Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 278 | Thursday, March 11, 2021

A NOTE ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

BLAZE

INDULGE P8

VOL.13 ISSUE 278 • THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021

A young boy struggles to carry a sack of scrap items he collected from the houses gutted by fire in Purok IKP, San Jose, Barangay Vicente Duterte, Agdao, Davao City on Wednesday.

Around 300 houses, mostly made of light materials, in the said area were razed by fire on Tuesday afternoon. Edge Davao

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Massive fire razes 300 houses in Agdao STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

BLAZE Massive fire razes 300 houses in Agdao

VOL.13 ISSUE 278 • THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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round 300 houses were gutted down after a massive fire broke out in Purok IKP and San Jose in Barangay Vicente Duterte, Agdao on Tuesday afternoon.

The fire, which started at 2:59 p.m. and declared fire out at 7:26 p.m., has estimated damage of P3,750,000 million according to the Bureau of Fire Protection–Davao.

Based on the investigation of Senior Fire Officer Eulyses Cervantes of BFP-Davao, electrical arching at the ceiling of the house owned by a certain Vanessa Diaz as probable cause of fire.

The personnel of the BFP, Central 911, and volunteers of the fire brigades worked together to put out the fire but firetrucks have difficulty to enter due to the narrow passages.

Ground commander Superintendent Alex

Pamaybay of Davao City District Fire Director, the wind was also strong and the houses were made of light materials making the fire to spread quickly.

The fire personnel also destroyed some houses to keep the fire from spreading and for residents to salvage some of their materials.

The fire victims are now temporarily housed at the barangay gymnasium and designated evacuation centers.

The are no reported casualties and fatalities based on the assessment of BFP-Davao.

The fire happened while the city is celebrating Fire Prevention Month.

Sara wants to fast-track vaccination amid emergence of new variants

M Residents sit with their belongings in front of their shanties damaged by fire on Tuesday afternoon in Purok IKP, San Jose, Barangay Vicente Duterte, Agdao, Davao City. Edge Davao

ayor Sara Duterte wanted to expedite the vaccination of frontline health workers here against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) amid potential surge due to the emergence of the highly infectious South African and UK variants in the National Capital Region and Cebu.

The mayor said during her program over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Monday that she hopes that more healthcare workers in the hospitals, including medical laboratories and other allied institutions, will be inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines to lessen the risk

of contracting the virus or develop serious complications.

“We need to fast-track the vaccination of our health care workers. Although there is a possibility that they would still contract the virus, at least it will be just be mild. We need to make sure that they will get vaccinated when they come face-toface with the virus, so that they will have some sort of protection,” she said.

The Davao Region received a total of 33,600 vaccines developed by Sinovac, which could vaccinate 16,800 frontline health workers.

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Move for BTA extension gets support from IPs

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rawing support from their years of friendship, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) asked the support of indigenous peoples as they seek for a three-year terminal extension in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

BTA Parliament Member and Minister of the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Timuay Melanio Ulama recalled their ties with the Lumads during the 10th year celebration of the Moro-IP-Settlers Kinship.

“Ten years ago we bonded together and today I asked again for that support,” Timuay told a gathering of Lumad elders in the Talaandig community in Barangay Songco here.

Tarpaulins indicating their support to the BTA proposal were all over the Talaandig village on Monday.

“We support the extension of the Bangsamoro transition,” reads one of the signs.

Other streamers congrat-

ulated the renewal of the Moro-IP-Settlers kinship.

Talaandig chief Datu Migketay Saway Victorino said the kinship between the three groups is being put to test again.

Victorino said like what the Lumads did 10 years ago when the BTA leaders were still seeking for the approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, they would be behind the latest advocacy of the Moros.

He said the Lumads in the past have always supported the Moros in their time of need.

“We again will help you in your quest for peace and development,” Victorino said.

The Moros, Lumads and settlers have been meeting here every March 8 to rekindle the special kinship between them, according to Victorino.

“No pandemic will stop our celebration,” he told the small Moro delegation who went to Songco last Monday. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

Talaandig tribe elders prepare chickens for sacrifice during the ritual to commemorate the 10th year of the Moro-IP Friendship in Songco, Lantapan town, Bukidnon on Monday (8 March 2021). Drawing from that friendship, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao got the support from the Lumads for a three-year extension until 2025. MindaNews photo

by FROILAN GALLARDO

VOL.13 ISSUE 278 • THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio chats with Consul General Li Lin of the Consulate Genarals Office of the People’s Republic of China in Davao City at the sidelines of the turn over ceremony of 43 motorcycle units donated by the People’s Republic of China on Tuesday. CIO

Chinese gov’t donates T 43 police motorcycles T

DavSur readies tourism destinations for relaunch

By MAYA M. PADILLO

he Chinese government through the Chinese Consulate General in Davao turned over 43 police motorcycles to help in maintaining the peace and security efforts to usher in economic recovery in Davao City and other cities in Mindanao.

Of the 43 motor bikes, 32 units will be distributed across various cities and municipalities in Mindanao and to the Philippine Coast Guard.

In his message during the turnover ceremony held on March 9, 2021,

Consul General Li Lin emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and stable environment for a reviving economy and hoped the donation would assist the police forces in safeguarding peace and order in Davao City and

Mindanao.

“We all believe that maintaining a safe and stable environment is a crucial condition for reviving the economy. It is the police forces' formidable task to safeguard peace and order in our society.

We hope that this donation will assist the police force in Mindanao in some way to achieve this end,” Lin said.

Lin is optimistic that despite the headwinds brought by the pandemic, everyone will overcome it and pushed ahead eco-

avao City Health Office (CHO) acting head Dr. Ashley Lopez said on Wednesday the city is expecting more deliveries of Sinovac and AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines.

The 20,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines finally arrived in Davao City from Manila on Wednesday morning. The vaccines are being stored at the cold storage facility of the Department of Health 11(DOH 11).

“The AstraZeneca vac-

cines are from the national government. Hopefully, we will be expecting more allocations of Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines,” Lopez said.

On March 2, 2021, 20 boxes containing 12,000 doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccines arrived in Davao City and was followed by the additional 36 boxes or 21,600 doses on March 5.

The vaccines were allocated for the frontliners at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC)

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

Lopez said a total of 16,677 health workers are targeted to be vaccinated in Davao Region while a total of 77,000 for senior citizens.

“The seniors will follow right after priority 1 will be completed. They will be facilitated in the hospitals,” Lopez said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque earlier announced that Davao Region will receive 36,000

nomic recovery.

Apart from boosting bilateral trade and commerce, some key infrastructure projects assisted by the Chinese government in Mindanao include Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Bridge, Davao River Bridge in Bucana, Davao Expressway, and Cotabato Water Conservation.

He also noted the Consulate General was ready to continue the cooperation efforts in advancing the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative and Build

doses of Covid-19 vaccines.

Meanwhile, inoculation for the frontliners in Davao Region commenced on March 8, 2021. This after the conduct of the symbolic vaccination conducted at SPMC led by Dr. Ricardo Audan, OIC of SPMC. On the other hand, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the arrival of the vaccines in the city gave hope for the end of the pandemic, although, it

FCHINESE, P10

he Provincial Tourism Development and Promotions Office (PTDPO) of Davao del Sur has commenced its series of site assessment activities in preparation for the reopening and re-launching of tourist destinations in the province.

The first stop was in the municipality of Matanao, one of the emerging tourist destinations in province as it features the top views of the town’s majestic mountain range.

PTDPO head Kervin Joseph Elijay said the site assessment aimed at seeing and checking the readiness of sites to welcome visitors.

Based on the assessment conducted on March 5-6, he revealed that

Matanao is ready “to cater our guests to showcase its untouched natural beauty and scenery to amuse your eyes.”

He cited that the Matanao local government’s tourism office strictly implements the minimum health protocols as prescribed by IATF and the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur. Elijay bared that the municipality will be ready for the re-opening and launching of their tourism sites on April 8, 2021, which will offer activities such as trekking, bathing at waterfalls, sightseeing, and spelunking at Su'bon cave.

The province-wide environmental scanning and product assessment is

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More Sinovac, AstraZeneca vaccines to be delivered Davao City inoculation of

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health workers successful

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avao City COVID-19 Vaccination head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said that no serious side effects have so far been recorded among those injected with a dose of the coronavirus disease vaccine.

The former Davao City Health Office chief, on Tuesday, March 9, during the ‘Madayaw Davao’ program aired via 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio, dismissed fears over

the severe side effects of the Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccines, which are being used in the ongoing immunization program in the city.

“So far, maayo ang response sa atong mga pasyente sa Sinovac, walay dapat ikahadlok (So far, the response of our patients to Sinovac is good, nothing to worry about),” Villafuerte said, stressing that minor ef-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 278 • THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021

Pedestrians walk by an establishment’s display of solar panels placed at the sidewalk along Lapu-lapu Street in Agdao, Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

Women entreps crucial in PH P pandemic recovery: DTI chief

Carbon tax makes PH energy sector uncompetitive: Energy dept. chief

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epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has highlighted the important role of women entrepreneurs especially as the country pushes for post-coronavirus economic recovery.

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n celebration of International Women’s Day, the DTI paid tribute Monday to women-led micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) during the virtual graduation ceremony for the 3A program which stands for “Accept, Adapt, Act.” The DTI also launched the 3A program batch 2 Handog Kabuhayan: Alay

Kay Juana.

“Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to highlight the extraordinary roles of women-led MSMEs, or micro, small and medium entrepreneurs o MSMEs. With the help of our MSMEs, our country can be more hopeful for a postCovid future that will be poised for a Better Nor-

mal,” Lopez said.

He said DTI remains committed to assisting women-led MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs who will be champions to push for the economy’s growth to pre-Covid levels and beyond.

The 3A program is the integrated training program of the DTI-Regional Operations Group (ROG), Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) targeted at helping MSMEs evolve amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pan-

demic.

In her remarks, DTIROG Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona said women entrepreneurs are considered key drivers of economic growth with humble beginnings from small barangays in creating jobs and reaching new customers.

“We urge our public officials and partners to strengthen our efforts for women’s economic empowerment. Let us continue to harness the resourcefulness, hard work, and resiliency of our Juanas in the new normal,” she said.

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hilippines is not yet ready to impose carbon tax as a move to reduce carbon dioxide emission particularly in the power sector, the country’s top energy official said.

At the virtual panel session of Asia Pacific Energy Week organized by Siemens Energy, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi said it is not yet the right time to impose such a tax as this will only make the country’s power sector to become more uncompetitive.

Cusi added the country is still building its capacity to meet power demand and ensure sufficient reserve.

Since he assumed office, the DOE has been

pushing for technology-neutral policy, welcoming investments in all potential sources of energy to build capacity for the country amid the increasing power demand.

“And up to this moment, we still want to build capacity. So carbon tax for us at this moment, we’re not just ready for that,” he said.

Cusi said burdening power generation companies with carbon tax will only make the Philippines uncompetitive in attracting investments in power generation.

“We are a victim, I’ve been saying that the Philippines is a victim of climate change and what I’m asking is climate justice.

So we need support so we

reinforce their strict implementation of minimum public health and safety standards and protocols in the workplace,” the joint advisory of DTI and DOLE read.

The government’s minimum health protocols include wearing of face masks and shields, hand washing, disinfecting, and physical distancing.

Contact tracing is also required in all establishments, with a health officer monitoring that minimum health standards are strictly implemented.

Aside from these

public health standards, DTI and DOLE have sector-specific guidelines that needed to be implemented to manage the spread of Covid-19.

“Willful failure or refusal to comply with any of the pertinent minimum public health and safety standards and protocols shall be penalized in accordance with Section 29 of DOLE Department Order No. 198, Series of 2018 and other applicable regulations and guidelines,” the advisory said.

The country breached

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PCCI, other biz groups vow full DTI, DOLE call for reinforcement support to e-commerce roadmap of health protocols in workplace

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he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and other business organizations have committed to pursue programs that will support and complement the 2022 E-Commerce Roadmap that was launched recently by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“The PCCI, Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), which I represent, fully support this roadmap and commit our cooperation to pursue our shared

vision of promoting e-commerce in the country,” said Ma. Alegria “Bing” Sibal Limjoco, PCCI chair and vice chair of PFA and PRA, in a statement Tuesday.

Limjoco said the E-Commerce Roadmap is “very timely and significant”, considering the accelerated use of e-commerce due to the pandemic, which also bared the country’s deficiencies in this field.

“This Roadmap, which outlines government and private sector strategies to advance e-commerce in the country, once im-

plemented, will help us fully maximize the growth prospects for (the) digital economy,” she said.

She congratulated the DTI, especially Secretary Ramon Lopez, for providing the leadership in the crafting of the Roadmap.

Limjoco said as early as August last year, the PCCI already started a dialog among stakeholders to find ways to promote cashless transactions and increase uptake of digital payments among the members of the PCCI, PFA, and PRA.

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mid the threats of new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) variants in the country, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Tuesday an advisory calling for reinforcement of health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace.

“As we continue to fight Covid-19 and its new variants, employers/contractors/subcontractors and business establishments are hereby reminded to

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

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Port workers attach iron clamps of a crane on a container van, which will be loaded on a cargo vessel, at Sasa Port in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

More jobs restored with safe reopening of economy: NEDA T

BOC generates add’l P247.4M from post-clearance audits in Jan.–Feb.

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he country is gradually getting back the jobs lost due to the pandemic but the smaller progress in the past quarter suggests the need to address remaining restrictions before the economy can get closer to normal, economic managers in a joint statement released by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

The latest labor force survey (LFS) data show that between October 2020 and January 2021, some 1.4 million jobs were restored across sectors.

The labor force participation rate, or the pro-

portion of the working age population that is either working or actively looking for work, increased from 58.7 percent to 60.5 percent. The biggest improvement can be seen in the National Capital Re-

gion, where some 269,000 jobs were restored.

As the economy was further reopened, the unemployment rate decreased from 12.4 percent to 8.8 percent in January 2021.

The latest employment statistics also show the underemployment rate dropped from 11.1 percent to 8.2 percent in the same period.

Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, and Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said while the unemployment

rate remains unchanged at 8.7 percent, more opportunities from the easing of restrictions meant that more people are rejoining the labor force.

Meanwhile, outside of NCR, unemployment increased from 8.2 percent in October 2020 to 8.7 percent in January 2021.

The underemployment rate also increased from 14.9 percent to 17.1 percent in the same period.

These can be attributed to the loss of jobs and reduction in income from weather disturbances and flooding, the outbreak of

while those outside the MAV (out-quota) are at 50 percent.

"This (lowering of tariff) is so we can have other options for rice importations. Hindi lang tayo reliant (So we will not only rely) on Southeast Asian nations. Right now, we are only 92 to 93 percent food sufficient, the remaining 7 percent is from importations," he added.

Alvindia underscored

Vietnam's recent move to lower its export volume.

Vietnam is one of the major exporters of rice to the Philippines, "This is in preparation para hindi magkulang (ang Pilipinas) sa future importations (so the Philippines won't fall short on its importation level in the future)," he said.

The agriculture official shared this is also why the DA is working on raising

the productivity level of rice farmers through the use of hybrid and quality seeds, and providing farm machinery to minimize production losses.

Meanwhile, agriculture stakeholders have voiced their reservations on the plan to ease import rules on fisheries products.

In February, the National Economic and Development Authority

FMORE, P10

Lowering of tariff a must to have more import options: Agri dept.

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing to lower the most favored nation (MFN) tariff on rice imports to 35 percent.

Dr. Dionisio Alvindia, DA-Integrated Rice Program program director, in a virtual press briefer on Tuesday, said the in-quota tariff for rice imports or within the minimum access volume (MAV) at present is at 40 percent

FLOWERING, P10

he Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it has collected at least P247.4 million in additional revenues as a result of a post-clearance audit on importers from January to February.

In a statement, the BOC said its intensified post-clearance audit verification and investigation of importers suspected to have violated the provisions of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) yielded a collection of P247,369,347.16 in the first two months of 2021.

Citing its Post-Clearance Audit Group’s (PCAG) report, the Customs said six outstanding Final Demand letters were collected and 48 applications for the Prior Disclosure Program (PDP) were filed from January to February 2021.

Of the total PDPs filed, 31 were from Mechanically Deboned Meat (MDM) importers under audit tallying a total amount of P67,596,830.74, while 13 PDP applications were from rice importers under audit amounting to P6,741,407.0.

The BOC’s PCAG also reported on the status of previously issued Audit Notice Letters (ANLs) with six PDP applications approved and seven Final Audit Reports (FAR) completed.

“These resulted in the issuance of six new Demand Letters amounting to P41,173,506.53 and one Clean Report Findings,” the BOC said.

The Demand Letters shall become final and demandable upon the lapse of 15 days from receipt thereof by the importer, it added.

The Customs added that 28 ANLs were issued from January to February 2021, 17 of which are importers in the coffee industry, 10 in the oil and petroleum industry, and one consignee issued with ANL due to compliance issues based on the profiling conducted.

The BOC expressed optimism that additional revenues will still be collected from post-clearance activities for the remaining months of 2021.

“Presently, there are still 11 outstanding Final Demand Letters amounting to P6.9 billion which remain unpaid and will be referred to the BOC Legal Service for the filing of the necessary collection suit,” the Customs said.

The BOC said it remains committed to carrying out its mandate of protecting government revenue by suppressing all illegal and irregular activities of unscrupulous importers through its strengthened post-clearance audit efforts.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On her call for more healthcare workers in the hospitals, including medical laboratories and other allied institutions, to be inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines to lessen the risk of contracting the virus or develop serious complications:

We need to fast-track the vaccination of our health care workers. Although there is a possibility that they would still contract the virus, at least it will be just be mild. We need to make sure that they will get vaccinated when they come face-to-face with the virus, so that they will have some sort of protection.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

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VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

ONE IN 3 WOMEN EXPERIENCES VIOLENCE Across their lifetime, 1 in 3 women, around 736 million, are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner – a number that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade.

This violence starts early: 1 in 4 young women (aged 15-24 years) who have been in a relationship will have already experienced violence by an intimate partner by the time they reach their mid-twenties.

Those statistics come from a new report, entitled Global, regional and national estimates for intimate partner violence against women and global and regional estimates for non-partner sexual violence against women.

The report was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its United Nations partners: UN Development Program, UN Population Fund, and World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) for the United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group on Violence Against Women Estimation and Data.

“Violence against women is endemic in every country and culture, causing harm to millions of women and their families,

and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But unlike COVID-19, violence against women cannot be stopped with a vaccine.

“We can only fight it with deep-rooted and sustained efforts – by governments, communities and individuals – to change harmful attitudes, improve access to opportunities and services for women and girls, and foster healthy and mutually respectful relationships,” he added.

The UN defines violence against women (VAW) as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

Affecting around 641 million, intimate partner violence is by far the most prevalent form of violence against women globally.

However, 6% of women globally report being sexually assaulted by someone other than their husband or partner.

“Given the high levels of stigma and under-reporting of sexual abuse, the true figure is likely to be significantly higher,” the WHO-ini-

tiated report pointed out.

The new report presents data from the largest ever study of the prevalence of violence against women, conducted by WHO on behalf of a special working group of the United Nations. Based on data from 2000 to 2018, it updates previous estimates released in 2013.

While the numbers reveal already alarmingly high rates of violence against women and girls, they do not reflect the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHO and partners warn that the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased women’s exposure to violence, as a result of measures such as lockdowns and disruptions to vital support services.

“It’s deeply disturbing that this pervasive violence by men against women not only persists unchanged, but is at its worst for young women aged 15-24 who may also be young mothers,” said UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

“And that was the situation before the pandemic stay-at home orders. We know that the multiple impacts of COVID-19 have triggered a ‘shadow pandemic’ of increased reported violence of all kinds against women and girls,” she explained.

Phumzile urged every gov-

ernment to take “strong, proactive steps to address this, and involve women in doing so.”

Though many countries have seen increased reporting of intimate partner violence to helplines, police, health workers, teachers, and other service providers during lockdowns, the full impact of the pandemic on prevalence will only be established as surveys are resumed, the report notes.

According to the report, violence disproportionately affects women living in low- and lower-middle-income countries. An estimated 37% of women living in the poorest countries have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence in their life, with some of these countries having a prevalence as high as 1 in 2.

Younger women are at highest risk for recent violence, the report claimed. Among those who have been in a relationship, the highest rates (16%) of intimate partner violence in the past 12 months occurred among young women aged between 15 and 24.

Violence – in all its forms – can have an impact on a woman’s health and well-being throughout the rest of her life – even long after the violence may have ended.

VAW is associated with increased

risk of injuries, depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, sexually-transmitted infections including HIV and many other health problems. It has impacts on society as a whole and comes with tremendous costs, impacting national budgets and overall development.

“Preventing violence requires addressing systemic economic and social inequalities, ensuring access to education and safe work, and changing discriminatory gender norms and institutions,” the WHO said in a statement.

“Successful interventions also include strategies that ensure essential services are available and accessible to survivors, that support women’s organizations, challenge inequitable social norms, reform discriminatory laws and strengthen legal responses, among others.”

Dr. Claudia Garcia-Moreno of WHO believed that to address violence against women, there’s an urgent need to reduce stigma around this issue, train health professionals to interview survivors with compassion, and dismantle the foundations of gender inequality.

“Interventions with adolescents and young people to foster gender equality and gender-equitable attitudes are also vital,” she added.

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

CHALLENGES OF WOMEN SEAFARERS IN A MALE-DOMINATED MARITIME INDUSTRY The word “seafarer” has replaced the word “seaman” in the male-dominated maritime industry, often considered as politically-correct word due to the increasing presence of women in the profession in recent decades.

In older times, the term “seaman” was widely used to describe anyone working at sea while the term “seawoman” was alternatively used.

The word seafarer came from the combination of the words “sea” and “farer” ( from the Old English “farere” meaning to journey or travel). The Badjaos ( men of the seas or sea gypsies ) are sometime identified as seafarers since members of this tribal group are known to move with the wind and the tide on their small houseboats called vintas.

However, the term “seaman” has not totally been pushed into oblivion as some still call the Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book(SIRB) as ‘seaman’s book.

The SIRB is a document provided by the flag state for

travel to or from an assigned vessel that also indicates the continuous record of the seafarers while he is onboard a ship, and specifies the particular category or rating which the holder is qualified to serve.

The usage of seafarer as a politically correct word can partly be attributed to the actions of the United Nations (UN) in promoting gender equality. Women have been taking part in industries that once solely belonged to men, the maritime industry included.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) noted that women represent only less than two percent of the world’s estimated 1.2 million seafarers as 94 percent of them are working in the cruise industry and 6 percent are employed on cargo vessels, container ships or oil tankers.

Within the historically male-dominated industry, IMO stressed it has been making a concerted effort to help the industry move forward and support women to achieve representation in keeping with current expectations.

IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim earlier said the maritime industry needs more women because of the quality work they provide as they are very important human resources.

During the recent episode of the online show Amigos Marino, Merle San Pedro, Women in Maritime Philippines (WiMaPhil) president, pushed for better protection for women seafarers.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, she made the call as part of their campaign not only to promote women as seafarers but also as part of the whole maritime industry — shipping, ports, maritime administration, maritime education and training, and logistics.

Women seafarers face not only the general challenges of weather, hard work and rough seas, but also inordinate amounts of discrimination, exploitation, sexual harassment, violence and limited opportunities for promotion. These can affect their dignity, security, health, and well-being.

San Pedro stressed that

employers must have effective mechanisms and guidelines to promptly address sexual harassment and violence incidents committed against female seafarers and cadettes.

The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) called on industry stakeholders to prioritize a range of women seafarers’ issues, including (a) reducing gender stereotypes within the industry; (b) provision of sanitary items on board ships; (c) access to confidential medical advice and contraceptives; (d) consistent and improved approach to maternity benefits and rights; and ( e) development of sexual harassment policies and appropriate training, including within cadet training and education.

In the Philippines, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has recorded 73,027 women seafarers – almost 10 percent of approximately one million Filipino seafarers issued with Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) as of December 2018. For the school year 2015 to 2016, there are 4,791

female students out of the 219,722 enrollees in maritime schools.

The growing number of female seafarers encourages a competitive environment for the ability of women to work at an equal footing with men in a purely male-dominated profession.

The Philippines is considered as one of the major supplier of maritime labor globally as it is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to five crewmembers on board a vessel at any time.

The sea-based sector’s remittances comprise at least 22 percent of the total dollar remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The estimated 519,031 deployed Filipino seafarers in 2019 (per Philippine Overseas Employment Administration data) remitted $6.539 billion or around P326.95 billion.

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

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LIFESTYLE

A note on International

Women’s Day

BY ATTY. ANGELA LIBRADO-TRINIDAD

I

join all women all over the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day, today. As my kid, Enzo puts it, there was neither a party nor a celebration, but series of mass actions initiated by women workers in New York in 1908 as they took to the streets to assert their economic and political rights. These and the unfortunate but predictable deaths of women workers in a fire resulting from unsafe working conditions in New York predicated International Women’s Day. Today and after over 100 years, International Women’s Day remains significant and becomes doubly relevant with the pandemic not only multiplying the challenges that our women face but unfortunately reliving the cries of our women for better pay, safe work environments and increased political participation that resounded in the streets of New York. UN Women reports that while “women are also at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19, as front-line and health sector workers, as scientists, doctors and caregivers, xxx they get paid 11 percent less globally than their male counterparts. An Analysis of COVID-19 task teams from 87 Countries found only 3.5 percent of then had gender parity. Not to mention that with almost 70% of medical professionals and 80% of the nurses being women, the scents of personal security and safety and at times, death wafting through the air are almost akin to the Triangle Fire of 1911 that killed more than 100 women factory workers.

Business leader Joji Ilagan-Bian

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. president Dr. Malou Monteverde

True, we have gone a long way from demanding for voting rights and now fighting for the most strategic positions in politics and business. In fact, for this year’s celebration, we seek to recognize and highlight women leaders showcasing innovative and multi-level approaches against Covid-1. And yet, the call for political participation in the 1900s then continues to echo and has never been as urgent as now as “women are still underrepresented in public life and decision-making, as revealed in the UN Secretary-General’s recent report.

Women are Heads of State or Government in 22 countries, and only 24.9 per cent of national parliamentarians are women. At the current rate of progress, gender equality among Heads of Government will take another 130 years.”

This gender disparity in the public sphere is reflective of the real status of women’s participation and involvement in decision making and implementation. It actually diminishes the valiant efforts of strong women leaders all over the world to bring about change in their communities and in the world. More importantly, it delays our journey towards gender equality and women empowerment.

But while I salute the exceptional Juanas on the occasion of the International Woman’s day, today’s commemoration is not only personal, it is definitely political.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

9

The first-ever Phoenix Block at Sucat Skyway houses a FamilyMart convenience store, a Phoenix SUPER LPG hub, an Autoworx Plus car care shop, as well as a Wendy’s drive-thru and take-out booth, bringing together businesses and brands in one location. Digital payments are also made available through Posible, while loyalty rewards and other exclusive privileges are enjoyed through the LIMITLESS app.

More than gas: The Phoenix Block opens to refuel a complete lifestyle Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center officially inaugurated

T

agum’s newest landmark started to beat in the heart of the city as the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center was officially inaugurated in time for the celebration of the 23rd Araw ng Tagum on March 7, 2021.

The official blessing and inauguration of the City Historical and Cultural Center which was officiated by Bishop Medel Aseo and led

by Mayor Allan Rellon and Vice Mayor Eva Lorraine Estabillo, was the final event of the four-part series of blessing and inauguration of the said Center – preceded by Kanduri of the Moro community, Pagkuyab of the Tipanud community, and the blessing of the newly refurbished Freedom and Rizal Parks.

The City Historical and Cultural Center, now considered as the “Mother of all Infrastructures in Tagum City”, houses state-of-theart modern facilities such as the vibrant City Library and Learning Commons, the 1,000-seater Tagumpay Theater which is the first of its kind in the entire Davao Region, the Kagikan Museum which is a Tagumenyo heritage museum that showcases the colorful culture and tradition of the city’s tri-people, as well as the Sentro Rizal Gallery.

On the other hand, Mayor Allan L. Rellon delivered

Mayor Allan L. Rellon delivers his 7th State of the City Address at the Tagumpay Theater, boldly declaring that the state of Tagum City is continuously very strong, and highlighting breakthroughs that the City Government of Tagum had accomplished despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and positivity amidst such health crisis. Gleiza Delgado/CIO Tagum his 7th State of the City Address at the Tagumpay Theater, boldly declaring that the state of Tagum City is continuously very strong, and highlighting breakthroughs that the City Government of Tagum had accomplished despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and positivity amidst such health crisis.

Furthermore, Mayor Rellon also promised to dedicate his remaining days as the local chief executive to achieve more great things for the benefit of the Tagumenyo constituents. With the construction of the City Historical and Cultural Center already complete, Tagumenyos still have so much to look forward to as more big-

time infrastructure projects are already underway.

The inauguration of the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center, and the 7th State of the City Address are part of the BIG MARCH 2021 Celebrations, along with the 23rd Araw ng Tagum, Mutya ng Tagum City, Musikahan Festival, and Tagumpay Festival.

Although the City Historical and Cultural Center is already inaugurated, all the facilities inside the Center will formally open to the public on April 1, 2021 as the Center Management will utilize the remaining time to put into place the necessary operationalization guidelines in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drex Rafols/CIO Tagum

F

urther proving itself as a multi-industry consumer brand, Phoenix has introduced a new retail concept that gathers its businesses in one site. The homegrown institution, long known to be the fastest-growing, leading independent oil company in the country, solidifies its intent to expand beyond petroleum with the Phoenix Block, a multi-purpose retail compound that features a Phoenix gas station, a FamilyMart convenience store, a Phoenix SUPER LPG Hub, an Autoworx Plus automotive care shop, Posible digital payments, and Limitless digital transactions. The site, located along Sucat Skyway, is also equipped with its own Wendy’s take-out and drive-thru counter, the first of its kind in Asia for the restaurant chain whose local franchise is also under the Phoenix parent company, Udenna.

“The Phoenix Block is a great representation of what the Phoenix brand is today-more than just fuel. We may have started as a petroleum company, but we now offer a more extensive portfolio of products and services, offering a complete and cohesive selection of brands that complement a full lifestyle,” said Phoenix President Henry Albert Fadullon. “This fully aligns with our vision to be an indispensable partner to Filipinos, and that means addressing as many of their needs as possible, and integrating ourselves in more communities to provide our stakeholders with more value,” he added.

Spanning more than 3,000 square meters, the

Phoenix Block at Sucat Skyway is twice the size of the usual Phoenix station. It is the first of its kind, setting itself apart by serving as a multi-purpose destination for the varying needs of motorists and the local community.

“From gassing up to paying bills, everyone can drop by the Phoenix Block and refuel, recharge, and relax.

Our aim is to make this place a staple element in the everyday life of the community, which refers to both the residents in the vicinity, and those who would frequent the area,” stated Phoenix Asst. Vice President for Retail Operations, Network Development, and Non-Fuel Retailing Business Arnel Alban. He

also added that the company is open to more partners who want to be part of the Sucat site, and the other Phoenix Block developments in the future, saying “We plan to replicate this project in more locations and make Phoenix a part of more communities.”

Since it was established in 2002 in Davao, Phoenix has grown to be one of the most prominent names in the petroleum industry in the country. Last year, it emerged as the third-largest oil player in the Philippines based on a report by the Department of Energy, replacing one of the usual top three brands. By the end of 2020, Phoenix has opened 670 stations across the country, a far cry from the five that it started with.

Aside from expanding its fuel business, Phoenix has also diversified its portfolio.

In 2017, it acquired the local unit of Malaysia’s Petronas, and has since developed it into its own LPG business.

The following year, Phoenix acquired digital payment platform Posible, followed by its acquisition of Philippine FamilyMart. Meanwhile, the company started its own chain of auto care shops in 2019 through Autoworx Plus. Last year, despite the challenges of the pandemic, Phoenix launched its appbased loyalty and lifestyle rewards program called ‘LIMITLESS’. The program now has over 109,000 members since it was introduced in July. This venture serves as the consolidating platform that unites Phoenix business-

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10 EDGEDAVAO SARA... FROM2

Even after the local government has managed to control the spike in new COVID-19 cases beginning first week of February, the mayor said the local government anticipated another surge due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in NCR and Cebu blamed for the presence of the new variants.

“The places that reported high cases will most likely be the potential source. If there is a source in Metro Manila and Cebu, mostly likely, they will be our sources of cases… because of freedom to travel between cities and municipalities,” she said.

She said that it’s important for residents to stay at home and strictly observe the basic health protocols to avoid contracting the infection.

She added that a second wave may come in two to three months if the local government will further ease out the implementation of quarantine restrictions in the city such as lifting curfew and liquor ban, and removing the alternative work arrangement, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) adopted a resolution enforcing uni-

form travel protocols.

Under the resolution, she said the issuance of a travel authority and negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results are no longer required.

The latest IATF-EID resolution has, in effect, lifted the classification of the city as a “restricted” local government unit, according to Duterte.

“We need to give more emphasis on the minimum public health standards because we don’t want to stop people from working or doing businesses, and we don’t want to close offices and establishments,” Duterte said.

As of March 8, the Department of Health (DOH)-Davao Region reported nine new cases, bringing the total cases to 20,317, with 1,35 active, 18,222 recoveries, and 860 deaths in the region.

Out of the total, Davao City, which reported the highest COVID-19 cases in Mindanao, tallied 13,231 cases, with 615 active, 11,973 recoveries, and 643 deaths. Davao de Oro reported 1,186 cases, Davao del Norte with 3,051, Davao del Sur with 1,373, Davao Occidental with 212, and Davao Oriental with 1,264. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Meanwhile, PTTC executive director Nelly Dillera encouraged participants to maximize the 3A program.

“We want your voices to be heard and we want you to learn from our mentors who will share to you not only mind setting but also business skills to start or sustain whatever busi-

ness you have in mind," she said.

The virtual event underscored women’s capability to become active contributors and claim holders of the country’s socio-economic development, with a goal of “Making Change Work for Women Entrepreneurs and Consumers”.

can transition properly,” he added.

Instead of imposing a carbon tax, the DOE chief said the country is exploring nuclear as a new energy source.

“We have to bring down the cost, reduce cost, and ensure good supply. This can be best answered by nuclear,” he added.

The government

would also like to see more investors to locate in the Philippines, especially those advocating renewable energy (RE), Cusi said.

He added RE integration is also crucial as part of the efforts for decarbonization hence, the DOE is pushing for the development of hydropower, geothermal, and other indigenous energy resources.

(PNA)

es by rewarding points and other exclusive privileges for purchases at participating merchants, among which are the company’s own brands, most of which are highlighted in the new Phoenix Block venture, Beyond the businesses featured in the Phoenix Block, the Phoenix enterprise also includes commercial oil trading and supply, terminaling, hauling, and into-plane services, and lubricants.

Phoenix also maintains its own team in the Philippine Basketball Association, the Phoenix SUPER LPG Fuel Masters, and has expanded overseas with an oil and LPG trading desk in Singapore, and Phoenix Gas Vietnam, its LPG marketing and retail venture based in Ho Chi Minh. Having expanded and diversified its business, Phoenix now boasts a network of over 19,000 touchpoints.

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Build Build strategy towards the common development and prosperity of Mindanao.

Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio joined Lin in turning over the motorcycles.

The mayor also expressed her gratitude to the Chinese Consulate General for China’s generous donation. She conveyed that the police motorcycle units would strengthen the capability

of the police personnel by reinforcing visibility and mobility in supporting the peace and order in Mindanao to the best of their abilities.

The turn over ceremony was attended by Vice Consul Cao Jianwei, Bureau of Customs Port of Davao District Collector Atty. Erastus Sandino Austria, and Chief of Staff Barbara Carla Echavia.

part of the provincial local government’s efforts on re-launching and re-opening tourist destinations amidst the pandemic and adhering to the new normal.

“Dahan-dahan po nating i-open hanggang sa ready na talaga siya for tourists…So kailangan sakto na agad yung ating ipo-promote na mga tourism sites (We will slowly open our tourist sites until they’ll be ready for tourists… So the tourism sites

must be ready to be promoted),” Elijay stated. “…we are trying our best na maka sunod si Davao del Sur doon sa takbo ng different tourist destinations in our country (We are trying our best that Davao del Sur can catch up with development of the different tourist destinations in our country),” he said. (PIAXI/Carina L. Cayon with reports from Samantha R. Jabol)

the African swine fever that badly affected livestock production, and continued mobility restrictions that affected travel and domestic tourism especially around the holiday season when people in the provinces typically have additional income opportunities.

To accelerate econom-

ic growth and job creation this year, the economic managers said a threepronged strategy is needed: First, safely reopening our economy while strictly adhering to public health protocols and intensifying Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat and Reintegrate strategies. (PR)

(NEDA) announced its proposal to fast-track food imports, including fisheries products, to bring down rising food prices.

Agricultural advocacy group Tugon Kabuhayan, in a statement on Tuesday, said the proposal of NEDA is counterproductive to the fisheries sector particularly in aquaculture.

The group said logistics support for the transport of fish to markets is

what the country needs rather than easing importation rules.

They said around 50,000 metric tons (MT) a year is needed to meet the demand with the rising population in the country.

Based on United Nations data, the group said, the Philippine population is estimated to hit 111.05 million this year, and fish demand is estimated at 4.086 million MT. (PNA)

The PCCI, she added, already launched an e-commerce platform carrying the brand SHOPALL during the Philippine Business Conference last year in support of the government’s Roadmap. This platform to be operated by the Philippine Business Center will allow members of PCCI and local chambers to sell their products and services online.

The largest business organization in the country also recently launched the PCCI innovation center, which is envisioned to serve as a central hub to facilitate knowledge exchange among the tech-savvy start-ups and established businesses.

With the support of

Huawei, the center housed at the DD Meridian Plaza at Bay Area in Pasay City will also provide mentorship programs in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, coding, bi data analytics, internet of things (IOT) among others.

This is a realization of the personal advocacy of its president Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico who has advocated for innovation for business.

In the area of consumer merchant protection and dispute resolutions, the PCCI also has its own National Mediation Center (NCM) which offers an alternative mechanism to resolve business conflicts through mediation.

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could still be a few years from now especially with the emerging variants of the virus.

“Achieving herd community with the vaccination of 1.2 million Dabawenyos is the best way to contain the spread of the virus and in process revive the economy, hopefully return to semblance of normalcy so that we will

one day we’ll be able to hug our friends and lovedones,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, as of March 9, 2021, more rhan 20 percent of the allocated vaccines in Davao de Oro was utilized, inoculating a total of 201 public healthcare frontliners in the four branches of the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospitals.

Maya Padillo

fects are common to some.

Currently, the vaccination program in Davao City for medical workers is being simultaneously undertaken at the A. Mabini Elementary School in Bangkal and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). It aims to cater to 300-500 clients daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

Villafuerte also said that the city government targets to open additional vaccination clusters to cater to the remaining listed individuals in the first priority group, which consists of healthcare workers, senior citizens, indigent population, and uniform personnel.

The city identified the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and Magallanes Elementary School as additional vaccination sites.

“Kung mag-abli na ta’g frontliners, kinahanglan mag-open kami og tulo ka mga facilities para paspas pud ug para dili na sila magpila og maghulat (If we will already open it

to the frontliners [the vaccination of the other individuals included in the first priority group], we need to open at least three facilities to speed up the vaccination process),” Villafuerte said.

Villafuerte also reminded the public that they are still accepting registration for Davao residents who want to take part in the COVID-19 vaccination program.

“Ongoing ang registration for the general population. Mag-adto lang sila sa ilang health centers or health stations, magpalista sila para atong allocation atong masigurado ([Our] registration for the general population is ongoing. They must go to their health centers or health stations and list their names so that proper allocation will be ensured),” Villafuerte added.

Meanwhile, Villafuerte also noticed a good acceptance rate among the general public of the city’s vaccination program. CIO

again the 3,000 mark of daily Covid-19 cases.

New Covid-19 variants, such as the UK and South African variants, were also reported in the country.

Amid these developments, economic activities and business establishments that were allowed

to reopen continue to operate.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier said the economy could not afford another hard lockdown, but a granular and localized lockdown would be the key to contain the spread of Covid-19. (PNA)

ed for nearly two weeks in January because of positive tests and contact tracing issues, and the second half starts with a worry as well — coach Scott Brooks and four players could take part in the team’s first post-All-Star practice on Tuesday night because of issues involving protocols.

The four players involved were later cleared and did a workout after practice, Brooks said, adding that he hopes to be cleared in time to coach Wednesday.

“That’s the plan,” Brooks said. “Without getting into all the details, yeah, we hope so.”

coaches and front office, his family and the Jewish community, among others.

"I acknowledge and own my mistake and there's no running from something like this that is so hurtful to someone else," Leonard wrote.

The video began circulating widely on social media Tuesday afternoon and the fallout was almost immediate, first with online criticism and then sharp rebukes by the league, the Heat and even other organizations.

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11

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid will both be unable to start the second half of the season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Simmons, Embiid still unavailable

B

en Simmons and Joel Embiid will both be unable to start the second half of the season with the Philadelphia 76ers, though neither All-Star will be missing from the Eastern Conference leaders’ lineup for long.

Both will miss Philadelphia’s game on Thursday in Chicago (Friday, Manila time), and Simmons will also miss the 76ers’ contest on Friday against Washington. Provided both continue to test negative for COVID-19, they would be cleared af-

ter those games, the 76ers said.

Simmons and Embiid both traveled to Atlanta for Sunday’s All-Star Game, only to learn the night before that they were flagged by contact tracing data. The barber that both visited prior

to their private flights to Atlanta tested positive for COVID-19, and even though neither Embiid nor Simmons tested positive the league’s health and safety protocols for navigating through a pandemic this season meant they had to be sidelined for a week.

Games resume in the NBA on Wednesday after the All-Star break, with a pair of contests — San Antonio visiting Dallas and Washington going to Memphis.

The Spurs and Griz-

Leonard out of Heat lineup indefinitely for use of slur

M

IAMI — The Miami Heat said on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time) that Meyers Leonard will be away from the team indefinitely, sharply criticizing his use of an anti-Semitic slur while playing a video game that was being livestreamed.

Leonard apologized for using the term, insisting he did not know what it meant when he used it Monday. The Heat learned of the matter Tuesday, and Leonard's future with the team is now in serious

doubt.

"The Miami Heat vehemently condemns the use of any form of hate speech," the team statement said. "The words used by Meyers Leonard were wrong and we will not tolerate hateful language from anyone associated with our franchise. To hear it from a Miami Heat player is especially disappointing and hurtful to all those who work here, as well as the larger South Florida, Miami Heat and NBA communities."

The team also said it

will cooperate with the NBA's investigation.

Leonard acknowledged that he used the term Monday while streaming. In his apology, posted on social media, he said "my ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse and I was just wrong."

Leonard also said he was apologizing to team managing general partner Micky Arison and his family, the team's players,

FLEONARD, P10

zlies both have 40 games left to play, the most in the NBA, after each club saw their first-half schedules interrupted by virus-related reasons. San Antonio will get a pair of players back Wednesday after long breaks while in the league’s protocols, with Rudy Gay and Derrick White now off the injury report.

Dallas and Washington both have 38 games remaining, tied for the thirdmost in the league. The Wizards’ season was halt-

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Tokyo Olympics to be held without overseas spectators

J

apan is planning to hold the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games this summer without international spectators in the fear of coronavirus variants, media reports said on Tuesday.

Kyodo News said the government decided to bar overseas spectators to the Olympics and Paralympics to stem the spread of coronavirus variants.

The government and the summer games' organizing committee in Japan are expected to talk via videoconference

with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) next week to make an official decision about overseas visitors.

Meanwhile, the Olympic torch relay will start on March 25 but the opening ceremony of the relay will be without spectators for health reasons.

The 2020 Olympics is scheduled to be held in the Japanese capital from July 23 until August 8, followed by the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5. (Anadolu)

Meyers Leonard will be away from the Heat lineup indefinitely, sharply criticizing his use of an anti-Semitic slur while playing a video game that was being livestreamed.

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NEW SKED EDGEDAVAO

Gilas’ ACQ window pushed to June: SBP

T

he third window for Group A of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ) will be played in June, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio confirmed Tuesday.

"The FIBA Asia window that's supposed to happen this month has been moved to June," Panlilio, also the Meralco Bolts' team governor, said in an online press conference with fellow members of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) board and Commissioner Willie Marcial following their meeting at the league's office in Quezon City.

Originally scheduled for February, the games for Group A, where Gilas is a part of, have been heavily affected by the pandemic.

Following the implementation of travel restrictions on places that have been affected by the new United Kingdom variant, including South Korea, which is also in Group A, the SBP was prompted to let go of its supposed ACQ hosting, with Qatar stepping in.

However, Qatar had to beg off too as the number of its coronavirus cases has been rising, and the SBP eventually got its hosting rights back.

Panlilio added that the SBP is still finalizing the dates, although Executive

Director Sonny Barrios said in the sports show Power and Play on Saturday that the plan is for the Group A window to take place from June 14-20 in Angeles City.

If the plan pushes through, the ACQ window will happen two weeks before Gilas heads to Belgrade for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

However, according to Panlilio, the SBP wants to begin the national team buildup as soon as possible.

"The intention of the program is to start the buildup quite early, maybe starting by this month, and we might go out internationally for some competitions," he said.

No PBA players for now The tournaments that Gilas will join coincide with the PBA Philippine Cup. PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas essentially ruled out the possibility of veteran pros making up the national team lineup for the June games.

"They would complete an all-Gilas (Cadets) team, and the PBA will not be asked to contribute any players other than those we

After a fallout in the NBA G-League, Kai Sotto will be suiting up for the Gilas in the Asian Cup Qualifiers. have contributed already during the draft this year and in the previous draft," Vargas said, referring to 2019 draftees Isaac Go, Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi, and twin brothers Matt and Mike Nieto, as well as this year's Gilas call-ups Tzaddy Rangel, Jordan Heading, Will Navarro, and Jaydee Tungcab.

Panlilio noted that bringing in pros could disrupt the PBA schedule.

"If you take a look at it if we really want to start training even as early as this month and the PBA would start its season in April, and this will go all the way to July 4, which is the last day of the OQT, it could completely descale the calendar of the PBA," he said.

Panlilio then said having a non-PBA Gilas team could be in for the long run.

"We're trying to put up a plan – and that's being thought of now – of an entirely non-PBA team using the five that we already drafted last (season) and the four that we would draft this year – so that's nine – and if you put the name of Ange Kouame there, potentially also Kai Sotto, and some of the college players, which we're working on with the schools so that we would get clearances from them, I think we can come up with a 20, if not a list of 25 names that can enter the bubble as early as the end of the month to start the training," he said. (PNA)