users and is serving close to 1 million social sellers.

average $47.57 per barrel in 2021.

"With current developments, we have revised the assessment for Dubai Crude up to $54.65 per barrel," Dakila said.

The BSP also said Dubai crude would aver-

age $51.98 next yer, up from an earlier forecast of $47.44 per barrel.

Earlier in the year, the BSP said that the uptick in prices was transitory and that inflation was the "least of its worries."

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11

ONE Championship female atomweight standout Denice“The Menace”Zamboanga of the Philippines in file photo.

Denice Zamboanga fires back at Meng Bo’s two-round KO claim F Jalen Green scores 11 as

Ignite wins G League debut F i l i p i n o -A m e r i c a n guard Jalen Green scored 11 points as Team Ignite held off the Santa Cruz Warriors for a 109-104 triumph in their NBA G League debut, Wednesday in Orlando (Thursday morning in Manila).

Veteran Jarett Jack led Team Ignite with 23 points, while another top prospect Jonathan Kuminga shone with 19 points, four assists, two rebounds and two blocks.

Daishen Nix had 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

The Warriors led by 10 points early in the second quarter, but Team Ignite responded well and seized control at the half, 65-50.

Green assisted on Bobby Brown's three-pointer that gave Ignite the lead for good,

Jalen Green (4) of Team Ignite is defended by Nico Mannion (2) of the Santa Cruz Warriors. Getty Images/AFP

49-46, with 4:20 left in the second frame.

Santa Cruz were within four points with still 14 seconds left, but Kuminga sealed Ignite's win with a huge rejection of Jordan Poole with just seven seconds to go. A

FJALEN, P10

resh from training in Bangkok where she has honed her skills since the pandemic lockdowns took effect in early 2020, ONE Championship female atomweight standout Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga took the time out of her busy schedule to fire back at China’s Meng Bo, who recently had some impactful words for the Filipina fighter.

Meng took aim at Zamboanga recently, with the Chinese star claiming she can finish “The Menace” inside of two rounds should they meet in the Circle.

Zamboanga is the #1-ranked female atomweight while Meng is ranked #2. Both women love to trade punches, both in and out of the ring, making this a potentially explosive showdown should the bout materialize.

“If we were in the ring together, without a shadow of doubt, I would beat her (Zamboanga) up and take her spot as the #1-ranked atomweight in the division,” Meng was quoted as telling the media.

“Denice is a stubborn and tough fighter, but if I was to identify her strength, she’s only good at punching, nothing else. I think my stand-up fighting techniques will

be enough to give me the victory. I’m pretty confident that I can finish Denice with a flurry of punches and knock her out within two rounds.”

Zamboanga obviously did not take those comments lightly, and the 24-year-old rising star immediately clapped back with full bravado.

"It's cute that she thinks she can knock me out in two rounds. I'd like to see her try, let's see what happens. Meng Bo likes to talk a lot. But talking doesn't win you fights. She's just asking to be humbled,” said Zamboanga.

"Sooner or later, we will see each other in the Circle and the talking will be over."

Both Zamboanga and Meng are expected to be participants in the eight-woman ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix, set to take place some

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FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Doha suspended

(L-R) Jaydee Tungcab, Jordan Heading and Tzaddy Rangel.

T

he Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has called on the World Boxing Association (WBA) for an explanation on why Manny Pacquiao was stripped of his super welterweight belt.

The 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers will not be held as originally scheduled this month, the Saudi Arabian Basketball Federation announced in a tweet Friday.

Ryan Gregorio, special assistant to the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, said Philippines officials were awaiting confirmation from FIBA, the sport's world governing body.

The Gilas Pilipinas men's basketball team was slated to face South Korea and Indonesia on February 18, 20 and 22 in Doha, after the Philippines backed out hosting because of travel restrictions linked to COVID-19 protocols.

Prior to the FIBA announcement, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Friday bared plans that

it would select Jordan Heading, Tzaddy Rangel, and Jaydee Tungcab from the special Gilas Draft this year for the men's national pool.

“The SBP, as always, is thankful to the PBA for its cooperation as we build towards the Philippines’ hosting of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with Japan and Indonesia,” SBP president Al Panlilio said.

“We were able to secure five players from the Gilas Draft in 2019 and we’re happy to welcome three additional talents in Jordan Heading, Tzaddy Rangel, and Jaydee Tungcab.”

The six-foot-2 guard Heading came out of California Baptist University and is a product of the Batang Gilas program.

Six-foot-8 forward Rangel, a Na-

tional University alumnus, and Heading were teammates on the San Miguel Beer Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League last season.

Tungcab, a 6-foot3 guard and University of the Philippines product, was supposed to play as an Asian import in the Japanese B.League but deferred because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The three will join Isaac Go, Matt Nieto, Mike Nieto, Rey Suerte, and Allyn Bulanadi as full-time members of the Gilas pool.

Go, Suerte and the Nietos are in Calamba city, Laguna as the team prepares for the final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, while Bulanadi is still recuperating from a shoulder surgery.