Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 273 | Friday, March 5. 2021

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT: SURVIVING THE CHALLENGE OF THE PANDEMIC COMPETITIVE P5

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

MORE VAX

VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

Airport workers unhaul 36 boxes containing 21,600 doses of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccines at the Davao International Airport on Thursday.

The vaccines were the second batch of Sinovac vaccines to arrive in Davao City this week.

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Second batch of Sinovac vaccines arrives, no instructions of delivery yet for AstraZeneca STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte receives his government-issued identification card from National Economic and Development Authority Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua at the Malacañan Palace on March 3, 2021. The Philippine Identification System ID or the Philippine Identification Card is the official national identity card for Filipino citizens worldwide and foreign permanent residents in the Philippines. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MORE VAX

Second batch of Sinovac vaccines arrives, no instructions of delivery yet for AstraZeneca

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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referral hospitals arrived in Davao City on March 2, 2021. These will be given to frontliners at the Southern Philippines

Medical Center (SPMC) and Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Apokon, Tagum City.

“Ang total doses for Davao Region is 33,600 doses,” said Dr. Annabelle Yumang, regional director of the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11).

Yumang said she wants to get vaccinated to show that the vaccines

are safe and persuade other people to get vaccinated. However, Sinovac vaccines are reported not be given to senior citizens and those with underlying comorbidities.

“Ang Sinovac ihatag sa 18 to 59 years old.

Sixty years old na man ko. Wala ko naapil sa bakunahan. Ug unahon ang

demic.

Villafuerte said instead of worrying about the vaccines’ efficacy rate, the public has to be immunized.

She added that the vaccination reduces risk and even protects a recipient from mild, moderate, to severe hospitalization and death due to Covid-19.

“Vaccination is the only cure to stop the pandemic. Otherwise, kung

gamay lang ta mag-pa-immunize, dili gihapon nato maundang (infection).

We will not stop wearing masks, we will not stop promoting business.

Maghihirap tayo kasi lahat tayo affected. Kailangan we need to get the vaccinated, anyway, it will save us, it will save our families, and ultimately our community,” Villafuerte said in a broadcast interview on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the 12,000 Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccines intended for 6,000 medical frontliners in Covid-19 referral hospitals have arrived in Davao City on March 2 and these will be given to the frontliners at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Apokon, Tagum City. Maya Padillo

he second batch of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccines contained in 36 boxes and amounting to 21,600 doses arrived at the Davao International Airport (DIA) on Thursday morning.

This followed after the 12,000 Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccines intended for 6,000 medical frontliners in Covid-19

FMORE VAX, P7

Covid-19 vaccination reduces risk, protects recipient: CHO

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fficials of the city government of Davao continue to encourage Dabawenyos to get vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccines.

Davao City Covid-19 vaccination head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said that Dabawenyos must not miss the opportunity to have their immunization on their designated schedule as it’s the only solution to end the pan-

Motorists welcome Davao City Coastal Bypass Road project

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otorists welcom with excitement the construction of Davao City Coastal Bypass project, which is expected to be completed in 2023.

With a total project cost of P18 billion, the Davao City Coastal Bypass project, which is about 18.5 kilometers coastal road includes the construction of the fourlane road with bicycle lanes.

The project extends from Bago Aplaya in the South to R. Castillo in the North.

Businessman Chris-

lam Manamba said the completion of the project will be of benefit to drivers as they will be able to avoid the traffic going to downtown area.

“Kung mahuman ning coastal road, dako ug benepisyo ni sa mga drivers labi na tong gabiyahe paingon ug north, instead na muagi sila ug sentro, labi na ang downtown karon grabe na ka busy.

Dako ni na benepisyo labi na sa mga biyahedor,” he said.

Another motorist John Patrick Bague, for his part, said he can no

FMOTORISTS, P7

Over 5 out of 10 enrolled Pinoy students use devices for distance learning: SWS

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recent survey found that 58% of enrolled Filipino students in the 5 -20 year age bracket use devices for distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey, conducted by Social Weather Stations on Nov. 21-25 last year, showed that 27% of the students already owned devices even before the distance learning classes began. Around 12% bought their gadgets when online classes started, 10% said they only borrowed such devices, and 9% were only given to them.

An average of ₱8,687 was spent by families who bought gadgets before distance learning classes rolled out last year.

The SWS survey also found out that 79% of enrolled school-age Filipino students bought or rented a smartphone to support their online classes.

About 13% got a desktop or laptop, 5% bought a television, and 3% got a tablet.

Almost all or 96% of enrolled Filipino students in Metro Manila use devices for distance learning classes. Some

FOVER 5, P7

VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

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A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

Cargo vessels unloads container vans at Sasa Port in Davao City. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said the cargo traffic is expected to rebound by 7 percent in 2021 after it dropped by 13.5 percent last year due to Covid-19 pandemic-related restrictions. Edge Davao

Employers requiring ‘no vax, no work’ policy face penalty: DOLE BOI approvals surge 156% in Jan-Feb ‘21 T he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has expressed su Private sector employers face administrative penalty if they require their workers to receive coronavirus vaccine before they are allowed to enter the workplace, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Wednesday. pport for the government’s decision to harmonize travel protocols, saying it would facilitate travel movement, the flow of goods and services, and boost local tourism.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said it is illegal for companies to require workers to get the vaccine before they are allowed inside working areas.

“The possible penalty is administrative penalty. It is not legal for employers to require the employee to be vaccinated before they can enter the workplace,” he said in a virtual forum.

“There is no legal basis. So it will be considered as illegal suspension or illegal dismissal.

Whatever action the employer will give to the employee who

is not yet vaccinated,” the DOLE chief added.

Bello is reacting to the statement of a labor group about the emerging mandatory "no vaccination, no work" policy being imposed by employers and business owners on employees.

Associated Labor Unions national executive vice president Gerard Seno said the group advocates for the vaccination of all workers and pushes for essential workers to be prioritized in the inoculation to safely reopen the economy.

FEMPLOYERS, PB1

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nvestment approvals at the Board of Investments (BOI) surged by 156 percent in the first two months of the year compared to the same period in 2020, Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Ramon Lopez said on Wednesday.

“Investments registered in our Board of Investments showed sustained growth of 156.02 percent year-on-year

in the first two months of this year, reaching PHP121.93 billion or USD2.5 billion for two months,” Lopez said at the online Manila Forum of the Association of Philippines and China Understanding.

From January to February 2020, BOI approved PHP47.63 billion worth of investments from 51 projects, the investment promotion

agency said.

Although this year, the number of projects was lower by 39 percent as these investments came from 31 projects from January to February this year, BOI data show.

In terms of employment, the PHP121.93 billion investments will generate 10,207 jobs in the future.

Job generation for the first two months of

the year is 41.59 percent higher than the 7,209 employment in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the majority of the approved investments came from local sources.

Philippine-based companies registered a total of PHP115.72 billion worth of projects, while investments from foreign sources amounted to PHP6.21 billion. (PNA)

from financing the acquisition of the Covid-19 vaccines, the loan will be used for programs to mitigate the adverse impact of the global health and economic crisis.

AIIB approved last year a loan of USD750 million to the Philippines, which is co-financed by the Asian Development Bank, Jin said.

He added that this budgetary support funded the increasing Covid-19 testing capacity in the Philippines,

supporting vulnerable sectors including agriculture and poor households through conditional cash transfers and emergency assistance, and wage subsidies.

“In general, AIIB’s Covid19 assistance was meant for vulnerable countries, vulnerable businesses, and vulnerable people. That is why we are also mindful of our borrowers’ financial health and vulnerability to debt. We protect the welfare and financial sus-

tainability of our members,” the AIIB executive said.

Commenting on the debt trap issue, Jin said borrowing money from external sources is not necessarily the source of debt problems of a country.

“It’s not the borrowing that created the debt problems. It’s the use of the proceeds of the debt, it’s the use of the borrowed money that matters, that makes or breaks,” he said. (PNA)

Beijing-based AIIB exploring $300-million loan for PH

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eijing-based multilateral development bank Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is exploring USD300 million worth of loans for the Philippines, AIIB president Jin Liqun said Wednesday.

At the virtual Manila Forum of the Association of Philippines-China Understanding (APCU), Jin said the new loan will fund the Philippine government’s Covid-19 immunization program.

He added that aside

VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

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PPA expects cargo traffic rebounding by 7% in 2021

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n official of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Wednesday said the cargo traffic is expected to rebound by 7 percent in 2021 after it dropped by 13.5 percent last year due to Covid-19 pandemic-related restrictions.

In a virtual presser, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said “almost all aspects” of the PPA’s core business went down based on the 2019 and 2020 statistics.

Most of the decline, Santiago said, was recorded in the ports of Manila which include the South Harbor, the Manila International Container

Terminal, and the North Port.

“This is expected as 85 percent of the total cargo volume in the country passed through the ports of Manila,” Santiago said.

However, he noted that the PPA’s Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Southern Mindanao clusters posted “minimal de-

Vaccine roll out signals start of economic recovery: DTI chief

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he Philippines’ economic recovery got a shot in the arm with the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines, the country’s Trade chief said on Wednesday as he thanked China for its donation of Sinovac vaccines.

“The arrival of the vaccine and the immediate rollout of the vaccination program the following day certainly brought about heightened optimism in seeing the beginning of the end of COVID-19 pandemic,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said during a virtual forum hosted by the Chinese embassy.

Lopez also said China’s vaccine donation to the Philippines showed the “strong friendship” between the two countries.

“This strong bond of friendship was once again

creases” while the Northern Mindanao cluster posted positive numbers amid the pandemic.

“This is a very good indication that the economy is doing just fine and can easily rebound to pre-Covid-19 levels once we roll out our vaccination program and as such get back investor confidence in our supply chain,” Santiago said.

He said cargo traffic is expected to grow by about 7 percent this year or to a total of 246.79 million metric tons, with a 1 percent increase expected in 2022 and 3 per-

cent by 2023.

“The moment lumaki or tumaas ang consumption ng ating ekonomiya, ito ang magpapalago at magpapalaki ngvolume ng trapiko ng mga kargamento natin (The moment consumption in our economy increases, this is what will cause the volume of our cargo to grow). So, in the meantime, we have yet to see easing up of movement,” Santiago said.

He said pre-pandemic levels of cargo traffic may not occur soon, noting that historically, cargo traffic has never in-

creased by “double-digit levels” in one year.

Passenger traffic Meanwhile, Santiago said passenger traffic in PPA ports also decreased by as much as 70 percent in 2020 as only authorized persons outside of residence (APOR), returning overseas Filipinos, international seafarers, and overseas Filipino workers were allowed to board maritime public transport.

“Our ports in Southern Luzon and the Visayas posted the biggest losses brought about by the pandemic,” Santiago

said.

Beginning this year to 2023, he said the PPA sees passenger traffic to increase to about 25 to 27 million passengers or a growth rate of one to two percent, “way below the pre-Covid-19 traffic of almost 84 million passengers annually.”

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said once the nationwide quarantine eases to a most relaxed modified general community quarantine, he said passenger

FPPA, PB1

witnessed last Sunday with the arrival of the first batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine donated by China.

This donation—which the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian worked hard for, and backed up by no less than Chinese President Xi Jinping—has brought much hope to the Filipino people.“ The Trade chief there are already signs of economic recovery from the pandemic.

“Despite our GDP falling to -9.5 percent in 2020, we saw diminishing declines in the latter quarters of last year. From a record-low -16.5 percent in the 2nd quarter to -11.5 percent in the 3rd quarter and -8.3 percent in the 4th quarter,” Lopez said.

On a quarter-on-

FVACCINE, PB1

E-transactions up more than twice due to pandemic: SSS

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uarantine restrictions put in place to address the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) resulted in the surge in Social Security System’ (SSS) electronic transactions in 2020.

In a virtual briefing Wednesday, SSS Executive Vice President Judy Frances A. See said transactions through the agency’s electronic channels accounted for 75 percent of the total in 2020, up from around 35 percent in the previous year.

Manual transactions, in turn, dropped from 65 percent of the total in 2019 to just 25 percent last year, she said.

For last January alone, access to the My.SSS por-

tal registered average transactions of around 70,590 daily.

See said registration to the My.SSS portal rose by 140.8 percent last year from the about 1.36 transactions in the previous year.

“We already have a total of 10.6 million registrations in My.SSS under the SSS website,” she said.

Relatively, the SSS executive said contribution payments done through electronic channels accounted for 99.3 percent last year.

SSS also registered an 11.14 times jump in the download of its mobile app last year from the 3.12 million downloads

FE-TRANSACTIONS, PB1

A sidewalk vendor cleans and cuts a fish bought by a customer at his makeshift store along Gempesaw Street in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

In urging Dabawenyos to cast away their fears and get vaccinated for Covid-19: Vaccination is the only cure to stop the pandemic. Otherwise, kung gamay lang ta mag-pa-immunize, dili gihapon nato maundang (infection).

We will not stop wearing masks, we will not stop promoting business.

Maghihirap tayo kasi lahat tayo affected. Kailangan we need to get the vaccinated, anyway, it will save us, it will save our families, and ultimately our community.”

Dr. Josephine Villafuerte Davao City Covid-19 vaccination head

EDITORIAL

Participation, not hesitation

Somewhere between compliance and resistance is misinformation, it’s the biggest enemy to success.

As the Covid-19 vaccination rolls out in Davao City, there remains mounting hesitation over fears the vaccines may have adverse effects, even fears of death.

People’s hesitation is now emerging as the biggest roadblock towards winning the battle against the dreaded virus that has claimed not just lives but many businesses and livelihood. Our lives have changed tremendously after the virus came and controlled the way we live. And now that the vaccines are available, all of a sudden many cowered in fear.

It’s now the challenge of the government to get people vaccinated instead of walking away.

We cannot just remain on status quo and live under the

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

machinations of this dreaded virus.

The city government of Davao has been aggressively campaigning and encouraging Dabawenyos to get vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccines. Davao City Covid-19 vaccination head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said that Dabawenyos must not miss the opportunity to have their immunization on their designated schedule as it’s the only solution to end the pandemic.

Worrying about the vaccines’ efficacy rate or choosing a preferred brand should not be the concern at this time. The most urgent thing is that the public has to be immunized.

Don’t be choosy when the bottomline is everyone’s health and safety. There is a street slang for that.

“Wag choosy.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

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Property development: Surviving the challenge of the pandemic

By NEIL BRAVO t wasn’t easy for everyone. It still isn’t easy until now.

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Let's face it, the pandemic has put a massive dent on everyone's business. It will stay there for as long as the fight continues.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world with guards down last year, among the biggest losers in the business side was easily the property industry.

Davao City was not spared.

On the way to a booming real estate and construction industry, the city simply reeled and rolled hard from the impact of the health crisis. Sadly, the city was enjoying an unprecedented boom in the real estate business when all of a sudden Covid-19 struck just as worse as any financial crisis.

In the heat of the battle, several developers held off their construction. A few with the financial stability and doggedness pushed on.

Among those who felt the crunch were the homegrown developers

like Escandor Development Corporation.

Its maiden venture the Matina Enclaves 'coasted along' with the rough pandemic waves to finish its third building in the sprawling complex along Quimpo Boulevard in Ecoland.

Weathering the challenge, Matina Enclaves came through another milestone as it saw Building A of its Enclaves Residences sector finally rise completely.

On February 25, Esdevco president Glenn Escandor and daughter Irina led the inauguration ceremony of Building A of the Matina Enclaves along with Esdevco executives led by project director Gerald Kent Garces and buiding contractors.

"It was e very tough year. Everyone knows how hard it is to continue to construct given the restrictions and the limitations but we gladly made it," said Escandor.

"This project is a

proof of Matina Enclaves' commitment to our clients and to the city as well that no matter what the situation is, we are committed to delivering our promise," he added.

Building A is a midrise condominium building within the Enclaves Residences sector of the sprawling Matina Enclaves. It is the third residential building bound for turnover by the fast-growing homegrown real estate development firm. Esdevco has by far turned over two--Buildings B and C--of the five residential buildings under this cluster of midrise residential buildings of the Matina Enclaves.

The Residences sector has by far completed the outdoor Matina Enclaves basketball court which is part of the amenities of the Matina Enclaves in addition to the clubhouse and swimming pool which were completed earlier.

Building A of the Matina Enclaves.

Acacia Hotel Davao: A ray of hope for the tourism industry H

By MAYA M. PADILLO

otels in Davao City are gradually opening after getting virtually swept away by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Acacia Hotel Davao management says it sees a better landscape even in the middle of the pandemic because people will always want to get away.

Acacia Hotel Davao has reopened its doors on February 18, 2021 and is set to redefine hospitality as it gears up on safety protocols and measures where the guests’ health and well-being are paramount.

Agot Serrano, hotel manager, said Acacia Hotel Davao’s reopening is a symbol of new hope for the tourism industry.

“Last June 2020, the hotel decided to temporarily close its doors to prioritize the safety of its valued clients, employees and for sustainability purposes. Now that we have already adapted to the new normal, the management is confident that the hotel can offer its heartfelt service with safety measures in place,”

Serrano said.

The hotel is always focused on personalized service and providing a warm, welcoming environment for guests. Its 259 modern and well-appointed guest rooms as well as striking suites are deeply sanitized and cleaned to ensure that the guests can enjoy a safe and comfortable stay.

Serrano said from the entrance to the guest rooms, public areas and exit points, safety protocols are strictly implemented and hand sanitizers are available and safety signages are visible around the hotel.

The staying guests are also provided with wellpacked safety kits that include a bottle of alcohol, mask and a set of tissue.

“Social distancing is observed at all times and there is a limit to the number of guests in rooms, function halls and in other areas to avoid mass gatherings. Our team made sure that the directives of the government are followed and hotel operations are adjusted on what is applica-

ble,” she said.

To complete each guest’s safe staycation, Acacia Hotel Davao continues to offer its highend specialties with distinct flavors at Luk Foo Palace, which is serving traditional Cantonese cuisine. The platter packages from Luk Foo Palace are also available for takeout orders through the hotel’s Food-To-Go service that allows customers to munch their favorite dishes in the comforts of their home.

Situated in the busy area of J.P Laurel Avenue, Acacia Hotel Davao offers great view of the north and easy access to shopping malls, dining establishments, cultural attractions, and churches.

The team of Acacia Hotel Davao is elated to welcome guests again and is ready to serve guests with its brand of genuine Filipino Hospitality that is “Simply Heartfelt”.

“Acacia Hotel Davao is assertive to continue providing its brand of genuine Filipino hospitality along with its promise of clean,” Serrano said.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

PROTECT BIODIVERSITY FOR HEALTHIER FUTURE

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Photo courtesy of STEVE HYDE he connection between biodiversity loss and the emergence of zoonotic diseases has gained wider attention in recent years – thanks to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has struck the country almost a year ago.

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“Biodiversity has been talked about more often as we all make sense of the crisis and establish clear paths to recovery,” said Dr. Theresa Mundita-Lim said in her remarks during the webminar on “Emerging Disease, Wildlife Trade and Consumption: The Need for Robust Global Governance.”

She cited an earlier talk delivered by Dr. David Nabarro, a special envoy on COVID-19 for the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Earlier we heard from him about how a holistic, interdisciplinary, and integrated approach helped address the bird flu in 2003,” said Mundita-Lim, who is the executive director of ASEAN Biodiversity Center (ABC).

Asian highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among them. It was first detected in 1996 in geese in China. In humans, it was first detected in 1997 during a poultry outbreak in Hong Kong.

Asian H5N1 re-emerged in 2003 and rare, sporadic human infections with the virus have been reported in Asia, and later in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

The United Nations health agency recommends the One Health in beating this type of disease. One Health is an approach to designing and implementing programs, policies, legislation and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health

outcomes.

One Health is particularly relevant when it comes to food safety, the control of zoonoses (diseases that can spread between animals and humans), and combating antibiotic resistance (when bacteria change after being exposed to antibiotics and become more difficult to treat).

“Many of the microbes infect animals and humans, as they share the ecosystems they live in,” the WHO explains. “Efforts by just one sector cannot prevent or eliminate the problem.”

According to Dr. Mundita-Lim, the One Health approach is particularly relevant and crucial to a biodiversity-rich region like Southeast Asia.

“The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or the ASEAN has three of the world’s 17 megabiodiverse countries and five countries in the Indo-Burma region, considered one of the most biologically important regions on the planet,” she said.

“Despite comprising only 3 per cent of the world’s land area, the Region is home to 18 percent of all known plants and animals,” she added.

She feared that the richness of biodiversity makes these countries vulnerable to the spillover of diseases from wildlife to domestic animals and humans.

“Species that have been implicated as the origins of COVID-19 and other new and emerging diseases thrive in the region,” Dr.

Mundita-Lim said, citing the case of the H5N1 influenza, which has been found to occur in a number of healthy-looking wild bird species, including the tufted ducks which are present in the region.

In 2015, she was part of the multidisciplinary and multi-institutional team of the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that investigated bats as possible reservoirs of the Reston ebolavirus.

“We found both molecular and serologic evidence of the virus in multiple bat species,” she reported.

Early this month, she said that researchers in Thailand published a study on the presence of SARSCoV-2 related viruses among Southeast Asian bats and pangolins. SARS-CoV-2 is the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

“With 346 bat species, 3 species of pangolins, and over 2, 000 migratory avian species, the ASEAN could be a hotspot for the next pandemic,” she warned.

Dr. Mundita-Lim believed that while pandemics may originate from animal reservoirs, the emergence is driven by anthropogenic factors which create opportunities for the transmission of virus from wildlife to domestic animals and to humans.

“If we hope to avoid experiencing another pandemic, together with its consequences, we need to follow several key measures that could very well form part of our approach towards recovery and building a better and healthier future for all of us,” she said.

She listed these key measures: “Protecting the wildlife species through species-specific conservation actions. Robust mechanisms for implementing wildlife laws that address illegal and unsustainable use of wild-

life at the local, national, and international levels are favourable in keeping the species safe in their natural habitats. Reducing contact of natural hosts with multiple varieties of other species, including domestic animals and humans lessens the opportunities for viruses to transform.

“Conserving and restoring ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, en-

croachment, and land-use change put great pressure on ecosystems and displace wildlife species, driving them closer to human settlements, and exposing them further to poaching and man-made hazards.

“Protecting high biodiversity areas that are likely natural habitats and home range of natural reservoirs of potentially disease-causing viruses must be part of an integrated approach to preventing future pandemics.

“An effective approach in preventing pandemics takes into account the crucial role of indigenous peoples and local communities in caring for and protecting our natural resources. These communities, along with the local and indigenous

knowledge associated with the natural surroundings in which they live, must also be part of our new approach.

Their presence within and around the habitats makes them indispensable frontliners in safeguarding biodiversity.

“Through a connection that has been forged through time, indigenous and local knowledge systems that are built around a harmonious relationship with nature are essential in ensuring resilience and sustainability. Together with environment-friendly innovation and technologies, traditional and sustainable practices that have been passed on from generation to generation must likewise be incentivized and recognized to instill renewed

pride and deliver added benefits to those who apply them.

“In the short-term, economic stimulus and biodiversity-friendly livelihood programs for communities in and around protected areas and wildlife habitats, especially during this crisis, can substantially help reduce the pressure to exploit and overutilize natural resources.”

“We do not need to reinvent the wheel to ensure a sustainable future for wildlife and humanity,” Dr Mundita-Lim stressed. “The solutions in averting pandemics, and building our resilience may not necessarily be found in another planet, but is here among us, in nature, in our biodiversity.”

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PRRD maintains gov’t won’t force anyone to get Covid-19 vaccine

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has stood pat on his statement that the government will not force Filipinos to get inoculated with a Covid-19 vaccine, a Palace official said Thursday.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made this remark after a group of labor unions expressed concern over an “emerging” policy of some businesses requiring their workers to get vaccinated against Covid-19 before they are allowed to return to work.

China’s donated 600,000 doses of Sinovac-made

CoronaVac vaccines is the only vaccine brand currently available in the country.

However, a number of frontline medical workers have refused to be injected with CoronaVac over efficacy doubts.

The government aims to inoculate 50 million to 70 million Filipinos nationwide, but it is not making inoculation against Covid-19 mandatory.

“Walang pilitan para kay Pangulong Duterte. Although talagang ini-encourage niya at ini-encourage ng buong gobyerno ang lahat ng mga

mga taga hospital sa bakuna,” she said.

Meanwhile, Yumang said there is no instruction of the delivery of AstraZeneca vaccine in Davao Region yet.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque recently confirmed that the Philippines is set to receive 487,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines on March 4, 2021, as part of the first round of allocated doses from the COVAX facility.

It can be recalled that Mayor Sara Dute-

rte-Carpio announced that the city government of Davao has procured 30,000 doses of vaccines from multinational firm AstraZeneca.

The vaccines are expected arrive in the city in batches starting third quarter of this year because the company could not provide vaccines in bulk.

The city is eyeing to immunize 1.2 million Dabawenyos, which is 70 percent of the city's population to achieve herd immunity.

MORE VAX... FROM2

kababayan natin na pagdating ng takdang oras na kayo na rin po ay susunod sa linya na nga po ng magpapabakunahan, tanggapin po natin ito ng buong loob at walang pag-aalinlangan (The President won’t force anyone.

Although he and the entire government is encouraging the public to accept the vaccine without hesitation

when the time comes that they are next in line to receive the vaccine),” Nograles said in a virtual presser.

He expressed confidence that there would be higher trust and acceptance for Covid-19 vaccines as soon as more frontline healthcare workers receive their shots.

(PNA)

MOTORISTS... FROM2

longer be late for work especially during rush hour.

“Dako ni nga advantage sa among mga bikers kay kung makita nato this is an 18.3 kilomters stretch ug puwede na for cardio exercises ug sa katong mga naga jogging ug biking compared to our existing McArthur Highway and diversion road, pinasahi ni siya kay dili ma compromise ang safety sa mga health

buffs na parehas namo,” said Michael Gempesaw, a cyclist.

Eugenio Raful Pipo Jr., undersecretary for regional operations in Mindanao of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said included also in the development is the construction of 11 bridges.

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

64% of students in Balance Luzon use these gadgets, while around 4 in 10 students have devices for distance learn-

ing in Visayas (43%) and Mindanao (41%).

The national government implemented distance and blended

OVER 5... FROM2

7

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

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

BRANCHES

DATE PAWNED

DAVAO: September Sasa Maa 01 - 30, Sandawa 2020 Matina Panabo Main Panabo Branch

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION March 26, 2021(Fri.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sandawa Branch VGM BLDG., Sandawa Rd., SIR New Matina, Davao City

THE MANAGEMENT learning methods for the current school year as schools were closed off to prevent further transmission of COVID-19.

President Rodrigo Duterte recently rejected the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face

classes in low-risk areas since the country only started its vaccine rollout on Monday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President will decide on August if limited physical classes will be allowed.

B1 EDGEDAVAO EMPLOYERS... FROMA1 "But these arbitrary actions taken by abusive employers are audacious acts of direct discrimination and straightforward coercion,” Seno said. “ E m p l o y e e s , either in private or in government, must never ever be subjected to any compulsion. The decision of any person not to be vaccinated should be respected in

the same way we respect those who had taken the vaccine," he added.

The group said the policy aims to ensure workers’ optimum productivity in the light of government plan to safely and fully open the economy to spur recovery amid the worsening economy caused by the pandemic quarantine restrictions. (PNA)

as of end-December 2019.

“So there’s really a surge or a big increase in the number of online transactions last year, in 2020. This was brought about the pandemic, when there is limited mobility and our members cannot go to the SSS branches also,” she added.

To date, SSS services that can be done through the My.SSS portal include

applications for calamity loan, pension loan, retirement benefit (subject to qualifying conditions for online filing), unemployment benefit, and funeral claim.

SSS members can also submit through the portal requests for member data change for simple corrections for members, and submission of sickness benefit reimbursement application for employers. (PNA)

Urrutia hasn’t fought since February of 2019, which is more than two years ago, after dropping his last three fights. The 34-year-old reveals that he’s had to deal with a lot of lingering injuries that have kept him largely inactive, coupled with the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic that threw a monkey wrench into all of his plans.

Now training in his new gym at Bangkok Fight Lab in Thailand, Urrutia has his sights set on a much needed victory against Abelardo.

“He (Abelardo) is good and I respect him. We’re kind of like the same guy. He’s a foreigner living in Asia, traveling and training and competing across the world, and I’m doing the same thing. We’re just similar people, but we both want the same thing [in this fight]. So it’s got to be me,” said Urrutia.

“I think I can exploit his wrestling and his jiujitsu. I want to put him on his back and keep him there. I’ve been training jiu-jitsu everyday for the last 12 years, and I really want to put that to show. He’s got a really good striking base, he’s got good takedown defense. He’s really good against the fence, and has tremendous cardio.”

“I’m ready to take this fight wherever it goes. If I can’t take him down, I’ll just strike with him as much as I need to. I’m not worried anywhere this

fight goes. He’s tough, and he’s going to be one of the hardest fights of my career. But every next fight is always the most important, and it’s always going to be tough, especially in ONE Championship.

There are no easy fights here,” Urrutia added.

ONE: FISTS OF FURY II is the second event of the three-part “Fists of Fury” event series.

The headline bout features a showdown between highly-regarded ONE Championship newcomer Amir Aliakbari and Korean KO artist Kang Ji Won. Also seeing action in the comain event is undefeated Russian Anatoly “Spartak” Malykhin who faces Brazil’s Alexandre “Bebezao” Machado.

According to Urrutia, he’s in a terrific physical and mental space, and is looking forward to finally putting a notch back in the win column this Friday night.

“Right now, I feel like I’m in the best place I’ve been in a long time,” said Urrutia.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if I get a first round finish. I’m going to finish him. I want to submit him. I want to do everything I can to put him on his back and get a submission victory. I’m going to punch him in the face, take him down, and submit him, then take my win bonus straight back to the hotel.”

E-TRANSACTIONS... FROMA2

URRUTIA... FROMB2

VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

Prioritization vital to ensure PH vax supply from COVAX: WHO

T

he Philippines must adhere to the vaccine prioritization of medical front-liners, seniors, and those with comorbidities to ensure unhampered supply from the COVAX Facility, the World Health Organization (WHO) reminded Thursday.

Around 4.58 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses are expected to arrive in the Philippines within the year under COVAX Facility.

The country is also set to receive some 117,000 Pfizer-BioNTech jabs and an additional batch, the figures of which would be announced by end of March 2021.

"To access these vaccines, WHO and the COVAX Facility, and that includes its donor partners and members, have emphasized that COVAX vaccines should be used according to the prioritizations," WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said in a virtual presser, adding Manila must

also demonstrate that it can roll out the vaccines in an efficient manner while minimizing wastage.

The prioritized groups he mentioned include some 1.8 million Filipino healthcare workers who are among the most at risk in the still-raging pandemic.

This is followed by the most vulnerable population -- the elderly and those suffering from comorbidities, where high case fatality rates were previously recorded.

“If we cannot demonstrate that we are following this prioritization, unfortunately, the COVAX may have to consider other options where the impact of the vaccine rollout will be more useful and practical and will contribute to saving more lives,” Abeyasinghe said.

"So we urge everybody concerned to kindly respect the prioritization that has been defined by the DOH (Department of Health) and the NITAG

ships will be advised to increase their passenger capacity to 75 percent

from the current 50 percent. (PNA)

Wquarter basis, Lopez said the country’s GDP grew by 8 percent from 2nd to 3rd quarter, and 5.6 percent from 3rd to 4th quarter.

Lopez added that the barometer for manufacturing activities, the Philippine Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), likewise, showed a steady rebound in January showing a 52.5 index, and remained unchanged in February.

“Any number above the 50 marks growth in the sector. This came from a huge decline at 31.6 last April 2020 at the height of the lock down. As our economy recovers, we are confident of achieving our pre-pandemic growth rates and beyond," he said.

The Philippines’ socioeconomic planning chief said in January that the Philippine economy was likely to see positive growth in the second quarter of the year, suggesting that GDP

growth rate was likely to remain negative in the first three months of the year.

A former member of the government's economic team has also said the economy might not return to pre-pandemic levels until late 2022 partly due to the government's sluggish pandemic response.

Despite borrowing heavily to fund its pandemic response, the Philippines has the second highest tally of infections and deaths due to the disease in Southeast Asia. It was also the last in the region to secure supplies of COVID-19 vaccines.

Last January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also trimmed its growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.6 percent this year, from an initial 7.4 percent forecast given in October, amid uncertainty over the vaccine rollout and continued restriction measures.

person last year, but the PBA Press Corps Awards Night was canceled due to the pandemic.

Mainly to be done through video conferenc-

ing, the physical aspect of the event will take place at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong City.

(PNA)

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PBA... FROMB2

(National Immunization Technical Advisory Group) in consultation with the WHO," he added.

The WHO will not police the list, leaving the role of ensuring adherence to the DOH, he said.

In the same briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire acknowledged the conditions set by the COVAX Facility to align with WHO's objective to give the shots "to those who needed the most -- the

healthcare workers".

She urged the public and all stakeholders to stay within the inoculation framework.

“Kung saka-sakaling makapag-violate tayo nitong objective na 'to, na hindi natin nabigay doon sa mga tamang tao o health workers, maaaring ma-compromise or ma-jeopardize 'yong mga succeeding supplies from coming from COVAX Facility,” she said. (PNA)

PRRD open to easing restrictions if 2M Pinoys inoculated: Nograles

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte will consider easing restrictions in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) status once at least two million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Thursday.

Nograles made the remark when asked if President Rodrigo Duterte is now open to resume limited face-to-face classes with the COVID-19 vaccination program up and running.

“The President reiterated his stand that he wants a more rigorous, more widespread vaccination program. Ang sabi niya, unless he sees two million vaccine doses are being administered, that's when he will start considering the opening of GCQ areas, to consider putting it under MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine),” Nograles said.

Mass gathering in GCQ areas is limited to 10 people in one venue or in one closed room.

Under the more relaxed MGCQ status, a venue can be filled up to 50% of its capacity.

“He wants to see a

more massive vaccine rollout para tumaas ang kumpiyansa niya na magopen ng limited face-toface classes,” Nograles added.

Likewise, Nograles said pilot areas for small scale face-to-face classes will be carefully chosen by the Department of Education, and that private schools are also receptive of the idea.

Based on a Social Weather Stations poll released three days ago, at least 42% of Filipino students do not have devices or gadgets needed for online/distance learning as against 58% who already own, borrowed, given or rented such devices.

The country started its COVID-19 vaccination program last March 1, with the arrival of 600,000 doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine the Chinese government has donated.

Moreover, Nograles said at least 189,600 doses of Sinovac have been delivered to hospitals and health care facilities in Metro Manila, and that 12,000 and 7,200 doses are also expected to be delivered to the cities of Davao and Cebu, respectively.

P50K student loans for online learning gadgets now available: LANDBANK

S

tudents who need to buy electronic gadgets for online learning can now apply for a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines, the state-owned lender said on Wednesday.

LANDBANK said it has expanded the coverage of its direct loan program for students to cover the purchase of electronic gadgets needed for online learning, with loans of up to P50,000 per student.

The gadget loan can be included in the maximum loanable amount of P150,000 per student or P300,000 per parent-borrower to cover payment for tuition or enrolment-related fees, the bank said.

The state-owned lender said students of legal age can now apply for the LANDBANK I-STUDY or Interim Students’ Loan for Tuitions towards Upliftment of Education for the Development of the Youth Lending Program.

Initially only parents and guardians or benefactors of students could apply for the loans.

“While we await the resumption of in-person classes, we hope that the I-STUDY Program can help students cover the financial requirements to purchase needed learning equipment and participate in online classes,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

B2

Jalen Green (4) of Team Ignite looks on during the game against the Erie BayHawks on February 17, 2021 at AdventHealth.

Green, Ignite fall to Clippers

J

alen Green put together a better performance but Team Ignite still absorbed a 116-111 loss to the Agua Caliente Clippers in the NBA G League, Wednesday at the Walt Disney World Complex in Orlando (Thursday in Manila).

Two days after scoring a season-low eight points in a blowout loss to Delaware, Green put up 20 points on 7-of-17

shooting against Agua Caliente.

The Filipino-American guard also had six rebounds, five assists, and

two steals in 32 minutes of playing time.

But Ignite couldn't quite get over the hump against the Clippers, and their defensive miscues down the stretch doomed them. The young squad suffered a second consecutive loss to drop to 7-6 in the G League season.

"The effort was there (but) I don't know if the

execution of things were better," said Team Ignite head coach Brian Shaw. "I thought they tried (but) we were just really stuck in the mud the whole game."

"When we were finally able to get back in the game, we shot ourselves in the foot trying to make a home-run pass or some really untimely turn-

overs," he rued.

Ignite was within two points, 110-108, with 55 seconds to go, thanks to a three-pointer from Green.

Off a timeout, Agua Caliente's Amir Coffey drew a foul from the 19-year-old Green and made both free throws. Green missed a three-pointer on the oth-

er end, and was forced to foul Malik Fitts who also made his charities, keeping Ignite at bay.

With the loss, Ignite is now tied with the Rio Grand Valley Vipers for the eighth and last playoff spot.

The two teams face off tomorrow in a match with heavy implications on the playoff picture.

Urrutia vows to finish Filipino-Kiwi Abelardo PBA teams to be honored

A

American mixed martial artist Emilio “The Honey Badger” Urrutia will battle Filipino-Kiwi fighter Mark “Tyson Fairtex” Abelardo in a three-round bout at ONE: FISTS

OF FURY II, a previously recorded event from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore scheduled for air this Friday, 5 March.

merican mixed martial artist Emilio “The Honey Badger” Urrutia is excited to make his way back to the ONE Circle, this time at bantamweight, where he says he feels much stronger.

Urrutia is ready to face Filipino-Kiwi fighter Mark “Tyson Fairtex” Abelardo in a threeround bout at ONE: FISTS OF FURY II, a previously recorded event from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore scheduled for air this Friday, 5 March.

Urrutia has studied Abelardo’s style and is confident he can take care of business against his hard-hitting opponent.

“I haven’t watched his fights for this training camp, but I’ve known about him for a long

time. We’ve fought on all the same shows, so it was just a matter of time.

I feel like this fight is a long time coming, and we were going to meet up with each other. It’s good that it’s happening now,” Urrutia told ONE Championship in a recent interview.

“I’m pretty familiar with his style. He’s a Muay Thai-based striker, and he’s very wellrounded, a very tough opponent with a very strong skill set. He’s very durable, so if the fight needs to go 15 minutes, I’m ready to beat him up for as long as I have to. I’m just planning on dominating the whole time. I’m going to be too strong, too tough, too big, and just too much for him, to be honest.”

FURRUTIA, PB1

in press corps awards

T

he PBA Press Corps will be handing out a major award to all the league's 12 member teams for its upcoming awards night on Sunday.

The group of sportswriters covering the PBA beat announced on Wednesday that the clubs are the recipients of this year's President's Award for helping the league's bubble season come to life.

"The all-out support of the 12 ballclubs eventually led to the successful staging of the Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, Pampanga that aborted disaster with the possible cancellation of the league's 45th season," the PBA Press Corps said.

Thanks to "their financial sacrifices and

deep love for the game," fans are treated to daily live basketball action for entertainment amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which stalled most sports including basketball.

Top officials from each of the 12 teams are expected to receive the award in the first virtual edition of the PBA Press Corps Awards Night on Sunday.

They will join Bulakan, Bulacan Mayor Vergel Meneses, the supposed recipient of the President's Award last year, in accepting the award.

Meneses, the PBA Most Valuable Player in 1995, was supposed to receive the award in

FPBA, PB1

8 SPORTS

VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 VOL.13 ISSUE 273 • FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

SHE’S BACK EDGEDAVAO

Eala gets big win in first return after 3 weeks off

A

lex Eala made a triumphant return to the professional tennis circuit after beating another high-caliber tennister to start her campaign in the ITF W25 Manacor tournament in Spain on Wednesday.

The Philippine tennis wunderkind took down world ranked number 284 Simona Waltert of Switzerland in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.

In her first match after a threeweek break, Eala dominated Waltert in the first set before holding her off in the second.

Eala will next face third-seeded Jana Fett in the next round of the event.

Fett came back from a Set 1 defeat to beat Diana Marcinkevica of Latvia, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, in their own first round match-up.

Fett is currently ranked 210th by the Women's Tennis Association but was at one point at number 97.

(PNA)

Alex Eala thumped world ranked number 284 Simona Waltert of Switzerland in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.