Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 257 | Sunday-Monday, February 14-15, 2021

APHRODISIACS: FOODS OF LOVE FEATURE P5

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

OUTBREAK

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

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Covid-19 outbreak reported in Davao City rehab center STORY ON PAGE 2

A florist prepares bouquet of flowers in ancipation for the influx of customers who will buy flowers as gift for their loved ones at a flower shop at SM City Davao a day before Valentine’s Day. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

OUTBREAK President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicle, one of the newly delivered air assets for the Philippine Air Force, at the Haribon Hangar in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Friday. Accompanying the President are National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt.

Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Philippine Air Force (PAF) Chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Covid-19 outbreak reported in Davao City rehab center

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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r. Ashley Lopez, Davao City Health Officer, disclosed that an outbreak of Covid-19 was reported in the Regional Youth Rehabilitation Center (RYRC) at at Bago Oshiro, Baguio District wherein 44 individuals are tested positive of Covid-19 out 99 persons who underwent swab testing.

The said center, formerly known as PagAsa Home, houses children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) aged 16 to 18 years old, committed by the courts of justice. Offenses committed include theft, robbery, rape, murder, homicide, IPFA, RA 9165, PD 1619 and RA 8294.

Lopez said this is the reason why the number of Covid-19 ac-

tive cases in Davao City jumped to 105 cases on February 11, 2021 from the usual forecast of 60 to 70 cases a day.

“Bakit tayo nag 105 kasi we have an outbreak in Bago Oshiro.

Nagkaroon tayo ng outbreak doon within the facility. Out of the 99 that were tested, 44 tested positive kaya umabot tayo ng 105 cases,” he said.

The city recorded 78 new cases on Feb. 12.

Lopez also mentioned that one barangay in Baguio District is being classified as critical risk after recording eight Covid-19 confirmed cases.

“Maski gamay ug kaso pag mu-jump ka to more than 100 percent, critical risk naka,” he said.

He also said that the trend of cases in Davao City is getting down with a forecast of 60 to 70 cases a day.

“Although, these past few days nag-ubos ta to more than 30 cases a day. Suddenly, it jumped to 105 due to the outbreak,” he said.

He said Bunawan, Buhangin and Bucana still recorded high cases of Covid-19.

CORRIGENDA

NO INTENTION; NO CONNECTION In EDGE DAVAO’s front page last Wednesday, February 10, 2021, the photo of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Chinese Consul General Li Lin with the donation from the People's Republic of China has no connection whatsoever with the headline story whose content was on Page 2 as we usually do in our style of news and picture presentation on front page. Neither was there an intention on our part to make any malicious or naughty suggestion. But it could have resulted in a confusion. Sorry to our city mayor and the esteemed consul general for whatever discomfiture the faux pas might have caused.

-

Editor in chief

‘TWEET’ NOT ‘TWIT’ In the editorial of Edge Davao titled ‘Solutions summit’, “twitted” in the first paragraph should have been ‘tweeted’. Sorry for the misprint.

-

Editor in chief

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

A mall goer walks by a shop selling a wide collection of stuffed toys a day before Valentine’s Day celebration. Edge Davao

Investigation on B.1.1.7 cases ongoing: DOH 11

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he regional office of the Department of Health (DOH 11) announced that an intensive investigation and contact tracing up to third generation or close contacts (F3) is ongoing.

This after the detection of the more transmissible UK Covid-19 variant or B.1.1.7 variant including three individuals from Davao Region.

In a statement, the central office of DOH announced on February 12, 2021, that there are three individuals with the B.1.1.7 variant from Davao Region, two from Calabarzon, and eight returning overseas Filipinos.

DOH stated that the three people infected with the new variant in Davao Region are a 10-year-old male, a 54-year-old female, and a 33-year-old male.

The statement also said

three cases have no known link to each other and have mild symptoms.

DOH 11 neither refute nor affirm the report, however, issued a statement that an ongoing intensive investigation and contact tracing up to third generation or F3 close contacts is being conducted.

It also stated that all identified close contacts will undergo reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) testing and that specimens that tested positive will be reviewed and selected samples that passed the laboratory criteria

will undergo the whole genome sequencing at the University of the Philippines – Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) . It also said that the identified close contact will also undergo strict quarantine.

DOH 11 also stated that with the detection of three B.1.1.7 cases in the Davao Region, DOH Central Office’s Epidemiology Bureau together with the DOH Davao Center for Health Development called for an emergency meeting with the concerned Local Government Units for a coordinated response.

The statement also said that further updates will be provided once data from the ongoing investigation will be available.

Bago Aplaya-Talomo coastal road section opened this month: DPWH

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n official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that the 2.9-kilometer junction of Bago-Aplaya to Talomo section of the Davao City Coastal Bypass project will be opened this month.

Eugenio Raful Pipo Jr.,

undersecretary for regional operations in Mindanao of DPWH, said the section which runs from Bago Aplaya to Bucana has a budget cost of P2.6 billion.

With a total project cost of P18 billion, the Davao City Coastal Bypass project, which is about 18.5 kilometers coastal

road includes the construction of the four-lane road with bicycle lanes.

The project started construction in 2017 and targeted to be completed in 2023.

Pipo said included also in the development is the construction of 11 bridges.

not have one, which is a new-all time high, beating 14% recorded in 2016, 2017, and 2019.

Some 39% of those surveyed said they would celebrate Valentine’s Day, 31% undecided, and 27% will not celebrate.

The likelihood to celebrate on Feb. 14 is high among those with very happy love life at 50%, while 36% of those who think they could be hap-

pier said they would.

Even though single, 13% of those who have no love life said they would still celebrate it.

Moreover, almost half of those who said they will observe Valentine’ Day, or 45%, would go to church or attend religious services, 27% would give gifts to their spouse or loved ones, 25% would make special

FBAGO APLAYA, P6

SWS: 50% of Pinoys ‘very happy’ with their love life

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survey by the Social Weather Stations revealed that 50% of adult Filipinos said they are very happy with their love life, the lowest since the 49% recorded in 2014.

The poll conducted from November 21 to 25 also reported that 31% of the respondents said their romantic relationship could be happier, while 18% said they do

FSWS, P6

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

Local fishermen catch a 12-kilogram amberjack in the waters off Mabua village in Surigao City on Friday morning, February 12, 2020. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

DTI-DavSur gives livelihood project to Magsaysay OFWs

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he Association of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur received on Tuesday (Feb. 9) a livelihood project on garment enhancement from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Davao del Sur.

The Garment Enhancement Project consists of various equipment such as five units of sewing machine, two

units of edger sewing machine, two units of cloth cutter/cutting machine and two units of cutting table.

The other equipment also include two units of zigzagger, two units of sewing machine with 110 stich application and built-in and one unit of embroidery machine.

DTI Provincial Director Delia Ayano, who spearheaded the turn over ceremony, said that the project is under DTI’s special program on Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project.

She added that the local government of Magsaysay and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) function as co-operators with the association beneficiary.

Magsaysay Mayor Arthur Davin urged the recipients to use the equipment and knowledge that they will acquire from the seminars, to help improve their livelihood.

“Kinahanglan lang

gyud ang cooperation ninyo nga inyo pud ning ampingan.. inyong tunan kay mahimo ning opurtunidad ninyo nga makatabang sa inyohang panginahanglanon.. (We just need your cooperation for you to take proper care of the equipment… learn from it for this will become your opportunity to help you in your needs,” Davin stated.

The mayor also extended his gratitude to DTI for its continued partnership in implementing various projects and programs for the municipality.

On the same event, Davin also led the signing of Memorandum of Usufruct Agreements together with Ayano and the association’s president Lemuel Pejera. (PIA-XI/ Samantha Jabol)

esidents of some remote islands in Mindanao will soon be able to connect to the internet for free after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) completes its installation of free wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) terminals.

In a press release on Thursday, the DICT said it is set to deploy Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) facilities by March and was made possible through partnership between the DICT Mindanao Cluster 1, the Mindanao Development Authority (Min-

DA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry of Transportation and Communication.

DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan said the provision of these free Wi-Fi terminals is part of the DICT’s intensified roll-out of free Wi-Fi sites in remote and underdeveloped areas and is meant to provide more opportunities and to “better adapt to the new normal.”

Mindanao islands Farm-to-market road improves Remote to get free Wi-Fi, says DICT lives in 2 Sultan Kudarat towns R

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armers and local officials of two upland farming communities in Sultan Kudarat province lauded Friday the government for providing them a 7.48-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR) through the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

About 5,000 residents, almost 2,000 of whom were agrarian reform beneficiaries, are enjoying the benefits of the PHP37-million concrete FMR project that connects Barangays Bug-

so and Gapok in Sen. Ninoy Aquino (SNA), Sultan Kudarat.

Elated by the assistance from DAR, SNA Mayor Randy L. Ecija, Jr said the project is not just for the local government, but for all the residents and farmers in the area who are mostly rice and corn farmers.

Both Mayor Ecija and Barangay Gapok chair Arnel Rollugui lauded the DAR-Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD), the Depart-

ment of Public Works and Highways, and DAR-Sultan Kudarat for being instrumental in the development and prosperity of their communities and promised to maintain the project.

Rollugui said farmers and residents are now assured of ease of travel and fast transport of their agricultural produce with the completion of the road network.

“Transport of our goods to the market is now easy and less expensive,” Rollugui said.

The project was officially turned over to the local government early this week.

“Farmers coming from both Gapok and Bugso now have an opportunity to improve their lives because they can now go to market centers located in both barangays to bring their produce and demand a fair price for their produce,” Rodolfo Alburo, provincial agrarian reform program officer, said.

FFARM-TO, B1

FREMOTE, B1

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

ECONOMY A2

EDGEDAVAO

DLI’s Diamond Tower attracts professional services company D

amosa Land, Inc., developer of the nearly completed Damosa Diamond Tower in Davao City, recently signed a formal letter of intent with SGV & Co., a member firm of Ernst & Young (EY) Global Limited. SGV plans to move its nearby Davao branch office to the new building.

The Damosa Diamond Tower is a Grade A building which is vying to be the first office in Davao to get Berde and Edge certification for its environment-friendly features

FDLI’S, B1

Damosa Land, Inc. president Cary F. Lagdameo and SGV chairman and managing partner Wilson Tan sign the letter of intent. Photo courtesy of DLI

PH businesses urged to build quake-resilient infrastructure T

IATF OKs reopening of more businesses, leisure spots

P

hilippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum Jr. on Thursday urged businesses to be disaster-resilient and be better prepared for a destructive earthquake.

In a webinar organized by the Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI), Solidum said building owners should at least have the buildings built to withstand ground shaking and Intensity VIII of an earthquake.

"The country is highly

exposed to natural hazards and climate change.

We need to address their potential impacts by achieving resilience through reducing the risks or impacts," he said.

He said businesses must prepare to respond effectively and efficiently.

"The key here is to be able to understand the hazards and the risks. There are tools that Phivolcs has developed," he said, citing the GeoRiskPhilippines Initiative project of the Department of Science and

Technology (DOST).

The project is a geographic information system (GIS) that integrates hazard maps, exposure data, and have these accessed by the public and government agencies.

Visualize assessments are in the form of charts, graphs, and maps to better help the public understand and prepare for natural hazards.

Roland Gerard Veloso Jr., BPI Corporate Credit Products Group head, said identifying and anticipating risks at an ear-

ly stage are important to businesses.

This could help them measure and assess potential impacts to their businesses, he said.

Those who are planning to buy a house or condominium unit could check Phivolcs' HazardHunter app or website, to see if the location they are eyeing is near or above the faults, he said.

HazardHunter helps people know if their location is at risk for volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other hazards.

Executive branch is calling for a Food Security Summit, with the Department of Agriculture (DA) as lead agency, to continue to boost and develop the agri-fishery sector through the cooperation, coordination and collaboration of the local government units (LGUs) and the private sector’s industry players and stakeholders.”

Among the issues the summit seeks to address are the high prices of pork, the drop in farmgate prices of palay, and the onslaught of the African swine fever (ASF).

The call for a food se-

curity summit came after the Pork Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (ProPork) called on the government to conduct a nationwide dialogue to address the lack of pork and chicken supply that resulted in unabated increase of pork and chicken prices.

The lack of pork and chicken supply was exacerbated when vendors refused to sell their goods to avoid further losses as soon as the price ceiling imposed by the President took effect in the National Capital Region on February 8.

'No food crisis' Despite calling for a

food security summit, Reyes said that there is no food crisis in the country.

“Wala tayong krisis sa pagkain. Ang pinupunuan natin ay sa pork.

Talagang may kakulangan tayo sa baboy dahil sa ASF,” he said.

“Ang ginagawa ng DA, ‘yung surplus areas, titignan ang surplus at ipadala sa Metro Manila na talagang may kakulangan. Tinamaan kasi ng ASF ang Central Luzon na major supplier ng baboy,” he added.

Independent think tank Ibon Foundation has claimed that the

DA sets food security summit on April 7-8

T

he Department of Agriculture (DA) has set the dates for the food security summit in the first week of April, which was called for by President Rodrigo Duterte to address issues hounding the country’s food industry.

DA Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes said the National Food Security Summit will be held on April 7 and 8.

“Ito ay gagawing physical and virtual,” Reyes said, noting that the venue is still under discussion.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday said, “the

FDA, B1

he Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Friday allowed the reopening of more businesses nationwide, Presidential Spokesperson and IATF mouthpiece Secretary Harry Roque announced.

During the Laging Handa briefing, Roque said the IATF-EID has approved the reopening of more businesses to give more sectors the chance to operate amid the pandemic, especially since "there is no increase in the COVID-19 attack rate and utilization rate."

“At siyempre po alinsunod ito sa katotohanan na kinakailangan nating magbukas pa ng ekonomiya dahil kinakailangan magkaroon ng karagdagang hanapbuhay ang ating mga kababayan,” Roque said.

He said the IATF approved the reopening of driving schools, traditional cinemas, and video and interactive-game arcades in the country in the government's bid to open up more of the economy and allow the public to afford more leisure.

Likewise, Roque said libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers have also been authorized to operate amid the pandemic.

Also approved is the reopening of limited tourist attractions like parks, theme parks, natural sites, and historical landmarks, he said.

“The reopening and further expansion shall be subject to the issuance of the implementing guidelines which will provide for the operational capacity, and oversight of the appropriate regulatory agency and the concerned local government units where these businesses/industries are located,” he said.

The IATF-EID, he said, has also agreed to allow the conduct of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, and limited social events at credited establishments of the Department of Tourism.

He said “strict” observance of minimum public health standards set by the Department of Health should be observed by businesses that could resume activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IATF-EID’s latest decision came after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed concern over the current state of the Philippine economy.

The country’s economic team is calling for the further relaxation of quarantine rules in the country to revive the economy. (PIA NCR)

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

In lauding the city government for its preparedness on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination program:

If this will be the setup during the actual vaccination, then the city is indeed ready.”

Dr. Annabelle Yumang

DOH-11 director

EDITORIAL Restrictive laws Restrictions on economic provisions in the Constitution are made to fundamentally protect Filipino-owned businesses.

While the restrictions provide a shield for local capital, it has also their adverse effects. One of the biggest impact is that it stymies the growth of the country.

The restrictions have caused the lack of foreign investors in the Philippines. The risky dependence on volatile local capital was demonstrated in the current pandemic where several businesses closed due to severe losses. This resulted to people losing their jobs in the process.

Given this realisation, the Duterte administration is thinking of amending some economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution. resident Duterte suggested amending some economic provisions along with the party-list system.

In favt, the House of Representatives began discussing the proposed charter change on January 13. Resolution of Both

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Houses No. 2 proposes to “liberalize the restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution,” which, according to House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, is preventing the Philippines “from becoming fully competitive with our Asian neighbors.”

The move has the support of the business community including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

With the proposed amendments to the restrictive economic provisions, the country is seen to be more competitive and will boost foreign investments.

Significantly, it will also address monopolistic, uncompetitive behaviors and under-investments in some sectors critical to the public interest.

Given the public’s ‘allergic’ reaction to the words Charter Change, it must be emphasised that the changes are only meant for the unfavourable restrictions that have telling impact on the economy.

It’s not about term extension.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H.RAFAL 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

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

I

VALENTINE’S FEATURE

Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

5

n Greek religion and mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty. It was to her that Paris awarded the apple of discord, which caused the dispute leading ultimately to the Trojan War.

It was in her honor that the word aphrodisiac came into existence. An aphrodisiac is a substance which is used in the belief that it can help increase sexual desire.

“In ancient times a distinction was made between a substance that increased fertility versus one that simply increased sex drive,” notes the Cambridge World History of Food. “One of the key issues in early times was nutrition.

Food was not so readily available as it is today. Undernourishment creates a loss of libido as well as reduces fertility rates.”

Throughout history, many foods and drinks have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasur-

Aphrodisiacs:

Foods of Love able. However, from a historical and medical standpoint, the alleged results may have been mainly due to mere belief by their users that they would be effective.

In fact, scientific tests have proven that some aromas can cause a greater effect on the body than the actual ingestion of foods.

History is rife with the human pursuit of aphrodisiacs in many forms. Here are some common foods of love used through the ages: Asparagus: Given its phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. Three courses of asparagus were served to 19th century bridegrooms due to its reputed aphrodisiacal powers.

Avocado: The Aztecs called the avocado tree ahuacuatl, which translated means “testicle tree.” The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture.

Banana: Its flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. There was this tale that after Adam and Eve – the world’s first man and woman – succumbed to the “apple” they started covering their “nudity” with banana leaves rather than fig.

In Central America, the sap of the red banana is considered an aphrodisiac. From a more practical standpoint, bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production. Some studies show

its enzyme bromelain enhances male performance.

Chocolate: “Love,” someone said, “is like swallowing hot chocolate before it has cooled off. It takes you by surprise at first, but keeps you warm for a long time.” The Aztecs referred to chocolate as “nourishment of the gods.” Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Because of its aphrodisiac powers, chocolate was actually banned from some monasteries centuries ago.

Carrot: Another good reason to eat carrots – believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction.

Coffee: Caffeine is a well-known stimulant, but don’t drink too much of it as it can make you depressed.

Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an “all-nighter.”

By the way, eight out of 10 Filipino adults drink an average of 2.5 cups of coffee every day.

Durian: It smells like hell but tastes like heaven, wrote one scribe. In Indonesia, the Javan e s e impose a strict set of rules on what may or may not be cons u m e d with it or shortly thereafter. A saying “Durian jatuh sarung naik” (“"The durians fall and the sarungs come up”) refers to this belief. The warnings against the supposed lecherous quality of this fruit soon spread to the West — the Swedenborgian philosopher Herman Vetterling commented on so-called “erotic properties” of the durian in the early 20th century.

Garlic: The “heat” in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments.

This is a good time for moderation.

Honey: Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their “honeymoon” drank mead and it was thought to “sweeten” the marriage.

Oyster: Oysters were documented as an aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating “giant oysters.”" An additional theory is that

the oyster resembles the “female” genitals. In reality, oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein. Raw oysters are very high in zinc which raises sperm and testosterone production.

Radish: This is considered a divine aphrodisiac

by Egyptian pharaohs, most likely because its spicy taste stimulated the palate.

Truffles: The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch. To sustain his masculinity, an ancient lover in lore was

said to have gorged himself to death on truffles during the wedding feast.

Wine: A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the color of the liquid.

Do remember that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to “arouse” but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

There is no evidence

that an actual aphrodisiac response occurs with the aforementioned foods. Just how certain foods or other substances come to be seen as aphrodisiac is typically a matter of folklore rather than fact. In some cases the newness or rarity of a food or chemical invite people to endow it with magical powers of a sexual nature.

By the way, the Romans identified Aphrodite with Venus, from which the word venereal – as in venereal diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea – comes from.

6

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021 Republic of the Philippines Province of Davao Oriental OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN SP Complex, Government Center, Dahican C I TY O F MAT I

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE 78TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE 16TH SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN OF DAVAO ORIENTAL, HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020, AT THE CITY OF MATI, THIS PROVINCE. PRESENT: Hon. Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr.

Vice Governor - Presiding Officer Regular Members:

District I

District II

Hon. Dante M. Caubang Hon. Marietta D. Palmera Hon. Joselito B. Villademosa Hon. Laureano B. Taya

Hon. Louis N. Rabat Hon. Anacleto P. Macatabog Hon. Lemuel Ian M. Larcia Hon. Enrico M. Antopuesto Hon. Dennis V. Roflo, Jr.

Ex-Officio Members:

Hon. Rabsalon M. Lamaran Hon. Charlie S. Ambasan Hon. Ronald T. Lara, Jr.

President, Philippine Councilor’s League Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President

ABSENT: Hon. Nelson R. Dayanghirang, Jr. Hon. Rustan R. Castillones

SP Member, District I – O.B. District I President, Liga Ng Mga Barangay

PROVINCIAL ORDINANCE NO. 16-53-12-2020 Author : Hon. Anacleto P. Macatabog Sponsor : Hon. Enrico M. Antopuesto

AN ORDINANCE PENALIZING ANY PERSON ALLOWING, CONSENTING, INDUCING OR DIRECTING MINORS TO DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO ORIENTAL AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as “An Act Providing for Stronger Deterrence and Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination And for Other Purposes” provides among others that “it is the policy of the State to provide special protection to children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination and other conditions prejudicial to their development”; WHEREAS, Section 3(c)2 of Republic Act No. 7610 further defined the circumstances which gravely threaten or endanger the survival and normal development of children which includes, among others, those who work under conditions hazardous to life and safety which unduly interfere with their normal development; WHEREAS, it is quite disheartening to learn that tragic accidents involved minors who, in their tender years, are carefree and at times careless, and are not supposed to be driving motor vehicles; WHEREAS, these minors, not being a possessor of any driver’s license are not equipped with the necessary knowledge on traffic rules and regulations; WHEREAS, it is imperative to put a stop, at all cost, to our culture of complacency over minors’ driving of motor vehicles.

WHEREFORE, on motion of SP Member Enrico M. Antopuesto, duly and jointly seconded by SP Members Dennis V. Roflo, Jr., and Ronald T. Lara, Jr., it was Be it ordained by the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao Oriental in session duly assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as an “Ordinance Penalizing any Person Allowing, Consenting, Inducing or Directing Minors to Drive Motor Vehicle” otherwise known as “Anti-Minor on Wheels Ordinance of Davao Oriental.”

SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS – For purposes of this Ordinance, the following shall be defined as follows: a) Person – shall include natural or juridical person. b) Owner – refers to the one whose name is reflected in the Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration as the owner of the motor vehicle or a person found to be exercising attributes of ownership over the subject motor vehicle. c) Motor Vehicle – shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power using public highways or road. It includes public and private utility vehicles among others. d) Minors – refers to those below 18 years of age or over, but not capable of taking care of themselves. e) License – refers to a drivers’ license duly issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). f) LSWDO – shall refer to the Local Social Welfare and Development Officer. g) Parents – shall include the guardian and head of the institution or foster home which has custody of the child” SECTION 3. Unless otherwise allowed by law, it shall be unlawful for any person of legal age to allow, consent, induce or direct any minor to drive any motor vehicle for any purpose within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao Oriental.

SECTION 3.1 The fact of registration of the motor vehicle to a particular person driven by the minor shall establish a prima facie case that the said owner allowed, consented, induced or directed the minor to drive the subject vehicle.

SECTION 3.2 It shall likewise be prohibited for any person to allow, consent, induce or direct any person who is not a possessor of a drivers’ license duly issued, to drive a motor vehicle.

SECTION 4. FINES AND PENALTIES – Any person found guilty thereof shall be subjected to the following fines and penalties: a. First Offense Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) b. Second Offense Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) c. Third and succeeding offenses A penalty of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and Imprisonment of not less than Five (5) months nor more than One (1) year or both at the discretion of the Court.

SECTION 4.1 Upon apprehension, minor offenders shall be indorsed by the apprehending officer/enforcer to the Local Social Welfare and Development Officer or any of its designated personnel for mandatory guidance counselling in the presence of his/her parents.

SECTION 5. IMPLEMENTATION - Impounded motor vehicle and other similar automobile pursuant to the provisions hereof shall be released only upon full payment of the penalty or fine and other fees and upon showing of an official receipt from the Local Treasurer’s Office.

SECTION 6. COLLECTION. All fines collected for violation thereof shall be shared by the province and component City/Municipalities and Barangays who help enforce/implement this Ordinance. Barangays shall be given 30% share and 50% share shall also be given to the component City/Municipality where fines are being collected and 20% shall accrue to the General Fund of the Provincial Government.

SECTION 7. REPEALING CLAUSE - All previous ordinances, resolutions, local issuances and provisions inconsistent with this ordinance shall be deemed amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If for any reason any part or provision of this Ordinance shall be held unconstitutional or invalid other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY - This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after posting and publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Davao Oriental.

ENACTED: DECEMBER 22, 2020.

CARRIED, by twelve (12) affirmative votes of SP Members Louis N. Rabat, Anacleto P. Macatabog, Lemuel Ian M. Larcia, Enrico M. Antopuesto, Dennis V. Roflo, Jr., Dante M. Caubang, Marietta D. Palmera, Joselito B. Villademosa, Laureano B. Taya, Rabsalon M. Lamaran, Charlie S. Ambasan, and Ronald T. Lara, Jr.; negative votes – none; and abstention - none. * *

*

BAGO APLAYA... FROM3 The Davao Coastal Road extends from Bago Aplaya in the South to R. Castillo in the North.

The project is one of the major projects of DPWH that aim to decongest traffic.

“We construct high standard highways and expressways especially in congested areas, and bypasses and diversion roads to divert traffic from heavily congested areas as well as providing underpasses and flyovers,” he said during the “Mindanao Speaks Up Forum” on February 10, 2021.

The program and policies of the DPWH include traffic decongestion program, integrated and seamless traffic system, public private partnership program, convergence and

SWS... FROM3

home-cooked meals, and 11% would send greetings online or through text.

Meanwhile, the survey also said that 50% among men and women are very happy with their love life.

Married men are the happiest with 64%, followed by those with a live-in partner (53%), and single men (22%).

For women, those who are happy in their relationship are also highest among those married at 63%, then by those with live-in partner (57%), and single women (18%).

For those with livein partners, 46% of men who have one said they could be happier, followed by those married (33%) and those single (18%). Among women, the same is also observed with those with live-in partners at 42%, married women at 35%, and single women at 16%.

By age, 35% of those in the age group 18–24-year-old said they have very happy love life.

This further increases among 25–34-year-olds and 35–44-year-olds at 54% and 58%, respectively. Percentage of those who share the same sentiment declines to 51% among 45–54-year-olds, and 49% among 55-yearolds and above.

Happiness with love life among men is highest among 35-44-year-olds at 57%, while women in age group 25-34 years old are the happiest with 63%.

There is also no connection between the celebration of Valentine’s Day and the happiness in love life with fear of COVID-19 and their outlook on the pandemic.

The survey was done through face-to-face interviews that involved 1,500 adults across the country.

rural road development program, and sustainable

and resilient community.

Maya Padillo

NOTICE OF AUCTION

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule listed below.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magpahigayon ug subasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong iskedyul nga nakasulat sa ubos.

BRANCHES

DATE PAWNED

DAVAO: AUGUST Sasa Maa 01 - 31, Sandawa 2020 Matina Panabo Main Panabo Branch

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION February 24, 2021(Wed.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sasa Branch VGM BLDG., Km. 11, Sasa, Davao City

THE MANAGEMENT

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LEON F. PELAYO and RUPERTA U. PELAYO who died on December 15, 2005 and October 5, 2004 leaving parcels of land with the following ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (OCT) OCT NOS. T-125907, P-6204, P-15371, T-66247, P-19911 has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.346; Page No. 70, Book No.XXlV Series of 2007 of the Notary Public NAPOLEON F. SANGO

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARIO COLLIANO MARIMON who died on November 30, 2020 has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE.

Executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.233; PageNo.48; Book No.30 Series of 2021, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. KENNETH P. RETUYA.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

IT’S ON... FROM8 experiencing, and just within the 18 hours after the forced cancellation of the Qatar bubble, four national federations already expressed their support

to FIBA by proposing to host one or more groups in their country to play the canceled games," he said without disclosing the other two countries that made a hosting bid.

However, Khajirian confirmed that the games

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 12-Family Court Davao City SP. PROC. NO. R-DVO-20 -03496-SP

N THE MATTER OF THE PETITION TO: ALLOW APRILYN SINDAY TO USE THE SURNAME OF HER FATHER GIMAY ON HER CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH bearing Registry Number 97-12, 737; And CANCEL THE SECOND REGISTERED CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY bearing Registry Number 99-2, 458; APRILYN SINDAY also known as APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY, ROWENA S. SINDAY and ALEXANDER A. GIMAY Petitioners, -versusTHE OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY, Respondent X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

ORDER OF HEARING A verified petition filed on NOVEMBER 25, 2020 has been filed by petitioners, APRILYN SINDAY also known as APIRILYN SINDAY GIMAY, ROWENA S. SINDAY and ALEXANDER a. GIMAY, assisted by counsels ATTY. ARIEL C. SALVO/ATTY. ENI GRACE B FABILA, praying that after due hearing, an order be issued directing the Civil Registrar of Davao city, to wit: 1. ALLOW Aprilyn Sinday to use sssssurname of her father GIMAY in her Certificate of Live Birth with Registry Number 97-12-737;and 2. Aprilyn Sinday hencefort use the name APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY; and 3. CANCEL the second registered Live Birth Certificate of APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY with Registry Number 99-2,458 Moreover, pending the decision granting this petition, to allow APRILYN SINDAY to continuously use the name APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY to conform with her and other transactions and dealings.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, this Court hereby set the same for hearing on APRIL 28, 2021 at 8:30 in the morning. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioners 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 City, Atty. Ariel C. Salvo/Atty. Eni Grace B.Fabila-Public Attorney’s Office Department of Justice, Davao City District Office, Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao city, The office of the Clerk of Court, RTC-Davao City , Aprilyn Sinday also known as Aprilyn Sinday Gimay, Rowena S. Sinday and Alexander A. Gimay-KM. 12 Suha, Barangay Sasa, Buhangin-B District, Davao City, and the Office of the Local Civil registrar of Davao City.

SO ORDERED. Given on this 25th day of JANUARY 2021 at Davao City, Philippines

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

for Groups A, B, and E would be postponed.

"Fixing the dates of the 'window to be created' under this unexpected and unordinary situation will still need about 10 days to be finalized," he said in the letter.

This means the games could be played either by late February or early March at the soonest.

The Gilas Pilipinas Men only needs one win to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup in Indonesia later this year. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 12-Family Court Davao City R-DVO-20-03704-SP

IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTION OF MINOR MARIA NIÑA JARONICA CARIN CUBARRUBIA FOR:ADOPTION

7

ERRATUM In the January 25, February 1, 8, 2021 issues of Edge Davao, in the Notice of publication given by BDO Unibank, Inc. was erroneously published from GINA B. ISHI to GINA B. ISHII Our apologies

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

BDO UNIBANK, INC.,

Mortgagee, - versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,861-21

MICHAEL A. ROBLEDO, JR.

/Debtors/Mortgagors, X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

JOSE MA. CARMELITO V. CUBARRUBIA AND ROXAND DIANING CARIN Petitioners X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

ORDER

Petitioners filed a verified petition praying that they be allowed to adopt as their own child, MARIA NIÑA JARONICA CARIN CUBBARUBIA, minor, who was born on January 17, 2009, in Davao City; that the proposed adoptee is the biological daughter of petitioners Jose Ma. Carmelito V. Cubarrubia and Roxand Dianing Carin; that the adoptee be declared the child of the petitioners-spouses for all legal intents and purposes.

In the Manifestation previously filed by Social Welfare Officer ll Nelsie A. Magsalay, she favorably recommend the adoption of the said child by the petitioners.

WHEREFORE, let the petition be set for hearing on April 27, 2021 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon at which date and time, all persons concerned may appear to show cause, if any, why the prayer in the petition shall not be granted.

The Preliminary Conference for the marking of exhibits is on April 13, 2021 at 3:30 in the afternoon before the Branch Clerk of Court.

Let this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner, in _______, a newspaper of general circulation in the City and three (3) provinces of Davao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

Order.

Notify all parties concerned and the Solicitor General through this

SO ORDERED Davao City, Philippines, January 27, 2021.

(SGD) DANTE A. BAGUIO Presiding Judge

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Upon extra-judicial petition sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against MICHAEL A.ROBLEDO, JR.,with postal addresses at 1.) Sitio Kaimito, Barangay Miranda, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; and, 2) Blk. 10, Lot 12, Phase 1, Illumina Estates Subdivision, Cabantian, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 16, 2020, the subject obligation has amounted to PESOS: ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY NINE THOUSAND FORTY TWO & 47/100 (P 1,179,042.27), and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 4, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or Manager’s Check and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon particularly described below, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017016979 LOT NO. : PORTION OF : LOCATION :

AREA :

12 BLOCK NO. 10 PLAN NO.: PCS-112402-005623 LOT 1 AND 2, PCS-11-005066; BARANGAY OF CABANTIAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. XXX ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY SQUARE METERS (180) MORE OR LESS

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 25, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the herein above-described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, January 22, 2021

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER The OIC Clerk of Court / Ex-Officio Prov’l. Sheriff:

(sgd.) JOSEPH T. CASTRO , JR Sheriff IV

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VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

FARM-TO... FROMA1 Project manager Eduardo E. Suaybaguio, speaking on behalf of DAR Undersecretary for Foreign Assisted Projects Bernie F. Cruz, said before the road was paved with concrete, farmers and residents walk through a very narrow and rough footpath that becomes slippery whenever it rains.

“Vehicles could not drive through either. But with this FMR, the area is now accessible to all types of vehicles,” Suaybaguio said.

He said the road project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was implemented under the DAR’s MinSAAD project.

(PNA)

“Wherever you are in the country, your DICT will strive to reach you,” Honasan said.

These VSAT facilities will be installed in Sumisip, Lamitan, Isabela, and Tip-Tipo in Basilan province; two terminals in Jolo, three in Patikul, and one each in Parang and Luuk in Sulu province; three in Bongao, three in Panglima Sugala, three in Sitangkai, two in Turtle Islands, two in Mapun, and one each in Languyun and Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi province.

It will also provide four desktop computer packages to the local gov-

ernment unit of Taganak Island, four more for the Mapun Island LGU, and 21 thin client (computers that runs resources stored on a central server instead of a localized hard drive) packages will be given to Mapun National High School and Turtle Islands National High School.

To ensure safety and security during the installation of these facilities, it said the Western Command of the AFP under Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., will be providing security and facilitate the deployment of DICT teams. (PR)

such as LED lightning, solar panels and eco-friendly insulation, among others. The intent to harness renewable energy and alternative energy power sources makes it attractive to entities that have sustainability goals in their agenda, such as SGV. Damosa Diamond Tower’s focus on sustainability, coupled with its strategic location, make it an appropriate base for locators that want to capitalize on and contribute to the City’s further development.

Located in the Damosa IT Park in Davao City, the building has over 20,000 square meters of leasable space and is anticipated to become a premiere business address in the city. It has received several awards including Philippines Property Awards Best Office Development in 2020, Best Office Architectural Design in 2019, Highly Commended for Best BPO Office Develop-

ment in 2019, and Highly Commended for Best Office Development in 2019.

The building embodies the design philosophy of developer Damosa Land Inc. (DLI), a homegrown firm started by the late Davao luminary Don Antonio Floirendo, which showcases its deep connection to agriculture and its strong Mindanaoan heritage through the building’s façade, which evokes the wavy lines of banana plant fibers.

“We are honored that SGV & Co., a professional services leader, has confirmed its intent to locate its Davao branch office at Damosa Diamond Tower,” noted Mr. Lagdameo.

“This iconic structure is a testament to the economic dynamism and potentials of Davao City. DLI is committed to opening this office building on time, despite the challenges brought about by

Philippines is now in the middle of a food security crisis, citing the decline in hog and chicken production last month.

Prices of pork in Metro Manila wet markets shot up to as much as P420 per kilo for liem-

po, and P400 per kilo for pigue and kasim last month as supply ran low due to the ASF. To address the issue, Duterte imposed a price ceiling in Metro Manila for 60 days starting Feb. 8 upon the recommenda-

REMOTE... FROMA1

DLI’S... FROMA2

DA... FROMA2

Walk-in applicants still accepted for Davao City TUPAD #BKBK

T

he Davao City government is still accepting walk-in applicants for the open slots under the TUPAD #BKBK (Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko) Program – a partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Special Programs Manager Commissioner Norman Baloro said that his office has just finished accepting application in the 11 administrative districts of Davao City through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Acceptance of applications will continue at the

Magsaysay Park.

According to Baloro, out of the 6,274 slots under the program, 5,372 were already taken.

“With the available slots nga 902, isa sa mga strategies nga ginabuhat sa LGU Davao special projects is naga-conduct ta og daily orientation at the Magsaysay Park (One of the strategies of the LGU Davao special projects is to conduct daily orientation at the Magsaysay Park for the available 902 slots),” Baloro said.

All qualified but still unserved and left out Dabawenyos could di-

rectly go to Magsaysay Park for the orientation and assessment. They are accepting applicants on Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

“Ang kagwapo aning orientation, if they listen to the entire rationale of the program, and once they are qualified enrolled dayon sila sa program. Sa ilang paglingkod ug pagpaminaw, and after assessment they are qualified, day one na na sa ilang trabaho (What’s good in this orientation is if they listen to the entire rationale of the program and, if they are qualified,

they are already enrolled in the program. They sit and listen and they qualify after the assessment – that’s already day one of their work),” Baloro said.

He said that the whole process from the orientation to filling out of the forms will only run for around 30 minutes.

Baloro said applicants should bring a valid government-issued ID and proof that their work is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Each beneficiary under the TUPAD #BKBK program will receive P6,000 for 15 days of community work. CIO

he Philippine government will be the one to compensate and assist those who will develop adverse reactions after getting COVID-19 vaccines, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday.

This, as vaccine manufacturers require an indemnification agreement to be signed prior to the procurement and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an interview.

“All of the manufacturers want an indemnification agreement. Wala po dapat daw mag-charge ng any case against them dahil ang products are still under development,” Vergeire said. “[So] it will be the government...

Kung halimbawa, ang isang tao ay magkakaroon ng reaksyon, kung sakaling mao-ospital, ito po ay sasagutin ng gobyerno through PhilHealth,” she said.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said that Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine could have been delivered to

the country as early as this Friday if the Philippines had its own indemnification law.

Galvez has been calling on Congress to pass an indemnification law, which he said is required

by COVAX, the globally-pooled vaccine procurement and distribution effort co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the GAVI Alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Last month, two bills seeking to establish an indemnity fund for vaccine-related injuries in the country were filed in the Senate.

Both bills propose that the indemnity fund be subsidized by pharmaceutical companies supplying the government with vaccines for public immunization programs, by reserving 1% of the contract price to be deposited with the national treasury. The bills also propose the creation of a Vaccines Compensation Board to manage the indemnification fund.

For now, Galvez said, the government has sub-

mitted a draft indemnity clause to the WHO and the GAVI Alliance.

“Ayan ay pinag-uusapan among different concerned units of government kung papaano gagawin ang indemnification na ito,” Vergeire said.

“But definitely, government will be supporting and assisting all those who will have reactions to these vaccines. Hin-

di lang hospitalization.

Magkakaroon ng ibang forms of indemnification, fina-finalize lang ngayon.

Inaayos lang... Kailangan lang tignan ang sources of funds natin,” she added.

The Philippines targets to inoculate 50 to 70 million individuals within the year, and an estimated 50,000 is expected to be vaccinated in February.

way to the rim," Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders said of his two stars playing together for the first time in several games.

"It made it a little more open for him, so I thought they did find a little bit of chemistry there, which is something that we need to continue to focus on because games come quick."

Borrego won a challenge on a second-quarter foul called on center

Bismack Biyombo. At 5:50 left in the half, Biyombo challenged and appeared to block Edwards' layup. After the foul call, Biyombo argued the call and was assessed a technical foul.

"We just found a way that's the bottom line," Borrego said. "We had every excuse in the world not to win this game, but our guys stuck with it and figured out a way to get it done."

tion of the DA. The price ceiling is P300 per kilo for liempo, P270 per kilo for kasim and pigue, and P160 per kilo for dressed chicken.

Apart from the price ceiling, the DA is also

subsidizing the transportation cost of hogs to be shipped from various parts of the country to Metro Manila to retain their farmgate prices once these arrive in the region.

They responded as the showman mixed a series of tweeners and underarm serves with deft drop shots and thunderous groundstrokes.

But Thiem launched a spirited recovery from the brink during the third set as Kyrgios began to show signs of frustration.

The Australian was penalised a point for venting that frustration as the fourth set slipped from his grasp and had several verbal altercations with the chair umpire.

Early in the fifth set, Kyrgios paused before

serving and called out to a section of the crowd: "Can you stop screamin' out please? Thanks."

But Kyrgios later praised the crowd.

"It was an amazing atmosphere and it was almost like the last hurrah with the announcement today of the lockdown," he said.

"The energy out there was special."

US Open champion Thiem, last year's runner-up at Melbourne Park, will next meet 18th-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.

Gov’t to indemnify those who will develop adverse reactions from vaccines —DOH

T

the pandemic, so that we can achieve our vision of creating a knowledge hub that would further

establish Davao as an economic powerhouse in the southern Philippines.”

ROZIER... FROMB2

OPEN... FROMB2

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

B2

Rozier has 41 in Hornets win C

HARLOTTE, N.C. — Terry Rozier scored 41 points and rookie LaMelo Ball had 20 points and 11 rebounds to help the Charlotte Hornets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 120-114, on Friday night (Saturday, Manila time).

Terry Rozier scored 41 points as the Charlotte Hornets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 120-114, on Friday night (Saturday, Manila time).

FEU ‘fortunate’ to make Top 10 in online chess tourney

G

randmaster (GM) Jayson Gonzales could not help but be too happy that his Far Eastern University (FEU) squad took a Top 10 finish in the Kasparov Chess Foundation University Cup despite being stuck at home with no over the board due to the pandemic.

"We are so fortunate despite the pandemic the FEU sports program continues, especially in chess. We owe our success to FEU management," Gonzales, the Tamaraws' head coach, said on Friday.

FEU's main squad, consisting of Darry Bernardo, Jeth Romy Morado, Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano, John Merill Jacutina, and alternate Kristian Glen Abuton, ended up as the best Philippine team in the event, placing 10th overall.

FEU Manila A actually tied for seventh with National Technical University of Athens A, St. Louis University A, and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology A, with 6.5 points each.

After the tiebreakers, FEU Manila A had to settle for the 10th spot.

However, how the Tamaraws mainly got there was remarkable.

Bernardo, a member of the national para chess team that finished fifth in the FIDE Olympiad for People with Disability

last year, shocked International Master Harshit Raja of the University of Missouri A in Board 4 play.

Bernardo finished with eight points out of a possible nine.

The second team of FEU's chess team in its Quezon City campus finished 18th overall, while its first team landed at number 28.

FEU Manila C ranked 39th, FEU Diliman C finished 54th, FEU Diliman D ended up in 73rd, and FEU Manila D placed 77th.

From the other Tamaraw contingents, reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player Shania Mendoza made an impression.

Women's International Master Mendoza, now with the Palawan Queens' Gambit of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines, amassed 7.5 points in her division.

On the other hand, April Joy Claros and Lemmuel Adena showcased their prowess too.

Claros, aged 13, went unbeaten with seven wins and two draws.

On the other hand, Adena pulled off one of the event's biggest upsets by beating GM Hovhannes Gabuzyan of the University of Texas Rio Grande (UTRG) B. (PNA)

Charlotte improved to 13-14, opening a fivegame homestand with its third victory in four games. Minnesota has lost four straight to fall to 6-20.

"Terry deserves a ton of credit for this victory and he was great down the stretch," Hornets coach James Borrego said. "But overall, he kept us going. When we were dry, he kept us going, he was talking in huddles.

So even off the floor, he's showing his leadership and his will to win games."

Cody Zeller added 17 points for Charlotte on 7-of-8 shooting, Gordon Hayward had 14 points on 5-of-21 shooting, and Miles Bridges had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Hayward hit a 3-pointer to put Charlotte ahead 106-100 with 4:27 left.

Malik Beasley scored 31 points — 16 in the first period — for Minnesota. Karl Anthony-Towns added 25 in his second game back after missing 13 because of the coronavirus.

Anthony Edwards had 21 points for Minnesota in the first matchup between the first and third overall picks in the 2020 NBA draft. Edwards went first, and Ball third.

"I thought (Edwards and Anthony-Towns) found a little bit of synergy in terms of that high-angle screen where they're worried about Karl on the pop and Anthony getting all the

level doesn't drop.

"It is what it is. There was a couple of points in it and I'm not disappointed at all."

Thiem looked all but out of the contest when he was down two sets and two break points in his opening service game of the third set.

"I was already dealing with the loss," Thiem told the Nine Network.

"My first match against Nick here on his favourite court with an amazing crowd, I think there are easier things to do.

"That's for sure one of the tougher challenges we have in our sport as you never know what's coming.

"He's a huge player when he's on fire like today.

"Honestly, I was dealing with the loss already, but somehow I was fighting (to keep) myself in the match and it's the Aussie Open - I know that 'impossible is nothing'."

Kyrgios wore a compression bandage on his left leg but did not appear troubled by the knee injury that has hindered him in recent weeks.

He started with a bang when he broke Thiem's serve in the opening game and revved up the crowd by cupping his hands around his ears, urging them to make more noise.

FROZIER, B1

Open crowd roars as Kyrgios bows out

E

ven in defeat, Nick Kyrgios gave a glimpse of the electric atmosphere a fanfree Australian Open will sorely miss as he exited his home slam in a pulsating five-set loss to world No.3 Dominic Thiem.

A heaving crowd revelled in Kyrgios' antics - the full gamut of good, bad and ugly - on Friday, well into the final two hours before Victoria's five-day COVID-19 lockdown kicked in at midnight.

Many fans were without face masks as Kyrgios encouraged their raucous behaviour and later pleaded with the chair umpire to control them.

The match reflected Kyrgios' roller-coaster of emotions as he claimed the opening two sets before Thiem fought back to register a stirring 4-6 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory.

Despite the result, Kyrgios said he was proud of his effort on return to competitive tennis after taking 13 months out of the game because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I went toe to toe with one of the best players in the world and I left it all out there," Kyrgios said.

"I actually physically felt pretty good. I'm pretty sore now, but he's a hell of a player.

"He's so disciplined.

He's so composed. His

Nick Kyrgios fought tooth and nail against world no. 3 Domonique Thiem before bowing in five sets.

FOPEN, B1

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

IT’S ON AGAIN

VOL.13 ISSUE 257 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14-15, 2021

PH set to host FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers anew

T

he Philippines is once again a bubble host for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ).

FIBA executive director for Asia, Hagop Khajirian, announced in a letter sent to various national federations, including the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), which was made public late Friday, that the country has again been chosen to host one bubble in the third window of the ACQ. "We have already decided to have these games in the Philippines, where SBP will host two groups, and in Lebanon, where LBF (Lebanese Basketball Federation) will host the third group," Khajirian wrote.

FIBA did not exactly disclose where the new Philippine bubble would take place but it may happen in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The SBP was initially approved to host an ACQ bubble at the Angeles

University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center with Quest Hotel as the delegations' official residence.

However, due to the travel restrictions set amid the spread of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) variant from the United Kingdom, the SBP called off the bubble hosting, with Qatar taking over.

However, earlier in the day, the SBP confirmed that Qatar also begged off from hosting due to a rising number of Covid-19 cases there.

Khajirian said FIBA was glad that some domestic governing bodies had stepped in following the cancellation of the Doha bubble.

"We are happy to state that in these difficult circumstances that we are

FIT’S ON, P7

The Philippines will be hosting the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ).