Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 51 | Friday, May 14, 2021

A PIECE OF HEAVEN AT PEARL FARM

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RESORT PROBE

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VOL.14 ISSUE 51 • FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

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A girl collects seashells at the beachfront of a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS). Efforts are being undertaken like restoring traveller confidence and promoting domestic tourism to help rebuild the tourism industry in Davao Region, which is badly hit by the pandemic. Edge Davao

DOT to probe alleged gender discrimination in Samal resort

STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 51 • FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

RESORT PROBE President Rodrigo Duterte says he is optimistic that Eid’l Fitr, the end of the holy month of ramadan, would inspire Muslims to continue promoting peace, unity and goodwill among fellow Filipinos. Presidential Photo

DOT to probe alleged gender Talaingod IPs to get back discriminationinSamalresort relatives still in Haran T

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced it be conducting an investigation on an alleged sexual harassment and gender discrimination incident between a transgender guest and resort personnel in Samal Island.

her Facebook account her disappointment against the resort for prohibiting her to use the bathroom for women.

Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan shared a DOT statement stating that the agency is an advocate of gender equality and mainstreaming, and does not tolerate any form of gender-based harassment

nor discrimination in its systems, structures, policies, programs, and processes.

Isla Reta Beach Resort is under fire after Shannon Remotigue Gonzaga, a trans-woman, posted on

The incident gained negative reactions from different LGBTQ organizations and supporters of transgender community.

To avoid discrimination issue, Isla Reta owner Mario Reta said in a released statement that the resort will no

The old town of Taraka, Lanao del Sur decided to invest in six units of SolarPowered Irrigation System (SPIS) and a huge SolarPowered Water System (SPWS) costing over P100 million.

The SPIS is expected to irrigate at least 600-hectares of fertile lands in the periphery of Lake Lanao while the SPWS will provide safe drinking water for the town’s 25,000

residents who for ages relied on the unsafe water of Taraka River for their household needs.

Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said that Taraka, one of the oldest towns of Lanao del Sur, is the first enrollee in the Mindanao Water Supply Program initiated by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), which links local government units with the Development

Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to enable them to build solar irrigation and water systems for remote Mindanao communities.

Shortly after the Dec. 6, 2019 launching of the MinDAWater Supply Program, a joint undertaking of MinDA with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), DBP, and officials of Taraka were the first to ask MinDA for inclusion in the

longer accommodate transgenders due to the lack of facilities for them.

His statement received criticisms from individuals and organizations supporting transgenders and LGBTQ. The Mindanao Pride, a LGBTQ organization, condemned the alleged discriminatory policy of Isla Reta Beach Resort against the Transgender community.

The group stands that

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6 solar irrigation projects to rise in Lanao Sur town program.

“MinDA assisted the Taraka Local Government in preparing the Master Plan for Development of the town and packaged the loan proposal, which was submitted to DBP and processed even at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown,” Piñol added.

A loan fund of P215 million, which included the purchase of road building

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he Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) Eastern Mindanao Area Manager, Oliver Binancilan, has revealed that the Indigenous People (IP) datus of Sitio Nasilaban, Talaingod are planning to go to Davao City themselves in order to convince their relatives in Haran to come home and return to the hands of the government.

“Sila [IPs in Haran] naglisod gihapon didto sa Haran ug wala’y laing makakuha kundi, dili ang gobyerno, kundi kamo (They [IPs in Haran] are still having a hard time there in Haran and there’s no one else that can take them back, not the government, but you),” he told the IPs during the 3rd Adlaw sa Kalinaw on May 5, 2021 at Sitio Nasilaban, Brgy.

Dagohoy, Talaingod.

This as Davao del Norte’s Provincial Government and National Government Agencies (NGAs) convened to bring their respective services to the IPs in Talaingod dubbed as ‘Adlaw sa Kalinaw Information and Service Caravan’ in order to make

them feel the presence and support of the government.

Furthermore, Binancilan promised the Indigenous People (IPs) of Talaingod that communication and the relationship between the government and the IPs will be maintained.

“Para wala namo’y laing tan-awun nga gobyerno kundi ang gobyerno nalang nga tinud-anay nga naa diri sa inyung atubangan (So that you won’t have to believe another government other than the true government that’s in front of you),” he said.

Binancilan cited that Sitio Nasilaban used to have one of the more dominant New People’s Army (NPA) presence as the NPA held residence for a “long time” before it was cleared.

“Tinuod man. Ang gobyerno, tungod sa kalisod sa pag anhi diri, gamay ra ang serbisyong nahatag.

Pero sa pagka karon nga bag-o na ang atong lider, sa probinsya ug sa nasud, kami na ang nagpaduol sa inyo para i-abot namo ang serbisyo (It’s true. The government, because of how [geographically] hard

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NEWS 3

Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, chair of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), says that Taraka, one of the oldest towns of Lanao del Sur, is the first enrollee in the Mindanao Water Supply Program initiated by MinDA, which links local government units with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to enable them to build solar irrigation and water systems for remote Mindanao communities. Edge Davao

72yo man in CDO dies after getting 1st AstraZeneca jab

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72-year-old elderly male died minutes after he received his first jab of AstraZeneca vaccine in a downtown shopping mall in this city on Wednesday.

Dr. William Bernardo, head of the Cagayan de Oro Vaccination Operation Center, said that Zoilo Joaquin Borcillo, a resident of Barangay Agusan here, died at the JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) where medical personnel brought him.

Bernardo said Borcillo complained of difficulty in breathing minutes after he was vaccinated around noon.

Witnesses said medical personnel and nurses tried to resuscitate Borcillo by applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

An ambulance later brought him to the JRBGH where efforts by doctors to

revive him failed, Bernardo said.

Mayor Oscar Moreno immediately ordered an investigation on the incident.

He said there are speculations that Borcillo did not declare fully his comorbidities to the attending doctors before he was vaccinated.

“The doctors said Borcillo might have had an open heart surgery. This has to be investigated,” the mayor said.

Bernardo said Borcillo, who was accompanied by his son, was physically fit when he arrived for vaccination at the shopping mall.

“Borcillo was ambulatory and although he had a slight blood pressure of 150/80, doctors saw no problem with him,” he added.

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Samal LGU to craft local ordinance vs discrimination

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) local government unit is planning to craft a local ordinance against discrimination following the controversy involving a transgender woman and Isla Reta Beach Resort.

“Sa karon ang atoang city council ginaistudyuhan na pud nila.

I think they have plans to craft a local ordinance since ang SOGIE Equality Bill nato is still being debated in the Congress.

Mao na nakahunahuna ang legislators nato to craft an ordinance,” said Mayor Al David Uy, in a phone interview.

Uy was referring to the Sexual Orientation

and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE Equality Bill, also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB) that was proposed by the Congress of the Philippines. It is intended to prevent various economic and public accommodationrelated acts of discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Isla Reta Beach Resort is under fire after Shannon Remotigue Gonzaga, a trans woman, posted on her Facebook account her disappointment against the resort for prohibiting her to use the bathroom for women.

“The incident was very unfortunate it could have been handled properly in cooler heads. Wala nata’y mahimo and it really created firestorm to social media,” Uy said.

Uy said the LGU of Samal will be intensifying its programs on gender and development (GAD). “ I talked to my staff and my department heads to really intensify information

PHILRECA explained that NORDECO was able to break its previous records and improve its operations and services to the member-consumerowners (MCOs).

“Despite the breakthroughs and accomplishments that NORDECO has made for the power industry and its strong will to develop, it is still being threatened of an entry of a private for-profit company,” it added.

The group did not identify the interested firm

but described the takeover threat as “unnecessary and unwarranted,” as NORDECO has been performing its functions pursuant to Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reforms Act of 2001, and is the duly authorized entity to provide power distribution services and connections to MCOs. PHILRECA also denied the malicious accusations, biases and false information that have been made against NORDECO on

social media, which it said were intended to discredit and damage the reputation of the electric coop.

“Such acts are not only untrue but [do] not benefit nor improve the current situation of electricity within the franchise area,” it said.

The organization stated that these allegations and takeover attempts should be stopped and rejected.

“The takeover of NORDECO by a for-profit company will undoubtedly increase the electricity

dissimination the not only in the resorts but even in the transport sector and business establishments particularly tourismrelated businesses,” he said.

He added that they will do Zoom meetings or limited face-to-face seminars regarding gender sensitivity issue to the stakeholders.

Uy also said all establishments in Samal are now encouraged to put additional amenities like restrooms to cater everyone.

“Well, the world is changing and we need to adopt also. The respect should be there always,” he said. rates and bulk of its financial expenses will be shouldered and burdened by the member-consumerowners alone,” the resolution said.NORDECO is the power distributor of the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley including Tagum City and Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS).

Meanwhile, Mario Angelo Sotto, general manager of NORDECO, told Edge Davao there is no discussion yet about the

Group passes resolution opposing private firm to take over NORDECO

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he Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA), which is the umbrella organization of 121 electric cooperatives (ECs) nationwide, has passed a resolution opposing a private firm’s attempt to take over Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) Inc.,an electric cooperative (EC) in the province of Davao del Norte.

PHILRECA announced in a statement that the Board of Directors recently

approved Resolution No. 03-13-21 expressing their “full support to the existence” of NORDECO (formerly Davao del Norte Electric Coop or DANECO) and opposing any threat of private firm takeover.

“After years of challenges that tested the strength, will, resolve and capacity, NORDECO was able to recover and improve on its operations and services – lowered systems loss, increased collection efficiency, cheaper power rates, among others,” it said.

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A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Charito Plaza says the approval of new projects and increase in the investments and exports in the first quarter of 2021, this proves that PEZA is unfaltering in keeping the Philippine economy afloat and being on top of its game in performing its mandate, mobilizing the country’s investment competitiveness, and creating employment opportunities for many Filipinos. Edge Davao

PEZA investment approvals recover in 1st quarter of ‘21 M

More financing options available for MSMEs

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nvestment approvals in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in the first quarter of the year have recovered despite the ongoing global health and economic crisis, the investment promotion agency (IPA) said in a statement Wednesday.

The PEZA approved PHP25.38 billion worth of investments from January to March this year, higher by 53.9 percent from PHP16.5 billion investment approvals in the same period in 2020.

These investments

came from 57 projects that registered with PEZA in the first three months of 2021, in which 43 projects will be located in Luzon, 10 in Visayas, and four in Mindanao.

PEZA director general Charito Plaza said the

Philippines remains an investment haven for exporting companies despite the pandemic.

“With the approval of new projects and increase in the investments and exports in the first quarter of 2021, this proves that PEZA is unfaltering in keeping the Philippine economy afloat and being on top of its game in performing its mandate, mobilizing the country’s investment competitiveness, and creating employment

Energy dept., Japanese firm partner to update petroleum reserve program

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he Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Japanese firm Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to kick off study on the oil contingency plan and petroleum reserve program.

The signing was led by DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi and JOGMEC chairman and chief executive officer Tetsuhiro Hosono.

Under the MOA, the JOGMEC will conduct a

study to update the 2002 Philippine National Oil Contingency Plan and provide recommendations on the creation and operation of a Strategic Petroleum (SPR) Program.

“Today’s signing speaks volumes on Japan’s commitment to help the Philippines succeed in attaining its energy security goals. I take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the Japanese government and its private sector for helping us attain our longterm goals,” Cusi said.

He said the study aims to better secure the country’s fuel supply especially during severe interruptions.

“This is particularly important, a national security matter even, given that our country is an oil and petroleum product importer with very limited indigenous supply capability,” he added.

Among the focus of the study include the analysis of supply and demand situation of international and national

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opportunities for many Filipinos,” Plaza added.

PEZA reported that export revenues of its locators also recovered in the first quarter of the year.

Export revenues in PEZA increased by 15.6 percent to USD14.93 billion in the first quarter of 2021 from USD12.91 billion in the same period last year.

Over 50,000 jobs were added in PEZA zones from last year, with employment reaching 1.58 million as of end-March 2021. (PNA)

icro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) continue gaining access to credit partly through the establishment of credit surety funds (CSFs), as at least 15 additional CSFs are expected to register until end2021.

In a virtual briefing Wednesday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said an estimated PHP6.93 billion has been released by CSFs to about 17,527 MSMEs as of end-2020 based on the central bank’s CSF survey.

He said the latest figure is a conservative amount since only 30 out of the 55 CSFs responded to the survey.

The BSP conceptualized CSFs in 2018 in a bid to support MSMEs that normally lack the collateral, credit track record, and credit knowledge to avail of bank loans.

Funds of CSFs are pooled contributions of participating cooperatives or non-government organizations (NGOs), a local government unit (LGU), and partner institutions including the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Landbank of the Philippines (Landbank), and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PhilGuarantee).

CSFs provide a

The country has to start ramping up medical oxygen supply to prepare for the possible increase in demand, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

In a television interview Wednesday, Lopez said although the country can still meet the requirement for medical oxygen amid the rising coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, it is crucial to ensure it has enough supply if there will be a surge in

demand in the future.

Lopez said there are only four local medical oxygen suppliers in the country with a total capacity of 604 tons per day.

“We have enough capacity. In other words, we still have surplus,” he said, adding that some 470 tons of medical oxygen are being consumed on a daily basis.

However, the DTI chief said once the demand doubles, local supplies could no longer meet the

market requirement.

“We can already encourage private companies to start expanding,” he said.

Lopez said one company named Cryogenics Gases will operate in Butuan in the second half of the year.

He added one of the challenges of oxygen manufacturers here is the sourcing of medical oxygen tanks, which are twice the thickness of a liquefied petroleum gas tank.

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DTI chief sees need to ramp up medical oxygen supply

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ECONOMY A2

A pedestrian walks by a Jollibee outlet in Toril, Davao City. Jollibee Foods Corp announces it opened its first Jollibee store in Maryland near the US capital Washington D.C. as part of its expansion efforts in North America. Edge Davao

DBP eyes LGU credit rating system: CEO

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tate-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is working closely with the Department of Finance (DOF), state regulators, and multilateral lending institutions in establishing a local government unit (LGU) credit rating system that seeks to mainstream bond flotations as a sustainable financing option for local development projects, a top official said.

DBP president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Herbosa said the proposed rating system would provide the bond market with

credible risk indicators of individual LGU bonds, as well as information on outstanding bond issues which would help buoy confidence and improve risk appetite of potential investors.

“DBP hopes to institute an LGU-rating organization, much like the credit rating agencies which rate the viability of investments relative to the likelihood of default,” Herbosa said. “We expect a significant increase in development initiatives nationwide once the LGU bond market has gained

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BSP optimistic gov’t will report positive economic growth in Q2

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he Philippine economic growth will likely return to positive territory in the second quarter of the year given the base effects in 2020, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday.

In a virtual briefing, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila, Jr. said the economy will likely be supported by key measures which were recently passed by the government.

“As to the trajectory of growth, we expect this to turn positive beginning the second quarter of the year, again, mostly due to the

positive base effects,” he explained.

The Philippine economy posted a record-low -16.9% growth in the second quarter of 2020 when the strictest lockdowns were set in place across the country.

“The recovery path going forward is likely to be supported by the implementation of key pieces of legislation including the CREATE and FIST Laws,” said Dakila.

President Rodrigo Duterte in March signed into law the Corporate Recovery and Tax

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Jollibee opens first outlet in Maryland, its 49th in US

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ollibee Foods Corp said Thursday it opened its first Jollibee store in Maryland near the US capital Washington D.C. last April as part of its expansion efforts in North America.

Maryland is the 12th state where the brand is present, with its outlet branch located in Westfield Wheaton Mall, JFC said in a statement.

The site is 30 minutes away from Washington D.C. and is the 49th outlet in the US, it said.

JFC said it aims to tap the

“Gen Pop” market, or those unfamiliar with the brand, as well as tourists who frequent landmarks around the area.

“We are happy to welcome our fans who have patiently waited for Jollibee’s arrival in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, as well as

introduce the brand to curious new customers.

We are proud to serve flavorful food options and look forward to sharing our exciting menu with the Greater D.C. local community,” said Maribeth Dela Cruz, president of Jollibee Group North America’s Philippine Brands.

As part of its safety measures as the COVID-19 threat remains, the Maryland outlet offers “call and pickup” order processing so customers

can enjoy Chickenjoy, Jolly spaghetti and other signature products without being exposed to crowds, JFC said.

The Jollibee group said it is on track to achieve its goal of opening 300 store locations throughout North America by 2024.

It is also set to open its Europe flagship store in London’s West End near the Buckingham Palace on May 20.

JFC operates in 33 countries with over 5,800 stores globally.

related health protocols.

“The DOBS Mobile underscores Landbank’s continued commitment to provide accessible, convenient, and safe digital solutions. Our digital banking initiatives remain centered on balancing service delivery while ensuring the health and safety of our clients which is of utmost priority,” Landbank Branch Banking Sector head and executive vice president Julio

Climaco Jr. said.

Landbank said the digital bank accounts opened using DOBS Mobile have various features like cardless withdrawal through the mobile app, and funds transfer and bills payment through both the Mobile Banking App (MBA) and the Landbank iAccess, among others.

“Clients can also upgrade the digital bank account to a regular Landbank Visa debit card

by visiting their branch of account and requesting for a physical card anytime,” it said.

Landbank said a total of 1.53 million accounts have already been opened through DOBS as of April 30, 2021.

Opening of a savings account using DOBS mobile, which is available through the bank’s official website (www.landbank. com) or the Digital Corner

Landbank launches savings acct opening via mobile app

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tate-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) on Wednesday launched through its Facebook page its digital onboarding system (DOBS) Mobile, which will allow people to open a savings account using their mobile phones.

In a statement, Landbank said DOBS Mobile supports the government’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) bid as well as the pandemic-

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4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 51 • FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

In his Eid’l Fitr message to Muslim Filipinos: As you mark the end of a month-long journey of reflection, prayer, and fasting, may Allah continue to instill in you the virtues of generosity and compassion for others.”

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE

EDITORIAL Two women from Mindanao Despite the pandemic, it is inspiring to see some of our athletes push themselves hard to achieve sporting excellence this nation can lean on and draw the needed stimulus in this challenging times.

The likes of Mindanaoan athletes Nesthy Petecio of Davao del Sur and Hidilyn Diaz of Zamboanga have cracked spots to the elite Tokyo Olympics this year. Originally set last year as part of a quadrennial cycle, the Tokyo Olympiad was postponed due to the pandemic and will instead be held this July to August.

Petecio, that brave girl from Sta. Cruz, earned her spot recently despite having to train in a bubble and missing his folks home for a long stretch last year as prohibitions against flying out of Manila prevented her from seeing her family. She got a brief reprieve but had to go back to training and undergo swab tests before plunging into competition. All the sacrifices paid off and it is now a mat-

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Diaz is another Mindanaoan who looms as a possible history-maker. Diaz had a silver medal in Rio and is looking good to be among the favorites to win gold.

Petecio and Diaz will have the entire island of Mindanao cheering for them in Tokyo. Of course, the first Mindanaoan President will also be their numero uno cheerleader.

The only thing to hope for now is that this pandemic will not get in the way of these two Mindanao women.

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

ter of time before we see her fight for that elusive Olympic gold in Tokyo. To be honest, Petecio, who reigned in her weight class as world champion, has a very bright chance of making it. She is ranked high in her division and could easily make the earlier rounds.

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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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

PRIDE AND HUMILITY The New American Webster Handy College Dictionary defines pride as “a sense of one’s own worth.” It also means “a feeling of object of delight.” For winning the acting awards for her performance in Miss Saigon (both in London and New York stages), Lea Salonga became the pride of the Filipino people.

When it comes to boxing, it’s Manny Pacquiao.

But in some way, the word pride has some negative connotation. That is why the dictionary also has this definition of pride: “undue self-esteem; haughtiness.” It is even more obvious if you use its adjective form of proud. The dictionary gives these meanings: “arrogant, self-respectful, imposing, spirited.”

“Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone sick except the one who has it,” Buddy Robinson stated.

C.S. Lewis is more apt: “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you’re looking down, you can’t see something that’s above you.”

I was reminded of the story of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram.

He was a great man in the sight of his master as he was a valiant soldier. But he had leprosy, which was one of the worst known diseases during Biblical times.

And it came to pass that a young girl from Israel was captured. Serving Naaman’s wife, the girl told her: “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

The wife told her husband.

Naaman sent a letter to the king of Israel and asked Elisha to cure him. When the Lord’s prophet heard this, he sent a messenger who told Naaman: “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”

The Jordan river was very dirty and this made Naaman angry. “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the sport and cure me of my leprosy.” He requested that he cleansed himself in one of the rivers of Damascus.

But the instruction was definite. So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, and his flesh was

restored and became clean “like that of a young boy.” (Read the whole story in II Kings 5:1-19).

Had Naaman not stripped himself of his pride, he would have never been cleansed.

Power is one of those that make a person proud and boastful. Or being at the top of the world can also bring out someone to believe in himself more than others. But as they say, no one stays at the top forever. Whatever happened to the boxer who said that he was the greatest?

Being beautiful or handsome is no guarantee that you will always be such. Even the awards and honors you have harvested accumulated through the years won’t bring you far.

The wealth will also vanish in a wink of an eye.

Pride is a vice not limited to the emperors of far-flung realms. Almost anyone, by comparing himself with those who have less talent, less success, or less popularity, can emerge with a feeling of satisfaction that is very opposite of humility. Pride is all too common among God’s people – though He warns them specifically that no one has anything to boast about, since all

our gifts come from Him. “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (I Corinthians 4:7).

Humility is the other side of pride. “I believe that the first test of a truly great man is his humility,” commented John Ruskin. “I do not mean by humility, doubt of his own power. But really great men have a curious feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other man and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful.”

A stooped old man and a lively young man happened to meet one day. The young man bragged to the old timer, “Why don’t you walk straight, like me?

That’s no way to grow old. It’s all a matter of habit – at least, that’s what I am told.”

The old man gave him a look of pity and replied, “My dear young friend, have you ever examined a grain field and noticed which heads are bent and which ones stand up straight? If you take a good look as harvest time draws near, you will notice that the heads which are empty are

standing tall and high. But the heads that make a good harvest are the ones that are filled and bending low.”

Here’s another story: A third grade boy had won a medal as the best reader in class.

Puffed with pride, he boasted to the maid at home, “Let’s see if you can read as well as I can, Manang.”

The good woman took the book, looked at it closely, and finally stammered, “Why, my little boy, I don’t know how to read.”

Proud as a peacock, the little fellow ran into the living room and fairly shouted to his father, “Dad, Manang doesn’t know how to read and I, only eight years old, got a medal for reading. I wonder how she feels while looking at the book she cannot read.”

Without a word, his father went over to the bookshelf, took down a volume, and handed it to the boy, saying, “She feels like this.” The book was in French and the boy could not read a line of it.

The boy never forgot that lesson. Whenever he feels like boasting, he quietly reminds himself, “Remember, you can’t read French.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

JOHN M. JOHNSON, DON MARCELINO PLANTER Created under Batas Pambansa Blg. 47 on Dec. 19, 1979, Don Marcelino has long been home to the Johnson clan. Its patriarch, Chicago native John Martin Johnson was, like many honorably discharged soldiers in the early American rule, decided to permanently settle in Davao. He was described as a debonaire person with a nonchalant attitude.

A native of Morris, Illinois, Johnson first enlisted with 9th Battery, Field Artillery, originally known as the D Battery, 5th Artillery. In Adjutant General’s Report prepared by Brig. Gen. James B. Smith on the roster of Illinois volunteers who served the Spanish-American War in Cuba in 1898-99, he was listed as a private.

The report detailed that Johnson, a member of the U.S. 2nd Infantry, enrolled in the service on April 26, 1898, at Chicago, and was mustered in on May

16, 1898 by Captain Roberts.

An entry in the remarks section described him as “sick in quarters at Havana, Cuba, from 1 and February 15, 1899, inclusive, in line of duty.’ He was later sent to the Philippines in March 1902, assigned in Manila and Cavite; he was discharged on June 19, 1904.

Johnson joined the Manila police force for two years. After this, he was referred to the Internal Revenue Service, where he worked for a year in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga with the job of investigating ‘dope dealers, revenue dodgers and distillery crooks.’

Like other veterans, Johnson was recognized for his obeisance to lawful orders and in enforcing obedience—traits that brought whom to Davao when he was recommended to the Mindanao Estates Company as foreman in 1907. His long-year exposure to the firm’s success

inspired him to return to Manila and organize in 1908 a company, with his former colleagues in the Manila police force as associates.

By 1908, according to the Eighth Annual Report of the Philippine Commission to the Secretary of War (1907), the number of foreign interests in the region had expanded to “well over 40 American plantations scattered along the Gulf of Davao, from Tagum in the north to Banos in the south, beside those representing European and Filipino interests.”

Johnson’s first venture was Kalian Plantation Company, with Andrew Chestnut, a policeman who once secured the entrance to Malacañan, as farm manager.

He was joined by former police officers Joe Luke and Daniel M. Searcy. Luke later sold his shares to Johnson and Chestnut and returned to the United States, while Searcy followed suit. As a result, Johnson and Chestnut be-

came sole owners.

In 1919, Johnson and Chestnut decided to sell their plantation to American planter Henry Pahl and went their own ways to establish new farming occupations.

At the time, the farm had around 118 hectares, 80 of which were already under cultivation.

Johnson opened his new agricultural estate, the Lamidan Plantation Company while Chestnut, along with Arthur L. Rude, as stockholder and manager, established the Kling Plantation Company, which became a 1,042-hectare farm, in Cotabato. Lamidan, which was larger than Kalian, consisted of 200 hectares. It was surveyed in 1914, leased under the Public Land Law and, five years later, the application to purchase the property was filed with the Bureau of Lands In his memory, Johnson was honored with a national high school named in his honor. His

scions, meanwhile, have become key political figures in the town that hosted his estate. Freddie Johnson Sr. was first appointed vice-mayor of Don Marcelino; John Harvey Johnson served as three-term mayor while fourth generation Neil P. Johnson served as municipal councilor.

Marcelino Maruya, after whom the town got its name, was a member of the First Independence Congress held in Manila on Feb. 22-26, 1930. He was the first Filipino plantation owner to set foot in Malita, settling at Barangay Talaguton. He was also into water transportation business; he owned the launch Ligtasan, built in 1938 with a gross weight of 6.75 tons and included in the 1940 listing of Philippine vessels under the Port of Davao.

(Talagutong is the local name of the hairy-fruited eggplant or Malaysian sunplant, scientifically known as Solanum ferox Linn.)

6 EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

VOL.14 VOL.14ISSUE ISSUE51 38••FRIDAY, SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 14, 2021 MAY 1-2, 2020

‘Crising’ to bring rains over parts of Mindanao

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ropical Depression Crising will bring rains over parts of Mindanao on Thursday, the weather bureau said.

Moderate to heavy rains will be experienced over Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical

and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said isolated to scattered flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible during heavy or prolonged rainfall.

“Crising” was last tracked 405 km. east of Davao City, moving westward at 10 kph.

It packs maximum

sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Davao City have been placed under tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1.

Strong breeze to near gale conditions are likely over these areas.

rinsing or washing is a normal act of hygiene and that in the context of COVID-19, washing is a vital preventive measure in the fight against the pandemic which everyone should be able to do regardless of gender and sexuality.

The University of the

Philippines (UP) Babaylan also reported stating that “trans women are women, and as this and many other cases have proven, trans people are actually the ones getting harassed in restrooms.”

M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner Norman Baloro, Presidential

Commission for the Urban Poor and LGBT advocate, said in the context of denying Gonzaga requesting to use the female washroom a clear act of discrimination.

DOT enjoins the entire tourism industry to abide by the national laws on gender and development.

equipment for the town, was approved and released

by DBP late in 2020.

In January this year, MinDA officials, DBP President Emmanuel Herbosa, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. and other stakeholders,

joined the proud leaders and farmers of Taraka in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the SPIS and SPWS. By the second week of June, Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan, who gave up her professorial chair in the

Mindanao State University to take over the mayorship of the town from her husband, Odin, now the vice mayor, expects the SPIS units to start pumping out irrigation water to allow farmers to plant five times every two years.

it is to get here, the services given were lackluster.

However, now that we have new leaders in the province and in the country, we are

the ones reaching out to you to deliver our services),” he emphasized.

In return, he asked the IPs to truly side with the

government “both in mind and in heart” and help get back their relatives still in rebellion. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI)

He said Borcillo only mentioned his problem of hypertension when an attending physician asked him about his comorbidities.

The Department of Health (DOH) had earlier temporarily halted the use of AstraZeneca on people below 60 years after reports surfaced of rare blood clots with people

with low platelets.

Last month, the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration lifted the ban and resumed the use of the vaccine on people regardless of age.

“The benefit outweighs the risk,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told a regular news conference in

Manila. She noted that only a very small percentage of the population had adverse effects with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Moreno also ordered the continuation of the vaccination program being held at SM CDO Downtown Premiere, Robinsons Cagayan de Oro and at JRBGH. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

take over.“I believe and until now they (firm) are still interested. Maraming pag-uusapan pa diyan and until right now there is no transaction made yet,” Sotto said in a phone interview.

Sotto said that currently NORDECO is doing good after the reconciliation in 2019 when the task force took over the operation.

The renaming of DANECO to NORDECO

in 2019 signaled the reorganization of the cooperative from the temporary management by the Task Force DuterteNorthern Davao Power.

The task force was formed in February 2017, after a period of violent strife in the DANECO management, which split into two in 2011.

The two factions of DANECO-each side controlled by the National

Electrification Association (NEA) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)--have reconciled in 2019.

“NORDECO is already running good right now, in fact, from Category C, our 2019 performance was upped to Category B and the 2020 performance right up to Category AA, meaning to say the EC is doing good already,” Sotto said. By Maya M. Padillo

Earlier in the session, comeback kids Darren Appleton and Karl Boyes took advantage of a despondent Greece (Alex Kazakis and Nick Malai). Appleton and Boyes lifted the World Cup in 2014 and were returning as a late replacement for Canada, who had been blighted with travel issues.

Having beaten South Africa in the first round, their task in round two looked harder against the 2019 quarter-fi-

nalists.

However, Greece struggled at the table and though Great Britain C weren’t faultless, they did enough, with Boyes in particular not looking like a player who officially retired in 2017. With Great Britain B having gone out to Philippines in round one, and the ‘A’ team succumbing to Estonia, GB C are now flying the flag alone for the hosts after completing a 7-4 win over Greece.

All four quarter finals will be played out on Thursday, with two in the afternoon session and two in the evening. The action begins at 12noon with Slovakia vs. Japan before Great Britain C face Netherlands. The World Cup of Pool is broadcast live globally including on Sky Sports, DAZN and Matchroom.Live. Full broadcast details can be found at matchroompool.com.

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9 7

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 7th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. - Temporary Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan

- On Official Business

ORDINANCE NO. 0491-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 0291-17, SERIES OF 2017, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE 2017 REVENUE CODE OF THE CITY OF DAVAO”, PARTICULARLY ARTICLE 13, CITY TERMINAL FEES AND CHARGES, SECTION 389, REDUCING AND/OR LOWERING THE RATES OF STALLS TO FIFTY PERCENT (50%) DURING THE STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENT Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 0291-17, SERIES OF 2017, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE 2017 REVENUE CODE OF THE CITY OF DAVAO”, PARTICULARLY ARTICLE 13, CITY TERMINAL FEES AND CHARGES, SECTION 389, REDUCING AND/ OR LOWERING THE RATES OF STALLS TO FIFTY PERCENT (50%) DURING THE STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENT”.

SECTION 2. AUTHORITY TO ADJUST AND/OR LOWER THE RATES – Section 132 of the Local Government Code of 1991 states, “The power to impose a tax, fee, or charge or to generate revenue under this Code shall be exercised by the sanggunian of the local government unit concerned through an appropriate ordinance.”

Pursuant to such provision, the City Council has the power to adjust and/or lower the previous rates it has imposed.

SECTION 3. ADJUSTED RATES – There shall be an adjustment, reduction and/or lowering of the rates in Section 389, viz.: FROM: Rental Charges

a) Category A

Stalls and stands traversing Candelaria and Maya streets with entrances outside the terminal

P 5,000.00 a month

b) Category B Stalls within the terminal

P 4,000.00 a month

c) Category C Rate for land use

10.00 sq./m. per day or a fraction thereof

TO:

Rental Charges

a) Category A

Stalls and stands traversing Candelaria and Maya streets with entrances outside the terminal

P 2,500.00 a month

b) Category B Stalls within the terminal

P 2,000.00 a month

c) Category C Rate for land use

5.00 sq./m per day or a fraction thereof

SECTION 4. PERIOD – The said adjustment, reduction or lowering of rate of the stalls shall only be applicable during the period covering the COVID Pandemic which shall revert back to the original rates upon the lifting of the state of public health emergency brought upon by Covid-19; SECTION 5. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 6. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval.

ENACTED, February 16, 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

ATTESTED:

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. President Pro Tempore Temporary Presiding Officer cns/bern

APPROVED :

An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 0291-17, Series of 2017, otherwise known as “The 2017 Revenue Code of the City of Davao” particularly Article 13, City Terminal Fees and Charges, Section 389, reducing and/or lowering the rates of stalls to Fifty Percent (50%) during the state of public health emergency issued by the President

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PRRD urges Muslims to continue PEREZ ... FROMB1 being ‘generous, compassionate’

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed hope that the Muslim community’s “generosity and compassion” will never fade.

“This joyous occasion celebrating personal sacrifice and unity is made more relevant as the country makes a significant step closer to beating the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Duterte said he is optimistic that the Muslim community would help his administration bring “peace, prosperity, healing, and strength” to the country.

“Let us welcome a new hope that this Eid brings -- for peace, prosperity, healing and strength as we build a progressive and brighter future for our people. I wish you a blessed and joyous celebration! Eid Mubarak,” he said.

Observe health protocols In a separate statement, Presidential

Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar reminded Muslim Filipinos to follow health measures against Covid-19 as they observe Eid’l Fitr.

“As we continue with our national vaccination program, we ask everyone to continue observing all health measures and protocols, for us to be on our way towards our collective recovery,” Andanar said.

Andanar hoped that the Muslims’ renewed spiritual attainment would strengthen their commitment and dedication to the exemplary Islamic virtues, especially amid a global health crisis.

“As the challenges brought by the Covid-19 prevented everyone from sharing meals and praying together throughout the blessed month of Ramadan, Allah’s constant love, affection, and mercy have given you the strength and courage to obey all His commandments, while

facing adversities,” he said.

Duterte, through Proclamation 1142 inked on Monday, declared May 13 as a regular holiday to “bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness.”

Under the proclamation, Muslim Filipinos are reminded to observe community quarantine, social distancing, and other health protocols amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

Eid’l Fitr, one of the two most important Islamic celebrations, is observed by the Muslim community three days after the fasting month of Ramadan.

Muslims traditionally gather in mosques for an Eid prayer to express their gratitude to Allah for having been able to perform their personal sacrifices.

However, they will have to celebrate inside their respective homes as a precaution against Covid-19. (PNA)

he Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in an 11-page letter to MindaNews, has denied criticisms against it and its director general claimed by the Mindanao TechnicalVocational Education Training Institutions (MinTVET).MinTVET earlier petitioned President Rodrigo Duterte for the review of performance of TESDA and the eventual replacement of DirectorGeneral Isidro Lapeña.

MindaNews asked Lapeña for his reaction on Tuesday but he said he did not have a copy of the petition. He later sent to MindaNews a table of TESDA’s responses to the issues and concerns raised

by MinTVET. On the allegation that TESDA has not been involving private TVET (technicalvocational education

training) institutions in the implementation of skills training programs, the government agency said “there is no policy of exclusivity to public/ government institutions.

The existing policy is to provide the full absorptive capacity of the TESDA institutions and equitably distribute the remaining funds to the private institutions.”

Lapeña noted that from 2018 to 2021, only 32.6% of the scholarship funds went to TESDA institutions, while 50.6% went to private TVIs. On the claim that TESDA has not been transparent in the distribution and allocation of scholarships for skills training (of all types) both for public and private, it countered that it has been regularly posting it on TESDA’s website.

On the appeal to order TESDA “to recall the directive issued by the

Director General (Memo Order No. 005 s. 2020) to grant priority to public assessment centers (ACs) while relegating private assessment centers to a mere stand-by facility,” the government agency stated that “TESDA Circular No. 036 s 2021 on Scheduling of Assessment provides that the assignment of assessment centers shall be equitably distributed among all accredited assessment centers that are fully compliant…. While TTIs [TESDA Training Institutions] are prioritized, they constitute a small percentage of all the ACs in the regions.”

It further pointed out that in all Mindanao regions, there are 39 (or 6.81%) TTIs and 534 (93.19%) private technical-vocational institutions (TVIs). The number of assessments made from January 2020 to April 30, 2021, TESDA

noted, was 56,704 (34.45%) for the TTIs and 107,909 (65.55%) for the private TVIs. On the call “to review and correct the procedures in the payment of training costs under the scholarship program to allow submission of billing statements upon start of training and to pay training and assessment costs to private institutions on time or within reasonable time, without long periods of delay (6 months to 1 year delay),” TESDA said that payment of scholarships was delegated to its provincial offices in December 2019 for efficient processing. It added that it should only take five days “as long as documents submitted are complete and accurate.

Delay in processing is due to lacking documents and inconsistencies in the submitted documents.”

maximum of 80 percent surety cover to loans granted by banks to MSMEs. In 2016, CSFs were institutionalized through the passage of Republic Act 10744, otherwise known as the Credit Surety Fund Cooperative Act of 2015.

Under the law, CSF cooperatives are the ones that will manage and administer CSFs for its members as these institutions, once registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), will be given juridical personality.

Since the law’s enactment, 14 CSFs have registered with the CDA. Diokno said at least 15 more CSFs are expected to register by end-2021.

While CSFs are not enough to address

financing needs of MSMEs, BSP Financial Inclusion Office director Ellen Joyce Sufficiencia said these are “crucial interventions” to help provide additional capital for small businesses.

“We need a slew of other financial infrastructure to make lending to MSMEs a viable business activity for banks and other financing entities,” she said during the same event.

Aside from financial infrastructure, “we also want to encourage and support the capacity of lending institutions to engage in innovative financing,” she said.

“It can better support the needs of MSMEs. (We need) specialized lending skills that can better cater to the needs of MSMEs,” she added. (PNA)

petroleum products and prospects for the next 20 years, Philippine government-owned and privately-owned crude oil and finished petroleum products’ storage facilities in the past five years, and the expected growth for the next two decades.

It will also study the international strategic petroleum reserve program situation in the past five years to address supply disruptions.

The DOE and JOGMEC partnership likewise aims to study existing international oil supply security agreements in Asean and other regions, and seek potential opportunities for the country to participate.

It also targets to examine existing

Philippine policies, gaps in government-owned and private petroleum products’ storage facilities, as well as the role of the DOE, the Philippine National Oil Company and other relevant government agencies in addressing the national petroleum products’ contingency and emergency supply strategies and measures.

“We have been proactively seeking all potential ways to ensure the availability of sufficient energy supply, most especially in the face of local or global disruptions such as geopolitical movements, global market volatilities, and more recently, this Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) health crisis,” the DOE chief said. (PNA)

In his Eid’l Fitr message, Duterte said he is optimistic that the occasion would inspire everyone to continue promoting “peace, unity and goodwill among our fellow Filipinos.”

“As you mark the end of a month-long journey of reflection, prayer, and fasting, may Allah continue to instill in you the virtues of generosity and compassion for others,” Duterte said.

He made the message, as he wished the Muslim Filipinos to have a “solemn” observance of Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan despite the country’s ongoing battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Duterte said this year’s celebration of Eid’l Fitr is memorable because the country’s fight against Covid-19 is nearing an end.

TESDA denies Mindanao tech-voc center’s criticisms

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venia, France, Qatar, and the Dominican Republic.

The Slovenians will be composed of club team Piran, a team that has tussled with the Filipinos numerous times in the pro circuit.

Same with Qatar, who will have Erfan Ali Saeed, Abdulrahman Saad, Nedim Muslic, and Seydou Ndoye.

Munzon and Pasaol, along with Dehesa and Santillan, have also seen France’s Charly Pontens during the 2019 Poitiers Challenger and Raphael Wilson during the 2019 Jeddah Masters.

The Gilas 3x3 pool will return to Inspire on Friday to wrap up their camp be-

fore leaving for Austria.

Perez, having already competed at the world stage in 5-on-5, vows to do all he can so that he can also play at the highest level in 3x3.

“Kailangan ko i-maximize ‘yung mga ganitong opportunity sa buhay ko, lalo ito Olympics na ang usapan. Kahit ganito kaaga, nabibigay na sa akin ‘yung ganitong opportunity kaya igra-grab ko siya,” he said.

“Madaming player ang nangangarap na maglaro sa Gilas kaya sobrang grateful ako na binibigyan ako ng ganitong chance ng Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas at nila Boss Al [Panlilio].”

firm footing as it accords a substitute mode of financing.”

DBP is the sixthlargest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy, namely, infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development.

Based on the latest government data, there are around 81 provinces, 144 cities, 1,490 municipalities, and more than 42,000 barangays across the country which fall under the administrative supervision of the Executive Branch through the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the DOF. Herbosa said DBP’s extensive experience with the LGU sector would help advance the LGU bond market as an essential financial resource to bankroll essential critical

infrastructure and social development projects which are commonly heavily dependent on appropriations from the national government through the Internal Revenue Allotment.

He said through the credit-rating system, LGUs would be able to diversify funds sources which would be based on needs, revenue-earning capacity, and financial maturity.

Herbosa said DBP would establish a viable risk model that is flexible, pragmatic, and forwardlooking.

“Once all LGUs are rated effectively, DBP could easily align its marketing efforts and provide strategic support, especially to those who need financial assistance,” he added. “We shall continue to explore innovative and sustainable financing solutions so that communities can continue to recover and rebuild from the crippling effects of the public health crisis.”

(PR)

Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE), which reduced corporate income tax to 25% for corporations and 20% for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Meanwhile, the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Law was enacted in February, allowing corporations to invest in or acquire non-performing assets (NPAs) from financial

institutions, and engage third parties to manage and dispose of such assets.

The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has set a 6.5% to 7.5% economic growth target this year, but this will be revisited when economic managers meet this month to discuss the latest developments.

of selected branches for walk-in clients, will last for only 10 to 15 minutes, the presentation explained.

Landbank said people can also download the Landbank MBA from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Interested clients need to only fill out the

application forms online and upload their valid identification cards like unified multipurpose ID (UMID), passport, Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID, Social Security System (SSS) ID, company ID, and even school ID. (PNA)

Aside from medical oxygen in tanks, Lopez has urged the government and the private sector to start importing oxygen concentrators that can be an alternative for oxygen tanks while the country is ramping up the local supply of medical oxygen.

“We were discussing

with (Department of Science and Technology) Secretary (Fortunato) de la Peña for this one. This is one equipment that can be developed by DOST, then we will need a private sector partner to commercialize the production. This is one of the projects now of DOST,” he said. (PNA)

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VOL.14 ISSUE 51 • FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

SPORTS B2

Damian Lillard scored 30 points and CJ McCollum added 26 to lead the Portland Trail Blazers.

Nuggets get go signal from health officials to increase stadium capacity

K

roenke Sports & Entertainment announced on Wednesday that state health officials have approved an increased capacity at Ball Arena for Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche playoff games.

The current approved capacity of 4,050 fans will increase to 7,750 fans for the NHL and NBA playoffs later this month.

That new figure represents 42.3 percent of seating capacity at the Denver arena.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays are moving north in June and have added fully vaccinated seating sections at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, increasing the ballpark’s seating capacity to 35% for the first eight home games.

That’s in line with the

latest guidelines from New York state. The Blue Jays will play several home games in Buffalo due to restrictions in cross-border travel between the US and Canada because of COVID-19.

Blue Jays tickets go on sale on May 20, and tickets for the minor league Bisons go on sale Tuesday.

Fans can purchase a maximum of four tickets per game, choosing between physically distanced and fully vaccinated seating sections. Tickets will be sold in pods of up to four seats, with each pod spaced a minimum of six feet apart. They’re available to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated fans.

Fully vaccinated sections will be able to have full capacity.

Blazers defeat Jazz to gain share of 5th spot

S

ALT LAKE CITY — Damian Lillard scored 30 points and CJ McCollum added 26 to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 105-98 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time).

Carmelo Anthony added 18 points for Portland.

Jusuf Nurkic chipped in 11 points and 15 rebounds. The Trail Blazers won their fifth straight game and earned their ninth victory in their last 10. Portland moved into a tie with Dallas for the fifth position in the Western Conference.

Jordan Clarkson scored 29 points to lead Utah. Rudy Gobert added 15 points and 20 rebounds for the

Perez sees tough battle ahead in FIBA 3x3 OQT

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J Perez knows it’s not going to be easy.

Despite having proven his mettle in the full court 5v5, CJ Perez is looking to conquer the 3x3 court.

On top of two scoring titles in the PBA, the 27-year old mainstay of Gilas Pilipinas has also played for the country in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

He will represent the country in another way on May 26-30 when he, Mo Tautuaa, Joshua Munzon, and Alvin Pasaol compete in the 2021 FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Graz, Austria.

Perez, together with Tautuaa, was part of the 3x3 team that won gold in the 30th Southeast Asian Games,

but he is aware that the teams they will face in the FIBA 3x3 OQT are on a different level than their competition in San Juan two years ago.

“Parang dun mo mararamdaman ‘yung sobrang pisikal na 3x3,” said Perez. “’Yun ‘yung nakikita namin sa mga scouting videos namin.

Hindi ganun ka-fancy pero nakakagawa sila ng paraan.

Mukang matitigas talaga yung katawan ng kalaban.” “’Yun ‘yung challenge sa amin, kung paano makakasabay sa kanila,” he added.

For Perez, their recent seven-day camp at the Inspire Sports Academy was crucial as the other members of the Gilas 3x3 pool were able to brief him and Tautuaa on what to expect in the OQT.

Karl Dehesa and Santi Santillan were both at the Inspire facility to help the team in their preparations.

“Kailangan ko pa matutunan ‘yung larong 3x3 lalo na nandun sila Josh,” Perez said. “Sila ‘yung beterano sa 3x3 at halos lahat ng nakalaban namin, nakalaban na nila. Kabisado na nila paano laruin 3x3 at labanan dun sa pro circuit.

“May tips din sila binibigay kay Coach Ronnie (Magsanoc) kasi kahit alam ni Coach Ronnie ang 3x3, iba pa rin ‘yung world stage. Sila Karl at Josh talaga malaking natutulong sa amin,” he added.

The Philippines is bracketed in Pool C along with Slo-

FPEREZ, B1

Jazz, who lost their second straight game. Utah now holds a 1 1/2 game lead over Phoenix for the best record in the NBA. Cold shooting from Utah in the second half opened the door for Portland to take control. The Jazz missed 11 of 12 shots over an eight-minute stretch to start the third quarter. The Trail Blazers capitalized, building an 8471 lead late in the quarter fol-

lowing back-to-back baskets from Anthony and Lillard.

The Jazz drew within 9081 on a second-chance dunk from Gobert. But that was their only basket through the first eight minutes of the fourth quarter. Utah missed eight of nine shots overall in that stretch.

Portland pushed the lead back to double digits amid the drought and extended its advantage to 97-81 on a layup from Lillard with 4:19 left.

Utah charged out of the gates in the first quarter.

The Jazz made their first seven shots and scored on six straight possessions to carve out a 16-4 lead. Joe In-

gles and Rudy Gobert each scored back-to-back baskets to fuel the hot start.

Portland weathered the surge and chipped away at Utah’s lead until overtaking the Jazz in the second quarter. The Trail Blazers hit nine of their first 12 shots to open the quarter and scored on four straight possessions, culminating in a 3-pointer from Norman Powell, to take a 49-46 lead.

McCollum played the largest part in sparking Portland’s offense during the second quarter. He made six baskets – capped by a halftime buzzer-beating jumper – and totaled 13 points in the quarter.

CJ Perez of the Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 team. Photo courtesy of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas

EDGEDAVAO 8 SPORTS De Luna, Gomez defeat US pair to enter last 8 of World Cup of Pool

VOL.14 ISSUE 51 • FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

G

reat Britain A crashed out of the World Cup of Pool in the most agonising of circumstances as Jayson Shaw scratched with two balls remaining at hillhill against Estonia.

Earlier in the evening Philippines had won seven consecutive racks to come from 5-0 down to beat USA in a match that had it all and will live long in the memory, while Great Britain C’s comeback continued with a 7-4 success over Greece to reach the quarter-finals.

Shaw and Chris Melling had beaten Belarus in the first round to face Estonia (Denis Grabe and Mark Magi) in the final second round fixture. Neither team were at their best in the first half of the match and after eight racks it was 4-4. The hosts looked set to move ahead until Melling scratched on the 6. Estonia did the rest and reached the hill in rack ten after some good safety play. Magi’s break wasn’t firm enough and to add insult to injury, not only did he fail to make a ball but he left a shot at the 1 for Shaw.

Great Britain A took that rack and the next to join Estonia on the hill, and though Grabe and Magi had a chance in the last, it was Shaw and Melling who were at the table when only the 5 and 9 remained. The two balls were tied close to each other and Shaw didn’t have great position. He cut the five in with pace, but the cue came off the side rail to scratch

in the top pocket and Magi had a simple 9 to dramatically take a place in the quarter-finals.

Estonia will face Philippines in the last eight after Jeff De Luna and Roberto Gomez staged a dramatic comeback against America’s Skyler Woodward and Billy Thorpe.

At 2-0 down De Luna executed a great up-table bank on the 7, only to see the cue ball scratch and award USA hall-in-hand with only the 9 remaining on the table.

The Americans ran the next rack fro a 4-0 lead and the Filipino mountain was growing.

They had a chance in the fifth but the 7 rattled out of the jaws for Gomez, who was lucky not to scratch. That made it too tough for Thorpe to pot, but Woodward would then get a chance after De Luna’s hit-and-hope wasn’t executed. The drama wasn’t over yet though; this time the twotime Mosconi Cup MVP failed to remove the 7 from the table. It finally went to a Gomez cut, but position was tough for De Luna who couldn’t cut it to the corner; Thorpe knocked in the gimmie and USA had a 5-0 advantage.

But Philippines weren’t done, and began to climb the mountain.

Jeff De Luna and Roberto Gomez of the Philippines staged a dramatic comeback against America’s Skyler Woodward and Billy Thorpe.

The ninth was the most dramatic as again both teams struggled with the stubborn 7, but Philippines came out on top after Thorpe left it in the jaws and in the tenth the Filipinos levelled up

against the odds.

They didn’t have a shot after the next break but still managed to reach the hill, and USA didn’t return to the table. The match was one of the World Cup’s best;

drama, top play, and in part a story of USA failing to close out from 5-0 up, while Philippines capitalised to run a seven pack to win the match from the jaws of defeat.

FDE LUNA, P7