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VOL.14 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

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A woman belonging to the Mandaya tribe weives ‘dagmay’ cloth, a traditional textile made from abaca, inside the souvenir shop of Pearl Farm Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS). Edge Davao

79 passengers apprehended for fake RT-PCR test results

STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

BOGUS TESTS

Senator Christopher“Bong”Go lauds the government’s continuing efforts to build more“pop-up”or modular hospitals to treat severe and critical COVID-19 patients. Photo courtesy of SBG

79 passengers apprehended for fake RT-PCR test results

By MAYA M. PADILLO

S

eventy-nine Davao-bound airline passengers have been apprehended for forging reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) test results, the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) reported.

PSSCC chief Angel Sumagaysay said the 79 apprehensions were recorded as of April 17, 2021.

City Tourism Operations Office (CTTMO) Head Gene Rose Tecson said some of the passengers presented fake RT-PCR test results

from different alleged testing centers.

She said most forged test results are from Red Cross and Lord’s Grace and some without QR codes. She added that there were also falsified test results coming from Cebu – University of Cebu Medical Center and

Central Visayas Laboratory and even Zamboanga also had fake RT-PCR test results.

Tecson also said there were few cases where flight passengers got their RT-PCR test results from Cubao for a cost of P3,800 with receipt only to find out upon arriving at the Davao International Airport (DIA) that it’s fake.

Tecson reminded passengers to get swabbed in legitimate hospitals and medical laboratories.

Based on the Department of Health Circular No. 2020-0391

the maximum price cap for swab test in private laboratories is P5,000 and P3,000 for public laboratories.

The test-before-travel requirement for all Davaobound flight passengers is in accordance with City Ordinance 0477-21, Series of 2021, or an ordinance providing for mandatory testing before entry into the city via DIA. It can be recalled that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reminded Davao-bound passengers not to falsify their documents or else

said in a virtual press conference on Thursday that the DOT is working closely with the local government of Davao to work out a plan for this new tourism offering in a bid to revive the industry.

She said the agency is currently looking for bike trails and historical structures that would

be included in the tour packages.

Tan added the agency is also considering other trails outside the city for adventure seekers.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat said the Tourism Promotions Board is promoting “biking” as another tourism activity

because “it’s the best way to see the country.”

She added bicycle tours are feasible under the new normal since cyclists are normally distanced from each other during rides.

She said activities conducted in open spaces are being preferred during the pandemic.

The use of bicycles

FBOGUS, P6

Seda Abreeza awarded with Safe Travel Stamp

I

t's hard work paid off for Seda Abreeza in the continuous implementation of health and safe protocols after it was recently awarded with Safe Travels Stamp by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in partnership with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp is the world's first safety and hygiene stamp for travelers to recognize governments and businesses that have adopted global health standardized protocols.

“Kung sino yung may safe travel stamp, pino-post siya sa WTTC so nakikita yan ng buong mundo. Pag bukas na yung Philippines tinitingnan nila kung sino yung pumasa sa WTTC stamp. I am so happy that Seda Abreeza has been awarded and I am sure marami pa kayong hotels in Davao City na papasa at para ma-post natin at makita nila na ready na tayo,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat in a virtual presser.

From the 40

establishments recognized nationwide, Seda Abreeza is currently the sole recipient of the said award in Davao Region.

“It was awarded by DOT Secretary Puyat. The award shows that we have complied with health and sanitation standards set by DOT, and will give confidence to travelers to have a safe stay with us,” Ken Kapulong, hotel manager of Seda Abreeza, told Edge Davao.

Kapulong added that the award serves as a reminder for the management of Seda Abreeza to always implement the health protocols for the safety of the guests and employees.

The hotel took serious steps to mitigate risks to both employees and guests by promoting safe staycation to attract visitors.

With the guests’ safety as top-priority, everywhere in the hotel, from the public areas and guestrooms, safety protocols are in place to help keep the guests safe whenever they visit.

FSEDA, P6

Davao plans on Japanese history and Chinatown bike tours to revive tourism

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he Department of Tourism (DOT)Davao is planning to launch Japanese history and Chinatown bike tours in the city to promote local tourism amid uncertainties caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Tanya Rabat-Tan, DOTDavao regional director,

in the city has become a trend as people look for safer alternatives to commute. The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) started the installation of two-way bicycle lanes worth P145.3 million in the city.

The installation of bicycle lanes is a convergence project

of DPWH with the Department of Transportation. It was funded under Republic Act 11494, also known as the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act. In 2017, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority earmarked P120 million

FDAVAO, P6

VOL.14 ISSUE 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

PUV drivers, delivery riders mandated to undergo RT-PCR T

By MAYA M. PADILLO he city government of Davao issued Executive Order No. 22 Series of 2021 mandating drivers and delivery riders to undergo RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) testing starting April 26, 2021 to May 8, 2021 at the Davao Crocodile ParK in Davao City.

The EO or an order “Providing for Heightened Surveillance and Response of Covid-19 Cases in Public Ground Transport and Delivery Services in Davao City” was signed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and released on April 24, 2021.

Section 1 of the EO states the guidelines for surveillance RT-PCR testing of all drivers of public utility transportation and delivery services. The free Covid-19 (RT-PCR) swab testing for all drivers of transportation and delivery services also

covers taxicab drivers,van drivers, air-conditioned and non-airconditioned jeepney drivers, habalhabal or motorcycle drivers, tricycle drivers, bus drivers, other drivers of public ground transport vehicles, and motorcycle drivers

whose registration had expired at least a year ago.

Cuerpo said that about 70 percent of the total unregistered vehicles are motorcycles.

In consideration of the pandemic, Cuerpo said the agency has extended deadline for registration.

He said that just last year, plate numbers ending

“6” supposed to register

by June, were given up to October to register.

Those ending in 7, 8, 9 and 0 were given an extension of two weeks.

Unregistered vehicles caught on the road were given one week to register, Cuerpo said.

The LTO has asked the

of food and online item delivery services such as Grab, FoodPanda, Shoppee, Lazada, and others.

The EO also states that drivers do not need to undergo quarantine while waiting for their test results.

The said EO also strengthens the

establishment of a drivethrough swabbing area at the Davao Crocodile Park to cater PUV drivers as part of the city’s intensified “community surveillance swabbing” that aims to detect more actives cases of Covid-19.

It can be recalled that

Mayor Sara issued EO No. 18 ordering community surveillance swabbing and monitoring of persons suffering from influenzalike illness (ILI) like cough, fever, and colds in the communities.

Under the said EO,

FPUV. P6

LTO targets 200k vehicles in anti-colorum campaign

T

he Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 11 targets more than 200,000 “colorum” vehicles in its campaign against unregistered motor vehicles in the Davao area.

King Cuerpo, LTO 11 Law Enforcement Division head, said there are 200,754 vehicles

FLTO TARGETS. P6

Despite the newly built and upgraded bicycle lanes in Davao City to ensure the safety of the ever growing bicycle community, this rider prefers to use the sidewalk along MacArthur highway in Matina, Davao City on Saturday.

Edge Davao

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

Workers assist a crane in placing a metal foundation of a building that is being constructed along Chavez Street in Davao City on Saturday. Edge Davao

Swine producer registers T P1.3-B project with BOI

DA links farmers to groups doing charitable works for more profit

T

at 114,400 hogs (11.44 million kg.).

Biotech Farms will have an additional capacity of 54,600 hogs (5.46 million kg.), increasing its annual production to 169,000 hogs (16.9 million kg.).

The investment promotion agency said the expansion project would also put up “state-of-

the-art facilities with the latest pig production system similar to what is implemented in the United States and Australia” to ensure healthy and efficient hog production.

“Once operational, the project will help in the arrest of the continuously increasing pork importation,” the BOI said.

Since the start of the year, consumers have been facing high prices of pork meat due to the lack of local production as pigs have been affected by African swine fever.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the country incurred a deficit of 130,000 metric tons of pork meat last year, as demand reached 1.25 million metric tons (MT) while supply was only at 1.12 million MT. Annual growth of local production was averaging at 2.5 percent, while pork importation grew at a faster rate of 7 percent.

Biotech Farm’s new facility will be operational by April 2022, the BOI said. (PNA)

hroughout the quarantine period, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has helped farmer groups sell their produce to non-government organizations (NGOs) and other charitable institutions who want to distribute agricultural products to people in need.

“Our market matching team link NGOs to farmers. These NGOs give vegetables to their identified beneficiaries,” DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness Kristine Evangelista told Philippine News Agency on Friday.

Evangelista, who leads DA’s Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita project, said their private partners have been giving vegetables to different

On Thursday, the Japanese debt rater cited the importance of the Philippine government’s fiscal and monetary actions in providing a positive view of the economy’s post-pandemic situation.

“The Philippines economy suffered a severe contraction due to the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic in 2020 but is expected to recover primarily through aggressive public investment, which had driven the economy in the past several years. Fis-

n a vote of confidence on the Philippine economy’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) recovery and growth prospects over the medium term, Japanese debt watcher Rating and Investment Information Inc. (R&I) has kept the country’s investment grade credit rating of BBB+ with a “stable” outlook.

In a statement released

Thursday, R&I recognized the role of fiscal and monetary actions in providing a favorable outlook for the Philippines in the postCovid period.

“The Philippines’ economy suffered a severe contraction due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 but is expected to recover primarily through aggressive public investment, which had driven

the economy in the past several years. Fiscal and monetary policies will boost growth for some time,” it said.

BBB+ is a notch away from the minimum rating within the A-territory ratings, while a “stable” outlook indicates absence of factors that may cause the rating to change over the short term.

In response to the lat-

he Board of Investments (BOI) has approved the PHP1.33-billion project of Biotech Farms, Inc. to expand its live hog production.

In a statement Friday, the BOI said Biotech Farms would add 2,500 sow-level piggery farms in its swine facility in South Cotabato.

The expansion project will boost the farm’s annual swine production by 48 percent, the BOI said, adding that the current swine production capacity of the facility is

Affirmation of PH credit rating plus for gov’t borrowing plans

T

he latest affirmation

by Rating and Investment Information Inc. (R&I) of its BBB+ rating with a stable outlook on the Philippines is a plus on the government’s borrowing plans, an economist said.

“The rating affirmation boosts (the) government’s confidence to continue its borrowing plan. It supports and confirms our economic managers’ decision and actions,” BDO chief market strategist Jonathan Ravelas said in a reply to a Viber message from the Philippine News Agency.

FAFFIRMATION, B1

communities since the start of the pandemic.

Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita is a direct marketing program of the DA which is supported by various local government units, barangays and homeowners’ associations in Metro Manila and major urban centers, both benefiting thousands of farmers and consumers.

“DA is also a member of the Convergence Team composed of different government agencies, and every time the team extends help to communities here in National Capital Region, DA brings vegetables. The community members divide it among themselves,” she said adding the group will keep on pursuing this

FDA, B1

Japanese firm affirms PH BBB+ rating, ‘stable’ outlook I

est rating decision by R&I on the Philippines, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez said that in keeping its “BBB+” credit rating with a “stable” outlook for the Philippines, R&I has “apparently taken notice that although the global fight against the pandemic has proven to be a costly one, the country’s

FJAPANESE, B1

VOL.14 ISSUE 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY A2

A vendor fixes a display of round-shaped fruits while waiting for customers at a fruit stall along Monteverde Avenue in Davao City on Saturday. Edge Davao

Consumers urged to patronize establishments with ‘safety seal’

M

embers of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) have encouraged consumers to patronize business establishments with safety seals which affirm good housekeeping for those that strictly comply with minimum health protocols.

On Friday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed a joint memorandum circular (JMC) implementing the guidelines on safety seal certification program.

A safety seal tags establishments that strictly im-

plement minimum health protocols in their stores and workplaces, such as proper wearing of face shields and face masks, good ventilation, disinfection, and using the contact tracing system of StaySafe. ph.

The use of StaySafe.ph is mandatory for establishments that would like to apply for a safety seal certification program.

“Through the safety seal certification, the government aims to increase public confidence in businesses at this time of the pandemic while also ensuring compliance in the minimum health protocols.

This is because the signage of the safety seal —which affirms that an establishment has been found compliant with these health

FCONSUMERS, B1

Gov’t outlines job opportunities for displaced OFWs due to pandemic

T

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its attached agency, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), said the government has programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were displaced due to the pandemic.

In a virtual presser on Friday, DTI and TESDA executives said OFWs could benefit from the government’s National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS).

One of the strategies under NERS is the reskilling and upskilling of local talents, which TESDA could provide.

“In TESDA, OFWs is one of the priority clients,” TESDA deputy director general Lina Sarmiento said in Filipino.

DOLE proposes P24-B wage subsidy program for preservation of jobs

T

he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is proposing a P24-billion wage subsidy program aimed at preserving jobs amid the challenging business environment created by the COVID-19 crisis.

At a virtual press conference on Friday, Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay said the DOLE is working on a proposed

wage subsidy program which is seen to benefit around 1.4 million workers.

“Ang objective nito (the objective of this) is to preserve existing employment,” Tutay said.

“For the P24-billion, we still need to find out the source of this amount because this is under a proposal stage,” she said.

Emphasizing the need

for a wage subsidy, the Labor official said that when the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus bubble returned to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the DOLE monitored 8,000 to 9,000 displacements per week.

For his part, Department of Trade and Industry Director Jerry Clavesillas said that when the NCR

FDOLE, B1

To reach out to more OFWs, Sarmiento said TESDA has established OFW Desks in all its offices nationwide, while its TESDA app has a special button for enrollment and assessment of OFWs. “In addition to that, our OFWs have their own expertise. They have the talent and experience they gained abroad, and that’s a big help for TESDA because we invite some of them to join us to teach or train in TESDA programs,” she add-

ed.

For instance, TESDA now has a training program for scaffolding works inspection through the help of an OFW. Jobs for scaffolding works inspection are in demand abroad but the country lacks a training program for this skill.

TESDA is also partnering with an OFW who has expertise in boat making to create a training program for it.

“We don’t only give training opportunities, but we also invite them to join us and provide knowledge to our countrymen,” Sarmiento added.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development director Jerry Clavesillas said the DTI targets to boost its live-

lihood program to preserve and recover businesses and avoid job shedding amid the pandemic.

“In the case of DTI, our primary concern is to recover business because we all know that the source of employment is generally the enterprises,” Clavesillas said.

He said OFWs could tap DTI for entrepreneurship training.

They can also integrate their expertise from their experience as OFWs in their entrepreneurial journey, he added.

Clavesillas said DTI’s financing arm, the Small Business Corp., also provides loans for displaced OFWs who would like to start their business here.

Department of Labor

FGOV’T, B1

Jobstreet unveils microsites for Cebu, Davao Region, Iloilo

J

obstreet Philippines said Friday it has launched dedicated microsites for the provinces of Cebu, Iloilo and the entire Davao Region to better connect opportunities and jobseekers to boost employment.

With this hyperlocal initiative, jobseekers from Cebu, Iloilo and Davao can search for opportunities in their localities through the dedicated microsites with-

in the jobs portal, Jobstreet said in virtual briefing.

“More Filipinos are going back to the probinsya (provinces). Work-fromhome set up actually enabled them to work in the provinces while connected to their jobs in Manila,” Jobstreet country manager Philip Gioca told reporters.

“We see that because of the recovery that is happening, a lot of companies

are now offering WFH and flexible work arrangements, and therefore jobs openings are starting to pickup in these cities,” he added.

In 2021, Jobstreet recorded 13-percent growth in average site visits from Cebu, 56 percent from Davao and 44 percent from Iloilo, it said.

As of March, job offer-

FJOBSTREET, B1

DAVAO 4 EDGE VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

On the government’s continuing efforts to build more “pop-up” or modular hospitals to treat severe and critical COVID-19 patients:

Dapat handa tayo parati. Ayaw nating makitang may pasyente na naghihingalo at hindi man lang matulungan ng gobyerno.

Kaya naman napakahalaga ng ginagawang ito ng gobyerno.

Gawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya para mailigtas ang buhay ng mga nagkakasakit.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL Intention and responsibility Somewhere between compassion and good intention is the value of responsibility. That’s the story in the tragic birthday community pantry organized by actress Angel Locsin.

The noble intentions of the actress were overshadowed by the uncontrolled mob which practically smashed all health protocols installed by the government and resulted to the death of a senior citizen.

Angel, known for her charity works in the past, made an apology after the incident and reached out to the family of the elderly man who died while queueing up.

Whilst Angel’s intention is noble, this is where the values of accountability, anticipation and planning are important. Anyone organizing a community event must realize the impact of their activity. More so, that it involves a celebrity organizer. Angel must have awakened to why the government takes cautious steps in mounting community response actions.

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

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

A non-expert like Angel and her team should have consulted event planners and the local government unit or barangay concerned of their planned activity and prepared for a risk management plan. This is not just one ordinary person setting a small pantry outside his house for neighbors to take. This is a celebrity organizing a big community pantry on her birthday and announcing it on social media.

Worse, they never prepared for any emergency situations nor even set up heath protocol mechanisms. Did Angel even apply for a local permit in anticipation of a mass gathering and given the current health restrictions?

Clearly, that was a complete recipe for disaster.

Angel’s community pantry exposed hundreds to the risks of community transmission, the impact of which is yet to be known in the coming days.

The lack of accountability overwhelmed the nobility of her intentions.

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 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

5

ATTY. DIMPNA D. BERMEJO-DULAY IBP DAVAO CORNER

Dear IBP Davao, Nagbibigay po ako ng suporta sa aking anak na five year old na kambal sa dati kong live in partner. Wala po kaming lahing kambal pero yung dating BF niya ay kambal at kamukha pa niya ang mga bata. Maari ko bang Itigil muna ang suporta sa kambal habang hindi pa napapatunayan na anak ko ang kambal. Paano ba mapatunayan na hindi ko anak ang kambal. Anong test ang dapat gawin at saang agencies ako pupunta? Anong sample ang kukunin sa kaatwan? Magkano po ang budget? Legit ba ang mga resulta at maari bang gamitin ito sa korte? Kailangan ba talaga na kasama ako, ang nanay at ang mga bata sa pagpa DNA? Maaari bang ako lang at ang kambal? Pwede ko bang pilitin yung ex BF ng exGF ko na magpa DNA Test din? At kung mapatunayan na hindi ko sila anak, ano ba maaring maikaso sa ex GF ko at maari ko ba mabawi ang nagastos ko sa kambal?

Jun

Dear Jun, As to your question, whether you can withdraw support now, the answer is no. Since you were live-in partners and you had been giving child support to the twins, you could not stop the support on mere suspicion of a nonbiological relationship.

Having lived together and given support for several years will imply that you have acknowledged that the twins are your children. You can not di-establish paternity without just cause and deprive support as this is a ground under the "Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 "on economic abuse. Economic abuse acts include depriving or threatening to deprive the woman or her children of financial support or deliberately providing the woman's children with insufficient financial support.

Since the two of you are not married, the basic law on support can be found in Articles 195 and 196 of the Family Code of the Philippines paragraph (4). In said provision, the relationship

and support of parents and their illegitimate children and legitimate and illegitimate children are provided.

Meaning, parents have the legal duty to support their children, whether legitimate or illegitimate.

If your girlfriend directly led you to believe that you were the twin's biological father when no biological connection existed, there would be paternity "fraud" based on her misrepresentation that you were the twin's biological father. The remedies available to you are: file a criminal case against your girlfriend for her deceitful acts and file a recovery of the expenses you made over the years. You may have to go to Courts for these actions.

But before dwelling into such an intrusive act, the twins must undergo initially, ABO Blood Group Typing, then genetic testing (DNA) depending on the outcome of ABO BGT. In the Philippines, the government agencies that perform both ABO Blood Group Typing and Paternity DNA testing are the NBI Forensic Laboratory, Laboratory, and UP DNA Analysis Laboratory. You can directly proceed to said laboratories even without a court order, and they will perform the test after payment of laboratory fees (The estimated fee is P20,000 per person).

It is best that you as the contesting father, the mother, and the twins are all tested to get an accurate result. There is no need for the father, mother, and child to appear at the same time.

A schedule can be made to these laboratories as per the parties' most convenient time.

If your child is a boy, genetic testing of Y chromosomes can be performed between the two of you. The mother is not needed here because the Y chromosome is transmitted from father to son only. This test provides information about the direct male line, meaning the Y transmitted from the grandfather to his father, son, and so on. If the child is a female, it is best that both father and mother's DNA be compared to the daughter.

As to whether you can compel the former boyfriend of your former girlfriend to undergo DNA testing, no you can not do that since he is not one of the parties in interest in Child Support.

When you go to the DNA laboratory, a blood sample or buccal smear/cheek swab may be collected.

The blood sample may be collected using a syringe or finger prick. A buccal smear/cheek swab is preferred as it is quick and painless. This method easily collects your genetic material by rubbing the inside of your mouth's inner cheeks.

But before undergoing this costly DNA genetic testing, you should try first the cheaper and older method like the ABO Blood Group Typing. This simple test, if it excludes you from being the twin's father, there is no need to undergo the costly DNA testing. If the ABO Blood Group Typing includes you as the probable father, then you undergo the current DNA technique for paternity testing that uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

There are ABO Blood Group Typing results that exclude you as the father. For example, parents of Blood Group O will never give birth to children with A, B, AB blood group; parents of Blood Group O, A will never give birth to children with B, AB blood group; parents of Blood Group O, B will never give birth to children with A, AB blood group; parents of Blood Group O, AB will never give birth to children with O, AB blood group; parents of Blood Group A, A will never give birth to children with B, AB blood group; parents of Blood Group A, AB will never give birth to children with O blood group; parents of Blood Group B, B will never give birth to children with A, AB blood group; pawrents of Blood Group B, AB will never give birth to children with O blood group; and lastly, parents of Blood Group AB, AB will never give birth to children with O blood group. ABO Blood

Group Typing can usually be performed in a hospital laboratory at a minimal cost of less than (P500) per person.

If your blood group belongs to the above exclusionary relationship, there is no need to proceed to DNA testing because of the impossibility of the biological parent-child relationship.

Whichever laboratory will perform your exclusionary paternity ABO Blood Group Typing or identifying DNA testing, the result must be the same. There is a standard language in these testing laboratories such that no matter how many repeats are done, the outcome should be the same.

Therefore, fear not of tampering. It can easily be revalidated.

However, if your blood typing does not exclude you, then proceed to the DNA testing where you will be provided a numerical output below 100%. If the value of the Probability of Paternity that you get is is less than 99.9%, the results of the DNA testing shall be considered as corroborative evidence.

If the value of the Probability of Paternity is 99.9% or higher, there shall be a disputable presumption of paternity.

If in the event that your case goes to Court, the admissibility of the results of the DNA testing you have obtained will follow the guidelines enunciated in the RULE ON DNA EVIDENCE A.M. No. 06-11-5-SC.(October 02, 2007). It states that in DNA paternity test, there is a result called the 'probability of parentage ". Probability of Parentage" means the numerical estimate for the likelihood of parentage of a putative parent compared with the probability of a random match of two unrelated individuals in a given population.

What is a mere corroborative evidence or disputable presumption in paternity testing?

If the DNA probability of paternity value is lower than 99.9%, it is a mere corroborative evidence.

Meaning, there are reasons to warrant the sus-

picion that your girlfriend falsified the truth on biological affiliation or that her information had been inaccurate. (On corroborative evidence discussion, see PP vs. JOEMARIE JALBONIAN alias "Budo, G.R. No. 180281, July 01, 2013).

If the value of the Probability of Paternity is 99.9% or higher, there shall be a disputable presumption of paternity. The DNA result of 99.9% as a Disputable presumption is satisfactory if uncontradicted but may be contradicted and overcome by other evidence (Rule 131 (ee), Section 3, Rules of Court, .2019 Amendments to the 1989 Rules on Evidence, AM No. 19-08-15SC).

Also, in Pp vs. RUFINO UMANITO,G.R. No. 172607 April 16, 2009, if the DNA result has a probability of parentage of 99.99% or higher, there is the presumption of paternity.

In the case of ARNEL L. AGUSTIN,petitioner, vs. CA AND MINOR MARTIN JOSE ...G.R. No. 162571, it was stressed, to quote, “For too long, illegitimate children have been marginalized by fathers who choose to deny their existence. The growing sophistication of DNA testing technology finally provides a much-needed equalizer for such ostracized and abandoned progeny. We have long believed in the merits of DNA testing and have repeatedly expressed as much in the past. This case comes at a perfect time when DNA testing has finally evolved into a dependable and authoritative form of evidence gathering. We, therefore, take this opportunity to forcefully reiterate our stand that DNA testing is a valid means of determining paternity. “ Therefore if the DNA laboratory issues a probability of parentage of 99.99% or higher, stop your quest.

You are truly the father.

But you also have to remember that “It is not flesh and blood, but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.” – Johann Friedrich Von Schiller.

You may send your questions to ibpdavao@ gmail.com.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

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BOGUS... FROM2

“And we hope more establishments in Davao Region will follow suit, so that the more travelers will recognize the region as a safe destination,” Kapulong said.

Meanwhile, Puyat said it is best to continue to receive awards to make Davao Region and the Philippines as first choice of the travelers when travel restrictions are lifted.

“In Davao, ang gaganda ng mga dive spots ninyo,

we were quite surprise that second year in a row nanalo tayo Philippine’s best dive destination kasi ibig sabihin top of mind talaga tayo at naghihintay na lang sila (travelers) na ma-lift ang travel restriction. Tuloytuloy pa rin ang pag receive ng mga awards ng Pilipinas.

May mga tourism attaches tayo all over the world and we are spreading the world lahat ng health and safety protocols ay nandito,” Puyat said. By Maya M. Padillo

health authorities have been directed to make regular schedule of surveillance swabbing in business and commercial establishments; public places, including, among others, wet markets, supermarkets, and stores; government

offices; private offices and agencies; closed facilities such as Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bahay Pag-asa, Home for the Aged, and orphanage; and other barangays and areas deemed high risk by the CHO.

PUV... FROM3

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER AND RELINQUISHMENT OF RIGHTS AND INTEREST

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late RAINERO BANTILES PILAPIL who died intestate on March 30, 2021 in Davao City consisting of a bank deposit at BDO, SM Savemore Davao Bangkal Branch has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with waiver and relinquishment of rights and interest of Cynthia Dejaro vda. De Pilapil and adjudicated to her son Renan D. Pilapil by means of a public instrument executed on April 19,2021 per Doc. No.295; Page No. 60, Book No. II Series of 2021 of the Notary Public Atty. Reni M. Dublin Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 12- Family Court Davao City

R-DVO-20-03396-SP FOR: ADOPTION OF MINOR

IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF THE MINOR ALSTON SEAN DOMINIC MANTUA SY,

DEOLINO CHIU SY, Petitioner x----------------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER

Petitioner filed a verified petition praying that he be allowed to adopt as his own child, ALSTON SEAN DOMINIC MANTUA SY, minor, who was born on March 7, 2006 in Cebu City, that the proposed adoptee is the biological child of Sarah Jane Mantua-Sy, the wife of herein petitioner, before their marriage on August 8, 2015; Petitioner further prays that Alston Sean Dominic Mantua Sy be declared as his legitimate son.

In the Manifestation filed by Social Welfare Officer II, Joel Paulino C. Caturan dated February 24, 2021, he favorably recommended the adoption of the said child by the petitioner.

Wherefore, let the petition be set for hearing on June 29, 2021 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon at which date and time, all persons concerned may appear to show cause, if any, why the prayer in thepetition shall not be granted.

The Preliminary Conference for the marking of exhibits on May 5, 2021 at 3:30 in the afternoon before the Branch Clerk of Court.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in Edge Davao, a newspaper of general circulation in the City and three (3) provinces of Davao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

Notify all parties concerned and the Solicitor General through this Order.

SO ORDERED Davao City, Philippines, February 24, 2021.

DANTE A. BAGUIO Presiding Judge

he or she will be arrested immediately.

She said a violator will pay for the swab testing

DAVAO... FROM2

to build a heritage site right within Barangay Mintal, known as “Little Tokyo,” where around 30,000 Japanese people lived before World War II. Although tourism activities are permitted in areas under modified general community

at the Davao Airport molecular laboratory and wait for the result. If tested negative, the erring flight quarantine (MGCQ), Puyat said the decision to open them up to domestic travelers would still remain with the local officials.

Davao City remains under GCQ and the rest of Davao Region under MGCQ until April 30. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT- SHERIFF Davao City

PHILIPPINE SAVING BANK (PSBank)

Mortgagee, -Versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,894-2021

CHURLETTE GUERRERO CHU AND SPS. ARLENE G. CHU & RULLITE T. CHU, Borrowers/Mortgagors X------------------------------------------------/

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK ( PSBank) against CHURLETTE GUERRERO CHU AND SPS. ARLENE G. CHU AND RULLITE T.CHU, with postal address at No. 15-B, Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Matina, Davao city and collateral address at Unit 5201 One Oasis Davao Condominium Building 5, Eco-West Drive, Ecoland, davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of March 16, 2021 amounted to PHP 3, 130, 555.81 plus accruing interest, penalty and other charges thereon from said date up to the date of foreclosure sale, publication, plus other legal expenses incident to the foreclosure sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao city will sell at public auction on May 13, 2021 at 10:00 A. M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao city to the highest bidder for CASH and/ or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all improvements found thereon, to wit: CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2018001420 “ SECOND FLOOR LEVEL: UNIT 5201- A RESIDENTIAL TYPE CONDOMINIUM UNIT AT ONE OASIS DAVAO BUILDING 5, SITUATED IN ECO-WEST DRIVE, ECOLAND DAVAO CITY, CONTAINING AN AREA OF FORTY TWO POINT EIGHTY ( 42.80) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. AT THE SECOND FLOOR LEVEL AND A BALCONY AREA OF TWO POINT EIGHTY ( 2.80 ) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS., AND A LEDGE AREA OF ONE POINT FIFTY SIX ( 1.56) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. XXX” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event that the public auction should not take place on the said date it shall be held on June 3, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title herein described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City Philipines, April 12, 2021.

For Atty. Francisco M. Campaner The OIC Clerk of Court/Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

SUNNY D. MAURILLO Sheriff IV

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 17, Davao City

SP. PROC.NO.R-DVO-16-01638-SP FOR: NATURALIZATION

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF DANIEL CAI GANG SHI A.K.A. DANIEL CHUA

Petitioner X---------------------------------------------------------X

ORDER Petitioner Cai Gang Shi a.k.a Daniel Chua, through legal counsel, filed a petition to be admitted as a citizen of the Philippines.

The Petition, inter alia, alleges. That the petitioner is of legal age, single and has no child; his full name in Chinese is Cai Gang Shi but is known here in the Philippines as Daniel Chua and a resident of No. 41 Juan dela Cruz St., Davao city; that he was born on March 31, 1970 in Fujian, China; he is single and has no child;he arrived by plane on board Philippine Airlines in Manila, Philippines on January 26, 1985; has been residing continuously in the Philippines for more than thirty one (31) years; he gainfully employed and engaged in business from which he derives an annual income of one hundred ninety – one thousand seven hundred eighty-eight (191,788.00) pesos, Philippine Currency and that he intends to present as his witness the persons of James A. Lao and Fe Dominque G. Zafra to substantiate the allegations in the Petition.

Finding the Petitioner in form and substance, it is hereby given due course.

The Petitioner is directed to Publish the petition for three (3) consecutive weeks in the Official Gazette and in newspaper of general circulation, as his expense.

Set the Petition for hearing on September 22, 2021 at 8:30 A.M. ordering all interested persons to appear on the said date and show cause, why this petition should not be granted.

Let this Oeder setting forth the hearing of the Petition be posted at the Bulletin Board of the hall of Justice, Davao City.

SO ORDERED Davao City Philippines, February 3, 2021.

EMMANUEL C. CARPIO Acting Presiding Judge

passenger will be brought to inquest immediately. If positive, they will be sent

to the isolation facility while the filing of the case will follow after discharge.

assistance of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in the campaign against colorum vehicles.

To avoid charges and fines, owners are urged to register their vehicles on time.

Cuerpo said the fines are hefty. Aside from being fined P10,000 for failure

to register, the owner will be charged with reckless driving and fined another P2,000.00 To register a motorcycle, the owner will need a registration fee of P1,300 only.

“So why risk paying fines of P12,000 by not registering it?” Cuerpo said.

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 4 PANABO CITY

SHERRY MAE PARROT

CIVIL CASE NO. CC 06 -2020

REP. BY LUZVIMINDA G. PARROT

FOR: ACCION REINVIDICATORIA

Plaintiff AND QUIETING OF TITLE WITH PRAYER FOR PRELIMINARY MANDATORY

-VERSUSINJUNCTION AND TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER VANESSA A. SITOY AND THE REGISTERED OF DEEDS OF DAVAO DEL NORTE, TAGUM CITY

Respondent x-----------------------------------------x

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

You, Vanessa A. Sitoy of new Washington Village, Maa, Davao City, are hereby required within Sixty (60) days from the last publication of this summons to file with this Court and serve on the petitioner your answer to the petition, a copy of which is attached together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBP-OCA. Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observed restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the answer. If you fail to file your answer within the time fixed, the petitioner will take judgment by default and maybe granted the relief applied for in the petition.

WITNESS THE HON. CARMEL GIL GRADO, Judge of this Court, this 13th day of October 2020 at Panabo City.

ATTY. ELMA A. TORMON Clerk of Court V

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION Branch 15, Davao city rtc1dav015@judiciary.gov.ph (082)298-3336 / 09236095058

SP. PROC. NO. R-DVO-20-03737-SP

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MARY JOY MALADI TANUTAN, PARTICULARLY UNDER COLUMN 16 (DATE AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE OF PARENTS) BY STRIKING OUT THE WORDS “MARCH 23, 1988-MARBEL, SOUTH COTABATO” AND REPLACING THE SAME WITH THE WORDS “NOT MARRIED”; AND, UNDER COLUMN 13 ( MIDDLE NAME OF FATHER)

BY STRIKING OUT THE WORD “COMBATER” AND REPLACING THE SAME WITH THE WORD, “COMBOCAR”, THE CORRECT ONE. MARY JOY MALADI TANUTAN Petitioner

-Versus –

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR’S OFFICE, DAVAO CITY PHILIPPINES Respondent. x-------------------------------------------x

ORDER

This is a verified petition to correct the entries in the Certficate of Live Birth of Mary Joy Maladi Tanutan bearing Registry No. 200217128.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the petition shall be heard on June 9, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. at the session hall of this Court , which date, hour and place, all interested persons are hereby cited to appear and show cause if they have any, why the petition should not be granted.

Let copy of this Order be published before the hearing date at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Davao once a week for (3) consecutive weeks. Furnish the Davao city Civil Registrar and the Solicitor General copies of this Order and Petition.

SO ORDERED Davao City Philippines, March 25, 2021.

MARIO C. DUAVES Presiding Judge

VOL.14 ISSUE 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

AboitizPower banks on performance improvements in pursuit of RE goals

H

edcor’s Ampohaw Hydro in Benguet, one of the company’s oldest facilities, is among the “legacy” plants still undergoing automation as part of AboitizPower’s thrust to improve operational performance across all its assets.

Aboitiz Power Corporation continues to ramp up efforts to improve the performance of its renewable energy facilities across the country, especially as it pursues a greater share of RE in its capacity mix by 2030.

AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said that while a majority of the company’s RE aspirations involve building or acquiring power plants, they want to make sure their existing assets continue to serve the RE needs of the country.

“We continuously look for ways to improve the performance of our Cleanergy plants in order to achieve our availability and reliability targets. This will be an important part of our operations as we work on our goal of achieving a 50:50 balance between our Cleanergy and thermal portfolios in the next 10 years,” he added.

True to this commit-

ment, AboitizPower’s runof-river hydropower unit Hedcor logged a total generation of 182 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the first quarter of 2021, breaking its own forecast of 123 million kWh for the covered period.

“Aside from the favorable weather conditions, Hedcor’s performance for the first quarter of 2021 is largely driven by our continued efforts to improve plant reliability,” Hedcor Vice President for Operations Rolando Pacquiao said.

Hedcor has consistently hit its monthly generation targets while powering some 76,000 households, mainly attributed to the steady improvements in Hedcor’s reliability performance, which includes ensuring high availability and maintaining low unplanned downtime hours.

Pacquiao said this entails continuous efforts to automate its legacy hydro plants in Luzon, as well as the integration of the Manolo Fortich Hydros in Bukidnon to the Mindanao Control Center, which will allow Hedcor to control all its plants across Mindanao from a single control room.

Hedcor’s automation initiatives include putting in place

systems aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety by minimizing the interaction between plant operators and the various machines, as well as enabling real-time monitoring to help them stay on top of their operations.

Compared to Hedcor’s first-quarter performance in the past five years, the group’s daily generation percentage was at its highest and most consistent in 2021. The hydropower firm logged an average daily generation percentage of 145.41 percent versus last year’s first-quarter figure of 80.99 percent.

This outstanding performance of Hedcor translates to a larger equivalent benefit that Hedcor’s host communities will reap, a part of which includes educational assistance, livelihood projects, health programs, and environmental initiatives.

Amid the pandemic, Hedcor ensures to meet the energy needs of the community through clean and renewable energy. In 2020, Hedcor recorded an annual generation of 957GWh, powering around 400,000 households year-round.

AboitizPower envisions a 50:50 balance between its renewable and thermal

portfolios by 2030, further growing its Cleanergy capacity along the way in an effort to help build the country’s RE market and contribute to the global RE goals.

About AboitizPower AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.

The company is one of the largest power producers in the Philippines with a balanced portfolio of assets located across the country. It is a major producer of Cleanergy, its brand for clean and renewable energy with several hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar power generation facilities.

It also has thermal power plants in its generation portfolio to support the baseload and peak energy demands of the country.

The company also owns distribution utilities that operate in high-growth areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including the second and third largest private

utilities in the country.

Currently, AboitizPower, together with its partners, is the Philippines’ largest owner and operator of renewable energy based on installed capacity. In the next 10 years, the company will significantly expand its Cleanergy portfolio, in support of the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy in the country and as the company’s contribution to the global renewable energy targets. AboitizPower is aiming for an almost 50:50 Cleanergy and thermal capacity mix by 2030.

For further queries on this Press Release, please contact:

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VOL.14 ISSUE 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

AFFIRMATION... FROMA1

cal and monetary policies will boost growth for some time,” it said.

The latest rating action on the country was announced on the same day when the government successfully issued EUR2.1 billion multi-tenor global bond.

Asked when the ideal period for the government’s next foreign debt offering is, Ravelas said

“now is the best time” for the government to do a US dollar-denominated bond offering because yield of the 10-year US Treasury has declined from a high of 1.79 percent to around 1.55 percent to 1.56 percent.

“It’s nice to be prepared for any contingencies amid the lingering challenges of the health crisis,” he added.

(PNA)

activity.

Meanwhile, as the country observes public participation in recovery efforts through the community pantries that are sprouting in various regions of the country, DA Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, in a Thursday radio interview, said that donors can also purchase from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’

(BFAR) Oplan Isda which also resembles the office’s Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita fisheries products.

Similarly, fish producers are linked to retailers who buy in bulk.

Currently, BFAR works with two cooperatives buying fisheries produce in bulk and will be distributed to sellers or donors who wish to distribute to community pantries, Caballero said. (PNA)

and Employment Assistant Secretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay has encouraged displaced OFWs to look into employment opportunities provided by the government.

The NERS task force will be holding an online job fair on May 1, Labor

Day. Tutay said the government does not take away Filipinos’ rights to explore employment abroad.

However, border restrictions in other countries prevent OFWs from going back to their jobs, she added. (PNA)

protocols— will assure customers that it is safe to be in that establishment,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said during a virtual presser.

According to the JMC, establishments can apply for safety seal certification in the following issuing authorities: --DOT for primary tourism enterprises such as hotels, resorts, apartment hotels, and other accredited accommodation establishments; travel and tours services; meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) venues and facilities; and restaurants inside hotels and resorts; --DOLE for manufacturing, construction sites, utilities, information and communication companies, and warehouses; --DTI for groceries, supermarkets, and membership shopping clubs; convenience stores; construction supply and hardware stores; outlets of logistics service providers; barbershops and salons; and ser-

vice and repair shops; and --local government units for malls; wet markets; other retail stores; restaurants outside hotels and resorts, fast food, eateries, and coffee shops; banks, money changers, pawnshops, and remittance centers; car wash; laundry service centers; art galleries, libraries, museums, and zoo; sports centers; tutorial, testing, and review centers; gyms; spas; cinemas; arcades; and all other private establishments Aside from business establishments, government offices are also urged to secure a safety seal from the DILG, or the Philippine National Police.

The safety seal is valid for six months upon the issuance date, except for tourism enterprises which is given a one-year validity period.

An establishment should renew the certification one month before the expiration of the safety seal. (PNA)

and its nearby provinces went under the strictest quarantine level, the number of businesses closed rose to 15% from 4% when the area was under general community quarantine.

Due to less strict modified ECQ, Clavesillas said

only 13% of enterprises closed down.

Meanwhile, the DOLE is conducting a nationwide online job fair on May 1.

Tutay said there are around 18,000 vacancies from 488 employers nationwide are available in the job fair.

DA... FROMA1

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JAPANESE... FROMA1 strong macroeconomic fundamentals ahead of the pandemic have enabled the government to accelerate spending on urgent and necessary programs to save lives and keep the economy afloat.”

“With a manageable debt profile, a steady revenue stream brought about by tax reform, and the continued practice of fiscal prudence, the government is confident it will not run out of resources in waging the protracted battle against the Covid-19 crisis,” he said.

Dominguez said as R&I itself has acknowledged, the government is committed to pursue the remaining reforms in its socioeconomic agenda even if it remains preoccupied with the challenges of the pandemic --and this resolve will let the Philippines return soon enough to its pre-pandemic path of high and inclusive growth.

For Dominguez, the Duterte administration’s commitment to economic reform and recovery has been proven by, among others, the enactment of stimulus measures like CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises) and FIST (Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer), as well as its push for investor-friendly bills pending in the Congress, such as the proposed amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA), Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), and Foreign Investments

Act (FIA).

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno also welcomed the rating decision by R&I saying: “The Philippines once again earned an important vote of confidence on its ability to bounce back from the Covid-19 crisis, with R&I’s affirmation of the country’s BBB+ rating with a ‘stable’ outlook.

“With the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the tailend of the crisis is proving to be extra challenging.

Nevertheless, we do not see a permanent dent on our macroeconomic fundamentals, and we can head back to our growth path post-Covid,” he said.

Diokno said inflation, although seen to slightly breach the target range this year, will ease to within the 2 to 4-target band next year.

Moreover, the banking sector has kept the impact of the crisis manageable and remains well capable of helping support economic recovery and growth through credit, he said.

“The favorable inflation outlook and stable banking system, plus the speed of financial digitalization happening in the economy, are good reasons to be confident about the Philippines’ medium and longterm growth prospects,” he added.

R&I positively viewed the increase in government spending and budget deficit in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, adding the

country’s fiscal situation remains manageable.

Compared with the pre-pandemic fiscal program of a 3-percent budget deficit-to-GDP ratio, the budget gap of the national government widened to 7.6 percent of GDP last year amid the government’s funding of Covid-response measures.

Moreover, the government’s debt is estimated to rise to 57 percent of GDP this year, up from 39 percent in 2019.

“R&I does not view this as a major issue at this juncture because of a comfortable funding condition backed by ample domestic liquidity and the prospect of peaking-out of the debt ratio within one to two years,” R&I said.

Dominguez earlier said the government is keen to keep the debt ratio below 60 percent, thereby striking the right balance between supporting economic growth and maintaining fiscal discipline.

R&I also recognized the strength of the country’s external accounts, which serve as buffers against external shocks.

“The overall balance of payments is positive and foreign reserves are greater than external debt,” it said. “R&I therefore considers the risk associated with the external position to be limited.”

The debt watcher lauded the Philippines’ reform agenda. It cited the enactment of vital laws, which are seen to aid recovery

and provide long-term benefits for the economy, and the push for bills seeking to liberalize many business sectors of the country.

President Rodrigo Duterte last month signed into law CREATE, a landmark measure that cuts corporate income tax by as much as 10 percent and rationalizes the fiscal incentives system.

It is meant to help enterprises recover from the impact of the pandemic and to boost the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

Earlier this year, the President also signed into law the FIST bill, which will help banks dispose of bad assets via asset management companies and help ensure maintenance of banking system stability.

With R&I’s latest rating decision on the Philippines, the country has so far been able to maintain all of its investment grade credit ratings with regional and international debt watchers—despite a wave of negative credit rating actions globally in light of the pandemic.

The favorable assessment from R&I and other credit rating agencies bodes well for the Philippines’ ability to continue accessing financing at affordable cost. This is important more so at this time of crisis, as the government is able to raise funds for its COVID response programs at relatively low interest rates. (PR)

ings in Central Visayas have grown by 9 percent while Western Visayas opportunities jumped 44 percent, and the Davao region saw a 26-percent increase, it said.

In Cebu, for example, call center, IT-enabled services and Business Process Outsourcing are considered the top industries in terms of job opportunities, followed by manufacturing and production, health care and medical, education as well as construction, building and engineering, the jobs portal said.

The average monthly salary for the province is at P31,487, it said.

In Davao, the average salary is at P28,500 with

call center, IT and BPOs as the top industries, followed by health care, education, food and beverage, catering and restaurants as well as retail and merchandise.

Top industries for Iloilo, meanwhile, are healthcare and medical, call center, IT and BPO, education, construction and food and beverage, with salaries averaging at P27,370.

As flexible arrangements allow talents to work for firms in Manila while staying in the provinces, salaries are also likely to become more competitive in the countryside, Jobstreet senior sales manager Ryan Tordesillas said.

Jobstreet is also dispelling the notion that the online portal is limited to

the National Capital Region, he said.

“This is our effort to communicate better to our kababayan in the province.

For the longest time, the perception has been for NCR. For Metro Manila. By going hyperlocal we aim to connect better and say there are jobs for you in the province,” he said.

The coronavirus pandemic, and the mobility restrictions it entails, has paved the way for companies and employees to embrace flexible work arrangements.

With the evolution of the WFH setup, firms in various provinces have also expanded their offerings,

Jobstreet said.

Gioca said they are looking at opening more microsites for other provinces such as Pampanga and Cavite.

At least 4.2 million Filipinos were jobless in February, according to the Philippine Statistics Authorities’ Labor Force Survey. Many Filipinos have also lost their jobs as businesses trims operations, temporarily close and even fold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The jobs portal announced it would hold a virtual job fair on May 1 to 3 in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

in this all-important third, and perhaps final bout, it could position him into breaking back into the top five in his division. It’s an opportunity Folayang is not taking lightly, and the 37-year-old martial arts veteran is completely focused on doing whatever is necessary to get the win.

“It’s always an honor to share the cage with legends. That in itself has

added a lot of motivation for me to succeed. This is one of the most important bouts of my career, so I’m really focused on claiming the victory,” said Folayang.

“I know the fans will always be behind me no matter what, and for that I am very grateful. I will do my best to get my hands raised when all is said and done.”

old opponent’s first service game and repeated the feat for a 5-1 lead in the opener.

His only blip was when he was broken as he served for the match at 5-2 in the second set.

However, it was a brief respite for world number 47 Kecmanovic who handed back the break in the next game allowing the top seed to complete a 75-minute win.

“I think personally I’m feeling very well on court, moving well, hitting the

ball well and, of course, enjoying the home court advantage,” Djokovic said.

“So I’m really excited to go out in the semi-finals on the court again tomorrow.”

Tennis: Djokovic wins record-extending 9th Australian Open title Djokovic, who captured an 18th Grand Slam title in Australia in February, opened his clay court campaign in Monaco last week where he suffered a surprise last-16 loss to Britain’s Dan Evans

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 35• SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2021

B2

Former ONE lightweight champion Eduard“Landslide”Folayang wants impress his Pinoy fans in the US.

Folayang wants to put on a show for Pinoys fans in US

F

ormer ONE lightweight champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang wants to put together a spectacular performance in his next fight to make his fellow Filipinos who are based in the US happy.

Folayang will be facing fellow former lightweight titleholder Shinya

“Tobikan Judan” Aoki in a highly anticipated trilogy bout at ONE on TNT IV,

which will be broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore

Novak Djokovic removes his protective face mask before his third round match at the ATP Masters 1000, Monte Carlo Masters on April 15 at Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France. Reuters

on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).

The event will air on US primetime and Folayang is excited to showcase his skills to a wide American audience.

“It’s an added motivation for me. I have many friends and fellow kababayans in the United States who are eager to watch me fight. I’m proud to get the

chance to compete in front of American fans as well.

It’s an important event and fight, for sure,” said Folayang.

The last time Folayang was in the US was after he first captured the lightweight belt in 2016. “Landslide” toured the country, meeting fans at various locations.

“Many fans and peo-

ple wanted to see me. It was a great feeling to receive that love and support. When they heard I was there for a visit, they came out and gave me a very warm welcome. A lot of Filipinos dropped by to say hello,” said Folayang.

If Folayang can get past Aoki, who currently ranks No. 4 at lightweight,

World No.1 Novak Djokovic said Friday he hoped it would not become compulsory for players to be vaccinated against coronavirus and insisted he won’t reveal whether he will opt for a jab.

“I am still a supporter of freedom of choice,” Djokovic said after reaching the semi-finals of the ATP tournament in Belgrade.

It was in the Serbian capital last summer where Djokovic, as well as a number of other players, tested positive for COVID-19 after organizing a controversial

exhibition event.

Tennis: No fans in stands: Nadal, Djokovic miss the ‘energy’ On whether or not he will be vaccinated to guarantee entry to tournaments, 33-year-old Djokovic refused to commit himself.

“I will keep my decision to myself, I think it’s a private, intimate thing. I do not want to be labelled as someone who is for or against vaccination.”

“I hope it does not become compulsory.”

Tennis: Djokovic to

host Serbia tournament a year after COVID-19 fiasco On court, Djokovic stayed on course for a third Belgrade title with a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 quarterfinal win over compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic.

Djokovic, the 2009 and 2011 champion at the event which is played at a venue which carries his name, will face either Russia’s Aslan Karatsev or Gianluca Mager of Italy for a place in the final.

In their first meeting, Djokovic broke his 21-year-

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Djokovic hopes COVID-19 jabs will not be compulsory

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DAVAO 8 EDGE SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

BIG, BAD HOOPS

VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 VOL.14 VOL.14 VOL.14 ISSUE ISSUE ISSUE 3535 35• • SUNDAY-MONDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL APRIL 25-26, 25-26, 2021 2021

Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and DHSUD Secretary Eduardo del Rosario lead the ground breaking ceremony for the Balai Filipino Housing Project in Calinan on April 16, 2021. Also in the photo are officials of Vista Land and Bria Homes and the city government of Davao.

Aussie’s physical basketball will toughen Kai

K Providing Dabawenyos ai Sotto will be introduced to a very physical Aussie-brand basketball when he struts his wares in the National Basketball League (NBL) for the Adelaide 36ers.

affordable homes The 7-3 beanpole is aiming to elevate his game to a new level and boost his stock for a future NBA draft.

“I really have to get stronger,” Sotto told reporters in a media roundtable on Wednesday, after he announced that he is headed to By MAYA M.forPADILLO Australia to play the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League (NBL).

File photo shows Pia Cayetano elieving that affordable housing Height is not an Senator issue for the Filipino during a now cereteenager who is amonial necessity, the Department FBIG, P10 of kickoff

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Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has partnered with Vista Land and its affiliate Bria Homes, Inc. and the city government of Davao for the development of Balai Calinan that will shelter, protect and nurture Dabawenyo occupants.

With an estimated cost of about about P250 million, the developers (Vista Land and Bria Homes) will lead the land development of the 12.1hectare raw land located in Brgy. Talomo River, Calinan District, Davao City. This includes the construction of roads, drainage, water and electrical facilities while the house construction will be undertaken by the city government of Davao.

Recipients of the

Balai Calinan Project will be those qualified beneficiaries identified by the LGU based on the eligibility requirements provided by the city.

It is common knowledge that providing affordable housing is among priorities of city officials and to achieve this, they are looking for experienced, qualified developers that can help them solve this problem.

Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who

led the ground breaking ceremony for the Balai Filipino Housing Project in Calinan on April 16, 2021, commended Vista Land for doing something for the Dabawenyos.

He said the project will provide affordable and quality housing opportunities to Dabawenyos.

He said the city government is committed to strengthening its housing program.

“This new development will soon provide comfortable and safe homes for Dabawenyos. We shall continue to strengthen our housing programs in the city by building more communities that are livable and affordable to all,” he said.

The ceremony was graced by Talomo River Barangay Captain Analiza Dayot Paglas, Atty. Miguel Palma Gil, regional director of DHSUD-Davao; DHSUD

Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, and Roy Ryan Rigor, assistant city planning and development coordinator and zoning administrator.

Balai Calinan is the second Balai Filipino Project of Vista Land Group in Davao City. The first project is located in Lasang and has been completed and turned over already last December 2020.

Balai Filipino Project is a multi-stakeholder partnership platform of the DHSUD and key shelter agencies with the private sector and the local government units and the communities aimed at expanding access to housing opportunities by accelerating housing production and enhancing housing affordability especially for low income groups and ensuring livability and sustainability of human settlements delivered through direct and indirect assistance.

DHSUD Secretary Eduardo del Rosario

Kai Sotto competes against Argentina during the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Greece.

File photo. FIBA.basketbal

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