Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 62 | Thursday, May 27, 2021

PROTECTING TURTLE ISLANDS FROM FURTHER EXPLOITATION ENVIRONMENT P9

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) reports that its Covid-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds are now fully occupied and the ward beds are nearly all occupied due to a surge in cases in Davao City. SPMC is the largest Covid-19 referral hospital in the city for moderate, several, and critical cases. Edge Davao

Doctors not administering Ivermectin for Covid patients in Davao: Sara

STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 62 • THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte sign EO 137, an executive order which mandates immediate and harmonized humanitarian assistance and operations during disasters and emergencies to ensure“faster and more reliable delivery of social protection programs and services of the government.”Presidential Photo

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Land dispute possible motive in killing of barangay captain

Doctors not administering Ivermectin for Covid patients in Davao City: Sara

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio disclosed that antiparasitic drug ivermectin is not being administered to Covid-19 patients in Davao City as it is still not recommended by the health experts to treat Covid-19.

“Ang ivermectin hangtod sa karon wala gihapon nagmando ang atoang public health experts na maka-prevent siya sa Covid-19 because we still see cases na mga nagpositive sa Covid-19 nga naga-take sa ginaingon nila nga prophylaxis kuno sa ivermectin. Ang ivemectin

Mayor Sara added that doctors prescribed different medicine if the patient is severe or critical case of Covid-19.

Last April 30, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) and the pud pagsulod nimo didto Philippine Food and Drug (FDA) sa hospital dili pud siya Administration through a ginagamit na tambal sa reiterated atoang mga doctors,” the statement that the agencies do not recommend mayor said.

The mayor issued the use of antiparasitic the statement as there drug ivermectin for the are some Dabawenyos treatment of Covid-19 due asking for the availability to insufficient scientific of the said drug in some evidence.

The DOH and FDA pharmacies in Davao City.

jointly emphasized that the agencies have always been consistent in their guidance to the public, and echoed that to date, ivermectin is not approved for the treatment of Covid-19.

The DOH and FDA further echoed the statements of various medical and pharmacist associations on the distributed prescriptions and strongly advised the public on what constitutes a valid prescription.

According to the DOH, a valid prescription should contain

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olice investigators considered land dispute as possible motive behind the killing of Barangay Captain Roderico Llubit Tuesday night at his residence in Muslim Village Barangay 9-A in Davao City.

Llubit was feeding his cats on the first floor of his house at about 7:45 p.m when the attackers barged in and shot him several times on the different parts of his body with an M-16 armalite rifle.

Llubit’s live-in partner who was inside the comfort room heard the gun bursts and saw the wounded body of his partner lying on the floor, prompting her to call for medical assistance from Central 911.

The victim was declared dead at around 8:15 p.m.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) investigators who processed the crime scene recovered four spent shells of caliber 5.56 from an

M-16 rifle.

Capt. Rose Aguilar, Davao City Police Office spokesperson, said that the incident might have something to do with the ongoing land dispute in Purok 10 in his village wherein the land owner requested Llubit to negotiate with the squatters to self-demolish their houses and other structures. However, only half of the squatters agreed to self-demolish with compensation, while half of them resisted and got angry with the barangay captain.

The suspects reportedly fled to the unlighted back portion of the victim’s residence passing through the elevated rip rap after the shooting.

Llubit is known for his tough approach against illegal drugs and criminality in the barangay.

First District Rep. Paolo

was done during the recent ‘Engagement and Ceremonial Signing of Commitment to Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2) Program’ at the VIP Club, Tourism Complex, Tagum City.

Through this, the next batch of beneficiaries consisting of 46 families or 172 individuals (still

subject for validation), will receive various services and assistance from NGAs and Provincial Government departments.

This batch of BP2 beneficiaries have a target send-off in June or July and are bound to all Municipalities and Cities of Davao del Norte, with the

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Gensan residents hit abrupt DavNor BP2 program beneficiaries to get help in transition of living implementation of GCQ

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lose to lunch time on Tuesday, pedicab driver Bobby Kegani was still waiting for passengers along what used to be a busy intersection in Barangay Calumpang, this city but only a few came.

It was the first day of General Community Quarantine (GCQ) which

was announced by officials mid-afternoon Monday.

The move of City Hall came to thwart a surge in new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city which authorities fear “may jeopardize” the health system capacity of the city.

The local Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging

Infectious Diseases (IATF) reported on Sunday that all seven major hospitals in the city were already 100 percent full, 83.33 percent of which are COVID-19 positive cases.

Of this number, 69 percent are from this city while the rest are from nearby towns in South Cotabato and

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he Provincial Government along with National Government Agencies (NGAs) have committed to giving assistance to the Balik Probinsya Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2) Program beneficiaries in their transition of living to the province.

Such commitment

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 62 • THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

NEWS 3

Trike driver Bobby Kegani waits for passengers during the first day of the General community quarantine in General Santos City on 25 May 2021. Many residents expressed dismay on the sudden reversal of the quarantine status to GCQ. The announcement was made mid-afternoon of Monday, and made effective by midnight, catching many by surprise. MindaNews Photo by ROMMEL G. REBOLLIDO

Mati City’s Choice Chicken now available in public market

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o promote homegrown chickens and help families of farmers in Mati City, three stalls in Mati Public Market have already started selling “Mati’s Choice Chicken” for only P160 per kilo.

City Councilor and Committee Chairman on Agriculture Eric Rabat and City Agriculturist Baby Sambas attended today’s initial selling of Mati’s Choice Chicken.

“This is a great help to the Matinians so that they can buy chicken at a cheap price amid the pandemic and they could taste the fresh chicken produced by the Mati farmers themselves,” Councilor Rabat said.

However, the supply of Mati’s Choice chicken is still limited at the moment.

They only have 1,500 bags of Mati’s Choice chicken per week to supply the market which are available once a week and up to two bags of

chicken can be purchased by a costumer.

The limited supply is due to the ongoing construction of the chicken dressing plant in Sudlon.

Once the dressing plant is completed this October, all Mati businessmen will be able to avail themselves of chicken and more than two chickens can be purchased by each customer.

Not only that, they also plan to give free chickens to 500 people in Mati through City Mayor Michelle Rabat on the very first day of operation of the dressing plant.

Mati’s Choice Chicken is a private sector initiative.

It is produced by Farmers Choice Agri Trading. The company approached the City of Mati LGU to coordinate with the promotion of poultry.

“The private sectors came up with this idea to

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SPMC ICU beds at full occupancy rate

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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r. Ashly Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), bared on Wednesday that the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) are now 100 percent occupied amid the continuing surge of Covid-19 confirmed cases in Davao City.

This pertains to the hospital utilization rate of SPMC, which is at critical level and 100 percent occupied almost everyday while the isolation and covered ward beds are above 70 percent occupiedthese indicators are already

classified under critical level.

“This will reflect kung unsa’y mahitabo kung ang atong hospital is being overwhelmed already. Ako na ginasulti sauna na pagma-overwhelm gani ang atong hospital damay gyud

pati ang atong mga pasyente particularly those with severe and critical cases who really need medical care.

We are now pertaining to the hospital utilization rate at critical level particularly SPMC, which is naga-100 percent na ang ilahang ICU beds. Isolation and covered ward beds are above 70 percent already,” Lopez said in a live broadcast interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

Lopez disclosed that on May 25, 2021, Davao City recorded a total of 173 new confirmed cases for Covid-19.

“If you noticed the whole week naa gyud ta sa 90 to more than 100 cases all the way. Nisaka gyud ang atong kaso. Based on our data, naa man ta data na ginahimo almost every week kanang Covid-19 growth rate in Davao City naa na gyud ta surge.

Although, just yesterday we already have 1,035 active cases from the previous more than 700, it grows up 1,035 active cases out of the almost 16,000 total cases we have in Davao City since the start of the pandemic,” he said.

Station Felix Apolinario Covered Court in Camp Panacan in Davao city.

Sobejana also lauded EastMinCom’s relationship with the communities and the Local Government Units (LGUs), saying he hopes that this should be sustained.

“Our AFP is not just for war; we are doing operations other than war. Our people should understand this,” the APF chief said.

He said AFP’s role in

society is ‘very relevant’ for its job is multifarious, stressing the need for the troops to instill among the Filipino citizenry that the military’s role is not confined within the world of warfare, noting that the military dimension in solving the decades-old armed conflict is only about 20 percent.

He also stressed the importance of the Wholeof-Nation approach in ending the local communist armed conflict since he

said that 80 percent of the solution requires the involvement of everybody.

Sobejana admitted that there are problems relating to insurgency that are beyond the AFP’s resolve.

Hence, the help of civilians is crucial to the attainment of long lasting peace in the country.

“By way of addressing the economic dimension of war, we are putting an end to the armed conflict without firing a single shot.

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AFP chief lauds EastMinCom’s performance

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he chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Cirilito Sobejana commended the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) for sustaining its status as the best unified command of the country.

Sobejana noted the achievements of the EastMinCom in both combat and non-military operations during his “Talk to the Troops” Monday (May 24) at the Naval

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Davao City businessman Dennis Uy, whose company, Malampaya Energy XP Pte. Ltd., is buying Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX) for $380 million and up to $80 million in more payments from 2022 to 2024 using funding from foreign loans.

Dennis Uy funding Malampaya take over with foreign loans I f everything goes as planned for Davao City businessman Dennis Uy, he will control 90% of the gas field in offshore Palawan.

His company Malampaya Energy XP Pte. Ltd. is buying Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX) for $380 million and up to $80 million in more payments from 2022 to 2024.

SPEX holds 45% operating interest in Service Contract 38 or the Malampaya project.

Malampaya Energy already bought out Chevron Malampaya LLC from the Malampaya Consortium in

March last year for $565 million.

Chevron Malampaya LLC, now UC38 LLC, holds the other 45% stake in the gas-to-power project.

How did Dennis Uy, one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s top campaign donors in 2016, afford these acquisitions worth several hundred million dollars?

“The acquisition is 100% funded by our existing lenders,” Belinda Race-

la, top executive of Malampaya Energy, said.

Racela said the foreign lenders are the same banks which bankrolled Uy’s acquisition of Chevron’s Malampaya stake last year.

“These are international financial institutions of repute who are current lenders to the UC38 LLC stake which was purchased from Chevron,” she said.

The Malampaya Energy executive, however, refused to disclose the identity of the foreign lenders.

“However, as respect to our lenders, we cannot say who they are,” she said.

Nonetheless, she said

the lenders were agreeable to provide additional acquisition financing “based on their knowledge and comfort with the robust business model, healthy financials and contracted cash flows of Malampaya.”

“As importantly, they have a high degree of confidence in Malampaya Energy’s ability to safely and reliably operate the business,” Racela said.

“Malampaya Energy has a significant level of technical and operational expertise of the Shell and Ex-Chevron staff that will remain with the business

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Phoenix says ‘no knowledge of any interest’ in PNOC’s banked gas

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hoenix Petroleum said Tuesday it has “no knowledge of any interest” to buy banked gases as of May 26.

The Dennis Uy-led firm was responding to a Manila Bulletin report that said it was looking to buy some P33 billion worth of Malampaya banked gas from the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).

“The above statement is unconfirmed. The Compa-

ny has no knowledge of any interest to purchase banked gases as of date of writing,” Phoenix Petroleum said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

“Should there be any manifest interest and the board approves the same, we shall make the necessary disclosures at the appropriate time,” it added.

Davao-based tycoon Uy has interests in energy and telecommunications,

panies not only for data but for sales.

“People are now riskaverse and would prefer, sometimes, to also deal using technology,” he said.

This change has been cited by several insurance company executives in the past, noting the faster they adapt to this change, the better their processes and sales would improve amid the new normal.

Florendo underscored the need for companies to hike market awareness for risk.

“With the pandemic a lot of people are now more aware of the need for protection to reduce risk. So, again, it’s important to be creative on the products that we offer our clients and the way we sell these to them,” he said.

Another important factor seen to drive the insurance sector’s performance this year and the coming years is the measures to counter the impact of the low interest rate environment.

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Palace optimistic about Tapping technology to drive recovery of PH economy insurance sector’s growth

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alacañang expressed confidence on Tuesday that the Philippine economy will recover despite the recent stricter quarantine measures in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces due to the spike in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections.

“Puwede pang maka-recover (We can still recover),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual

press conference. “Pero naniniwala naman po tayo na makakahabol tayo (We are confident that we can catch up).”

Roque issued the statement, a day after Moody’s Analytics forecast that the Philippines may return to its pre-pandemic level by end of 2022, making its status as a “regional laggard” amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Moody’s Analytics

also slashed its gross domestic product projection to 5.3 percent from its previous forecast of 6.3 percent annual growth for 2021.

Roque acknowledged that there is a slow pace of the country’s economic growth during the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and more relaxed modified ECQ (MECQ) in National Capital Region (NCR) Plus composed

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n executive of the Insurance Commission (IC) has highlighted the importance for insurance companies to leverage on technology, among others, to boost their sales during the pandemic and drive the sector’s growth.

In a webinar jointly hosted by the Department of Finance (DOF), IC, and SGV & Co. on Tuesday, IC Deputy Commissioner Ferdinand George Florendo said tapping technology would be “very advantageous” for insurance com-

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ECONOMY

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Fishermen from a coastal community in Davao City prepare to sail out towards the Davao Gulf. The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) reported that the agency has recorded significant growth in its operating income in 2020 with P198.05 million compared to P181.16 million in 2019. Edge Davao

Raising vax priorities to boost gains from reopening economy

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nclusion of more people in the priority groups of the government’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination program is expected to boost gains from the reopening of the economy and help increase state revenues.

In a report on Tuesday, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said if daily Covid-19 cases are effectively reduced with the vaccine rollout and inclusion of more beneficiaries, such as the economic front-liners and indigents, any additional moves to reopen the economy could help alleviate tax revenue collections in the coming months.

Ricafort said continued easing of movement restrictions would allow for more economic activities that will

increase the government’s capacity to collect taxes.

He added reopening of the economy would allow more companies to operate thus, reducing the need for the government to provide subsidies and help boost its fiscal management and discipline.

“However, this could be offset by the risk of relatively slower economic recovery/rebound amid the risk of relatively higher new Covid-19 cases locally amid new coronavirus variants that are more contagious that could lead to risks of lockdowns and travel restrictions…,” he said.

This could still potentially result in reduced tax revenue collections and could lead to relatively wider budget deficits with reduced government rev-

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DOF chief says capital markets to lead PH economic recovery

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he inclusion of workers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in the government’s A4 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination priority list will further spur economic recovery, the country’s trade chief said on Friday.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the reforms being initiated and pushed by the Duterte administration to further deepen the Philippines’ capital markets will let the economy emerge stronger and more resilient in the aftermath of the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Dominguez said these reforms aimed at building a “truly broad-based and in-

clusive financial system fit for the 21st century” include the proposed Capital Market Development Act and simplifying the taxation of passive income and financial services and transactions.

While these reforms require the approval of the Congress, Dominguez said the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC), which he chairs, have initiated several mea-

sures from their end to make the processes in the financial system more efficient and accessible to both bond issuers and retail investors.

Dominguez cited, for instance, the recent launch of the electronic Securities Issues Portal (e-SIP) by the Philippine Dealing System (PDS), which had Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) as its pioneer corporate bond issuer; and the introduction of mobile software such as the Bonds.PH and Overseas Filipino Bank apps, which have allowed the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) to widen its reach to individual investors in offering government bonds.

“All these efforts should open the door to a steady stream of new listings and

new investment products.

We are very optimistic to bounce back from the Covid-19 crisis stronger and more resilient than ever. The capital markets, I believe, will lead us in this recovery,” Dominguez said at the opening of the virtual initial public offering (IPO) forum organized by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

The online forum led by PSE president-chief executive officer Ramon Monzon was held as part of the PSE’s information campaign on the amended listing rules of its Main, and Small, Medium and Emerging Boards.

This forum also discussed the advantages and expansion opportunities for small, medium enterprises

Fisheries earnings Private sector-led projects to help hit P200M in 2020

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he Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) has recorded significant growth in its operating income in 2020.

The PFDA, a government office endowed with corporate powers by the Department of Agriculture (DA), shared its database showing a 9.32 percent increase of operating income in 2020 with PHP198.05 million compared to PHP181.16 million in 2019.

“This, despite the economic challenges brought by the emergence of the

coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic early in the year,” the PFDA stated.

Its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBIDTA) climbed by 14.5 percent to PHP265.2 million in 2020 from PHP231.4 million in 2019. This record successfully surpassed the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG)-approved EBIDTA target of PHP143 million.

Based on record, the PFDA’s total assets in-

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MSME digital technology launched

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he private sector aims for more micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to use digital technology to help their business operations amid the pandemic.

In a statement Tuesday, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and the Aboitiz Foundation said they launched new projects that will facilitate MSMEs’ digital transformation.

PDRF’s SIKAP project, or Synergizing Recovery Initiatives, Knowledge, and

Adaptation Practices for MSMEs, is a digital hub that provides information of latest available loans, programs, and online events for local MSMEs. Interested MSMEs can utilize this platform through sikap.com.ph.

On the other hand, Biyaheng Digiskarte: Digitalization of Small Businesses for Recovery and Competitiveness is Aboitiz Foundation’s mentoring program to equip MSMEs with knowledge and skills in using digital tools and technologies.

Biyaheng Digiskarte aims to teach MSMEs to use digital tools for their innovations in doing business, as well as incorporating gadgets, internet, social media, and online platforms in business strategies.

“The use of digital technology is not the only solution, but it is a powerful tool to help MSMEs deal with different problems. At the Aboitiz Foundation, we understand that many MSMEs and cooperatives, particularly agri-enterprises, still cannot see the potential

of using this to help their businesses recover,” Aboitiz Foundation president and chief operating officer Maribeth Marasigan said.

Aboitiz Foundation also partnered with the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Cooperative Development Authority, and PDRF SIKAP for the Biyaheng Digiskarte project.

The project will also develop learning modules and materials for MSMEs that can be conducted through

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 62 • THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

On the PHP2.145 million remitted by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) which will be used for the latter’s sports development programs:

We are grateful for the unending support of PCSO to our sports programs. Our vision won’t be possible without support from agencies like them. Malaking tulong po ito para lalo naming mapagbuti ang aming mga programa. Maraming salamat po (This is a big help to improve further our programs. Thank you very much).”

PSC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM ‘BUTCH’ RAMIREZ

EDITORIAL Protecting the city’s critical water resources The Davao City Watershed Management Council has strongly recommended to ban trekking and other recreational activities in watershed areas protected by the Watershed Code which was passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (Davao City Council) in the mid-2000s.

The ban was proposed by the WMC headed by no less than Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and chaired by City Administrator Zuleika Lopez to the City Council a few days after the Council’s Watershed Multipartite Monitoring Team (WMMT) had reported finding several waste materials in the vicinity of the Tamugan-Panigan river system which is being tapped as source of potable water of the city’s 1.6 million inhabitants.

The WMMT, collaborating with the private environmental advocacy group Interfacing Development Intervention for Sustainability (IDIS) and the Bantay-Bukid volunteers attached with the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), found samples of plastic products and other

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As a mandated vanguard of our valued sources of water, the WMC is right in recommending the restrictions , which in effect are strengthening the Watershed Code. The ball is now in the court of Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr., chairman of the City Council Committee on Environment.

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

waste materials thrown to the river by irresponsible persons. The monitoring group also found earlier cottages of what appears to be a resort. On top of this, they have confirmed the presence of piggery waste water lagoons emptying into the river, a sure-fire way of polluting the future source of our potable water now being built by Apo Agua Infrastructura at the mind-boggling cost of P12 billion. This is not to mention the cost that the Davao City Water District’s own water distribution mains to receive Apo Agua’s supply being built at an additional cost of more than P 2 billion.

WMC’s action on this growing problem is laudable, while inaction is tantamount to compromising the quality of our future potable water.

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 62 • THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

PEACE REPORTING I was searching for something yesterday in my bookshelves when a 32-page booklet caught my attention. This statement was too interesting to be dismissed outright: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men where the defenses for peace must be constructed.”

I found out that those words -- which reminds us of the power of ideas and how it shapes people -were from the charter of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“Men act as they think. They think as they are informed. They form opinions, decide and move on the basis of information at hand. If people think peace, they will act peace,” the booklet says.

“People are informed, and their values are formed, through the formal educational system,” it continues. “The schools and the mass media, indeed, are powerful instruments that shape the minds and steer the actions of men.”

The strife in Mindanao -- mistakenly labelled as a conflict between Muslims and Christians -- is one of the biggest threats to peace in the Philippines. “It is commonly believed that the misunderstanding in Mindanao and about Mindanao is due to biases, prejudices and misconceptions brought

about by decades of mis-education and mis-information of the Filipino,” it points out.

It sounds very interesting, indeed. If you are still at loss the title of the booklet, it’s A Manual on Peace Reporting in Mindanao.

I don’t remember how I was able to get a copy of the book; maybe when I visited the office of Press Foundation of Asia some years ago. It is published by Philippine Press Institute, an association of Philippine newspapers and magazines.

The author of the manual is Dr. Crispin C. Maslog, who once worked in 1987 as communication director of the Peace and Development Panel for Mindanao and the Cordilleras. A former journalist with Agence France-Presse, he was honored by the Philippines Jaycees as The Outstanding Filipino awardee in literature and journalism in 1995. A Fulbright scholar, he got his Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Minnesota.

The manual gives 10 general guidelines -- just like God gave Moses the 10 commandments -- to be observed when reporting on Mindanao and the people of Mindanao.

These are: There is no such thing as Muslim-Christian conflict. “The Philippines is a pluralist society,” it explains. “Its Constitution allows

freedom of worship. In practice, Filipinos of different religious beliefs are not persecuted.” And if there are fights among them, those are not ethnic or religious in nature, “but are rooted in political, economic, land and other causes.”

There has been a Muslim-Christian brotherhood since 1913. “Muslims and Christians traditionally lived as neighbors. They joined the same civic clubs, transacted business with each other, went to the same public markets, enrolled in the same schools, rode in the same buses, and observed each other’s holiday,” it says.

Although there are ethnic differences, they also have a lot of common cultural practices. And these should be projected in the best light. “Mass media must avoid mentioning anything offensive to their cultural sensibilities,” it says, “like the pork-eating habits of Christians or the polygamous practice of Muslims.”

There are similarities between Muslims and Christian names.

Let’s take some Biblical names: Eve (Hawa), Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), Solomon (Sulaiman), John (Yahya), Mary (Miriam), and Jesus (Isa).

There are ethnic differences among Muslims and Christians.

Ethnic group refers to Maguindanao, Tausug, Yakan, Ilongo, Ilocano,

Waray, Boholano, etc. “Each ethnic group has pride in its ethnicity and even claims of superiority over the others,” it says. “Mass media should avoid reports which would tend to pit one ethnic group against each other.”

Historical perceptions of Muslims and Christians differ. “The Muslims believe that historically, Mindanao is theirs. They have claimed ownership of Mindanao since pre-Hispanic times. Many Christians question this view, especially since territorial boundaries change because of conquest.”

The advice: “media must be careful in reporting or discussing the conflicting historical claims.”

The challenge of Moro National Liberation Front and its splinter groups against the Philippine government is not a fight between Muslims and Christians.

People are sensitive about their religious beliefs. “News reports derogatory to any religion may foment religious dissension and can only result in quarrels,” it says.

Sensationalized reports on Mindanao can spawn more conflict and should be avoided. “Sensational reports often distort the real situation and create anxiety among non-Muslims in Mindanao and in other parts of the country,” the manual explains. “In their anxiety, they may start arming themselves, thus

worsening the division between Muslims and Mindanao.”

Balanced reporting is imperative. “The voices of the masses, and not only of the political, military and religious leaders, should be reported,” it suggests. “Mass media should also report about the civilians caught in the crossfire, and the evacuees in order to get a well-rounded view of how the people of Mindanao feel about their situation.”

The manual also urges the use ethnic identities when reporting about culture, language, customs, arts and tools, among others. Instead of using the word “Muslim,” the following can be used: Maranao language, Maguindanao culture, Yakan art, Tausug legend.

Migrants from Luzon and Visayas should not be referred to as Christians but ethnically as Ilocano, Cebuano, Waray, Bicolano, Pampangueno, etc.

But criminals should not be identified by their ethnic origins.

You don’t use “Tausug bandit” or “Tagalog gangster” because over time, it may create the wrong impression that all Tausugs are bandits and all Tagalogs are gangsters.

Yes, there are just some of the reminders being discussed in the manual. And there are more ideas that tyro journalists -- even seasoned ones -- can learn from it.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DESCENDANTS OF A PATRIOT Little is known that Davao is home to the descendants of a revolutionary hero recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). In fact, the city’s first electrician, Salvador M. Francisco, Sr., was the grandson of patriot Higino Prospero Francisco, who was a close friend of the family of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

To the uninitiated, Higino, a member of a prominent family in Biñan, Laguna, is remembered in history as the man who was offered to keep the original manuscript of the Noli Me Tangere and for hiding Felipe Agoncillo, the first Filipino diplomat, then a wanted man in Taal, Batangas, in his now historic house at 525 Magdalena Street at Binondo, Manila.

The manuscript, however, was returned by Higino to Rizal’s mother knowing its value. After the revolution, the government bought it for a princely sum of P30,000. In the case of Agoncillo,

he was a stranger when he was allowed inside the house. Higino did not only shelter him, he also secured his passage on board a Japanese vessel, Heorimi Maru, bound for Yokohama.

According to family lore, Higino, who had issues with his eyesight, was the owner of Biñan’s first hospital. It was through the facility that he met Dr. Rizal, an optometrist who treated him and later became a close family friend.

Higino’s historic house, meanwhile, was among the few places Dr. Jose P. Rizal visited in July 1892 before he was arrested and exiled to Dapitan. Built in the central business district of Manila, the house was occasionally visited by the Rizals, notably the parents of Jose, and was considered a ‘pre-revolutionary underground’ for hiding Filipinos with anti-Spanish causes.

In another display of patriotism, Higino wanted to rescue Dr. Rizal from his custodians but was

deterred by the family from carrying out the risky gamble. The plan, though, was leaked to authorities who raided and searched his house, confiscated firearms, jailed him, and sentenced him to death.

Fortunately, he was released after the signing of the 1897 proclamation of general pardon issued by the Spanish colonial state after pro-Rizal sentiment started to boil over.

Higino was married to Eduvijes Almeda, the youngest daughter of Jose Carlos Almeda and Bernabela Rubio. The union bore eight children, namely Dalmacio, Paulino, Escolastica, Estefania, Jacinto, Jose, and Lucia. A street in Sampaloc was named in his memory but was later reverted to its original appellation due to a contractual provision. He died in December 1921.

After normalcy returned to the country, one of Higino’s grandson, Salvador Sr., the son of Jose, family tradition says, eloped with

Petrona Suaco-Brillo, who studied at the Universidad de Madrid in the 1940s. To spare her from her parent’s ire, they opted to move to a faraway place.

Following the government’s invitation to seek settle in Mindanao, then dubbed as the promised land, the couple decided to migrate to Davao.

During the transfer, Salvador brought along distant-relative Ramon Basa, the famous Davao architect, to join the relocation.

The Francisco and Basa families, being newcomers in town, settled adjacent to each other along Jose Palma Gil Street.

Petrona’s mom, Micaela, after the death of her spouse Serapio Brillo, a sugar planter, joined the Francisco couple. In Davao, Micaela met lawyer Celestino Chaves, Davao’s fourth civilian governor, and remarried; they owned a house at the junction of Claveria and Palma Gil Streets, and another one, where the Medical Arts Tow-

er of Davao Doctors College now stands.

Micaela, a former dean of Optometry at the Centro Escolar University in Manila, was an optometrist, pharmacist, and chemist before deciding to move to Davao.

Salvador Sr. had six children, namely Michael Jose, a prosecutor in Digos, who also took up interior design in Interior Design School Manila and was a member of Ballet Manila; Rene Vitaliano; Libis Eduvijes F. Piansay, who taught Spanish at Mindanao Colleges (now University of Mindanao); Jose Rico; Salvador Jr.; and Cynthia Roxanne Yuzon. The Chaveses, meanwhile, had a sibling, Petro, who was a Spanish and English professor at UM. (Some family details were shared by Andrew James F. Yuzon, great great grandson of revolutionary patriot Higino ‘Hino’ Francisco and grandson of Salvador Sr., on 10 September 2020)

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VOL.14 ISSUE 62 • THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

LIMITLESS offers as much as P10/liter discount on fuel L ifestyle rewards program LIMITLESS is offering discounts of as much as P10 per liter on Phoenix Premium 95 fuel this May 26 to 28 through a limited sale. Available exclusively to LIMITLESS members, the vouchers are up for purchase at 10% to 20% discount on the LIMITLESS app, and can be used at participating Phoenix gas stations nationwide.

“Just as more people are getting vaccinated, and community restrictions are getting less restrictive, we want to make going out and driving around more worthwhile through discounted vouchers for Phoenix Premium 95 fuel,” said LIMITLESS brand manager Kenneth Ocampo.

“Can be purchased and used contactless, these

vouchers promote not only value, but also safety, and can even be used anytime,” he added.

Offered in denominations of P1,000, P500, and P100, each voucher is valid for a single transaction for intank refills. The vouchers have no expiry, and can be forwarded to other LIMITLESS members

through the app.

Launched in June 2020, LIMITLESS offers added perks and benefits for valid purchases. The program now has over 119,000 members, and has offered several exclusive promotions, including a flash sale that offered Phoenix fuel vouchers at 80% off.

To be a LIMITLESS

member, just download the app on the App Store, Google Play, or Huawei App Gallery, and sign up for an account for free.

Aside from discounts and exclusive privileges, members also get rewards, including loyalty points, for valid purchases at partner merchants, including Phoenix gas stations and LPG hubs, and FamilyMart

as well as the scale of support that will be provided by professional sub-contractors and technical authorities, both local and international,” she added.

The Malampaya gas-topower facility fuels three gas-fired power plants with a total generating capacity of 2,700 megawatts (MW), providing up to 30% of the power generation needs of Luzon.

Connected to onshore gas plants in Batangas, the

and ventures, including the takeover of the Malampaya facility, which supplies a third of Luzon’s power requirements.

Dutch petroleum giant Shell Petroleum N.V, last week, announced it inked a share purchase agreement with Malampaya Energy, a subsidiary of Uy’s Udenna Corp., for the sale of a controlling stake in the Malampaya gas field.

The Shell-Uy transaction, which is subject to partner and regulatory approval, is

targeted to be completed by the end of 2021.

The deal might not need to secure the green light from the Philippine Competition Commission as the Bayanihan to Recover as Once Act or Bayanihan 2 exempted mergers and acquisitions (M&As) with transaction value below P50 billion.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, however, said that once the transaction has been completed at the consortium level, it will still be submitted

among others.

Uy’s Udenna Corp earlier said it has bought shares

in Malampaya gas fields.

The PNOC, meanwhile, is a state-run oil company.

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Malampaya offshore facility in Northern Palawan was inaugurated in 2001.

The project has also provided a crucial source of income for the government with a total net national government share amounting to 261,681,610,752.59 since it began commercial operations in 2002 until 2019.

Taking control Since Duterte assumed the presidency in 2016, Uy has expanded his empire through several acquisitions

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to the DOE for its review and approval in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 87, otherwise known as the Oil Exploration and Development Act of 1972 (PD87).

Prior to Uy’s planned takeover, the Malampaya Consortium was composed of SPEX, Chevron, and the stateowned Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration

Corporation, which still holds 10% interest in the gas field.

In 2017, Uy went on buying binge, acquiring several companies such as Familymart, Conti’s, and Enderun.

Global Gateway Development Corporation (GGDC), a Udenna subsidiary, currently holds a 177-hectare leasehold in Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

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ENVIRONMENT

9

PROTECTING TURTLE ISLANDS FROM FURTHER EXPLOITATION

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

he Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of Region 9 officially turned over the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM) last May 23 at Baguan Island.

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) reported in its social media account. The MENRE received the 242,967-hectare sanctuary on behalf of the Bangsamoro Government.

“It is the mandate of MENRE to formulate policies and guidelines, and will implement programs, activities and projects for the protection and preservation of the biological diversity and the endangered flora and fauna in the Bangsamoro region,” said BARMM Senior Minister and MENRE Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua whose acceptance was read by Director AbdulJalil S. Umngan.

“Rest assured that our mission now includes the protection and conservation of the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, its biodiversity, flora and fauna, and the habitat that’s inseparable from the survival of the species relying on the beauty of the islands,” he added.

Umngan is the MENRE Forest Management Services Director. The designated Head of Delegation for the activity received two books containing

a collection of laws, rules and regulations concerning the management of the protected area from DENR-9 regional executive director Cristanta Marlene P. Rodriguez.

“We have cherished our role in Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, proving time and time again that although distance has always been a challenge, it was never regarded as a hindrance to our efforts in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation,” Rodriguez pointed out.

As provided in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Bangsamoro Government through the MENRE shall give priority to the protection, conservation, and development of natural resources that will support ecological balance and biodiversity conservation.

The Turtle Islands were constituted as a “special municipal district” under the jurisdiction of the Province of Sulu under Executive Order 95 signed by President Manuel Roxas on October 13, 1947.

Haven for marine turtles The Turtle Islands – composed of Baguan, Taganak,

Lihiman, Boan, Langaan, and the Great Bakkungan – are named so because they are the revered habitat of the endangered marine turtles.

All islands, except for Baguan, are inhabited by people.

According to the Wikipedia, access to the Turtle Islands is difficult, “as there are no regular means of transportation to the area.” In a way, this hindrance “has kept the islands protected from turtle egg poachers.”

Located along the boundary of the Philippines and Malaysia (to which the three remaining islands – Gulisaan, Selingan and Bakkugan Kechil – belongs to), this group of islands used to be a favorite weekend destination of British excursionists and other nationals from North Borneo (now Sabah).

Annually, at least 2,000 marine turtles swim to the sanctuary to lay their eggs. During peak season (from May to July), 80-150 turtles lay eggs every night.

Unfortunately, according to studies, only about 1% of the turtle hatchlings have a chance to survive.

Together with the three islands of Malaysia and the surrounding coral waters, Turtle Islands are one of the world’s few remaining major nesting grounds for the Green sea turtles (known in the science world as Chelonia mydas). The Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) also do “but with a low-density nesting in contrast to the

Green sea turtles.”

In 1996, the islands were declared as Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area by both governments of Malaysia and the Philippines as the only way to guarantee the continued existence of the endangered marine turtles and their nesting sites.

“For the five islands, the Philippine government decided to create special protection zones, and within these zones, only scientific and conservation activities are allowed,” Wikipedia reports.

“In other zones, certain rules are adapted to prevent too much impact by people on the environment and the turtles.

Visiting these zones is only possible with strict guidance and under supervision of the staff of the officials of the government.”

Several laws have been passed to protect the Turtle Islands from exploitation.

In 1982, Administrative Order No. 33 established an arrangement wherein 30% of the turtle eggs are for conservation, 10% for the foundation, and 60% for exploitation.

In 1999, through presidential proclamation, the six islands were declared a wildlife sanctuary. In 2001, Republic Act 9147 was signed, paving for the prohibition of the collection of threatened wildlife (including marine turtles) and its derivatives for non-scientific and breeding purposes.

Living fossil

One of the gentlest creatures ever to exist, the marine turtles have roamed the tropical seas for 130 million years without much change in appearance, earning the moniker the living fossil.

Marizal Calpito and Lourdes P. Calacal of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) noted: “Some 200 million years ago, marine turtles developed as the earth throbbed with dramatic geophysical changes surviving as their living conditions changed, adapting to the natural rhythms of prehistoric life. Down through the ages, they thrived, remaining much the same as their hardy ancestors.”

There are only eight species of marine turtles known. Five of them can be found in the Philippines,

mostly in the Turtle Islands.

Aside from Green Sea turtles and Hawksbill turtles, the following also swim the country’s waters: Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), and Leatherback turtles (Dermocheyls coriacea).

The three other species, which Philippines doesn’t have, are the Kemp’s Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempi), Flatback turtles (Chelonia depressa), and Black sea turtles (Chelonia agassizi).

Unfortunately, all eight species are listed under the Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which means the trade of these species and subspecies is strictly “prohibited except

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10

EDGEDAVAO

IVERMECTIN... FROMP2 the date of prescription, the patient’s name, age, and sex. Pertinent details about the prescribing physician should also be included such as name, office address, professional regulation number, and professional tax receipt number (if applicable). Given the

necessary content of valid prescriptions, the DOH and FDA urged the public to be vigilant and sufficiently assess any prescriptions provided to them, as these prescriptions will protect them and ensure accountability from the issuing professional.

“Pulong” Z. Duterte and wife January, barangay Captain of Catalunan Grande, are offering a reward of P300,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the identity of the killers.

In a statement, the City Government of Davao strongly condemned the murder of the barangay captain and called on police authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. By Maya M. Padillo

Sarangani.

With the GCQ, malls, department stores and other non-essential shops were ordered closed, practically rendering many workers in these shops suddenly jobless.

“Wala unta nila gipakalitan ang mga tao, unsaon na among panginabuhian?

Asa mi mokuha ug among pangadlaw-adlaw? (They should have not done it by surprise. Where do we get our daily needs now.)” remarked a visibly worried 40-year old Kegani, father of three children, the youngest still a toddler.

Kegani narrated that as part of his daily routine, he set out early hoping to get as many passenger.

He managed to earn only 30 pesos for the five-hour wait at the junction. “Hinay ang pasada (slow day, no passengers),” he said while pointing to a long queue of blue tricycles also waiting for commuters.

The pedicab driver said he usually earns 250 pesos a day, excluding fuel expense and pedicab rental. “Wala ko kabalo asa ko karon mokuha ug ipalit namo’g pagkaon sa mga bata (I don’t know where to get money to buy our food for my kids),” Kegani said.

Many residents here expressed dismay on the sudden reversal to GCQ. Dr. Rochelle GajeteOco, head of the local IATF head, said they arrived at the decision to revert the quarantine classification to GCQ “because we cannot risk a possible collapse of the health systems capacity

of the city.”

“We can’t risk na bumagsak ang ating health systems capacity, because that will put the whole city and the nearby provinces na nakaasa sa atin in jeopardy,” Oco said.

Businessmen in the city view the abrupt move of the local government with apprehension as it could lead to possible economic repercussions that will have drastic effects on the working class and residents who rely on daily wages to support their families.

Elmer Catulpos, president of the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., said they do not question the wisdom of officials in recommending a reclassification of the city’s quarantine status, but, this should have been done in a transparent consultation with all sectors.

“We are talking about lives here and how we can save our fellow residents not only from COVID-19 but from hunger and other diseases as well,” he said.

“Had our friends in the local government done their job in foreseeing and preparing the city against COVID-19, we would not be this frantic in addressing a problem that has been with us for over a year now,” Catulpos said.

A vocal trike driver, Armando Garcia, 44, said the city government “should have told first the people about their plans and give out needed assistance ahead of implementing this lockdown.”

I just want to impress upon you that our arms and ammunition are not the ultimate solutions to our security problem,” he said.

Sobejana, however, said that this does not mean that soldiers should be unarmed.

E a s t M i n C o m spokesman Major Alex Mindalano, meanwhile said that the command along with the other unified commands of the AFP, is working with other government agencies, Local Government Units and Civil Society Organizations in uplifting Filipino lives by establishing programs that are conducive to nationbuilding.

Among the most recent non-military activities of the Command are the establishment of “Tulong Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan” program which ensures the peaceful and orderly distribution of donated goods to the people who need it most.

He said it has already benefited around 1,300 families in Eastern Mindanao who have been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

EastMinCom also continues to mobilize its troops to serve as frontliners in the fight against COVID-19 by ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in its area of responsibilities.

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majority bound to Tagum City.

Among the benefits they will get are cash assistance, transitory family support package, family food packs, and non-food items from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

The beneficiaries will also have the option to avail of: 1.

Enrollment to TUPAD, 15-day emergency employment, from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

2.

Enrollment to KAAGAPAY, food security program, from the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAGRO).

3. Skills and Livelihood Trainings from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

4.

Entrepreneurship Consultancy and Capacity Building from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

5. Scholarships from Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Education (DepEd).

Other agencies involved in facilitating the return of the beneficiaries include

the National Housing Authority (NHA), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) among others.

The BP2 beneficiaries are Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) to be sent back to their home province, Davao del Norte, after losing their livelihood in Metro Manila due to the community lockdown brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BP2 program implements a whole-ofgovernment approach and was launched to encourage informal settlers in the urban areas of Metro Manila to return to their home provinces with assistance, support, and incentives on transportation; livelihood; and housing among others given by the various agencies of the government.

Through this, BP2 intends to decongest Metro Manila.

The Province of Davao del Norte is one of the pilot province of the BP2 program, with its first batch consisting of 6 families or 19 individuals having arrived in March, 2021.

Upon arrival in the province, the beneficiaries will stay in isolation units for fifteen (15) days before reuniting with their families. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI)

Lopez added that recovery rate in Davao City also dropped.

“From 91 percent from the previous weeks, we went down to 89 percent recovery rate. Nagasaka pud ang growth sa atong

deaths. That is why atong gipanawagan ang atong private hospitals to open up and allocate Covid beds para matabangan nato ang mga pasyente na dili na maaccommodate sa SPMC,” he said.

help deflate the price of chicken. There is no government intervention here. Everytime you buy

Mati’s Choice Chicken, you help a family of farmers,” Councilor Rabat said. (MATI CIO)

of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

“Inaamin nga po natin na nakakalungkot na dahil nga po sa pagpasok ng mga bagong variant eh we had to resort to MECQ na naging dahilan para maging sarado ang 60 percent ng ating ekonomiya dito sa Metro Manila Plus (We admit that is it saddening because we had to resort to MECQ because of the new variants, prompting 60 percent of our economy in Metro Manila Plus to shut down),” he said.

Roque, however, re-

mained optimistic about the country’s economic revival.

“Sana hindi naman po (I hope that [the forecast] won’t happen),” Roque said, noting that the National Economic and Development Authority has projected that the Philippine economy could grow to 6 to 7 percent this year despite lockdowns.

NCR Plus was placed under ECQ from March 29 to April 11. The quarantine status was later downgraded to MECQ from April 12 to May 14.

creased by 37.34 percent, which is equivalent to PHP4.7 billion, outperforming 2019’s PHP3.4 billion.

The agency said that this figure speaks highly on their financial capacities as they provide public service amid the global health crisis.

“Throughout one of the most challenging years in history, the agency persevered to promote and develop the fishing industry, as well as contribute to the nation’s

food security,” the statement said.

For 2021, the PFDA remains confident that it will yield another good result as for the first quarter, it already recorded some PHP71.65 million in its operating income. This figure also surpassed the yield for the same period last year.

The DA, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), banners on making food security a possibility for the Filipinos.

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mind wasn’t in the right place and I just couldn’t execute.

Now that we’ve taken the steps to fix that, I feel so much better. I feel like a new fighter.

Kelly was last seen in the Circle in 2019, when he fought four times in just one year. He defeated South Korean grappler Sung Jong Lee impressively by technical knockout, but also surrendered losses to Christian Lee, Xie Bin, and Tang Kai. “The Ferocious” is now looking to redeem himself in the best possible way against a dangerous opponent in Fa-

ress.

“I was much too tense in my previous fights. I need to let loose and unleash the ferociousness inside of me. I think I’m in a good place right now, physically and mentally,” Kelly said.

“The time off I’ve had was great in the sense that I was able to do a lot of self-reflection. I really came to terms with where my career is at, and mentally I feel stronger than ever. I’m more motivated now to continue with my career. I want to redeem myself.

Florendo said insurance companies make money not only from underwriting or through the selling of insurance coverage but also on their investments, such as securities.

He said companies’ investment income is affected by the volatility in the stock

market as well as the low interest rate.

“That said not only will they have to look for other investment opportunities (but) they might as well try and develop other products that they may underwrite to increase not only sales but income,” he added.

(SMEs) in the stock market.

The proposed Capital Market Development Act now pending in the Congress seeks to develop a sustainable corporate pension system to help secure the future of Filipino workers and their families while making more capital avail-

able in the financial sector to stimulate economic growth.

Another priority measure that the DOF is lobbying the Congress to pass this year is the bill simplifying the taxation of passive income and financial intermediaries.

enues vis-a-vis the need to increase government spending for various Covid-19 programs, he added.

With these factors, Ricafort underscored the need for a delicate balance between stimulating economic growth and sustaining fiscal management performance in terms of maintaining the country’s favorable credit ratings to

help lower borrowing costs and improve financing terms for the country.

He said favorable credit ratings increase the availability of loans from a bigger roster of international creditors/ investors, especially in financing various Covid-19 programs as well as for various economic recovery programs from Covid-19.

webinars, mentoring, self-directed exercises, and experience co-sharing opportunities with co-mentees.

It will gather expert mentors and will also establish partnership with

other organizations with existing MSME development programs, such as Go Negosyo and the Philippine Partnerships for Sustainable Agriculture, among others. (PNA)

for educational, scientific or research and study purposes.”

The Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has also classified the eight species as endangered.

This is so because “their populations are in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue to operate.”

Facing extinction The marine turtles, locally called pawikan, are known as the “gardeners of the oceans.” As such, they play an important role in the food chain.

“Belonging to the family of Cheloniidae, sea turtles are agents for the dispersal of plants and nutrients in the sea as well as on the beaches where they nest,” the WorldWide Fund for Nature (WWF) says.

“They keep corals healthy by eating algae, which would otherwise smother the reefs if left unchecked. They are food for a wide array of predators, from birds to sharks, and in areas where turtles are

present in abundance, they also provide humans with meat and eggs,” WWF adds.

Having survived natural hazards for millennia, marine turtles are now under severe threat from human activity.

They are hunted for meat and leather; their eggs are taken for food and aphrodisiacs.

Their nesting sites go for development. They are ground up by dredges, run over by pleasure boats, poisoned by pollution, strangled by trash, and drowned by fishline and net.

Despite sincere efforts by the government and environmentalists to prevent the further decimation of the marine turtle population, the gathering of turtle eggs and trading of stuffed turtles in souvenir shops remain unabated.

“Unless we seriously take on the task of protecting the much-endangered marine turtles, these ancient creatures will soon be extinct,” a Filipino environmentalist deplored. – (Photos courtesy of MENRE)

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VOL.14 ISSUE 62 • THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

SPORTS 11

Brooklyn Nets small forward Bruce Brown (1) separates power forward Kevin Durant (7) from a confrontation with the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center.

Reuters

Kelly motivated to revitalize career

I

t has certainly been tough for veteran Team Lakay featherweight Edward Kelly, who has dropped three of his last four in the Circle.

However, the 36-year-old is feeling well-rested and rejuvenated after a break from competition, which he says has allowed him to focus on becoming a better fighter.

Kelly gets the chance to turn his fortunes around and revitalize his career in his next bout, when he faces Egyptian powerhouse Ahmed “The Prince” Faress.

The two lock horns at ONE: FULL BLAST, a tape-delayed event from the Singapore Indoor Stadium which airs this Friday, 28 May. “The Ferocious” looked back on his most recent out-

ings and says he has learned a lot about himself from the recent setbacks.

“After that last loss, I sat down with the team and we really went through everything. We dissected every aspect of my game, and we were able to discover a few things I needed to work on.

Everyone from Coach Mark [Sangiao] to all my teammates, we discussed how to move forward. Like we always say, we either win or we learn, and this was a learning experience,” Kelly said.

“I just feel like I lacked mental preparation for my recent bouts. The physical training has always been good and I’m always in the best shape possible, but my

FKELLY, P10

Nets surge early for easy Game 2 win over Celtics

K

evin Durant scored 26 points, Joe Harris added 25 as the Brooklyn Nets seized control early and cruised to a 130-108 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

The second-seeded Nets lead the series 2-0 with Game 3 on Friday in Boston.

Durant added eight rebounds, five assists, four blocked shots and made 8 of 12 shots as the Nets shot 52.3 percent and hit 17 3-pointers. The sharp-shooting Nets missed only one free throw, going 21-for-22 in the victory.

Harris hit seven of 10 3-point tries to tie the franchise record for 3-pointers in

a playoff game set by Deron Williams in 2015.

James Harden contributed 20 points and seven of Brooklyn’s 31 assists. Former Celtic Kyrie Irving finished with 15 and Blake Griffin chipped in 11 as no Brooklyn starter played more than 29 minutes.

Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 19 points, including five 3-pointers, and Kemba Walker added 17.

in a span of 2:57 to take a 2913 lead on a 20-footer by Jeff Green with 4:57 remaining.

Green’s shot occurred after Harris hit three 3-pointers in a span of 59 seconds and the run helped the Nets get a 4026 lead through the opening quarter.

Harden’s four-point play gave the Nets their first 20-point lead less than two minutes into the second.

When Harris hit his sixth 3-pointer, Brooklyn held a 61-36 lead at the 4:59 mark and it took a 71-47 lead by halftime.

Harris made his seventh 3-pointer midway through the third and Brooklyn held a 109-82 lead into the final period.

ian Open final to Rafael Nadal nine days ago.

Spaniard Nadal will be the favorite to win a 14th French Open crown next month, although Djokovic will be chasing a 19th Grand Slam title to move within one of Nadal and Federer on the all-time men’s list.

The Serbian star was in strong form in the opening set on Tuesday, but was broken twice by Moraing in the second before clinching the win in a tie-break.

“I was twice a break up in the second set so I maybe could have finished out the job earlier, but credit to him for fighting, for playing

really well, for playing very courageous, very bold tennis,” Djokovic said.

“I felt pretty nervous from the start,” said Djokovic. “I had an opponent that doesn’t have much experience, but he played like he spent 10 years playing at top level.

“The second set was exhausting, I’m mentally spent. I have a day to recover and move on to the next match.”

He will next face Argentinian Federico Coria, the younger brother of former Roland Garros runner-up Guillermo Coria, in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic battles to victory as he warms up for French Open

B Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his final match against Spain’s Rafael Nadal. File photo. Guglielmo Mangiapane, Reuters.

Evan Fournier contributed 16 points and Tristan Thompson finished with 15 and 11 boards as Boston shot 42.4 percent and allowed 26 points off 17 turnovers.

The Celtics received a quiet game from Jayson Tatum, who was held to nine points on 3-for-12 shooting.

He is shooting 9 of 32 from the field in the series and exited after getting poked in the right eye during the third quarter.

After a sluggish start to their 104-93 win in Game 1 on Saturday, the Nets dominated from the outset and led by double digits for the final 37:10.

Brooklyn took control by ripping off 15 straight points

ELGRADE, Serbia -Novak Djokovic edged to a straight-sets win over German lucky loser Mats Moraing on Tuesday in his opener in Belgrade where the world number one is warming up for the French Open.

The clay-court Grand Slam starts in Paris on Sunday, and Djokovic opted for extra match practice on home soil this week.

The 34-year-old was made to fight by the world number 253, winning 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) in an hour and 40 minutes.

It was Djokovic’s first match since losing the Ital-

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 62 • THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

TIMELY FUNDS The Philippine women’s boxing team in Thailand. Photo courtesy of Nesthy Petecio

PSC receives P2.1M remittance from PCSO

A

total of P2,145,110.47 million was remitted by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in a simple ceremony at the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City, Tuesday.

PCSO Private Secretary 2 Marie Louise Serojales and Account Specialist Joseph Porto formally turned over the cheque to PSC Cashier Marini Negado, the first remittance this year.

“Ang PCSO ay kaagapay ng gobyerno para magbigay tulong sa buong Pilipinas. Despite the pandemic, we are mandated to give our contributions, especially to the PSC,” said Serojales.

Under Section 26 of the Republic Act 6847, the PCSO is mandated by law to remit thirty percent (30%) of its charity fund and proceeds of six sweepstakes lottery draw per year to the sports agency which will be used for the latter’s sports development programs.

“We are grateful for the unending support of PCSO to our sports programs. Our vision won’t be possible without support from agencies like them. Malaking tulong po ito para lalo naming mapagbuti ang aming mga programa. Maraming salamat po.” said PSC Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez.

Among the grassroots programs of the PSC are Batang Pinoy, Philippine National Games, Children’s Games, Indigenous Peoples Games, among others.

The charity agency also sends their well wishes to Team Philippines who will see action at the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games from July 23 to August 8, and the 31st Southeast Asian Games from November 21 until December 2 to be staged in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“Sana itong aming mandatory contributions kahit paano ay makapagdagdag ng tulong sa ating mga atleta.

Sana ay magkaroon tayo ng pag-asa na makakuha ng gintong medalya sa darating na Tokyo Olympics at SEA Games,” added Serojales.

Last year, the charity agency released more than Php 1.8 million to the government sports arm aside from the Php 2.3 million in 2019, the same year when the country hosted and claimed the overall championship of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.