Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 48 | Tuesday, May 11, 2021

COSMETIC INGREDIENTS FROM MANGO LEAVES DISCOVERED HEALTH P9 VOL.14 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

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Pedestrians look at the perspective view of a mall and a condominium that will be built at the former NCCC mall site in Ma-a, Davao City. The former mall was destroyed by fire in December 23, 2017. Edge Davao

SENIOR MOMENT

City starts inoculation of senior citizens STORY ON PAGE 2

STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

SENIOR MOMENT Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio mandates intesifying the inspection at the entry points of Davao City following the attack in Datu Paglas last week. Edge Davao

City starts inoculation of senior citizens

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he city government of Davao will start the Covid-19 inoculation of senior citizens on Tuesday (May 11, 2021).

Davao City Health Office (CHO) acting head Dr. Ashley Lopez clarified that this will be a scheduled vaccination activity that will be held at SM Lanang Premier and Matina Aplaya Elementary School and that the list of

the vaccinees will be based on the registration from the District Health Centers.

“They will receive advice as to when and where to go.

Scheduled ni, dili ni open or for walk-in. Way limit up to 300 maximum per day

kay mag-times 2 ang tawo tungod sa chaperons or helpers,” Lopez said.

The city is targeting to inoculate 120,000 senior citizens.

Meanwhile, inoculation at SM Lanang Premier starts at 10 a.m. in the cinema hallway.

Based on the mall’s statement, there are about 250 pre-registered/ identified senior citizens

60 years old and above (category A2) expected to receive the vaccines.

SM works closely with the city to ensure that health protocols are followed during the activity.

SM Supermalls supports the efforts of the government in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic by providing safe spaces for vaccination efforts

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Guv Bautista opposes construction of PNP facility, housing in JAS town

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he provincial government of Davao Occidental has strongly opposed the proposed construction of a Philippine National Police (PNP) training facility and a housing project inside the ancestral domain of the Manobo and B’laan tribes in Barangay Kalbay, Jose Abad Santos (JAS).

Gov. Claude Bautista in an interview said the proposed project was

initiated by Gregorio Day, who claimed to be Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, after he donated a total of 30 hectares of land in the area for the purpose.

In a letter sent to the Office of the PNP’s Director for Human Resource and Doctrine Development, Maj. Gen. Bartolome Bustamante in Camp Crame,Quezon City on April 23, 2021, Day claimed that he is the holder

of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) of Manobo and B’laan Tribe in the municipality of JAS which covers 72,000 hectares.

Day said that the construction of the project in the area is necessary to protect and promote the interest and well-being of the members of the tribes as well as maintenance of peace and order in the community.

Bautista, however, argued that lands under ancestral domain are owned by members of the tribal community. In this case, he said Mr. Day has no legal personality to donate the land since he does not possess the legitimate title of the land nor possess the title of Provincial Chieftain of Manobo and B’laan tribes.

Bautista said Day cannot give what he does

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Voters’ registration extension beyond September 30 unlikely

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he Commission on Elections (Comelec) is unlikely to extend the nationwide registration period beyond the September 30, 2021 deadline as there are other things to prepare aside from the voters’ list.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said on Sunday that there are more preparations to be done for the May 2022 national polls and they cannot just focus

on the registration.

“Unfortunately, its’s not likely to have it extended because the day after the close of registration, the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy will commence, which means we have to start preparing for election day documents, what we call project of precincts, and the only way we can start doing that is if we close the voters’ registration,” he said during

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Mindanao’s COVID cases breach 70,000; Davao City tops overall

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OVID-19 cases across Mindanao’s 27 provinces and 33 cities have breached the 70,000mark since the pandemic struck last year, with Davao City recording the highest overall but Zamboanga City tops in active cases.

As of May 8, Davao City recorded a total of 14,824 cases, almost twice the number of Zamboanga City’s 7,462. But according to the Department of Health’s Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in the Davao region, Davao

City has only 455 active cases while Zamboanga City has 2,073, according to the Zamboanga Task Force COVID-19.

Of 14,824 cases in Davao City, 13,671 are recoveries and 698 are deaths. Of 7,462 cases in Zamboanga City, 5,102 are recoveries and 287 are deaths.

Four variants of SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 — from UK (B.1.1.7), from South Africa (B.1351), from Brazil (P.1) and from the Philippines

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

NEWS 3

The city government of Davao will start the scheduled Covid-19 inoculation of the senior citizens today (May 11, 2021) at SM Lanang Premier and Matina Aplaya Elementary School and that the list of the vaccinees will be based on the registration from the District Health Centers. Photo from the FB account of SM Lanang Premier

MNR inspects seven new city ambulances

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ayor Michelle Rabat, together with the City Health Office headed by Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan Jr, inspected the newly-purchased seven ambulances which are set for Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services today, May 8.

“The new ambulances will be a huge help for the City Health Office and City Disaster Risk Management Office to give quick emergency response to the people of Mati City,” Mayor Michelle said.

Mayor Michelle also said in her message during the inspection that the City of Mati LGU will provide another ambulance to CHO anytime soon.

As of now, the City of

Mati LGU owns seven new ambulance and it will be assigned to all barangays including the far-flung barangays like Lanca, Luban, and Cabuaya. The total budget for the new seven units of ambulance is P20M. Tamisan Barangay Captain Sammy Rodriguez also provided an ambulance to CHO which they can use and assign it in Tamisan.

Congressman Mayo Almario, Councilors Cheeno Almario and Roger Pabio also donated one D4D Toyota vehicle earlier in the year for additional support in the emergency response services of the city.

According to Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan Jr, the ambulances were just campaign

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DavOcc guv to ban treasure hunting

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avao Occidental Governor Claude Bautista will propose the banning of treasure hunting activities in the province to further protect its ancestral lands.

In an interview over the weekend, Bautista said he deemed the ban necessary after a reported treasure hunting activity in Barangay Kalbay, Jose Abad Santos (JAS) recently.

Bautista said the treasure hunting activity is “not a good idea” especially that the province is strictly monitoring the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.

“We will not allow other people to come in and conduct such activity.

It might harm the people of Davao Occidental,” he added.

Bautista said Desiderio

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SEC-Davao warns public on unregistered investment

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Davao has warned the public not to put money into MER’S Business Center as it does not have a permit and registration as a corporation or partnership.

SEC-Davao has issued a public warning on May 6, 2021, after receiving information that individuals or group of persons representing MER’S Business Center headed by Reynaldo Abing Camingawan and Roger

Abing Camingawan are inviting the public to invest in the said entity.

The advisory stated that MER’S Business Center offers an investment scheme to the public through its so-called “Contractual Joint Venture Agreement” where

members or business partners are promised 30 percent monthly interest for one year or 360 percent in 12 months renewable for another 12 months after its expiration.

These investment plans have been offered in MER’S Business Center branches and satellite offices, which are made known to the public through Facebook Live posts/videos

by Roger Camingawan in his Facebook pages “Roger Camingawan” and “Isumbong mo

kay Kapartner Roger Camingawan,” as well as in the YouTube Channel “Kapartner Mo Channel”.

Records of SEC-Davao show that MER’S Business Center has been issued a Certificate of Business Name Registration on December 23, 2020 by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with Business Name No. 2363068 under the name of its owner, Reynaldo Abing Camingawan.

However, MER’S is not authorized to solicit

on top of the fence of the site. The new mall is being projected to be bigger than the previous mall.

Lim also affirmed that the NCCC Group of Companies is still partnering with DMCI Homes for the construction of a new shopping mall with a condominium in their 3-hectare property in Ma-a, which was razed by fire in December 2017.

DMCI Homes has also built NCCC Buhangin Mall.

It can be recalled that homegrown New City Commercial Corp. (NCCC) has purchased the city’s iconic shopping mall Victoria Plaza and will be developing it into a mixed-use complex with residential and hotel components.

In an interview with NCCC Malls Sharlene Faye

A. Lim, president of NCCC Malls, in 2019 said they are planning to build eight buildings in the nine-hectare property, including a five-star hotel through a joint venture deal.

The existing shopping mall will be retained and renovated, and possibly additional floors will be constructed if the foundation permits. By Maya M. Padillo

FSEC-DAVAO, P10

Construction works for a new NCCC mall, condo underway

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afayette A. Lim, chief executive officer of the NCCC Group of Companies, announced on Monday that construction works have already commenced for a new NCCC shopping mall with a condominium at its former site in Ma-a, Davao City.

Billboards of the perspective view of the new mall were already placed

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

Dozens of secondhand shoes are sold at the sidewalk along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City over the weekend. Edge Davao

PH agri production T contracts 3.3% in Q1 T

COVID-19 vax essential for MSME recovery, says PDRF

he Philippines’ agricultural output contracted by 3.3% in the first three months of the year to mark the second consecutive quarter of declines, the statistics bureau reported Monday.

Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the value of agricultural production fell to P421.448 billion in the first quarter at constant 2018 prices.

This compares with the P492.810 billion in

the fourth quarter of 2020 (-3.8%) and the P443.602 billion in the same quarter last year (-1.7%).

“This was due to the reduction in the livestock and poultry production,” the PSA said in an accompanying statement.

Livestock production,

which accounted for 14.2% in the total output, plunged by 23.2% in the quarter.

Hog production declined by 25.8%.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier blamed the African swine fever (ASF) for the decline in supply of pork in Metro Manila.

President Rodrigo Duterte last month signed Executive Order 128 which lowers the tariff rate for imported pork meat within the minimum access

volume (MAV).

The measure provides that fresh, chilled, or frozen pork imports are taxed 5% for the first three months upon effectivity and 10% for the fourth to 12 months.

Prior to this, tariffs were set at 30% to 40%.

Meanwhile, poultry production slipped by 7.4% to account for 13.3% of the total output, as chicken production was reduced by 11.2%.

Crop production rose by

FPH AGRI, P10

he Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), through Projects SIKAP and T3, highlighted the importance of vaccines to the recovery of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during a recent online forum which tackled COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Attended by more than 350 participants from all over the country, the webinar, “Bakunang Ligtas, Negosyong Bukas: Championing MSME Health and Safety” was the first part of an online series focusing on MSME resilience beyond the pandemic.

A panel of speakers from the Department of Health

(DOH) Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, DOH Field Implementation and Coordination Team, and the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Disease addressed questions and concerns particularly about the prioritization of vaccines and timelines of the national vaccination program. According to DOH, the new, detailed breakdown of priority group A4 now includes different industries such as manufacturing, food, retail, hotel and accommodations, education, telecoms, and other utilities.

PDRF President Butch Meily reiterated that having vaccines available

investments.

“ADB caters to one of the most vulnerable regions in the world in terms of impact of climate change and environmental degradation. Yet in the past few decades, the bank opted to help build now thriving carbon-intensive energy systems in its member countries” said Gerry Arances, covenor of

P4P. He added, “Dirty energy projects have cost the health, lives, and livelihood of many people in communities, and rendered the prospects of limiting global temperature rise to the 1.5°C Paris goal.”

Arances is also the executive director of Quezon City-based think-

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Fuel prices set Groups urge ADB: Be a bank for to go up today sustainable Asian development

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otorists should brace for higher pump prices of petroleum products in the coming week as oil companies are expected to hike their prices.

In its fuel price forecast for May 11 to 17 trading week, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said the price per liter may go up by

P0.60 to P0.70.

Gasoline prices are also expected to increase

by P0.60 to P0.70 per liter.

Fuel firms usually announce price adjustments every Monday to be effective on the following day.

Effective May 4, oil companies implemented

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embers of civil society and green energy groups led by the Power for People Coalition (P4P) and multi-national coalition NGO Forum on ADB trooped to the Asian Development Bank headquarters in Mandaluyong on Wednesday -- the last day of the Annual Meeting of the ADB -- challenging the bank to end support for

dirty energy projects.

Protesters, with mockups of emergency lights on vans, and clothed in personal protective equipment (PPE), held an emergency-themed event highlighting the bank’s role in bringing about the climate emergency and ecological challenges in the region for financing fossil fuel and other dirty energy

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VOL.14 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

ECONOMY

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Dabawenyo businessman Dennis Uy’s Udenna Group’s gaming and hospitality subsidiary, PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc., inks a letter of intent (LOI) with a potential Japanese junket operator for its integrated resort in Mactan, Cebu.

MSMEs urged to protect IP amid Covid pandemi

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icro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with protected intellectual property (IP) and positive branding strategies have defied store closures and revenue losses that marked the first pandemic year, according to industry stakeholders.

“Through e-commerce, MSMEs can reach out to more potential consumers not only within the country but also within international markets. E-commerce not only became a means for businesses to keep afloat during the pandemic but, in some cases, even helped MSMEs expand their markets,” Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Special Concerns and Trade Promotions Group Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman said in a statement.

However, Macatoman acknowledged that with opportunity comes risks, particularly that of unfair competition from copycats once creations and products of MSMEs are out in the open.

Latest estimates by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development show that imported fake goods are at USD509 billion as of 2016, about 3.3 percent of total trade that year.

Figures are expected to have spiked due to corona-virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and the accelerated e-commerce

adoption.

In the Philippines alone, IPOPHL reported counterfeiting and piracy reports and complaints surging to 121 in 2020, surpassing the 100 reports and complaints that IPOPHL received from 2016 to 2019 which even took into account all types of infringement.

“IP stands as a protective guard to the activities in the e-commerce arena… As such, IP protection must be at the forefront of MSME business strategies more than ever,” Macatoman added.

As companies reexamine where to best steer their efforts and spending in the new normal, experts underscored how IP registration and enforcement are some areas that can help them grow faster and realize their longterm ambitions.

“We need to make sure that there’s an IP protection budget for companies who are bigger and even for MSMEs like me,” Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, founderchairman of Philippine Fashion Coalition, said in a recent IP forum.

She said IP protection is crucial especially for those venturing into different markets through e-commerce, which she encouraged MSMEs to pursue amid exploding growth in online trade.

In 2019, global e-commerce sales jumped to USD26.7 trillion, up 4 percent from 2018.

PH economy likely contracted 5% in Q1

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he Philippine economy possibly contracted again in the first quarter as the jobs market, demand, borrowing and other indicators remain “repressed,” an economist said Monday.

Gross domestic product could be at -5 percent in Q1, IBON Foundation economist Sonny Africa told ANC. This would be the fifth straight quarter of negative growth for the economy.

“We’re expecting the first-quarter GDP figures to actually to be at least -5

percent and hopefully not worse. Our main assumption there is that we’re not seeing an improving jobs market, domestic demand is still very repressed, interest rates are at a record low but no one is really borrowing or investing,” Africa said.

“I think that’s important

because we won’t get a fighting chance of even just 4 to 5 percent GDP growth for the whole year if we do worse than -5 percent contraction for the first quarter,” he added.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretay Karl Kendrick Chua earlier also said that the country was not likely to post positive growth until the second quarter.

The economy dropped 9.6 percent in 2020, its worst since the end of World War 2.

he operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific has secured some $250 million from the issuance of convertible bonds to private equity investors, the company announced Monday.

In a regulatory filing, Cebu Air Inc. said the investments were in the form of convertible bonds, coming from IFC, the IFC Emerging Asia Fund managed by the IFC Asset

Management Company, and Indigo Partners which is focused on worldwide investments in air transportation.

Cebu Air said the investment will provide the company with a longer liquidity runway to boost its buffers to withstand the effects of the pandemic until economic activity and travel demand recover.

“We view Indigo, IFC, and IFC Emerging Asia Fund

not only as capital providers also long-term partners in driving improvements in the business, as well as accelerating our sustainability agenda,” said Cebu Air president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei.

“This will further strengthen CEB as we recover, so we may continue fulfilling our commitment to improve the lives of people in the communities we serve for a long time to come,” he

The country should watch out for agriculture and construction figures as a large contraction in these sectors are a “sign of more problems down the road,” he said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said the country’s agricultural output contracted at an annual pace of 3.3 percent in the first quarter due to a reduction in livestock and poultry production.

Signs of positive growth

added.

Commercial air travel to and from Metro Manila was restricted from March 2020 and only resumed in June last year, after the easing of the community quarantine.

Cebu Pacific, along with other carriers Air Asia and Philippine Airlines, earlier appealed for the government to provide P8.6 billion in assistance to the airline industry given losses incurred during the period.

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Cebu Pacific operator secures $250M from convertible bonds T

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

On the Covid-19 inoculation of senior citizens in Davao City: They will receive advice as to when and where to go.

Scheduled ni, dili ni open or for walk-in. Way limit up to 300 maximum per day kay mag-times 2 ang tawo tungod sa chaperons or helpers.

DR. ASHLEY LOPEZ

ACTING DAVAO CITY HEALTH OFFICER (CHO

EDITORIAL The joys and woes of bike lanes It’s a good thing that this early city authorities are making a conscious effort to incorporate management of bicycle lanes in Davao City’s Traffic Code.

As of last report, bike lanes have been established in 27 city streets, and still counting. The number suggests that the city must be proactive in managing bike lanes before the problems that they spawn become monstrous.

Let’s get a proper perspective of bike lanes to be able to act properly. Let’s first consider both the advantages and disadvantages as listed by Wikipedia.

The advantages are: 1. Safety improvement for bikers 2. Will encourage using bikes more often 3. Dedicated bike lanes may enable people to commute to work by bike 4. People have to worry less about injuries 5. Makes the use of cars less attractive 6. Bikers may interfere less with pedestrians 7. Bike lanes may allow you to drive faster 8. Good for tourists who want to explore the city 9. Better air quality 10. Less particle pollution 11. Less smog 12. May slow down global warming 13. Good for the environment On the other hand, the disadvantages are: 1. Less space for cars

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The advantages are awesome and very encouraging suggesting we should establish more bike lanes, while listed disadvantages are instructive on the side of caution.

We can rhapsodize on the bike lanes established by many countries ahead of us, but it will be a big mistake to ignore the bitter lessons that the pioneers have learned, especially when it comes to loss of lives and limbs.

Consider this. There have been 35,000 cycling deaths around the world as of August 2018.

In other countries, bike lanes have been elevated as a safety measure.

In the Philippines, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said, establishing more protected bike lanes can help ease public transport pressures. This is crucial in jump-starting the country’s economy which has contracted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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 ANA MARIE G. SILPAO 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

2. Increasing imprudence of bikers 3. The attention of car drivers may also decrease 4. Car drivers may get annoyed 5. More traffic jams 6. Longer commuting times for cars 7. May be unnecessary in some places 8. Only few of people uses bicycles 9. Extent subject to the discretion of policymakers 10. Plenty of planning required 11. Bike lanes can be costly 12. May also be used by motorbikes 13. Improper design may do more harm than good.

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)

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VOL.14 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

SINOPHARM NOW AUTHORIZED FOR EMERGENCY USE Last May 3, President Rodrigo R. Duterte was vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It was Health Secretary Francisco Duque III himself who administered the Sinopharm-developed vaccine.

The Sinopharm vaccine is produced by Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd, subsidiary of China National Biotec Group (CNBG).

Instead of being lauded, Duterte was criticized on social media as the vaccine he was inoculated “has yet to secure an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”

During his nationally televised address, the president apologized. “Well, we are sorry that we committed the things that you are criticizing us for.

We accept responsibility. I myself had been vaccinated. Well, it’s the decision of my doctor.

Anyway, it’s my life.”

As a result of this faux pas, he ordered to return the remainder of the 1,000 doses donated

by China. He told the Chinese ambassador to withdraw all Sinopharm vaccines. “Do not send Sinopharm here so that there

would be no trouble,” he said.

On May 7, the Geneva-based World Health Organization issued a press statement that it listed Sinopharm for emergency use, paving the green light for the vaccine to be rolled out globally.

“The addition of this vaccine has the potential to rapidly accelerate COVID-19 vaccine access for countries seeking to protect health workers and populations at risk,” said Dr Mariângela Simão, WHO Assistant-Director General for Access to Health Products. “We urge the manufacturer to participate in the COVAX Facility and contribute to the goal of more equitable vaccine distribution.”

WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL) is a prerequisite for COVAX Facility vaccine supply. It also allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer COVID-19 vaccines.

The EUL assesses the quality, safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as risk management plans and programmatic suitability, such as cold chain requirements.

The assessment is per-

formed by the product evaluation group, composed by regulatory experts from around the world and a Technical Advisory Group (TAG), in charge of performing the risk-benefit assessment for an independent recommendation on whether a vaccine can be listed for emergency use and, if so, under which conditions.

In the case of the Sinopharm vaccine, the WHO assessment included on-site inspections of the production facility.

The Sinopharm product is an inactivated vaccine called SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell).

Its easy storage requirements make it highly suitable for low-resource settings. It is the also first vaccine that will carry a vaccine vial monitor, a small sticker on the vaccine vials that change color as the vaccine is exposed to heat, letting health workers know whether the vaccine can be safely used.

WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has also completed its review of the vaccine. On the basis of all available evidence, WHO recommends the vaccine for adults 18 years and older,

in a two-dose schedule with a spacing of three to four weeks.

Vaccine efficacy for symptomatic and hospitalized disease was estimated to be 79%, all age groups combined.

Few older adults (over 60 years) were enrolled in clinical trials, so efficacy could not be estimated in this age group.

Nevertheless, WHO is not recommending an upper age limit for the vaccine because preliminary data and supportive immunogenicity data suggest the vaccine is likely to have a protective effect in older persons.

“There is no theoretical reason to believe that the vaccine has a different safety profile in older and younger populations,” the statement said. As such, the United Nations health agency recommends that countries using the vaccine in older age groups conduct safety and effectiveness monitoring to make the recommendation more robust.

Sinopharm vaccine is being used in vaccination campaigns by certain countries in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, Wikipedia reports. On March 26, Sinopharm said more than

80 million doses had been administered.

Sinopharm vaccine is an inactivated vaccine like CoronaVac and BBV152. A more traditional technology that is similar to the inactivated polio vaccine has been used in producing Sinopharm.

“Initially, a sample of SARSCoV-2 from China capable of rapid multiplication was used to grow large quantities of the virus using vero cells,” Wikipedia reports. “From then on, the viruses are soaked in beta-propiolactone, which deactivates them by binding to their genes, while leaving other viral particles intact. The resulting inactivated viruses are then mixed with an aluminum-based adjuvant.”

Before Sinopharm, WHO also listed the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for emergency use on December 31, 2020; two AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccines on February 15, 2021, produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio (Republic of Korea) and the Serum Institute of India; and COVID-19 vaccine Ad26.COV2.S developed by Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) on March 12, 2021

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

HENRY S. PEABODY, MALITA PLANTER Born on Feb. 12, 1873 in Vallejo, California, Henry Sterling Peabody volunteered as a soldier of the 7 th California Regiment but the contingent failed to reach the Philippines.

Instead, he was attached to the headquarters staff of the 8 th Army Corps, arriving in the islands in 1898.

He was assigned as clerk in the adjutant general’s office and assumed the duties of a stenographer.

His stint, though, was short because the fight against Filipino revolutionaries did not last long. Like thousands of American soldiers, he was sent home and mustered out of service.

Back home, he joined the paper Blade, published by his father, H. A. Peabody, as city editor.

But the prospects of the good life offered by the fertile lands back in the Philippines haunted him. He even dreamed of owning a plantation house in a well-plowed farming field.

In 1902, Peabody returned to the country, took up and passed the Civil Service exam,

and was employed as stenographer in the Bureau of Science.

His good work ethics gained him promotion in 1905; he was appointed chief clerk of the agency. Still, he was not satisfied with what he had. He resigned his job, organized Lais Trading and Development Co. in May 1905, and left Manila for Davao. To his credit, he also engaged the partnership of some friends.

His associates were T. K. Adrian of the Treasury Department; E. S. Ely; E. M. Wood of the Bureau of Education and another fellow. Collectively, they invested P16,000 to cover the lease of a sprawling farm already planted with hemp, coconut, and rubber. Years later, he got the title to the property.

Overtime, his partners, impatient and unable to wait for the harvests, decided to sell their interests given the long years of wait before the dividends could be given out.

By 1909, Peabody’s success as a planter earned a review in the Feb. 3, 1909 issue Zamboanga-based, American-owned

The Mindanao Herald: “The plantation comprises 615 hectares of land fronting on the sea and extending back to the foot of the mountains which rise abruptly on the either side of the Lais river. Much of this plantation is sub-irrigated and as a result an extraordinary long hemp is produced.

Hemp has been sold from the plantation that measured 22 feet in length. Irrigation from the river, tapping the stream two miles inland, us now being arranged for in case it should be needed. 100,000 hemps have been panted to date, 40,000 of which are producing. There are also planted 2,000 Castilloa and 500 Ceara rubber. Bananas and pineapples are raised in large quantities.”

Peabody did not waiver in his quest for success. He worked with hired laborers and dedicated his efforts in ensuring the plantation was productive despite occasional labor and market problems. Years after exporting rubber balls to the United States, his plantation, situated in Lais, a village of

Malita, Davao Occidental, was now valued P168,000. Helping him manage the farm were new associates, namely the estate of the late Mary Polk, former librarian in the Bureau of Science and Dora Wood, widow of former Davao district governor Orville V. Wood.

The plantation also hosted fifty-three kinds of fruit, such as melons, figs, California oranges, alligator pears, pomelos, mangosteens, and mangoes and had gardens planted to vegetables.

Over a decade after leaving home, Peabody, now enjoying an affluent life, returned to the U.S. and regaled his folks with his Davao experiences as a successful planter during a Chamber of Commerce luncheon hosted in his honor. Santa Ana Daily Register, a California paper, carried his account in its May 16, 1917 article (‘10 Cents An Acre Is Lease Price Of Islands Land’), thus: "Public land can either be leased or purchased by corporations in tracs of 2,500 acres. It can be leased at 10 cents an acre or

can be bought at from $2.50 to $3 per acre. Clearing costs from $8 to $16 per acre. Twenty-five hundred acres will plant 125,600 cocoanuts which will produce at least 2,000 tons of copra (copra is dried cocoanut meat), which at the present price of $100 per ton on the plantation, would leave a net profit of $150,000 on 2,500 acres. Eight years are necessary for the trees to come into bearing. The life of the tree is indefinite." In later years, Peabody bought shares in what was then known as Patrick Henry Frank, Relatives & Associates but later renamed as Davao Light & Power Company.

He was also a member of the Davao Planters Association.

When war broke out, Peabody enlisted as a private in the US Army and became a prisoner of war. He was detained at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp, where died on Jan. 23, 1945, aged 71, due to starvation.

His remains are buried at the Manila North Cemetery.

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EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

FoodToGo Fried Chicken with Pineapple Sauce.

ALL FOR MOM AT

Mother’s Day Brunch is safer thanks to the assisted buffet service.

SEDA ABREEZA

IN CELEBRATION of Mother’s Day and in honor of Moms serving in the frontlines in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, Seda Abreeza is holding a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at its all-day-dining restaurant, Misto on May 9.

Available from 10am to 1pm, the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet features Misto’s signature Roasted Angus Beef Shortplate with rosemary gravy on the carvery station, a wide array of cakes and desserts, a live pasta station and a serving of nonalcoholic sparkling beverage to complete the brunch experience.

In keeping with Seda Abreeza’s tradition of service with a cause, part of the proceeds of the promo will be donated as food packs to a medical institu-

General manager, Kennedy Kapulong.

tion in support of frontliner moms. “This is Seda’s way to honor the huge sacrifices of mothers in the frontlines battling the pandemic,” shared Seda Abreeza general manager Kennedy Kapulong.

Also brining a smile to guests faces, Seda Abreeza created a plant and succulent market at the lobby where guests can purchase and bring home a new plant, a great Mother’s Day gift.

The selling activity is in support of the small businesses of its

FoodToGo Grilled Tuna Belly with Teriyaki Sauce. hotel employees. as Seda Abreeza is committed Guests can dine or have a to providing a safe environment staycation with safety in mind for their guests, employees and business partners. The hotel recently received a recognition from World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and Department of Tourism (DOT), called the Safe Travel Stamp, as an establishment that practices high standards of health and sanitation measures.

Of course, for individuals who would rather celebrate Mother’s Day at home, Seda Abreeza offers a variety of Food-to-Go boxes from tradiSeda Abreeza’s plant and succulent corner. tional Filipino breakfast choic-

Mother’s Day Brunch appetizer sampler. es, to their famous Roasted Angus Short Plate, Misto Grazing Box, and succulent Baby Back Ribs. Moms with a sweet tooth will also love Misto’s signature cakes which are also available to go.

Seda Abreeza’s Sunday Brunch Buffet is priced at Php 880.00net for adults and Php 580.00net for kids. Children below 6 years old are free of charge. Moms get to enjoy a 20% discount. For Food-to-Go boxes, one can call 082-3228888 or email dining.abreeza@ sedahotels.com. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours prior.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

COSMETIC INGREDIENTS FROM MANGO LEAVES DISCOVERED

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

M

ost Filipinos are familiar with the sweet and luscious mango. After all, it is the country’s fruit icon.

Known in the science world as Mangifera indica, it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years.

Mango boasts an impressive nutritional profile. As a matter of fact, several studies have linked mango and its nutrients to health benefits, including immunity, digestive health and eyesight, as well as a lower risk of certain cancers.

But what most Filipinos are not aware of is that mango leaves are equally as important when it comes to health benefits. As a matter of fact, extracts of the local mango leaves have shown great potential as cosmetic ingredients with good antioxidant, anti-aging, and whitening properties, according to the Philippine Journal of Science in its April 2021 issue.

This was the result of the study conducted by a team of researchers led by Arsenia B. Sapin of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

While mango has been one of the top three produced and exported crops in the country, most studies centered on the industry profitability, mainly on breeding, fruit production, and processing.

“Unlike in other countries, very few in the Philippines have explored the potential and utilization of the non-fruit parts of the mango, such as the bark and leaves,” Sapin said in a statement circulated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The research on the “Eval-

uation of the Bioactivities of Natural Phenolics from Mango (Mangifera indica Linn) Leaves for Cosmetic Industry Applications,” investigated samples of fresh leaves of mango cultivars (carabao, apple mango, pico, sinaging, and sipsipin) collected from San Miguel, Bulacan to explore its possible cosmetic applications.

Studies done on the nutritional value of mango leaves showed they are rich in vitamins like Vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B. It also contains other compounds like steroids, alkaloids, riboflavin, thiamin, phenolic, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, among others.

Mango leaves likewise contain several beneficial plant compounds, including polyphenols. Mangiferin, a polyphenol found in many plants but in especially high amounts in mango and mango leaves.

Sapin’s team looked for the presence of polyphenolic compounds in the local mango leaves, along with the antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect against elastase and tyrosinase – enzymes which cause aging and darkening of skin.

Outside the Philippines, mango leaves have proven its application in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

In fact, there has been an approved patent, such as that of Loreal’s, on the extraction and application of polyphenols

from mango leaves.

Among the interesting findings of the study were as follows: • In terms of skin whitening, extracts from young leaves of pico and carabao varieties were most potent in inhibiting tyrosinase, the skin darkening enzyme. On the other hand, among the extracts from the mature leaves, the apple mango exhibited the greatest potency. While these extracts are better whitening agents than the ascorbic acid, such is not the case with kojic acid.

• In terms of anti-aging, extract from apple mango leaves was the most potent elastase (enzyme for aging) inhibitor, which was about two times to four times more potent than the other extracts. Compared with the standard tocopherol (Vitamin E compound commonly found in nuts, oil, and vegetables), the mango leaf extracts were probably 10 times more effective.

“The results of this study could provide consumers with effective nature-based ingredients for safer cosmetic products, and for healthier and beautiful skin, as an alternative to the synthetic ones available in the market,” Sapin said.

In India, some studies report that mango leaves have nutrients that are essential for skin health. “Mango leaf extract may reduce the fine lines, aging signs, and dryness of the skin,” the website pharmeasy. in reports. “It also helps in collagen production that may reduce the wrinkles and fine lines from the face.”

But there’s more to mango leaves than just skin whitening and anti-aging properties.

After all, the leaves of mango have been used in healing

practices like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

For one, mango leaves contain some hypotensive properties. This means it can help reduce blood pressure.

Mango leaves are also good for people with diabetes. “They are excellent in balancing blood sugar level in diabetic patients,” pharmeasy. in states. “Those leaves contain tannins called anthocyanins that may help in treating early diabetes. It also contains 3beta taraxerol and ethyl acetate, which help treat hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels).”

A study was conducted on rodents. After two weeks of giving mango leaf extract to mice, significantly lower triglyceride and blood sugar levels were observed.

“A study in rats found that administering 45 milligrams per pound of the body weight (one milligrams per kilogram) of mango leaf extract reduced hyperlipidemia, a condition marked by unusually high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol,” writes healthline.com’s Cecilia Snyder.

“In a study that compared mango leaf extract and the oral diabetes drug glibenclamide in rats with diabetes, those given the extract had significantly lower blood sugar levels than the glibenclamide group after two weeks,” Snyder says.

In treating wounds, mango leaves are also excellent.

Researchers from the Our Lady of Fatima University conducted a study to evaluate the effects of mango leaf crude extract on wound healing of some species of rats.

“The extracts have successfully decreased the wound size of the experimental control group,” the researchers reported.

The significant decrease in wound size was attributed to tannins, phytochemicals that can facilitate the process of wound healing by increasing collagen formation and growth of epithelial tissues in damaged areas of the skin, the study contended.

Mangoes are grown by around two and a half million smallholder farmers on over 7 million mango trees, according to the Department of Agriculture. Compared to other crops grown in the country like rice, corn, coconut and sugarcane, mangoes are a high value crop and provide a huge boost to the rural and national economy.

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EDGEDAVAO

SENIOR ... FROMP2

throughout the country.

Meanwhile, there are two registration methods for vaccination being done

by CHO: manual listing or where the residents go

directly to their district health offices, and through the Covid-19 vaccination hotlines (0961 073 4965 for Smart users and 0927 022 9087 for Globe users).

not have nor represents a tribal community which he is not legitimately installed as such by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

On April 26, 2021, Bautista wrote a letter to Bustamante wherein the governor cited some reasons for his objection to the project.

Bautista said that Day has no jurisdiction to insist over this matter and cannot compel in pursuing his interest in putting up the housing and training center.

“As the local chief executive of the province, it is my call to protect my area of jurisdiction especially the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community. I will not tolerate exploitation and vitiated consent in donating, selling, disposing, or destroying ancestral lands at the disadvantage and expense of IPs,” the letter stated.

Bautista also said that as a Local Government Unit, they have the autonomy in their area of jurisdiction that all transactions, projects, and programs must pass through to the governor’s office.

The official warned the PNP official that he

will be forced to call the attention of the Office of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary and the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippine should they pursue the project.

“It is obviously suspicious and malicious that the site of the proposed projects is very far from the essential and principal population of the province,” the governor said.

Bautista also questioned the conduct of environmental and social scanning inspection in the area by the PNP Composite teams from Special Action Force, Regional Office 11, and Police Regional Office 12.

“It is very unlikely that your PNP composite teams will conduct an ocular inspection where in fact, we don’t even know who donated the land.

It is unusual that there has never been proper coordination with the Provincial Government of Davao Occidental as to the veracity of the pertinent legal requirements and documents to ascertain the approximation and acquisition of the area

the virtual launch of the Vote Pilipinas campaign.

Vote Pilipinas is an information campaign that uses “innovative, visual and user-friendly” information with the aim to attract Filipinos to register and participate in next year’s elections.

“It would be very difficult to prepare for the elections if the number continues to change. We print only the exact number of ballots. So if the number of voters is a moving target, our printing will also be a moving target.

So we have to put a stop to it at some point,” Jimenez added.

The Comelec is looking to register 4 million new voters for the May 2022 polls.

There are already 3,222,137 applications in the past six months.

Distributing registration forms in community pantries to encourage people to register is welcome, Jimenez said.

“Yes, they can do that.

There’s no problem with that,” he said. “In fact, some people have already approached us to ask about that. We also gave out forms when we had a walk around in a few barangays in Quezon City. So yeah, you can do it in pantries. That will help a lot.”

Meanwhile, Jimenez said they will be holding another PiliPinas debates in preparation for the May 9, 2022 national and Local Elections.

(P.3) – have been detected in some areas in Mindanao but they have since recovered, according to the DOH-CHD in the regions of Davao, Northern Mindanao, Caraga and Soccsksargen.

The national InterAgency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in its Resolution 113-A on April 29 placed the cities of Davao, Iligan and Marawi and Lanao del Sur under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) while the rest, including Zamboanga City, were placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) until May 31 but evening of May 5, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco

announced the city will be placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), from May 8 “until such time the cases subside.”

The national IATF’s Resolution 114-A issued on May 6 said Zamboanga City will be under MECQ until May 14.

Zamboanga City’s Local Task Force COVID-19, had earlier appealed to the national IATF to place the city under a “stricter quarantine level” – either ECQ or MECQ — due to a spike in cases, and hospitals as well as local governmentmanaged isolation facilities were already full and healthcare workers were “getting overwhelmed.”

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investments from the public as it did not secure prior registration and/or license to solicit investments from the Commission as prescribed under Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

It also stated that those who invite or recruit other people to join or invest in this venture or offer investment contracts or securities to the public may be held criminally liable or accordingly sanctioned or penalized in accordance with the Supreme Court decision in the case of SEC vs. Oudine Santos(G.R. No. 195542, March 19, 2014).

MER’S is reported having a head office in General Santos City and branches in the different parts of Davao Region.

Last year, Roger Camingawan was tagged in two separate advisories issued by SEC against persons propagating fake news on Kapa Community Ministry International, Inc. (Kapa).

In SEC’s advisory dated May 21, 2020, Roger Camingawan was identified as one of the persons

spreading false news that the cases filed by the SEC for violation of the Securities Regulation Code were already dismissed and said dismissal will render the Cease and Desist Order issued against Kapa as void.

In another advisory dated December 9, 2019, Roger Camingawan was also mentioned as untruthfully claiming that Kapa has been registered as a crowdfunding entity under the Rules Governing Crowdfunding.

“The public is hereby warned that the investment scheme of MER’S involves the offer and sale of securities in the nature of an investment contract subject to the regulatory authority of this Commission.,” SECDavao said.

The advisory stated that SRC requires that these securities are duly registered with the Commission and that the concerned corporation and/or its agents have appropriate registration and/or license to sell such securities to the public pursuant to Sections 8.1 and 28.1 of the SRC.

promises by Mayor Michelle but it ended up a legislative executive agenda accomplishment tailored to Universal Health Care.

“The vehicles will provide inter-facility services, emergency response, and special trips to those who are struggling financially,” Dr. Catbagan said.

He added that a total of P11M budget is allocated to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) - P4 million for the fuel and P800,000 for the maintenance for all units.

“Apil sad sa budget ang plano namo na magpalit og bag-ong ambulance nasab worth P2.5M tapos ang remaining budget ilaan sa operations mismo,” Dr. Catbagan said.

Each ambulance is assigned with one driver and crew and they will conduct regular maintenance check every week.

Since March 2021, the EMS has rendered more than 200 ambulance runs equivalent to P1.4M free services to the people in Mati who needed intermediate healthcare. (MATI CIO)

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Palmera, owner of the property where the supposed treasure hunting was to be conducted, has asked his office for assistance regarding the activity.

Despite the treasure hunters having presented a permit signed by the National Museum, Bautista said the activity should not be pursued as they are invading a private property.

“They did not even ask permission from the province and the municipal government of JAS,” he said.

Barangay Kalbay has a total land area of 1,568 hectares wherein 10.10

hectares of it was owned by the family of Palmera.

“They do not comply with the proper protocol.

If you came from Manila or (are) passing through our border they should bring in requirements as we are looking at the safety of the people there,” he added.

Meanwhile, JAS mayor Jason John Joyce told Philippine News Agency on Saturday evening that the group of treasure hunters already left their town.

Joyce said his main concern about their presence is the safety of residents since the town remains free from Covid-19.

tank Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), which published in September a study offering a critical review of ADB’s energy “The fact that coal and other fossil fuels comprise at least half of the energy generation capacity ADB financed in the ten years goes to show that its ‘clean energy agenda’ has really been all talk. ADB needs to correct that, beginning by officially declaring a moratorium on financing coal and setting a

phase-outtimelineforitsfossil gas investments, channeling the bank’s resources instead to systems that would benefit communities most in need, such as microgrids,” Arances added.

For his part, NGO Forum on ADB Executive Director Rayyan Hassan said ADB must use its ongoing Energy Policy updating as opportunity to establish its sustainable development and climate action leadership among other multilateral development banks.

GROUPS ... FROMP4

LEGAL... FROM P12

Philippine Reclamation Authority, puts law and sports into focus as the nationwide online sports-fora opens its fourth batch.

“The sphere of sports legislation in our country is a much-needed area of discussion and sports educators, athletes, coaches, and local government units should take an active role on. We are beyond privileged to have the POSF leader and PRA chair of the governing board himself to guide us through,” expressed Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez.

Atty. Agra is also the Dep-

uty Chef de Mission of the national team for the upcoming 2021 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games.

The National Sports Summit 2021 has featured both local and international sports figures including United States Sports Academy President Dr. T.J. Rosandich, International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Medical Commission member Dr. Raul Canlas, swimming icon and Philippine Olympians Association head Akiki Thomson-Guevara, and 2000 Sydney Paralympics medalist Adeline Dumapong- Ancheta among others.

“When Danny won, I was motivated to race for the Philippines,” said Coo, referring to Caluag winning the country’s only gold medal in the Incheon 2014 Asian Games that earned him the Athlete of the Year award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association. Coo was only 12 then.

“We are hoping for Patrick to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics not only because of his potentials to become a champion, but because of his passion and motivation -- he trains endlessly,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who also heads PhilCycling.

The Philippine Sports Commission is fully supporting Coo’s campaign with chairman William Ramirez

also hoping the BMX athlete will join weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Irish Magno in the July 23 to August 8 Olympics.

As an eight-year-old, Coo, of Bellflower, California, won his first state championship. He went on to snatch four national age-group, 12 state and three western division titles in the US. “I train hard all the time, but I am expecting tough opponents in Colombia,” said Coo, who after taking part in a 2019 Tokyo Olympics test event took a side trip for a visit to the country.

To qualify for Tokyo, Coo has to finish at least in fourth place in Colombia. (PR)

3.3% to contribute 58.8% to the total production.

Palay increased by 8.6%, while corn rose 6.5% during the quarter.

Fisheries production climbed 0.6% to contribute

13.7% to the total output.

Double-digit growths were recorded for mudcrab (alimango) which grew 20.2%; skipjack (gulyasan) by 19.0%; and slipmouth (sapsap) by 15.7%.

to everyone, especially small business owners, will accelerate economic recovery.

“If we are able to access more vaccines this year, our hope is that a variety of vaccines will be available to small business owners.

You will have a choice of vaccines and choose to be vaccinated. You will then be able to reopen your stores, rebuild your income, and resume a normal life,” said Meily.

In addition, Center for Disaster Preparedness Deputy Executive Director Mayfourth Luneta also emphasized how vital it is to take care of the health of all MSMEs by dispelling their fears about the vaccines and providing lifesaving options to them.

“The more na maproprotect ang mga [MSMEs], the more na mas marami tayong mabubuksang mga negosyo at mas safe ang community,” said Luneta.

price increases in domestic oil products. Gasoline has increased by P0.20 per liter while diesel was hiked by P0.35 per liter.

Gasoline prices range between P40.70 and P55.25 per liter while

diesel prices range from P33.85 to P41.66 per liter.

Year-to-date adjustments to stand at a net increase of P7.80 per liter for gasoline and net increase of P6.05 per liter for diesel.

could start in the second quarter, he said.

However, the NCR Plus Bubble remains under modified enhanced community quarantine until May 14.

Chua said the country has enough time to “catch up” to meet its growth target of 7.5 percent.

The PSA is set to announce first quarter GDP figures on May 11.

Despite the improving unemployment numbers, Africa said there are more low-quality jobs being generated which translates to low income and “bad welfare” for Filipino households.

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SPORTS 11

Seven Filipinos -- weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Irish Magno -- have so far qualified for Tokyo.

Patrick Coo eyes Olympic BMX berth in Colombia

P

atrick Coo tries to become the youngest member on Team Philippines when he vies for a slot to Tokyo in the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Cup Round 4 Olympic qualifier in Bogota on May 30.

Coo, 19, will rendezvous in the Colombian capital with PhilCycling coaches Ednalyn Hualda and Frederick Farr on May 11 because all participants in the Olympic qualifier need to complete 14 days in quar-

antine.

“I am very much motivated and excited to go after that slot [to the Tokyo Olympics],” said the 2019 Asian BMX juniors champion Coo, whose dad Benjamin hails from Iloilo and his mom Romalyn from Cagayan de Oro City.

Coo will be racing as the lone Philippine representative in Colombia after London 2012 Olympian Daniel Caluag couldn’t prepare for the qualifier because of his job as nurse in Kentucky.

FPATRICK, P10

Athletes in vaccination priority list pushed

S

enator Francis “Tol” Tolentino on Sunday appealed to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to include Filipino athletes as essential workers in the government’s priority list to be vaccinated against the deadly Covid-19.

Tolentino made the remarks as both amateur and professional athletes remain excluded in the “A4 Priority” of the government in its ongoing nationwide vaccine rollout.

“The athletes should also be prioritized as sports development should be part of the post pandemic recovery process,” Tolentino said. “The physical well-being of our athletes is reflective of the health of the nation.”

He made the appeal as

the Tokyo Olympics are just a little over two months away from July 23 to August 8 and athletes for the 31st Hanoi Southeast Asian Games have yet to train collectively. The Hanoi SEA Games are set from November 21 to December 3.

Seven Filipinos -weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Irish Magno -- have so far qualified for Tokyo.

Marcial already got two doses of the vaccine in Las Vegas and Diaz her first in Malaysia.

A total of 626 athletes, meanwhile, were identified for Team Philippines to the Hanoi Sea Games.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has earlier announced that sports tycoon Enrique Razon pledged Moderna vaccines for the Philippine Olympic delegation, including administrative staff and media.

“The vaccines are in transit [for Olympics-bound athletes], but the problem is that all of our Olympic-bound athletes are training abroad,” Abraham Tolentino said. “We will try to contact our counterparts if it is possible to include our athletes in their coun-

tries’ vaccination program.”

Yulo and Obiena has been training in Japan and Italy, respectively, for more than a year now while the boxers are in Thailand.

The POC president also allotted a USD40,000 grant from the Olympic Council of Asia for the inoculation of the SEA Games-bound athletes.

The senator also stressed that professional athletes in the Philippine Basketball Association and other professional leagues -- regardless of sports -should also be included in the A4 Priority of the IATF. The IATF-EID earlier approved PBA’s request to hold full practices and scrimmages in areas placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified GCQ. (PR)

continue to play for PSG. “I’m very happy in Paris and proud to be part of this squad, to work with these players, a great coach and to be part of the history of this club. These are things that make me believe even more in this great project. I have grown as a person here, as a human being and as a player, too. So I am very happy to extend my contract, and I hope to win many more tro-

phies here,” the 29-year-old said on the club website.

Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona in 2017 for 222 million Euro (USD263 million), still the highest transfer fee in football history.

He won three French Ligue 1 titles with PSG in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

In addition, Neymar bagged two French Cups, two French League Cups, and two French Super Cup trophies.

Neymar also helped PSG reach its first-ever UEFA Champions League final in 2020.

The Brazilian international scored 85 goals and produced 51 assists in 112 matches for PSG. Neymar was a Barcelona regular in 2013-2017 to win the 2015 Champions League and two Spanish La Liga titles in 2015 and 2016. (Anadolu)

Neymar renews deal with Paris Saint-Germain

Patrick Coo will be racing as the lone Philippine representative in Colombia after London 2012 Olympian Daniel Caluag couldn’t prepare for the qualifier because of his job as nurse in Kentucky

P

aris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. on Saturday signed a multi-year contract with the French powerhouse.

“PSG is delighted to announce that Neymar has signed a contract extension for a further three seasons until 30 June 2025,” the club said on Twitter.

The Brazilian left-winger said he is delighted to

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VOL.14 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

PSC Chairman William Ramirez with Dabawenyo Commissioner Charles Maxey and Executive Director Atty.

Guillermo Iroy, Jr.

LEGAL ISSUES Agra tackles law and sports in NSS 2021

S

ports legislation in the Philippines takes center stage in the National Sports Summit 2021’s thirteenth session with Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) President and Philippine Reclamation Authority Chairman of the Governing Board Atty. Alberto C. Agra this Wednesday, May 12.

The sports leader and decorated lawyer, who also heads the Obstacle Sports Federation Asia Pacific and serves as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the

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