Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 267 | Friday, February 26. 2021

TUNA: GOING, GOING, GONE?

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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GOOD BUT NOT QUITE

VOL.13 ISSUE 267 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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Davao City records 89% Covid-19 recovery rate, needs to surpass 93.1% nationwide standard: CHO STORY ON PAGE 2

A motorcycle rider traverses along the Bago Aplaya portion of the Davao City Coastal Road. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to open this month the first phase of the project to motorists and bikers. Edge Davao

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VOL.13 ISSUE 267 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021

NEWS

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

GOOD BUT NOT QUITE

Davao City records 89% Covid-19 recovery rate, needs to surpass 93.1% nationwide standard: CHO

By MAYA M. PADILLO cting City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Ashley Lopez announced on Thursday that Davao City has recorded a Covid-19 recovery rate of 89 percent.

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“Kinahanglan nato maapsan ang atong national rate nga 93.1 percent sa recovery rate nationwide. So, kung ato nang malapasan ang recovery rate, then, that’s a very good accomplishment for Davao City, " he said during the COVID-19 Alert program on 87.8 FM Davao Disaster Radio.

He added that the health office has recorded a significant downtrend in Covid-19 active cases in the city with almost 50 percent. Based on the data from the past two weeks, the reported cases went down from around 1,500 to 748 active cases.

Lopez also said that accurate forecasting is one of the reasons for the downtrend of cases in the city in the past weeks.

“Importante gyud nang recording and reporting kay sama ani naa tay mga monitoring, naa tay accounting sa atong mga kaso, diha nato ma-foresee or forecast kung unsay mahitabo sa atoa for the next coming

weeks and months ,” Lopez said.

As of February 23, 2021, Davao City has recorded a total of 12,832 confirmed Covid-19 cases, of which, 748 are active cases.

Meanwhile, Lopez assured that no human-to-human and no risk of transmission has been reported involving the more contagious UK variant of coronavirus following the first-ever recorded case of a 10-yearold boy in the city.

“So far, wala man ta’y na-encounter nga any problems especially sa katong risk for transmission because atoang na-contain dayon," he said.

Lopez also said that the boy’s immediate household contacts, including his relatives, all tested negative and will soon end their quarantine period.

He said health authorities have been monitoring the area where the boy resides and have noted no surge in cases.

Barangay programs to signal investor confidence, jobs creation: NEDA 11

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eace and security will no longer be a problem for investors with the implementation of the Barangay Development Program (BDP) in Davao Region.

Maria Lourdes Lim, regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA 11), said that with BDP in place, NEDA

foresees greater investor confidence in the region and bring in more jobs and livelihood to the communities particularly in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS).

BDP is the flagship program of the Duterte administration which to alleviate poverty and address the root causes of

insurgency.

Lim shared that the growth rate of Davao Region has been growing steadily. She said based on the recent gross domestic product released by the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), it showed the Davao Region has been leading the rest of the regions throughout the country and even

besting the growth performance of the national economy which placed at 6.2 percent GDP growth rate in 2019 while Davao Region recorded 7.1 percent GRDP growth rate for the same year.

She also said that Davao Region has the least poverty incidence among six regions in Mindanao. Maya Padillo

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization for Sinovac’s vaccine, the third one after vaccines from Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

FDA director general Dr. Eric Domingo on Monday said Sinovac’s efficacy ranged from 65.3% to 91.2% but only reached 50.4% among health workers with COVID-19 exposure.

T his makes it not recommended for health workers, he added.

“This should be administered by vaccination providers and to prevent COVID-19 in

clinically healthy individuals aged 18 to 59 years old,” Domingo had said.

However, Domingo clarified on Tuesday that health workers can still choose to get vaccinated with Sinovac since they merely made a recommendation on which groups it is not suited for.

“What we did was a recommendation… We don’t say that it’s not illegal or they’re not allowed to use it. We just say, if they’re gonna use it, they should know that the efficacy rate for health workers treating COVID-19 [patients] is at 50%,” he told ANC in an

interview.

Roque earlier stressed that Sinovac is "not a low quality vaccine" even if the two other COVID-19 vaccine brands issued EUA registered a higher efficacy rate, ranging from 70% to 95%, and thus can be used for health workers.

“It is not a low quality vaccine. It is better than no protection. Ang iniiwasan po talaga natin iyong pagkakasakit ng seryoso o nakamamatay,” Roque said, adding Sinovac's vaccine passed the standards of the World Health Organization.

Sinovac vaccines expected to arrive Sunday —Palace

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alacañang on Thursday announced that COVID-19 vaccines from China's Sinovac Biotech are expected to arrive in the Philippines on Sunday, with the rollout seen to start the following day.

"Inaasahan na darating sa araw ng Linggo, itong Linggong ito, ang Sinovac. Kaya excited na tayong lahat," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced in a press briefing.

"Inaasahan at least ang pinaplano natin ay sasalubungin ng mga opisyal ang pagdating ng mga bakuna," he added.

VOL.13 ISSUE 267 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Motorists pass by a scenic road dotted with pine trees in remote Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Wednesday (24 February 2021). MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

NPA recruiting more IPs in Davao Region: AFP

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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large number of Indigenous People (IP) are being recruited as members of the Communist Terrorist Group - New People’s Army (CTG-NPA) according to Major General Reuben Basiao of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division.

Basiao said based on their data, the membership of IPs in the CTG-NPA from 2016 to 2020 is at 83 percent.

"In 2006 to 2011, the membership used to be 73 percent," he said.

Basiao said this is expected as the areas of operation of the CTGNPA are mostly IP dominated.

"Medyo paatras ng paatras sila sa base areas nila and are now in the areas that are normally located within IP ancestral domains kaya medyo tumataas ang membership of the IPs on the CTG movement as of this time," Basiao said.

He said based on their survey assessment, the ideology of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front is anchored on the primary issues such as land tenure, ownership of the property, crop sharing or harvesting.

Basiao also said that aside from the primary issues, the group also anchored their ideals on the community-based or the secondary is-

sues that affect barangays such as lack of farm-to-market roads, need for potable water system, need for skilled personnel, and programs that will address poverty.

On the other hand, Basiao said that 66 percent of the former rebels (FRs) are from the youth sector.

"From 2016 to 2020, at least 65 percent are coming from the youth sector and this figure actually is already a reduction from what used to be from all time high from 2006 of 86 percent," he said.

He said programs directed to the youth sector were already established by the 10th ID. He said these programs have been effective in reducing the participation of the youth on its membership to the terrorist group.

He said they also established youth organizations that have active roles in their campaign against terrorism and help reduced the participation of the youth in the NPA movement.

PhilSys to launch virtually Feb. 26

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he Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will launch the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) online nationwide on Feb.26.

In an update posted on its website on Feb. 23 night, PSA invited the public to watch the streaming of PhilSys Ceremonial Event dubbed "#IDnatin: Prepare and Cooperate with the Innovative Philippines.

“Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and to our countrymen in different parts of the world: Watch out for the PhilSys Ceremonial Event that will be shown on our Facebook page (fb.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial), at 1 p.m.,” the post read.

PSA said the event aims to educate the public on the process of PhilSys registration and the benefits Filipinos and resident aliens could get with a single national ID. The virtual event will showcase the three steps to register for PhilSys. President Rodrigo Duterte and officials of various national agencies are expected

to attend the event, it said.

“With President Rodrigo Duterte and officials of various agencies, find out the next steps for the implementation of PhilSys. This is #IDnatin: Prepare and Unite For Innovative Philippines.

Use #IDnatin and invite the whole family, friends, and acquaintances to watch,” the post added.

PSA said PhilSys' Step 1 registration process is currently ongoing in the entire country. It involves the house-to-house visitation of PhilSys enumerators to get the demographic information of each registrant.

After this, the enumerators will set an appointment schedule for Step 2, which involves validating the supporting documents and collecting biometric information, including the registrant’s fingerprint scan, iris scan, and front–facing photograph.

PSA made it clear that health protocols and safety measures would be strictly enforced in all the registration activities in line with

the coronavirus disease pandemic.

The agency said Step 3 is the stage where all the information encoded in the system will be validated. After validation, PSA issues PhilSys Number (PSN) and Phil ID to the registrant.

The PSN can also be used as proof of identity if the registrant fails to bring his Phil ID card.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.

It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA)

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UNIT TURNOVER BY AEON LUXE PROPERTIES. Aeon Luxe Properties executives recently handed over ceremonial key and turnover kits to clients and soon-to-be residents of Aeon Towers on the first week of February 2021 at the Club Aeon of the Aeon Towers in JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City. Present in the ceremonies are ALPI Vice President for Sales and Marketing Almira Mariano, Vice President for Operations Engr. Daniel Manalo, Project Development Manager Jester Hospital and Sales Admin Manager Luis Dollesin.

Modernization of intellectual property law ‘closer to fruition’

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he Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) believes that the modernization of intellectual property law is now “closer to fruition” as the lower House consolidated bills to amend the Intellectual Property Code of 1998.

In a statement Thursday, IPOPHL director general Rowel Barba said amending the current legal intellectual property framework is “much needed” as international frameworks, standards, and best practices are evolving amid the rapid advances in technology.

“A modernized Intel-

lectual Property Code will help the Philippines keep step with global trends, making the country more competitive and attractive to foreign investors,” Barba said.

The House Committee on Trade and Industry consolidated House Bill (HB) 8062, authored by Representatives Christo-

pher De Venecia and Sharon Garin; HB 1597 by Deputy Speaker Michael Romero; and HB 8620 by Deputy Speaker Weslie Gatchalian.

The Technical Working Group has agreed to use Gatchalian’s HB 8620 as its working draft for the new intellectual property law.

Moreover, the IPOPHL chief is pushing for 17 priority amendments, adding these changes will benefit stakeholders and the consuming public.

Under enforcement and adjudication, IPOPHL seeks steeper fines on infringers; removing

iring of workers with digital skills has grown substantially in the last three years across the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region, according to a recent report issued by the APEC Human Resources Development Working Group and received here on Tuesday.

The report highlights the gap between workforce supply and demand and emphasizes the urgent need for member economies to invest in digital upskilling and reskilling of their workforce.

Research by LinkedIn and Burning Glass Technologies in the 'APEC Closing the Digital Skills Gap Report-Trends and Insights' has found that the digital hiring rate across the region increased three-fold between 2016 and 2019.

While the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic led to a hiring slowdown in the first quarter of 2020, the report predicts continued strong demand for digital talent, with a greater than one-fold increase in March 2020 compared to the previous year.

"Digitalization offers

us many opportunities and challenges, the most pressing one is to address and manage the discrepancy between industry and education and training systems, where the former moves and innovates a lot faster than the latter," Park Dong Sun, chair of the APEC Human Resources and Development Working Group, said.

"Covid-19 has accelerated digital transformation and adoption in almost all aspects of our lives, it is extremely critical for policymakers to look into measures to support the upskill-

the damage claim threshold; granting the Office the power to take down websites with infringing material; recognizing its alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as official modes for dispute settlement; and institutionalizing its Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Office.

IPOPHL also proposes amendments that will benefit inventors such as a parallel-protection system which inventors can register for patent grant and simultaneously file a utility model for the same invention. ing and reskilling of our workforce," Park added.

The report underscored the importance of reskilling workers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic as many are looking for new opportunities, and it is "necessary to have at least baseline digital skills".

It is also critical to equip new workers with digital skills so they can thrive in the workforce, the report said.

As businesses are forced to adjust to a more digital work environment, workers may also need to expand their

FMODERNIZATION, P10

Investing in digital upskilling of APEC’s workforce critical

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FINVESTING, P10

DTI reiterates support to local cooperatives

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epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has reiterated the agency’s support to local cooperatives as it helps the agriculture sector and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) survive amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

At the launch of the Agricultural Cooperative Development Agenda (ACDA) Wednesday, Lopez underscored the role of cooperatives in bringing inclusive growth at the grassroots level and their crucial part in helping the government in dealing with economic challenges brought by the pandemic.

“We reiterate our commitment to fully support our cooperatives who have been integral to the government’s efforts to deal with the economic and health challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Lopez said the DTI has several initiatives that can help cooperatives in providing support for MSMEs in the agriculture sector, such as the Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program, Livelihood Seeding Program–Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB) program, and shared services facilities (SSFs)

program, among others.

Under the CARES program, DTI’s financing arm Small Business (SB) Corp. can lend zero-interest loans to cooperatives to help them continue their businesses amid the pandemic.

The DTI chief said that as of February 19, SB Corp. has released some PHP2.21 billion loans under the CARES program.

The LSP-NSB program also provides business advisory assistance and services to MSMEs that were affected by natural and human-induced calamities.

DTI’s SSF program, on the other hand, provides MSMEs with machinery, equipment, tools, and systems, among others, under a shared system to improve their competitiveness.

DTI provides these facilities through cooperatives.

Moreover, Lopez said that as part of the whole-of-government approach in developing the country’s agriculture sector, the Board of Investments (BOI) listed agribusiness under the 2020 Investment Priorities Plan.

The BOI offers incentives to attract more agribusiness projects in the country.

“Thus, even as we

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ECONOMY

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Agriculture Secretary William Dar says the relaxing conditions for paying hog raisers’losses under its insurance program for hogs by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) is needed in periods of adversity. Edge Davao

DA-PCIC eases conditions for paying ASF-affected insured hog raisers

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he Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has relaxed conditions for paying hog raisers’ losses under its insurance program for hogs.

In a statement, the DA said the relaxation of conditions is “in support of the Duterte government’s initiative to revitalize hog production amid the African Swine Fever (ASF) epidemic.”

The Agriculture de-

partment said that the PCIC board of directors approved the DA proposal to pay losses resulting from government-ordered culling or slaughter of insured hogs, and raise the payable amount up to 100% of the insur-

ance cover or the total sum insured.

Standard insurance industry policy does not include government-ordered disposal of stocks when epidemics occur among the compensable risks, while indemnity payment are normally pegged at a maximum of 60% of total sum insured (TSI), according to the DA. “Bold policy actions are needed in periods

of adversity like the hog industry is in now, and we thank the PCIC for this quick response that sends the message the DA and its family of agencies are here to help our stakeholders, particularly the hog industry, build resilience and sustainability,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar. The DA noted the move is expected to help encourage the raising of over 10 million head of

swine among commercial and backyard raisers.

The stocks to be insured will be a mix of fatteners and breeders, including grandparent stock, among the former, and fatteners and breeders, among the latter.

Backyard hog raisers currently receive free insurance, provided they are listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), the country’s database

of bona fide subsistence farmers and fisherfolk.

But they will be covered by the relaxed provision on indemnity payment and culling or emergency slaughter.

Moreover, the board directed the PCIC to increase the number of backyard hog raisers to be provided insurance coverage, the DA said.

These enhanced insurance policy features

approved the waiving of filing fees for COVID-19 vaccine applications under the “Mabuhay Lane” and the use of the Tax Exemption System (TES) Online Filing Module in processing the vaccine imports “to further support the government's rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program.”

COVID-19 vaccine tax exemption applications in the Mabuhay Lane, which is under the DOF's Revenue Office, will be processed within 24 working hours, the Finance Department said.

These tax exemption policies will be incorporated in the inter-agency guidelines on the implementation of a One-Stop Shop for International Donations and Government Procured COVID-19 Vaccines that is being prepared by the DOF, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it said.

Tionko, who heads the DOF's Revenue Oper-

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SEC clears AboitizPower’s bond DOF approves inclusion of COVID-19 vaccine imports in ‘Mabuhay Lane’ issuance, IPO of Ace Medical

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has considered favorably the public fundraising of Aboitiz Power Corp.

(AboitizPower) and Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center-Palawan, Inc. In its meeting on Feb. 23, the Commission en banc resolved to render effective the respective registration statements of AboitizPower for the issuance of fixed-rate bonds worth up to PHP30 billion and of ACE Med-

ical Center-Palawan for the initial public offering (IPO) of shares worth about PHP1 billion, subject to certain remaining requirements.

AboitizPower AboitizPower may issue the debt securities in one or more series within three years. For the first tranche, the listed company will offer up to PHP4 billion of fixed-rate bonds due 2026, with an oversubscription option of up to PHP4 billion, at face value.

Assuming full exer-

cise of the oversubscription option, AboitizPower expects to net PHP7.895 billion from the first tranche.

The proceeds will be used for the redemption of bonds maturing 2021 and for the early redemption of bonds maturing in 2026.

The company intends to list the fixed-rate bonds for trading on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

AboitizPower engaged BDO Capital & In-

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has approved the inclusion of all COVID-19 vaccines imports in the Department of Finance’s (DOF) “Mabuhay" or express lane of to allow quick processing of the tax and duty exemptions of these vital shipments.

In a statement on Thursday, the DOF said the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccine imports in the express lane is upon the recommendation of Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko.

The Finance chief also

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On Davao City recording a Covid-19 recovery rate of 89 percent: Kinahanglan nato maapsan ang atong national rate nga 93.1 percent sa recovery rate nationwide. So, kung ato nang malapasan ang recovery rate, then, that’s a very good accomplishment for Davao City.”

Dr. Ashley Lopez Acting City Heath Officer

EDITORIAL

Barangay development

One basic thing to remember in any electoral exercise in the Philippines is that, in order to win, you have to win from the ground and up. Which means, the first critical level to conquer is the barangay. To win elections in a town, city and province, politicians need to get the votes from the barangays first and foremost.

That is why it is not surprising that vote-buying, as it exists whether we like it or not, necessarily begins in the barangays.

But while the elections are won and lost in the barangays, the biggest losers in this highly political territory are also the barangays.

After the elections, the barangays are left with either crumbs or nothing in the government development agenda. The barangays come last in the order of priority.

This imbalance could have triggered many migraine nights for President Rodrigo Duterte that one evening he probably told his closest aide Senator Bong Go that enough is enough.

Thus, the Barangay Development Program or BDP.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

In Davao City’s case alone, there is now a P1.6 billion Barangay Development Program (BDP) fund that will go to road concreting projects in rural areas. Around P1 billion would go to road projects in the barangays, while the rest of the budget would fund basic infrastructures such as water system and health centers.

Under the BDP, the city’s 82 barangays will get a share of P20 million each to fund the identified projects.

P347.5 million will go to water system, P192.5 million for school facilities, P37 million for health centers, P30 million for electrification, P25 million for evacuation centers, and P1 million for non-infrastructure projects.

By giving the barangays what is due them, it also recognizes the important role it plays in community development and in the wider scale of economic development in the provinces, regions and ultimately, the entire country.

Now barangays will no longer be begging after the elections from vote-hungry politicians who are only visible during the short-term engagement.

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

OUR VANISHING SEAGRASSES Perhaps one of the most beautiful islands in Mati City, Davao Oriental is Pujada Island.

I had the pleasure of visiting the white-sand island at least twice.

The water is crystal clear and the place is so pretty that you are transported back into the time when you were still a kid and swimming in the beach was a welcome treat.

The island, one of the four, is situated in the bay that has been declared a marine protected area in 1994 by then President Fidel V. Ramos. It covers 21,200 hectares protecting the bay and its coastal area.

But what is interesting is that Pujada Bay is known to harbor nine of the sixteen species of sea grasses found in the Philippines. “That’s why we have plenty of marine turtles and dugongs in our waters,” said provincial board member Louie Rabat.

The endangered dugongs are the world’s only vegetarian marine mammal and are reliant on seagrasses for food. They can eat up to 40 kilograms of seagrasses per day. “The dugongs that live in these seagrass ecosystems are excellent barometers indicative of the overall health of the ecosystem,” said the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project.

Globally, seagrasses are used as filling for mattresses.

In Europe and Africa, they are used as roof coverings. In the Mediterranean, traditional heal-

ers use seagrasses as medicine against skin diseases.

Aside from skin diseases, a recent study discovered that a specific type of seagrass is a strong medicine against malaria; it is also found “to be very effective in early stages of leprosy.” As they are nutraceutical in nature, seagrasses can be made into food supplements.

A new research published in Science also showed that seagrass meadows can reduce bacterial exposure to corals, other sea creatures and human beings.

“The seagrass appears to combat bacteria, and this is the first research to assess whether that coastal ecosystem can alleviate disease associated with marine organisms,” said lead author Joleah Lamb of Cornell’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future.

Several studies have revealed that they are also very important in offsetting carbon dioxide emissions. A research from Edith Cowan University – published in the journal PLOS ONE – shows that seagrass meadows, hidden beneath the oceans, lock away between four and ten times that of tropical forests. “Pound-for-pound, they are big hitters when it comes to snatching carbon out of the atmosphere,” it said.

Another study – from the University of York and published in Frontiers in Marine Science – seemed to agree.

“Seagrass meadows could play a vital role in combating climate

change as they are regarded as a net global sink for carbon,” explained Adam Hejnowicz, who headed the study. “They have the capacity to bury significant deposits of organic carbon beneath the sediment, up to many meters thick in places and over millenary time scales.”

Seagrass meadows – bountiful underwater gardens that nestle close to shore – have the 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. Miguel Fortes, the first Filipino to receive the prestigious International Biwako Prize for Ecology.

Blue carbon is actually carbon from the atmosphere and oceans. The seagrasses sequester those emitted carbon dioxide from going into the atmosphere by storing them in the ecosystem. As a result, they help mitigate the consequences brought about by climate change.

The Philippines is one of the countries that is greatly affected by climate change. The World Bank report, Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines, stated: “Climate change is occurring nowpine and will intensify in the next few decades, threatening in particular developing nations, with the Philippines being one of the most vul-

nerable countries in the world.”

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.”

Although seagrass meadows can store large amounts of carbon, they are under assault around the world. “Global loss of seagrass meadows is about 7% each year since 1990,” said Lamb.

The Philippines fares no better. “(Seagrasses) 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. Fortes.

“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.

Since the time of the dinosaurs, three groups of flowering plants have colonized the oceans. Seagrasses, however, are the only flowering plants

that can live underwater. More closely related to terrestrial lilies and gingers than to true grasses, they grow in sediment on the sea floor with erect, elongate leaves.

Seagrasses are quite different from seaweeds, which are algae. Seagrasses produce flowers, fruits, and seeds while seaweeds make spores. Seagrasses have separate roots, leaves and underground stems called rhizomes (which form an extensive network below the surface).

Seaweeds rarely have “roots” below the surface.

“Unlike seaweeds, seagrasses are vascular plants – they have a network of veins to move nutrients and dissolved gases around the plant,” states the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). On the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, over 500 species of algae can be found but only 14 species of seagrasses inhabit.

In terms of seagrasses in the world, the Philippines – with 16 species thriving along its coasts – has the second highest. Western Australia has more; it has 17 species of seagrasses.

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.

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

SEAFARER’S COMPENSATION CASES AND COMPANY DOCTOR’S DECLARATIONS Courts are not bound by the medical findings of the company doctors in the determination of compensation cases filed by Filipino seafarers.

In most seafarer cases for disability or death benefits claims, one of the arguments often raised by the companies is that they are not liable to pay benefits by pointing to the medical reports of the company-designated physician that the seafarer’s illness is not work-connected, that he is fit to work or that the compensation is limited to a lower amount based on a low disability grading.

Such assessment is arrived at after the seafarer submits himself to the company doctor for a post employment medical examination within three days from his repatriation.

While the company doctor must declare the nature of a seafarer’s disability, the Supreme Court stressed in several rulings that said declaration is not conclusive and final upon the court since the inherent merit of the

case will still be weighed and duly considered.

The Supreme Court noted Magsaysay vs. Buenaventura (G.R. No. 195878. January 10, 2018) that the judicial bodies should not adopt the declaration hook, line and sinker as it may be set aside if it is shown that the diagnosis of the company doctor is attended with clear bias, has no scientific basis or are not supported by the medical records of the seafarer.

Their findings cannot be taken as “gospel truth” due to the proliferation of obviously biased company doctors whose loyalty rests completely upon the company they serve and these are palpably self-serving and biased in favor of petitioners and certainly could not be considered independent” (Wallem vs. NLRC 318 SCRA 623).

In Dohle-Philman Manning Agency, Inc vs Heirs of Andres Gazzingan (G.R. No. 199568 June 17, 2015), the Court said that the company doctor’s opinion is not an accurate appraisal of the extent of the seafarer’s

disability since it was not based on the post-employment medical examination conducted on the seafarer after his medical repatriation.

In the absence of reasonable findings, diagnostic tests and procedures to support the assessment, the same cannot be simply taken at face value. Moreover, the company doctor hastily concluded that aortic dissection is hereditary without necessarily considering other varied factors that can contribute to the development of the disease.

In Racelis v. United Philippine Lines, Inc. (G.R. No. 198408, November 12, 2014), the Court discarded the medical certificate because the opinion came from a physician who did not personally attend to the seafarer in the course of the latter’s medical treatment and for being unsubstantiated by any medical findings.

In Jebsens Maritime, Inc. v. Babol (G.R. No. 204076, December 4, 2013), the Court did not give probative weight on the company doctor’s opinion that

the seafarer’s condition is not work-related as the wordings used in the doctor’s report did not make a categorical statement confirming the total absence of work relation but only a mere probability.

In Magsaysay Mitsui Osk Marine, Inc. v. Bengson (G.R. No. 198528, October 13, 2014), the Court disregarded the company doctor’s categorical declaration that the seafarer’s illness is not work-related for being self-serving. The Court sustained the illness’ work-connection as the facts of the case clearly showed the contributory factor of the seafarer’s daily working conditions to the illness suffered, even in the absence of a contrary opinion of other doctors.

In Teekay Shipping Philippines, Inc. v. Jarin (G.R. No. 195598, June 25, 2014), the Court ruled that it was unnecessary for the seafarer to consult and provide a contrary opinion from his own doctors since the causal connection between the illness and the work for which he had been contracted was

clearly detailed and convincingly established by him.

The company doctor’s assessment does not evince irrefutable and conclusive weight in assessing the compensability of an illness as the seafarer has the right to seek a second opinion from his preferred physician (Cadornigara vs. NLRC, 538 SCRA 363).

Said rulings were based on the prevailing doctrine that “disability is intimately related to the worker’s capacity to earn, and what is compensated is not his injury or illness but his inability to work resulting in the impairment of his earning capacity. Thus, disability has been construed less on its medical significance but more on the loss of earning capacity.” (Ilustricimo v, NYK-Fil Ship Management, Inc., G.R. No. 237487, June 27, 2018.)

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

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LIFESTYLE Acacia Hotel Davao receptionist wearing Face shield and Face mask. Hand sanitizer and safety signage are located across areas of the hotel.

Acacia Hotel Davao Hotel Manager, Agot Serrano.

Phoenix rising:

ACACIA HOTEL REOPENS

THE past twelve months have changed life and living for many of us.

Face masks are mandatory, travel is restricted, and hanging out with family and friends for a casual get-together is more difficult and dissuaded. This slump in events has led to many changes in Durianburg’s hospitality and service landscape. While many places we used to visit for a casual lunch, coffee, or dinner are still open for service, there are many hospitality spots that have, sadly, had to close their doors.

One hotel that closed its doors at the start of the pandemic was the, then, justopened Acacia Hotel Davao.

But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Acacia Hotel Davao recently re-opened its doors last February 18 to offer heartfelt service and a touch of Filipino

hospitality in the new normal.

“When the pandemic started, the tourism industry felt its fair share of negative effects.

This led the management to cease the hotel’s operations to ensure the safety of the clients, employees and to prioritize sustainability. After eight months of temporary closure, we felt that the situation got better as people are already adapting to the new normal. The availability of safety equipment and access to treatments are also being utilized”, shared Ms. Lurleen “Agot” Serrano, Acacia Hotel Davao’s newly appointed Hotel Manager.

“Acacia Hotel Davao is now ready to offer its services with the safety measures in place.

We have planned out a systematic approach in dealing with the present situation. Safety protocols are implemented

Enjoy authentic Cantonese dishes at Luk Foo Palace. from the entry points to the guest rooms, public areas and exit points. We make sure to follow the Executive Order of the government. Hand sanitizers are available around the ho-

Acacia Hotel Davao’s Deluxe Room. tel, safety kits are given to in-house guests and social distancing is observed in the public areas”, Serrano added.

Acacia Hotel Davao’s 259 modern and well-appointed guest rooms and suites are deeply sanitized and cleaned to ensure that the guests can enjoy a safe and comfortable stay, and a refreshing change of scenery.

Also open to serve is the hotel’s Luk Foo Palace Cantonese Restaurant. Acacia Hotel Davao’s signature restaurant offers high-end authentic Cantonese specialties for dinein, room service, and even for takeout orders which allow you to munch on your favorite dishes in the comfort of home.

For intimate events, Acacia Hotel Davao’s function room allows for small wedding celebrations while staying to the city’s health protocols. “Banquet events are only limited to 25 pax to avoid mass gatherings. With these practices, Acacia Hotel Davao believes that it is now time to once again open our doors and offer our heartfelt service to all”, shared Serrano.

The Acacia Hotel Davao is currently offering special room promotions that will surely provide a luxurious stay.

Immerse yourself in an extravagant getaway with their room voucher program. The Deluxe

Room voucher is priced at Php3,000 nett per room per night while the Executive Suite Voucher is priced at P3,500 nett per room per night inclusive of breakfast for two available for stays until June 2021.

Luk Foo Palace also has treats for everyone. Guests staying at the Acacia Hotel Davao receive an exclusive Signature Luk Foo Fried Chicken for every single-receipt of Php800, While dining guests can enjoy a complimentary Almond Jelly for a single-receipt bill of Php1,500, and a complimentary Garlic Sotanghon with Prawns for a single-receipt bill of Php2,500. Present your S&R or Puregold Membership Card and enjoy a Signature Luk Foo Fried Chicken for every singlereceipt bill of Php1,000. Order any item from the menu and get your favorite soup for only Php28.

“We are elated as we open our doors to welcome you again on February 18, 2021. Our team is ready and thrilled to serve you with our brand of genuine Filipino Hospitality that is simply heartfelt,” Serrano said in closing, “We welcome you to your safe haven, we welcome you to Acacia.”

The Acacia Hotel Davao is now accepting room reservations and event bookings. You may call them at +63 917 826 5442 for event bookings and +63 917 823 5215 for room bookings or email them at enquiry@acaciahotelsdavao.com.

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AGRITRENDS

Tuna:

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going, going gone?

“gulyasan” (Katsuwonus Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO or petamis). These are caught

T

una is called the “chicken of the sea” for obvious reasons. It may not look like a chicken but tuna can be prepared in several ways just like chicken. In fact, it can be served raw – think of fresh kinilaw.

The Philippines is among the world’s largest producers of tuna and tunalike species, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

In fact, almost half of its seafood exports are tuna products (fresh tuna, frozen tuna, poached tuna and canned tuna).

“Tuna is by far the largest seafood export commodity of the Philippines in terms of value and offers a livelihood to thousands of fishermen,” noted the website, seafoodtip.com.

“Catching tuna is a lucrative industry, generating US$42 billion per year, and provides thousands of jobs in the catching, processing, and trading sector worldwide,” pointed out Ephraim Batungbacal, regional oceans research coordinator for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

Tunas – which eat smaller fish, like mackerel, sardines and anchovies -- are migratory oceanic fishes, which are capable of attaining large sizes. It also includes tuna-like species such as billfish, swordfish, and marlin.

The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, which compiled a detailed scientific report on the state of global tuna stocks, reports: “Tunas are widely but sparsely distributed throughout

the oceans of the world, generally in tropical and temperate waters between about 45 degrees north and south of the equator.”

The western and central portions of the Pacific Oceans of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Statistical Area 71 contain the biggest tuna resources among the world’s oceans.

The Philippines straddles FAO Area 71 in which half of the world’s yellowfin tuna is harvested.

In the Philippines, twenty-one species have been recorded. “But only six species are commercially important,” says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former executive director of Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD). He is now an academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Among the shallowwater/small tunas, the most commercially important are the frigate tuna or “tulingan” (Auxis thazard), the eastern little tuna or “kawa-kawa” (Euthynnus affinis), and the bullet tuna (Auxis rochei).

Most of these tunas are consumed locally.

The important species among the deep-water/big tunas are the yellowfin tuna or “albacora” (Thunnus albacores), the big-eye tuna or “tambakol” (Thunnus obesus), and the skipjack

using commercial fishing boats with purse seines and ring nets. Small fishermen catch these species using handlines (hook and line).

According to the FAO, the tuna industry is centered around General Santos City, touted to be the “tuna capital of the Philippines.”

The tuna boom was spurred by the arrival, in the mid1970s, of Japanese traders looking for new supplies of sashimigrade yellowfin tuna.

“The Philippines is best known for its high quality, fresh yellowfin tuna and is at the moment at the biggest supplier of fresh yellowfin tuna to the European Union,” seafood-tip.com states.

In 2010, the Philippines shipped 106,449 metric tons of prime-grade yellowfin, big-eye, skipjack and other varieties of tuna to the United States, United Kingdom and Germany, according to a report from the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

But the tuna export industry is in trouble.

“Many of the country’s tuna fisheries are severely overfished,” the WWF deplored.

In 2013, seafoodsource. com reported that the volume of yellowfin tuna landed at General Santos City was “getting few yearon-year.” Quoting data from the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, it said that the yellowfin tuna landing in the first quarter of that year was only 505 metric tons. The previous year, the volume was 528 metric tons.

“Tunas are caught

throughout Philippine waters,” says Dr. Guerrero, “but the most productive fishing grounds are the Sulu Sea, Moro Gulf and waters extending to the North Celebes Sea. Viable tuna fisheries also exist in waters off Western Negros, as well as Northwestern and Southern Luzon.”

Deep-water or oceanic tunas are believed to be breeding in the Moro Gulf when 3-4 years of age. The

Aggregating Device) locally known as payao is “the most important factor that triggered the phenomenal growth of the tuna fishing industry,” says a position paper published

by PCAMRD. “The tuna fisheries became the largest and most valuable fisheries in the Philippines during the mid-1970s when payao was introduced.”

On payao, Dr. Guerrero explains: “The device is a

juveniles (less than l year old) stay in shallow waters (inshore) until they swim out to the West Pacific or Indian Ocean depending on the current. This is the reason why the big tunas are called “fishes without a country.”

They have also been referred to as migratory or straddling stocks.

“The Philippines is in a strategic position because of its proximity to offshore fishing grounds,” says Dr. Guerrero, referring to the West Pacific. “It also has an established tuna canning industry and skilled fishermen.”

The FAD (Fish

floating structure made of bamboo and coconut fronds that is anchored to the bottom. It attracts small fishes that tunas feed on.

Fishing boats encircle the structures with their nets to catch them.”

As a result of payao, the annual tuna production has increased substantially from less than 10,000 tons in 1970 to about 300,000 tons in the 1990s. During 2003, tuna production was 483,314 tons or 24.8 percent of total Philippine capture fisheries production.

It was just a matter of time that overfishing became a problem. “The Philippine fishing fleet

consists of 98% out of small vessels operating close to shore and only 2% are commercial vessels operating in commercial waters and high seas,” seafood-tip.com reported.

“The tuna fishery employs a variety of gear to catch different species,” the website added. “Skipjack tuna are mostly targeted by purse seine vessels to supply cannery operations, while yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna are the main target species for the handline and longline fisheries that focus on fresh and frozen products.”

According to the website, “the purse seine and longline fleets are centered around the southern province of Mindanao while handliners are active throughout all major fishing grounds in the country.”

Tuna is popular among humans because it does not have a strong fishy flavor, and consumers who do not like fish will often eat tuna. Another thing: tuna is a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.

Several studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of heart disease, improve the immune system, cure varied inflammatory conditions, ease the pain caused by arthritis, and help normalize blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The popularity of tuna among industrialized countries has made tuna to be overfished in countries where it is usually caught.

The big demand of Japanese sushi in the western world is putting pressure on

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Barba is also pushing for provisional patent protection which will protect inventions while the inventor is making refinements or still assessing the commercial viability of the invention before undergoing the formal patent application.

Included in its key amendments is the alignment of the definition of industrial design with the multilateral Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement and protection of partial designs or designs that make part of a certain product or article.

“Under the trademark law, new changes proposed are the protection of non-visual marks, such as sound marks, among others, and certification marks, which indicate that a product has met certain standards whether with respect to origin, material, mode of manufacture or performance,” IPOPHL said.

In protecting copyrights and related rights, the IPOPHL aims that

the new law will adopt clear-cut rules on orphan works; recognizing extended collective licensing by which collective management organizations can extend the license they issue to works of non-members; expanding the limitations for copyright; and centralizing the registration and deposit of copyright works in IPOPHL to avoid confusion among stakeholders.

IPOPHL aims one of its units to be transformed into Bureau of Innovation and Business Development that will promote the use of intellectual property documents and databases for innovation and creativity pursuits, as well as increase intellectual commercialization and technology transfer in the country.

IPOPHL also wants the institutionalization of Intellectual Property Academy, which will be the national center for intellectual property learning, skills training and research. (PNA)

thank our cooperatives for being our strong partner in fostering inclusive growth, we call on them to maximize the available opportunities to further their development. We hope that you will continually work with us

in the modernization of the agriculture sector, especially through agribusiness, so that all our countrymen can achieve a more comfortable and higher quality of life as promised by the President,” Lopez said. (PNA)

for hogs will remain in place until such time that the industry shall have stabilized or a vaccine or other veterinary solutions will have been developed for ASF, it said.

Consistent with the DA policy on biosafety, the PCIC will require commercial and backyard raisers to adhere to prescribed biosafety protocols.

These include cleaning, disinfecting and

training in biosafety measures as contained in the DA Administrative Order No. 6, issued on February 6, 2021, entitled “Guidelines on the Implementation of the Recovery, Rehabilitation and Repopulation Assistance Program for ASF-affected and Non-ASF Affected Areas.”

The PCIC is the sole agricultural insurance firm in the country.

ations Group (ROG), recommended the inclusion in the “Mabuhay Lane” of COVID-19 vaccine imports, “regardless of the applicable legal basis,” to “allow for the expedited processing of the tax and exemption of such applications.”

Under DOF Department Order (DO) No. 542000, the Secretary of Finance is authorized to include additional sectors that may avail of the express service under the Mabuhay Lane.

“We add that the Mabuhay Lane currently processes all Relief Consignment under Section 120 in relation to 121 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The Lane is expected to process all COVID-19 vaccines which may qualify as relief consignment,” Tionko said.

Relief Consignment refers to goods donated to national government (NG) agencies and accredited private entities for free distribution to, or for the use of, victims of calamities.

Under Section 121 of the CMTA, relief consignment imported during a state of calamity and intended for the use of calamity victims shall be exempted from the payment of duties and taxes.

Created on May 13, 1994 through DO 29-94, the “Mabuhay Lane” is tasked to expeditiously process applications for the tax and duty exemption of certain groups of importers, which include export-oriented firms, returning residents or “balikbayans” and non-profit, non-stock educational institutions.

skill set to work efficiently and effectively from home or other locations.

In addition to efforts to measure the digital skills gap, the initiative also announced the finalization of a digital readiness checklist designed to help APEC governments, employers, and academia understand their levels of preparedness for jobs in the digital age and to support their efforts to upskill and reskill workers amid the pandemic.

"Digital skills and remote work have become critical to retaining employment and to economic survival, with occupations requiring higher levels of digital skills more likely to offer remote work opportunities during these challenging times," Andrew Tein of Wiley, co-chair of the APEC Closing the Digital Skills Gap Forum, said.

The Covid-19 pan-

demic has also exposed the risks for those whose jobs are least digital, such as workers in the frontline services sector.

As these least digital jobs are also least open to remote work, workers in this sector are negatively affected, the report said. This dichotomy may deepen inequality if they do not have the necessary digital skills to transition to other jobs.

"We must come together to prepare the current and next generation of workers to have the digital skills necessary to succeed in the new economy," Jennifer Thornton of the Business-Higher Education Forum and cochair of the APEC Closing the Digital Skills Gap Forum said.

"A skilled workforce is key to our continued success and to increasing opportunity across APEC economies," she said.

(Antara)

vestment Corporation, BPI Capital Corporation, China Bank Capital, and First Metro Investment Corporation as joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters, and joint bookrunners for the offering.

ACE Medical CenterPalawan ACE Medical Center-Palawan will offer 36,000 common shares in tranches at an offer price ranging from PHP200,000 to PHP362,500 for every block of 10 shares, in cash or installment. The shares will be traded over the counter.

The company expects to raise PHP996.93 million in net proceeds for the construction of ACE Palawan Hospital, debt servicing, purchase of medical equipment, and working capital for six months.

ACE Medical Center-Palawan is currently building an eight-story, 120-bed healthcare facility with a total floor area of 16,538 square meters in Barangay San Pedro,

Puerto Princesa.

The project is slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2021 or the first quarter of 2022.

The intended markets for the IPO are mostly medical specialists and their relatives.

Subscribing to the offer shares is a prerequisite for physicians and medical specialists to practice at ACE Medical Center–Palawan.

Physicians looking to hold clinics at the hospital must have paid in full 10 common shares plus a “privilege to practice” fee of PHP150,000.

The company will provide 32 clinic spaces for 320 medical practitioners, which will be given on a first-come, firstserve basis.

The IPO also comes with benefits and privileges such as discounts on medical and dental services, which the stockholder, his/her spouse, dependents, and natural parents may avail of in other medical facilities affiliated with the ACE Group of Hospitals. (PR)

Group A, where Gilas Men are a part of, were postponed along with those of Groups B and E after Qatar begged off from hosting a bubble due to the rising Covid-19 cases in Doha.

Following the adjourn-

ment of team practices, Sotto quickly made his way back to Orlando in hopes of still joining Ignite at least for the latter part of the G-League season, but with tough quarantine rules before actually making it back,

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PRRD urges Pinoys to unite, protect rights on People Power anniversary

I

n commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday enjoined Filipinos to stand united and stay vigilant in protecting their rights.

Duterte, in his message, acknowledged that the 1986 revolution that toppled the dictatorship of the late president Ferdinand Marcos has enabled Filipinos to enjoy freedom.

He expressed optimism that his countrymen would be inspired by the past valiant heroes who fought “countless battles” for the Philippines’ liberty.

“Today, we mark the 35th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution inspired by the valor of those whose sacrifice made the liberties we enjoy today possible,” Duterte said. “May this serve

as a constant reminder for all of us to remain vigilant in safeguarding our democratic institutions, preserving our values, and upholding our rights as Filipinos.”

The 1986 People Power Revolution, which gathered millions of Filipinos along Edsa, led to the ouster of Marcos.

Duterte hoped that the occasion would keep Filipinos going “with renewed hope and optimism” towards the realization of their shared aspirations for the country.

He called for unity to ensure that the succeeding generations of Filipinos would likewise enjoy and value freedom.

“Guided by the spirit of Edsa, let us set aside our differences and work together in building a legacy that we can proudly leave behind for future generations of Filipinos,” Duterte said. (PNA)

DepEd adheres to PRRD’s decision to defer pilot in-person classes

T

he Department of Education (DepEd) will adhere to the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte on extending the deferment of pilot in-person classes implementation.

“We understand that the availability and roll out of vaccines in the country are critical factors for this undertaking.

In the meantime, we shall continue preparing action plans for this activity should the President give his approval in the coming months,” the DepEd

said in a statement.

DepEd's field offices were earlier told that the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes would take place only in areas categorized as lowrisk or at least under the less strict modified general community quarantine.

Holding physical classes is a "shared responsibility" with the local government unit, the parents or guardians, and the providers of transportation, according to the DepEd.

Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 24 points, and Domantas Sabonis had 22 points and 16 rebounds for his his 24th double-double of the season. But the Pacers looked rusty after taking an unexpected one-week break because of two postponed games.

The Warriors failed to take advantage of earlier opportunities to take control of the back-andforth contest.

Instead, the Pacers fought back from an 8175 deficit late in the third

quarter to tie the score at 86 early in the fourth.

And after Golden State scored four straight to take a 95-91 lead midway through the fourth, the Pacers got as close as 99-98 with 4:36 to play.

That's when Green drove through the lane for an uncontested dunk to start the decisive run, and the Pacers never recovered.

"We played hard, we just didn't make baskets at the end," Pacers center Myles Turner said.

GREEN... FROM11

both Ignite and Sotto agreed for him not to play in the bubble anymore.

"Although we are saddened with the recent announcement that he will no longer be rejoining Ignite in the NBA G-League, we still wish Kai all the best and we will support him in any way we can," the SBP said.

"Even at his young age, Kai has shown amazing grit and determination to pursue his dreams and we have complete trust that he’ll do us

proud."

The SBP then said the same would be done to other Filipino players looking to carve a career overseas.

"The same is true for any Filipino basketball player chasing their dreams on the international stage.

Whatever may happen to their respective paths, they can always be sure that the SBP will be there to provide them a stage where they could perform for their Filipino fans," it said. (PNA)

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Green delivers for Warriors in endgame I

NDIANAPOLIS — With Stephen Curry struggling to make baskets, Draymond Green gave Golden State a boost of energy.

Draymond Green scored on two late dunks to start the decisive final run, defended hard and found a way to corral loose balls in the closing minutes.

Struggling Rockets release H Cousins, Lakers waive Cook

Could DeMarcus Cousins be reunited with the Lakers?

The Warriors needed everything he could muster.

Green scored on two late dunks to start the decisive final run, defended hard and found a way to corral loose balls in the closing minutes as Golden State scored six straight points to finally fend off the Indiana Pacers, 111-107, on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time).

"I think in general we don't really need Draymond to score," coach Steve Kerr said.

"We need him to do what he needs energy wise but there are going to be some nights like tonight where we don't make a lot of shots and if we get a few from Draymond it might put us over the top."

Green certainly bailed out the weary Warriors, who won the last two games on a four-game road trip.

His numbers — 12 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and three steals — only told part of the tale on a night Golden State made a season-low 19.2% from 3-point range.

Curry scored 24 points but was just 7 of 21 from the field and 1 of 11 from beyond the arc.

But at the end, Green cleaned up by doing the dirty work.

"It's not pretty," Kerr said. "Draymond was just tremendous tonight. It was a hell of a grind out win."

FGREEN, P10

OUSTON — The Houston Rockets have released DeMarcus Cousins after just 25 games.

Cousins was waived this week after signing a $2.3 million contract with Houston in the offseason. He returned to the court this season after missing all of last season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.

The 30-year-old Cousins was averaging 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds this season playing in a reserve role.

The four-time AllStar has averaged 20.8 points and 10.7 rebounds in an 11-year career in which he also played with Sacramento, New Orleans and Golden State.

In Los Angeles, backup guard Quinn Cook has been waived by the Lakers.

The defending NBA champions announced the move Wednesday, shortly before Cook's contract would have been guaranteed.

Cook averaged 2.1

points while appearing in 16 games this season for the Lakers, who also waived him in November before re-signing him in December.

Cook was a popular locker room presence who was also a backup on last season's title-winning team, averaging 5.1 points while winning his second NBA championship ring in three years. Before joining the Lakers in 2019, Cook spent two seasons with Golden State.

Cook's departure opens a second roster spot for the Lakers, whose need for a backup center has seemed obvious lately. Marc Gasol has started 32 games for Los Angeles, and All-Star big man Anthony Davis is out for at least three more weeks with a calf injury.

The Lakers (22-10) are on their first threegame losing streak of the season heading into their game at NBA-leading Utah on Wednesday night.

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Filipina cyclist Marella Salamat is known for taking home the gold medal for the Philippines in competitive cycling during the 2015 edition of the Southeast Asian Games and winning the bronze in the 2016 World University Cycling Championship women’s road race event.

GIRL POWER SEAG cycling champ headlines PSC’s health episode

S

outheast Asian Games gold-winning cyclist Marella Salamat headlines the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) Rise Up! Shape Up! episode this coming Saturday, February 27 to inspire Filipinos in taking up cycling to boost a healthy lifestyle.

Salamat is known for taking home the gold medal for the Philippines in competitive cycling during the 2015 edition of the biennial sports event and winning the bronze in the 2016 World University Cycling Championship women’s road race event.

The champion cyclist shifted to the sport in 2013 from bowling after encouragement from na-

tional cycling coach Cesar Lobramonte.

Women in Sports Commissioner Celia Kiram emphasizes that biking can also be a sports activity aside from being a social activity.

“It is a hope that the increasing interest in it so that a lot more can be involved in this sport aside from being a physical activity that can make Filipinos healthy,” she

shared.

She cites Salamat as an example of a competitive cyclist who can inspire Filipinos to take the sport on.

The episode also features an inspiring talk on the Cycles of Life, and how to embrace changes from book author Grace Eleazar, who wrote The Soul Speaks and A Gift: A Spiritual Journey on Love.

to and Ignite began when he announced last month that he will be playing for Gilas Pilipinas Men for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

He eventually packed his bags for Calamba, Laguna to join the national team in its bubble training, putting his Ignite stint in peril as the G-League season was about to start then.

"When Kai announced via social media that he wanted to come home to play for Gilas Pilipinas Men, we welcomed him with open arms because he’ll always have a home with us at the SBP," the SBP said.

The uncertainty of him rejoining the NBA prospects-bolstered squad escalated when the games for

SBP stays supportive of Sotto

T

he Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has reassured its full support to wunderkind Kai Sotto despite the problem that he encountered with G League Ignite.

"The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will always be 100% behind Kai Sotto as he pursues his NBA dream," the SBP said in a statement.

The drama between Sot-

FSBP, P10