Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 93 | Friday, July 2, 2021

PHILIPPINES CAN BE A MAJOR CACAO PRODUCER AGRITRENDS P9 VOL.14 ISSUE 93 • FRIDAY, JULY 02, 2021

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COVID HOTLINE Delivery men unload 40-kilogram cylinder of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at an establishment along Lapu-lapu Street in Davao City. Oil firms have implemented a P5.20 per kilogram increase in LPG and P2.90 per kilogram in auto LPG. Edge Davao

City developing centralized Covid-19 communication system

STORY ON PAGE

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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COVID HOTLINE T

The Department of Public Works and Highways – Davao vows to complete the road repair along C. Bangoy Street, Davao City in July 2021 in this photo taken on Wednesday, 30 June 2021. MindaNews photo by ANTONIO L. COLINA IV

DOT 11 supports Davao tourism industry-led vaccination program

City developing centralized Covid-19 communication system

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he city government of Davao is developing a centralized communication system to give Dabawenyos better access for all Covid-19 related concerns.

Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), said the system will help Dabawenyos find the right hotline numbers to call in case of problems and complaints.

“We are developing a centralized hotline. Hinaut

unta na ma-plastar na kabalo ko nga isa sa mga complaints is sa kadaghan sa mga hotlines nalibog na kung unsay tawagan ug kasagaran pa katong mga hotlines wala’y mutubag.

So karon we are trying to clear it up and we are

trying to do something to improve the system,” Lopez said.

He said the city has hired a private counterpart to help in developing the system.

“So didto na magchannel down ang atong mga linya kung asa ta necessary i-access. We are looking forward para dili nata malipong ug pangita ug unsa na hotline ang tawagan,” he said.

Lopez said the city is

eyeing to implement the system this month.

“Kung ma-plastar na ning centralized communication system then that would give us better and accurate access sa atong mga dapat tawagan,” he said.

Presently, the city has provided 24/7 Covid-19 Hotlines via Globe, Smart, PLDT, and email for Covid-19 related concerns. The city also opened swabbing and vaccination hotlines.

he Department of Tourism Region 11 is highly supporting the initiative of Davao’s tourism industry spearhead a vaccination program for its stakeholders.

“Bakuna by the Sea” is a collaborative vaccination project organized by the City Government of Davao and Davao Tourism Association, along with other tourism related organizations, which started on June 30 until July 02, 2021 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Pavilion in Davao City.

“We are thankful for the exemplary initiative of the city government and the private sector especially that the tourism industry continues to brave the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said DOT 11 regional director Tanya Rabat Tan. Initially, 2,000 tourism

workers will benefit from this industry-led vaccination program.

The City Government of Davao has earmarked around 14,000 doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccine for the said inoculation.

The initial set of participants were requested to pre-register with the City Health Office in order to obseve the required health protocols during the inoculation p“This vaccination program is the reboot that the industry truly needs especially that a number of tourism establishments have closed down and thousands have lost their jobs,” she added.

Tan underscored the necessary protection that the vaccination program will yield for industry workers and tourists alike

corruption, katulong niya ako,” Pacquiao said in a radio interview.

(I’m not attacking the President. They may have a different perception but I’m actually helping the President because I am one with him in this advocacy.)

Pacquiao said he has received various reports on corruption but did not reveal it as this may be misconstrued as an insult to Duterte.

“Actually, matagal na,

maraming nagbibigay sa akin ng issue ng corruption, mga papers. Ayaw ko lang malabas kasi parang baka maging insulto sa Pangulo na nag-iimbestiga ako.

‘Yung mga tao lang na siguro nagtiwala sa akin binibigay sa akin ang ebidensya, nagsusumbong sa akin,” he said.

(Actually, there are reports given to me about alleged corruption in some agencies. I just don’t want to

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Davao City’s ‘Crooked Road’ repair Pacquiao: “I’m not attacking PRRD completion seen before month-end but helping him fight corruption”

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he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)Davao targets to finish the ongoing repair of the “Crooked Road” along C. Bangoy Street in Davao City before end of July 2021.

This after motorists and commuters complained of the worsening traffic situation in the downtown area during peak hours due to the delay in the completion of the project.

Dean Ortiz, DPWH-

Davao region information officer, said in an interview that the ongoing construction works of the “Crooked Road” is part of the P27.1 million road repair project, which covers Ponciano Reyes, C. Bangoy and Jacinto Extension Streets leading to Marco Polo Hotel and Aldevinco Shopping Center, and going to Madrazo Fruit Stand, to Central Bank, and up to F. Torres St. The entire road repair

was 91.4% completed as of June 22 since it commenced on December 13, 2020, according to Ortiz.

But motorists have taken specific notice of the slow progress of the ongoing repair of the “Crooked Road,” or the portion covering the stretch between JP Rizal and San Pedro Streets, which had dragged on for months since the digging began in March this year.

Ortiz said that the

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S

enator Manny Pacquiao on Thursday said he is not attacking President Rodrigo Duterte when he aired his concerns about alleged corruption in the government, but was in fact helping him in his advocacy to clean the government.

“I’m not attacking the President, baka mali ang perception nila, but I’m helping the President kasi ang advocacy niya, kung ang advocacy niya is against

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NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr., resigns from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) ahead of retirement. Edge Davao

Four BPO companies placed under lockdown have lost USD10.5M: Exec 95 percent of Covid-19 cases in Davao City are asymptomatic

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ajority of Covid-19 cases in Davao City are asymptomatic or silent carriers.

Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), said 95 percent of Covid-19 cases in Davao City are asymptomatic.

Asymptomatic individuals do not show any signs or symptoms of the disease on contracting it for the entire duration of the incubation period.

This can last for around 14

days. As a result, they end up transmitting the virus to a lot of people.

“That means you may not know that you are actually having Covid.

Daghan kaayo ta ug silent carriers and the only way to determine or tracked down ani nila is through testing,” he said.

Lopez said this is the reason why it is important to conduct more swab testing.

“We should have more

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PNP to intensify drive vs private armies, firearms

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he chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Guillermo Lorenzo T Eleazar has ordered all police offices and units across the country to intensify operations against private armed groups (PAGs) and loose firearms ahead of the election season.

“I am directing all police offices and units nationwide to intensify operations against private armed groups and loose firearms.

Hindi lamang Mindanao ang ating tututukan kundi lahat na ng lugar sa bansa,” Eleazar said.

“Papalapit na ang eleksyon at alam naman natin na may ilang pulitiko na gumagamit ng private armed groups para sa pansarili nilang mga interes, partikular ang maipanalo ang kanilang kandidatura gamit ang dahas. We will not allow that,” he added.

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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our BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) companies, which were placed under lockdown by the city government of Davao, have since accrued significant financial losses amounting to an estimated USD10.5 million by far.

Xavier Eric Manalastas, president of BPO Association of Davao Inc., (BPOADI), said in general the losses reached more than 10 million dollars.

“I can generalize, I think overall we are looking at 10.5 million dollars ang losses,” he said in an interview.

Manalastas is optimistic

that the affected BPO companies, in the long term, can still recover from the losses.

“I think, in the long term yes. We have to take a hit, that is what we have to and we have to recover from that. BPO is not just call center, we have developers, we have tech support. It’s a combination, mostly

inbound,” he said.

The said BPOs were placed under lockdown last month after recording high positive cases of Covid-19. Last June 16, 2021, the city announced the lifting of the lockdown of the BPO companies, but these companies will be monitored every two weeks.

“What we are doing right now is that we are working closely with the city government in improving the protocols. We have learned a lot, what has to be done prior to the lockdown and during the lockdown,” Manalastas said.

He added that the lockdown has affected around 10,000 BPO employees.

It can be recalled that ICTDavao, Inc. President Samuel R. Matunog has called on the city government of Davao to reassess its lockdown approach in containing Covid-19 transmissions in offices as it has devastating effect on the outsourcing industry.

Matunog said shutting down the physical base of BPO companies significantly disrupt operations, which could easily prompt clients to change service providers.

were conducted in different barangays in the region under manual mode of distribution through DSWD’s special disbursing officers.

To ensure safety among the beneficiaries and department employees, the payouts are closely coordinated with the local government units (LGUs) to facilitate the systematic and orderly distribution of the social pension, while

observing the minimum health protocols such as social distancing and wearing of face masks and face shields.

The department reiterates its previous advisory and reminder that the beneficiaries who are immunocompromised and those with comorbidities may send a representative to claim their social pension on their behalf. The

relative must present an authorization letter from the beneficiary, as well as the identification cards of both the beneficiary and the representative during the scheduled payout.

The social pension cash grant is mandated under Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which provides for a ₱500 a month stipend

Over 258k indigent senior citizens in Davao Region receive social pension

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total of 258,446 indigent senior citizens, or 97.6% of the 264,792 region-wide beneficiaries have already received their social pension for the first semester from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI to date.

The field office has successfully disbursed a total of P775,338,000 as of June 28, 2021. Payouts

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Tourism industry workers flock at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Pavilion in Davao City on Wednesday, 30 June 2021, for the “Bakuna by the Sea,” a vaccination rollout program for tourism industry workers that will run until 2 July 2021.

MindaNews Photo

SSS improves mobile H app for easier use T

ARTA promises to further ease doing biz, cut red tape in gov’t

tions, application and status of salary loans, information on benefit claims, and online contribution payment services.

For employers, the app provides them with information about their contributions and loan payments, and reimbursement claims, among other services.

The SSS mobile app was introduced to the public on

April 23, 2018 and was initially available in the Google Play Store for Android phones and the App Store for iPhones and other iOS devices.

It became available in the Huawei AppGallery on October 7, 2019.

In the year the app was launched, it was downloaded 824,006 times. This number continuously increased since then, with the total volume of downloads hitting 2,296,967 and 7,378,627, respectively, in 2019 and 2020.

“The total cumulative number of downloads of the SSS Mobile App as of 31 May 2021 has already reached 15,359,070,” Ignacio said.

The new, enhanced version was made available in

the Huawei AppGallery last May 30, and in Google Play the following day, she said.

Ignacio said the SSS is now in talks with Apple to make the app available for iOS devices “in the near future.”

Earlier, Ignacio reported that the online filing and registration of new employees as SSS members, along with the submission of most forms and benefit claims have been made mandatory as of July 15 last year.

The release of loans and benefits to members, except for unbanked pensioners, have also been made “cheque-less” or online through the use of PesoNet and other electronic payment systems beginning July last year.

their tasks to recover 1 million jobs that were lost due to the impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The “Reform. Rebound. Recover: One Million Jobs for 2021” manifesto was signed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Transportation, De-

partment of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism, Commission of Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the government.

For the private sector, the document was signed

by Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry,

Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Philippine Constructors Association, Inc., Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Inc., and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. “On behalf of the National Employment Re-

he Social Security System (SSS) launched Wednesday an improved version of its mobile application to allow its users to access information about their membership and contributions as well as for members to apply for salary loans and submit maternity notification via this app’s easy-to-navigate features.

“For the mobile app, the SSS introduced enhanced features to allow for easy navigation and effortless information presentation for its users,” SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said in a statement.

Ignacio said the improved SSS mobile app provides SSS members with, among others, updates on their membership contribu-

Government, business groups target to generate 1M jobs by year-end

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ith six months left for 2021, several government agencies and business groups have signed a manifesto to generate 1 million jobs by the end of this year.

At the closing ceremony of the 42nd National Conference of Employers Wednesday, both the public and private sectors vowed to implement

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eeding the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to reduce time when transacting with any public offices, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has vowed to continue reforms to ease doing business and cut too much bureaucracy in all government agencies and local government units (LGUs).

The ARTA said one of its initiatives to ease doing business is streamlining processes in getting permits and licenses through the Central Business Portal (CBP) launched early this year.

CBP is a single digital platform for business registration in the country.

The CBP is currently in its first phase with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Internal Revenues (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, and 18 cities and municipalities initially onboard the platform.

“This reduced the length of days for registering a business from 33 days and 13 steps to only three days,” ARTA said in a statement.

In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a reduction in the number of days and steps for government transactions.

“Processing time in issuing permits and licenses shall be reduced to the barest minimum,” Duterte said during the 2016 SONA. Another policy of ARTA that will further ease doing business with the government is the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) mandated in all LGUs starting last June.

Transactions in e-BOSS

include electronic application, electronic tax bill or order of payment, e-payment, releasing of e-permits, e-licenses, and e-clearances, and a gateway facility linked to courier services if the applicants prefer hard copy of the documents.

According to ARTA, 580 out of around 1,600 LGUs nationwide have their own e-BOSS using the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (IBPLS).

But ARTA said there are LGUs that are doing online transactions using other software aside from the IBPLS. ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica said these efforts also aim to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“All efforts and assistance for MSMEs are a significant step forward in terms of the ease of doing business in the country and the nation’s longterm and inclusive recovery,” Belgica said.

Aside from MSMEs, the anti-red tape body has helped in accelerating the approval of permits and licenses in the telecommunications sector to facilitate faster internet connectivity in the country.

Duterte, in his SONA last year, directed telecommunication firms to improve their services by December 2020, or else their businesses will be shut down.

ARTA then issued a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) that automatically approves all pending applications for common towers with LGUs.

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ECONOMY

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Department of Trade and Industry-Davao City director Rachel S. Remitio says the business sector’s efforts to keep up with the challenging times should not be discounted. Edge Davao

BSP eyes June inflation between 3.9 to 4.7%

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igher petroleum products prices and power rates in areas serviced by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) are expected as upside risks to this month’s inflation, which is projected to stay between 3.9 to 4.7 percent.

In a Viber message to journalists on Wednesday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said weaker peso during the month is also among the upside price pressures during the month.

These factors are, however, seen to be countered by the “decline in prices of key food items, such as rice, meat, and fruits due to improved supply conditions”, he said.

“Moving forward, the BSP will continue to monitor emerging price developments to ensure that its primary mandate of price stability conducive to balanced and sustainable economic growth is achieved,” he added.

The monthly rate of price increases has been steady at 4.5 percent from March to May this year after surpassing the government’s target band last January when it accelerated to 4.2 percent.

It further rose to 4.7 percent last February, primarily due to higher oil prices and the supply constraints on pork due to the impact of the African swine fever.

Average inflation to

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DTI-Davao City starts awarding Safety Seal T he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has officially started the awarding of the Safety Seal to the qualified local businesses.

This initiative, which the government crafted recently, aims to recognize those establishments that consistently comply with the minimum public health standards and use or integrate their contact tracing mechanism with StaySafe.ph.

DTI-Davao City Director Rachel S. Remitio said that the business sector’s efforts to keep up with the

Sumitomo Mitsui to acquire 4.99% stake in RCBC for P4.48 billion

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izal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) on Tuesday said it has entered an agreement to sell a 4.99% stake to Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

(SMBC) for P4.48 billion.

In an emailed statement, RCBC said the agreement covers 101,850,000 treasury shares, with the proceeds to be used for lending activities.

“The proceeds from the investment will allow the bank to finance the different requirements of key custom-

ers in the corporate, SME, and consumer segments and expand the reach of its sustainable finance framework,” RCBC said.

SMBC ended the first quarter with $2.215 trillion in total assets and a capital adequacy ratio of 18.61%.

The company operates globally in retail, corporate, and investment banking with a presence in over 40 countries.

As a group, SMBC is involved in leasing, securi-

ties, credit card, investment, mortgage securitization, venture capital, and other credit-related businesses.

Meanwhile, RCBC is engaged in traditional banking, investment banking, microfinance, retail financing, remittance, leasing, foreign exchange, and stock brokering.

The Yuchengco-led lender said the partnership will enhance its efforts in digital solutions, in line with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’

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challenging times should not be discounted. Hence, the agency has been doing its best to show its support to them.

“More than a year has already passed for this global pandemic, and we can observe that the Davaoeños have been trying their best to adapt and live according to the so-called new normal. It is not easy for all of us to

be in this situation, but we should keep moving forward and do whatever we can to help each other,” the local trade official said.

Remitio added that the different sectors of society, particularly the those engaged in business, have unwittingly shown their resourcefulness and innovativeness in creating a safe and healthy environment for its customers, especially in restarting their operations despite several setbacks and innumerable lockdowns.

In order to assist and

augment their efforts, the government, through the DTI, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Tourism (DOT), created the Safety Seal Certification Program.

“The Safety Seal Certification program is voluntary in nature. We do not obliged establishments to get certified with us.

However, if they have this Safety Seal, their custom-

through a quicker rollout of vaccinations, the implementation of targeted containment measures, as well and continued injection of stimulus,” it said in an accompanying statement.

The country started its vaccination program in March, with 70 million Filipinos needing to be inoculated to reach herd immunity. Its vaccination for the A4 category or economic frontliners started earlier this month.

With the latest de-

velopments, AMRO projects the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 6.4% this year, and 6.8% in 2022, following the record-low -9.6% in 2020.

“However, the resurgence of infections since March has weakened the recovery momentum and significantly raised the downside risk to these baseline forecasts,” it said.

Following the surge in cases, the NCR Plus bubble —Metro Manila,

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AMRO projects PH GDP growth at 6.4%

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he ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) expects the Philippine economy to recover and post a 6.4% growth this year, but this is hinged largely on the rollout of the vaccination program against COVID-19.

In a virtual briefing on Tuesday, AMRO noted the importance of the country’s vaccination program in driving economic growth moving forward.

“Economic recovery will only be sustained

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 93 • FRIDAY, JULY 02, 2021

In pushing to defer for passing on third reading the ordinance requiring mandatory swab testing:

Kay naa pa ta’y mga data nga dapat himoon in relation to the data analysis nato for F1, F2, and F3.

Naa pa gamay na mga proseso na kailangan humanon bago ta muproceed with the final reading,”

Dr. Ashley Lopez

Acting head, City Health Office (CHO)

EDITORIAL

War on drugs

Stories on the war that the Philippine government has waged against illegal drugs and intensified when Rodrigo Roa Duterte assumed the presidency continue to fill the content of radio and television broadcast and print media editions.

Not a day passes without a raid conducted by the Philippine Nationl Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) successfully, arresting traffickers and confiscating millions of pesos worth of illicit drugs as a result.

Towards the end of June, on the 28th to be exact, Buhangin police operatives seized shabu worth P400,000 from a live-in couple during an operation in Buhangin, Davao City. Buhangin chief of police Maj. Bernie Suaga identified the suspects as Monalisa Camsa Amirol, 21, of Cotabato City, and Khali Musa Kadatuan, 27, of Kurontem Dos, Maguindanao. The suspects were arrested after selling a plastic sachet of shabu to undercover policemen.

In Laac, Davao de Oro, 19 villages were declared drug-free by the Regional Oversight Committee Barangay Drug Clearing Program (ROCBDC).

In a ceremony held at Laak Municipal Grounds also on Monday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 11 which chairs ROCBDC said the declaration was the result of the intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign by the authorities including barangay officials and police in the province.

The villages that have been declared drug-cleared effective June 28

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A barangay has to meet all the parameters to be declared drug-free.

Among the criteria set by the Dangerous Drugs Board are the non-availability of drug supply in the area and the absence of drug transit activity, clandestine drug laboratory, clandestine drug warehouse, clandestine chemical warehouse, marijuana cultivation site, drug den or resort, drug pusher, drug user, protectors, coddlers and financiers. Other criteria include active involvement of barangay officials in anti-illegal drugs activities, active involvement of sangguniang kabataan representatives in maintaining the drug-liberated status of the villages, the existence of drug awareness, preventive education and information, and other related anti-illegal drugs programs, the existence of a voluntary and compulsory drug treatment, and rehabilitation processing desk in the barangay.

The quotidian routine in Region 11 is being replicated in other parts of the country, proof that the drug problem still persists and that the government response should not cease.

In other words, sans the abuses, the war on drugs is worth waging.

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

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

UNLUCKY THIRTEEN “We really don’t know, Sir,” the front desk lady replied when I asked why there was no Room No. 213.

This happened some years ago while I checked-in in one of the hotels in Davao City. I was given Room No. 214. The room before that was Room No. 212.

So, what happened to Room No. 213?

This was the first time I observed this. In the hotel I was staying in New York, there was no 13th floor. Flying from Singapore to South Africa, I noticed there was no seat 13; it jumped from 12 to 14.

The number 13 is considered to be an unlucky number in some countries. Charles Stewart Parnell had an irrational fear of the number thirteen. That fear is recognized as “triskaidekaphobia,” a word which was coined in 1911.

The superstitious sufferers of “triskaidekaphobia” try to avoid bad luck by keeping away from anything numbered or labeled thirteen. As a result, companies and manufacturers use another way of numbering or labeling to avoid the number, with hotels and tall buildings being conspicuous examples.

There are a number of theories behind the cause of the association between thirteen and bad luck, but none of them have been accepted as likely. Some thought it had something to do with the Last Supper of Jesus Christ as there were thirteen people around the table, counting Christ and the twelve apostles. That’s why it’s also considered to be unlucky to have thirteen guests at a table.

In ancient Iranian civilization and Zoroastrianism, the number 13 had been considered sinister and wicked. Since the beginning of Nourooz tradition, the 13th day of each new Iranian year has been called Sizdah Be-dar and this tradition is still alive among Iranian people both inside modern Iran and abroad. Since Sizdah Bedar is the 13th day of the year, it is considered a day which evil’s power might cause difficulties for people. As such, people desert the cities and urban areas for one day and camp in the countryside.

“Triskaidekaphobia” also may be related to Norse mythology, which tells how the god Odin invited eleven of his closest friends to a dinner party at his home in Valhalla,

only to have his party crashed

by Loki, the god of evil and turmoil, thus giving a total of 13 people. The legend further relates how Balder, one of the most beloved gods, tried to throw Loki out of the party, resulting in a scuffle and ultimately Balder’s death with a mistletoe-tipped arrow.

While 13 is associated with the number of people at the Last Supper, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place on a Friday, thus leading to an association of back luck with the combination of this number and day. However, the association of Friday the 13th with the arrest of Jacques de Molay, Grand Master of the Knights Templar, on Friday, October 13, 1307 by King Philippe IV of France – as repeated, for example, in D. Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code” – is a modern-day invention.

Paraskevidekatriapho bia, the aberrant fear of Friday the 13th, is probably the most widespread superstition in the United States (with the popularity of the “Friday the 13th” movie series).

Curiously enough, a study published in the prestigious “British Medical Journal,” which analyzed the relation between

health, behavior, and superstition surrounding Friday 13th in the United Kingdom by comparing the ratio of traffic volume to traffic accidents on Friday the 6th and Friday the 13th over a period of years found that: “The risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52 percent. Staying at home is recommended.”

Apparently, 13 has not always been considered unlucky.

In fact, it appears that in ancient times, 13 was either considered in a positive light or (more commonly) not at all. The apparitions of the Virgin of Fátima in 1917 were claimed to occur on the 13th day of six consecutive months.

The American flag has 13 stripes in honor of the first 13 colonies. Apollo 13 was a NASA Moon mission famous for being a “successful failure” in that while the crew members were unable to land on the Moon as planned due to a technical malfunction, they were returned safely home.

Colgate University also considers 13 to be a lucky number. They were founded in 1819 by 13 men with 13 dollars, 13 prayers and 13 articles. (To this

day, members of the Colgate community consider the number 13 a good omen.) In fact, the campus address is 13 Oak Drive in Hamilton, New York, and the male a cappella group is called the Colgate 13.

American country-pop singer-songwriter Taylor Swift was born on December 13. She considers 13 her lucky number due to lucky events that happen to her when the number appears (her first album going gold in 13 weeks, being seated at awards shows in the 13th seat, row or section). She also wears the number written on her hand at her concerts so she has it with her everywhere she goes.

Chris Paul wore the number 13 for both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Mats Sundin, Pavel Datsyuk, Bill Guerin, and Michael Cammalleri wear 13 in the NHL. One of Iceland’s best handball players, Sigurður Sveinsson, wore the number 13 when he played for the national team. In association football, both Gerd Müller and Michael Ballack have favored the number 13, among others.

This year, there’s only one Friday the 13th and it falls in August!

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO GEOGRAPHY, 1902 Less than two years after occupying Davao on December 20, 1899, the U.S. Bureau of Insular Affairs issued a fascinating book, including maps, charts, and illustrations, titled A Pronouncing Gazetteer and Geographical Dictionary of the Philippine Islands, United States of America (1902).

Aside from the Law of Civil Government in the islands, which the American Congress approved on July 1, 1902, the tome provides exciting details about Davao Province which, at the time, had an area of 8,976 square miles, or 2,324,773.3 hectares, and a 1901 population of 33,668 in 30 pueblos (towns). Relatively, Davao was seven times the size of Rhode Island, four times bigger than Delaware, and larger than New Jersey and Massachusetts, all American states.

A Spanish era census conducted in 1887 shows the province, counting only the townships of Astorga, Davao, Luzon (now a

barangay of Sigaboy), Mati, Santa Cruz, and Sigaboy (Gov. Generoso), had a total population of 3,741, divided as follows: male, 1,972, and female, 1,769.

Classified as “principal towns” in the geographical dictionary were Belen (Lapanday), Bilanagan (west of Mayo Bay), Boayagan (north of Sarangani Bay), Calatrava (on Pakiputan Strait, northeast of Davao), Caraga, Cateel, Davao, Glan (now part of Sarangani), Higo (Hijo), Lalang (mainland of Pakiputan Strait, northeast of Davao), Malalag, Mati, Mercedes (west of Davao), Nanay (in the former comandancia of Mati), Peñaplata (Samal), San Alfonso (north of Cape San Agustin), Santa Cruz, Sigaboy, and Tabaquil (north of Mayo Bay).

The old provincial boundary “extend[ed] from Mayo Bay, on the Pacific Ocean, to Campan Bay, on the Celebes Sea.” It was bordered on the north by Surigao, on the east by Pacific Ocean, on the

south by Pacific Ocean and Celebes Sea, and on the northwest and west by Cotabato and the detached part of Misamis.

Davao also had several bays and harbors. The list included Balete (inlet on Pujada Bay), Campan (head of Davao Gulf), Canalasan (inlet of Sarangani Bay), Casilaran (cove on western section of Davao), Lanigan or Lauigan (north of Cape San Agustin), Malipano (Samal), Mayo east of the gulf), Pasiputan or Pakiputan (between Samal and Davao mainland), Pujada (Mati City), Sarangani, Sigaboy, Tumanao (west of Sarangani), and Yucatan (inside Mayo Bay).

Except for the town of Davao, contact in terms of transport traffic and business links was by sea due to lack of streets or wagon trails. Phone lines were set up by U.S. troops on the north and on the south of Davao as an added convenience for communication between towns.

The province had islands in its control, namely Balut (Masila isle), Camazo (north of Cape San Agustin), Cupiat (Mabini, Davao de Oro), Olanivan (Sarangani), Pandasan (Mabini, Davao de Oro), Dumalag (Matina, Davao City), Malipano (Samal), Pujada (Mati City), Samal (Davao del Norte), Santa Cruz (now Ligid Island, Samal), Sarangani (Davao Occidental), Sarangani (two islands and an islet), Sigaboy, Talicud or Guisoc (Samal), and Tres Arboles (near the mouth of Hijo River).

The gazetteer also provides added details about the province’s other prospects.

MINERALS. Indications of important deposits of coal are reported in the vicinity of Mati. This town, at the head of Port Balete, on Pujada Bay, one of the best sheltered and accessible on the coast, affords tide-water facilities.

Gold, copper, and platinum are also reported. The precious metal at Coraja and along the [east]

coast is supposed to be abundant, as the natives are said to have had many gold ornaments made of native gold.

FORESTS. The mountains are covered with valuable forests of teak, iron wood [magkuno], ipil, sibucao, ebony juniper, bamboo (boga), and rattan. The proximity of the shore of Davao Bay affords advantages for shipment. FRUITS. The pineapples, mango, and bananas of Davao are celebrated on account of their quality. INDUSTRIES. The mechanical industries are limited to home demand. Large numbers of cattle, horses, carabaos and hogs, are raised. The grazing being excellent on the island of Samal, a fine quality of chocolate is manufactured.

The last detail about a fine chocolate produced in Samal is something the makers of the world-famous Malagos chocolate of Davao must investigate, even for historical purposes only.

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GOT VACCINATED? GET THESE WELL-DESERVED TREATS FROM MAX’S GROUP FOR DOING YOUR PART

MAX’S GROUP, the largest casual dining group in the Philippines, is supporting the local restaurant industry’s effort to help the country reach herd immunity through the Smart Bakuna Benefits program.

Fully vaccinated customers can enjoy exclusive offers like free dishes, drink upsizes, discounts, or “buy one, get one” deals from well-loved brands such as Max’s Restaurant, Yellow Cab Pizza Co., Pancake House, Krispy Kreme, Teriyaki Boy, Sizzlin’ Steak, Dencio’s, and Jamba Juice. It’s a win-win situation and a smart move for everyone—get the protection you and your loved ones need against COVID-19 and enjoy a treat from Max’s Group for doing your part in helping expedite the country’s vaccination program.

Cool down with Max’s classic Halo-Halo For a minimum purchase of P500, get a FREE solo HaloHalo to cap off your delicious Sarap-to-the-Bones® meal at Max’s. This timeless house special dessert is the perfect Pinoy Cooler for anyone needing a relaxing break from the heat.

The promo is valid for dine-in transactions only and is available from June 15 to December 31, 2021 in all Max’s Restaurant branches nationwide. Not valid in conjunction with any other

drink to pair with the sweetest, mouth-watering treat in town. Offer is valid for in-store purchase only at select stores and is available from June 15 to December 31, 2021. For more details, please visit: http://bit.ly/ FreeOGVacc

promos and discounts. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ maxsrestaurant Take a bite of Yellow Cab’s new thin crust pizzas Enjoy a FREE 9” Classic NYStyle Thin Crust Pizza when you present your vaccination card (1st dose or 2nd dose) with your P750 purchase of ala carte products at Yellow Cab. Yellow Cab is making staying safe even better with your choice of the iconic Pepperoni or local favorite Hawaiian in its newest NY-Style Thin Crust. Get vaccinated now and score a double win for yourself with Yellow Cab! This promo is available in selected branches for dine-in transactions only from June 1 to November 30, 2021. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/YellowCabPizzaOfficial

Choose to feel extra good at Pancake House For protecting the house, you can enjoy a Buy 1, Get 1 offer for every 2-piece order of Classic Pancakes with whipped butter or the crispy delicious Golden Brown Waffle. This offer is valid for dine in, single receipt transactions only in all stores from June 15 to December 31, 2021. Prices are inclusive of 12% VAT and subject to 8% service charge. Not valid with ongoing promos and discounts.

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook. com/PancakeHousePhilippines Happiness comes in a free Krispy Kreme doughnut Treat yourself to a FREE Original Glazed doughnut when you buy any 12oz. Krispy Kreme Beverage (Hot/Iced/ Chillers). Choose from a variety of original and signature flavors to help you find the perfect

Level up your Japanese cravings with Teriyaki Boy Get that dose of Japanese cuisine that you’ve been craving for and take it to a whole new level when you avail of a FREE 5-piece Gyoza for a minimum single receipt purchase of P900.

This offer is only available in the following branches: Burgos, Cash n’ Carry, MOA, SM Trece, Shell Mamplasan, SM Lipa, Nuciti Batangas. Valid for dine-in only until August 31, 2021. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ TeriyakiBoyPh Fill yourself up at Sizzlin’ Steak The treats keep on comin’ and sizzlin’. For a minimum single receipt purchase of P900, enjoy a FREE fillin’ plate of Chicken Strips. Indulge your taste buds with every flavorbursting bite that also comes with a side of rice and veggies.

This offer is only available in the following branches: SM Trece, Shell Mamplasan, SM Lipa, Nuciti Batangas. Valid for dine-in only until August 31, 2021. For more information, please visit: https://www.

facebook.com/SizzlinSteak Have a delicious feast with Dencio’s Since you got vaccinated, reward yourself with FREE three sticks of Pork BBQ when you make a minimum purchase of P1,000. This, and more classic Filipino meals you can enjoy anytime of the day, await you at Dencio’s whether you’re dining solo, with family, or with your barkada. This offer is valid for dine-in transactions only until August 31, 2021. For more information on the participating branches, please visit: https:// www.facebook.com/denciosph Give your immunity a Jamba Juice boost For being a good citizen, you deserve a #RealGood smoothie.

Enjoy a FREE upsize (from 16oz to 22oz) for Strawberries Wild, Banana Berry, or Chocolate Moo’d drink orders. This offer is valid for in-store purchases only at select participating branches. Available from June 15 to December 31, 2021. For more details, please visit: bit.ly/ BoostUpWithJamba.

To check stores that are open near your area, its operating hours, or to call directly, visit maxsgroupdelivers.com.

Smart Bakuna Benefits is part of the vaccine education efforts under the Ingat Angat Bakuna Lahat advocacy supported by the Department of Trade & Industry. These exclusive offers aim to provide additional incentives for Filipinos to get themselves vaccinated.

Offers are available during the operational hours of participating stores from June 1 to August 31, 2021, unless stated otherwise by the brand partner. Vaccinated customers only need to show their vaccination cards and a valid ID to avail of the promos. For the full list of participating restaurants and terms & conditions of the Smart Bakuna Benefits promo, visit www.ingat-angat.com/ benefits .

GMA TO SERVE UP NEW NUTRITIOUS RECIPES AFTER a successful first season, GMA Network and Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation’s (APC) 10-minute cooking show ‘Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well.’ returns for a second season beginning July 2.

Coinciding with GMA Network and APC’s mission to contribute to the greater wellness of Filipino families especially during this pandemic, Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well. is back to offer audiences new and exciting recipes and to impart that leading a healthy lifestyle can be attainable despite the limitations of the new normal.

The weekly cooking show features Iya Villania-Arellano - a young mom and homemaker who

is inspired to share interesting and exciting recipes to other “Mamazing Moms” like her; and Chef Jose ‘Cuz’ Sarasola - a chef passionate about sharing delicious and nutritious dishes that can help people stay healthy and well.

Following their fun and thorough training in the previous season, Mom Iya and her teacher Chef Cuz

collaborate on a project to develop delicious, nutritious, and budgetfriendly dishes that they can share with other Mamazing Moms.

Now equipped with more advanced cooking techniques, Iya shares what has changed in her cooking habits, “I have definitely become so much more confident and comfortable being in the kitchen.

Dati parang nagpo-procrastinate pa ako. Now, it’s such a joy to be in the kitchen even if I don’t know or have nothing exactly prepared, I look forward to experimenting.”

Catch the newest season of ‘Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well.’ Fridays, 11:20AM, beginning July 2, on GMA Network.

WALKING TOGETHER WITH BATA AND CHILDHAUS. Bata Philippines donated milk to indigent children with cancer at The Center for Health Improvement and Life Development (CHILD) Haus as part of its “Let’s Walk Together” campaign. It pledged 50 pesos for every pair worth 999 and above on Friday sales of August to September 2020.

Photo shows Jeanette Cu of CHILD Haus and the children receiving the donation from Juris Soliman of SM Foundation and Arlyn Guanlao of Bata Philippines.

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PHILIPPINES CAN BE A MAJOR CACAO PRODUCER Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

C

acao production around the world is on decline. That’s good news for the Philippines, which can be a major producer as the crop grows well in the country. This is particularly true in Davao Region, which has been declared recently as “Cacao Capital.”

Last May 27, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act 11547 recognizing Davao’s contribution as the country’s top cacao producer. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority from 2015 to present showed the regional yields contribute an average of 80% to the total volume produced throughout the country.

In the same law, Davao City was also declared as “Chocolate Capital” for “making the Philippines world renowned and sought after by chocolate makers from the United States, Japan, and Europe.”

Davao cacao beans have been selected as one of the top 50 samples for the 2017 Edition of the Cacao of Excellence Programme, the entry point for the International Cacao Awards in Paris, France.

In 2019, Davao City produced 2,289 metric tons of cacao, or 38% in the regional share, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The climate of Davao is very suitable for cacao growing. After all, cacao originated from the lowland rainforest of north-eastern South America where wild varieties are found. It is an understory tree that

requires shade, wind protection, and at least 100 millimeters of rainfall per month.

In order for the Philippines to become a major producer, it has to expand the areas planted to cacao. The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research (PCAARRD) has recently published Sustainability Assessment of Rubber and Cacao in Major Production Areas of the Philippines.

According to the publication, which used geographic information system, remote sensing and other inventory techniques in gathering the data, cacao is highly suitable in 8% of Davao de Oro, including the towns of Maragusan, Maco, New Bataan, and parts of Nabunturan.

In Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental, 80% of the area is moderately suitable for cacao, while only 8% of the whole province can be considered as highly suitable, particularly Davao City, Bansalan, and parts of Digos City, Santa Cruz, Malalag, and Kiblawan.

About 53% of Davao Oriental is moderately suitable for cacao while 10% of the province is highly suit-

able. The municipalities of Lupon, Tarragona, Mati City, San Isidro, and Governor Generoso are identified as highly suitable areas.

Cacao can also be grown in Agusan del Sur, where about 2% is highly suitable, particularly in the municipalities of Esperanza, San Luis, Bayugan City, and a small portion in Rosario.

Some 47% of the total land area of the province is moderately suitable for cacao.

In Basilan, cacao is highly suitable in 11% of the province, which include the cities of Lamitan and Isabela, Al-barka, Tipo-tipo, and Akbar. About 72% of the island is moderately suitable for cacao.

Cacao is highly suitable in 11% of Bukidnon’s total land area, clustered in the towns of Baungon and Talakag. Other towns where cacao is highly suitable but in scattered areas are Pangantucan, Malaybalay City, Don Carlos, Kalilangan, Kadingilan, Kitao-kitao, and Valencia City.

Although 55% of Palawan – touted as the country’s last frontier – is restricted to cacao, none is considered as highly suitable to it. The remaining areas are either low or moderately suitable for cacao.

Chocolates come from the seeds of cacao (called cocoa), which was first cultivated by the Mayans around the 7th century A.D. Known in the science world as Theobroma cacao, cacao literally means “Food of the Gods” in Greek.

The Mayans carried

the seed north from the tropical Amazon forests to what is now Mexico. In the 16th century, the Spanish planted cacao across South America, into Central America, and onto the Caribbean Islands. In the 17th century, the Dutch transported the cacao to other places around the globe like Java, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, New Guinea, and the Philippines.

“In 1670, Spanish mariner Pedro Bravo de Lagunas planted the first cacao in San Jose, Batangas,” reports The Philippines Recommends for Cacao. After that, cacao growing flourished in various parts of the country – until pod rot wiped out plantations of it.

In the 1950’s, the imposition of Import Control Law resulted in efforts to revive the industry by inter-governmental agencies and by the private sector for self-sufficiency and export. By the time the industry was booming, pod borer infestation surfaced.

Control of the disease was quite expensive. As a result, established plantations were again wiped out; others were abandoned.

This particularly happened in Mindanao, where most of the cacao crops were grown. In 1990, about 18,388 hectares were planted to cacao, according to the Department of Agriculture.

By 2006, the area declined to less than 10,000 hectares. During this period, production fell from 9,900 tons to about 5,400 tons, with two-thirds of the production coming from

Davao region alone.

As production plummeted in the Philippines, demand for cocoa beans in the international market continues to grow. In 2010, the annual world market requirement was 3.6 million tons of cocoa beans.

The demand was growing annually by 90,000 tons.

Cocoa beans are a major agricultural commodity traded worldwide. The European Union and the United States are the two biggest finished chocolate product consumers, accounting for three-quarters of total chocolate consumption, according to a position paper written by Adam Keatts and Christopher Root.

Other significant chocolate consumers are Russia, Japan, and Brazil.

“Though the majority of cacao is consumed in North America and Europe, demand is growing more rapidly in Asia where strong economic growth, particularly in India and China, is resulting in more people being able to afford luxury foodstuffs such as chocolate,” Keatts and Root wrote.

A report on the cacao industry by the Department of Trade and Industry in 2012 showed an encouraging increase of gate price from P57.05 per kilogram in 2007 to P88.80 per kilogram in 2011.

There are actually four types of cacao but only three are grown in the country. These are Criollo, Forastero and Trinitario.

Nacional, a member of the Forastero family, is widely

grown in Ecuador and is highly susceptible to insect pests and diseases.

Criollo, the native cultivar, is less common yet considered to be the best in flavor and aroma compared with other cacao cultivars.

Although the chocolate derived from this type is of the highest quality, it is not grown extensively as it is difficult to maintain due to its low yield and susceptibility to diseases.

Literally translated as “stranger” or “foreign,” Forastero is the most commonly grown. It has purple beans that have a harsh flavor and bitter taste. It grows faster and produces higher yield than other types.

As its originally comes from the island of Trinidad, Trinitario is a cross breed of Forastero and Criollo. It got its fine flavor and aroma from Criollo and its resistance to pests and diseases and good quality fruits from Forastero.

Here are some timely tips on growing cacao from The Philippines Recommends for Cacao: • The use of seeds is the best method of planting cacao. Seeds must be selected carefully and must come from big pods obtained from trees which are highly productive, regular bearers and free from pests. Seeds must be planted immediately since their viability is limited.

• Seedlings to be retained in the nursery for 3-4 months must be raised

FPHILIPPINES, P10

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Insular Foundation supports medical front liners T he front liners from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. receive N95 masks and vitamins from the Insular Foundation.

As medical front liners continue to lead the battle against COVID-19, the Insular Foundation extended support to them by donating N95 masks and vitamins to 20 public hospitals.

The beneficiary hospitals include: Philippine Orthopedic Center, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc., San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Rizal

Medical Center Pasig, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Tondo Medical Center, Las Piñas General Hospital, Valenzuela Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Sta. Ana Hospital, Ospital ng Maynila, Quezon City General Hospital, and Caloocan City Medical Center.

Last year, the Insular Foundation also donated personal protective equipment sets to several hospitals in Metro Manila.

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in order for tourism to truly recover.

The “Bakuna by the Sea” vaccination program is also supported by the Davao Wellness and Spa Association, Restaurant Owners Association of Davao City, Davao Events Suppliers Association,

Davao Association of Tour Operators, Davao Travel Agencies Association, MICE Davao, Davao Hotels/ Resorts Sales and Marketing Association, Tourism Educators Association of Davao City, Tourism Security Professionals Association of Davao, and Guide Davao.

implementation of the road repair incurred delays due to changes in the plan, including the addition of a drainage component to lessen flooding in the area.

He said that unfavorable weather

conditions in the past months and the presence of utilities, mostly cables of telecommunication firms and underground water pipes, also hampered its completion. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

publicize them because my investigation might be seen as an insult against to the President.)

Pacquiao likewise said he sees Duterte’s latest challenge as an “opportunity” to work with him in his fight against corruption in the government.

“Sana hindi siya magalit sa akin kung ang kampanya n’ya laban sa korapsyon, tinutulungan ko lang s’ya,” he added.

(I hope he will not get mad at me because I am just helping him in his campaign against corruption.)

Duterte, in his weekly public briefing last Monday night, called out Pacquiao for criticizing the administration for the alleged proliferation of graft

under his watch.

The chief executive dared him to name government offices that were allegedly involved in corruption.

The following day, Pacquiao accepted Duterte’s challenge by citing the alleged overpricing of COVID-19-related equipment procured by the Department of Health (DOH).

Malacañang, meanwhile, questioned the timing of Pacquiao’s allegations.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque pointed out that the alleged overpricing of COVID-19-related equipment was already discussed in a Senate hearing, but Pacquiao did not ask anything related to these allegations.

ers will be more confident to visit them,” Remitio explained.

The DTI issues the Safety Seal for supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores, membership shopping clubs, construction supply/ hardware stores, logistics service providers, barbershops and salons, and service and repair shops.

To date, DTI-Davao City has already inspected 24 establishments which applied for a Safety Seal Certification, apart from the ongoing validation and inspection of incoming applications.

As of June 23, the office was able to award nine Safety Seal certificates to the following establishments: Bruno’s Barbershop, Boss Barbershop, SNR Mem-

bership shopping, SM City Davao (Ecoland), Savemore (Bangkal), SM Lanang Premier, Wilcon Panacan, Wilcon Matina, and NCCC Mall Buhangin.

“When we asked the applicants why they were convinced to apply for a Safety Seal, most of them talked about the confidence and assurance that they could give their customers once they have the certificate displayed inside their stores or buildings. This is also their way of gauging their existing system on whether or not it is compliant, or if it still needs some improvements so that they can help the government further in its efforts to address such a humongous responsibility,” Remitio said.

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The front liners from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. receive N95 masks and vitamins from the Insular Foundation.

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test and more swabbing.

Dili nato undangon ang atong mga initiatives para ato masugpo ang problema sa Covid,” he said.

He also urged Dabawenyos, particularly those traced as F1, F2, and F3 to undergo swab testing.

F1 contacts are defined as first-generation contacts of an RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) confirmed Covid-19 positive case while F2 contacts are close contacts of F1 and F3 are close contacts of F2.

“Ang bottom line is we are speaking sa health nimo. Dili ba ka ganahan na negative ka sa Covid-19?

Dili tanan negative dautan.

Kung mag-negative ka sa Covid-19, maayo na siya. If you want to know if you are negative, the only way is to undergo testing. Maayo pud makabalo ta kung positive ka. Wala ta kabalo nga nakighalubilo ka sa inyong balay, sa imong anak, asawa o parente sa balay, silent carrier diay ka,” Lopez said. By Maya M. Padillo

Based on the report from the National Task Force on the Disbandment of PAGs (NTF-DPAGs), there are more than 130 PAGs that have been monitored in Mindanao.

In a statement, according to Eleazar, the PNP wants to ensure credible, orderly and peaceful elections in 2022.

He said Local police

offices should intensify their intelligence gathering measures to keep a close eye on all potential private armed groups as well as syndicates involved in gun running activities.

The PNP chief assured that as early as now, the PNP is already polishing its security measures for the coming 2022 presidential elections. By Ruth Palo

(BSP) push for financial inclusion.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno wants at least half of all Philippine transactions done digitally by the end of his term in 2023.

RCBC tapped Credit Suisse as its sole financial advisor for the transaction,

while Clifford Chance and Romulo, Mabanta, Buenaventura, Sayoc & de los Angeles served as legal advisors.

Shares in RCBC are trading at P24.50 apiece as of 12:30 p.m., up by P5.05 or 26.58% from Monday’s finish of P19.00.

Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan—was placed under the strictest enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 to April 11, the modified ECQfrom April 12 to May 14, and the general community quarantine (GCQ) from May 15 to June 30.

“Economic activity in the Philippines has started to pick up since Q2 2020, when restrictive measures were relaxed,” AMRO said.

“Since then, the economy has continued to gain momentum, but significant slack remains, as indicated by the high unemployment rate of 7.1% as of March 2021,” it added.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows that jobless Filipinos stood at 4.14 million in April, equivalent to an unemployment rate of 8.7%.

“A speedy and robust economic recovery is essential to absorbing displaced workers, but the economy can only improve if the COVID-19 pandemic is well contained, such that the economy can reopen fully and business confidence is restored” AMRO said.

“The government should therefore continue providing strong policy support,” it added.

The Philippines on Monday, June 28, reported 5,604 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 1,403,588. This includes 5,604 active cases; 1,327,103 recoveries; and 24,456 deaths.

In the same briefing, AMRO said it expects inflation at 4.3% this year, higher than the government’s target range of 2% to 4%, before falling to 3.2% in 2022.

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for indigent senior citizens.

Beneficiaries of the Social Pension Program are senior citizens (60 years old and above) who are frail, sickly, or have disabilities; not receiving pension from Social Security System (SSS), Government Service

Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) or from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit Association; and do not have a permanent source of income or regular support from family or relatives. (PR-DSWD XI)

covery Strategy (NERS) Task Force, we welcome this partnership project with the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) to generate 1 million jobs for 2021. This is a big boost in our work at the NERS Task Force in bringing back lost employment and reinvigorating the labor market with increased economic activities,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Lopez, who also chairs the NERS Task Force, said the government commits to meet its deliverables and im-

plement the programs and policies requested by the business sector to achieve the 1 million job generation by end of the year.

Under the manifesto, the NERS Task Force shall secure vaccination for qualified workers; provide assistance to businesses by improving investment climate; provide profiles of workers who can be referred to existing job vacancies; and the implementation of Telecommuting Act and promote other alternative work arrangements.

in polyethylene bags. The seedlings are shaded both above and at the sides for protection against strong winds.

Coconut palm fronds can be used for this purpose.

• Transplanting can be done when the shoots become mature and the leaves become hard and dark green. Utmost care is necessary in transporting as the

seedlings are very prone to transplanting shock.

• Care should be taken to remove the polyethylene container with minimal disturbance. Seedlings are to be planted at the same depth as they were in the polyethylene bags. Topsoil is poured into the hole a few centimeters at a time and then carefully pressed down.

date stood at 4.4 percent, higher than the government’s 2-4 percent target range.

Monetary authorities

forecast the elevated inflation rate to remain until the third quarter of the year, with the average forecast for this year at 4 percent. (PNA)

tion to Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert testing positive for COVID-19.

They entered this season making a major move to acquire Chris Paul in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Phoenix sent four players with two being starters in Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre Jr. and a future firstround pick to the Thunder for Paul, one of the greatest point guards ever, and reserve Abdel Nader.

The Suns added Jae Crowder as part of their offseason moves. Couple that with the rise of All-

Star Devin Booker and the improvement of Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson and the Suns were the surprise team in the NBA. Suns General Manager James Jones won NBA executive of the year, Monty Williams finished second for the league’s coach of the year honors and Paul was named second-team All-NBA as he finished fifth in the league MVP voting.

The individual accolades are part of the team success that has them returning to the finals.

GOVERNMENT... FROMP4

PHILIPPINES... FROMP9

BSP... FROMP5

SUNS... FROMP11

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 93 • FRIDAY, JULY 02, 2021

Ange Kouame battles Serbia giant Boban Marjanovic. FIBA photo

Suns advance No Dwight Ramos for Gilas v to NBA Finals Dominican Republic game L ilas Pilipinas playmaker Dwight Ramos won’t be around in the fiOS ANGELES — Goodbye, Los Angeles Clippers.

Hello, NBA Finals.

It’s been a long time coming.

The Phoenix Suns, two years removed after having their second-worst season in franchise history with just 19 wins, have advanced to the finals after Wednesday’s 130-103 Game 6 victory over the Clippers at STAPLES Center.

Chris Paul, in the building he once called home when leading the “Lob City” Clippers had a stretch in which he scored 24 of Phoenix’s 30 points as the Suns built a 119-92 lead with 5:49 remaining.

Paul finished with 41 points in tying a playoff career high The Suns are back in the finals for the first time since 1993 when they were led by NBA MVP Charles Barkley.

Despite owning the NBA’s best record, Phoenix fell to Michael Jordan and the three-beat Chicago Bulls in six games.

This year’s Suns finished with the NBA’s second-best record at 51-21 in an NBA-shortened 72-game season. They pushed out the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in six games, swept the third-seeded Denver Nuggets in round two and eliminated the fourth-seeded Clippers in six games in the Western Conference finals to reach the NBA Finals after an 11-year playoff drought.

Winning a franchise-record nine consecutive play-

off games in their run to the finals, the second-seeded Suns will play either the third-seeded Milwaukee Bucks or fifth-seeded Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of the finals either July 6 or July 8.

The Bucks-Hawks series is tied 2-2 going into Thursday’s Game 5 in Milwaukee. If the series ends in six games, the finals will start July 6. If it goes seven, the finals will begin July 8.

The Suns built momentum off an 8-0 bubble run in the 2019-20 season that was put on pause in reac-

FSUNS, P10

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nal group game in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament against Dominican Republic on Friday morning (Manila time).

A tough decision to make for Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin who said he’d rather sit out the 6-foot4 guard for the second straight match rather than force him to play in a do-or-

die encounter against the Dominicana.

The Gilas topscorer in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers was in uniform for Gilas’ first game against Serbia on Thursday, but didn’t see ac-

tion in the 83-76 loss.

The incoming Ateneo player suffered a groin injury prior to the national team’s departure for the qualifier in Belgrade.

“I don’t think he’s going to be ready (tomorrow).

He’s got a groin injury, it’s a muscle strain,” said Baldwin in the post-game presser following the loss to Serbia.

“He can’t play right now and we certainly don’t want to rush him,” added the Gilas coach of Ramos. “We didn’t think it was serious in the

Virtual Learning of Sports and PE in PSC’s Rise Up Shape Up

V

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) goes in for a slam against the LA Clippers during Game 6 at STAPLES Center June 30, 2021.

beginning and it just hasn’t responded at all.”

“Actually, after the flight, it was worse. It’s just one of those things you never know with groin muscles, how they’ll respond and we don’t want to take a chance of that recurring.”

Baldwin is treating Ramos’ situation with immense care, aware of what the Fil-Am slasher can bring to the table for the Nationals in the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup in Indonesia coming in August.

irtual learning of sports and physical education will take centre stage in the Philippine Sports Commission’s Rise Up Shape Up this coming Saturday, July 3.

The webisode will showcase the different stories and insights of sports educators and women coaches in the new normal mode of learning caused by the present global health crisis.

University of the Philippines Community Recreations Director and UP College of Human Kinetics assistant professor Michiko S. Aseron will talk about Kinetika Online – a public service of the UP-CHK that encourages people to do exercise during the lockdown.

“The web series does not only promote balance in physical, mental, and emotional health but also

supports the promotion of sports on a digital platform,” said PSC Women in Sports oversight Commissioner Celia Kiram.

Joining Prof. Aseron in the episode is Dr. Jenny Lee Victor-Esiong of the Benguet State University Institute of Human Kinetics. She will discuss the strategies in transforming online classes to a better platform for sports and movement. Dr. Esiong serves as the university dance sports coach since 2008. She used to be a dance troupe member, a varsity player of basketball and soccer and has competed nationally from 19982002.

De La Salle University faculty member Karina Crisostomo will also join the webisode to give some tips on Managing Stress in Online Learning.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 93 • FRIDAY, JULY 02, 2021

TOUGH STAND Gilas puts up gallant stand but falls to powerhouse Serbia

Teen 7-2 beanpole Kai Sotto scores one against Serbia’s NBA center Boban Marjanovic.

FIBA photo

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ilas Pilipinas came up just short of a huge upset against Serbia which escaped with an 83-76 win to sweep Group A play in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade early Thursday (Philippine Time).

National Basketball Association veteran Boban Marjanovic scored crucial baskets down the stretch to help the host nation hold off a gritty Gilas side.

Serbia started the game hot with an 11-2 run only for Gilas to recover and keep the game close at the end of the first period.

Serbia began settling in during the second quarter and eventually opened a 16-point lead, 56-40, in the third.

However, Serbia found itself in deep trouble at home after Gilas came alive later in the second half and even took a 74-73 lead off an RJ Abarrientos layup with 3:50 left in the game.

But a Marjanovic slam off a Milos Teodosic assist sparked Serbia’s endgame blow as Gilas began to fizzle with only a Balti Baltazar teardrop to show.

Gilas, however, still had chances to retake the lead but Baltazar and SJ Belangel missed on their three-point attempts and Marjanovic continued to score crucial baskets for Serbia.

Marjanovic finished with 25 points on 12of-18 shooting, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one steal to lead Serbia, which is now waiting which among Italy and Puerto Rico will slip in the lone Group B match later Thursday.

Ognjen Dobric added 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, two rebounds, and two assists.

Ange Kouame put up 17 markers, seven boards, two dimes, three blocks, and one steal for Gilas, which will take on the Dominican Republic early Friday (Philippine Time) for the right to challenge the Italy-Puerto Rico winner in the semifinals on Saturday.