Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 268 | Saturday, February 27. 2021

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New telco DITO to go 5G in Davao City next year STORY ON PAGE 2

Commuters wait for public utility jeepney beside a moral of a child wearing face mask outside Palma Gil Elementary School along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Friday.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 268 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2021

Araw ng Dabaw: March 1 is special non-working holiday

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President Rodrigo Duterte listens to the inputs as he presides a meeting for the assessment of damage left by tropical depression‘Auring’in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. The President, through the “compassionate” use license

granted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), might get inoculated with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine developed by China’s state-owned pharmaceutical firm Sinopharm. Edge Davao

LEVEL UP New telco DITO to go 5G in Davao City next year

By MAYA M. PADILLO ew telecommunications player DITO Telecommunity Corporation announced on Friday that the company will bring in 5G technology in Davao City and the Philippines in the later part of next year.

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5G is the fifth generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks that promises higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, and more reliability.

“Our purpose is to bring the first world not just 4G but 5G technology in the Philippines so we will start off initially with 4G technology but it is 4G convertible to 5G and hopefully by later part of next year we can bring the 5G in Davao City and the rest of the country,” said lawyer Adel Tamano, chief administrative officer and corporation secretary of

DITO Telecommunity Corporation, during the conference on “Strong Connectivity, Robust Economy” via Zoom by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., (DCCCII) on Friday.

DITO is set to start its commercial operations in Davao City, Cebu City and other 17 cities specifically in Visayas and Mindanao on March 8, 2021.

“Part of it because we are Mindanao-based but also because we truly believe that we want to send a different message that the DNA of DITO is to serve the underserved,” Tamano

enator Christopher “Bong” Go disclosed that the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, which seeks to speed up the procurement and administration of COVID-19 vaccines in the country and establish an indemnity fund, has already been transmitted to the Office of the President and is now just awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature.

During his personal visit and distribution of

assistance to employees of Veterans Golf Club in Quezon City on Thursday, February 25, Go said that he expects the measure to be signed by Friday.

“Ine-expect ko po na bukas mapipirmahan ito agad ng Pangulo dahil ito ang hinihintay ng ating vaccine czar at ng mga (vaccine) suppliers po … kapag dumating ‘yan sa lamesa ng Presidente sigurado wala pa isang oras pipirmahan na n’ya ‘yan,” Go said on Thursday.

said.

DITO (formerly known as Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc., or Mislatel) is the newest major telecommunications provider in the Philippines.

It is a Joint Venture Company comprised of Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., and China Telecommunications Corporation.

“DITO Telecomunity is the third telco with roots in Davao City as its primary shareholder is the Udenna Corporation which has also its beginnings in Davao City from which companies like Phoenix Petroleum Philippines,” Tamano said.

He added that DITO will be having partnerships with Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDT) and Globe Telecommunications for interconnection and help each other for better consumer service.

COVID-19 vaccination bill now awaiting PRRD’s signature: Go

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The measure also aims to hasten the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines by allowing local government units to procure vaccines and make advance payments.

It also proposes the creation of a COVID-19 National Vaccine Indemnity Fund which will be administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and will be sourced from the 2021 national budget’s Contingent Fund.

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alacañang has declared March 1, 2021 as a special non-working holiday in Davao City to mark the celebration of the 84th Araw ng Dabaw.

Through Proclamation No. 1106 signed Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on February 24, 2021 on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte, which states “it is fitting and proper that the people of the City of Davao be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies, subject to community quarantine, social distancing, and other public health measures.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio earlier announced that this year’s “Araw” will be celebrated online because of the community quarantine measures due to Covid-19.

“Mag-celebrate gihapon ta. Duna na tay plan

and all our activities will be online,” she said.

This year’s virtual celebration will kick off with a flag ceremony at 8 a.m. on March 1, at the City Hall of Davao grounds followed by a Misa Pasasalamat (Thanksgiving Mass) to be attended by department heads of the city government of Davao at 10 a.m. at the San Pedro Cathedral.

On March 2, the activities will be highlighted with “Tilaw Dabaw” and “Hugyaw Dabaw” at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., respectively via online.

The “Obra Dabaw” will be held on March 3, at 10 a.m. while the “Istilo Dabaw” is slated at 5 p.m. and the Pahalipay: Smart 5G Night is set at 8 p.m.

It can be recalled that the city government of Davao shelved some major events during the 83rd Araw ng Dabaw last year due to the pandemic such as the “Pasiugdang Pag-

ny to be attended by Duterte.

“Simple turnover naman po ito dahil kami po ni Pangulo ay nagagalak na meron na pong dumating finally sa February. Umabot po tayo sa February. On the last day po ay darating na po ang bakuna,” said Go. “Matagal na natin itong inaantay. Ako, as a legislator, talagang kinukulit ko po. Naawa na ako kina Vaccine Czar Secretary (Carlito) Galvez, Jr. at (Health) Secretary (Francisco) Duque. Halos araw-araw ko silang nire-remind.

Sabi ko, ‘sir, inip na po ang ating mahal na Pangulo dahil kailangan na nating mag-umpisang mag-rollout,” he added.

Go also shared that the Veterans Memorial Medical Center has been identified by the government as one of the medical institutions to lead the facilitation of the vaccine rollout.

“Isa po ito sa na-identify ng gobyerno. Ang Veterans Hospital ang mangunguna at handa na po ang mga doktor at frontliners para simulan ang vaccine rollout once dumating na,”

he said.

“I think sila po ang mamumuno sa ituturok po sa sundalo o civilian employees ng DND,” Go added.

While he and the President have been reminding authorities to fast track the procurement of the vaccines, Go said that they understand the many challenges surrounding the purchase, including the stiff requirement by vaccine manufacturers for an indemnity measure, among others.

“Kami po dito ni Pangulo, laging nagpapaalala na bilisan n’yo na po ang vaccine, kaya lang po intindihin din natin. Alam n’yo, ang mga manufacturers, sigurista. Takot po silang balikan kaya meron na po tayong indemnification na pipirmahan na po ng Pangulo bukas,” Go said.

Vaccine manufacturers require indemnity and liability frameworks, which include setting up an indemnification fund backed by legislation, to safeguard them from possible damage suits.

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PRRD, Go to witness turnover ceremony of Sinovac jabs

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enator Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday, February 25, said that he and President Rodrigo Duterte will personally witness the turnover ceremony of the first batch of Sinovac vaccines which are slated to arrive in the country on February 28.

The Sinovac vaccines, which are the country’s first batch of COVID-19 jabs, consist of 600,000 doses. Some of which have been reserved for military personnel and civilian employees of the Department of National Defense (DND).

“Kami ni Pangulong Durerte po ay sasalubong at magrereceive po ng bakuna mula sa China. Ito po ay donated vaccines,” Go said during his personal visit and distribution of assistance to employees of Veterans Golf Club in Quezon City.

“Darating na February 28. I think 5:00 p.m. po ay tatanggapin ni Pangulong Duterte,” he added.

Relieved that the vaccines will make it before the month ends, Go said that the event will involve a simple turnover ceremo-

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VOL.13 ISSUE 268 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2021

NEWS 3

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Malacañang declares March 1 as a special non-working holiday in Davao City to mark the celebration of the 84th Araw ng Davao. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the activities will mostly be held online this year because of the community quarantine measures due to COVID-19. Edge Davao

Closure deferred, Mt. Apo climbing activity continues T

Safe Davao QR mobile app now in Goggle Play, Apple App stores

By MAYA M. PADILLO limbing activities to the country's highest peak Mount Apo continues after discussions of its temporary closure was deferred by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

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Julius R. Paner, tourism officer of the municipality of Sta. Cruz, said trekkers and climbers are required to follow policies that include “no permit, no climb”, “no guide, no climb”, no camping at the summit, no campfire allowed, and refilled butane containers are not allowed to reduce threat of fire.

Paner added that a

maximum of 25 persons only are allowed to climb per day. He said the slots are filled up on weekends and not much climbing activity on weekdays.

“Basically, mao ni ang mga policies nga nakabutang sa Unified Trekking Policy and I found it effective in maintaining our trail,” he said.

Mt. Apo was reopened

last November 2020 after it was temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 (DENR-11) has limited the number of trekkers from 50, which is the regular capacity, to 25 climbers per day, in compliance to SUB-PAMB Resolution No. 27, Series of 2020 and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Omnibus Guidelines.

Bagani Fidel Evasco, executive director of DENR-11, recently pushed for the temporary closure of the Mt. Apo Natural Park

after conducting camp assessment in Davao del Sur entry points earlier this month.

Officials of DENR-11 found out during their trail last February 11 to 14, 2021 on Mt. Apo's Kapatagan trail filled with litters and vandals along the trail and the campsite.

“Sa basura sa atoang trail sa Sta. Cruz kay ang mga porters and guides ang mu-police sa mga bisita aron wala’y mabilin nga basura didto and even sa ubang trail. Basta registered climbers di jud na sila magbilin ug basura,” Paner said.

vincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib asking him help to locate the lost children.

They went to an IP facility called “Haran” located at a compound of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in Davao City.

Others were found there, so the Governor went on looking for the lost children of Talaingod and ended up knowing that they were taken to a facility in Cebu.

Governor Jubahib corroborated the statements of Mayor Libayao, revealing that he was informed that the Talaingod children were taken to Cebu.

Other than deploying his organized team to locate the children and tapping his network of national line agencies, the Governor shelled out assistance for parents to personally journey to Cebu to fetch their children, and the others who were their relatives too.

A total of 13 Talaingod IP children were rescued from a facility of the University of San Carlos (USC) in February 15. Leading the rescue operation was the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) bearing the mandate to protect children from exploitation.

Giving a hand to locate and final rescue the IP children were the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), among other agencies of the national and local governments.

Reacting to alleged exploitation of these children to join activities found related to communist insurgency movement, Governor Jubahib appealed to stop using the “vulnerable” children.

“Ang panawagan ko sa inyo, hwag ninyong gamitin ang kahinaan ng ating mga kabataang IPs, ng ating mga

he Safe Davao QR (DQR) mobile application is now available to download in Google Play Store for Android phone users and Apple App Store for iPhone, iPad phone users.

Lemuel Ortonio, the head of the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), said the DQR mobile app has its advantage in terms of scanning and convenience as it allows individuals to scan the DQR of the establishment and their QR code can also be accessed through the application.

Also, the DQR’s push notification for those detected by the scanner who had contact with a Covid-19 index case within an establishment has been updated.

“Updated na atong mes-

sage in Visayan. Naa na pud didto ang place, date, and time kung kanus a nila naka-contact ang index case (We have updated our messages in Visayan. It has also the place, date, and time when they had contact with the index case),” he said.

An additional feature of the app is the detection of a Covid-19 positive person’s QR code upon scanning. When a positive case scans its DQR in an establishment, the scanner will detect and notify that the person is blocked or is not allowed to enter the establishment.

Ortonio said that his team is continuously working on the DQR’s blocking system. One of the updates they are working on is the detection and blocking of individuals supposed to be

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DavNor execs condemn CPP-NPA for taking advantage of IP children Davao City ASU demolishes structures

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oncerned local chief executives of Davao del Norte have denounced allied groups of the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew Peoples Army (CPPNPA) for taking advantage of indigenous peoples (IP) children taken from their ancestral domains without parental consent.

In a press conference, Talaingod Municipal Mayor Jonnie Libayao said a group of parents came to him seeking his assistance and that of the Tribal Council to look for their children who had not been home for so long a time.

Libayao then consequently approached Pro-

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for road-widening project in Tugbok

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he Davao City Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) has started clearing the roadside in Brgy. Los Amigos, Tugbok District to pave way for the road-widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The clearing operation was conducted following the request from the barangay in preparation for the DPWH project.

“Diha sa Tugbok daghan og DPWH projects dinha, isa ana ang road widening. So, in preparation sa road-widening, nagarequest sa ato-a ang mga ba-

rangy officials na tanggalon ang mga structures (There are many DPWH projects In Tugbok, there are many DPWH projects conducted there and one of them is the road-widening. The barangay officials have requested us to remove structures),” said Paul Bermejo, the office-in-charge of ASU. Bermejo said his office received the request last year prompting them to conduct a dialogue with the barangay officials and occupants of the area.

“Gi-encourage nato sila to conduct self-demolition for the structures na gibu-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 268 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2021

Motorcycle riders maneuver a portion of a road destroyed by ground tension cracks or sinkholes in remote Sitio Tuburan, Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on 23 February 2021. The village is rich in coal deposits and most of the road going to nearby Maitum, Sarangani has been concreted with construction ongoing for the remaining unpaved stretches . MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

Financial execs urge passage of GUIDE bill to aid small biz F

DOF to include vaccines imports in Mabuhay Lane

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group composed of the country’s top financial executives is urging Congress to pass a bill that seeks to provide financial assistance to distressed micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“We at FINEX strongly urge the passage of the GUIDE bill,” Francisco Ed Lim, president of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, said in a statement on Thursday.

Lim said that while they laud Congress for forwarding the CREATE bill and enacting FIST

bill into law, the GUIDE or Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery bill is also needed to help shore up the economy from the impact of COVID-19.

“We see the need for other measures that will further help businesses to

recover from the pandemic and navigate through challenges that lie ahead.

One such measure is the GUIDE [bill] that has been pending in Congress,” he said.

The GUIDE bill seeks to provide funding for MSMEs through infusion of fresh capital to government banks such as Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines.

It also seeks to grant incentives and exemption privileges in the lending and investing activities of Landbank, DBP and Philippine Guarantee Corp.

Lim said that the

GUIDE bill is “strategically important” in helping industries such as agriculture supply chain, food, manufacturing, low-cost and socialized housing, hospitality and education.

Local and foreign businesses and investors alike are waiting for such economic reforms that can support the acceleration of the country’s economy as it still reels from the impact of the pandemic.

The Philippines saw its worst contraction in 2020, shrinking 9.5 percent on the back of weak economic activity under a series of lockdown restrictions.

More customers to enjoy 4G LTE services in select provinces next month: Globe

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lobe Telecom said Friday more customers would enjoy improved services in Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna and parts of Cavite next month following an aggressive network modernization that upgraded services to 4G LTE. Having 4G LTE means subscribers can experience improved calls, SMS and data browsing services, the Ayala-led

telco said in a statement.

Globe said the 4G LTE network technology enables 4G compatible phones to connect to the internet faster and smoother. With 4G LTE, subscribers can download content and stream "within seconds and is free of buffering," it said.

“Our current target to fast-track our 4G LTE and 5G network builds are meant to give our customers more op-

portunities to make the most of the new standard in mobile data," said Joel Agustin, Globe's senior vice president for Program Delivery, Network Technical said.

Agustin said it's time for customers to go beyond 3G, calling 4G "the new normal."

Globe said the goal is the make the technology "available to all Filipinos soon." Customers are also advised to

replace 3G SIM cards to 5G-ready 4G LTE SIM cards.

Its rival PLDT Inc has also been growing its network to improve services nationwide.

Third telco DITO Telecommunity recently passed its first technical audit breaching speed and population coverage commitments. The new telco earlier said it would no longer offer 2G and 3G services.

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has approved the inclusion of all importations of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines in the “Mabuhay” or express lane of the Department of Finance (DOF) to allow the quick processing of the tax and duty exemptions of these vital shipments.

Upon the recommendation of Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko, Dominguez also 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 Mabuhay Lane, which is under the DOF’s Revenue Office, will be processed within 24 working hours.

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 are being prepared by the DOF, Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs, Bureau of Customs, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Tionko, who heads the DOF’s Revenue Operations Group, 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 No. 54-2000, the Secretary of Finance is authorized to include additional sectors that may avail of the express service under the Mabuhay Lane.

“We add that Mabuhay Lane currently processes all relief consignment(s) 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 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 (balikbayans), and non-profit, non-stock educational institutions. (PR)

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ECONOMY

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Insurance firm exec cites rise of sales through shopping app

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A buyer weighs Japanese rubyfish locally known as“buyobod”in Mabua, a fishing village in Surigao City on Thursday, February 25, 2021. Buyobod sells at 200 pesos a kilo. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

PH OKs accession to Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances

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he Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has expressed its gratitude to President Rodrigo R. Duterte for signing the instrument of accession to the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (BTAP), a development expected to strengthen the protection of Filipinos performers’ intellectual property (IP) rights in a digital age of globalization.

“We are thankful to President Duterte for signing the instrument of accession. Our entry into the Treaty will ensure that audiovisual performances of Filipino actors, musicians, singers and dancers will be given a uniform level of international protection and that this protection is applied to all new technologies used in bringing their works to global markets,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba said in a

statement Thursday.

Adopted in 2012 and entered into force on April 28, 2020, the BTAP signed last Jan. 14 provides a standard for remuneration and protection of audiovisual performances, both in recorded and live formats.

The establishment of the treaty is motivated by the need to recognize performers’ important contributions in making creative works accessible to the public.

While the Philippines acceded to the BTAP only recently, the country’s IP Code already complies with obligations in the treaty following amendments made to the law in 2013.

“However, protection through national laws does not guarantee international protection. As such, our accession to BTAP ensures that Filipino producers and performers enjoy economic rewards when their films, TV series, and other audiovisual products are screened or made available in the 39 and growing number of countries party to the Treaty,” Barba added.

The move is also “very timely” with the creative sector suffering the biggest setback in 2020, Barba said, citing the July 2020 joint survey of the World Bank Group, the National

Economic and Development Authority, and the Department of Finance on the impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on Philippine businesses.

According to the survey, the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector saw the highest business closures at 82 percent -- 61 percent were temporarily closed while 21 percent, permanently closed due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

“The Philippines’ accession will expand global opportunities for our performers, greatly raise their incomes and jumpstart the recovery of our creatives sector and audiovisual industry. With adequate support and protection, I believe the audiovisual industry can contribute more to our economy and further lift our cultural esteem,” Barba added.

state-run lender said.

The RISE UP LGUs Program aims to provide the necessary funding requirements of provincial, city, and municipal LGUs to revive their local economy and recover from the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program was launched in July 2020 in partnership with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), with the participation of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), and League of Munic-

ipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

Since then, Landbank said the program has gained wide acceptance by LGUs that the state-run bank has increased its fund allocation from the initial P10 billion to P80 billion to accommodate the rising number of loan applications.

Through the RISE-UP LGUs lending program, the bank finances COVID-19 response and recovery interventions, including but not limited to the purchase of agricultural produce, acquisition of equipment and construction of facilities

for linking of products to the market, and other programs and projects of the LGU that provide basic and support services, social welfare, healthcare, and other infrastructure activities.

“Landbank recognizes the crucial role of LGUs in the whole-of-nation approach to recover from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. We are fully committed to finance local development projects toward generating jobs and jumpstarting the local economy,” Landbank president and CEO Cecilia Borromeo said.

Close to P2B of P62.3B loan fund released

by Landbank to LGUs for COVID-19 recovery

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he Land Bank of the Philippines has approved a total of P62.32 billion in loans to help 194 local government units (LGUs) recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Landbank said the loans approved for LGUs are under its RISE-UP LGUs or Restoration and Invigoration package for a Self-Sufficient Economy towards UPgrowth for LGUs lending program.

Of the P62.32-billion approved, P1.89 billion has been released to 32 LGUs as of February 2, 2021, the

anking on Filipinos love for shopping and the surge in online sales during the pandemic, an executive of Sun Life Philippines remains optimistic of their business as more people realize the importance of insurance.

Aside from the company’s website and its insurance agents, the public can also buy Sun Life Philippines products through the online shopping app, Lazada.

In a reply to e-mailed questions from the Philippine News Agency, Sun Life Philippines Digital Partnerships and Fintech head Kristofer Patron said they started offering their products through the online shopping app in 2018.

“We are proud to say that we are the first insurance company to do so,” he said.

While bulk of sales materialize through transactions with Sun Life Philippine financial advisors, Patron said “we do have a healthy pipeline of leads from our website.”

“We are starting to see growth in our insurance sales online through our financial advisors,” he said.

Usual clients through the online shopping app are housewives and stu-

dents, he added. “(But) we are witnessing a growing demand for insurance products from other client segments such as doctors, architects, business, and sari-sari store owners,” Patron said.

He said the most sought-after product is the Byahero Protect which provides insurance coverage to daily commuters using private and public transportation.

Patron added this product is an accident insurance that provides additional benefits for accidents while traveling on land.

“It is currently the most inclusive personal accident insurance in the market.

We continue to stay focused on the needs of the clients and address them as quickly and as appropriately as possible,” he said.

For this year, Patron said they are lining up several products “and are working closely with regulators and our partners to offer these innovative solutions.”

“In due time, we will disclose more information.

As always, our priority is to help our clients and their families secure their financial future and be able to offer financial solutions to Filipinos,” he added. (PNA)

Phoenix Petroleum bags 4 trophies at 56th Anvil Awards

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espite the challenging year, Phoenix, now a multi-industry corporation, managed to win a Gold Anvil and three Silver Anvils during the prestigious 56th Anvil Awards for its exemplary programs that delivered significant and positive impact to the community.

Winning a Gold Anvil for the ‘Public Relations Program Directed at Specific Stakeholders-Suppliers’ category, #WeSupportSMEs is a COVID-19 program created last year

by FamilyMart, the convenience store brand of Phoenix. Launched in June, the program aims to help small businesses expand their customer network by making their products available at FamilyMart’s retail chain. It also won a Silver Anvil under the ‘Specialized Public Relations Program-COVID related PR Programs with Tools’ category, as an innovative program created in response to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Kwentong Phoenix, a project created with content development and marketing agency PageOne, won a Silver Anvil for ‘Digital Public Relations Program-Good Governance/Social Responsibility/Responsible Citizenship’. Kwentong Phoenix is a Facebook-hosted content that features human-interest stories of Phoenix

employees, relating their life and experiences in the company.

Another Silver Anvil awardee is Phoenix SUPER LPG’s ‘Sarap Pala Magluto’ campaign that launched the company’s LPG brand nationwide. The campaign introduced the SAFE, SIGURADO, and SIMPLE Phoenix SUPER LPG SRG indicator regulator, and unveiled Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo as the brand ambassadress. The campaign was recognized for the ‘Public Relations program Directed at Specific Stakeholders-Consumers’ category.

“We are very happy that our hard work and innovative programs have been deemed as worthy of recognition by the Anvil Awards. While many of our initials plans and strategies suddenly changed last year, we were able to pivot and thrive in 2020.

These award-winning programs are testaments that our goal of becoming an indispensable partner in the journey of everyone whose life we touch will continue despite trying times,” Phoenix Petroleum President Henry Albert Fadullon said.

In 2015, Phoenix won its first Anvil with a Silver recognition under the ‘Public Relations Tools: Multimedia/Digital Online

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.13 ISSUE 268 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2021

On the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw amid the community quarantine measures due to Covid-19:

Mag-celebrate gihapon ta. Duna na tay plan and all our activities will be online.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL

Samal’s reopening

The happy talk going the round these days is about the reopening of the beautiful beaches of the Island Garden City of Samal, a.k.a. IGACoS, to fun-loving foreign and domestic tourists. This, in effect, is reopening of Samal’s economy crippled by the restrictions on commerce and people’s movements designed to defeat the pandemic for more than a year now. This means a lot more in terms of livelihood to thousands of people rendered jobless and hungry as a result of the lockdowns.

Indeed, the cash registers of the city’s tax collecting agencies will be merrily ringing once with the return of fees and revenue paid by resorts and ancillary businesses reinvigorated by the tourism industry’s resumption.

There is no doubt that the authorities had all the noble intentions in deciding to reopen Samal

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

to tourists. However, there is a caveat here.

The authorities -- political leaders and implementors of this well-intentioned move -- should never forget even for just a moment that.we are still in the middle of our battle against the Coronavirus which has not shown any indication of slowing down this late in the day.

This is to say that reopening Samal’s tourism industry also certainly involves very real risks of causing a spike in Covid 19 cases if the authorities -- and the beachgoers themselves -- will throw all cautions to the winds.

The enforcers must therefore be doubly strict in implementing the established protocols prescribed by health experts. We must all realize that the stakes are high. This is a matter of life and death.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Correspondent

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL GRACE M. BORDIOS Layout

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

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VOL.13 ISSUE 268 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2021

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

A VILLAR IN MARS 2020 HISTORY A history was made on February 18 when Perseverance finally touched down on Mars after a dramatic landing that had been described as the “seven minutes of terror.”

“Perseverance – fondly known as Percy – landed with ‘eyes open’ taking images of the surface to choose its landing spot,” Natalie Grover and Tom McCarthy wrote for The Guardian. “Weighing more than a ton, it landed nearly in the middle of the landing zone within the 28 mile-wide (45 kilometers) Jezero crater north of the planet’s equator.”

Perseverance is a rover made by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is the space agency’s ninth mission and the fifth rover to land on the cold, dry, red planet. The mission: to roam around Mars surface and search for signs of

ancient microbial life for two years.

“I’m amazed that everything went pretty much according to plan,” Steve Jurczyk, NASA’s acting director, told the media after the landing. “When I heard the touchdown signal come back and saw the first image, I cannot tell you how overcome with emotion I was and how happy I was.”

While the world is celebrating the success of Perseverance, the US Embassy in the Philippines announced the participation of Engineer Gregorio Villar in the preparation of the landing of the US$2.7 billion, car-sized, sixwheeled rover.

Villar may not ring a bell to most Filipinos but he is “part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program as Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL)

Systems Engineer of the Mars 2020 Mission.”

“As part of the Mars 2020 Mission, Villar spent 7.5 years building and testing a system that will land a car-sized rover on Mars,” the embassy explained. “He also directed a Mars parachute test campaign at the world’s largest wind tunnel.”

In addition, he led a council of atmospheric scientists, from institutions around the world, to characterize the Martian atmosphere.

What’s so special with Villar? Nothing, except that he is a Filipino-American. In fact, he attended the Laboratory High School at Saint Louis University in Baguio City.

He took his bachelor’s degree in physics at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. His Master’s degree in astronautical engi-

neering was from the University of Southern California.

It was Hollywood movies which inspired him to be interested in space and science.

In NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, Villar listed these movies: Contact, Apollo 13, Armageddon, and Independence Day. Even when he was still in elementary school, he pictured himself of growing up into an astronaut.

But how did he end up working for NASA? It was by accident when he was awarded a NASA scholarship in his junior year in college. It had an internship at a NASA center of his choice. He started interning at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in 2010 and got hired full-time in 2012.

When asked about his favorite thing about the work he does, he replied: “I have a

whole spreadsheet of things I love about working at JPL, but the number one thing are the people I work with.”

So far, the most extraordinary experience he had done so far at NASA was when he led a parachute test campaign in the world’s largest wind tunnel. But what excites him the most about Mars or space exploration was “the thought of going there myself one day.”

The Fil-American engineer has ordinary hobbies just like anyone else: travel, climb, chess, magic, music and poker.

His advice to students who are interested in a similar career: “Although it is a cliché, it is very important to pursue something you love. I have worked at JPL for over 12 years, and there is rarely a day I feel like I am going to ‘work.’”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

A MEDICAL DOCTOR’S WAR DIARY There are very few written eyewitness accounts depicting the emotions and observations the day Davao region was drawn into the global conflict in December 1941. Coinciding with the tragic destruction of Pearl Harbor, Davao City, home to roughly 20,000 Japanese nationals, was also bombed by Japanese Zero planes that same day.

Dr. Santiago Dakudao, first director of the Japanese-owned Mintal Hospital, was inside his room when the first bombs were unleashed. His war diary, written on fragile, onion-skin paper was later found by his architect-grandson, Michaelangelo E. Dakudao, in April 1987, inserted between the pages of a history book that was part of the old man’s library collection.

In clear language, Dr. Dakudao, now retired and successful as investor, realtor, and farmer, described what happened on December 8, 1941, feast of the Immaculate Conception: “We were awakened form out sleep by the heavy drones of devastating planes in the early morning. The calendar on the wood-pan-

elled wood of our bedroom said December 8, 1941. The thunderous explosion of the bombs shook the huse from its very foundation. The windows which I had opened revealed a clear vista of the planes in the formation of a 9O11 floating out of the now almost clear morning day. It was remarkable, I thought to myself, that the Americans were out on target practie this early. […]

“Japans truck without warning. The Pearl Harbor of the Americans was vanquished rendering it futile.

This was the news we had heard all over the radio but not much detail was given.

The saddest and most alarming information we got was that Manila was bombed, too. The extent of the damage was not yet available to the public. Alas, war was with us.

“Later this morning, I came across Engineer [Brigido] Valencia at San Pedro, the commercial district. The engineer has been a long time friend whose services had been employed in the construction of some of my buildings. He showed me some of the fragmentary shrapnels of the bombs used

by the Japanese in ravaging the Sasa airdrome. This tangible proof of the reality of war gave me qualms about what lay ahead of us.”

Dr. Dakudao had a particularly good impression about the Japanese people.

His first encounter with them was as student of Japan Medical School and later as medical director in Davao.

Following his resignation, he turned to agriculture and invited Keniche Migitaka, a Japanese, to manage his farm and hired Japanese laborers to cultivate his farms.

Given the destruction the attacks created, Dr. Dakudao did not harbor anger towards ordinary Japanese but strongly disagreed with the way the Japanese Imperial soldiers committed war atrocities. Continuing with his narrative, his diary provides evidence that Japanese landing in Davao via the gulf of Davao happened on December 19, 1941, a day early than widely recorded in many war chronicles and historical accounts: “In the wee hours of the 19th of December, we were awakened by the continuous rapping on the door. I had to drag myself from bed

to go down to check who it was. It was the watchman who was overly excited to inform me that a number of planes were flying all over. A few minutes later, bomb explosions were heard. I had gotten accustomed to these incidences that I accepted the fact that war was with us.

Because of this, I managed to return to sleep. We woke up quite early to the new that the city was bombed.

By eight o’clock, we were informed of a heavy combat ensuing at the Talomo area.

Evidently, the Japanese had already landed. Bombing explosions interspersed with the sounds made from the firing of machine guns filled the air. We also learned that the Japanese troops, in flanking movement, were marching towards Davao City. They were landed one batch after another in Sasa and Talomo. Our troops were caught in between with no escape except towards the hills.

The Generoso Bridge was rendered useless by heavy bombing and the escaping civilians had to swim across the Davao River to get to the other side. The casualties from both our Filipino troops and civilians were in-

numerable, struggling in agonizing death throes against the formidable weapons of the Japanese. The invaders had tanks, planes and cannons all being nloaded from warships while our own soldiers had only their will to fight against the dreadful armaments of the Japanese.

When our soldiers realized the futility in their struggle against the invaders, they retreated and started fleeing demoralized. The unbearable part was that the civilians became an easy target for the enemies’ bullets.

The Japanese soldiers who seemed to relish in the positive ttucome of their military strategy made further attempt to disconcert the civilians by dropping their bombs at random.”

Dr. Dakudao, born in Dingle, Iloilo, on April 12, 1892, his wife Carmen Lacson, a native of Jaro, Iloilo, and his entire family survived the war. Highly esteemed and admired, he died on May 2, 1978 and his remains, along with those of his wife and son Santiago, Jr., were buried at the family mausoleum in Tugbok, which was a former residence when war broke out.

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EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

DELIVERY RIDERS SHARE SUCCESS STORIES AMIDST THE PANDEMIC

THE delivery service is an exciting sector because it’s growing so fast. These days, it’s hard to spend a night at home where one can chill and chow without ordering from foodpanda.

However, the huge impact it makes to the restaurant industry won’t be possible without its fleet of riders. The men and women of foodpanda serve as the hands and feet of the consumers who simply want their food and grocery to be safely delivered straight to their homes and workplaces.

That’s why as an on-demand food and grocery delivery service, foodpanda never stops to create programs designed to help its partners and those in need. Embracing its impact on everyone’s lives beyond offering top-quality delivery of food and grocery needs, foodpanda rolled out the PandaTODA program. The initiative was designed to help idle tricycle drivers get back on the road with new livelihood and purpose. Here, three tricycle drivers share their stories.

Antonio Sarmiento There is palpable happiness in the voice of Antonio Sarmiento, a tricycle driver of 13 years. When asked if he was ready to accommodate a few questions, he quipped, “Ok lang po, basta wag lang tungkol sa There is reason to believe that his tone was much different last March.

Upon learning that they had to stay off the roads and stay inside their homes, he was left clueless on what to do next. He had no idea how else to make a living and had no choice but hope for the best.

A few months later, Sarmiento was informed by his local Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association

(TODA) that foodpanda is presenting drivers like him with a new job opportunity as a rider. Excited, he quickly enlisted his name under the program along with 18 of his friends.

“Labis na kasiyahan po talaga ang naramdaman ko n’on,” Sarmiento says.

Making the transition from transporting passengers to food orders, however, was no small task. The biggest adjustment was operating on a much larger area, as opposed to the limited routes granted to tricycle drivers.

Nonetheless, Sarmiento was quick to adjust, and is now happy and settled as a foodpanda rider.

“Malaking pasasalamat po talaga sa foodpanda kasi binigyan nila ako, kami, ng bagong hanapbuhay,” he says.

Jun Sanchez Unlike the veteran Sarmiento, Jun Sanchez was just starting his career as a tricycle driver when the ECQ was imposed.

Sanchez lived in Butuan most of his life. He decided to try his luck in Manila and took the first job available to him as a tricycle driver. But just when he was making his strides, he was told that they had to stop operations.

mga customer ko.” pandaTODA Aside from giving him new ways Antonio Sarmiento. to earn money, the PandaTODA

program also afforded him the work flexibility that he has never experienced in his life.

“Dahil po sa PandaTODA, nakagawa po ako ng schedule na mas maaga na po akong nakakauwi sa pamilya ko,” he says. “Bukod po sa kumikita ng extra, mas nakakasama ko pa po ‘yung mga mahal ko sa buhay. Mas maraming family time.”

Sanchez spent the following months sustaining his family using the small savings he was able to set aside. And just before it was depleted, he received an invite to join the PandaTODA program.

“Noong una kinabahan ako kasi hindi ko pa alam yung mga gagawin,” he says. “Nakakapanibago rin kasi hindi katulad sa tricycle na nakasakay ka lang maghapon, dito kailangan maglakad ka para maghatid-sundo ng pagkain. Pero masaya at masarap sa pakiramdam na makitang masaya ang

pandaTODA Jun Sanchez.

John Paul Bolanos A mix of excitement and anxiety was likewise felt

by John Bolanos when he was told about the PandaTODA program.

He was ecstatic about the new opportunity, but also nervous about the prospect of starting in a new job, under a new system, after working as a tricycle driver for 8 years.

Bolanos clearly remembers to this day his main concern during his very first delivery.

“Takot na takot po ako nun kasi iniisip ko baka matapon yung pagkain,” Bolanos says, laughing.

He clears that nothing was spilled that day, and it was a successful delivery that ended with an exchange of smiles with a happy customer.

While he was anxious about entering the PandaTODA program, Bolanos quickly learned that foodpanda has set up an efficient system that helps newbies like him ease into the program.

“Madali lang po ‘yung adjust-

that go with being part of the foodpanda family.

To know more about all the inspiring initiatives of foodpanda Philippines, as well as to enjoy its unmatched food and grocery delivery deals and promos, download and order through the foodpanda app now at www.foodpanda.ph.

Follow foodpanda’s official social media pages on Facebook at facebook.com/foodpandaphilippines and Instagram at instagram.com/ foodpanda_ph.

management and the proper disposal of hazardous wastes. We cannot do it alone, and we will need everyone’s help,” Silerio adds.

Feel free to responsibly dispose your e-wastes now at the collection sites located at the SM Cyberzone

in SM City Davao (2/F, fronting Spigen, Annex) and SM Lanang Premier (3/F, fronting Information Booth).

Acceptable electronic waste includes old or broken mobile phones, mobile phone chargers, power cords, commercial batteries, earphones/earbuds, calculators, printer ink and toner cartridges, small gadgets, and computer wiring, among others.

Got more wastes to dispose apart from damaged gadgets?

Join SM’s Trash to Cash program, where you can sell recyclable items like plastic and PET bottles, tin and aluminum cans, metal cookware, and newspapers every first Friday and Saturday of the month in SM Lanang Premier’s Open Parking D, and in SM City Davao’s Open Parking C.

DISPOSE E-WASTE RESPONSIBLY

EVERY YEAR, the world produces more electronic waste (e-waste) than the last due to advancements in technology that shorten the average life spans of gadgets and electronics.

According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report, the world generated about 53.6 million metric tons (Mt) of e-waste in 2019, a 21-percent jump from 44.4 Mt in 2014. It is projected to increase to 74.7 Mt. by 2030.

What makes e-waste worse compared to most other types of waste is that, if not correctly disposed of, it can release dangerous chemicals like lead, mercury, and lithium,

which are toxic to the environment, most especially to humans.

Hence, it is essential to dispose of e-waste responsibly and in an organized manner. Not only will this help ensure human safety and health, but it will also help minimize the negative impact of its disposal on the environment.

As a responsible member of the community, SM Supermalls, through the SM Cares Program on Environment and supported by SM Cyberzone, launches its Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program.

This corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiative encourages mall shoppers, communities,

and individuals to bring their old gadgets and other e-waste for proper disposal by accredited hazardous waste collection partners.

“We at SM are committed to continuously look for ways and means to better care for the planet and to support the communities where our malls are present, including addressing the growing problem of e-waste,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Head of SM Supermalls Program on Environment and Sustainability.

“We must collaborate with the community and work together to promote responsible solid waste

ment ko kasi maganda rin po na madaling gamitin ‘yung foodpanda app. Malakas rin po talaga ang samahan ng mga rider kasi nagtutulungan po talaga kaming lahat,” Bolanos says. “Parang nakahanap din po ako ng bagong pamilya dito.”

While life has been anything but easy for anyone in these trying times, foodpanda continues to deliver solutions to help people in any way possible. Under the PandaTODA program, tricycle drivers get more than new livelihood. They also enjoy the perks and rewards

pandaTODA John Paul Bolanos.

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Growing trees in the cities

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO rees, which poet Joyce Kilmer says only God can make, have been an important part of human settlements throughout history. But it was only in recent years that the full value of trees to urban dwellers was considered.

T

“Trees and green spaces play an important role in improving city living conditions,” said Susan Braatz, land use and agroforestry officer in the forestry department of the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This must be the reason why there are more trees in New York’s Central Park than those found in the cities of Metro Manila combined.

Some years back, the United Nations food agency launched the urban/ peri-urban forestry program to document, synthesize and disseminate information about this forestry scheme, particularly in developing countries like the Philippines. It also aims to provide both technical and methodological guidance that would assist member countries in planning and implementing urban forestry programs.

FAO defines urban forestry as “an integrated, city-wide approach to the planting, care and management of trees in the city to secure multiple environmental and social benefits for urban dwellers.”

In its broadest sense, urban forestry embraces a multi-management that includes municipal watersheds, wildlife habitats, outdoor recreation opportunities, landscape design, recycling of municipal wastes, tree care in general and the production of wood fiber as a raw

material.

FAO forestry experts promote urban forestry as populations all over the world continue to surge in urban areas. Demographers say urban population is taking place most rapidly in so-called “low-income countries.”

The United Nations has identified 24 megacities around the world. A megacity is an urban center with a current or projected population of 10 million or more. Metro Manila, with about 10 million people, is already considered a megacity.

“The rate of population growth is outstripping the planning capacity of municipal governments in developing countries in Asia,” observed Guido Kuchelmeister, an expert in agroforestry and urban forestry issues.

He said that environmental degradation in the cities, per-urban areas and even accessible rural areas is the result of the growing populations’ striving to fulfill their needs for food, energy and construction wood.

The German forestry expert argued that the rate of growth in cities of the developed world is much lower compared to those in developing countries but he admitted that cities in these countries also experience other serious problems.

Among the problems that Kuchelmeister identified include deterioration

of air quality, higher air temperatures, increased noise levels, greater psychological stress and a decreased sense of community.

Because of this, he bats for the adoption of urban forestry which considers the merging of “arboriculture,” ornamental horticulture and forest management. Arboriculture is defined as the growing and tending of trees and shrubs generally for ornament and instruction rather than use or profit.

The planting of trees in human settlements and as an integral part of landscape architecture is actually not new. It has been practiced among ancient Chinese and in western Asian and Greek civilizations.

“Urban forestry is an opportunity to bring principles of forestry ecology into the city; more than

just being about planting individual trees, urban forestry is about managing the urban forest as an ecological entity,” explained Braatz.

The list of goods and services that urban forestry can provide is impressive. Trees and green spaces help keep cities cool, act as natural filters and noise absorbers, protect and improve the quality of natural resources, including soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife. Trees also contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal of cities.

In a FAO report, Braatz stressed, “It is the aesthetic and recreational value of trees, forests and parks that is most directly identified by most urban dwellers, in developed and developing countries alike.”

Unknown to many, trees play a very important social role in easing

tensions and improving psychological health. A study conducted in the United States has demonstrated that hospital patients placed in rooms with windows facing trees heal faster and require shorter hospital stays.

Poor air quality is one of the major problems in the cities. Plants can help solve this problem. Trees remove pollutants from the air in three ways: absorption by the leaves or the soil surface; deposition of particulates and aerosols on the leaf surfaces; and fallout of particulates on the leeward (downwind) side of the vegetation because of the slowing of air movement.

Beyond ecological and aesthetic benefits, urban forestry has a role in helping resource-poor populations meet basic needs, particularly in developing countries. Fruit trees are

often an important component of urban home gardens. In some places, trees are planted to help augment fuelwood and fodder needs and even to provide raw materials for handicrafts.

But like most programs, urban forestry has its shares of constraints and limitations. Among these are inadequate funding for municipal and national budgets and lack of land. In addition, decision makers at both national and international levels have tended to consider urban forestry as a low-priority activity and usually deferred than other programs.

Environmental stress is another factor. The UN agency says that stress from the environment reduces the vigor of many tree species and increases their susceptibility to disease and pest infestation.

10 EDGEDAVAO ARAW... FROM2

saulog”, “Reyna Dabawenya,” “Ginoong Davao,” “Sayaw Pinoy,” “Kalingawan sa Sta. Ana,” “Hudyaka,” “Mutya ng Dabaw,” “Pasi-

dungog,” “Araw ng Empleyado,” “Kanta Dabawenyo,” “Parada Dabawenyo,” and “Datu Bago” Awards.

By Maya M. Padillo

This is one of the requirements sought by COVID-19 vaccine suppliers.

Go said he and his fellow lawmakers had worked double time to speed up the passage of the bill to help expedite the delivery of the much needed vaccines to the country. The measure was sponsored by Senate Committee on Finance Chair Sonny Angara and was also co-sponsored

by Go and other senators.

“Nagmadali kami noong nakaraang Martes.

We voted on third reading and it was signed yesterday by the respective leaderships of both Houses and I heard it was already transmitted to the Office of the President yesterday,” Go

shared.

“I’m sure the Office of the Executive Secretary will be working on it, and will be soon signed by the President,” he added.

“Ito po ang hinihingi ng COVAX, hinihingi ng WHO (World Health Organization). Ngayon, nandiyan na po at alam naman natin ang vaccine lang po ang susi dito sa ating problema para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal nating pamumuhay,” he added.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, February 23, while the House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of the measure on the same day.

tang nila dira sa bawal na lugar. Since ang uban wala nag self-demolish, so ang atoang papel dira is to assist the occupants sa demolition (We encouraged them to voluntarily demolish their structures as these are not permitted. Since some have not self-demolished, our task is to assist the occupants in the demolition),” he said.

He added that his office also gave back the demolished materials to the owners with an agreement not to build again in the same area.

Among the demolished structures are houses and stores built on top of a drainage ditch.

ASU continuously conducts inspections in major streets of the city and even in far-flung barangay roads.

ASU immediately conducts dialogue of owners in areas

where they are not allowed to build and encourages them to voluntarily demolish their structures. Bermejo said occupants who don’t have the capacity to self-demolish should ask help from ASU to assist them.

“The city mayor has mandated our office to continuously clear the sidewalks, roads, road right of ways, alleys of obstructions. Including parks and playgrounds. Bisan pa gani ang subdivisions, kung mo-request ang subdivision gina-respondehan na sila to clear the roads (We respond to them even the subdivisions (residents) if they request to clear their roads),” Bermejo said.

Bermejo also called on vendors in the city main thoroughfares not to occupy sidewalks and cooperate for everyone’s safety.

CIO

the league has never publicly acknowledged that it is based on West. One likely reason is to avoid any legal and financial entanglements for the use of his image. (Check out this Undefeated article for more.)

Moreover, the league will likely never acknowledge any one player as the official symbol of the NBA. It is for these reasons that Yahoo! Sports’ Dan

Wetzel believes that the NBA will never change its logo to any symbol remotely connected to Kobe — even if, as Wetzel wrote, the “sentiment is wonderful.”

Even more than a year after Bryant’s tragic passing, the virality of Kyrie’s post shows just how strong that sentiment remains.

Just don’t hold your breath that anything will come out of it.

ease the loss by playing the same team the next night, later adding: "They got stops. They shrunk the floor on defense. It's a young team. You can't give a young team life to play in transition. They got out.

They ran the floor. They just showed their athleticism."

The Grizzlies, who lead the league in points in the paint, concentrated on that factor in the first half to build a lead, then carried it through the game finishing with 72 paint points.

Leonard said the Grizzlies post play and passing to their bigs was a major factor.

Despite all of these, the 24-year-old prospect knows he has to step up his game.

"Responsibility din po 'yun (It is also a responsibil-

ity to be part of Gilas Men. Given a chance, kailangang pumukpok na (I need to grind it out now. Ibibigay ko na lahat (I will give my all)," Rangel vowed. (PNA)

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Senate Bill No. 2057, which proposed the required indemnification fund and clause for COVID-19 vaccines to arrive in the country, was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, February 23. The House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of the measure on the same day. Go shared that the law will most likely be signed by the President before the end of this week.

Go also reiterated the need for a comprehensive information dissemination campaign on the vaccines

to improve the confidence and trust of the public.

“Importante po dito ang info campaign dahil marami pa pong kababayan natin ang takot pang magpabakuna. Tinatanong ko sila. Iilan lang nagtataas ng kamay,” he shared.

“Siguraduhin muna nating safe at epektibo ito at makuha natin ang tiwala ng ordinaryong mamamayang Pilipino. ‘Yun po ang importante sa ngayon.

Ine-encourage ko po ang mga kapwa kong Pilipino na magtiwala tayo sa gobyerno dahil itong ba-

kuna, ito po ang susi. ‘Yun ang solusyon,” he urged the public.

As for the other vaccines ordered by the government, Go said that there is no definite date yet with regard to their arrival. He assured, however, that concerned agencies have been seeking the assistance of the country’s diplomatic missions abroad to expedite the release of the vaccines.

“Ini-expect po ni Secretary Galvez na mauunang dumating ‘yung mula sa COVAX, eh, wala pa pong

binibigay na definite date ang COVAX para sa 117,000 Pfizer (vaccines) at 5,500,000 mula sa AstraZeneca,” he said.

“Ako po mismo, nakiusap na ako kagabi kay Ambassador Daniel Pruce ng UK, ambassador nila dito sa bansa. Nakiusap na kami ni Secretary Galvez sa kaniya na sana ay tulungan tayo, ang ating bansa, na ma-expedite po ang release ng ipinangako ng COVAX. Nangako po ang COVAX. Ang problema po, ‘yung supply nila ‘di pa po nagco-commit,” Go added.

in quarantine. This will be placed in the city’s control points or checkpoints.

“For now, ang mga naka-block pa lang ang katong mga positive cases na currently na-record na sa atong mga contact tracers.

Ang katong blocking nato sa currently in quarantine, ginahan-ay pa sya sa atong DQR web development team in coordination with our City Information and Technology Center (For now, only the positive cases are blocked and recorded by our contact tracers. Our blocking for those currently in quarantine is a work in progress by our DQR web development team in

coordination with our City Information and Technology Center),” he said.

Individuals can also access their unique DQR code by choosing “My DQR Code” once they log in to the app.

He added that the full implementation of the DQR in the city has significantly improved contact tracing.

Previously, contact tracers would interview each positive individual and identify close contacts. This was inefficient for those who frequently went to public places with strangers.

“With the use of DQR, mas na-expand nato ang capability sa atoang con-

tact tracing team na mas maka-reach og more people na could have been in close contact with a positive case. Mas napadali sya karon because dili na kinahanglan one by one tawagan sa atong contact tracing team ang mga casual contacts, katong mga F2 ug F3. Karon with the push notification, generic na atong message na mahatag sa ilaha and uniform ang message (With the use of DQR, we expanded our contact tracing team’s capability to reach more people who could have been in close contact with a positive case. It is easier now since they don’t have

to call casual contacts one by one, the F2 and F3. With the push notification, our message is generic and uniform),” Ortonio said.

Ortonio called on Dabawenyos and the business sector for their continued support in the implementation of the DQR for everyone’s welfare and safety against the spread of the Covid-19 in the city.

According to Ortonio, the DQR mobile app scanner from the APK link is no longer available.

The printed DQR currently used by Dabawenyos can still be used for those who are not smartphone users. CIO

kapaatid na mga IPs; dahil nga sa hirap ng kanilang buhay ay ina-abuso ninyo na turuan sila na labanan ang gobyerno; instead na kayo pakipag laban ay tulungan natin sila na makakahaon sa kahirapan. (I am calling you not to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of our IP children, of our IP brethren.

Having less in life, you have abused them by teaching them to go against the government. Instead of waging rebellion, let us help them rise from poverty.),” he said during the press conference.

Jubahib condemned the continued struggle of the CPP-NPA to overthrow the government, citing it as “useless” and senseless as this has failed to result in concrete improvement in

the lives of the lowly IPs. “Yong pinaglaban nyo kung sa Bisaya pa ‘wala jud na’y pulos," (it is useless) he said addressing the CPPNPA and its legal fronts.

“Wala mo’y nahatag nga concretong tabang sa atong mga kaigsoonan nga inyong gipang-recruit nga mouban diha sa inyong kawsa. Sa kadugay na sa atong problema hindi pa ba kayo nagsawa? (You have not given concrete assistance to our brethren whom you have recruited to join your cause.

For so long a time, are you not fed up?),” Jubahib said.

Jubahib invited leaders of the insurgency movement in the Philippines to join government efforts to spur development especially in far-flung areas where services are most needed

by the poor IPs. “Dapat this time, magkaisa na po tayo at sumuko na kayo at bumalik na kayo sa ating gobyerno. (This time, we have to unite; you surrender and go back to folds of our government.),” he said.

The press conference on the rescue and return of Talaingod IP children, was also paneled by Police Brig.

General Filmore Escobal of Police Regional Office XI, Asst. Secretary Jade Jamolod of DSWD, and Brig General Nolasco Mempin, commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

It drew the virtual participation of Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, spokesperson of the National Task Force Ending Local

Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), and the presence of regional director Evarly Tahanlangit of NICA XI and Frances Mae Macapagat of the Philippine Information Agency XI. It also generated the presence of officials of the office of G-7 of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the 5th Civil Relations Group (CRG) among other provincial and regional support groups.

The press conference was streamed “live” through PTV DavNor 48 and dispatched thru various links of the Philippine Information Agency XI, among other media outlets of the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO). (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

Video’ category for ‘Fuel the Dream’, an online video created with media and creative agency Havas Media.

Organized by the Public Relations Society of

the Philippines, the Anvil Awards is an annual public relations awards in the Philippines given to select public relations programs, tools, and practitioners of exemplary performance in

the field.

This year, with the theme “PR for Good”, the 56th Anvil Awards gave out six Gold Anvils and 122 Silver Anvils to outstanding public relations

programs and tools that showed purpose-driven and impactful initiatives that promote corporate integrity and social good during crises and across platforms.

who blew open the game with a 26-4 run spanning halftime. The NBA's highest-scoring team reached 120 points for the 20th time, already tying a franchise record in only 34 games.

Nikola Vucevic had 28 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic, who dropped their second straight after a three-game win streak.

They committed 18 turnovers, giving the Nets 24 points when they score enough without any help.

"We can't beat ourselves and we can't turn the ball over and that's where it started," Magic coach Steve Clifford said.

Clifford predicted before the game that the Nets are so gifted offensively that there would be possessions where his team defended well and Brooklyn still scored.

Orlando looked good early, holding Brooklyn to five points in the first six minutes. Even after straightening things out

later in the period, the Nets were down 28-24 after the first quarter.

That was about the only highlight for Orlando. The Nets surged ahead with a 12-2 burst midway through the second that gave them a 44-38 lead, with a 19-2 surge late in the period turning a threepoint lead into a 65-45 bulge.

"We can't start every game like how we've started the rest of the games during this kind of streak,"

Irving said. "So we've just got to turn the next page and we put a few possessions together and we ended the first quarter well and I feel like that put us in position to take control of the pace of the game."

The Nets outscored the Magic 41-19 in the second, shooting 16 of 22 (72.7%).

Irving, who missed all five 3-pointers in the first half, then made one before his steal and layup capped a 7-0 start out of the locker room that made it 72-47.

SAFE... FROM3

DAVNOR... FROM3

PHOENIX... FROM5 NETS... FROM11

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rout Magic in sixth Kyrie’s viral post resurrects Nets straight game without KD call to replace the NBA logo N

K

yrie Irving’s IG feed can be a sometimes enlightening, sometimes bamboozling mix of ancient Egyptian iconography, Black power history, African heritage, and walls of text bannering important activist causes.

Sometimes, he also posts about basketball.

Just like today, when he made this post suggesting a brand-new logo for the NBA. “Gotta happen, I don’t care what anyone says,”

the Brooklyn Nets guard wrote. “Black kings built the league!” Take a look.

The post racked up more than 600,000 likes in a little over an hour.

The art that Irving post-

Grizzlies use tough defense, dominate paint to stop Clippers

M

EMPHIS, Tennessee — The Memphis Grizzlies clamped down on the Los Angeles Clippers.

Tyus Jones scored a career-high 20 points, Memphis slowed Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and the Grizzlies beat the Clippers, 122-94, on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time).

Dillon Brooks finished with 19 points for Memphis, and Jonas Valanciunas and Ja Morant had 16 each, with Valanciunas adding 15 rebounds. Jones was 9 of 11 from the floor, including 2 of 3 from outside the arc.

Leonard scored 17 points, and George and Serge Ibaka had 13 points each, although George

was stymied by a 3-for-12 shooting night, part of the Clippers connecting on 41%.

The Clippers were held to 12 of 34 (35.3%) shooting from outside the arc, below their 42% for the season.

"Just urgency to defend the 3-point line," Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said about the defense. "That's been something that has come in waves with our group over the course of the season.

The teams will complete the two-game set Friday night at FedExForum.

"Absolutely," Clippers forward Paul George said when asked if it helped

FGRIZZLIES, P10

ed was originally created by graphic artist Tyson Beck, who first posted it on his own IG feed on January 29, 2020, or three days after Kobe Bryant’s untimely death.

“To me it would be a fitting and rightfully deserved tribute to make the change,” Beck wrote at the time. “Jerry West, who is the current logo, has previously stated it’s embarrassing that he is still the logo and wishes it would be changed. Jerry was the person who drafted

(traded) Kobe, he was the person who believed in him when others didn’t.”

Beck also added, “Kobe is everything that represents what basketball truly stands for, he is the modern day global ambassador of the game.”

Beck’s artwork became the face of a Change.org petition addressed to the NBA to change the logo. As of writing, more than 3.2 million people have signed it.

Speaking of the old logo,

FKYRIE’S, P10

EW YORK — Kyrie Irving had 27 points and nine assists, James Harden scored 20 points and the Nets extended their longest winning streak since moving to Brooklyn to eight games with a 12992 rout of the Orlando Magic on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time).

The Nets have the longest current winning streak in the NBA and their longest since a franchise record-tying 14-game run late in the 2005-06 season. They moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2012.

Memphis center Jonas Valanciunas scored 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against the Clippers.

This roll has come almost entirely without Kevin Durant, who missed his sixth straight game with a strained left hamstring.

"We just want him to stay patient, stay peaceful and when he comes back the world will be on notice again," Irving said.

They're explosive enough with their other two All-Stars, improving to 7-2 when Irving and Harden play but Durant doesn't.

Landry Shamet added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Nets,

FNETS, P10

12 SPORTS

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GOOD TO GO Rangel says he's ready to compete in Gilas training

D

espite getting to play only limited minutes for Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League, Tzaddy Rangel believes he is now good enough to compete in the next level, that is, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and Gilas Pilipinas Men. "Given a chance, gagawin ko lang po 'yung usual na ginagawa ko (I will just do the usual things I do: following the system and sticking to my strengths. 'Yun lang po 'yung focus ko (That is my only focus right now)," the six-foot-eight center said on Wednesday night in the Sports on Air podcast.

Rangel had to play behind the shadows of towering Sam Deguara at Alab and even Alfred Aroga during his college years at National University.

Thus, Rangel believes he might not get selected early into the PBA Draft set on March 14.

"Ang ine-expect ko talaga is third round or fourth round kasi seldom-used player po ako. Kaya hindi nila masyado ako nakikita. Wala masyadong hype sa pangalan ko (I am expecting to be drafted in the third or fourth round because I am a seldom used player. So they do not see me more often. There is not much hype in

my name)," he said.

So when the announcement came that he was chosen to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas Men pool, which also meant that he will be inserted into the special Gilas Men round instead of the regular draft, Rangel was surprised especially that he only found out about it just as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced it.

"Nakita ko lang po na may article, tapos nagulat po ako. 'Di ko talaga in-expect na magkaka-chance akong makuha (I only saw the news in an article, and I was surprised. I did not expect that I would get a chance to be selected to the pool)," he said.

The development also meant Rangel would be among the first four picks of the draft in general, a huge jump from the third round of the regular draft.

"Bigla akong umangat (I suddenly moved up)," Rangel quipped.

FGOOD, P10

Tzaddy Rangle said he is now ready to compete in the buildup for the Asian Cup Qualifiers.