Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 82 | Saturday, June 19, 2021

THINKING BIG SPORTS P12 VOL.14 ISSUE 82 • SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 A crew member of a popular fast food chain outlet in Matina, Davao City prepares an order of BTS-inspired meal during the first day that it was made available to the public.

The particular meal caused a stir to BTS, a famous K-Pop group from South Korea, fanatics all over the country. Edge Davao

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End of lockdown for 3 BPOs in Davao City STORY ON PAGE 2

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VOL.14 ISSUE 82 • SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte pins the rank insignia on newly-promoted Lieutenant Colonel Dreztan Colot during the donning of ranks to newly promoted personnel of the Presidential Security Group at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday evening. The President has merely brushed aside the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) request for judicial authorization to investigate his administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, Malacañang said. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

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Surigao clashes shed light on NPA’s illegal recruitment of child soldiers

the observance of minimum public health standards among their employees.

“Reiterate gyud ang pagsunod sa public health standards. Dapat naay surveillance sa office, naay mag-monitor sa atong mga empleyado,” he said.

Lopez also advised the establishments to put up exhaust fans to help in air circulation and to set up different entrance and exit points for workers in offices

he series of skirmishes between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur this week only exposed the NPA’s long practice of arming minors to join the armed struggle.

In an encounter on June 15, the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) fired at the troops and detonated antipersonnel mine to evade the forces of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) who were tracking them at vicinity of Sitio New Decoy, Diatagon, Lianga after the initial encounter with the same group the previous day.

The exchange of bullets lasted for about 10 minutes which led to the death of three NPA members identified as Lenie Perez Rivas, 38; Willy Salinas Rodriguez, 20, and a 12-year-old girl (name withheld).

LtCol. Benedict Harvey Gernale, Commanding Officer of 3SFBn said that the first encounter with the NPA transpired on June 14 around 2p.m. while a Special Forces Team was conducting security operations to verify the presence of armed group foraging for food in Sitio Tibog, Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The troops were

agum residents can now accomplish their voter’s registration through a mobile app called “Mobile Registration Form Application” created by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

During the app’s launch at Atrium, New City Hall, Tagum City on June 15, COMELEC Commissioner Marlon S. Casquejo said that the mobile app “aims to enhance the voter registration experience amidst the pandemic.”

With this app, Tagum registrants can fill out the application form using an android smartphone

instead of the traditional pen and paper. When completed, a QR code will be generated and must be saved in the phone.

To be officially registered, a registrant should bring the QR code to their nearest Office of the Election Officer (OEO) where the registrant can proceed straight to the biometrics section after the scanning of the QR Code as it contains the already completed application form.

Casquejo said that this new process of registering has brought efficiency not only to those who want to

register at home, but even to walk-in applicants.

He cited that even walkin applicants during trials preferred the mobile app registration as it is faster and more convenient than writing on a physical application form.

To download the Mobile Registration Application Form, one must go to the website: bit.ly/ MobileFormApp and tap download and then install.

Accomplishing the voter’s registration through the app does not need internet connection.

Furthermore, the

End of lockdown for 3 BPOs in Davao City

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ity Health Office (CHO) acting head Dr. Ashley Lopez announced that the lockdown of the three Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Davao City has been lifted but these companies will be monitored every two weeks.

The said BPOs were placed under lockdown by the city government of Davao after recording high positive cases of Covid-19.

“Nag-reopen na ang tulo ka dagkong BPOs nato

diri na ginatawag nga “Big 3” pero dunay monitoring gihapon every two weeks,” Lopez said during the Covid-19 Alert program of the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

Apart from BPOs, the city also logged high incidence of Covid-19 cases in commercial banks, offices and workplaces, which resulted in them being locked down.

“Part of the surveillance swabbing atong mga workplaces. More than 50 percent hinungdan sa transmission naa sa workplaces,” Lopez said.

The city government has been reminding establishments to enforce

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19 barangays in DavOcc Voters’ registration mobile app available to Tagum residents town now drug cleared T

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ineteen applicantbarangays in Malita, Davao Occidental duly and satisfactorily complied with the mandatory requirements for Drug Cleared Barangay set by the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation Number 3, Series of 2017 and Memorandum Circular Number 2020-041.

The Regional Oversight Committee Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) virtually conducted Deliberation/Declaration of Drug Cleared Barangay via zoom last June 15, 2021.

The committee identified Brgy. Bolila, Brgy.

Buhangin, Brgy. Culaman, Brgy. Felis, Brgy. Kibalatong, Brgy. Kidalapong, Brgy.

Kilalag, Brgy. Lagumit, Brgy.

Little Baguio, Brgy. Macol, Brgy. Mana, Brgy. Manuel Peralta, Brgy. New Argao, Brgy. Pangaleon, Brgy.

Pangian, Brgy. Pinalpalan, Brgy. Talogoy, Brgy. Tical and Brgy. Sanghay of Malita, Davao Occidental.

The ROCBDC chaired by director II Antonio E. Rivera, Regional Director, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

Regional Office XI (PDEA XI) together with the members of the oversight committee from the Department of Interior and Local Government as Vice-Chairperson, Police Regional Office XI, Department of Health and Local Government Unit as mandated members convened to validate the required documents submitted in the presence of concerned Barangay Officials and Chief of Police of Malita Police Station.

Upon thoroughly

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VOL.14 ISSUE 82 • SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

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Commuters wearing face masks and face shields wait for public utility jeepneys in Matina, Davao City on Friday. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) will recommend the mandatory use of face shields in selected areas such as enclosed or indoor spaces after Senate President Vicente Sotto III said President Rodrigo Duterte had agreed that face shields should be used only inside hospitals. Edge Davao

Wearing of face shield A outdoors optional: Vega

Residents complain vs piggery over water waste discharges

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ealth Undersecretary Dr. Leopoldo “Bong” Vega said wearing of face shield outdoor can be optional.

This is in support to the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte the mandatory wearing of face shields in enclosed and indoor spaces of hospitals, schools, workplaces, commercial establishments (such as but not limited to food

establishments, malls and public markets), public transport and terminals, and places of worship.

It can be recalled that the President made pronouncement recently requiring the wearing of face shields on top of face masks only in hospitals amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Tama to, kasi ang recommendation ng Department of Health and IATF is to wear face shield in public places with high human interaction for protection. Kung indoor or commercial spaces dapat mandatory gyud kay taas man gud ang human interaction, so much better kung naa kay face shield. Pero pag outdoor ka, outdoor the transmission is low ug kung dili crowded or

kung naglakaw ka lang, it (face shield) becomes optional,” Vega said in a phone interview.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is strictly implementing strict protocols and guidelines including the mandatory wearing of face shield and face mask in Davao City, told Edge Davao that she will wait for the order from IATF before making decision about it.

in providing Filipino smokers who cannot or do not want to quit smoking by themselves or with currently-approved methods with accurate scientific information on e-cigarettes and other better nicotine alternatives,” Clarisse Virgino, Philippine representative to the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) said.

Virgino was referring to a study done by Public Health England (PHE), an

executive agency of the UK Department of Health and Social Care that found “the proportion [of smokers] who thought vaping was less harmful than cigarettes declined from 45 percent in 2014 to 34 percent in 2019.”

These misperceptions, according to the report, are particularly common among smokers who do not vape. “Increasingly incorrect perceptions among the public about the harms of vaping could prevent some smokers using vaping products to

quit smoking,” the report said.

PHE has been consistent in its stance that “e-cigarettes are around 95 percent safer than combustible cigarettes.”

In its 2020 report, PHE stated that despite reductions in smoking prevalence, smoking remains the biggest single cause of preventable death and disease and a leading cause of health inequalities. The agency posited that “alternative

Wrong information deters smokers from switching to better alternatives

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dvocates of tobacco harm reduction (THR) urged adult smokers to discern the science behind noncombustible alternatives as misleading and false information may push them away from switching to better nicotine alternatives like vapes and heated tobacco products (HTPs).

“The perception of harm from vaping is not consistent with the scientific evidence. Local public health experts should take the lead

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piggery near Tamugan River is now a subject of a complaint for allegedly discharging wastewater directly to the river, which is seen to be detrimental to the health and properties of the residents nearby.

This is based on the letter forwarded by some residents in Barangay Tamugan, Marilog District to Interfacing Development Interventions (IDIS) that several discharges were made by JML Piggery located in the said area.

The residents shared that discharges happened mostly during there’s heavy rains.

Accordingly, several children from the community have experienced stomachache, fever, among others due to the foul smell of the discharges. The letter also stated that people swimming and crossing the river near the said piggery were also observed to have experienced skin itching, diarrhea, and fever.

In a statement, IDIS stated that in addition to its detrimental effects on the residents, the wastes coming from the piggery finds also its way to Tamugan River, a tributary of Davao River, thus contributing to the deterioration of the river’s water quality.

“Dugay na ni siya ginareklamo sa community pero wala pa action, although, na monitor na ni siya sa Watershed

Multipartite Monitoring Team ug naghatag na pud ug recoomendation sa ilaha pa ma-mitigate ang epekto sa ilahang industry diha sa area,” said Lawyer Mark Peñalver, executive director of IDIS, in a phone interview.

The Watershed Multipartite Monitoring Team already inspected JML Piggery several times and the team endorsed recommendations and remarks to the owner of the farm. The last inspection was on April 28, 2021, and the team noted improvement in the operation of JML. However, the piggery farm continues to release foul-smelling wastewater and the most recent was on May 12 and May 30, 2021, according to some nearby residents.

Peñalver said the city government of Davao should extend strong action on the violation of the said piggery.

“Kailangan na ni pangusgan sa city na kung magpadayon pa ni siya nga violation, I mean nagpadyaon pa ni siya despite sa gi-recoomment sa WMC sa ilaha para ma-mitigate ang effect sa ilahang business didto, wala gihapon nila gisunod ug nagpadayong ihapon ang ilang violation,” he said.

IDIS already endorsed the complaint letter to the Office of the City Mayor and the Watershed Management Council (WMC) for appropriate action. By Maya M. Padillo

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Aeon Bleu’s Tower 1 Penthouse view.

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Aeon Bleu launches special promos to condo buyers A 1-BR unit

LANDBANK onboards 3.8 million unbanked PhilSys registrants; steps up support for government’s financial inclusion drive

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ANDBANK Sagay Branch facilitates the account opening of unbanked Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registrants at a registration center in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on June 2, 2021.

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has ramped-up efforts to bring more unbanked Filipinos into the formal banking system, in support for the National Government’s financial inclusion agenda.

As of May 31, 2021, LANDBANK has onboarded a total of 3,794,882 unbanked National ID registrants for transaction accounts, of whom 1,071,177 have already received their LANDBANK Agent Banking Cards (ABCs).

The cards, which were provided free-ofcharge and with no initial deposit requirement, form part of the Bank’s ongoing partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to co-locate in the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) rollouts nationwide and provide unbanked registrants with their own transaction accounts.

“As we commemorate Independence Day centered on unity, LANDBANK continues to take part in the National Government’s whole-ofnation approach towards

reaching and serving more unbanked and underserved Filipinos, helping them to be financially independent.

We are one with government partners in fast-tracking initiatives to bridge the financial inclusion gap in the country,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

The LANDBANK ABCs are given to unbanked PhilSys registrants through LANDBANK account opening booths at designated co-location areas. As of end-May 2021, LANDBANK has co-located in more than 850 PhilSys registration centers in 32 pilot provinces nationwide.

Cardholders can use the LANDBANK ABCs to cash-in, cash-out, and transfer funds at any LANDBANK Branch or Agent Banking Partner.

They can also withdraw cash at Mastercardaccepting ATMs, perform cashless transactions, shop online, and receive government subsidies digitally.

In the future, the LANDBANK ABCs may be used as contactless cards to pay fares in public transport modes under the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

With its various efforts to boost financial inclusion

in the country, LANDBANK is doing its share in reducing inequality, in helping to free the unbanked from poverty, and in promoting inclusive growth. Financial inclusion provides the unbanked opportunities to save, invest, and avail of affordable credit, leading towards their financial independence.

By banking the unbanked, LANDBANK enables government cash grants and pensions to be credited directly into their accounts through cashless fund transfers.

Delivering social protection programs Together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LANDBANK has also distributed a total of 5.6 million LANDBANK Cash Cards to beneficiaries of social protection program nationwide as of May 31, 2021.

Of this total, 4.4 million LANDBANK Cash Cards were delivered to DSWD’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program beneficiaries.

The remaining 1.2 million cash cards were distributed to Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) Program beneficiaries, composed of 596,761 and 643,562 beneficiaries under the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens and poor households in the DSWD’s Listahanan database, respectively.

LANDBANK Sagay Branch facilitates the account opening of unbanked Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registrants at a registration center in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on June 2, 2021.

whole lot of excitement await clients and sellers as Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. offer special promos at limited time offer only for its latest project Aeon Bleu.

The new promo allows condo buyers to reserve a unit at Tower 1 with two payment options, from reduced reservation fee at Php25,000 to no reservation fee with

additional 5% discount on its total list price.

The offer aims to give potential clients the flexibility to jump in and avail of the pre-selling price of Aeon Bleu in one

of its residential units that has a tranquil setting neKeep up-to-date of Aeon Bleu´s promos at www.facebook.com/ AeonLuxeDVO or www. aeonbleu.com.ph.

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On the continuous surveillance of the three Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Davao City despite the lifting of lockdown:

Part of the surveillance swabbing atong mga workplaces. More than 50 percent hinungdan sa transmission naa sa workplaces.”

CITY HEALTH OFFICE (CHO) ACTING HEAD DR. ASHLEY LOPEZ

EDITORIAL

It’s not over

Despite the end of the lockdown of the three major Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Davao City, these establishments will still be monitored every two weeks and there is a good reason why.

ventilation with outside air is inadequate;

These enclosed establishments are prone to the spread of the virus causing Covis-19. Acting City Health officer Dr. Ashley Lopez said the closed indoor environment of BPOs plus the ventilation system, is very much prone to transmission. When someone with the virus walks in, the risk become very high. Hence, the recent surge.

4. Crowded spaces, particularly if face coverings are inconsistently or improperly worn.

It’s not just about letting our guards down, but ensuring that there will be no more occurence of the same surge.

The latest report (June 8, 2021) from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), spread of COVID-19 occurs via airborne particles and droplets. People who are infected with COVID can release particles and droplets of respiratory fluids that contain the SARS CoV-2 virus into the air when they exhale (e.g., quiet breathing, speaking, singing, exercise, coughing, sneezing). The droplets or aerosol particles vary across a wide range of sizes – from visible to microscopic. Once infectious droplets and particles are exhaled, they move outward from the person (the source). These droplets carry the virus and transmit infection. Indoors, the very fine droplets and particles will continue to spread through the air in the room or space and can accumulate.

Though the risk of infection by breathing in particles carrying the virus generally decreases with distance from infected people and with time, EPA says some circumstances increase the risk of infection:

1. Being indoors rather than outdoors, particularly in indoor environments where

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3. Prolonged time of exposure (e.g. longer than a few minutes); and

So how must BPOs address the problem at present and in the future?

There are straightforward steps that can be taken to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the focus of this material is on those measures. The layout and design of a building, as well as occupancy and type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, can all impact potential airborne spread of the virus. Although improvements to ventilation and air cleaning cannot on their own eliminate the risk of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, increasing ventilation with outdoor air and air filtration is believed to be as important components of a larger strategy that may include physical distancing, wearing cloth face coverings or masks, surface cleaning, handwashing, and other precautions.

The lifting of the lockdown should not give false notion among those working in these establishments. The primordial individual responsibility is still to look after one’s self and for management to consider reevaluating their premises’ ventilation as well as population.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

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

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

2. Activities that increase emission of respiratory fluids, such as speaking loudly, singing, or exercising;

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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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

19th City Council 18th Regular Session Series of 2021

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4. Activities for leisure and entertainment such as but not limited to concerts shall not be allowed; and 5. Government sanctioned events shall be limited to fifty (50) individuals at any given time, provided that the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) and the time for entry and exit of participants are observed.

Provided, the change of status of the City to Community Quarantine and New Normal Status will be governed by the guidelines which may be imposed at that time.

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

ORDINANCE NO. 0581-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE REGULATING GATHERINGS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREOF Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE REGULATING GATHERINGS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREOF.” SECTION 2. COVERAGE – This Ordinance covers all activities, events, occasions, and all other instances wherein people gather together.

Gatherings shall be categorized as follows: 1. Essential Work Meetings and Events a. Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions; b. Workshops, trainings, seminars, conferences; c. Board meetings; d. Consumer trade shows or product event launches; and e. And other analogous events 2. Social Events and Celebrations of Personal Milestones a. Debuts and Birthdays; b. Weddings; c. Baptisms; and d. And other analogous events 3. Community-based and Celebrations of Personal Milestones 4.

Events in private homes and venues

5.

Activities for leisure and entertainment

6.

Government Sanctioned Events a. Medical and Dental Services; and b. Food and Financial Assistance

Gatherings shall be governed by the following rules, provided that the City is under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) status: 1. Essential work meetings and events and social events and celebrations of personal milestones shall be allowed in the City, following the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-001 of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS.

A. Athleisure Activities – activities which are not technically considered as sports but are used for exercise and relaxation, such as, but not limited to: Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, etc.

B. Contact Sports and Activities – refer to sports or activities that will involve physical contact between and among participants (whether such physical contact is part of the rules of the games or not), or causing them to be within one (1) meter to any other person at any point during the activity (e.g., football, basketball, etc.).

C. Essential Work Meetings and Events – shall refer to a congregation of at least two (2) people, with or without external participants, vital to the sustenance of the operations and business interests of the organization and not for recreational or leisure purposes, such as workshops, trainings, seminars, congresses, conferences, conventions, board meetings, colloquia, conclaves, symposia, company/government recognitions, and press conferences.

D. Event Organizer – any individual or legal entity employed to plan, organize, and manage an event.

E. Maximum Venue Capacity - shall refer to the maximum number of people that may be physically accommodated inside the premises of the venue facility, which shall not be more than limitations set forth by the Fire Code of the Philippines.

F. Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS). The following are the minimum public health standard that must be observed in all public places: 1) Face mask covering the nose and mouth; 2) Physical distancing of not less than one (1) meter; 3) Availability of handwashing area with soap and water or alcohol; and 4) Other guidelines or policies from the IATF G. Non-contact Sports – shall refer to sports or activities in which participants are physically separated throughout its duration, thus minimizing the possibility of making any form of purposeful or accidental physical contact (e.g., racquet sports, biking, etc.)

H. Public beaches, rivers, streams – are beaches, rivers, and streams that are open to the public and not owned by a private individual or entity; I. Social Events and Celebrations of Personal Milestones – private gatherings to celebrate special occasions such as, but not limited to debut and birthday parties, wedding ceremonies and receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, family reunions, baptismal and religious rites incidental to the aforementioned activities, and bridal or baby shower.

J. Sports – shall refer to activities practiced through exercise and/ or competitions facilitated by sports organizations or by individual organizers.

K. Sports Training – shall refer to the special process of preparation of sports persons based on scientific principles aimed at improving and maintaining higher performance capacity in different sports activities.

Sports training refers to no contact martial arts training, athletics, basketball, sepak takraw, football, volleyball and the like.

SECTION 4. ONLINE MEETINGS AND EVENTS. All government and private offices are encouraged to shift to online meetings. All online meetings do not need a permit, a guest limit, or curfew. However, real time online production and pre-event activities shall be governed by Section 9.

SECTION 5. PLACES OF WORSHIP. All venues that are habitually and regularly used as a place of worship can open up to fifty percent (50%) of their venue capacity, but they must comply with the following: A. Increase the spaces between their members to not less than one (1) meter; B. Community singing is prohibited, solo singer is allowed who shall be more than three (3) meters away from other people. Unnecessary chatting between individuals should be avoided; C. Members who are below 18 years old, above 65 years old, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, other serious health risks and pregnant women may be excused from attending worship and may be provided with online, radio or television prayer opportunities.

2. Community-based gatherings/Barangay Events shall not be more than twenty-five (25) individuals;

SECTION 6. RESTAURANTS, CARINDERIA AND OTHER FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS.

3. Events in private homes and venues shall not be more than twenty-five (25) individuals;

A. Customers are allowed to remove their face masks only when eating or drinking. A notice to this effect shall be placed on every table; B. All servers must wear a face shield on top of their face mask; C. All of these establishments must abide by the social distancing

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EDGEDAVAO requirements in the arrangement of tables and chairs in the dining area and other such venues as required by the IATF-EID and defined by the proper government agency.

D. Restaurants which offer themselves as venues for events under Section 9 must follow the provisions specified therein.

E. Buffet service shall be allowed only when: i. Food servers are provided; and ii. All food trays are with food covers SECTION 7. SPORTS AND LEISURE A. FITNESS CLUBS, GYMS, AND NON-CONTACT SPORTS. Only noncontact sports shall be allowed as a form of exercise which should be limited to at least one (1) hour and a maximum of two (2) hours daily with absolutely no sharing of equipment. i. All fitness clubs and gyms must be by appointment only. The club or gym can only admit a maximum of five (5) members per hour and at no time can the facemask be taken off inside the club or gym. ii. Group activities for non-contact sports or outdoor fitness and training activities, are allowed in open well-ventilated areas, provided that all participants wear facemasks for the entire duration of the activity and observe a two-meter distance from each other at all times. iii. Clubs, gyms, group activities and other establishments shall monitor the two-hour time limit for their members.

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venues for events under Section 9 must follow the provisions specified therein.

H. REST HOUSES. Rest-houses of any kind may only be used by members of the same family with no more than twenty-five (25) people at a time, including caretakers and staff.

Rest houses and other similar establishments which offer themselves as venues for events under Section 9 must follow the provisions specified therein.

SECTION 8. HOLIDAY PARTIES. All Halloween, Christmas, New Year, or other holiday parties celebrated in public are prohibited. All holiday parties shall only be for members of the same household inside their residences. Once parties and celebrations are highly recommended.

SECTION 9. SOCIAL EVENTS, CELEBRATIONS FOR PERSONAL MILESTONES, AND ESSENTIAL WORK MEETINGS AND EVENTS. The conduct of social events, celebrations of personal milestones, and essential work meetings and events are allowed subject to the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) and health protocols set under relevant issuances, such as but not limited to Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-001 of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), IATF Omnibus Guidelines, etc.

Venues shall be allowed to hold social events, celebrations of personal milestones, and essential work meetings and events, provided that the City is under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) status. Provided further, that the maximum venue capacity and duration shall be as follows:

B. CONTACT SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES. Cock-fighting (Sabong), billiards, darts, basketball, volleyball, soccer and all other contact sports not enumerated herein are prohibited.

C. ATHLEISURE ACTIVITIES. 1. Organizers of Zumba, pilates, yoga, or other outdoor non-contact group classes must first inform the City Sports Development Division through a request letter with attached exercise schedule list of participants, for approval.

2. A maximum of twenty-five (25) persons (including the instructor/s) is allowed inside the venue.

3. The said organizers must also provide the following to promote health and wellness, in their respective area: a. Identify a designated area i. Preferred area must be a covered court, parking lots, and open spaces to ensure proper air flow system and ventilation. ii. Gyms and other enclosed spaces are not allowed. b. Place a barrier around the designated area to prevent outsiders and non-registered participants to enter. c. Allocate designated spots for participants’ area using tape markers to spread more than two (2) meters apart, in a form of a box. d. Wearing of face masks is still required even during the class. e. Decontamination area must be identified. This includes: i. Hand washing area; ii. Sanitizing footbath mat; iii. Thermal scanner/thermometer; and iv. QR code scanner f. Classes must be scheduled alternately and must have a three (3) hour interval to avoid influx of participants in the area. g. There should be a separate entrance and exit in the venue. h. Instructors must stay on stage and may use megaphone to be heard. Instructors, must also announce precautionary measures before starting the class. i. Extra-curricular activities (such as class photos/group selfies) shall not be allowed before, during and after the said class. j. Spectators shall not be allowed.

D. INDIVIDUAL TRAINING. Face-to-face team sports training shall be absolutely prohibited. Non-professional and professional athletes can train for all kinds of sports with no time limit but they can conduct individual training only. Any training done by more than one (1) person is considered a group activity and must comply with the relevant provisions stated above.

E. INTERNET SHOPS. Internet shops can open for all services except gaming and entertainment streaming. Each shop must skip one place in between each computer unit and sanitize all equipment in between customers. Customers are not allowed to remove their face masks inside internet cafes except for brief periods for eating, drinking water or taking necessary photos.

F. BEACHES RESORTS, POOLS AND THE LIKE. Only establishments with a valid Business Permit and a Certification from the City Tourism/ Department of Tourism are allowed to operate and offer their services to the public.

All gatherings in public beaches, rivers, streams or any other similar places shall be prohibited.

Beach resorts and other similar establishment which offer themselves as venues for events under Section 9 must follow the provisions specified therein.

G. MOUNTAIN RESORTS, FARMS, AND OTHER LEISURE ESTABLISHMENTS. These and other similar establishments which offer themselves as

In the computation of the venue capacity, the venue operator or employees, organizers, and suppliers shall be included.

Non-Essential Events shall be strictly prohibited.

Gatherings for social events, celebrations of personal milestones, and essential work meetings and events shall be guided by the following: A. All other guests can be connected online to the main event in another distinct and separate venue but will still be limited by the number of individuals as mentioned above.

B. Guests and service suppliers cannot hop from one venue to the other.

C. Where multiple venues are involved, the event organizer shall expressly indicate the same in the application for a special event permit for Essential Meetings and Event Notice for Social Events.

D. For purposes of monitoring, the management of the venue shall allow government representatives to enter the premises immediately preceding, during, and immediately after the event.

E. Successive events may be allowed provided that the maximum venue capacity is complied with and that there is a time for entry and exit of guests, as well as sanitation in between events, so that the two groups cannot gather together.

F. All social events under this section is held outside the home of the celebrant and requires the engagement of at least one special event supplier such as but not limited to entertainers, decorators and lights and sounds technicians and attended by more than one household shall be required to file for an event notice with the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (DCTOO).

G. Event Organizers and suppliers must use their own Business Permits in events.

SECTION 10, OTHER GATHERINGS. A. Parade, motorcades, rallies, and other gatherings in public places are absolutely prohibited. The right to free speech and expression in freedom parks shall be respected but the event must be limited to twenty-five (25) individuals and must be supervised by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the City Health Office (CHO) to ensure that the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) are implemented.

B. Government events for distribution of goods and services can be increased to fifty (50) individuals at a time provided that the following MPHS can be strictly implemented: i. Face mask covering the nose and mouth; ii. Physical distancing of not less than one (1) meter; iii. Availability of handwashing area with soap and water or alcohol.

SECTION 11. PROHIBITED ACTS. The following offenses are prohibited acts under this ordinance; without prejudice to the filing of other criminal, civil or administrative liabilities: A. VIOLATION BY ESTABLISHMENTS. Each establishment is responsible for the monitoring of gatherings within their areas. Establishments shall be liable for any violation of the provisions of this ordinance and shall be penalized as follows: a. 1st Offense – written warning

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b. 2nd Offense – Fine of P5,000 and/or suspension of business operations for thirty (30) days from date of violation. c. 3rd Offense – Fine of P5,000 and cancellation of Business Permit Provided that, establishments without a Business Permit shall not be penalized as above but shall immediately be penalized with a fine of P5,000 and immediate closure, pending appropriate action.

B. VIOLATION BY EVENT ORGANIZERS. a. 1st Offense – written warning b. 2nd Offense – Fine of P5,000 and/or suspension of business operations for thirty (30) days from date of violation. c. 3rd Offense – Fine of P5,000 and cancellation of Business Permit Provided that, event organizers without a Business Permit shall not be penalized as above but shall immediately be penalized as above but shall immediately be penalized with a fine of P5,000 and shall not be allowed to organize events in Davao City.

C. VIOLATION BY INDIVIDUALS. Individuals found in violation of the provisions of this ordinance and other related ordinances shall be penalized and fined accordingly.

SECTION 12. ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT/CITATION TICKET. An ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT, otherwise known as a CITATION TICKET, shall be issued to violators of this Ordinance. The citation ticket shall state the name and address of the violator, the specific violation committed, and the provisions of the succeeding section, “No Contest Provision.”

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and such other appropriate enforcers as may be commissioned by the City Mayor shall have the power to apprehend violators of this ordinance and issue citation tickets.

The City Mayor may deputize Barangay Officials or representatives of the private sector, non-government organizations and government organizations in the strict implementation of this ordinance, as the need arises.

SECTION 13. NO-CONTEST PROVISION. Any person cited for violation of this Ordinance who does not wish to contest the same and is willing to pay voluntarily within three (3) days the fine imposed under this ordinance prior to the filing of a complaint before the Office of the City Prosecutor shall be allowed to do so, and shall pay the corresponding administrative fine as cited in Section 11 at the Office of the City Treasurer. Availment of the no-contest provision shall exempt a person from criminal liability under this ordinance.

The City Legal Office and the City Treasurer’s Office shall provide for the procedure for the availment of the “No-Contest Provision” and establish a case inventory and recording system of all violators of this ordinance.

All proceeds from the payment of the herein imposed fine shall be apportioned as follows: 1. Sixty percent (60%) of the amount collected per apprehension shall accrue to the apprehending barangay; and, 2. Forty percent (40%) shall accrue to the General Fund of the City.

The share of the barangay shall be remitted directly to the barangay, without need of any further action, on a monthly basis within ten (10) days of the following month. Said amount shall be utilized for COVID-19 response and for other matters incidental thereto.

SECTION 14. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the remaining sections or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 15. REPEALING CLAUSE. All ordinances, resolutions, rules or regulations which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication, and shall remain in full force and effect until the declaration of the existence of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern is retracted by the World Health Organization, or when the State of Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19 in the country is lifted.

ENACTED, May 11, 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

Certified Correct:

ATTESTED:

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

APPROVED : ________________,

AN ORDINANCE REGULATING GATHERINGS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREOF

BARANGAYS... FROMP2

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checked, examined and validated each document submitted by the 19 applicant barangays unanimously found its strict compliance to the parameters as set in the mentioned DDB Regulation Number 3, Series of 2017 and Memorandum Circular

Number 2020-041.

By the authority then vested upon to Director Rivera, as chairman, ROCBDC and Regional Director, PDEA Regional Office XI, he formally declared the 19 said areas as Drug Cleared Barangays effective June 15, 2021.

The activity was participated by the members of the Regional Oversight Committee, representative from the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Barangay Officials of the 19 newly Drug Cleared Barangays of Malita, Davao Occidental. (PR-PDEA XI)

able to rescue a minor from the incident and brought her safely to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur in coordination with the Philippine National Police.

This is not the first time that a minor was armed by the NPA as the data from EastMinCom revealed that 12.3% of the 1,691 former rebels that were profiled by the Command from 2016 to 2020 were minors. It was further found in the

former rebels’ profiles that the average age of minors recruited by the NPA is 17, the youngest of whom was only 12 years old.

Brigadier General Oliver T. Vesliño, Acting Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and Joint Task Force Diamond, said that the AFP units under JTF Diamond will continue its relentless security operations against the CTG in Caraga Region to destroy the armed group and stop its resource generation and recruitment

oEastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol also said that this is an old trick of the NPA to tag their member as an ordinary civilian especially if the casualty happens to be a minor. “I am appealing to the hearts of the CPP-NPA-NDF to get real and stop recruiting children into the armed struggle. If they really have hearts, then they should know better that those children are meant to live their dreams. They have no place in the battleground,” LtGen. Almerol said.

application file can be shared to other android smartphones through an app called “shareit” or other similar file-sharing apps.

Currently, the app is not yet downloadable on

Google Play Store or in iOS as it is only in its pilot stage catering only to 500 cities and municipalities nationwide, including Tagum City, Cebu City, and Davao City.

Casquejo said the cities

and municipalities included in the 500 pilot areas of the mobile app are those experiencing slow internet connection or those without internet connection at all.

(Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIAXI)

nicotine delivery devices that are less harmful could play a crucial role in reducing this health burden.”

The report further stated that “vaping regulated nicotine products has a small fraction of the risks of smoking,” and that smokers should be encouraged to try regulated nicotine vaping products along with smoking cessation medications and behavioral support to greatly increase their chances of successfully stopping smoking.

In the Philippines, where more than 16 million individuals smoke with a low quit rate of 4 percent and a smoking related death rate of 88,000 per annum, Virgino suggested that the Department of Health (DOH) “should broaden its tobacco control strategy.”

“Combustion in cigarettes, not nicotine, is what is harmful to the health of smokers. As such, Filipino smokers who would otherwise continue smoking should be encouraged to switch to less harmful nicotine alternatives such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Doing so would significantly reduce smoking-related sickness and deaths in the country,” she said.

Virgino said THR is a public health strategy that aims to provide better alternatives to reduce harms caused by smoking.

“Instead of sticking with the myopic ‘quit or die’ approach of the World Health Organization, the

DOH should look at the emerging science and consider adopting THR in the country’s tobacco control strategy,” she said.

THR is the key advocacy of CAPHRA—a regional alliance committed to educating, advocating and representing the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products

that reduce harm from tobacco use. Its country representatives work with THR experts and advocates from around the world. CAPHRA is an alliance of consumer organizations that aims to educate, advocate and represent the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products that reduce harm from tobacco use.

SURIGAO... FROMP2

VOTERS’... FROMP2

WRONG... FROMP4

NOTICE OF AUCTION

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule listed below.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magpahigayon ug subasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong iskedyul nga nakasulat sa ubos.

BRANCHES

DATE PAWNED

DAVAO: December Sasa Maa 01, 2020 to Sandawa November Matina 31, 2020 Panabo Main Panabo Branch

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION June 24, 2021Thu) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sandawa Branch VGM Bldg., Sandawa St. Davao City

THE MANAGEMENT

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VOL.14 ISSUE 82 • SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

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SPORTS

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S Korea clinches spot in FIBA Asia Cup with rout of Indonesia

S

outh Korea officially booked a place in the FIBA Asia Cup after mauling Indonesia, 104-81, in the third window of the qualifiers at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center on Thursday.

A day after their direct qualification was derailed by an SJ Belangel game winner for Gilas Pilipinas, the Koreans vented ire on the Indonesians right at the get go, opening a 27-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

South Korea never looked back from there even if Indonesia somehow got its offensive game going in the final three quarters.

Ricardo Ratliffe prevailed over Lester Prosper in the battle of former Philippine Basketball Association imports as the two-season Magnolia import held the former Terrafirma and San Miguel foreign recruit to 9-of-20 shooting from the field.

Prosper eventually finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists after slowly getting his offense going in the second half, but it hardly

mattered as the outcome was already settled and Indonesia, which will host the continental tournament this August, fell to 1-3 in Group A play.

Ratliffe led the now 3-1 South Korea with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Lee Hyun-Jung added 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Box Scores: South Korea 104-Ratliffe 23, H. Lee 21, Kim 14, Yeo 12, S. Lee 10, Byeon 7, Jeon 6, Ha 3, Moon 3, Yang 3, D. Lee 2, Kang 0 Indonesia 81-Prosper 25, Grahita 16, Lakadu 12, Goantara 7, Wisnu 7, Kosasih 6, Saputra 3, Sitorus 2, Teja 2, Kokodiputra 1, Dhyaksa 0 Quarterscores: 2712, 52-35, 77-58, 104-81 (PNA)

Kai Sotto scored 11 points against South Korea.

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Michael Dasmarinas (right) is eyeing a big upset.

THINKING BIG

Dasmarinas eyes upset vs Inoue in Las Vegas

L

AS VEGAS — Naoya “Monster” Inoue is a man of few words, but his devastating knockouts, climb up the pound-for-pound rankings and cult hero status among combat sports fans have elevated the Japanese prodigy to main event status. Inoue will defend his WBA and IBF bantamweight world titles Saturday against Filipino mandatory challenger Michael “Hot and Spicy” Dasmarinas from The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Inoue, who also captured titles at light flyweight and junior bantamweight, is 15-0 in world title bouts and looks to continue his dominance against a man who has not tasted defeat since 2014.

In the co-feature, Mikaela Mayer will make the first defense of her WBO junior lightweight strap against former twoweight world champion Erica Farias.

Mayer dethroned Ewa Brodnicka last October as the co-feature to the Inoue-Jason Moloney main event. Mayer has her sights on the top names in and around her weight class.

The 10-round featherweight televised opener will see the return of action star Adam Lopez, who will defend his NABF strap against former WBO junior featherweight world champion Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe. Lopez has won toe-to-toe battles against Louie Coria and Jason Sanchez since his valiant effort against Oscar Valdez, while Dogboe returned last July with a one-sided victory over Chris Avalos.

It was crowded dais Thursday, as Top Rank chairman Bob Arum and all six fighters participated in the final press conference. This is what they had to say.

Bob Arum “Monster is back in the United States, and he’s fighting a tough Filipino. And I know from experience how tough Filipino fighters are. So this should be a very, very enjoyable fight. I can’t wait for Satur-

day night because the fists will be flying.”

Naoya Inoue “Basically, {becoming undisputed champion} means I’m the best in that weight class, the bantamweight division.

To prove that, that’s why I’m going after all four belts.”

“I feel the expectations, and I want to answer those expectations, and I want to have a performance Saturday night to answer to those expectations.”

“I’m very happy that the nickname ‘Monster’ comes before Naoya Inoue. I’m very happy and honored, and I’ve taken it in myself as far as ‘Monster’ in the United States as my name.”

Michael Dasmarinas “I did everything I am supposed to do in training, and I am prepared, and I will do whatever it takes to give a good fight to Naoya Inoue.”

“It was a long, hard wait {after winning the IBF title eliminator in March 2019}, but patience and perseverance allowed me to get here. I am thankful to everyone that I’ve been given the chance to fight a great fighter in Naoya Inoue.”

“America has to learn about my very hot and spicy punches!”