Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 279 | Friday, March 12, 2021

DENGUE: IF BITES COULD KILL

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ALL GOOD WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

HEALTH P7

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

No adverse side effects reported from vaccinees

BUILDING FEMMEPIRES STORY ON PAGE 2

A believer of sustainability, banana chip maker Bienvenida Morales rolls up her sleeves and moves forward amid life’s challenges.

To her, it is best to keep their hands busy and stay productive than giving up.

“We must always continue,” shares Morales, president of Salingcomot Rural Women Association.

The association based in Baganga, Davao Oriental, which started in 2017, has now 43 members. They offer different products including banana chips, massage oil, fabric conditioner, and dishwashing liquid.

Front, from left: Jennevy V. Cabiza, Area coordinator Great Women Project, Philippine Commission on Women; Mutya ng Davao 2019 Jeriza Uy, Michaela Angela Gonzales of Green Another group of empowBounty Kitchen, and Pinky S. Hinong, Group Marketing Manager, SM Supermalls Mindanao. Back fepresentatives of Salingcomot Rural Women’s Association and San Lorenzo ered women, San Lorenzo Women’s Group Association.

Women’s Group Association (SALOWAGA), meanwhile, Market at The Annex Event seize the opportunity amid Center in SM City Davao, pandemic --- to make cloth which runs from March 5 to face masks in different designs 31. The same fair will be also and sizes. conducted at The Atrium in SALOWAGA president JoSM Lanang Premier on March velyn Anac shares that they are 12-19. able to innovate and help boost “Through the pop-up marsupply of face masks especially ket organized by SM, we are in these times of crisis. Apart able to feature and promote from face masks, their associa- our products. We are truly Senator Christopher Lawrence Go listens as President Rodrigo Duterte presides a meeting tion sells bags, hankerchief, grateful to SM Supermalls,” during a visit in Surigao del Sur. A survey bracelets, pillow cases and says Anac. result conducted by private polling firm Pulse other products.

The Women at Work PopAsia disclosed that the possible Go-Duterte The group, which began in Up Market is SM’s platform to tandem is the team to beat in the 2022 na2017, is based in San Lorenzo, support local female-owned tional and local elections. Edge Davao Talomo, Davao City with 30 businesses. It is in partneractive members. ship with United Nations Salingcomot Rural Women (UN) Women, Philippine Association and SALOWAGA Commission on Women Bienvenida Morales, president of Salingcomot Rural Jovelyn Anac, president of San Lorenzo Women’s Group Association are among the exhibitors in (PCW), and Department of Women Association. the Women at Work Pop-Up Trade and Industry (DTI).

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

ALL GOOD

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go flashes a clenched fist while delivering a message during a visit to the victims of a massive fire in Purok IKP and San Jose in Barangay Vicente Duterte, Agdao, Davao City on Wednesday afternoon. Maya Padillo

No adverse side effects reported from vaccinees Bong Go assures aid

By MAYA M. PADILLO

S

o far, so good.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio assured that there are no reports by far from the City Health Office (CHO) of frontliners who experienced adverse side effects after getting Covid-19 vaccination.

“So far wala pa’y report nga adunay naka experience ug side effects.

Minor side effects lang kay usually kung magpabakuna ta naa man gyud sakit, manghawoy ang muscles pero so far wala pay nagreport nga duna’y naka-experience ug side effects,” the mayor said.

The vaccination program in Davao City for medical workers is ongoing and simultaneously

undertaken at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School in Bangkal and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

The vaccination aims to cater 300-500 clients daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

Meanwhile, Covid-19 Vaccination head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte echoed what Mayor Sara said about the reports that they received.

“So far, maayo ang response sa atong mga pasyente sa Sinovac, walay dapat ikahadlok,” Villafuerte said during the ‘Madayaw Davao’ program aired via 87.5 FM on Tuesday.

She also dismissed fears over the severe side effects of the Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccines, which are being used in the ongoing immuniza-

tion program in the city.

The city recently identified the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and Magallanes Elementary School as additional vaccination sites to cater to the remaining listed individuals in the first priority group, which consists of healthcare workers, senior citizens, indigent population, and uniform personnel.

“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,” Villafuerte said.

Villafuerte also reminded the public that registration for Davao residents who want to take part in the Covid-19

FALL GOOD, P10

for Agdao fire victims

S

enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go assured Agdao fire victims that the government will assist them with their needs.

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

“Nawalan sila ng bahay, ubos ang kanilang mga gamit. Ang sabi ko hindi sila mag-alala dahil nandito ang gobyerno na handang tumulong sa kanila. Narito ako para makapagbigay ng konting tulong at solusyon sa kanilang mga problema. Marami silang hinaing na pinarating sa akin na mga kapitbahay natin dito sa

Davao City at makapagbigay ng konting ngiti sa kanilang pagdadalamhati,” Go told media during the distribution of assistance to the fire victims held at Brgy.

Duterte Covered Court in Agdao, Davao City.

Various government agencies that include the Department of Trade and Industry 11 (DTI 11), National Housing Authority 11 (NHA 11) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development 11 (DSWD 11) also extended financial and livelihood assistance.

“Sa aking opisina meron akong financial assistance, vitamins, tablets para sa mga etudyante, bisikleta para sa mga nagta-tra-

baho. Sa abot na aming makakaya, tutulong po kami sa mga biktima dito,” Go said.

Go cited Bureau of Fire Modernization Bill that will help prevent fire incidents in Davao City.

In a unanimous vote, the Senate in a plenary session on March 8, 2021, passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1832 which seeks to modernize and improve the Bureau of Fire Protection by enhancing its mandate, organization, and equipment.

The bill is principally authored and co-sponsored by Go and principally sponsored

by Senator Ronald dela

FBONG GO, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

NEWS 3

Supporters of the extension of the Bangsamoro transition period for another three years stage a rally outside the Philippine Senate in Pasay City where the Committee on Local Government was holding its first hearing on Senate Bills 2019 and 2025, which propose the rescheduling of the first election of the 80 members of the Bangsamoro Parliament from May 2022 to May 2025. Photo courtesy of Mindanao Peoples Caucus

DOH, CHO told to educate Dabawenyos on vaccines

M

embers of the 19th City Council of Davao City have urged the Department of Health (DOH) in Region XI and the Davao City Health Office (CHO) to conduct a massive education campaign on COVID-19 vaccines.

The City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the two agencies to conduct the campaign through traditional mass media and social media, produce popular and effective education and information campaign materials on COVID-19 vaccines parallel to the vaccination program.

According to the Center for Disease Control

and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) , COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in preventing COVID-19 , or at the very way least, it can keep a person from seriously getting ill if they do get coronavirus disease.

Authored by First District Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata, the resolution stated that the education campaign is relevant and urgent since the city has recently started its vaccination program.

The measure also said education campaigns like surveys in schools, communities, and other sec-

FDOH, P10

City intensifies info drive on Covid-19 jabs benefits

By MAYA M. PADILLO

D

espite the skepticism of some Dabawenyos, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and the city’s health officials continue to appeal to the public to get vaccinated for their safety.

In fact, the city government of Davao is intensifying its information campaign on the benefits of getting vaccinated against Covid-19 by launching the informative comics on Covid-19.

The material aims to educate the public about

the virus and the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccines and will be distributed in the city starting March 11, 2021 to build public confidence in the government’s combat against the disease.

The Office of the City Vice Mayor will lead the

dissemination of the materials to the different households in every barangay in the city.

In the 32-page strips, the comics highlights ‘Kapitan BIDA’ as the superhero while ‘ContraVIDa’ as the virus. It is a story about Covid-19 on how it viciously affect the lives of people and how one can protect themselves from the deadly virus.

The comic explains the virus in detail and how it can be transmit-

ted to other people. It also tells what the virus can do once it enters the human body. Well-supported by comic illustrations, it also explains symptoms and how one can minimize the contact.

The story also highlights the importance of accurate and verified information as a way to eliminate confusion among the public.

“Ang priority nato sa pagkakaron is ang ba-

The Go-Duterte tandem earned the highest voter preference, getting the nod of 32 percent of the respondents nationwide.

The pair received the highest score in Mindanao (62 percent), followed by the Visayas (39 percent), Metro Manila (21 percent), and Balance Luzon (18 percent).

The possible pairing of Senator Grace Poe and Senate President Vicente Sotto III is second on the list of voters’ preferred

presidential and vice presidential candidates, obtaining 32 percent.

Next to the Poe-Sotto pair are the possible tandems of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao (17 percent), as well as of Senator Panfilo Lacson and Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (11 percent).

The possible tandem of Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo and Senator Francis Pangilinan

got the lowest voter preference at 8 percent.

‘Ripe’ for prexy race In his commentary show “Counterpoint” aired Wednesday, Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said he believed that Go is already “ripe” for the 2022 presidential derby.

Panelo said Go, being Duterte’s long-time aide before getting elected as a senator, has been able to acquire all the qualities needed to be the

FCITY, P10

3 NPA victims dug up Go-Duterte tandem tops Pulse Asia poll in Paquibato District

T

he remains of three people allegedly killed by communist New New People’s Army (NPA) were dug up last Tuesday (March 9) by joint police and Army teams in the hinterland district of Paquibato, Davao City.

Philippine Army’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Nolasco Mempin identified the bodies as that of Dandy Mallorca Rivera, 47, of Si-

tio Malakinay, Barangay Kinawayanan, Arakan, North Cotabato; Ariel Peletos, and Adelio Suganan Ramirez, of Brgy. Lasang, Bunawan District in Davao City.

Rivera’s remains were recovered at Purok Culape, Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District. He went missing in 1999.

Mempin said Rivera was an owner of a horse renting shop where some members of the NPA

F3 NPA, P10

F

ilipino voters prefer Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and President Rodrigo Duterte to be the respective president and vice president of the country in 2022, according to the pre-election survey conducted by private polling firm Pulse Asia.

Pulse Asia, in its February 10 to 19 poll, disclosed that the possible Go-Duterte tandem is the team to beat in the 2022 national and local elections.

FGO-DUTERTE, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

Harvesting rice goes hi-tech in Barangay Santo Niño in San Isidro town, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte on Tuesday afternoon (9 March 20210). In many parts of the country, farmers still harvest manually. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

DTI chief cites cooperatives’ T role in helping small biz

Aboitiz to vax team members, subcontractors nationwide

D

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said cooperatives have been a staunch partner of the agency in helping micro and small entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

At the 31st anniversary of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Wednesday, Lopez said even before CDA was not yet an attached agency of DTI, it has been a partner in delivering government services to small-scale businesses, particularly in the rural

areas.

He added the DTI partners with cooperatives to reach micro and small enterprises for them to avail the department’s microfinancing program and shared service facility (SSF) program.

Lopez said the DTI

collaborates with cooperatives for the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso or the P3 Program, a microfinancing program rolled by DTI’s financing arm Small Business (SB) Corp.

This program is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to improve access to capital so Filipinos will avoid tapping loan sharks like the ‘5-6’ lending scheme which imposes high interest rates.

Cooperatives also play a crucial role in roll-

ing out SB Corporation’s Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) recover from their losses amid the pandemic, Lopez said.

“Cooperatives have been our partner to reach out to the grassroots,” the DTI chief added.

Aside from microfinancing, DTI’s SSF program was also implemented through cooperatives.

FDTI, P10

PH to sustain investments in social, economic services programs

A

ranking Department of Finance (DOF) official has vowed the government’s continued investments in social and economic services, and programs to bolster the domestic economy’s recovery from the pandemic.

In his speech during the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) annual scientific conference and 88th general member assembly on Wednesday, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said the domestic economy posted improvements

since the third quarter of 2020 following the easing of quarantine restrictions.

“We are doing our best to bounce back and fiscal policy will be supportive of programs aimed at reviving the economy. We need to spend more money to assist our affected citizens and businesses.

All governments in the world today are doing the same in order to regain business and consumer confidence and keep the wheels of the economy rolling,” he said.

After the de-

cades-long 16.9-percent contraction of gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2020, the Philippine economy registered improvements in the next two quarters with prints at -11.4 percent and -8.3 percent, respectively.

Full-year contraction stood at 9.5 percent, within the government’s -8.5 percent to -9.5 percent target.

Economic managers aim for economic recovery of between 6.5 percent to 7.6 percent this year.

Beltran said higher government spending and reform measures like the proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE), which has been approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act, which has been signed into law, are seen as the main economic drivers for this year.

These measures are “envisioned to enhance the country’s business

FPH, P10

he Aboitiz Group has announced it will cover the inoculation of all its team members and subcontractors to help protect them from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines will be offered to more than 30,000 regular employees and subcontractors, to help build the community’s immunity against the virus. Each business unit will work directly with their respective subcontractor partners on the details of the vaccine rollout.

“Our team members’ health and safety will

always be our number one priority.

Even before the vaccines arrive, we have been planning for the efficient distribution of vaccines for our team members and subcontractors, in adherence to government guidelines. This is to ensure an effective deployment program,” Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz said.

The Aboitiz Group, which has already contributed over PHP2.2 billion to the country’s Covid-19 response effort, was among the first 30 private companies to sign a deal with the

FABOITIZ, P10

DITO: Phones not on compatibility list may have issues with network

D

ITO Telecommunity said phone models that are not on its list of compatible devices have not undergone tests and may have "unforeseen technical issues" accessing its network.

DITO recently released a partial list of compatible phones whose manufacturers have conducted "collaborative" tests with the telco and are 100 percent compatible with its network.

The new telco, which rolled out services in 15 areas in Visayas and Mindanao, can only serve those within the covered areas and those with

compatible handsets.

Netizens were quick to point out that DITO's list of compatible phones include only select models of MyPhone, Samsung, Huawei, TCL, Cherry Mobile, Oppo and Vivo. Apple's iPhone was not part of the list as of March 8, 2021.

In a hearing by the Senate Committee on Public Services, DITO chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago clarified that the list was not meant to be restrictive, but was meant instead to boost the confidence of users.

"The compatibility list, those models

FDITO, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

5

A Cebu Pacific aircraft arrives at the Davao International Airport. Cebu Air Inc., the operator of Cebu Pacific, said it has successfully raised P12.5 billion from its issuance of peso-denominated convertible preferred shares. Edge Davao

DITO CME shares plunge days after DITO telco’s commercial roll out

S

hares of DITO CME Holdings plunged 25 percent on Wednesday ending at P9 per share from a previous close of P12, two days after DITO Telecommunity finally rolled out commercial services.

Wednesday’s closing price was also down 55 percent from the company’s all-time high of P19 per share hit on Feb. 23.

DITO CME Holdings is separate and distinct

from DITO Telecommunity, but holds an indirect stake in the telco through DITO Holdings.

In November last year, DITO CME, which is owned by Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy,

acquired Udenna CME, which is also owned

by Uy, through a share swap deal. The restructuring results in DITO CME indirectly controlling around 60 percent of DITO Telecommunity.

Luis Limlingan, managing director of Regina Capital said the price action today was driven mainly by the news of the share swap price at P6.11 per share, and continued profit-taking

after the share hit a high of P19.

Joey Roxas, president of Eagle Equities meanwhile said there were several factors which led to the drop in share prices.

He noted that Uy himself sold DITO CME shares a few weeks ago, and DITO Telecommunity also said that the telco would not make money for at least 2 years.

During the Senate hearing on DITO’s

franchise application on Wednesday, DITO chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said 22,748 people had signed up online for its services after its initial rollout in 15 cities in Visayas and Mindanao.

Tamano said 6,597 of these have phones that are compatible with DITO's network. SIM purchases from partner stores and from other digital channels as of March 9, meanwhile, to-

taled 7,586.

Roxas added that DITO CME's disclosure on Tuesday confirming that it was issuing 11.2 billion shares to Udenna "was the last straw."

DITO chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago meanwhile said the new telco has already covered over 37 percent of the country's population.

The telco's franchise was approved by a Senate panel on Wednesday.

at a price of P38 per entitlement right.

“Accordingly, the Entitlement Rights have been fully subscribed and paid,” the company said.

The listing date for the offer shares is tentatively set on March 29, 2021.

The rights carry a 6% dividend yield per annum.

The total proceeds of the offer amounting to P12,499,999,984.000 will be used to “strengthen the company’s balance sheet by providing

liquidity to address its financial liabilities.”

The amount raised from the offer will be used to finance the following financial obligations: P4.805 billon allocation for repayment of an advance by JG Summit Philippines Ltd. P3.913 billion allocation for aircraft operating lease payments due in 2021 P3.338 billion allocation for principal debt repayments due in 2021

Mandatory RT-PCR tests for tourist Cebu Air Inc. raises P12.5B from stock entry up to local governments: DOT rights offer to finance debts, refunds

P

rovinces and local government units will decide if they will require tourists to undergo RT-PCR COVID-19 tests before entry, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Wednesday.

The country's coronavirus task force recently eased restrictions by removing the mandatory RT-PCR tests for domestic travel, in a bid to boost tourism and economic activities.

However, it is up to the LGU to require tests

as they see fit, Romulo-Puyat said during the distribution of cash assistance to affected tourism workers in Rizal province.

"The protocols are really up to the local government unit. It is the decision of the LGU kung maglalagay sila ng test before travel whether its saliva or swab (if they want to impose test before travel)," Romulo-Puyat said.

"Yung mga ibang LGU ayaw pa rin magbukas kahit MGCQ [modified

general community quarantine] kasi feeling nila hindi pa sila ready. Now on the other hand, there are other LGUs na feeling nila ready sila and there is no need for test before travel," she added.

(Some LGUs still refuse to open up despite being under MGCQ because they feel like they're not yet ready.

Now on the other hand, there are other LGUs who fell that they're ready and that there is no need for test before travel).

FMANDATORY, P10

C

ebu Air Inc., the operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, said it has successfully raised P12.5 billion from its issuance of peso-denominated convertible preferred shares, to finance its financial obligations.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Cebu Air said it has ended the stock rights offer of 328,947,368 non-voting, non-participating convertible preferred shares as an “entitlement rights”

FCEBU, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

In stressing the importance of reliable connectivity, communication and access to information for the country to recover from COVID-19 and other crises while commending the efforts and sincerity of DITO in improving connectivity in the Philippines:

Despite the economic turmoil caused by COVID-19, DITO was recently able to fulfill its commitment to the Government of providing internet coverage to 37 percent of the Philippine population with a minimum average broadband speed of 27 MBPS...

DITO is now preparing for full rollout, making information dissemination in our country through telecommunication more efficient and stable.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL Fountain of fallacy Despite the rollout of Covid-19 vaccination smoothly going on its first two days, the flow of misinformation continues its rollout as well.

The latest to have apparently joined the gushing fountain of fallacy is Vice President Leni Robredo.

The Vice President made a call for a review of Sinovac’s CoronaVac Covid-19 vaccine by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC). Under the law, an HTAC review is only recommendatory and is not required before the government can roll out vaccines. This falls under the province of the Universal Health Care Act or Republic Act also known as Republic Act No. 11223 which states that the HTAC is recommendatory.

The donated Sinovac shots, which were the first to be administered across the country for identified frontliners, are not yet required to undergo an HTAC review because these were donated and not procured by the government.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Reacting to Robredo’s statement, President Duterte said the former only created doubt amongst the public just as the government was boosting public confidence in the vaccines. The President said Robredo did the public a “disservice” by supposedly making it appear that the government was skipping regulatory processes for vaccines.

In this crucial times when the government is fighting vaccine misinformation, it is does not help that the nation’s second-ranked public official to issue comments which could deter public confidence on the medical solution to the health crisis.

The gushing fountain of fallacy could reproduce faster than we could vaccinate the population.

There is a word for that in gay lingo and it’s called ‘mema’ -- a gayspeak which is a shortcut to “May masabi lang.” In Filipino, it means, for the sake of having to say something.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Correspondent

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL GRACE M. BORDIOS Layout

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

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

7

Dengue: If bites could kill

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO hese days, the disease that has mostly hogged the headlines is the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Unknowingly, there are other diseases that are equally life-threatening if not more lethal.

T

Take the case of dengue which, despite the availability of a vaccine, is still taking a toll among children and adults. What is alarming is that it shares a lot of common symptoms with COVID-19.

“As dengue cases rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, increased caution is needed from medical practitioners to avoid instances of misdiagnosis,” pointed out health experts.

Common symptoms shared by dengue and COVID-19 are fever, muscle and joint pains, headache, and fatigue. “With symptoms similar to COVID-19, dengue remains as one of the top illnesses we should always be mindful of,” urged health experts.

Vomiting (may include blood), swollen glands, rashes, severe abdominal pain, and bleeding gums are symptoms exclusive to dengue. Symptoms exclusive to COVID-19 include diarrhea, loss of taste and smell, lesions on toes, hemoptysis, and bluish lips or face.

Also known as “breakbone” fever, dengue is the Swahili term for “a sudden overtaking by a spirit.”

Dengue causes a wide spectrum of disease. “This can range from subclinical disease (people may not know they are even infected) to severe flu-like symptoms in those infected,” explains the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO).

“Although less common, some people develop severe dengue, which can be any number of complications associated with severe bleeding, organ impairment and/or plasma leakage.”

There are four distinct, but closely related, serotypes of the virus that cause dengue (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3

and DENV-4). “Recovery from infection is believed to provide lifelong immunity against that serotype,” the WHO says.

“However, cross-immunity to the other serotypes after recovery is only partial, and temporary. Subsequent infections (secondary infection) by other serotypes increase the risk of developing severe dengue.

Like death and taxes, dengue exempts no one: fat or thin, ugly or beautiful, rich or poor, educated and illiterate.

Children, who are exposed in open areas while playing, are more prone although adults are not spared.

Franklin was a lawyer based in Manila but at one time he went to Baguio for a vacation and it was there that he contracted dengue. A few days after being bitten, he suffered high fever, severe headache, and pain behind the eyes. There was also an outbreak of rashes in some parts of his body.

From Baguio, he was brought to Manila. But it was already too late. He suffered hemorrhage in the liver and died three weeks after being confined in one of the wellknown hospitals in Makati City.

Even doctors die from dengue, too! There was a case of a lady physician whose daughter suffered from dengue.

Unknowingly, a mosquito which bit her daughter had bitten the doctor. A few days after the daughter died, as a result of dengue, the doctor also showed manifestations of having dengue. She also died of the same disease.

The WHO says dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain. The severity of the joint

pain has given dengue its other name. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common.

A rash usually appears three to four days after the start of the fever. The illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month.

Older children and adults are usually sicker than young children.

Most dengue infections result in relatively mild illness, but some can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). With DHF, the blood vessels start to leak and cause bleeding in the nose, mouth, and gums. Without prompt treatment, the blood vessels can collapse, causing shock.

“Children are much more likely to get DHF than adults,” explains Dr. Allan Schapira, who used to be person incharge of infectious diseases at the WHO regional office in Manila. “This is the reason why children are much more at risk of dying. In adults, dengue fever usually does not develop to the severe form, DHF. Besides, in many tropical areas, immunity builds up during childhood, so many adults do not get dengue fever, even if they were bitten by an infected mosquito.”

“Dengue is the world’s most important viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes,” says Dr. Duane Gubler, health administrator of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on someone who has the virus.”

The mosquitoes thrive in areas close to the human population.

“The dengue mosquito lays its eggs in water-

filled containers inside the house and surrounding areas of dwellings (this includes non-used bottles, containers, discarded waste, and tyres, among others which hold water,” the UN health agency says.

The eggs hatch when in contact with water. Eggs can withstand very dry conditions and survive for months.

Female mosquitoes lay dozens of eggs up to 5 times during their lifetime.

Adult mosquitoes “usually” rest indoors in dark areas (closets, under beds, behind curtains). Here, it is protected from wind, rain and most predators, which increases its life expectancy and the probability that it will live long enough to pick up a virus from one person and pass it on to the next.

The best protection against dengue is not to be bitten by the mosquito carrying the virus. According to Dr. Willie T. Ong, there are several things you can do about that. “There’s no need to panic (when it comes to dengue) because we have 10 ways to beat dengue,” says the 2007 recipient of the Outstanding Filipino Physician award from the Department of Health.

1. Clean up your backyard.

Mosquitoes love to stay in the dark and damp areas. So if your garage is littered with boxes and assorted garbage, clean them up or throw them away. Don’t let them become mosquito havens. Schedule a weekend clean-up day.

2. Empty containers with stagnant water. The denguecarrying mosquitoes breed in

stagnant water. This means that flower pots, garbage cans, aquariums, unused swimming pools, tires and other piles are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. So after the rains fill them with water, throw the water away. Next time, keep these containers closed and upside down. Flower vases should also be replaced weekly.

3. Check your surroundings for stagnant water. Some ornamental plant leaves have this “whorl” or cup-like shape that can hold water. Beautiful to behold but deadly in design.

Turn them over and throw the water away. Upturned coconut shells are also notorious for holding water. Non-moving rivers, especially in squatter areas, are full of mosquito eggs.

4. Close your doors and windows. Some people open their doors in the morning for a whiff of fresh air. They also believe that mosquitoes would leave the house and go into the sunlight. “But my advice is to keep your doors shut at all times,” he advises. If it’s too stuffy, then place a screen door that keeps the flies and mosquitoes outside.

5.

Spray insecticide regularly. To rid your house of mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches, spray insecticides every few days. Make sure you spray those dark corners, crevices, and cabinets. You’ll be amazed at the number of pests you’ll find dead in the morning.

Just make sure that household members are not exposed to the insecticide as they are not the target. Just spray selected rooms when people are not around.

6. Wear pants, pajamas,

long sleeves, and socks.

Mosquitoes are attracted to your breath as you exhale so they know how to reach you even in the dark. “I guess they love bare, plump skin, especially the kids who don’t shoo them away and let them suck as much blood as they want,” Dr. Ong believes.

7. Apply insect-repellants or use mosquito nets. If your kids are going hiking, camping or off to school, you can apply insect-repellants like Off-Lotion. Kids like to play outdoors and are prime targets of these mosquitoes. You can wipe it on selected areas of the clothing like collars, sleeves and pants. Avoid applying lotion on the eyes, mouth or hands.

8. Kill those mosquitoes.

When it comes to dengue, it’s either kill or be killed.

Instruct everyone to kill as many mosquitoes and flies as they can. Once you’ve got them trapped in your bathroom, show no mercy. Mosquitoes belong to the forest, not in your home.

9. Involve the whole community. The best way to defeat dengue is if the whole community is aware of the threat. Ask your community leaders to schedule a cleanup day. The danger is in those empty houses and lots, which are excellent breeding places for mosquitoes. Become a volunteer to monitor and clean up your surroundings.

10. Spread the word: Dengue fever is here. You’ll never know where dengue will strike next so better be prepared. Inform your neighborhood.

8

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS BUILDING FEMMEPIRES A believer of sustainability, banana chip maker Bienvenida Morales rolls up her sleeves and moves forward amid life’s challenges.

To her, it is best to keep their hands busy and stay productive than giving up.

“We must always continue,” shares Morales, president of Salingcomot Rural Women Association.

The association based in Baganga, Davao Oriental, which started in 2017, has now 43 members. They offer different products including banana chips, massage oil, fabric conditioner, and dishwashing liquid.

Front, from left: Jennevy V. Cabiza, Area coordinator Great Women Project, Philippine Commission on Women; Mutya ng Davao 2019 Jeriza Uy, Michaela Angela Gonzales of Green Another group of empowBounty Kitchen, and Pinky S. Hinong, Group Marketing Manager, SM Supermalls Mindanao. Back fepresentatives of Salingcomot Rural Women’s Association and San Lorenzo ered women, San Lorenzo Women’s Group Association.

Women’s Group Association (SALOWAGA), meanwhile, Market at The Annex Event seize the opportunity amid Center in SM City Davao, pandemic --- to make cloth which runs from March 5 to face masks in different designs 31. The same fair will be also and sizes. conducted at The Atrium in SALOWAGA president JoSM Lanang Premier on March velyn Anac shares that they are 12-19. able to innovate and help boost “Through the pop-up marsupply of face masks especially ket organized by SM, we are in these times of crisis. Apart able to feature and promote from face masks, their associa- our products. We are truly tion sells bags, hankerchief, grateful to SM Supermalls,” bracelets, pillow cases and says Anac. other products.

The Women at Work PopThe group, which began in Up Market is SM’s platform to 2017, is based in San Lorenzo, support local female-owned Talomo, Davao City with 30 businesses. It is in partneractive members. ship with United Nations Salingcomot Rural Women (UN) Women, Philippine Association and SALOWAGA Commission on Women Bienvenida Morales, president of Salingcomot Rural Jovelyn Anac, president of San Lorenzo Women’s Group Association are among the exhibitors in (PCW), and Department of Women Association. the Women at Work Pop-Up Trade and Industry (DTI).

Mutya ng Davao 2019 Jeriza Uy (white) with Michaela Angela Gonzales, owner, Green Bounty Kitchen (black)

Products of Salingcomot Rural Women Association.

Products of San Lorenzo Women’s Group Association .

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

9

The signing of memorandum of agreement by the officials of the DSWD XI and Amya Polytechnic College [left] and DSWD XI and Luna Legal Resource Center for Women and Children [right].

DSWD partners with non-government organizations for ‘Pantawid Pamilya’

D

avao City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD XI) has partnered with two non-government organizations (NGO) to help in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the city.

Ms. Jocelyn Sasuman, Officer-In-Charge of the Luna Legal Resource Center for Women and Children, Inc. and Ms. Mary

Ann C. Pia, Executive Director of the Amya Polytechnic College, signed separate memoranda of agreement with DSWD XI

Regional Director Raquel E. Nuñez to effect the partnership.

While the Department will provide technical assistance to the organizations, such as coaching and mentoring in line with the implementation of the 4Ps, the Luna Legal Resource Center for Women and Children, Inc. will conduct community education on prevailing laws on women and children;

hold activities to raise awareness and enhance the skills of social workers who shall serve as partners in the protection and promotion of women and children's rights; facilitate paralegal and psychosocial referral interventions for women and children victim-survivors; and monitor the progress of both 4Ps staff and beneficiaries.

On the other hand,

not the ATM card number.

For cash cards issued by banks, they must ensure that the bank allows its use for SSS disbursements. Bank account numbers must be written as a continuous string of numbers, without spaces or any non-numeric characters.

For e-wallets and Remittance Transfer Companies (RTCs)/Cash Payout Outlets (CPOs), mobile numbers must be written in the format 09171234567 or 09181234567, without spaces or non-numeric characters.

As an additional verification process to avoid fraudulent enrollment of disbursement account and to validate the enrollee’s ownership, members and employers must also upload a proof of account through the DAEM. Acceptable proofs of accounts include: photo or scanned copy of passbook, ATM card, validated deposit slip, bank certificate/statement, or foreign remittance receipt; or screenshot of online/mobile banking account, or mobile app account (for e-wallets).

Members must guarantee that the photos or scanned documents are

readable and colored.

Proofs of accounts are no longer needed for the following: Unified Multi-Purpose Identification card enrolled as an ATM (UMID-ATM); bank accounts migrated from the Sickness and Maternity Benefits Payment thru the Bank (SMBPB) Module; and DBP Cash Padala thru M Lhuillier, an RTC/ CPO. Benefit and loan disbursement channels SSS members and covered employers are advised that benefits and loans have varying disbursement channels.

At present, Retirement, Disability, Unemployment, Sickness and Maternity Benefits of individual members, as well as Funeral and Death Benefits of beneficiaries who are SSS members themselves are disbursed through UMID-ATMs, Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP) Quick Cards, PESONet participating banks, e-wallets, and RTCs/CPOs. Employer’s Sickness and Maternity Benefit Reimbursements are also paid through PESONet participating banks.

Pension Loans and short-term member loans such as Salary, Calami-

ty, and Emergency are released through UMIDATMs and UBP Quick Cards. Short-term member loans may also be released through PESONet participating banks.

“Currently, we are receiving a high volume of applications in the DAEM. In response to this, we have assigned more employees to verify applications,” Ignacio said.

“We advise our members to refrain from going to our branches to follow-up on their disbursement account applications. Rest assured that we are continuously looking for ways to improve and expedite the DAEM verification process,” she added.

Last year, the SSS implemented the mandatory enrollment of disbursement accounts with PESONet-participating banks, e-wallets, or RTCs/ CPOs in the DAEM for a faster, more secure, and checkless means of benefit and loan disbursements.

For more information, follow the SSS on Facebook at “Philippine Social Security System,” Instagram at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” or join the SSS Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

Amya Polytechnic College will provide assistance in the monitoring of the performances of senior high school and college student beneficiaries; conduct livelihood training and programs; and will also provide scholarship grants for the same.

These forged partnerships are in line with 4Ps’ establishment of networks and formation of convergence with other

stakeholders to facilitate additional support services for the improvement of the well-being of program beneficiaries.

The 4Ps is the major poverty reduction of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18.

SSS urges members, covered employers to ensure correctness Emperador posts earnings of P8B and validity of disbursement account for online enrollment on strong international growth

T

he Social Security System (SSS) asks its members and covered employers to ensure the correctness and validity of their respective disbursement accounts when enrolling in the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) through the My.SSS portal.

SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said incorrect input of account number or uploaded proof of account result in the rejection of disbursement account enrollment application. “We urge our members and covered employers to triple-check the information they have entered before submission to the SSS to avoid inconveniences in their disbursement account enrollment,” Ignacio said.

When registering, members and employers must ensure that their bank account is with a Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PESONet) participating bank. The member’s name or the employer’s business name registered in the SSS should be the same as the bank account name being enrolled.

They must also make sure that they are entering the bank account number and

E

mperador Inc. – the world’s largest brandy company owning the iconic and world’s best-selling brandy Emperador Brandy – saw earnings to owners grow 18% to a record P8 billion last year on the back of sustained growth in revenues amounting to P52.6 billion.

Emperador's global footprint and iconic brand portfolio enabled the company to navigate through the challenges of 2020. While certain aspects of the business have been affected by the impact of COVID-19, particularly on-trade and global travel retail resulting from lockdowns and dry law implementation, these have been offset by increased sales in offtrade and e-commerce.

While not totally impervious to the adverse effects of the conditions, Emperador’s global business adapted well to new consumption trends.

Emperador’s international business in 2020 remains strong across all geographies.

Our whisky and brandy businesses continued

its growth trajectory in UK, Asia, Europe, USA, Netherlands, Sweden and Russia amidst the challenges.

Emperador Inc. president Winston Co said, “The resilience of the company shows the strength of our business coupled with the strength of our whisky and brandy portfolio across the globe resulting in stability and growth amid the challenges. The company also took the opportunity to streamline efficiencies to enable the company to be nimble and effective in the markets. 2020 has set a new path and platform for our future growth."

Emperador Inc., a publicly listed company at the Philippine Stock Exchange, owns the multi-awarded Fundador Spanish Brandy de Jerez and the Whyte and Mackay Group, the world’s fifth largest Scotch whisky producer which was recently touted as the Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Scotland 2021.

Emperador brandy and whisky brands are available in more than 100 countries.

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

ALL GOOD... FROM2

CITY... FROM3

vaccination program is ongoing.

“Mag-adto lang sila sa ilang health centers

or health stations, magpalista sila para atong allocation atong masigurado,” she said.

Rosa, Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order.

It is the consolidated version of SBN 204 which is authored by Go, SBN 947 authored by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and SBN 1017 authored by Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. “Kakapasa lang ng Bureau of Fire Modernization Bill sa Senado. This bill not only to modernize, add personnel and equipment but to educate people to be more careful. Infromation campaign poi to na mag-ingat kayo sa mga bahay ninyo,” he said.

SBN 1832 mandates the BFP to implement a modernization program that will be geared towards the capability enhancement of its personnel as well as the acquisition of the necessary fire prevention and suppression, fire investigation, emergency medical and rescue services facilities and equipment.

Under the program, the BFP shall be directed to submit to the Secretaries of the Departments of the Interior and Local Government, and Budget and Management a revised organization struc-

ture of the Bureau. It will likewise establish new training programs and a qualification and upgrading program for its officers and personnel.

The Fire Protection Services and rescue hotlines will be established in every local government unit while specialized fire protection services shall also be created to respond to specific fire situations, such as chemical fires, high-rise building fires, forest fires, and ship and aircraft fires.

While the Search and Rescue Force and Hazardous Materials units as well as fire and arson investigation units will be established in every region and city, and Emergency Medical Services in every municipality and city.

To improve awareness on fire safety among the public, monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives will be carried out in partnership with the DILG and local government units.

“Asahan natin ma – ratify na ito ng Senado at mapirmahan ng ating mahal na Pangulo,” Go said. Maya Padillo

kuna and ensuring na adunay bakuna moabot and dunay mga tao nga mabukanhan,” the mayor said in her earlier broadcast interview.

On the other hand, 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.

"Vaccination is the only cure to stop the pandemic. Otherwise, kung gamay lang ta mag pa immunize, dili gihapon nato maundang. We will not stop wearing masks, we will not stop promoting business. Maghihi-

rap tayo kasi lahat tayo affected. Kailangan we have to get the vaccination, anyway, it will save us, it will save our families, and ultimately our community," Villafuerte said.

It can be remembered that Dr. Ricardo Audan, chief of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), has volunteered to be vaccinated first to serve as a role model and show to the public that the vaccine is safe.

“I think the best way to convince them [people], to promote this vaccine is you should be vaccinated. As the leader of SPMC, I think it’s right that I will be the one to be vaccinated first,” he said.

tors are needed to gain people’s confidence on the vaccines currently available , given that vaccine hesitancy and declining confidence in vaccines have been brought about by politically-motivated controversies.

“It is now critical to reverse this hesitancy, educate people on the available COVID-19 vaccines and provide relevant materials and updates on the ongoing vaccination program,” the resolution reads.

The proponent also emphasized the importance for families and communities to make an informed choice on vaccination although vaccination is voluntary and an act of choice.

Correct information

can save many people; it can lead to the full recovery of our city and our country, especially if the government and media outlets take on this role of massive and effective information drives, exercising the proper discretion to check and double-check if the information they are sharing is correct,” Morata’s resolution added.

“We need effective, safe, and publicly available vaccines to put an end to this pandemic so that we may be able to recover and move forward,” she said.

DOH and CHO including all media outlets are furnished a copy of the city council resolution for information and reference. (AMA)

country’s leader.

“Hinog na rin si Senator Christopher Bong Go na maging presidente sapagkat yung mga kakayahan at qualities ni Presidente ay nailipat na sa kaniya (He is already ripe to become president because the President has been able to pass on to Go all the qualities he has),” he said.

On February 26, Panelo first floated the possible Go-Duterte tandem, saying Go is also qualified to be Duterte’s successor in 2022 and can continue the President’s legacy.

He said Go’s competence should not be underestimated, noting that the senator has had an “on-the-spot” training

with Duterte.

“Huwag ninyong mamaniin ang pagtakbo ni Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go bilang presidente. Baka kayo ay magkamali diyan (Do not belittle Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go when he runs for president. It would be a mistake do that),” he said.

Duterte, in a speech delivered in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental on March 5, praised Go and even called the senator “president.”

In a March 5 statement issued in response to Duterte’s statement, Go said he has no plan to run for president in 2022. (PNA)

P384 million allocation for general corporate purposes, which are primarily for passenger refunds in case cash flows from operations become insufficient “as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact to health and travel related concerns” Cebu Air has appoint-

ed BPI Capital Corp. as sole global coordinator, bookrunner, and underwriter of the offer.

Last week, the airline signed a P16 billion loan deal with several domestic banks in a bid to sustain its operations, which was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

were his customers then.

However, the NPA later accused him of theft and allegedly subjected him to kangaroo court.

“When he went to retrieve his horse and asked for payment, he was also accused of being a military spy,” Mempin said.

“We exhumed his body, so we can give him a decent burial and return him to his family,” according to the military official.

The authorities have coordinated with Rivera’s sister Marycel to witness and facilitate the burial of the victim.

Peletos and Ramirez were former supporters of NPA but later backed out and were reported

missing in September 2014.

Mempin said Peletos sustained multiple stab wounds in the body while Ramirez bore multiple gunshot wounds.

The discovery of their remains came after a former rebel reportedly shared the information about the death of the three.

Peletos’ wife, Lina, identified the body of her husband. On the other hand, there were no immediate relatives who claimed the body of Ramirez.

Mempin described the killings as “inhumane and unlawful.”

He said cases will be filed against perpetrators of the crimes. (AMA)

that we’re included in our compatibility list have undergone a collaborative test with the manufacturers of their compatibility to our network," Santiago said.

"Because this is col-

laborative, we are assured that the manufacturers are confident that the brands have undergone this testing are 100 percent compatible," he added.

D e m o c r a c y. n e t . p h

BONG GO... FROM2

DOH... FROM3

CEBU... FROM5

DTI... FROM4

GO-DUTERTE... FROM3

3 NPA... FROM3

DITO... FROM4

Under the SSF program, cooperatives operate the facilities given by DTI. These facilities are being shared by MSMEs who cannot afford to buy tools and equipment that will help them produce their products.

SSF program provides technology, machinery, equipment, tools, sys-

tems, skills, and knowledge under a shared system, which is best implemented by cooperatives, to enable the MSMEs to improve the quantity and quality of their products and help them become more competitive in the market.

(PNA)

national government and AstraZeneca under the private sector-led ‘A Dose of Hope’ program.

It is a tripartite initiative among the private sector, the government, and British drugmaker AstraZeneca, in support of the national immunization program.

Aligned with the Philippine government strategy on vaccine rollout, availing Aboitiz team members and subcontractors shall be vaccinated in batches, prioritizing front-liners, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities, then

the rest of the population.

Meanwhile in the Asean region and other countries, Aboitiz team member vaccinations will be driven by various country governments where Aboitiz operates (particularly the Food Group), namely Singapore, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Brunei.

A vaccinated workforce will allow the Aboitiz Group to lead and significantly contribute to keeping the economy thriving under a better normal. (PR)

environment and attract more investors,” he said.

Beltran cited the continued construction of infrastructure projects like roads and bridges which, he said, have the highest multiplier effect in the economy.

He also underscored

the positive impact of the government’s digital initiatives, which got a big boost since the government implemented the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March to April in Luzon and until end-May in Metro Manila. (PNA)

When asked whether removing the RT-PCR test requirement was wise amidst rising cases and the new COVID-19 variants, the tourism chief said "halos lahat (almost all), they require test before travel."

Romulo-Puyat said the following destinations still require RT-PCR tests: Boracay Bohol El Nido Coron San Vicente (reopening on March 15) Puerto Princesa (reopening on March 15)

Ilocos Norte Ilocos Sur Pangasinan (reopening this month) La Union (reopening this month) Siargao Siquijor Dumaguete Iloilo The coronavirus pandemic has dampened the otherwise vibrant tourism sector in the Philippines.

Losses in terms of potential revenue from international tourists in 2020 were estimated to reach P400 billion, Romulo-Puyat earlier said.

ABOITIZ... FROM4

PH... FROM4

MANDATORY... FROM5

co-founder Engineer Pierre Tito Galla, who was at the hearing, said the compatibility issue stems from DITO's lack of 2G frequencies.

Phone models older than 2014 are probably incompatible because they do not have 4G and LTE capabilities, he said.

These are usually the phones used by class D and class E members of the population, he added.

But "there is nothing to worry about" when it comes to compatibility if consumers are using smartphones, Galla said.

Galla said iPhone users might also be able to use DITO SIM even if they're not listed as compatible.

"Phones that are older than 2014, 2015 about that time, will probably not be compatible because they do not carry a technology known as voice-over LTE, but the smartphones are newer now have that technology," Galla said.

Users can purchase SIM from its online channel and other authorized dealers.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

11

NLEX trades no. 4 pick to TNT

T

alk ‘N Text has acquired the fourth overall pick of the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft in a trade with North Luzon Expressway and Blackwater which was approved by the league’s trade committee on Thursday.

Despite losing one of their two first-round picks for Sunday's event, the NLEX Road Warriors got Roi Sumang, Don Trollano, Maurice Shaw, and a 2022 second-round pick from the Blackwater Elite, who on the other hand got Simon Enciso and David Semerad as well as the 2023 first round and 2024 second-round picks of the TNT Tropang Giga.

With the approved swap, TNT, which did not have any pick in the first two rounds of the

upcoming draft, now has an early first-rounder that could be of good use as they look to build on from their finals return last season, the comeback of Head Coach Chot Reyes, and Ray-Ray Parks' surprise decision to skip the upcoming PBA season.

All points are leading to the team likely taking Mikey Williams at number four in the regular rounds.

Williams played for Canton in the NBA G League, Saigon in the

Asean Basketball League, and GenSan in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, and as well had a stint with Mighty Sports in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial then said the trade will also affect the special Gilas round, which means the Tropang Giga will get to choose among Jordan Heading, Tzaddy Rangel, Will Navarro, and Jaydee Tungcab in the special draft. (PNA)

opportunities for him and that'll be elsewhere. So, he won't be with the team moving forward."

The 35-year-old Aldridge was in his sixth season with the Spurs after playing his first nine NBA seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft played in 21 games this season, averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds in 25.9 minutes — a career low in rebounds and his fewest points and minutes since he was a rookie.

Popovich insisted that the decision to part ways was best for both sides, and spoke highly of Aldridge.

"There was no problem there. We just think this is a win-win for both

LaMarcus and for the club," Popovich said. "So, when an opportunity arises, that'll be up to management, his agent, you know, that sort of thing.

We'll all move forward."

In Aldridge's last three appearances before the All-Star break, Popovich moved him to the bench.

Prior to that, he missed six games over three weeks with a hip injury and then sat out the last two games before the break with a stomach ailment.

"He's been a great teammate," Popovich said.

"He's done everything we've asked. And at this point, we'd just like to do something that will work for him as much as for our club, because he deserves that."

Spurs working on trade options as Aldridge leaves

D

ALLAS — LaMarcus Aldridge has played his final game for the San Antonio Spurs, with coach Gregg Popovich announcing on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time) that the team and the seven-time All-Star have mutually agreed to seek opportunities for him elsewhere.

The Spurs will try to trade Aldridge before the March 25 deadline. If no trades are worked out, the team could simply buy Aldridge out and let him sign elsewhere as a free agent.

"LaMarcus is not with the team," Popovich said before the Spurs played the Dallas Mavericks.

"He's healthy, in that respect, but we've mutually agreed to work out some

The Spurs will try to trade LaMarcus Aldridge before the March 25 deadline

TNT is likely taking Mikey Williams at number four in the regular rounds of the PBA Draft.

San Juan enters MPBL finals

S

an Juan Knights booked the first seat in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Finals after trouncing Makati Super Crunch, 131-54, in the long-awaited resumption of the playoffs at the Subic Bay Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

Exactly a year after the league last played before the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic went full-blown in the Philippines, the Knights put up a historic performance against a heavily undermanned Super Crunch squad.

With most of the key players not around due to a reported management issue, Makati, which only brought in exactly five homegrown players including former University Athletic Association of the Philippines star Edwin Asoro and professional dunker David Carlos to the Subic bubble, struggled against the full force San Juan, which even got to bring back NLEX player Mike Ayonayon to finish his MPBL stint.

The Knights opened the

game on a 15-0 run, and the Super Crunch only got to break the ice at the 5:40 mark of the first quarter on a Bhabap Sta. Maria field goal.

It was essentially San Juan's show all game long as the team's 77-point winning margin set an MPBL record for the most lopsided victory, eclipsing Bacoor City's 109-56 rout of Parañaque during the regular season back in 2019.

John Wilson led the Knights with 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals in just 18 minutes of play.

Jhonard Clarito added 20 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks off the bench.

Ayonayon, who was cleared by the PBA to make an MPBL return, added a triple-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists with one block.

Asoro led the Super Crunch with 21 points, two rebounds, one assist, four blocks, and one steal.

San Juan will have to wait a little longer before they can determine their

opponent in the national finals as the South Division final between Basilan (and Davao Occidental has been postponed due to a suspected Covid-19 case within the Basilan camp.

Early troubles Trouble marred the MPBL bubble right before it even started after the league confirmed earlier in the day that a member of the Steel was tested positive for Covid-19.

The MPBL did not disclose who the player was, but they placed Basilan in isolation.

"We are under seven days quarantine," head coach Jerson Cabiltes said.

The Steel will all be retested next week, and those tested negative might be able to take on the Tigers in their knockout game, which has been moved to next Wednesday.

'Small victory' Despite being on the wrong end of what would be the biggest blowout in Philippine basketball at least in recent memory, Carlos said the Super Crunch fought until the end. (PNA)

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 VOL.13 ISSUE 279 • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

PARTNERSHIP

PSC, CHED sign MOA on tertiary sports development

MOA SIGNING. (L-R) PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram, PSC Chairman William Ramirez, CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III, CHED Office of the Deputy Executive Director OIC Atty. Lily Milla and CHED Office of the Executive Director OIC Atty. Ryan Estevez in the ceremonial signing of MOA with PSC and CHED at the CHED Auditorium, Diliman, Quezon City.

P

hilippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William I. Ramirez and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero De Vera III formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement on the development of Tertiary School Sports on Wednesday at the CHED Auditorium, Diliman, Quezon City.

“I am so happy for this new forged partnership with CHED. They have been a brother to the PSC because as a small agency, we cannot be effective and succeed without the help of other agencies,” said Ramirez in his opening remarks.

Ramirez also expressed that he believes the partnership would create more competitive and excellent coaches and athletes in the collegiate level. “This gives us the missing link in providing a professional development in continuous sports education and will cater more to the educational aspect of our teachers in coaching.”

“We welcome this memorandum of agreement as it will allow us to join forces with the PSC in joint projects that we can initiate.

We commit the support of CHED in all the undertakings on higher education sports development and wellness,” said De Vera.

Among the objectives of the MOA, is to maximize the engagement and collaboration of both parties in the formulation of a unified tertiary school sports development program to ensure that the HEI's Sports Development Plans are aligned with the national agenda and of the highest international

standards.

PSC and CHED also commit to work hand in hand in providing training for student-athletes, coaches and sports officials on Higher Education through Professional Development and continuing education to ensure that the highest coaching and training skills will be provided to tertiary athletes as the country strives to produce elite athletes for world class performances.

The on-going National Sports Coaching Certification Course will now fall under this partnership, effectively institutionalizing this continuing education initiative of the PSC. The partnership will also be discussed along with the many plans for collaborative work of the agency in the National Sports Summit 2021.

Alongside the sports agency chief were PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram, and Chief of Staff and PSI National Training Director Marc Velasco. For the CHED side, De Vera was joined by CHED Office of the Executive Director OIC Atty. Ryan Estevez and Office of the Deputy Executive Director OIC Atty. Lily Milla.