Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 72 | Tuesday, June 8, 2021

ENVIRONMENT P9

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

WORLD OCEANS DAY

WORKPLACE WRATH

VOL.14 ISSUE 72 • TUESDAY, JUNE 08 , 2021

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Call center agents work during graveyard shift at a BPO firm in Davao City pre-pandemic. Assistant City Health officer Dr. Marjorie Culas disclosed that 403 call center agents in one of the BPO companies in Davao City tested positive of Covid-19. Edge Davao

403 BPO call center agents tested positive of Covid-19

STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 72 • TUESDAY, JUNE 08, 2021

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says the reversion of the city to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) was a product of the discussions of the Davao City Covid-19Task Force and due to the high occupancy of theTemporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs) and hospitals. Edge Davao

WORKPLACE WRATH 403 BPO call center agents tested positive of Covid-19

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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avao City assistant city health officer Dr. Marjorie Culas revealed on Monday that 403 call center agents of a BPO company in Davao City returned positive Covid-19 test result.

The 403 were among 1,000 agents who underwent surveillance testing.

“Sa atoang BPO naa kita isa ka company nga ang ilang surveillance murag 1,000 kabuok, naa’y 403 na nag-positive. The is very

high already sa kanilang positivity rate that is why we are really forced to lockdown the area dahil talagang surge na within the workplace ang nangyari sa kanila,” Culas said in a virtual presser on Monday.

She added that there are

11 BPO companies in the Davao City with reported Covid-19 cases.

Culas also said that the city has received reports of uncooperative BPO companies and still allowed employees to work even with symptoms of Covid-19.

“The reports reached us na may mga uncooperative companies, still they are roaming around the city kahit na F1 sila. We have an Executive Order na ang F1 natin kailangan talaga

even with negative RT-PCR they have to finish their 14-day home quarantine.

Yung F2 and F3 there is a mandatory swabbing for them (second and third generation contacts). If they have symptoms kahit na negative sila they are really to observe yung home quarantine kahit negative ang results, kung wala silang symptoms the F2 and F3 can go back to work. F1 talaga is mandatory swabbing

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Tacurong City mayor succumbs to Covid-19

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acurong City Mayor Angelo Montilla has succumbed to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) while undergoing medication at a hospital in General Santos City Sunday night.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the unexpected and sudden passing of our beloved mayor, Angelo ‘Roncal’ Ortizo Montilla,” the Tacurong City government announced Monday through its official Facebook page.

Allan Freno, Tacurong City spokesperson, said the

mayor had tested positive for Covid-19 and was brought to a hospital in General Santos City.

“He fought but sadly succumbed to the virus at around 9:30 in the evening of June 6,” Freno said.

The mayor’s remains will be cremated Monday (June 7), Freno added.

Before his death, Montilla continued to physically report to work despite the risk brought about by the pandemic.

“Mayor Roncal will be remembered as a tireless leader who sacrificed his

Andaya Jr whom Teodoro said he consulted with after many people suggested his return to public service.

“My impression of Mayor Sara talking about issues was that she will make a very good president of this country. She would have the ability to unite a lot of people, she has an independent mind, she has managerial skills running a very complex city like

Davao,” he said.

“She agrees the priorities even extending beyond next year is getting everybody vaccinated, getting the economy going. She will be a good presidential candidate...I would gladly back her up as vice president if she so decides.”

On the issue of political dynasties, Teodoro said: “There were 2 president

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Parents of rescued Lumad children Sara will make ‘very good prexy:’ Gibo deceived on Davao-Cebu transfer D

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ne of the indigenous peoples (IP) students rescued from the University of San Carlos (USC) campus in Cebu City on Feb. 15, 2021 said heir parents were forced to sign, using thumbmarks, a waiver indicating that they allowed their children to study at the United Church of Christ

in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran Center in Davao City.

“But the contract said otherwise,” said Larry Mandakawan, citing that the waiver was actually a consent for them to be transported to Cebu City.

In the recent National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict

(NTF-ELCAC) virtual press conference dubbed “TAGGED: Debunking lies by telling the truth”, he insisted that UCCP Haran administrators deceived their parents who were told that their children will be staying at UCCP Haran.

“Our parents signed

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avao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will make a good president, former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said on Monday.

Teodoro met with President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter on Thursday, and also got inoculated against COVID-19 in her office.

The meeting was arranged by former Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 72 • TUESDAY, JUNE 08, 2021

NEWS 3

A huge billboard along MacArthur Highway in Matina, Davao City wants motorists to consider a Sara Duterte – Win Gatchalian tandem in 2022 in this photo taken on 5 June 2021, 11 months before the May 9, 2022 polls. A few kilometers away, a similar billboard, also funded by “United Friends of Sara and Win,” greets motorists along Quimpo Boulevard. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has been topping surveys for the Presidency in 2022 while Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is completing his six-year term by 2022. MindaNews photo by CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

Lockdown in the workplace may have to be re-assessed: ICT-Davao official 2,000 workers receive TUPAD cash assistance:Rep. Duterte

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ore than 2,000 i d e n t i f i e d beneficiaries from the 54 barangays of the first district received the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) payout on June 4, Friday.

TUPAD is a community– based package of assistance that offers emergency service for displaced, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, not more than 30 days, depending on the nature of work.

First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte, together with the Department of Labor Employment (DOLE) 11,

led the distribution of the payouts, which was sent to the beneficiaries through a money remittance last Friday.

Among the beneficiaries who claimed the cash assistance are 301 sidewalk vendors, 1,807 sari-sari store vendors, 154 barbeque vendors, and 113 vulcanizing shop workers, all residents of the first district. Each beneficiary recieved P6,000.

Rep. Duterte said that their office is prioritizing assistance to the marginalized workers and the frontliners as well, in response to the public health emergency

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the mayor said in a live broadcast interview on Monday.

This is in line with the report of OCTA Research Group, which projected Davao City to surpass Quezon City with the highest number of new cases “before next week”.

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the Information Communication Technology (ICT)Davao said on Monday a lockdown approach to contain Covid-19 in the workplace may have to be re-assessed especially with center-based BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing) as it can have devastating effect on the whole outsourcing business model.

Lawyer Samuel Matunog, president of ICT-Davao, said this is so because the greater threat is BPO client will look for other providers because they cannot tolerate any disruption in their operations.

“In outsourcing, the BPO gets paid only for work done. That’s the source of the money they pay their employees. If the BPOs concerned are

cooperative, and there are alternative ways of protecting workers from Covid-19 transmission while in the workplace, then lockdowns should be a response of last resort. My understanding is that center-based BPOs are willing to work with public health authorities to implement alternative measures to contain Covid-19 short of total lockdown,” Matunog told

Edge Davao.

It can be recalled, the city government of Davao has paced BPO company Teleperformance in a lockdown for high cases of Covid-19.

Regional Director Ofelia Domingo of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 11) told members of the media in a virtual presser on Monday that based on Covid-Work Accident Illness Report (WAIR) from January to May 2021, there are already 41 reported Covid-19 cases in 16 BPO companies in Davao City.

Domingo said based on the monitoring of compliance to workplace prevention and control against Covid-19 in the BPO industry as

In its latest monitoring report, the OCTA Research Group said Davao City is one of the Mindanao cities considered as an area of concern with increasing new cases for the period of May 31 to June 6, 2021.

Mayor Sara said Davao City has now

limited beds at the Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs).

She also said the city is now looking at other areas to set up new TTMF to address the surge.

“In the meantime katong dili makuha dayon

sa ilahang (positive) panimalay we are working with doctors association on telemedicine, to assist them sa ilahang kinahanglan buhaton while waiting for pick up. Katong dili pa maaccommodate sa TTMF, we are working and

of May 2021, DOLE 11 inspected 14 BPO companies and of these number 12 companies were compliant, three companies with no violation, and eight companies inspected under regular labor inspection.

She added that the only entity that can sanction these companies that violate the protocols issued by the DOLE 11, Department of Trade and Industry 11 (DTI 11) and Department of Health (DOH 11) will be the city government of Davao.

“Siya (city government of Davao) yung merong jurisdiction and can impose sanctions doon sa mga violators/ companies,” Domingo said.

talking to a doctors association on how they can assist us in guiding patients naa sa balay on what to do and unsa na mga tambal na kinahalang nila in the event na duna sila’y symptoms,” the mayor said. By Maya M. Padillo

Davao City likely to surpass QC with highest cases of Covid-19 ayor Sara DuterteCarpio said on Monday there is a possibility that Davao City will surpass Quezon City with the highest number of new cases of Covid-19.

“Dili gyud na siya layo na mahitabo considering sa atong situation karon,”

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 72 • TUESDAY, JUNE 08, 2021

Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado says the government will have to spend beyond its original allocated budget worth P92.5 billion for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine doses this year. Edge Davao

Gov’t to spend beyond P82.5-B budget for vax this year: DBM U

Tackling pandemic must remain priority, business leaders to APEC

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he government will have to spend beyond its original allocated budget for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine doses this year, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said.

The government will have to tap into the contingency fund allocated in the 2021 National Budget, Avisado said in a public press briefing, as the country continues to look for more COVID-19 vaccine doses and places itself in a race with other countries to get more jabs.

“Sa taong ito nag-allocate tayo ng 82.5 billion for COVID-19 vaccination program. Of this amount 70 billion ginamit sa pambili ng COVID-19 vaccines at 12.5 ay sa ancillary at logistical [purposes]. Subalit hindi tayo natatapos dito kasi kailangan natin ng mas maraming vac-

cine at nakikipag-unahan tayo sa ibang bansa,” Avisado said.

(This year, we allocated P82.5 biliion for the COVID-19 vaccination program. Of this amount, we used P70 billion to buy vaccines, and P12.5 billion for ancillary and logistical purposes. But we are not stopping here because we need more vaccine jabs and we are in a race with other countries to secure doses.)

He added: “Ang madaling sabi: hindi lang po

talaga 82.5 billion ang gagastusin sa pagbili ng vaccine. Kaya kahit contingency fund kailangang gamitin.”

(In short, we will have to spend more than P82.5 billion in buying vaccines. We will need to tap into our contingency fund.)

President Rodrigo Duterte recently approved the use of P2.5 billion from the 2021 contingency fund of the government.

“Ang amount will

investors, this framework puts flesh into the SIPP. The menu and length of incentives that would be offered to corporations or investors will depend on the tier classification of the enterprise applying for the investment perks.

For instance, Tier 3, which covers sectors considered “critical to the structural transformation and industrial revolution of the economy”, will receive the longest period of incentives.

This SIPP framework was drafted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Board of Investments

(BOI).

The three-tier structure of the incentives offered to priority investors is already contained in the CREATE law.

After the adoption of the framework, Finance Secretary and FIRB chairman Carlos Dominguez III urged the DTI to identify at least two leading companies in each of the industry tier and determine what incentives should be offered to these potential investors to encourage them to set up shop in the Philippines.

“Let’s already identify these firms. Let’s take a cou-

ple in Tier One, a couple in Tier Two, and a couple in Tier Three, and let’s do the research on them. Then, offer them and ask them: ‘what will it take for you to come here?’’ Dominguez said during the FIRB’s second meeting last week.

Dominguez said the investment promotion agencies (IPAs) can undertake these tasks.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez agreed with the proposal, which will now transform IPAs into “marketing arms” rather than for them to merely function as pro-

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FIRB adopts framework for investment perks applications

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he Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) has adopted the framework for the grant of incentives to qualified industries under the government’s Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP) that aims to attract high-value, labor-intensive investments that will create more jobs and further sharpen the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global market.

As provided in the newly signed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law that rationalized the country’s corporate tax incentives for

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nrestricted trade in vaccines and medical supplies can help tackle the continued impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, which must remain a priority, Asia-Pacific business leaders told APEC trade ministers during a dialogue.

The dialogue on Friday was organized to allow the private sector to share its views on the forum’s focus on regional economic integration, trade implications resulting from the economic response to Covid-19, and how economies can be made more resilient to future shocks.

“Free, fair, and open trade has unlocked massive growth across the Asia-Pacific,” said New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Damien O’Connor, who is also the 2021 chair of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting.

“But without the energy of the business community, this growth would not have occurred,” he said in a release issued by the APEC Secretariat that was received here on Saturday.

Noting the severe impact of the pandemic on businesses and industries such as tourism, Minister O’Connor cited the strategic role of the private sector in advising governments on “how we can work together to defeat Covid-19, how we can sustain our economies through the pandemic, and then build economies that are more sustainable, more inclusive”.

The dialogue was held

on the eve of the 2021 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, which aims to advance practical ideas in managing the unprecedented health and economic crises, boosting economic activity, and helping businesses in the region.

“The pandemic must remain our highest priority,” said Rachel Taulelei, 2021 chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) in her opening remarks at the dialogue.

“We must ensure that trade plays a role in combating the worst, continuing effects of Covid-19 through open and unrestricted trade in vaccines, essential medical supplies and associated products,” she said.

Reiterating the importance of supporting the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the critical role it has to play in economic recovery, Taulelei said it will be impossible to build more sustainable and resilient communities through trade unless “we accord primacy to the role of the WTO and the multilateral system of rules for international trade”.

The business council’s theme for this year is “People, Place and Prosperity”, which puts emphasis on the inclusion of all the people in the region, safeguarding the planet, and ensuring regional prosperity through building a seamless Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), she said.

Taulelei said the FTAAP must continue to be at the heart of the APEC vision for a more seamless, dynamic,

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ECONOMY

5

Davao City’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) Council president Samuel Matunog recommends that a lockdowm approach to contain Covid-19 in the workplace may have to be re-assessed because it can have devastating effect on the whole outsourcing business industry. Edge Davao

PH starts exporting okra to South Korea Oil prices seen to go up on June 8 to 14 trading week

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ump prices of petroleum products are again expected to go up this week, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said Saturday.

In its fuel price forecast for the June 8 to 14 trading week, Unioil said the price per liter may increase by P0.60 to P0.70.

Fuel companies usually announce price ad-

justments every Monday to be implemented on the following day.

Effective June 1, oil firms implemented a price increase of P0.60 to P0.80 per liter on gasoline and hiked diesel prices by P0.40 per liter.

Year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P9.30 per liter for gasoline and P7.60 per liter for diesel.

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he Philippines over the weekend made its first commercial shipment of fresh okra to South Korea, with an initial batch of 1,200 kilograms.

The initial export was shipped by a private-sector group led by Philippine Okra Producers and Exporters Association (POPEA), chaired by Roberto Amores.

The export was made through a Philippine Airlines cargo flight from Manila to Incheon on Sunday, June 6, 2021.

The shipment is the first of three batches before

GSIS: P208B in loans released to a million workers, pensioners

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he Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said Saturday it has released more than P200 billion in loans to more than one million state workers and pensioners.

“All in all, from 2019 up to today, GSIS has released P208 billion in net loan proceeds to over a million members and pensioners,” GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

Through its various loan products “GSIS has provided assistance to countless lives at a time when they needed our help the most,” Macasaet added.

The GSIS’s loan products include: More than P108 billion

to nearly 292,000 members who applied for the GSIS Financial Assistance Loan (GFAL) More than P16 billion to 256,537 availees of the Multipurpose Loan (MPL) More than P17 billion in emergency loans to 902,696 members Over P5 billion in computer loans to 171,208 borrowers P3.21 billion and P980.22 million for GSIS pensioners who availed of the Enhanced Pension Loan (82,894) and Pensioners’ Emergency Loan (50,195), respectively P20.42 million to 655 members through the GFAL Educational Loan program, which will allow recipients

to finish their college degrees while paying only the interest to their loans for the next five years P50 million to 5,025 college students under the P10,000/year Educational Subsidy Program (GESP) Macasaet said the “multiplier effect of the loans in the communities have effectively pump-primed the economy in far-flung areas as banks and other financial institutions have tightened and were hesitant to grant credit.”

He also said that GSIS had made it safer and more convenient for its members and pensioners to transact with the pension fund “through technology-driven

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the okra season ends in mid-June, after starting in mid-October. It is expected to arrive in Korea within 36 hours to maintain quality and freshness.

“The opportunity to sell fresh okra is almost the same for both Korea

and Japan due to their similar weather pattern and off-season period, where Philippine origin is in good timing for the production schedule,” Amores said in a statement released by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Amores said reorders are expected soon given the aggressive promotions pushed by the local officials, along with the private sector groups such as

the POPEA, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT), and the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. (PHILFOODEX).

At present, the Philippines has only two accredited exporters to Korea -- Hi-Las Marketing Corporation, and Jelfarm Fresh

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 72 • TUESDAY, JUNE 08, 2021

On the 403 call center agents who tested positive for Covid-19 in one BPO workplace:

The is very high already sa kanilang positivity rate that is why we are really forced to lockdown the area dahil talagang surge na within the workplace ang nangyari sa kanila.”

DR. MARJORIE CULAS ASSISTANT CITY HEALTH OFFICER

EDITORIAL Poor country’s triumph in a rich man’s sport As the political landscape in the Philippines braces for a predominantly women-laden Presidential and Vice Presidential race, a young Filipina emerged from the shadows of an illustrious field to become the first ever golfer from this country to win the US Open.

Yesterday (Monday PH Time), Yuka Saso just made us proud of our race in a country where most of our very own are working in nursing homes. Saso came back to life with only two holes left in the final round to forge a playoff against Japanese Nasa Hataoka. The Filipina golfer won the sudden death playoff at the Olympic Club Lake Course in San Francisco to take home the US$1,000,000 (around P47.6 million) championship prize.

What makes Saso’s win stand out is that it comes in a sport regarded by many as a rich man’s sport. Filipino’s thrive in sports like boxing which have produced the country many champions including

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Boxing has produced millionaires out of poor kids like Manny.

But golf?

For the first time, we have a young girl hit magnificent drives, swung safely from the rough, pitched perfectly and putted with surgical precision.

Saso also matched the record of Inbee Park as the youngest golfers (19 years, 11 months, 17 days) to win the U.S. Women’s Open. Park won her first U.S. Open in 2008.

Finally, we got someone in the fairways who made everyone in the country ooze with Filipino pride.

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

the great Manny Pacquiao and the recently-crowned bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire.

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 72 • TUESDAY, JUNE 08, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE VALUE OF CRITICISM “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”

– Elbert Hubbard, Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Vol. 3: American Statesman **

A judge, who was holding court in a far away town, was always sure of being annoyed by some cutting remarks by a local lawyer. After one such occasion, someone asked the judge at dinner why he didn’t tell off that nasty lawyer.

The judge dropped his knife and fork to the table, placed his chin in his hands and elbows on the table, as he stressed the following story: “When I was little boy, we had a dog. On nights, when the moon was full, that old hound dog would how and bark at things he saw in the bright face of that moon. We never did sleep well those nights. Sometimes that dog would how all night long.”

After sharing that anecdote, the judge picked up his knife and fork, and began to eat again. Bewildered, one had the courage to ask: “But that’s beside the point, you haven’t answered your critic.”

“I just did,” the judge answered.

“When that dog barked, the moon just kept on

shining. I don’t intend to say anything back. I’ll just keep on shining – quietly, calmly, like the moon.”

The story reminds me of the words of American motivator Zig Ziglar. “Don’t be distracted by criticism,” he said. “Remember, the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.”

What is life without criticism. Perhaps, it will be boring and unchallenging. Imagine buying a new dress and no one ever commenting you that it looks good or bad in you. Think of writing a poem or short story with no one bothering to say a word or two.

“The truth is, critics are a fact of life, and criticism is something all of us must face,” writes Dr. Richard Carlson, author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. “In fact, the only way to avoid criticism is to live an isolated life where people aren’t exposed to your work, personality, or behavior.”

But that’s impossible. No man is island, so goes a saying.

We cease to exist if there are no people around us. That is the reason why we cannot escape criticism. “Concern over criticism clogs creativity,” Duane Alan Hahn reminds. To which American psychologist Hendrie

Weisinger adds, “Criticism is information that will help you grow.”

We need criticism, Dr. Jose Rizal once wrote, to keep us awake. “Sometimes, the criticism we receive is valuable, even helpful,” Carlson wrote.

“Other times, it’s utter nonsense. Either way, learning to use criticism as ‘small stuff’ is incredibly useful in our efforts to live a life of reduced stress.”

There was a priest who kept on his desk a special notebook labeled, “Complaints of members against other members.”

When someone called to tell him the faults of another, the priest would say, “Here’s my complain book. I’ll write down what you say, and you can sign it. Then, when I have to take the matter up officially, I shall know what I may expect you to testify to.”

The sight of the open book and ready pen had its effect.

“Oh, no. I couldn’t sign anything like that,” the complainant usually would say. That’s why no entry was ever made.

The priest says he kept the book for forty years, opened it probably a thousand times, and never wrote a line in it.

An anonymous once said: “Criticism is the disapproval of

people, not for having faults, but having faults different from your own.” Another one said: “Don’t mind criticism. If it is untrue, disregard it; if it is unfair, keep from irritation; if it is ignorant, smile; if it is justified, it is not criticism, learn from it.”

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary,” said Sir Winston Churchill in an interview with New Statesman. “It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to the development of an unhealthy state of things. If it is needed in time, danger may be averted; if it is surprised, a fatal distemper may develop.”

Criticism happens anytime, everywhere to anyone. Election time is fast approaching. The campaign period has started.

Criticisms against opponents are the rule of the day. No one is spared. After election, the loser will usually say, “I have been cheated.”

“If you think about it, a landslide political victory would be one where the winner received 60% of the vote,” Dr. Carlson wrote. “That means that even in a convincing win, 40% of the people will be wishing the winner had lost!”

This must be the reason why he argued that we should

not criticize another person because it says nothing about the person. “(Criticism) merely says something about our own need to be critical,” he wrote.

“If you attend a gathering and listen to all the criticism that is typically levied against others, and then go home and consider how much good all that criticism actually does to make our world a better place, you’ll probably come up with the same answer that I do: Zero!”

Criticism does no good, he pointed out. “Criticism, like sweating, is actually nothing more than a bad habit,” he said.

“It’s something we get used to doing; we’re familiar with how it feels. It keeps us busy and gives us something to talk about.”

Perhaps, we need to listen to the words of Sir Kingsley William Amis, an English novelist and poet. “Self-criticism must be my guide to action, and the first rule for its employment is that in itself it is not a virtue, only a procedure.”

American writer and lecturer Dale Carnegie said it all: “Any fool can criticize, complain and condemn – and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

CONTENTIOUS CITYHOOD DEBATE The bill proposing the elevation of Davao into a city did not go on smoothly in the floors of the national legislature. Like Zamboanga’s case, it underwent an ‘oratorical fanfare’ that allowed its sponsor, assemblyman Romualdo Quimpo, to defend intensely his initiative.

The original bill proposed that the executive and legislative branches functioned as a single body, with the city mayor as presiding officer. The idea, however, was opposed by assemblyman Justino Nuyda of Albay who recommended an amendment complelely separating the Office fo the Mayor from the City Council.

Assemblyman Francisco Lavides of Tayabas, a co-sponsor of the bill, argued that for the Nuyda amendment to be adopted the matter had to be put to a vote by the assembly, arguing that his opposition to the Nuyda proposal “is to avoid

friction between the executive and the legislative branches of the city government and this friction not only hampers efficiency but is detrimental to the interests of the public.”

Lavides added the Nuyda amendment would be junked, saying the move “will not be accepted by the committee as it would destroy the philosophy of the bill that of preventing friction between the city executive and the legislative.”

Even the creation of two cities in Mindanao did not escape the scrutiny of other legislators, eliciting heated and at times emotional discussions from lawmakers from other regions.

The government system proposed to be adopted in Davao, which did not separate the two branches, had the support of Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon who endorsed it but without a presidential message. He wanted his

idea similarly introduced in the towns of Iloilo, Cebu, Legaspi, and San Pablo.

On August 6, 1936, the National Assembly junked the Nuyda amendment. Under Commonwealth Act No. 51, the city’s charter, specifically Article III, The City Council, it stipulated that: “The City Council shall be the legislative body of the city, and shall be composed of the Mayor, who shall be its presiding officer, the city engineer, the city treasurer, and five councilors, two appointed by the President, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of the National Assembly, and the other three elected by popular vote. Pending the next general elections, the offices of said three elective councilors shall be filled in the same manner as the offices of the appointive councilors.”

Another significant aspect of Article III, which could have

swayed votes against the Nuyda amendment, was the provision that the Mayor, the city engineer, and the city treasurer, while serving as members the City Council, were not allowed additional remuneration. The councilors, on the other hand, received only per diem, if present, depending on the authorized ordinance approved by the Secretary of the Interior.

The assembly, which went on high gear given that Manila’s cityhood was also discussed in the committee hearings, also approved the last four sections of the Davao cityhood bill that was not acted upon in previous hearings before the legislative undertaking was referred to the concerned committee on third reading.

It was only in 1955 that the local executive and legislative branches were separated.

Another key section of the proposed bill, which became

Commonwealth Act No. 51, was the retention of the original proposal that Davao Province and the future Davao City would act as a single assembly district and the new city continue to be recognized as the provincial capital.

To avert any further debate in the third and final reading, assemblyman Nicolas Rafols of Cebu moved that all the amendments approved by the legislature in the Davao bill would also be adopted in the Zamboanga city bill.

There was one difference, however, between the two cityhood initiatives. The assembly approved the amendment of assemblyman Juan S. Alano (after whom the Alano Camp in Daliao, Toril was named) that the justice of the peace assigned in Basilan and two other areas under the proposed Zamboanga bill would continue until the legislature had repealed or amended it.

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LIFESTYLE

LENOVO BULKS UP MAINSTREAM IDEAPAD LINEUP WITH TWO NEW SMART NOTEBOOKS

GLOBAL innovation leader Lenovo is launching its newest IdeaPad notebooks designed to enable users with elite performance even while at home. Encased in an ultrathin and compact frame, the new IdeaPad Slim 3i and IdeaPad Slim 5i Pro are powered by the latest processors and better memory and storage configurations for a smarter technology experience for all.

Each variant of the IdeaPad Slim 3i and IdeaPad Slim 5i Pro comes with a minimum of 8GB RAM and an ultrafast PCIe NVMe Solid-State Drive (SSD) storage that can have up to 1TB capacity. Lenovo is shaping the future and has chosen to release all new IdeaPad notebooks powered by 11th-gen Intel Core processors with 8GB RAM and higher to provide customers more power and speed in doing daily tasks.

Lenovo also made sure that more customers can enjoy the benefits of having a PC with a 16GB RAM+ 1TB SSD configuration with the IdeaPad Slim 5i Pro’s affordable starting price of only PHP 59,995.

In addition, they are equipped with the latest processors from Intel and NVIDIA. Both notebooks can have up to an 11th-gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor. Gamers can also cop the IdeaPad Slim 5i Pro variant that comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU for better immersion through real-time ray tracing.

The two notebooks also have several add-ons that deliver a hassle-free user experience. Both have fingerprint readers on their power buttons for easier and secure login access, and they’re equipped with 720p cameras that have a physical shutter for added privacy. Furthermore, the IdeaPad Slim 3i is one of the few mainstream laptops available to possess a backlit keyboard that helps in typing while working in the dark.

Movies and series buffs will also get to enjoy the IdeaPad Slim 5i Pro’s 16:10 display that has up to 2K resolution,120Hz refresh rate, and 300 nits of brightness. This is the first device in the entire Lenovo IdeaPad lineup to have a 16” display. With a 4-Side Narrow Bezel on all sides for an impressive 90 percent screen-

to-body ratio and colorful 100 percent sRGB quality, the IdeaPad Slim 5i Pro delivers better learning and entertainment experiences from anywhere in the house.

The IdeaPad Slim 3i and IdeaPad Slim 5i Pro also come with a free Microsoft Office license and 3-Year Premium Care Warranty. The service provides an advanced and tailored level of care that’s capable of reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. Premium Care’s services include a 24/7 direct hotline to technicians, comprehensive hardware and software support, and an Annual PC Health Check that’s vital for device maintenance in the long run.

“Our new and more powerful IdeaPads purposefully answer the need of customers wanting to get more things done at home. Equipped with higher memory and the latest processors, the IdeaPad Slim 3i and IdeaPad Slim 5i Pro are specially designed to help people save time and enjoy com-

fort, convenience, and stronger connections in daily life as part of our mission to empower customers with smarter productivity, smarter entertainment, and smarter living for all,” said Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager Michael Ngan.

Smart Learning with the IdeaPad Slim 3i Lenovo is also launching its Smart Learning campaign featuring the IdeaPad Slim 3i.

In addition to empowering workers at home, the device is geared to be the ultimate Smart Learning notebook for kids with its innovative features. Its thin 4-Side Narrow Bezel give students more screen estate to digest information, and its polished ultraslim chassis takes up lesser space in the bag and desk. Online classes are also as crisp as ever with the IdeaPad Slim 3i’s up to 15.6” FHD panel display

their kids effectively learn without compromising their wellbeing.

and up to 300 nits of brightness and an optional touch-screen functionality for added interactivity in learning.

Further improving the learning experience is the IdeaPad Slim 3i’s Smart Learning suite of solutions powered by Lenovo Aware. The software provides sensitive reminders to help kids improve their posture, attention, and viewing distance. It also includes a Break Reminder to nudge kids to take a break in studying, as well as a nifty smart noisecancelling feature that minimizes ambient noise during online classes.

Under the Smart Learning campaign, parents can expect valuable and engaging content from Lenovo on social media to guide them when choosing the right devices that can help

Lenovo Summer Sale 2021 Both the IdeaPad Slim 3i and IdeaPad Slim 5i Pro are also part of the 2021 Lenovo Summer Sale. From June 4 to June 30, 2021, those purchasing any of the two devices or other Lenovo participating products from authorized stores can get up to PHP 70,540 worth of freebies and discounts. Each participating product has a corresponding LSS bundle that may include software, accessories, bags, apparel, and more. Customers can also get additional discounts and freebies when purchasing the featured hero product of the week that will be posted on the official Facebook page of Lenovo Philippines.

For more information about the 2021 Lenovo Summer Sale, visit lenovophpromos.com/ summer-sale-2.

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ENVIRONMENT

9

WORLD OCEANS DAY

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

S

ince its original proposal in 1992 by Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, World Oceans Day has been unofficially celebrated every 8.

It was not until late 2008 that it was officially recognized by the United Nations.

“The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans,” says the United Nations in its website. “(The oceans) are the lungs of our planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere,” the UN adds.

This year’s theme is: “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods.”

The ocean, if you care to know, produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.

In like manner, it is the key to the economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by oceanbased industries by 2030.

“This year’s theme is especially relevant in the lead-up to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which will run from 2021 to 2030,” the UN states. “The Decade will strengthen international cooperation to develop the scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with

the needs of society.”

In the Philippines, the ocean plays an important role as the country is an archipelago consisting of 7,1000 islands. It is located on the eastern rim of the Asiatic Mediterranean. The country is bounded in the west by the South China Sea; in the east by the Pacific Ocean; in the south by the Sulu and Celebes Sea; and in the north by the Bashi Channel.

“Oceans have no respect for the artificial boundaries drawn by man,” said Klaus Topfer, former executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

“Oceans cover nearly 71% of the earth’s surface, and their deepest trenches plunge farther below sea level than Mount Everest climbs about it,” writes Peter Weber, of the Washington, D.C.-based Worldwatch Institute. “They contain 97% of the water on earth, and more than 10,000 times as much as all the world’s freshwater lakes and rivers combined.”

Since the dawn of life on earth, oceans have been the ecological keel of the biosphere. But their seminal contribution to the planet was life itself. Scientists

believe that the very organisms were bacteria that developed in the depths of the seas some four billion years ago. These were the evolutionary forerunners of all subsequent organisms, and helped create the conditions under which life as it is now known could evolve.

“Only around one-tenth of 115 million square miles of the seafloor has been explored and charted,” notes Donald Hinrichsen, an award-winning journalist and author of Coastal Waters of the World: Trends, Threats, and Strategies.

Some marine scientists estimated that the seafloor alone may contain up to 10 million species, the majority of them undiscovered. “But no one knows for sure,” Hinrichsen pointed out.

“The ocean is our last great frontier.”

In the past, the ocean was seen mainly as a means of travel. Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Christopher Columbus are some of the famous voyagers who discovered new lands using the oceans.

These days, the oceans are seen as the source of food.

“The sea provides the biggest source of wild or domestic protein in the world,” the Save the Sea Organization reports. “Each year some 70 to 75 million tons of fish are caught in the ocean. Of this amount around 29 million tons is for human consumption.

The global fish production

exceeds that of cattle, sheep, poultry or eggs.”

For another, oceans are the future source of medicines.

“The sky’s the limit,” says Dr. Deborah Gochfeld, a senior research scientist at the National Center for Natural Products Research of the University of Mississippi. “The oceans have a much broader diversity of chemical structures than are found in plants – which include uses for cancer, heart disease, and infections, among others – so it is likely that marine animals will include all of these options and more.”

Dr. William Fenical, director for marine biotechnology and biomedicine at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, echoes the same idea. “Marine

resources could be the major source of drugs in the coming years,” he pointed out.

Most of these marine resources thrive in coral reefs. “Many coral reef species produce chemicals like histamines and antibiotics used in medicine and science,” reports The Nature Conservancy, an organization whose mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities by protecting the lands and waters needed for their survival.

“Coral reef plants and animals are important sources of new medicines being developed to treat cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, heart disease, viruses, and other diseases,” says the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA).

“Some coral reef organisms produce powerful chemicals to fend off attackers, and scientists continue to research the medicinal potential of these substances.”

Unfortunately, the world may lose them soon as the oceans are continuously devastated by human activities. “Once thought to be so vast and resilient that no level of human assault could damage them, the oceans are now crying out for attention,” noted a report released by the Washingtonbased Worldwatch Institute.

“The world’s oceans are in danger, and the enormity of the challenge is bigger than one country or organization,” the World Bank said in a statement

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and mandatory home quarantine even if negative ang result,” she said.

She added that contact tracers also reported that some closed contacts (F2 and F3) turned off their phones and some F1 refused to disclose the F2 and F3.

To penalize companies that refuse mandatory swabbing among their employees, Culas said they are now asking the City Council to create a city ordinance against these companies.

“We are on the process of drafting a recommendation for this city ordinance and I hope it will come

out soon para mabigyan ng leksyon ang ating mga violators kasi marami ng nadadamay because of these uncooperative people as carriers of the virus,” Culas said.

On the other hand, Culas also disclosed that presently there are 26 establishments under lockdown including BPOs, government offices, stores, banks, establishments of food and non-food, and church.

“So far mao ni ang makita for the last seven days na daghan kaayo ug kaso due to transmission in the workplaces,” she said.

life in the name of public service,” Freno said.

Freno said the wake and burial deyails of the late mayor is yet to be

announced.

Vice Mayor Lino Montilla, the late mayor’s brother, will assume as city mayor. (PNA)

Aquinos, there were 2 president Macapagals. I think you cannot consider Mayor Sara to be within the spirit of what a political dynasty is because she’s quite independent-minded.”

The former defense chief said he could not yet say for now if he would run for other positions in next year’s elections.

“That’s something for events to determine...Those are options that I cannot answer right now. Right now, all I’m willing to do is back her (Duterte-Carpio) up as vice president,” he said.

Teodoro said he was no longer with the Lakas-CMD party and that he would like to remain independent.

When asked if he resented the party after his loss to former President Benigno Aquino III in the 2010 elections, Teodoro said: “Of course, naturally, losing is not an easy thing to go through. It humbles you, it matures you, it makes you more realistic in life.

And it opened up a lot of opportunities to be in the private sector learning a lot.”

“Dapat ang sama ng loob sa COVID (Our resentment should be against COVID).

We can’t afford it right

now. Disappointment of course. You put your heart, you get disappointed, you move on. The private sector welcomed me and I learned a lot.”

When asked if he would consult former president Gloria MacapagalArroyo, Lakas-CMD party chairperson, Teodoro said he would only seek advise from people who were “positive contributors to unity in the country.”

Teodoro said he and Duterte-Carpio discussed many issues including vaccine hesitancy, “balancing security in certain areas,” and reopening of the economy.

He said his COVID-19 vaccination in Davao City was “not intentional at all.”

“There was an opportunity to show that I trust the local health authorities and it was my way of showing all local government units, all health workers that I will trust them,” he said.

“I could have signed up with private companies for their vaccines.”

The West Philippine Sea, meantime, is a national security issue and “should not be a partisan political issue,” the former defense chief said.

cover the payment of 4 million doses of vaccines which is expected na ma-deliver ngayong buwan,” Avisado said.

(This amount will cover the payment for 4 million doses of vaccines, which [are] expected to be delivered this month.)

The P82.5 billion fund was allocated under Bayanihan 2 for vaccine procurement.

Avisado said the budget office has disbursed P59.39 billion to the Department of Health

“to finance the covering loan agreements with institutions” for vaccine procurement.

They are planning to release the remaining P10.61 billion once DOH sends the appropriate requests.

The Philippines has so far taken delivery a total 8,329,050 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from various brands. Of this, 4.5 million Sinovac jabs and 80,000 Sputnik shots were procured, while the rest were donated

initiatives such as Online APIR, G-TOUCH mobile app and Bayad Center partnership.”

“Despite the many un-

certainties and limitations brought about by the COVID pandemic, we have not wavered in our service commitment,” he added.

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the waiver. They did not even know the content of the document. They were only told that it is to signify that they allow us to stay in Haran to study,” he said in vernacular.

“Even us, we didn’t know that we will go to that place.

We came to Haran to study because that’s what they promised to us. But despite that, we still thought that we were brought to Cebu to study,” Mandakawan added.

Before the rescue Mandakawan was once a student of Salugpungan Ta’Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. in Talaingod, Davao del Norte but when the Department of Education in Region 11 ordered the closure of the “bakwit” (evacuee) school in October 2019, he went to Haran to continue his education.

“When the Salugpungan was shut down, we looked for a school where we can continue our studies.

And we thought that the right place was in Haran,” Mandakawan recounted.

He said they stayed for one week in Haran and were told that they will be transferred to Cebu where a “bakwit” school awaited them.

“When we reached Cebu, two vans are waiting for us. One was for the girls and the other one for us,” he recalled.

Mandakawan said they were brought to a rally before they were transferred to Minglanilla.

“As far as I remember, we joined the rally three times there. After the rally, we went home and we did not have anything to eat.

Sometimes we eat salt as viand. There were a lot of mosquitos in our room and it was also stinky,” he said.

Mandakawan said they did not mind the struggle for they were promised education.

After Minglanilla, he said they were brought to St. Escolastica where they stayed for 11 days and again joined a rally.

“Then we were transferred to the USC campus where we were rescued,” he further said.

Root of misery Mandakawan’s father, Datu Butigon, said in a press briefing in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on May 18, that his wife, Samana, was severely stressed after learning their son has been brought to Cebu and eventually died.

He wants justice not only for his child but also for his wife.

“She was worried a lot and the loneliness caused her death,” he said.

He appealed to the national government to help children and their families attain justice.

“Help us to fight against them. They need to face trial for kidnapping and abducting our children,” he said in the vernacular.

Datu Butigon also wants charges filed against the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who are “victimizing” their children.

Various charges LawyerMarlonBosantog, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson on Legal Affairs and IP concerns, previously said the abductors committed child abuse, illegal detention, and trafficking.

“The state mandates that the custody of the children will always be with their parents. What is Chad Booc’s right over these minors?

Right there and then, the parents denied them custody,” Bosantog pointed out, referring to one of the abductors.

“Until now, they can’t show that consent was given.

You cannot bring one person to another place without parental consent,” he added.

brought about by the Covid pandemic.

He added that his office will continue to support those who are in need.

The lawmaker also said that his staff is continuously going around the areas

under his jurisdiction to check whether there are sectors who have yet to receive assistance from the government, as its programs are intended for disadvantaged members of the community.

cessing agencies for investment applications.

Also during its second meeting, the FIRB gave the go-signal to Dominguez’s recommendation to let the Board approve tax incentives for all investments amounting to over PHP1 billion per venture until the end of 2022.

After this period, the approval of incentives for investments of over PHP1 billion but not more than PHP3 billion per venture will be delegated to the FIRB Technical Committee, which is chaired by Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Antonette Tionko of the Revenue Operations (ROG).

The FIRB also approved during the meeting a proposal by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Wendel Avisado to

put in place an appeals process for investment projects disapproved by the Technical Committee. Such actions may be appealed with the FIRB board proper.

A recommendation by Tionko to provide the Board with a list of approved and disapproved investment projects was also green lighted.

DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba discussed during the meeting the SIPP’s features under the CREATE law.

Under the SIPP, Tier 1 covers investments with high potential for creating jobs, value creation, and providing essential support to sectors critical to industrial development, as well as emerging industries with potential comparative advantage, Aldaba said.

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during the World Oceans Summit held in Singapore some years back.

Nearly 270,000 tons of plastic, which is enough to fill more than 38,500 garbage trucks, is floating in the world’s oceans. This was based on a study done by 5 Gyres Institute, an organization that aims to reduce plastic in the oceans.

The recent finding is comparable to an earlier study done by researchers in Spain who used different methodology. That said study estimated “there were 7,000 to 35,000 tons of plastics this size floating in the ocean.”

These plastics are likely to stay in the oceans.

“Plastics persist for up to 50 years and, because they are usually buoyant, they are widely distributed by ocean currents and wind,” notes World Resources Institute.

Oil is another widespread pollutant in the oceans. In the Philippines, the sinking of a Caltex oil

tanker in Limay, Bataan in 1990 comes to mind.

Although it was much smaller in proportions -when compared to the 11 million gallons of oil spilled from the Exxon Superlaner Valdez in Alaska in 1989 -- it gave Filipinos a preview of the potential hazards of oil spills.

Continued overfishing is serving to further undermine the resilience of ocean systems, and contrary to some claims, despite some improvements largely in developed regions, fisheries management is still failing to halt the decline of key species and damage to the ecosystems on which marine life depends.

“For the first time in this century, world marine fish catches are declining,” deplored Greenpeace, the international environmental organization.

“Many of the world’s formerly productive fisheries are seriously depleted, and some have collapsed due to overfishing.”

choose what I want to do.

If I want to go out, have some fun and make $50, $60, $70, $100 million, let me do it. I am not bothering anyone. I am not out robbing or killing. I am doing what I want to do,” he said ahead of the bout.

“I retired but I didn’t retire from entertaining and making money.”

Paul entered the exhibition match having just one official fight on his record -- a loss to fellow YouTuber KSI in August 2018. -- With a report from Agence France-Presse

only his third tournament since last year’s Australian Open, was due to play Italy’s Matteo Berrettini on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Federer’s return this year was only his second French Open participation since 2015.

Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, fancied to reach his first Grand Slam final, with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the other half of the draw, sealed his return to the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Spain’s Pablo

Carreno Busta.

A semi-finalist at the past two majors, Tsitsipas was beaten in a thrilling five-setter by Djokovic in Paris eight months ago.

He will next face twice Grand Slam finalist and second seed Daniil Medvedev.

The Russian, who hadn’t won a French Open match before this week, eased past Chile’s Cristian Garin 6-2, 6-1, 7-5.

Alexander Zverev progressed to the quarter-finals for the third time in four years with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 win over Japan’s Kei Nishikori.

and resilient region.

“It is imperative for APEC as a forum to deepen our engagement with the private sector and to reflect the reality on the ground by developing policy measures that are effective and appropriate to boost business opportunities and confidence,” said Rebecca Sta Maria, executive director of the APEC Secretariat.

During Friday’s dialogue, APEC ministers and ABAC members exchanged views on regional economic integration and critical issues that the WTO should focus on at the upcoming Twelfth Ministerial Conference.

The group also deliberated on the economic response to Covid-19, par-

ticularly maintaining open supply chains and ensuring free flow of essential goods and vaccines, as well as what trade as well as digital trade facilitation can do to boost recovery.

Ways to prevent future shocks and make economies more resilient to them were also taken up during the discussion, including policies and actions for ensuring inclusion and sustainability.

“Somehow there never seems to be a right time for bold action to transform the environment in which we do business in the region.

We are now in the worst of the worst of times ... and that does require boldness, ambition, and commitment,” Taulelei said. (Antara)

Produce Enterprise.

“This will really strengthen our efforts to support the high-value

crops not only for local consumption, but for exports,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

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SPORTS 11

Floyd Mayweather Jr. fights Logan Paul during an exhibition boxing match at Hard Rock Stadium. Reuters

Women takes spotlight on PSC’s NSS

P

ilipinas Sepaktakraw Federation Inc. President Karen Tanchanco-Caballero spotlights “Women in the World of Sports” in the upcoming 17th session of the National Sports Summit (NSS) 2021 on Wednesday.

Caballero, who is also the Deputy Secretary-General of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and also the First Woman Vice President of The Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) and the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF), provides an overview of the active role of women in today’s sports.

She also gives a glimpse of the dynamic of holding key roles as a sports leader and promoting the advocacy of “gender and devel-

opment and sports and athlete’s management and programs”.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez expresses the pivotal role of exploring gender equality in the sports conference. “Women have long played the same, and often primary tasks in furthering the country’s sports excellence. It is a privilege for us to have one of the most esteemed women sports leaders to speak of this in our national conference,” he said.

Tanchanco-Caballero is also a former chairperson of the Women and Sports Committee of The Southeast Asian Games Federation and the Chef de Mission of Team Philippines for the 2016 Asian Beach Games in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Floyd fails to impress vs YouTube star Paul

I

n an exhibition match where there were no judges at ringside and no official winner, retired American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. went the distance with YouTube star Logan Paul.

The bout, which took place on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami (Monday in Manila), lasted eight rounds with the 26-year-old Paul starting off strong and arguably winning early.

Mayweather ramped up his activity by the third round, pouncing on the clearly tiring Paul. Punch

page when he knocked down his opponent three times.

While the exhibition match was widely criticized, it is also expected to bring in a tremendous payday for both Mayweather and Paul.

On Twitter, UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou wryly noted that Paul is likely to make $20 million for eight rounds’ work.

Mayweather has also brushed off criticisms of his latest in-ring return.

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I live for Floyd Mayweather and I

Williams.

“I’m not winning those points. That like literally could just change everything.”

Her exit leaves just two of the women’s top 10 seeds in the competition, reigning champion Iga Swiatek and last year’s runner-up Sofia Kenin.

Williams, who despite arriving here with just one win on clay this season, had seen her title hopes of boosted by the absence of Simona Halep, and early exits of Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka.

Instead, she remains without a Grand Slam title since winning the 2017 Australian Open in the early stages of her pregnancy.

“I’m in a much better place than when I got here,” Williams said.

“You know, (I was) just literally trying to win a match, because it had been a

really difficult season for me on the clay.”

Williams, who debuted at Roland Garros in 1998, refused to be drawn on whether this was her last French Open.

“I’m definitely not thinking about it at all. I’m definitely thinking just about other things but not about that,” she said.

Russian-born Rybakina, 21, extended her best run at a major as she advanced to her first quarter-final, where she will face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova for a spot in the last four.

“I am so happy with my match, it was amazing,” said Rybakina, who at 22 is the highest-ranked player left in her half of the draw.

- ‘Listening to my body’ Earlier, Federer made the decision to withdraw from what was possibly his last French Open, unwilling

to risk his troublesome knee after an injury-plagued past 18 months.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam title winner, who will be 40 in August, had battled over three and a half hours until 12.45am Sunday morning to reach the last 16.

“After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today,” Federer said.

“After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery.

“I am thrilled to have gotten three matches under my belt. There is no greater feeling than being back on court.”

It was the first time Federer has conceded a walkover at a Grand Slam, coming at his 80th major.

The Swiss star, playing

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Serena Williams of the U.S. reacts during her fourth round match against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina. Sarah Meyssonnier, Reuters

statistics showed that Mayweather landed 36 of the 93 power punches that he threw, but could not knock out his significantly taller, heavier opponent.

Mayweather, who retired with a perfect 50-0-0 record, entered the bout 155 pounds, while Paul weighed in at 189.5 pounds Paul was more aggres-

sive to start the bout but barely landed anything against Mayweather, who is widely acknowledged as one of the finest defensive boxers of all time.

Punch statistics showed that Paul landed just 28 of 217 punches, including only 21 of 144 power punches.

This was Mayweather’s second exhibition bout since retiring in August 2017 after beating MMA superstar Conor McGregor. In December 2018, Mayweather fought Japanese boxer Tenshin Nasukawa in Japan, winning via stop-

ARIS, France -- Serena Williams’ latest quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title ended in the French Open last 16 on Sunday, hours after Roger Federer pulled out of what was possibly his last appearance at Roland Garros.

The 39-year-old Williams, still one short of Margaret Court’s all-time record for most Grand Slam singles titles, lost 6-3, 7-5 to Kazakh 21st seed Elena Rybakina, while Federer withdrew as a precaution to protect his body for Wimbledon.

The American won the last of her three Roland Garros titles in 2015, and has not gone beyond the fourth round in Paris since losing the 2016 final.

“It was definitely close.

I’m so close. There is literally a point here, a point there, that could change the whole course of the match,” said

FSERENA, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 72 • TUESDAY, JUNE 08, 2021

GOLF CHAMP. US Women’s Open golf champion Yuka Saso at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California on Sunday (US time).

Saso became the first Filipino ever to win a major golf event as she prevailed over Japan’s Nasa Hataoka in the sudden death playoff.

HISTORIC WIN

Saso becomes first Filipino US Open champ

Y

uka Saso became the first Filipino ever to win a major golf event after taking home the LPGA US Women’s Open championship.

Saso prevailed over Japan’s Nasa Hataoka in the sudden death playoff on Monday (Philippine Time) at the Olympic Club Lake Course in San Francisco to take home the US$1,000,000 (around PHP47.6 million) championship prize.

It was a Cinderella finish for Saso, who led after the second round on Saturday (Philippine Time), as she double-bogeyed in Holes 2 and 3 and was down by two strokes entering Hole 17 in the final round.

But with Round 3 leader Lexi Thompson failing to close it out in regulation after an error-prone back nine, Saso, who birdied the last two holes, found herself in a rubber match with Hataoka, who flashed brilliance in Round 4 with a four under par 68 in the day.

Both Saso and Hataoka settled for pars in the two-hole aggregate playoff, setting up the sudden death round.

Saso struggled in her first shot as the ball landed at the rough but recovered in the second shot after sending it just eight feet shy of the hole.

Hataoka, on the other hand, came up way short in her second shot and landed the ball farther from the hole at 30 feet.

Hataoka settled for the par after her birdie putt came three feet short, but Saso slotted her birdie in to beat Hataoka for the title.

At 19 years, 11 months, and 17 days old, Saso also became the youngest to win the US Women’s Open since Park In-Bee, also 19 years, 11 months, and 17 days old then, won it all in 2008. (PNA)