Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 30 | Tuesday, April 20, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

HIDILYN BRUSHES ASIDE FAMILY HEALTH CONCERNS IN CLINCHING OLYMPIC SPOT

Serving a seamless society

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Sara reminds establishments no changes in Covid-19 protocols STORY ON PAGE 2

A motorcycle rider carrying a pillion passenger traverses along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Monday. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the city government of Davao is still not planning to suspend its seat barrier rule for motorcycle riders with pillion passengers. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 30 • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021

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The Department of National Defense (DND) denies online posts claiming that a group of retired and active military officers are withdrawing their support for President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Edge Davao

Sara reminds establishments no changes in Covid-19 protocols

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reminded establishments that there are no changes with the city government of Davao’s Covid-19 guidelines and regulations.

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This is in line with the reports that some establishments in Davao City are now relaxing guidelines in their respective premises.

“Wala ta’y pagbag-o sa atong mga guidelines because there is still a pandemic and protocols are still the same. Dili mag

bag-o bag-o ang kinahanglan buhaton to control Covid-19. Wala’y pag bag-o sa atoang gina-implement sa mga establishments,” she said.

The mayor said she will refer this matter to the prevention and control of the city’s health response clus-

ter of Covid-19 and intensify their conduct of inspections to the establishments.

Under Executive Order No. 18, series of 2021 (EO 18) for the heightened surveillance and response of Covid-19 in Davao City, the health response clusters are ordered to make a regular schedule of surveillance swabbing in high-risk areas without implementing the mandatory home quarantine post-swabbing such as but not limited to business and commercial establish-

LPE work gains ground in Davao, as IPs tapped to foster peace in the region

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n a bid to stop the communists’ exploitation of vulnerable groups, such as Indigenous Peoples (IPs), members of the Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) cluster held a dialogue here in Barangay Marayag on Wednesday, to orient the members of the

Mandaya tribe about the government’s program to end the local communist armed conflict.

Ednar Dayanghirang, the Chief-of-Staff of the provincial government of Davao Oriental, encouraged the IPs to assist the government in bringing former rebels back to the

folds of the law, noting that the Office of the Governor is always open to help former rebels start over.

“The way to peace is not by bringing up arms,” Dayanghirang said in the vernacular.

Meanwhile, Oliver Bi-

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ments such as business process outsourcing, banks, restaurants, etc.); public places such as wet markers, supermarkets, stores, etc.); and government offices.

Under the said EO, the city will test and monitor those with influenza-like illness (ILI), which is defined by the World Health Organization as an acute respiratory infection with a measured fever of more than or equal to 38 degrees Celsius, cough, and with onset within the last 10 days.

Danny proposes 2 measures for city’s economic rebound

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avao City Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, long-time chairman of the committees of finance, ways and means and games and amusement, is pushing for the approval of two measures that would impact on the city’s economy as well as its income from taxes and fees.

The two measures are the proposals to authorize e-sabong or online cockfighting and authorizing the operation of motorcycle taxis or “habal-habal”.

Dayanghirang said both proposed ordinances are endorsed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The measures will help mitigate the negative economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic which has resulted in joblessness and huge reduction of local taxes and fees, the city council leader said.

“The city council and the executive branch of the city government are eyeing

to authorize online or e-sabong to generate revenues and plug revenue collection gaps due to lockdown restrictions needed in the fight against pandemic,” Dayanghirang said.

He said Dabawenyos, Filipinos for that matter, never stopped loving “sabong” despite being prohibited during the pandemic.

Allowing online-cockfighting could minimize illegal “sabong” aside from preventing the spread of the virus through the traditional platform of cockfighting done inside crowded cockpits.

Dayanghirang’s committee has been conducting hearings on the two proposals and one more hearing is left aimed at determining the fees to be imposed in this kind of digital activity.

He said lawmakers are optimistic e-sabong can generate a sizable amount of tax revenues that would

passengers came from the Municipality of Lupon and dropped by their relatives in Barangay Macambol, City of Mati where they boarded a banca going to the nearby Pujada Island.

Upon their departure from Pujada Island around three in the afternoon and

were passing by the Oak Island, huge waves battered their banca causing it to submerge.

The Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office received the information and readily contacted Philippine Coast Guard for rescue.

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PCG DavOr rescues five boat passengers off Pujada Island

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ive passengers of a banca that submerged due to bad weather condition were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard off Pujada Island in the City of Mati Saturday afternoon.

The Mati City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office stated that the

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VOL.14 ISSUE 30 • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

A vehicle gets stuck in a ricefield in Koronadal City on Sunday, 18 April 2021, allegedly caused by a driver’s miscalculation along an accident-prone road in Barangay Avanceña. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

16 stalls demolished, relocated No truth to retired, active generals’ withdrawal of support for Duterte A

By MAYA M. PADILLO

He added that the owners requested for a fencing permit for the stall owners and vendors to leave the place.

Bermejo assured that the affected stalls and vendors will be relocated along Claveria St. He said ASU is also con-

ducting inspections for cracks and damages on abandoned buildings in Davao City.

Meanwhile, the city government of Davao is continuously assessing the structural integrity of buildings following the strong earthquake which hit the city and many areas in Southern Mindanao in October 2019.

The CEO has been advising tenants and occupants of establishments to be vigilant and coordinate with the city government if they see threatening damages in their building.

track of the Comprehensive Agreement Bangsamoro (CAB).

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Deputy Chief Minister Alim Solaiman thanked local and international peace partners for supporting the establishment of JPST stations in the Bangsamoro region and other areas in Mindanao.

Government of the Philippines (GPH) JPSC Co-Chair BGen. Francisco Ariel A Felicedario, for his part, also thanked the Government of Japan, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the UNDP, the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), and other peace stakeholders for their invaluable contribution to the implementation of the security component of the

normalization track.

According to Member of Parliament Jannati Mimbantas, front commander of the Northeastern Mindanao Front (NEMF) of the BIAF-MILF, the “JPST has a common mission with a noble objective and that is to help establish peace and order, progress and prosperity in the society especially in the Ranaw Region.”

Also present during the activity were PBGen Eden Ugale, PNP PRO BAR regional director and member of the GPH JPSC; BGen Jose Maria Cuerpo, Bde Cmdr, 103rd Inf Bde, PA; Ms. Lisa Custodio of UNDP SPAN; LTC Villanueva, G3,1ID; Maj Capuyan, C,JPSC OpCen; Alim Isah Bato, member of the MILF JPSC; and Kashmir Mohammad, JPST MILF focal.

t least 16 stalls outside the former building of Gaisano Center in Bolton Street were demolished and relocated after the Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) conducted a demolition on Monday.

Paul Bermejo, head of ASU, explained that the demolition will enable the owners of Gaisano Center to start repairing their building.

He said the owners received a notice from the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to repair the building for damages due to earthquakes.

JPSC deploys 1st batch of JPST in Lanao Province

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he first batch of Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) members deployed in Lanao Province were officially activated here at Brgy. Bubong Cadapaan.

The Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) Secretariat, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), facilitated the activation of the 30-man JPST composed of seven members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), eight from Philippine National Police (PNP), and fifteen from the of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front - Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF).

During the event, Balindong Mayor Benjamin Bagul expressed his support to the efforts being carried out by the national government in line with the normalization

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epartment of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday denied online posts claiming that a group of retired and active military officers are withdrawing their support for President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

"We denounce the irresponsible propaganda being propagated in online posts alleging that a group of retired and active military officers are withdrawing their support for the President," he said in a statement.

Lorenzana also called the social media posts as fake news, saying he and other DND officials will never be part of such groups.

"This is fake news! I am not, and will never be, a part of any such group -- neither are the officials at the DND,

many of whom are also retired military officers," he said.

He added that such disinformation is an act of reckless agitation emanating from detractors, who have a limited and myopic appreciation of the issues.

"We call on these destabilizers to cease from propagating malicious statements especially at a time when our people should all be coming together in the face of the challenges that we are all currently facing. You are not helping our country and people at all," he added.

Lorenzana was referring to the alleged demand of so-called "Viber 500" and the retired generals in the Cabinet, except vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, for Duterte to denounce China's encroachment in the West Philippine

Sea. Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana dismissed the alleged existence of a Viber group with claimed membership from among senior and junior officers both active and retired.

Sobejana said he will disavow the presence or association of officers and enlisted personnel if a group with such kind of mindset will be created in the future.

The sinister post comes after another message made rounds in social media about “warplanes” from various countries taking off and landing in Clark Airbase, Pampanga.

"We have issued a statement dismissing that SMS as fake news. No such landings

“Ipa-chek nato sa atoang CSWDO kung unsay situation sa community pantry and kung wala’y violations sa Covid-19 protocols, we do not have problem with that,” Mayor Sara said.

A community pantry, where those in need can get food and other products for free, are now sprouting in the middle of pandemic. Under the community pantry, people can leave food and other products, which those in

need can pick up.

Apart from Roxas Avenue, a community pantry was also established inside the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Davao Region.

The staff of BJMP thought of putting a pantry inside the jail to provide inmates food while family visitation is still prohibited.

The BJMP has received donations from various sectors for the pantry. Maya Padillo

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Sara to CSWDO: Observe protocols in community pantry

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio instructed the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to ensure minimum health standard protocols are being observed in a community pantry at Roxas Avenue.

A community pantry was opened in front of a beverage shop along Roxas Avenue offering fruits, vegetables, canned goods, and other products for free.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 30 • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021

Palay output seen to reach 20 million MT in 2021: DA T

he Philippines’ palay (unmilled rice) production is expected to reach 20 million metric tons this year to mark another all-time high, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Secretary William Dar says the country is likely to achieve a record-high production of 20.4 million metric tons of palay this year, up from the 19.3 million recorded in 2019. Edge Davao

SM Group buys 600K COVID-19 jabs, ‘portion’ to be donated to government

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he SM Group has ordered 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which are expected to arrive in the country by the third quarter of 2021, an official said Monday.

The SM Group ordered COVID-19 jabs from AstraZeneca, Sinovac and Moderna, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan told ANC's Headstart.

"As soon as it is available for us, we will start

rolling it out," he said.

"I believe it will arrive sometime in the third quarter," he said.

So far, only half of SM employees have agreed to be vaccinated, Tan said.

"Half or a portion" of SM's 600,000 jabs will be donated to the national government, Tan said.

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte allowed private companies to procure COVID-19 vaccines for

their employees after the Philippines saw a spike in new cases a year since the virus was first detected in the country.

Reports that the national government supposedly required private firms to donate half of their COVID-19 vaccine orders to the government surfaced online, but a Palace official denied the allegations.

British pharmaceuti-

cal giant AstraZeneca required Philippine firms procuring its COVID-19 jabs to donate to the government half of the doses they would procure, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, earlier said.

"Sila po ang nag-demand, hindi po ang national government," he said.

(They demanded that, not the government.)

internet speed can be considered the fastest since 2016, the agency pointed out.

The index showed the Philippines improved by 11 places but at rank 81, it lags far behind Southeast Asian neighbors Singapore and Thailand, which are ranked 1st and 2nd respectively, and Malaysia in 45th place, among others.

"The March 2021 fixed broadband average download speed increase.... represents a 484.70 percent increase compared to the country’s download speed of 7.91 Mbps back in July 2016," the statement read.

But the mobile network

average download speed for the same month dipped slightly to 25.43 Mbps from 26.24 Mbps in February. It ranked 83rd in the world, dropping by 3 places from the last index.

"There is still a significant increase of 241.80 percent from the download speed of 7.44 Mbps back in July 2016," according to the DICT. The agency also vowed to intensify its support and monitoring for telcos and internet service providers in a bid to further improve their performance this year.

The agency in February said the Philippines is ranked 92 out of 140 coun-

tries when in comes to average fixed broadband download speeds, according to a separate Ookla report.

The country, on the other hand, is ranked 83 when it comes to mobile internet speed.

During his 5th State of the Nation Address last year, President Rodrigo Duterte told telecommunication providers in the country to ramp up their internet services or face closure.

Duterte also vowed to spend his last 2 years in office improving the telecommunication services in the country with the help of Congress.

PH’s fixed broadband internet speed in March fastest since 2016

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he Philippines' average fixed broadband download speed for the month of March increased to 46.25 Mbps, considered the highest in recent years, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Saturday, even as it continued to lag behind other parts of the world.

Citing Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, the DICT said the country posted a 7.79 Mbps download speed increase in March from the 38.46 Mbps recorded in February, registering a 20.25 percent jump.

The country's current

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the country is likely to achieve a record-high production of 20.4 million metric tons of palay this year, up from the 19.3 million recorded in 2019.

"Despite the pandemic, we are slowly but surely hurdling the challenges in the implementation of [the Rice Tariffication Law] with tangible results in terms of palay productivity, farmgate price, and retail prices of rice," said Dar. The Rice Tariffication Law, or RTL, was implemented starting March 2019. The measure allows unlimited importation of rice as long as private sector traders secure a phytosanitary permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and pay the 35% tariff for shipments from neigh-

bors in Southeast Asia.

"The RTL is a transformative but disruptive policy reform. While we have anticipated transition to take time, the benefits that it brings to both consumers and palay farmers during this time of crisis cannot be denied," said Dar. "Rice is no longer the traditional driver of inflation. In fact, the stable supply of rice under the RTL regime has helped temper food inflation in the past several months, which continues to experience upward pressure from the tight supply of meat," he added.

After five consecutive months, inflation slowed down to 4.5% in March, but this is still faster than 2.5% in March 2020 which the

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Smart offers unlimited 5G promos in covered areas

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mart Communications said it would offer unlimited 5G with nonstop data access at selected covered areas with no cap.

In a statement over the weekend, PLDT's wireless unit said the "Unli 5G" promo is valid for 7 days which is also bundled with 2GB data for non-5G use for P299.

Customers may also avail of the P599 promo which has unlimited 5G valid for 30 days, also with 12 GB data for non-5G use or the P799 option with unlimited 5G and 24 GB for non5G use valid for 30 days, it said.

Smart said subscribers could avail of the unlimited 5G through its app, available both on Google Play and Apple App Store. Subscribers

should have a 5G-enabled handset, 5G-ready SIM and are within the covered area to enjoy the promo, it added.

Smart said the 5G promo is initially available in urban centers including Metro Manila, Angeles City, Baguio City, Cavite City, Cebu City, Clark City, and Davao City.

“Unli 5G is our most powerful offer on our fastest technology yet, and we specially designed it so more Filipinos can enjoy firsthand the differentiated digital experience that only Smart 5G can deliver,” said Smart senior vice president and Head of Consumer Wireless Business Jane Basas.

To date, Smart has over 2,300 5G sites nationwide.

It's rival Globe Telecom also operates a nationwide net-

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Oil prices up anew

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otorists will again be greeted with heftier pump prices of petroleum products this week, as oil firms announced upward adjustments on Monday.

In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Seaoil Philippines Inc. said they will hike prices per liter of gasoline by P0.60, diesel by P0.70, and kerosene by P0.85.

Cleanfuel will implement the same changes, ex-

cluding kerosene which it does not carry.

Changes will take effect 6 a.m. on Tuesday, April 20, except for Cleanfuel which will implement adjustments at 4:01 p.m. the same day.

Latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) shows that year-to-date adjustments stand at a total net increase of P6.55 per liter for gasoline, P4.65 for diesel, and P3.45 per liter for kerosene.

VOL.14 ISSUE 30 • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

5

Ancilliary Services Unit (ASU) personnel conduct a demolition of 16 sidewalk stalls that were attached on the building of former Gaisano Center along Bolton Street in Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

Matanao town opens natural sites as tourist destinations

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he municipality of Matanao in Davao del Sur took pride in showcasing its beautiful natural sites when its local government recently opened its first tourist destinations in the hinterland barangay of the municipality.

The LGU introduced the mountain ranges in Sitio Talambato in Barangay Asbang, where tourists can enjoy the breathtaking views and the cold weather in the area.

Also found in the same barangay is the Su’bon Cave, where caving enthusiasts can have a unique way of experiencing spelunking.

These tourist destinations are only about 30-minute ride from the poblacion.

Matanao Mayor Vincent Fernandez said that aside from the intention of developing the tourism industry of the municipality, the LGU also aims to open livelihood opportunities for the local communities.

In fact, Fernandez bared that they will be embarking on a tripartite agreement with the barangay local government units and the owners of the land where the

tourist spots are located, to give them the chance to gain income.

He said the municipal LGU will only be requiring the registration fee of P50 from the tourists, while the entrance fees in the mountain range, caves and falls will go to the owners and partly to the barangay LGU. Apart from the entrance fees, locals who will become tour guides can also earn especially in the caving activity which needs tour guides.

The mayor has ordered the 33 barangay LGUs to introduce their tourism sites or local products like native crafts and delicacies.

The LGU also intends to develop agri-tourism sites since the municipality is an agricultural area.

Other tourist destinations such as waterfalls, more caves and shrine will also be developed and soon

to be open to public as part of boosting the tourism industry in the municipality.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan commended the LGU of Matanao for developing and opening to the public the municipality’s tourism potentials.

“Our region, we have very big potential of the outdoor offerings, those natural sites… We saw how the LGU has worked carefully in developing this site. We are in support of this endeavor which provide livelihood opportunities for communities,” Rabat-Tan stated.

Meanwhile, Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas expressed appreciation to the members of the B’Laan tribe community in Brgy. Asbang for allowing the government to develop their areas for tourism.

“Salamat kaayo sa inyong pagtugot na ang gobyerno magbuhat og mga butang nga makatabang sa inyo ug makahatag og garbo to the B’Laan tribe in the province of Davao del Sur (Thank you so much for allowing the government to

FMATANAO, P10

AirAsia PH taps GCash for flexible, cashless payment option for flights AirAsia Philippines said Monday it partnered with mobile wallet GCash to offer passengers with “flexible” and cashless payment option for flights and other add-ons when booking on its app or website.

Passengers can use their GCash wallets to pay online or via the app through the

"Wallet" tab, AirAsia said in a statement.

"At AirAsia, we remain committed to providing our guests with convenience, choice and the highest standards of safety throughout their journey with us. That includes expanding our service offerings to include digital and contactless solu-

tions," AirAsia Philippines Chief Finance Officer Ray Berja.

GCash can also be used for cashless transactions at check-in counters nationwide when purchasing additional baggage, meals and other add-ons, the airline said.

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AirAsia Philippines announces that it partnered with mobile wallet GCash to offer passengers with “flexible” and cashless payment option for flights and other add-ons when booking on its app or website. Edge Davao

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 30 • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021

On the observance of health protocols in a community pantry: Ipa-chek nato sa atoang CSWDO kung unsay situation sa community pantry and kung wala’y violations sa Covid-19 protocols, we do not have problem with that.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL

Dr. Mauro Puyod, 56

Edge Davao mourns the passing of its beloved editorial cartoonist Dr. Mauro Ledesma Puyod who succumbed after a long battle with the Big C (cancer not coronavirus).

Doc Mau is a dentist, editorial cartoonist, mountain bike enthusiast and as newsman and former cabinet Secretary Peter Lavina describes “lover of beer and laughter.”

Doc Mau is known to his friends and patients as a very jolly person. One who thinks the world is just a very happy place--no worries, no sadness, just plain laughter. Even in his battle with cancer, Doc Mau would post on social media with his familiar comic stabs. It didn’t dawn on everyone that he is even that sick. He was a happy man.

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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. 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

As an editorial cartoonist for Edge Davao, Doc Mau has a style of his own. He may not have the best of strokes but his works resonate and reflect his humor and eloquence. That’s what separates him from other cartoonists. He does not rely on the works of his pen but the strong message of his art.

Doc Mau is an adventurist. He loves the thrill of the outdoors. Long before biking on Davao’s roads became a necessity with the pandemic, he was among the pioneers of bike safety advocacy along with Ed Leuenberger of the Davao All Terrain Bikers Association.

Doc Mau will surely be missed. His laughter will now be heaven’s symphony.

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 30 • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

ADAPTATION “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” - Dalai Lama. ******* We attract people and things the way we are, the way we think, the way we react and respond (proactively or reactively) to circumstances and situations, etc.

Such - I think - is a layman’s view of adaptation.

Let’s check Wikipedia and be educated.

“Adaptation is the physical or behavioral characteristic of an organism to survive better in the surrounding environment.”

Another definition is “the evolutionary process where the organism becomes better suited to its habitat.”

Here’s another. Adaptation is a “change in structure, function or behavior by which a species or individual improves its chance of survival in a specific environment.”

Living things are adapted to the habitat they live in.

This is because they have special features that help them to survive.

Yes, this is a simple way of understanding the meaning.

To illustrate, recall the life of Tarzan, a comic book somewhat heroic character who survived the jungle, growing up as an orphan and living among wild animals lions, tigers, crocs, snakes, elephants, gorillas, apes and chimpanzees, etc.

Got it?

In our present situation, Filipinos are threatened (not actually by the so-called pandemic but by the accompanying fear being orchestrated by health authorities who follow the WHO instructions and orders hook, line and sinker) by fear of death by viral infection but have slowly and gradually adapted to the situation.

But some people, who think in the box, are not in the

mix because they are there because of the money.

This is another kind of adaptation. Material adaptation.

A few smart people are benefitting from the CoVid 19 crisis. I cannot help but say this.

Whether you like it or not, a few are happy of the horrific situation the country is in today.

They are happy because they are making money.

Private hospitals and some clever medical practitioners have made millions out of taxpayers’ money coming from the Philhealth coffers. Remember the headlines about the scandalous billions wantonly spent by Philhealth?

Manufacturers and suppliers of PPEs, face masks and shields, oxygen equipment, etc. suddenly are awash with money.

Of course, the happiest

are the pharmaceutical companies (the Big Pharma syndicate) who are involved in the manufacture and production of the vaccines to prevent the spread of the Wuhan virus and cure the global disease.

Let us not deceive ourselves, please.

Adaptation is an excellent behavioral reaction but it is not adequate to address contemporary problems and issues.

Specifically, we need to be educated.

Yes. We must understand that these circumstances will turn out bad before they turn out to be good for us.

It is a mixture of thoughts, ideas, reactions and responses that are collectively assimilated and processed.

We have to be brave, bold and courageous to assert our mandate as a freedom-loving people, faithfully believing in the Almighty God that He is in control and trusting that

government authorities will also faithfully exercise their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution.

Everybody must therefore adapt to the current circumstances with the welfare of the nation and its people as the primordial objective.

Obey and adapt to the existing health protocols.

When we do this obediently, we must also expect the same from government officials - both elected and appointed.

Adaptation may be difficult to some who do not want to observe the rules but only want to do what they want to do independently of the national consciousness.

Think about it. Positively, I may add.

Life is not getting any better. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

COFFEE: NOW, THE GOOD NEWS For those of us who wake up to the aroma and flavor of that morning brew, the evidence is in: Coffee, in moderation, is not bad for you after all.

In fact, some studies indicate it may even have some health benefits.

For years the public was warned of the dangers of coffee, the main source of caffeine. In one well-publicized New England Journal of Medicine study released in 1981, researchers found a link between coffee and pancreatic cancer. But when at least seven other studies failed to back up that finding, those results had to be retracted.

Now, more than 19,000 dietary caffeine studies have been done, and many experts agree that moderate daily caffeine intake – 300 to 400 milligrams, about 3 to 4 cups of coffee – is not harmful. Here are the latest findings on what coffee does to the body and mind. Just a note though: the information discussed here is for educational purposes only.

The idea that coffee is bad for your heart pops up periodically. A Finnish study found that even those people who averaged 5 to 6 cups of coffee per day were not at a higher risk for developing heart disease than non-coffee

drinkers. On the other hand, a Harvard study of 45,589 men, published in 1990, found no link between excessive coffee drinking and heart disease.

Research has also shown that regular, moderate drinking does not dangerously raise blood pressure. And studies have failed to substantiate fears that coffee might trigger abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) in healthy people.

“For heart disease, I think the issue is closed,” says Dr. Meir Stampfer, an epidemiologist at Harvard who has studied many aspects of coffee and health. “Coffee drinking at reasonable levels is unrelated to heart risk.”

Until recently, there is no conclusive evidence that caffeine or coffee is a risk factor for the development of human cancer. In 1990, the International Agency for Research on Cancer held a monograph on “Coffee, Caffeine, Tea & Maté,” the latter being a beverage unique to South American countries. The purpose of this monograph was to assess whether these beverages should be classified as being cancer causing (carcinogenic).

Coffee was cleared in all areas with the exception of bladder cancer where there was insufficient evidence available at

that time, though several studies have since been published that clearly show no link between coffee consumption and bladder cancer.

Thousands of research projects have been carried out to investigate any links between coffee consumption and the development of cancer in the human body. In 1997, the World Cancer Research Fund published a comprehensive review of diet and cancer. In regard to coffee it stated that, “Most evidence suggests that regular coffee consumption of coffee and/or tea has no significant relationship with the risk of cancer at any site.”

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive nervous disease that destroys dopamine-producing brain cells. The resulting symptoms are tremor, a slowing of movement, weakness and facial paralysis. In the past 30 years, nine studies have shown that regular coffee consumption over time may reduce the risk of PD. The coffee element that appears most likely to produce this effect is caffeine. Six retrospective studies found that people who drank coffee on a regular basis were 50 to 80 percent less likely to develop PD than those who did not consume coffee.

Three of the studies showed a

dose-response relationship – strong support that the more one consumes coffee, the less likely the risk of developing PD. If regular coffee consumption over decades seems to protect against PD, how does it do so? One of the characteristics of PD patients is the reduced amount of dopamine in certain areas of the brain.

Mice whose brain dopamine content has been depleted exhibit some symptoms of PD. In a 1991 study, caffeine given to these mice prevented the development of Parkinson symptoms. In a 2001 study, mice were given a chemical that depletes dopamine in important areas of the brain. Levels of caffeine intake comparable to human consumption reduced the amount of dopamine depleted in the brain as well as the physical symptoms typical of PD in humans—providing a molecular explanation for the neuroprotective effect of caffeine against PD. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones are weakened, which in turn can lead to an increased risk of fractures occurring. Osteoporosis may be caused by many different factors, which collectively result in a weakening of the bones to such a degree

that they break easily. Cigarette smoking, lack of exercise and poor nutrition are all well established as playing a role in the development of this condition.

Coffee drinking has been implicated because it has been suggested that caffeine, which is naturally occurring in tea, coffee, and chocolate and added to cola and some energy type beverages, causes calcium excretion which in turn results in weakened bones. However, a UK Government report on Nutrition and Bone Health which looked at all the available evidence concluded that concerns about loss of calcium in the urine due to caffeine intake, “are not well founded.”

The National Osteoporosis Society in the UK states that, “We have yet to see any conclusive evidence that moderate coffee consumption is a significant risk factor in the development of osteoporosis.” On the other hand, the Osteoporosis Society of Canada says that two or three cups of coffee are not harmful if you get enough calcium in your daily diet. “As long as women consume adequate calcium (1,000 to 1,200 milligrams per day) caffeine is not a significant risk factor for osteoporosis,” says one expert.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 30 • TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Teen Star Arabella is the new face of Orabella Phils.

BY ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO eauty brand Orabella Philippines launches its new skincare line with their new brand ambassador young actress Arabella del Rosario.

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This young Star Magic star who was also linked to Senator Manny Pacquiao’s son Jimuel was introduced through a virtual press conference hosted by Eggshell Worldwide Communications attended by members of the media and blogging community from key cities of the country.

“As an up and coming brand, we wanted an endorser who is passionate and promising. We see that in Arabella, and we warmly welcome her into the Orabella family,’ said Anne Acuña, Marketing Manager of Orabella Direct Selling Inc. Arabella mentioned that aside from her appearances in some commercials in the past, this would be the first she will be launched as the new face of a reputable skin care brand like Orabella.

“Being a new face in show business has its advantage, too. There are trustworthy brands like Orabella that believe beautiful skin is achievable with a consistent skin care routine. Ever since a kid, I know that taking care of my skin should be a priority. It is not vanity but it’s self care, because our skin is the largest organ of the body,” said Del Rosario, who is also a college freshman taking up Veterinary Medicine in De La Salle Araneta

SSS ranks fifth highest in resolution rate among government agencies

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he Social Security System (SSS) achieved a 92.03 percent resolution rate for queries, complaints, and requests, said the Civil Service Commission (CSC), attaining the fifth-highest rank among government agencies in the country.

In its Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) January to December 2020 Report, CSC said the pension fund resolved 1,166 queries, complaints, and requests out of 1,267 calls endorsed through the CCB from the said period.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said: “As of January 28, 2021, 100% of the endorsed cases in the previous

year were settled with an average turnaround time of four working days. We want to commend our employees in all concerned units for their dedication and strict monitoring of each referred case, despite resorting to alternative work arrangements due to lockdowns imposed last year.”

Among the top three concerns referred to SSS involve maternity benefits, loans, and unemployment benefit/ involuntary separation applications.

Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) earned the top spots with a 100 percent

resolution rate. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) placed second with 98.81 percent, while the Land Transportation Office ranked third with 92.74 percent.

CCB is a government feedback mechanism established by the CSC and the Communications Technology Office-National Computer Center (ICTO-NCC) to support the implementation of Republic Act No. 9845 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007.

In October 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 6, which institutionalized the Citizen Hotline 8888 and established the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint

Center to provide another feedback mechanism where members, pensioners, and beneficiaries can lodge queries and other concerns for immediate action.

In keeping with this, SSS resolved 21,233 queries, complaints, and requests out of 22,349 calls endorsed by Citizen Hotline 8888 last year.

Information and other announcements may be found in official SSS accounts on Facebook and YouTube at “Philippine Social Security System,” Instagram at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” and the SSS Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

University.

Orabella’s Defense Factor System was also unveiled in the same event.

This set included a soap, toning gel, spot solution, specialist cream and sun care lotion.

“Our Defense Factor System is a complete solution that is formulated to bring out the beauty in you.

Our company has been in the manufacturing of skin care products for a long time, however, Orabella is our homegrown brand,” Acuña said, adding that the brand celebrates women, who make up most of their distribution network.

All the products are made with quality and natural ingredients, and are intended to be “defense factors” against skin problems like blemishes (acne, blackheads, and whiteheads); sun damage (melasma, sun spots, and uneven color); and visible signs of aging (wrinkles, dryness, and roughness).

To learn more about the Orabella Defense Factor System and its other offerings, follow Orabella Direct Selling Inc. on its official Facebook account.

Orabella skin care products are sold through independent distributors and will soon be available on Lazada and Shopee.

Amidst virus spike, InLife continues to offer FREE Covid-19 insurance for essential workers

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s corona virus infections escalate in the country, Insular Life (InLife) is strongly driving the push to offer free COVID-19 insurance to help essential workers cope with the disease.

The free insurance cover is under a program called “Chain of Protection” (CHoP), to provide financial protection to 110,000 people who work in vital, non-medical industries.

Launched in celebration of InLife’s 110th anniversary in 2020, the offer runs until November 24, 2021 or until the 110,000 free insurance shall have been taken, whichever comes first.

“Since the start of the pandemic last year, most of our own employees are working from home until today. Unfortunately, many of our kababayans in other industries need to go out every

day because their products and services are essential to the population and to the economy,” said InLife Chairperson Nina D. Aguas. “We want to give them peace of mind through the Chain of Protection program.”

The free insurance provides coverage of P50,000 for deaths due to accidents or the COVID-19 disease. CHoP also covers an allowance of P500/day for a maximum of 10 days if the patient is admitted due to COVID-19 or if the hospitalization is due to an accident. The free life insurance and hospitalization allowance is limited to 45 days upon signing up.

“We noticed that those with limited financial means suffer the most when they get infected by the corona virus.

Through this program, we hope to be able to ease some of these financial burden,” Aguas added.

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HEALTH

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n The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays, Wendell Berry wrote: “People use drugs, legal and illegal, because their lives are intolerably painful or dull. They hate their work and find no rest in their leisure. They are estranged from their families and their neighbors. It should tell us something that in healthy societies drug use is celebrative, convivial, and occasional, whereas among us it is lonely, shameful, and addictive. We need drugs, apparently, because we have lost each other.”

Are expired drugs still safe to take?

Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO A drug is defined as “any substance (other than a food or device) intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, relief, treatment, or prevention of disease or intended to affect the structure or function of the body.”

By law, drugs are divided into two categories: prescription drugs and nonprescription drugs.

“Prescription drugs – those considered safe for use only under medical supervision – may be dispensed only with a prescription from a licensed professional with governmental privileges to prescribe,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

Nonprescription drugs, on the other hand, “are those considered safe for use without medical supervision.” Generally, these are sold over-the-counter like aspirin.

To some people, the word drug means a substance that alters the brain’s function in ways considered pleasurable – a mind-altering substance.

That was what singer Kurt Cobain was referring to when he said, “Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with your self-esteem.”

All drugs, whether prescribed or not, have an expiration date, the final day that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of a medication.

These dates often say “Do

not use after…” or “Discard after…”

“Expiration dates on medical products are a critical part of determining if the product is safe to use and will work as intended,” says Ilisa Bernstein, a pharmacist with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to a report updated by Dr. Leigh Anderson for the Johns Hopkins Health Alert website, drugs expiration date is generally 2-5 years from production date. “For example, if a company chooses a twoyear expiration date, it does not have to test beyond that for prolonged effectiveness.”

Sheryl Ubelacker, writing for The Canadian Press, said the best-before date for drugs is when they are still in an unopened container. “Once a dispensing pharmacist or patient has opened a bottle or package, exposing the contents to the elements, manufacturers no longer consider original expiry dates in force,” she wrote.

Phil Emberley, director of pharmacy innovation at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, explains: “If you have a bottle that, say, expires in five years, as soon as it’s opened, technically it expires in less than five years. A lot of people keep their medications in their bathrooms where they’re exposed to heat and humidity, and there is evidence to suggest that it speeds up the degradation process.”

So once the drugs expire, are they still safe to take? Sherunda Lister, of the FDA Office of Communications, wrote in 2012: “Expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or decrease in potency. Improper storage can also contribute to decreased effectiveness in medicines that have not reached their posted expiration date.”

Bernstein agrees. “Once the expiration date has passed, there is no guarantee that an expired medicine will be safe and effective,” she points out. “If your medicine has expired, do not use it.”

But a new study dispels that idea. Prescription drugs can actually remain sufficiently potent well past their expiration date – as long as it’s unopened. The researchers analyzed eight prescription drugs that expired between 28 and 40 years ago. They found that most have remained just as potent as they were on the day they were made.

Amanda Gardner, writing for Health.com, reported: “The eight drugs included 14 different active ingredients, including aspirin, codeine and hydrocodone. In 86% of cases, the study found, the amount of active ingredient present in the drugs was at least 90% of the amount indicated on the label.”

That amount is within the range deemed accept-

9

able by the FDA. The agency allows “reasonable variation” in the strength of any given batch of prescription drugs, generally requiring that drugs contain between 90% and 110% of the stated active ingredient.

“The vast majority of the samples tested contained at least their stated potency and therefore their active ingredient would still be viable,” Dr. Lee Cantrell, the lead author of the study, told Reuters Health. “At least some of them, 50 years and they are still potent!”

Dr. Cantrell is the director of the California Poison Control System, San Diego Division and a professor of clinical pharmacy at University of California in San Francisco. “All (the expiration date) means from the manufacturers’ standpoint is that they’re willing to guarantee the potency and efficacy for the drug for (certain period of years),” he says. “It has nothing to do with the actual shelf life.”

So, what does the study signify? It means consumers and pharmacies are throwing away perfectly good medicine. “We’re spending billions and billions on medications and medication turnover,” Dr. Cantrell said. “If a drug has expired, you’ve got to throw it away, it goes into a landfill, and you have to get a new prescription. This could potentially have a significant impact on cost.”

Francis Flaherty, who was a pharmacist at FDA

until his retirement last year, told The Wall Street Journal: “Manufacturers put expiration dates on for marketing, rather than scientific, reasons. “It’s not profitable for them to have products on a shelf for 10 years. They want turnover.”

Although an expired medication may not have an adverse effect but certainly it has some risks. In the medical literature, there is only one example of an expired drug that became toxic, and that was an isolated incident.

Expired drugs may not be a big deal when it comes to over-the-counter drugs but it’s a different story for those with serious ailment.

Consider heart or diabetes medications which are critical to managing disease. “A dose of lower potency could cause a negative effect almost immediately,” Jeff McClusky, spokesperson of the American Pharmacists Association, told Sarah Klein of Huffington Post.

Here’s another risk: the

patient may take more pills than required. Since a drug is only 90% effective, “a patient might just assume it’s safe to take two pills instead of one.” As Jennifer Adams, senior director of strategic academic partnerships at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, puts it: “You aren’t really sure in terms of how much you’re going to be getting, and you could potentially be getting too much… That’s when it can be very dangerous.”

To take or not to take expired medication, that is the dilemma. But Drugs.com gives this bit of information: “If a medication is needed and the patient is not able to replace the expired medication, there is no evidence that it is unsafe to take the medication in most cases.

However, if a medication is essential for a chronic and potentially life-threatening disease, for example, a heart condition, seizure, or life-threatening allergy, it is probably wise to get a new prescription once expired.”

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enable the local government to extend relief assistance to indigent Dabawenyos who are in dire need.

The councilor likewise explained that his proposal to authorize “habal-habal” or motorcycle taxis in the city will be a big help in generating employment for hundreds if not thousands of Dabawenyos who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. He also said this is a big help to those who are having difficulty to get public transport from hinterlands to their places of work and in going back home.

“Most important consid-

eration in making motorcycle taxis part of the public transport industry is that it gives thousands of drivers a chance to regain their livelihood lost due to the pandemic,” he said.

He added motorcycle taxis have been accepted as a public transport modality in many parts of the country and in some parts of the world.

Dayanghirang said that the City Franchising and Regulatory Board will play a vital role in the implementation of this new modality once approved. – (With reports from DAISY ENCABO)

nancilan, the head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process’ (OPAPP) Eastern Mindanao Area Management Office (AMO), urged the IPs to stop providing support to members of the New People’s Army (NPA), as this puts the lives of government troops and civilians alike in danger.

“Nag-anhi mi diri sa inyoha, arong makidayalogo. Undang na mo ug text sa mga rebelled na may tropa sa military na muagi diri (We come to you and dialogue with you. We ask you to stop sending messages to the NPAs that soldiers are passing through this area),” Binancilan said.

The conduct of LPE is pursuant to Executive Order No. 70, or the “Wholeof-Nation Approach to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict.”

Community consultations and problem-solving sessions fall under track one of LPE, the other being dialogues with members of the communist group. Both tracks can be implemented together, or separately.

The community consultation was also attended by members of the provincial government of Davao Oriental, municipal government of Lupon, the AFP, the Philippine National Police (PNP),

and OPAPP. A day prior, OPAPP also participated in the preparatory meeting held in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, for the province’s “Adlaw sa Kalinaw” (Day of Peace) peace-building activity, which will take place on April 20 and 21.

BGen. Nolasco Mempin, commander of the Philippine Army’s 1003rd IB, challenged members of the community to lay the groundwork for peace, for the sake of the next generation.

“Are you ready to help and support the government? That is our only wish. This is not only for us, but also for our children and their children,” Mempin said in the vernacular.

For her part, Bai Pilar Libayao, Ata-Manobo Tribal Council Leader and IP Mandatory Representative for Talaingod, enjoined village chairpersons and tribal leaders to attend the peacebuilding events on April 20 and 21, to help achieve peace in their communities.

“Though there is a persisting threat to my life from NPA members who are still entrenched in the mountain ranges of Talaingod, I shall be there during the Adlaw sa Kalinaw. Do not be afraid. The government will protect you there,” Libayao said in the vernacular.

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Around four in the afternoon, the PCG reached the area and rescued the five passengers.

The rescued passengers were identified as Jocelle Benidicto, 30 years old from Lupon; Jane Flores, 26 from Lupon; Joshua Aquino, 23

from Davao City; April Agualan, 25 from Lupon; and Jay Flores, 21 from Lupon.

The five did not sustain any serious injuries and were transported back to their relatives in Macambol.

(CIO MATI)

or taking off of aircraft from other countries are taking place. The AFP is on normal alert as opposed to the claim of that spurious sender," Sobejana added.

He said it is obvious that the motive of these malicious posts is to create panic and confusion.

"We advise the public to remain calm and dismiss them as another disinformation. The AFP is a professional organization committed to safeguard democracy and protect its democratic institutions," he added.

Sobejana said the AFP

will focus on its mission and continue to perform its constitutional mandates.

"We will veer away, as we appeal to all quarters to spare your AFP from partisan politics," he added.

He also said the country is already saddled with numerous challenges that the AFP must face than be distracted by people, groups, and associations advancing their own agenda.

"We assure our people that your soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines are firmly behind the chain-ofcommand," he added. (PNA)

government has attributed to higher prices of another agricultural good, pork.

According to the price monitoring data of the Agriculture Department as of April 15, prices of local rice range from P38 to P50 per kilogram, and imported rice at P44 to P52 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, buying prices of palay at the National Food Authority (NFA) range from P12.70 to P19.00 per kilogram. Data from the Philippine Statistics Author-

ity (PSA) showed average farmgate prices at P16.69 per kilogram in the last week of January, up from P16.14 per kilogram in the same week last year.

"The higher prices of palay at farmgate provide more incentives for our farmers to continue planting," claimed Philippine Integrated Rice Program (PIRP) Director Dionisio Alvindia, who believes that growth will continue this year despite the community lockdowns.

work of 5G network in the country.

The recent Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index re-

leased in February said the Philippines posted improvements both in mobile and fixed broadband speeds.

Guests just have to open their GCash mobile app, scan the QR codes to be provided by AirAsia and enter the amount that needs to be paid, the airline said.

Experts have said that using cashless payments reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection by eliminating the

need to handle cash and by allowing transactions to be completed at home.

The Philippines' transport department earlier tried to impose a cashless only payment option in EDSA buses but the effort was suspended due to complaints in fees and other charges.

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Dabawenya wanted for syndicated estafa arrested by CIDG in Cebu

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peratives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) nabbed a 46-yearold woman wanted for syndicated estafa during operations in Cebu.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro identified the suspect Katherine Posas Diao, who was arrested at around 9 p.m. on Friday at Block 1-Lot 5, City Homes in Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Ferro said the suspect, a native of Davao City, was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Mario Duaves Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court Branch 15, Davao City, on Feb. 7, 2020. No bail was recommended.

Ferro said Diao is one of the incorporators of Organ-

ico Agri-business Venture tagged as “Big Time Scammers in Davao City and other parts of Mindanao."

“The pursuit of these deceitful individuals shall continue even amidst the Covid-19 response operations. They are taking advantage of the hard-earned money of our people and engage them in a scam. This is just repulsive,” Ferro said.

The syndicate was “victimizing and inciting” people to engage in a Ponzi scheme, a fraudulent investment scam similar to a pyramid scheme using new investors' funds to pay the earlier backers.

The arrested suspect was brought to the police station for documentation and proper disposition.

(PNA)

SoCot exec flags renewed surge of Covid-19 cases

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ENERAL SANTOS CITY – South Cotabato officials advised residents on Monday to avoid unnecessary movements as they raised concern over the renewed surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the area in the last two weeks.

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the local government, though the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), is closely monitoring the situation and implementing additional interventions to contain the increasing infections.

He said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or provincial board has canceled its regular meeting on Monday after one of its members tested positive for Covid-19.

Board member Ester Marin Catorce earlier confirmed in a Facebook post that she was infected with the disease and exhibited mild symptoms.

Koronadal City Mayor Eliordo Ogena also came out positive on April 10 and was admitted to a local hospital but is now reportedly recovering.

Tamayo said he and sev-

eral other mayors are still undergoing quarantine due to previous exposure to Ogena during a mayor’s league meeting.

“I’m calling on everyone to be cautious, limit your movements if possible and always follow the minimum health protocols, especially the wearing of face mask and face shield, and the safe physical distancing,” he said via phone patch over his weekly radio program.

The governor said he discussed the situation in a virtual meeting on Sunday with local government doctors, especially those assigned at the province’s dedicated Covid-19 treatment facility at the Upper Valley Community Hospital in Surallah town.

He acknowledged that they are already exhausted with the situation and residents should recognize their sacrifices by helping fight the spread of the disease in local communities.

A report released by the IPHO over the weekend showed that the province recorded at least 162 Covid-19 cases or an average of 10 per day from April 1 to 15.

do things which can help and give pride to the B’Laan tribe in the province of Davao del Sur),” the governor stated.

He added, “Tourism is the big thing and the in thing of the world at present. In our province, let’s try if we can do this,” Cagas.”

“Let’s explore and love Matanao,” Fernandez urged the public as he assured wonderful experiences, as well as safety for the visitors.

He said that the visitors need not worry of the area because Brgy. Asbang and part of Barangay Colonsabak have been cleared by the End Local Communist

Armed Conflict (ELCAC) task force.

He disclosed that in fact the barangay will be given an assistance of P20 million for the Barangay Development Project (BDP) which is intended for insurgency cleared-barangay.

Aside from the deployed units from the Army and the PNP, Fernandez has also asked the barangay officials to designate their Civil Volunteers Organizations to look after the tourists.

Tourist police and tourist barangay tanod will also be created to become force multipliers, he said. (PIAXI/Carina L. Cayon)

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Saso makes an impression among LPGA’s big names

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With Yuka Saso’s (pictured) outing at the LPGA Lotte Championship, the 19-year-old Filipina golfer had everyone on notice — including 2-time Major winner Lydia Ko. AFP

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ising Filipina golf phenom Yuka Saso produced a memorable weekend at the LPGA Lotte Championship in Kapolei, Hawaii, despite faltering in a winnable tournament.

Saso held the 2-day lead with a pair of masterful 64 rounds, but couldn't sustain that brilliant start as she carded a 71 and 70 for a 19-under finish, good for a tie for 6th to 9th places.

With her outing at Kapolei Golf Club, the 2-time Japan LPGA winner and reigning Asian Games women's singles champion had everyone on notice.

Including New Zealand's

Lydia Ko, who ran away with the Lotte trophy on the back of a dominant 28-under-60 showing.

Prior to the final round, Ko on Saturday lauded Saso's performance.

"She's been super impressive just to play alongside," Ko, the LPGA player of the year in 2015 and a 2-time Major winner, said in an interview on LPGA.com.

"I remember playing

with her for the first time a couple years ago during a practice round and thought, 'Wow, this girl is so impressive and she has things that I don't have in my game'."

Nineteen-year-old Saso said she liked that Ko, even though she is one of the world's top players, was "kind" to her.

"You know, when she said like she remembers like when we played in US Wom-

28).

Rozier knew the Hornets needed a win as they fight to earn a top-six seed in the playoffs and avoid a play-in game situation.

"This was huge after losing the last four," Rozier said.

Rozier, Washington and Bridges were a combined 15 of 31 from 3-point range

as Charlotte snapped a seven-game losing streak against Portland.

Carmelo Anthony had six 3-pointers and 24 points for the Trail Blazers (32-24), who played without star Damian Lillard for the second straight game due to a hamstring injury. CJ McCollum scored 22 points.

en's Open practice round I really felt happy. Who would think she would remember, right?" Saso said.

"So, yeah, playing with her — I mean, I didn't play well the first couple holes, but, you know, she is very kind. Yeah, it's nice playing with her today."

Saso vows to bring more honor to PH after 2nd Athlete of the Year plum Based on Saso's play

in Hawaii, Ko said the tour shouldn't be surprised if the Filipina golfer contended again.

"She's been playing amazing over in Japan, and I'm sure she's doing her country so proud," Ko said.

"Hopefully it's something that we'll see more often on tour, and I'm 100% sure her name is going to pop up on many leaderboards."

Hornets beat Blazers to snap four-game skid Raptors extend Thunder’s

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HARLOTTE, N.C. — Terry Rozier told coach James Borrego before Sunday night's game (Monday, Manila time) that the Charlotte Hornets needed a win over Portland, and that he was available to play extra minutes, if needed.

Rozier broke loose 34 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in 39 minutes, and the Hornets rode a strong first quarter to a 109-101 win over the Trail Blazers, snapping a

four-game losing streak and moving to .500.

"He was great tonight," Borrego said. "He came out and set the tone and was making shots. It has to be one of his finest performances as a Hornet."

P.J. Washington had 23 points and eight rebounds after missing three games with an ankle injury, and Miles Bridges added 19 points, including two highlight-reel dunks, for the Hornets (28-

Terry Rozier scored 34 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in 39 minutes.

losing streak to 10 games

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AMPA, Florida — Chris Boucher had 31 points and 11 rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors extended Oklahoma City's season-worst losing streak to 10 games, beating the Thunder, 112-106, on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time).

Gary Trent Jr. added 23 points for Toronto, which has won three straight. Malachi Flynn had 15 points and eight rebounds.

Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 29 points, 21 of them coming in the first quarter of what shaped up as a duel (with Boucher) of players with Montreal roots.

"It put some pep in my step a little bit. It definitely put some more energy into the game," Boucher said. "I just want people to realize we have guys from Montreal that are really talented. It was an exciting showcase just to show people what we have."

"They both probably wanted to put on a show tonight and they both did it," Toronto coach Nick Nurse

said.

Darius Bazley added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder, who have lost 13 of 14 since leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined last month by a right foot injury.

The Raptors did not take the lead for keeps until Boucher's 3-pointer with 2:27 remaining. Trent set up Boucher for another 3-pointer that clinched the victory with 10.4 seconds left.

"We've been losing a lot of close games, so it definitely felt good to win this one and know that we can finish games," Boucher said.

Dort made all seven of his shots in the first quarter, including five 3-pointers, and the Thunder moved ahead by 12 points in the second quarter.

Boucher had 20 points in the first half including a 3-pointer buzzer shot that cut Oklahoma City's advantage to 59-52. The Thunder were 9 of 17 from 3-point range in the opening half.

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UNDISTRACTED Hidilyn brushes aside family health concerns in clinching Olympic spot

Hidilyn Diaz has clinched a berth in the Tokyo Olympics after officially competing in the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Sunday night.

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lympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz bucked family health issues to became the seventh Filipino to clinch a berth in the Tokyo Olympics after officially competing in the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Sunday night.

Regardless of her finish in the women’s 55-kg event, the 30-year-old native of Zamboanga City is already assured of a ticket to the Summer Games scheduled late this July after completing the five-tournament rule to qualify.

In an interview, Diaz said her sister-in-law tested positive of the virus before the competitions began. Diaz added her sister-in-law was on labor when she tested positive.

She now joins world gymnast champion Carlos Yulo, boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Irish Magno, and Carlo Paalam, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena in Tokyo as the country bids to finally nail a breakthrough gold medal in the Olympics.

It will be the fourth straight Olympiad for Diaz starting in the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, and 2016 Rio De Janeiro Games.

She won a silver medal in Brazil five years ago to end the country’s 20-year medal drought in the Olympics.

Diaz finished the meet just a point shy of winning the bronze after a 212 total, falling short against Muattar Nabieva of Uzbekistan (213).

World Championship gold medal winner Liao Qiujun of China bagged the gold with a 222 total after topping the clean and jerk with 124.

Her compatriot and fellow World Championship gold medalist Li Yajun settled for the silver with 221, and emerged no. 1 in the snatch with a 101 total.

Diaz lifted 94 kg in the snatch and 118 in clean and jerk for a 212 total.

Nabieva had a 99 total in snatch and 114 in clean and jerk.