Edge Davao Issue 14 No. 26| Thursday, April 15, 2021

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Motorists navigate through the bumpy and dusty road along San Pedro Street in Davao City, which is under construction for couple of months now. Edge Davao

SHORT-HANDED DCWD halts services after several employees were flagged by Safe Davao QR STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 26 • THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte talks to Russian President Vladimir Putin thru a telesummit on and discussed ways to help each nation defeat Covid-19 pandemic, Malacañang said. Edge Davao

SHORT-HANDED P

Duterte, Putin share Covid-19 notes in 30-minute telesummit

DCWD halts services after several employees were flagged by Safe Davao QR

By MAYA M. PADILLO ervices of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) in Matina are currently halted after some employees majority of them front office staff members were flagged for contact tracing.

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Jovana Duhaylungsod, DCWD deputy spokesperson, said the employees received an SMS from Safe Davao QR, Davao City's official contact tracing system.

With a short-handed personnel, DCWD's services such as meter reading, bill handling, and disconnection of water services were sus-

pended. Movement of water bill due date, red bill concerns, and pending requests were also halted.

“Naa ta’y na-halt na mga services like meter reading and bill handling kay apil pud sila. Kani sila naa’y mga due dates nga ma-extend.

We will announce definitely

avao Region has received additional 28,400 doses of Sinovac (CoronaVac) vaccines on Wednesday.

The said vaccines arrived at the Davao International Airport (DIA) early morning via flight PR 1809 and delivered to the Regional Health Office 11 for storage and distribution in the Davao Region.

Last month, 7,200 doses of Sinovac arrived at DIA. The vaccines will be allocated to more health workers in the Davao Region.

Dr. Annabelle Yumang, regional director of Department of Health (DOH 11), assured there is no shortage of vaccines for Davao Region.

The first 36,800 dos-

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Davao City Water District (DCWD) deputy spokesperson Jovana Duhaylungsod gives updates on the firm’s employees who received text message from Safe Davao QR and the planned resumption of operation of DCWD office in Matina. Edge Davao

More Sinovac for Davao Region D es, which arrived early last month, was given by the national government intended for the 36,800 health workers.

Meanwhile, the city government of Davao has started giving second dose of the anti-Covid shots to medical frontliners from private hospitals that were inoculated in March with Sinovac vaccines.

According to Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, city’s Vaccination Cluster head, a total of 4,557 private healthcare workers are set to receive their second dose of Sinovac vaccine.

The medical healthcare workers to receive the second dose of the anti-Covid vaccines are from the Davao Doctor’s Hospital (DDH),

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resident Rodrigo Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telesummit on Tuesday afternoon and discussed ways to help each nation defeat the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang confirmed.

In a statement, the Palace said Duterte’s “open and productive” phone conversation with Putin lasted around 30 minutes.

“President Duterte and President Putin reaffirmed their shared commitment to further enhance cooperation as the Philippines and Russia commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year

and vowed to cooperate in the fight against Covid-19,” the Palace statement read.

It was on June 2,1976 when the Philippines forged formal diplomatic ties with the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Malacañang said Duterte was thankful to Putin for Russia’s commitment to bolster its cooperation with the Philippines in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic.

The two leaders discussed the global and regional vaccine landscapes and emphasized the need to mobilize Covid-19 vaccines like Russia’s Sputnik V to “as many countries as possible”, the Palace said.

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Davao, Caraga join forces against illegal logging

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he Davao and Caraga regions have created a Joint Inter-Regional Taskforce against illegal logging through a Joint Special Order.

The Signing of the Joint Special Order was held at Miko’s Brew, Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Monday.

Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) Region XIII Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo said that this joint effort was done to strengthen the enforcement of anti-illegal logging laws in the borders of Davao and Caraga regions.

“Base sa mga reports

na ating naririnig mula sa ating field offices sa PENRO at CENRO, marami pa rin tayong confiscations sa border na ito, meaning patuloy pa rin ang mga illegal logging activities na nanyayari (Based on the reports we’ve heard from our field offices in PENRO and CENRO, there are still many confiscations in this border, meaning, illegal logging activities have continued),” he said.

He added that timber poaching, in particular, have remained rampant in the border of Caraga Region and Davao Region despite the official prohibition of

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Apo Agua optimistic bulk water project to operate by yearend A

By MAYA M. PADILLO

n official of Aboitiz-led Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., (AAII) expressed optimism that the first drop of water from the bulk water supply project in Davao City is expected by end of this year.

Shake A. Tuason, operations head of AAII, told media despite challenging and tight timeline AAII is committed is to finish the project as soon as possible.

“It is a very challenging and tight timeline but with the constant support of our project like Davao City Water District and the strong support of city government of Davao we are optimistic that we can have first drop of water by end of this year.

We are still constantly monitoring our project timeline,” said Tuason during the AFP-PNP Press Corps Media Briefing on Wednesday.

The optimism is high as the project’s workforce is working hard to deliver Part

A of the project this year.

AAII is now employing more than 4,500 workers across various work sites.

“We successfully achieved our manpower ramped up target. We now have more than 4,500 workers across our various work sites and I want to highlight that majority of our workforce hailed from Davao City. We are happy to provide local employment during a difficult time,” Tuason said.

AAII has able to double the workforce of laborers, skilled workers, and welders to catch up with the schedule by implementing construction activities si-

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Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (AAII) operations head Shake Tuason says during AFP-PNP Press Corps at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) the

first drop of water from the bulk water supply project in Davao City is expected by end of this year. Edge Davao

70 out-of-school youth join Mati City installs P20M traffic lights Young Pathways Orientation T

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eventy out-of-school youth from the districts of Tibungco and Bunawan underwent orientation to opportunities for learning, training and employment during the Youth Pathways Orientation held by the Opportunity 2.0 program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Isagani Busque, Opportunity 2 Convenor bared that participants, comprised of Alternative Learning System (ALS) completers, were divided into four groups following the minimum health standard required by the

government.

He said the orientation was then held in two batches, first at Daniel M. Perez Central Elementary School in March 30 and the second at the Francisco Bustamante Central Elementary School in April 5.

Busque said young people learned about the program’s Work Ready Now Curriculum, a five-week work readiness course available for free for ALS Completers.

“After five weeks’ worth of classes, learners should now be ready to do sustainability and savings for

Col. Rex Derilo, Lanao del Sur police director (2nd from left), visits a wounded policeman involved in the gun battle in Marawi City last Monday (12 April 2021) that killed a ranking leader of the Islamic State-inspired Dawla Islamiyah. Five operatives of the Philippine

further education in the future,” he said.

Busque said that under the WBL pathway, the course culminates in getting first-hand experience from local workplaces, while under BYOB, the OSY takes at least two to four hours of practical activities per week, also on their own time and in their own communities.

He said that after these trainings, the youth have the options to study higher education in vocational courses in high school or college. (PIA XI-Joey Sem Dalumpines)

National Police – Special Action Force and an Army trooper who were injured in the firefight are now recuperating at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center. (Photo courtesy of PNP Lanao del Sur)

he Mati City LGU has started installing the P20-million traffic signalization project to ease the traffic congestion at four intersections in the city.

According to Mati City Engineering Office, the Department of Public Works and Highways identified the following locations of the traffic lights — Sudlon Road, Rizal Street, Daticor Area, and Martinez Junction.

There will be four sets

of lights in Sudlon Road, Rizal Street, and Daticor Area while six set of lights in Martinez Junction in which P5-million budget is allotted per intersection.

The said sets of lights will be composed of LED lights: signal lights, markings, yellow box for pedestrian, and more.

The contractor is Traffic Supplier and Construction Corporation that also installed traffic lights in Tagum City.

The contractor started installing lights last April 8 and are expected to be operational on or before November 9, 2021.

“Sa karon, gisugdan ang project sa Sudlon Area og Martinez, trabahuon kining proyekto sulod sa 186 calendar days,” City Engineer Christine Mae Saco said.

This project is part of the infrastructure agenda under the administration of Michelle Nakpil Rabat. (CIO MATI)

early morning of the same day.

Insular said the most important part of the process was the signing of a peace commitment between 40 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) belonging to several Teduray clans and the Omar family in Barangay Lamud of South Upi, Maguindanao.

The IPs and the Omar clan have been locked in a long-standing feud over the ownership of vast tracts of land in the village.

A simple program was conducted before the 57IB brought the evacuees back to their homes aboard military trucks.

During the program, the local government of South Upi solicited the commitment of all concerned parties in maintaining peace and security in the area and to avert future skirmishes

that would again lead to civilian displacement.

In the same program, the affected families expressed their thoughts and feelings about the conflict situation that began way back years.

“With the signing of the peace covenant, the displaced families were convinced to return home,” Fontanilla said in a separate interview.

After the program, the affected families received food packs from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's Ministry of Social Services and Development as immediate assistance for their journey back home.

The 57IB has established a detachment in Barangay Lamud for the preservation of the peace and order situation in the area.

(PNA)

Families displaced by armed hostilities due to clan war return home in Maguindanao

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total of 181 civilian families displaced by armed hostilities due to a clan war in upland South Upi, Maguindanao have been escorted back to their community, officials said Wednesday.

South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular said the evacuees could start rebuilding their shattered lives with the help of the local government unit (LGU), and military and police authorities.

“We will provide interventions, so they can rebuild their lives and their homes in their villages,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) here in a phone interview.

Insular, the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (IB), and the town police led by Lt. Melvin Fontanilla, facilitated the “Balik Barangay of the 181 Pamilyang Bakwit”

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. Sales Admin Manager Luis Dollesin welcomes new homeowner in a ceremonial turnover event held at Club Aeon, Aeon Towers on April 13, 2021.

Aeon Towers launches T early move-in promo

DOF consults public on PPSA draft rules on e-registry fees

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n the rush to move in?

No problem. Aeon Towers has launched an Early Move-in Promo for homeowners who would like to move-in right away into their beautiful condominium units at Aeon Towers.

Aeon Luxe Properties Inc. (ALPI) VP for Sales & Marketing Almira Mariano said clients who purchased or is planning to acquire a unit at Aeon Towers can

avail this Spot Move-in promo at P500,000 (studio and1-bedroom standard) and P1M (1-bedroom suite, 2-bedroom and loft) at 0% interest for 20 months until December 31, 2021.

Earlier, ALPI Sales Administrative Manager Luis Dollesin led the official welcome of a client who recently availed the promo during its turnover ceremo-

ny on April 13, 2021 held at Club Aeon, Aeon Towers.

The client visited its unit for final inspection and discussed with the Property Manager the house rules and guidelines for a smooth move-in process.

The 33-level Aeon Towers, Mindanao's first tallest skyscraper, recently added new locators to the building.

The Philippine Business Bank opened its branch at Aeon Towers recently. The new PBB branch opened on

March 22 with FTC-GOCC Aeon Towers President and CEO Ian Y. Cruz and PBB Regional head 12-A Raymond Nonato presiding over the inauguration. Also in attendance were FTC-GOCC VP for Sales and Marketing Almira Mariano, VP for Operations Engr. Daniel Manalo and PBB Sales Manager Stephen Lim. Another locator Les Beute Lounge earlier joined the growing locators of Aeon Towers.

he Department of Finance (DOF) has posted online through its website the draft regulation setting the fees for the use of the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA) electronic registry and is asking the public to submit comments until April 22.

The DOF, along with the Land Transportation Authority (LRA) and the National Tax Research Center (NTRC), worked together to determine the fee structure and feasible rates of fees to be imposed for the use of the PPSA electronic registry, it said in a statement Tuesday.

These three government agencies had determined that a single-rate fee structure is consistent with cost

recovery, which is the basic principle behind the imposition of fees and charges.

It is assumed that the same cost of service is incurred regardless of the amount of security interest being registered and/or certified.

A single-rate fee structure is easy to implement and will not be burdensome to either lender or grantor, which is the primary directive of the law.

PPSA or Republic Act (RA) No. 11057 aims to promote economic activity by increasing access to least cost credit, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), by establishing a unified and modern legal framework for

oody’s Investors Service has changed its outlook on the Philippines’ banking system from negative to stable, citing its forecast of a mild recovery for the domestic economy this year which supports the sector.

“However, asset risks remain high because of a prolonged curtailment of business activity, a high unemployment rate, and weak consumer sentiment,” it said in a report dated April 13, 2021.

It forecasts a 7-percent growth for the Philippine economy this year, within the government’s 6.5-7.5 percent target.

Moody’s expects the banking environment to be stable as the government eases movement restrictions.

It said fiscal support is

also expected to boost the recovery bid and back consumer spending and investment.

“However, a resurgence in infection rates and a reinstatement of some social-distancing measures will slow the economic recovery in (the) first half of 2021,” it said.

The credit rater expects non-performing loans (NPLs) to rise this year, adding that social distancing measures will contribute to the debt repayment capacity of borrowers, particularly the retail borrowers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

However, Moody’s said the systemic risk is higher from corporate borrowers since “bank’s loans are heavily concentrated on them”.

revises PH banking Pinoys lap up online shopping Moody’s sector outlook to stable amid pandemic: FB research M T he online presence of businesses proved most useful during the pandemic as physical restrictions continue to be observed.

Facebook's Emerging Trends Research showed that marketers who were able to pivot digitally amid the health crisis gained profits and it is more likely that consumers will continue to choose online shopping for their convenience.

The study indicated 87 percent of respondents are willing to spend more for ease of access to products or services.

About 12,500 people across 14 countries, including the Philippines, were studied for changes in con-

sumer behavior in 2020.

Among Philippines-based respondents, 93 percent said they highly consider convenience and price when deciding on what to purchase.

“Research tells us that we should draw inspiration from the fact that for most consumers, the best journey is no journey at all. And by putting your customer first, you can eliminate friction, inspire discovery, and maybe even set a new standard in convenience,” Facebook Philippines country director John Rubio said during a virtual presentation on Tuesday.

Live selling Live Selling, a rising Facebook trend where a

business sells auction-style or an inventory show-andtell in real-time through Facebook or Instagram Live, also gained steam in recent months, with one in four people surveyed having browsed such activity on social media.

The research showed that 87 percent of Filipino respondents said that social media allowed them to interact more and deepen their relationship with brands.

Respondents in the Philippines were described in the study as adventurous shoppers, with 80 percent interested in trying new and different ways of shopping.

Often done in an entertaining fashion with

real-time questions and answers, promotions, and games, Live Shopping had 85 percent of respondents say they expect the experience to increase this year.

Upgrading the marketplace Preference for payment modes and where to shop is largely fueled by convenience, with 90 percent of respondents opting for mobile payments should they be made more available.

The same percentage of those surveyed also wished shopping from their mobile phones was easier.

In an interview, Rubio said in the coming months, Facebook will launch more tools to create a level of con-

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

Philippine Airlines account executive Fhoebe Joice Belen announces the company’s upcoming promotions during AFP-PNP Press Corps at the Davao City Police Office compound on Wednesday. Edge Davao

No price padding in Agri dept.: Dar

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) maintains that no officials are involved in the alleged “tong-pats” or price padding on pork imports by PHP5 to PHP7 per kilo in the DA. "On my personal and official capacity as secretary of the DA, the undersigned is one with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in the strict observance of good governance and no corruption in government, and will never

allow any corrupt practice under his stead and leadership,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar explained in a Senate hearing on Monday.

DA said the Philippines imports agricultural commodities, including pork and

other pork products, under the minimum access volume (MAV) scheme, which is part of the country’s commitment under the World Trade Organization (WTO) to facilitate trade among WTO member countries.

The country is allowed to import 54,000 metric tons (MT) of pork yearly under the MAV with an in-quota tariff of 30 percent. Beyond said volume or out-quota, imports are levied with a

higher tariff of 40 percent, he added.

Dar said allocating the MAV to qualified importers or licensees adheres to strict regulations and guidelines, ensuring a transparent and non-discretionary systematic distribution procedure.

“The allocation is done through a raffle. The initial MAV allotment this year has long been set and fixed.

Yearly or mid-year allocation

and 1840.

SB 2094 amends some provisions in the Commonwealth Act No. 146, otherwise known as the Public Service Act by inserting a new section defining “public utility” as a person that operates, manages, and controls for public use distribution of electricity, transmission of electricity, and water

pipeline distribution systems and sewerage pipeline systems.

SB 1156 amends some provisions in Republic Act No. 7042, otherwise known as the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 by placing a premium on the major role played by technological advancements as well as global and regional economic real-

ities on the Philippine economy.

SB 1840 amends some provisions in Republic Act No. 8762, otherwise known as the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 by lowering the required paid-up capital for foreign retail enterprises and other purposes.

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Duterte certifies three bills as urgent to spur economic growth

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has certified as urgent three measures to boost economic growth in the country amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, Malacañang said.

In a press statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte has certified as urgent Senate Bill (SB) Nos. 2094, 1156,

Vehicle sales recover in Q1

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utomotive vehicle sales recovered in the first quarter of the year amid the global health and economic crisis, the joint report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) said Tuesday.

CAMPI and TMA reported that vehicle sales from January to March this year was higher by 8.9 percent compared to January and February 2020 despite being pre-pandemic months.

Vehicle sales during the three-month period reached 70,312 units from

64,542 units in the same period last year.

Sales of passenger cars grew double-digit by 22.9 percent to 21,855 units in the first three months of the year from 17,786 in the same period in 2020.

Commercial vehicle sales increased by 3.6 percent to 48,457 units in the January to March period this year from 46,756 units sold in the same months last year.

This is also the first time that the industry registered a growth in both year-todate and year-on-year sales since the onset of the pandemic.

Pag-IBIG 1st quarter home loan releases up 33% to P20.94-B

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he Home Development Mutual Fund or PagIBIG Fund said its home loan releases in the first three months of 2021 grew by double-digits despite the lingering presence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Pag-IBIG said it released P20.94 billion in home loans in the first quarter of the year, up 33% or by P5.17 billion from the P15.77 billion released during the same period last year.

“We are happy to report that our home loan releases in the first three months of 2021 have increased compared to the same period last year. This increase in our home loan releases means that more Filipino workers are being helped

by Pag-IBIG Fund to secure their own homes, which is very important at this time of pandemic,” said Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

Del Rosario said that the P20.94 billion in home loans released during the first quarter enabled 20,712 members to acquire their own homes.

Out of the total amount, P2.2 billion were released as socialized home loans for the benefit of 5,074 Pag-IBIG Fund members belonging to the minimum-wage and low-income sectors, according to the

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 26 • THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

On fast tracking the expansion and construction of additional modular hospitals equipped with COVID-19 isolation facilities and intensive care unit beds in order to address the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country:

I laud the continuing efforts of the government to provide more isolation facilities for people with mild and moderate COVID-19 cases; however, the need for more facilities that can handle severe and critical conditions must also be considered.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL Bishop Patricio Alo, 82 The Archdiocese of Mati mourns over the passing of Bishop Emeritus Patricio Hacbang Alo, the First Bishop of the Archdiocese, who passed away on Tuesday after a lingering illness at the age of 82.

Bishop Patricio H. Alo, DD., STD. was born on Dec. 2, 1939, in Cebu City. He was ordained a priest on March 14, 1964, and was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Davao on April 14, 1981. His episcopal ordination was on June 7, 1981.

He served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Davao, Philippines from 1981 to 1984 and was bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mati, Philippines from 1984 to 2014. Pope John Paul II appointed him First Bishop of the Diocese of Mati

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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. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Correspondent Consultant 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 D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising SpecialistGeneral Manager Finance JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

on Nov. 9, 1984.

Many Matinians will remember Bishop Alo as a religious leader who was instrumental in bringing evangelization to a different level via the modern means of media communications. He opened a radio station and a local cable television service that brought to homes masses and religious programs aside from the regular news and commercial programming. He transformed the community not only spiritually but also physically through sports facilities like tennis and mentally through academic scholarships to poor but deserving students.

Bishop Alo is loved by Mati folks because of his transformational leadership.

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.14 ISSUE 26 • THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

BEATING COVID-19 The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the Philippines is now described as “spreading like wildlife.” Vaccination against the dreaded virus is on-going. But there are more Filipinos who are not yet immunized.

The figure of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 – the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 – is escalating. The death toll is also increasing. The economy is going down. Some people are no longer following the health protocols.

So, what can Filipinos do to beat this pandemic?

Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, former secretary of health and author of Our Health, Our Lives (1982) – shares the following: Start enlisting your name for vaccination and eventually have yourself vaccinated. All vaccines approved by the Department of Health and Food and Drug Administration are safe.

Whatever is available in your community, gladly receive it.

Once you have completed the required number of doses, it increases your immunity and protects your body from experiencing the moderate to severe effects of COVID-19.

Start wearing a mask at home. If a person in your household goes out, make it a non-negotiable for that person to wear a mask at all times, even while at home. If you are around that person, wear a mask too. Best to assume that the person who goes out is a carrier of the virus.

Wear a mask when you’re around people, regardless of your relationship with them. Do you prefer your own

comfort over potentially infecting your family members? Most transmissions happen at home, when people are most complacent.

Start absorbing Vitamin D from the sun. This is recommended for 1520 minutes daily to boost your immunity except during 10AM-2PM because that’s when the sun is too hot. It’s okay to go out of your house for Vitamin D (example: garden or park) as long as you are wearing a face mask and shield. If you are alone in the garden or park, it’s okay to take off your mask.

Start oil pulling daily, using Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). Do this at least twice a day (morning and evening).

Take one tablespoon of VCO 3x a day.

There’s also a VCO Nasal and Mouth Spray available in the market, which you can spray as often as you need to.

Start disinfecting more frequently and immediately. Your mobile phone is probably one of the dirtiest items you touch on a regular basis. Disinfect your gadgets daily. Also, every time you receive a delivery or send something out, use alcohol/hand sanitizer right after receiving something/handing out the item then wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds.

The virus gets killed with proper handwashing. Every time you feel lazy washing your hands again and again, think of the consequences of your laziness.

Start sleeping in complete darkness (no phones/gadgets beside you, no Netflix or watching shows before sleeping) for at least 7 hours, maximum 9 hours. The ideal sleeping time is from 10PM-4AM because that’s the body’s time to regenerate.

To ensure that you sleep in complete darkness, use an eye mask. Good quality sleep is one of the best natural medicines. Lack of sleep lowers your immune system. You will be more prone to sickness, not just COVID-19.

Start embracing God’s loving discipline. Most of my patients pray for good health. What does it take to be truly healthy? Often, people just focus on their physical health. However, your emotional, mental, spiritual, social, occupational, environmental, and financial wellness matter too. All of these affect your overall well-being.

If you truly want to have “good health”, you need the right attitude and discipline, which I know is difficult to accept because of our stubborn human nature. It’s time to give up your “favorite” unhealthy habits and wrong mindsets that make you sick in every aspect of your life.

Stop being complacent. Complacency is the enemy. Evaluate your thoughts and motives. Your complacent thoughts lead to compromising actions. You are compromising your health every time you think “it’s okay to take off my mask, maybe I won’t get infected, just this one-time lang naman” or “family member or friend naman siya, so it’s safe.”

If you truly love the person in front of you, you will wear a mask out of love for that person. If you understand the risk of taking off your mask and unnecessarily exposing yourself, you will decide according to what is best for the people around you.

Stop eating together. I know it’s very challenging because Filipinos love to eat together as a way of bond-

ing. Sadly, in this time of pandemic, it’s also one of the best ways to infect each other. We thank God for new ways of bonding which can now be done via Zoom, Messenger, Google Meet, Viber, and other messaging apps. It may not be your preferred manner of bonding.

However, let this be a time to embrace a new way of being more intentional to connect. Eating together means taking off your mask, which means transmitting the virus through the droplets that come out of your mouth. Even when there is physical distancing while eating, there is still a tendency to unconsciously come close to each other and infect one another.

Stop spreading fake news and false hopes. Be discerning about messages you forward to others. Something can look or seem so convincing just because a friend said so. Not everything that’s popular “works.” Fake news abound. False hopes disappoint.

First, validate the information you receive. Even if it comes from a seemingly reputable source, you still need to double check. Do your research online but check the credibility of the author. In the midst of all the fake news and false hopes being forward, be faithful to spread the Good News about our true hope that’s found in Jesus Christ alone.

Stop taking drugs that are not DOH FDA-approved. While many are desperate for something that can cure COVID-19, until today there is no drug that is proven effective to prevent COVID-19. Be patient to wait for the final results of the large-scale clinical trials. What worked for a select few does not mean the effect is the same for all.

Do not fall for the mindset of “there’s no harm in taking it.” The harm might not be apparent now but it will be, at some point. Best to take something that is proven to work for the purpose it was intended for, rather than taking something that might work, without knowing the consequences it may bring.

Stop being negligent at home. It’s important to note that more than just physically staying at home, it’s what you do at home that matters most. My close friends and patients who stayed at home still got infected because there was a person in the same household who brought the virus in.

Again, this means you should wear a mask even while you are at home, especially when talking to family members. Remember, the virus is transmitted through droplets.

Stop staying in your comfort zone. The usual complaint is that wearing a mask is “uncomfortable” and “inconvenient”. Our default setting is to stay in our comfort zone, which is selfish.

By God’s grace, we are able to overcome selfishness and love as God calls us to. True love means sacrificing our personal preferences, comfort, and convenience to consider the well-being of others.

Stop blaming others. We are all flawed and in need of God’s grace. No one is better than the other. Instead of grumbling, judging, blaming, or saying “this person should have done it this way...if only this person did/did not do this…”, focus on doing your part and following through with what you are responsible for.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

IVERMECTIN CAN PREVENT COVID 19 INFECTION “The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.” - Confucius.

Dr. Joseph Varon, a longtime practicing physician who operates a hospice facility for CoVid 19 patients in Houston, Texas, endorsed the use of this anti-parasitic drug during a zoom webinar with a Filipino audience very recently.

Organized by Rep. Mike Defensor (AnakKalusugan Partylist) and moderated by Mari Kaimo (former GMA7 newscaster), Varon categorically said Ivermectin is good for everybody.

Varon has become popular with the Filipino community in the US because he took good care of celebrated Filipino singer-entertainer Gary Valenciano’s medical problems.

Valenciano appeared during the webinar and attested to Dr. Varon’s competence and integrity.

He has actually prescribed the drug to all his patients, especially those infected with the Wuhan virus with a positive healing ratio of 95%.

Asked if he was willing to endorse Ivermectin to the IATF and the Philippine authorities, Varon - without any hesitation - said the Philippine government should allow the use of Ivermectin to help prevent mass contamination and also help cure mild CoVid19 infections.

“Ivermectin should be given even before one is asymptomatically diagnosed or when there is an early sign of infection,” the amiable Texan doctor said.

However, patients should not rely entirely on Ivermectin because by itself, it will not cure and heal the CoVid19 patient, especially those already suffering severe viral infection.

A frequent visitor to the Philippines, Varon said he is willing to assist the IATF and give away Ivermectin to Filipino patients if he is invited by the Philippine government.

Varon’s open and no-holds barred positive declaration impresses us of the preventive and healing properties of Ivermectin which unfortunately does not jibe with the opinion that

FDA and DOH people have.

However, between Duque and Domingo on one side and Varon on the other, I am inclined - after watching the webinar - to pick the latter as more competent and credible.

Duque and Domingo are not practicing physicians known to have expertise in the field as Varon. The duo are swivel chair executives and their combined opinions about CoVid19 do not carry much weight in the Philippine medical circles.

If I understood Varon correctly, he seemed to say: “What have you got to lose? Ivermectin has been in the market since four decades ago.”

Varon said if the American public were also made aware of Ivermectin, the deaths would have been minimized.

As a result of the FDA reaction to the open and public sale of Ivermectin, Filipinos are secretly purchasing this drug from as many sources as possible.

As a senior citizen, I have taken Ivermectin as a precautionary measure, relying heavi-

ly on the personal testimony of Rep. Defensor during a congressional hearing.

I feel well and my confidence against viral infection is rising.

How come our own government authorities do not have an open mind as positive as Dr. Varon’s?

Does this have something to do with any agreement with pharmaceutical companies the Philipine government has signed regarding the purchase of vaccines?

Guys, let us call a spade a spade.

Big Pharma and even experts and immunologists are one in saying that the vaccines do not guarantee non-infection of CoVid 19 to a vaccinated person.

This is why it is given in two doses.

The logic and the mindset going around these days is that should Ivermectin be found available in the market - cheap as it is, Filipinos would naturally avoid getting vaccinated and instead prefer taking the

former.

Government authorities like Duque and Domingo do not like this to happen. It will be a slap to their (dense) faces.

But look, there is a wide gap already existing.

In the recent past, Filipinos have had a traumatic experience with Dengvaxia. The untested half-efficacy of these anti-CoVid vaccines are giving Filipinos the chills.

Why the need for two doses?

During my younger years, I had myself inoculated only once for cholera, smallpox, flu, measles, dysentery.

For CoVid 19, the inoculation is two doses.

Which leads me to conclude that the first is only 50% effective. The next 50% comes two months after for the vaccine to become fully effective.

Stop gambling with people’s lives.

Let us be open-minded with Ivermectin. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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LIFESTYLE

SM ART IN THE CITY INSPIRES HOPE

DURING difficult days when distancing from each other is becoming a norm, art comes in as a tool to reconnect people and inspire hope, creativity and resilience.

This is the central message of a contemporay art exhibit in SM Lanang Premier in partnership with the Dabawenyo Artists Federation Inc. (DAFI).

The art popup, which features over 42 artists, runs until April 25 to put the spotlight on vibrant works that express dynamic spirits of Davao artists.

Varied pieces with strong references to Davao’s environment await art collectors who are eyeing to spruce up their homes and personal galleries.

Shoppers who drop by to appreciate the displays are also engaged with soulful experiences where art is made a tool to provide a sense of perspective and connectedness.

“Art speaks volumes despite being confined within a frame,” said curator Victor Secuya. “For firms, art can elevate the environment, uplift spirits of employees and spur productivity. For homes, art provides color, impetus for dialogue, and open doors towards creativity.”

Find the art that connects with you in Art in the City in SM Lanang Premier’s mall atrium.

Just in time for National Arts Month, SM launches My City, My SM, My Art, which chronicles the project’s three- year cultural journey around the SM Supermalls. A celebration of Philippine visual arts – painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and filmmaking – it brings art and people together through exhibits, workshops, and contests.

GMA NOW: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY NETIZENS, VIEWERS! VIEWERS across the country are thrilled to use GMA Network’s innovative device GMA Now as the plug-and-play dongle has been getting rave reviews since its official launch last February.

GMA Now is a mobile digital TV receiver that allows Android smartphone users to watch the live broadcast of Kapuso channels for free. Via the GMA Now app, catch the latest shows airing on GMA, GTV, Heart of Asia, Hallypop, DepEd TV, and newest digital channel I Heart Movies as well as other free-to-air channels available in the area without requiring internet connection.

While online, GMA Now users also enjoy exclusive interactive features where they can create groups and chat with their family and friends while watching TV via Groupee Chat, re-watch well-loved Kapuso shows on GMA Videos-On-Demand, and join fun

quizzes on Interactive Promos for a chance to win prizes.

Users from various platforms gladly shared their experience on the Kapuso Network’s game-changing entertainment device.

Lazada shopper Ian R. commented that GMA Now deserves more than a fivestar rating, “Maliit lang pero kulang pa ang five stars ko kasi laking tulong at ganda nito.”

Another user, Conrad J., expressed his appreciation for the device and customer service, “Product is good and came with complete accessories. Portable and handy way to watch TV on the go. Registration process is straightforward. Appreciated the gesture of receiving a message (Lazada and thru text) prior to shipping informing me the nonguarantee of getting a signal at my shipping address. Simple things that make a big difference.”

A Shopee buyer commented, “Okay na okay ito para sa mga nagco-commute at sa mga nagbabakasyon sa ibang lugar. Pang-tanggal inip at pang-enjoy din at para sa mga hindi maka-afford ng TV pero gustong manood.”

Several tech reviewers on

YouTube also gave GMA Now a big thumbs up and referred to GMA Now as a “tiny device that’s not to be underestimated”. They lauded how easy it was to set up and its user-friendly interface with no hidden charges. They also mentioned that GMA Now

can be used even on budget smartphones, that it does not consume much phone battery, and that it can be used to get the latest news, especially during emergencies and power outages.

With GMA Now continuously widening its coverage, it is now available in portions of Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Abra, Ilocos Sur, Baguio City, Pangasinan, Batangas, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. For only P649 with no monthly fees, watch TV onthe-go for free and enjoy exclusive interactive features.

It can be purchased via the official GMA Store on Lazada and Shopee or visit your nearest tech and gadget stores. For the list of stores and other details, visit www.gmanow. tv or its official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 26 • THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

9

Running out of fish Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

F

ish is a staple food of Filipinos – after rice. Fish provides more than half of the protein requirement of almost all Filipinos. But in recent years, the average annual consumption has declined from 37 kilos to just 30 kilos.

“Unless we look for other sources of protein, the food intake of Filipinos will be greatly affected,” said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), a line agency of the Department of Agriculture.

“We are running out of fish and running out of time. For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few fish left to catch,” deplored Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

“Like the other vital resources such as forests, Philippine fisheries are about to collapse,” deplored Jethro P. Adang, the director of Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), a non-government organization based in Davao del Sur. The collapse of major fishing grounds in the country would mean uprooting 38,000 fishermen each year.

“The fish is getting scarcer,” said a father of six. “We all have children, grandchildren. We have to think of the future!”

A few years back, a study was conducted at the Davao Gulf, which has a total area of 308,000 hectares. The WWF considers Davao Gulf as one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world.

The decade-study – a collaborative effort of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), local government units and the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology – looked

at the volume and quality of the harvests of 10 commonly fished species in the gulf: matambaka, tamban, moro-moro, caraballas, bilong-bilong, lapu-lapu, danggit, molmol, talakitok, and maya-maya.

Except for maya-maya, the harvest numbers for the species have been falling. At the current rate of decline, the caraballas, bilong-bilong, molmol, and danggit may all disappear completely from Davao Gulf within a decade, the study said.

The matambaka, tamban and moro-moro are more resilient, but even they may disappear within a generation, it added.

One reason why the country’s fish supply from the open seas is already dwindling is because of climate change. In 2015, a study released by the World Wide Fund for Nature considered climate change as “one of the main reasons for the decline of marine species in the last 30 years.”

Climate change, caused by increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, is causing the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere to increase. As the air temperature rises, oceans absorb some of this heat and become warmer.

“Climate change is already having a profound effect on life in the oceans,” the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says. “Marine species tend to be highly mobile, and many are

moving quickly toward the poles to stay cool as average ocean temperature rise.”

The three perilous consequences of climate change in the oceans are sea level rise, coral bleaching and ocean acidification.

According to a new study published in Nature, the world’s oceans are now rising far faster than they did in the past. The current sea-level rise rate – which started in 1990 – is 2.5 times faster than it was from 1900 to 1990.

The study found that for much of the 20th c e n t u r y, sea level rise w a s

stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, light or nutrients.

They expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white or pale.

“Bleaching is not a good thing,” explained Dr. Terry Hughes, a distinguished professor at James Cook University, who convened the International Coral Reef Symposium in 2012 at Cairns, Australia. He said that as warm temperatures intensify, coral bleaching will also increase at an unprecedented level.

Ocean acidification is cli-

about 3 0 % less than earlier research had figured.

“We’re seeing a significant acceleration in the past few decades,” study lead author Carling Hay, a geophysical researcher at Harvard University, was quoted as saying.

“Climate change and its impacts, which can include bleaching, are some of the most pressing global threats to coral reef ecosystems today,” said Jennifer Koss, acting program manager for NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program.

Coral bleaching takes place when corals are

mate

change’s evil twin.

“Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere eventually finds its way to and dissolves in the oceans, causing the water to become ‘acidic’… reducing the ability of the coral reefs to deposit calcium carbonate or calcify,” explained Dr. Edgardo Gomez, the founding director of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.

The acidity in the waters “can make life difficult for organisms that build shells out of calcium carbonate,” the NOAA says. “This includes not only corals and

shellfish, but also tiny organisms like pteropods that form the foundation of many marine food webs.”

“One of the greatest natural treasures, (coral reefs) are habitats for rare species, including some 488 species of corals, 971 species of benthic algae, and 2,000 species of fish,” explains Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, a professor at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines. “A single reef may contain 3,000 species of corals, fish, and shellfish.”

One square kilometer of healthy coral reef can generate about US$50,000 annually from fishing and tourism. “As a whole, Philippine coral reefs contribute at least US$1.4 billion annually to the economy,” states the report, From Ridge to Reef: Sustaining Nature for Life.

Experts say a new kind of revolution is needed to catch up with the demand for fish. “New technologies, new breeds and newly domesticated species of fish offer great hope for the future,” The Economist said in a report.

That’s where “blue revolution” comes in. If you’re wondering just what is it, just remember the “green revolution” of the past. If you have forgotten, the “green revolution” refers to a set of research and development of technology transfer initiatives occurring between the 1930s and the late 1960s that increased agricultural production worldwide “On land, the green revolution allowed dramatic increases in crop production, with increased mechanization, and improved pest control and soil fertility through the addition of herbicides, pesticides and nitrogen-based fertilizers,” The Economist explained.

So, if the same tech-

nique can be adopted in the waters, the sobriquet “blue revolution” (refers to the color of the ocean) came into existence.

“The blue revolution has seen companies breeding fish to improve traits such as their growth rate, conversion of feed into flesh, resistance to disease, tolerance of cold and poor water, and fertility,” said The Economist.

Blue revolution actually refers to aquaculture, the farming of marine animals.

Actually, it’s not a new thing.

China did it first. No wonder, it leads in farmed fish production and other aquatic resources.

“Aquaculture yields have increased from around two million metric tons in 1950 to almost 50 million metric tons today,” wrote Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, in Scientific America.

Aquaculture seems to be the answer to the fish shortage in the country.

But some marine experts believe that aquaculture would put further pressure on marine ecosystems by its reliance on wild stocks to supply seed.

Another ecological impact: the need for land and water. In the Philippines, lands usually converted into ponds are waterlogged areas and wetlands (marshes), cultivated rice fields or drylands. Water supply usually comes from irrigation canals or rainfed.

In some lakes, the number of cages and other aquaculture ventures exceeded the desired number. As these minimize waves and water current, eutrophication results. “When water movement is very low, supply of dissolved oxygen is affected,” the BFAR explained.

FRUNNING, P10

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unsay effect not just the due date and red bill but also the pending requests na wala pa nato na aksyunan ug dili namo ma-aksyunan. Ang akoa lang sa pagka-karon because ang pinaka-naigo sa atong closure are our frontliners apil didto ang disconnection team. I think sa pagka-karon wala pa ta gipahigayon ug putol. But maghulat lang sila ug update from DCWD unsay movement sa atoang mga services,” Duhaylungsod said.

She added that DCWD will issue statement or advisory on the movement of services and resumption of operation at the main office in Matina, Davao City.

“Wala pa ta’y gigawas karon na advisory with regards sa movement sa due date. But seguro as this develops most probably naa ta’y ipagawas na mga statement kay aside sa due date naa sad tay ongoing requests na dili nato mahatag within the committed time labaw na tong gipang-request last week,” she said.

“Because significant sa atoang workforce tested negative puwede na maka-resume sa ilahang pagtrabaho but we are taking a lot of precautions pa in resuming our operations. As of this writing wala pa’y advise as of the resumption of

our operation,” Duhaylungsod added.

The Safe Davao QR sends SMS to Dabawenyos who were at the same place and time with a Covid-19 positive.

“A number of our front office staff members received a text message from Safe Davao QR and most of them naka-undergo na ug swab test. Although, the results were communicated directly to the employees dili ma-divulge due to data privacy act,” she said.

She said the employees were exposed last April 5 and 8 and so far none of the employees were tested positive with Covid-19.

“We are praying na wala gyud unta magpositive sa ila. Ang exposure was April 5 to April 8 during that time we have our own stringent monitoring especially after the Holy Week grabe ang amoang health protocols during that time base sa amoang monitoring wala’y nag-positive na empleyado,” Duhaylungsod said.

She said that the text message was sent after the city conducted a surveillance targeting the F2 and F3 for contact tracing.

“It could be a customer kay predominantly sa mga na text are our frontliners in Matina,” Duhaylungsod said.

San Pedro Hospital (SPH), Brokenshire Hospital, Metro Davao Medical and Research Center (MDMRC), Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), Limso Hospital, Davao Adventist Hospital, Holy Spirit Community Hospital, Davao One World Diagnostic Center, the City Health Office (CHO) and infirmaries and private clinics.

The first six mentioned facilities are going to administer the vaccines in their respective hospitals, while the rest are going to receive the

vaccine at Mabini Elementary School in Bangkal, Davao City.

Villafuerte said the vaccine does not make the frontliners immune to Covid infection but will develop antibodies for them to prevent severe cases of Covid-19.

She reminded Dabawenyos to still follow the minimum health protocols against Covid-19 such as wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing with soap and water. Maya Padillo

Malacañang added that Duterte told Putin about the Philippines’ plan to order 20 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine from Russia.

“Both leaders stressed the importance of ramping up global production and supplies,” the Palace said. “President Duterte and President Putin underscored the need for continuing and strengthened collaboration to defeat the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The Philippines is expected to receive around 500,000 Sputnik V vaccines this month.

‘Greater’ cooperation in other areas Malacañang said Duterte and Putin also tackled the two countries’ “greater” cooperation in various fields like defense and cooperation, trade and investments, agriculture, energy, and politics.

“Both leaders also noted the steady progress in defense and security cooperation between the two countries, fostered by regular exchanges between defense, intelligence and military agencies, and vowed to sustain the momentum gained over the past five years,” it

said.

The Palace said Putin stressed the “positive trajectory” of Russia’s relations with the Philippines.

The Russian leader also noted the “many opportunities for greater cooperation in the fields of trade and investments, agriculture and energy development even as both countries work on further enhancing political-security cooperation.”

Renewed invitation Duterte also reiterated his invitation for Putin to visit the Philippines “as soon as circumstances allow.”

Malacañang said Putin welcomed Duterte’s renewed invitation.

In December last year, Duterte invited Putin to go the Philippines. In case it pushes through, it will be his first trip to the Philippines.

Duterte, on the other hand, visited Russia in 2017 and 2019.

Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go were present during the teleconference, the Palace said.

(PNA)

logging of national trees since 2011 and the department’s “scores of accomplishments” over the years.

“Hindi lang kami ngayon ang magbabantay diyan kasi common border namin yan from both sides maglalagay kami ng tao that will help us in manning (We [Region XIII] will no longer be the only ones safeguarding there because that is a common border of both sides; manpower will be added),” he explained.

Additionally, DENR XI Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco said that one of the strategies of the taskforce is to put monitoring stations on the contested borders of Agusan del Sur and Davao de Oro so that both regions can file cases against illegal loggers in the borders.

“Foresters can also be embedded in the camps of Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to educate them on what kind of trees are illegally poached in certain areas,” Evasco added.

Furthermore, with an incident of death having al-

ready been reported among the anti-illegal logging enforcers, Tamayo revealed that through this joint inter-regional taskforce, joint checkpoints in tandem with the police, the military, the local government units, and the communities will be established at the borders.

“Very risky, kasi nga this is enforcement. Involved dito yung, sabihin ko na, kabuhayan ito ng mga apektadong tao eh. Siguro wala silang ibang pinagkukunan ng pamumuhay kaya namumutol sila kahit illegal (Because this is enforcement.

Involved here are, I will say, the livelihood of the affected people. Maybe they have no other source of livelihood that’s why they are logging even if illegal),” Tamayo said.

For this, Evasco advised those affected to consult with their LGUs as there will be assistance programs that will help them in acquiring livelihood particularly through the rehabilitation programs by DENR that will be conducted on the campsites, allowing for job opportunities. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI)

state-run housing fund.

For his part, Pag-IBIG Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy Moti noted that even if measured against the period before the implementation of community quarantines, there

was still an increase in home loans.

“From September to December last year, our home loan releases were close to ‘pre-pandemic’ levels. We re-

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will be updated later this month, hoping to allay the fears of a public still largely opposed to holding the Games this year.

Tens of thousands of athletes and other Olympic participants arriving from overseas will be able to skip quarantine, and are not required to show proof of vaccination.

But athletes will be asked to limit their movements, stay only at the Olympic village during their events, and face regular virus testing.

Overseas fans have already been barred from the Games, and a decision on domestic spectator numbers could come in April.

But however many fans are in the venues, the atmosphere will be far from the usual rowdy celebrations, and it remains unclear how leased more than P6 billion to P7 billion in home loans every month during those months, with December loan releases

VOL.14 ISSUE 26 • THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

strong demand for tickets will be when they finally go back on sale.

Polls show most Japanese back either a further postponement or cancellation, but the numbers in favor of holding the Games this summer have crept up slightly, to around 27 percent in March, from just 11 percent in January.

"The COVID-19 situation will naturally influence the public view of the Games," organizers said in response to questions from AFP. They noted that most Olympics face criticism before they begin, but said they expect the mood to change once athletes take the stage after the July 23 opening ceremony.

"Every time, we are inspired by their strength and resilience, and that will be truer than ever this year." reaching P12 billion - the highest amount released for a single month in Pag- IBIG Fund’s history,” Moti said.

multaneously.

“Apo Agua is working hard to deliver the Part A of the bulk water supply project. Once constructed it would be one of the largest bulk water supply projects in our country,” Tuason said.

He also said this water treatment facility would be powered by renewable energy and will be the first of its kind in the Philippines.

AAII, a joint venture

between Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. and JV Angeles Construction Corp., will provide 300 million liters of water per day sourced from the Tamugan River to the Davao City Water District (DCWD).

“We fully recognized the need for water which is why our commitment is to finish this project as soon as possible time,” Tuason said.

venience that will continue to satisfy consumers, particularly on payment options.

"Over the next year, more products that will offer convenience will be launched. Such as showing inventory faster, completing a sale much faster than what we do today, and incorporating in shops to make transactions," he said.

High hopes The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recorded a significant increase in online business registrations in 2020.

Records from March 16 to August 31, the height of lockdowns last year, showed 73,276 online businesses registered.

Experts said the online economy will outlive the pandemic and continue in the new normal.

The possibilities opened by the Internet for businesses will make it difficult to

live in the new normal without them, they said.

“The online platform economy can indeed catalyze inclusive growth but we need to get the government to make that happen, especially in developing countries such as the Philippines,” Philippine Competition Commission chair Arsenio Balisacan said in previous reports.

Asian Development Bank chief economist Yasuyuki Sawada also said in previous interviews that e-commerce accelerated during the pandemic.

“I think there’s going to be a permanent impact of digitalization and I think there are lots of positive aspects because online platforms can enhance market functioning and there’s a huge potential to make transactions more inclusive,” he said. (PNA)

securing obligations with personal property.

Section 38 of the PPSA mandates that the fees for registering a notice and for requesting a certified search report shall be by regulation issued by the DOF for the recovery of reasonable

costs of establishing and operating the PPSA electronic registry.

Interested public and stakeholders may email their comments to ppsaproposedregistryfees@dof.gov. ph. (PR)

may be conducted depending on the pooled amount of allocations that were either surrendered or automatically deducted as penalty for regular licensees that failed to meet the 70 percent utilization requirement within the allowable period of time,” he said.

DA spokesperson Noel Reyes told Philippine News Agency that according to their internal investigations, there was no evidence or proof that such a scheme among the DA officials exists.

In March 2021, Senator Panfilo Lacson proposed the probe following an informant in his discretion said that a "syndicate" is at work profiting as much as PHP6 billion from the crisis brought by the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

The ASF has dwindled by more than three million heads, from 12.7 million in January 2020 to 9.7 million in January 2021, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“The bottom layers of the water can be devoid of dissolved oxygen while the surface layer can be saturated.”

The outcome: fish kill.

Escapes of domesticated farmed fish into rivers, lakes, and coastal areas have become a growing risk to already decimated stock of wild fish. Yet, such escapes are not uncommon. In an article which appeared in Worldwatch in 1995, author Anne Platt McGinn noted: “In tropical freshwater sys-

tems, two-thirds of escaped fish species have become established.”

During the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers held in Cebu City more than a decade ago, the senior fishery liaison officer from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said: “Our marine resources can no longer sustain our needs.”

No one seemed to listen to her!

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11

Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives against Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) as guard Devonte’Graham (4) looks on during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Reuters

Lakers end road trip with win over Hornets

K

yle Kuzma scored 24 points and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a road trip by defeating the host Charlotte Hornets 101-93 on Tuesday night.

The Lakers weren't exactly clicking on offense, but they bounced back from a loss to the New York Knicks a night earlier and finished with a 4-3 record on the road stretch.

Alex Caruso made key contributions in the last minute, finishing with 13 points and six assists off the Los Angeles bench.

Dennis Schroder posted 19 points for Los Angeles,

which shot 41.5 percent from the field. The Lakers hit 17 of 18 free throws.

Devonte' Graham poured in 19 points for Charlotte.

Caleb Martin racked up 17 points in a rare starting role and Jalen McDaniels, also a recent addition to the starting lineup, had 16 points for the Hornets, who've lost both games since returning from a four-win six-game

road stretch.

Miles Bridges added 13 points and Bismack Biyombo had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Hornets, who hit just nine of 35 shots from 3-point range.

Still, Charlotte was within 89-83 with less than four minutes to play. Then the Hornets were within one point twice, both times after Graham buckets.

Suns cruise past Heat

D

eandre Ayton finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds to propel the host Phoenix Suns to a 106-86

victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

The Suns won their third in a row and swept the season

The Suns got a big boost from its bench.

series from the Heat for the first time since the 2006-07 season. Phoenix has won 10 of its past 11 and is 31-7 since Jan. 28.

Ayton, who shot 8-for-10 from the field, was one of six Suns who scored in double figures. Four of those were reserves as Phoenix's bench outscored Miami's second unit 65-24.

Cameron Johnson finished with 15 points and five rebounds and Cameron Payne had 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Torrey Craig had 14 points and six rebounds while Dario Saric had

13 points and five rebounds.

Phoenix prevailed despite a poor shooting night from Devin Booker, who finished with 12 points but shot 4-for16 from the field. Chris Paul shot just 2-of-7 from the field but totaled nine assists. Paul's three steals gave him 2,311 for his career, surpassing Maurice Cheeks for fifth all-time on the NBA's career steals list.

Jimmy Butler led Miami with 18 points and eight assists, but the Heat struggled from long distance against Phoenix's defense. Miami shot 9-for-44 from 3-point range (20.5 percent).

Caruso answered with a 3-pointer with 45 seconds left and then made a pair of free throws. Kuzma was 4-for-4 on free throws in the last 16 seconds to secure a two-game season sweep of Charlotte.

The Hornets didn't score in the last two minutes Sunday vs. Atlanta and managed only two points in the final 1:50 on Tuesday night.

The Lakers began to pull away by midway through the fourth quarter, building their largest lead at the time at 85-75 on Schroder's basket with 7:06 to play as the Hornets struggled on the offensive end.

Los Angeles had 11 turnovers, a significant improvement after 24 giveaways in the game with the Knicks.

Fernandez assesses Covid-19 situation

H

anoi Southeast Asian (SEA) Games chef de mission (CDM) Ramon Fernandez on Tuesday said the national team is now on a waiting game on when it can finally begin training for the biennial meet after stricter measures have been placed anew in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus area following the Covid-19 cases surge.

Although the quarantine classification in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces has been downgraded to more relaxed modified enhanced community quarantine for the rest of April, physical training remains prohib-

ited, putting a dent to the Nationals' early buildup for the Nov. 21-Dec. 2 event.

"We are really dependent kung paano tayo aatakehin nitong pandemic na ito (on how the pandemic will attack us).

We can only really speculate on when we can start and all of that," Fernandez said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

The national team members in the NCR Plus area were supposed to begin their SEA Games training this month.

One other factor that might kick in, however, is the situation in Hanoi.

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Dabawenya Olympc bet Nesthy Petecio during a break in training in Thailand.

Virus surges fuel fears 100 days before Tokyo Olympics

T

he Olympic flame is on its way across Japan and athletes around the world are ramping up training, but 100 days before Tokyo 2020 opens, organizers still face monumental challenges.

Virus surges, including in Japan, are playing havoc with preparations and fueling uncertainty about whether the Games can, or should, happen this summer.

The torch relay has been pared back, overseas fans will be barred for the first time and rising infections mean Tokyo and several other parts of Japan are under new restrictions.

Despite that, the tone from organizers and Olympic officials is still one of confidence, with public pronouncements focused on how the Games will happen, not whether they will.

They have some cause for optimism.

The Olympic torch relay kicked off in Fukushima last month, albeit with spectators barred from the launch ceremony, and vaccination programmes are under way in many countries, with some teams already given their shots.

Japan won't require

Olympic participants to be vaccinated, but the International Olympic Committee is encouraging jabs and has secured Chinese-made doses for athletes in countries without access to them.

In Japan, sports events are still on, with crowd numbers capped, and fans have become used to virus rules that will be implemented at this summer's Games, including a ban on cheering.

North Korea's decision to skip Tokyo 2020 over virus concerns has not prompted a rush for the exits, with athletes mostly seeming impatient for a return to the international stage.

"These past 14 months have been very motivating for all of us," five-time Olympic gold medallist swimmer Katie Ledecky said last week.

"Once we get there we really want to show the world all the work that we've put in."

In Japan, swimmer Rikako Ikee has added a feelgood factor by winning a spot on the Olympic relay team just two years after being diagnosed with leukemia.

But it's far from all good news, just over a year after the historic postponement.

COVID-19 surges across Japan have forced the government to tighten restrictions only weeks after they were lifted.

In Osaka, the spike prompted the governor to bar the Olympic flame from public roads. It is instead being carried around a closed course at a park, with spectators kept out.

Continuing virus restrictions are also disrupting test events and qualifiers, with several postponed because of Japan's strict anti-virus border controls, which mean overseas officials can't enter the country.

Despite the problems, Tokyo 2020 organizers say they are confident "we will be able to deliver a safe and secure Games."

They have released "playbooks" outlining anti-virus measures, which

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