Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 105 | Friday, July 16, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

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Sisterhood agreement has nothing to do with 2022 elections: HNP STORY ON PAGE 2

A cyclist traverses along Roxas Avenue in Davao City using the designated bicycle lane in the area on Thursday. Angel Sumagaysay, head of Public Safety and Security Center (PSSC), has announced that bikers with non-essential travel will be arrested and will be filed a case. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

NO POLITICS

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio visits the C-130 Hercules plane crash survivors at a hospital in Zamboanga City on Thursday. Interactive Pilipinas Media

Sisterhood agreement has nothing to do with 2022 elections: HNP

By MAYA M. PADILLO

M

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio once again warned the public against individuals soliciting and holding fundraising activities for her to run in the 2022 elections.

Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) secretary-general and spokesperson Anthony del Rosario clarified that the sisterhood agreement signed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Zalazar has nothing to do with the upcoming

2022 national elections.

The two mayors have signed a sister city agreement on July 15, 2021 at the Zamboanga City Hall, Zamboanga City.

“The agreement has been pending since 2015.

When Mayor Sara became Mayor in 2016, matagal na itong request for sisterhood

agreement. I don’t think this has something to do with 2022 elections,” Del Rosario said during a Zoom conference on Thursday.

Del Rosario also clarified that upcoming sister city agreements cannot be viewed as a form of coalition with HNP. “First and foremost, wala po kaming idea kung ano po ang naka-pending (sister city agreement). It is clear when you have a sister hood agreement it’s obvious that one of the agreements is that they will help each

other. But I would not conclude that this is because of the 2022 elections,” he said.

Del Rosario has already made pronouncement that five national political parties have signified interest for a coalition with HNP, a regional political party led by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, these are Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (LakasCMD), Nacionalista Party, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), People’s Reform Party (PRP), and National Unity Party (NUP).

of an online-based radio program “Justice Reedemer.”

The two were gunned down at 5:10 p.m. when they came out of their residence shortly after their radio program, Aguilar said.

According to its social media account, Justice Redemer is an online free legal advice program, tackling “general legal issues” and an opinionoriented political program, which is also aired over 94.7 Power Radio Davao (DXLL).

Responding authorities rushed the victims to the Southern Philippines Medical Center but both had expired. Authorities are still investigating the incident.

In the Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court, Mahinay was enrolled on June 4, 2018.

On June 29, 2019, she was arrested in her residence for alleged illegal possession of firearms – one Beretta 9 mm, one magazine with 14 bullets and two

holsters — and was released on bail two days later.

She denied the allegations. She claimed she was being harassed for defending the rights of farmers.

A July 1, 2019 report of the Mindanao Daily Mirror quoted her as saying: “Wala ko nag-abogada para maghimog illegal.

Nag abogada ko para matabangan ang katawhan nga gusto mokab-ot ug

Lawyer, husband shot dead in Davao City

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Davao City-based lawyer and her husband were shot dead by an unidentified suspect outside their home in Solariega, a gated subdivision in Barangay Talomo on Wednesday afternoon.

Capt. Rose Aguilar, spokesperson for Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said the victims were identified as Atty. Gilda Mahinay and her husband, Muhaimen Mohammad Sapie, hosts

FLAWYER, P7

Davao, Zamboanga are now sister cities

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he city government of Davao has signed a sister city agreement with the city government of Zamboanga on July 15, 2021 at the Zamboanga City Hall, Zamboanga City.

Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio and Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, signed the agreement that aims to establish a Sister City relationship to promote mutually beneficial cooperation and deeper understanding between the parties through an exchange of ideas in the following fields: tourism and culture, agriculture, and trade and commerce.

The request for a sisterhood agreement has been pending since 2015 wherein on April 9, 2015, Zamboanga City Mayor Climaco-Salazar and former Davao City Mayor now President Rodrigo Duterte signed a pledge towards forging a Sister City ties between Davao

City and Zamboanga City.

On February 19, 2018, the city government of Davao received a letter from Mayor ClimacoSalazar inquiring as to the status of the sister city proposal.

On May 31, 2021, the City legal Office approved Ordinance No.043-19, Series of 2019 entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing the City Mayor to sign, for and in behalf of the city government of Davao, the Sister City Agreement to be entered into by and between Davao City and Zamboanga City.”

The MOA is effective and valid for five years from the date of the signing.

It shall be considered extended and renewed for another five years if no objections in writing from either side is served upon the other within 30 days of expiration of the initial fiveyear term.

Meanwhile, Davao

FDAVAO, P7

DOLE-Davao awards P54.6M to beneficiaries in Davao Sur

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he Department of Labor and Employment XI, through its Davao del Sur Field Office (DSFO) awarded two checks amounting to P54.6 million to the Provincial Office of Davao del Sur for the implementation of DOLE Programs intended to 7,876 beneficiaries in the province on July 8, 2021.

DOLE XI OIC-Regional Director Atty. Randolf C.

Pensoy led the turnover of P44,999,980.00 allocated for the 7,505 beneficiaries of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) in the province.

Another check amounting to P9.7 million was also turned over for the 371 beneficiaries of the Government Internship Program (GIP).

FAWARDS, P7

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VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

On the sisterhood agreement signed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Zalazar :

The agreement has been pending since 2015. When Mayor Sara became Mayor in 2016, matagal na itong request for sisterhood agreement. I don’t think this has something to do with 2022 elections.”

Anthony del Rosario

Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) secretary-general and spokesperson

EDITORIAL HNP as equilibrium Lakas-CMD, National Unity Party, Nacionalista Party, Pwersa ng Masang PIlipino and People’s Reform Party. That’s rattling off the five national parties that are likely to coalesce with regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP).

That’s the portent of things to come in 2022. The HNP, no longer just a regional party, will be at the forefront of this elections.

The scenario is shaping up after the five national parties have signified their intention to hook up with HNP in anticipation of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s decision to run for the presidency. Although the presidential daughter has intimated in Cebu City last week that she is “open” to joining the presidential derby, she has yet to make a final decision.

It is expected that she won’t make any decision until October, the month of filing of certificate of candidacy. However, the days and weeks leading to October will have all eyes on her.

From its very definition, a coalition is a group formed when two or more people, factions, states, political parties, militaries, etc. agree to work together temporarily in a partnership to achieve a common goal. The word coalition connotes a coming together to achieve a goal. That temporary

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For the record, the five parties mentioned already have past relationship with HNP back in 2019 so what will be happening is but a “renewal” of alliance.

Looking at the personalities behind the five parties, the familiar names are behind them. Lakas-CMD -led by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.; National Unity Party - led by political strategist Ronaldo Puno; Nacionalista Party - Oldest political party in the Philippines, led by former senate president Manuel Villar Jr.; Pwersa ng Masa Pilipino - founded by former president Joseph Estrada; and People’s Reform Party - founded by the late senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Interesting it may seem, Sara’s decision will still be on top of the agenda involving these parties. The next one will be choosing her runningmate if ever she decides to make a go.

Unlike Senator Manny Pacquiao who may have prematurely revealed his intention to run for president, it is best for Sara to keep her cards close to her chest for now.

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

partnership is understandably aimed at forming a winnable team for the 2022 elections.

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)

VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

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DOT 11 issues staycation certificate to 19 tourism-related establishments

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT 11) has issued certification to 19 tourism-related establishments in Davao Region to operate as staycation hotels.

Tanya Rabat-Tan, regional director of DOT 11, said eight establishments in Davao City and 11 in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) were issued with Certificate of Authority to Operate for Staycation (CAOS).

CAOS refer to a certification issued by the DOT that an accommodation establishment in an area placed under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) has fulfilled all requirements for operation for staycation purposes.

“Eighty percent of DOT-accredited establishments are now operating but under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) they cannot operate kasi merely based on their license sa kanilang LGU. In Samal, marami tayong nabigyan ng staycation certification

tinatawag natin na staycation because under the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) they can operated starting at GCQ,” Tan said.

Tan explained that the staycation certification is limited to star-rated accommodation facilities.

She said as of the moment DOT 11 is experiencing a surge of applications for the establishments to be accredited.

“For star rated establishments, first of all they have to send their intent if they want to apply for staycation. Right now, marami tayong star-rated accommodations. Itong staycation was limited before to 4 to 5 stars, ngayon even 2-star accommodations puwede na mag-apply,” she said.

Tan added that DOT 11 is scheduling inspections to Samal to conduct inspections for pending applications.

Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) secretary general and spokesperson Anthony Del Rosario clarifies that the sisterhood agreement signed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Zalazar in Zamboanga City on Thursday has nothing to do with the 2022 national elections. Edge Davao

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VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Six structurally beautiful buildings of Aeon Bleu

The first community with 6 themed pools

Aeon Bleu makes for a truly complete dream destination

I

n a society where convenience, comfort, space and functionality play vital elements in deciding in real estate, properties have to come up to the plate ready to address these qualities.

That is the reality after we succumbed to a global pandemic since last year.

That in mind, hence the birth of complete lifestyle community Aeon Bleu—a vibrant city experience with innovations for smart

comfortable living where safety and security are well in place for its future residents.

Aeon Bleu is the second of the many developments of a homegrown property developer, Aeon Luxe

Properties Inc., which is designed to achieve a strong sense of community for living working and playing.

This mixed-use development in Davao City will have instinctivelyplanned spaces with the warmth of a one-of-akind outdoor and indoor leisure amenity right by your doorstep. Aeon Bleu, now on its pre-selling stage will rise six structurally beautiful buildings along the progressive neighborhood of F.S. Dizon Road, Bacaca.

Two of its towers are dedicated to the residences which is nearby the river, Tower 3 for the hotel operated condotel, Tower 4 for office and commercial leases, Tower 5 or Club Aeon will house the exciting indoor amenities of the community while Tower 6 is marked for an exciting tower development.

What’s great about investing in a pre-selling condo is the ability to avail of its exciting deals just like the “No Reservation Fee” promo for Tower 1 offered this July

2021.

You can acquire a unit for as low as Php6K+ monthly on accelerated payment term easily once you get a hold of the Company’s Business Unit Heads or its accredited sellers and brokers as soon as possible.

Aeon Bleu is also the first to have six themed pools in Southern Philippines that can give residents and guests multiple choices to frolic in. Aside from that, a jogging path by the boardwalk, playground

for kinds, playpen for pets and BBQ pits are also part of its outdoor amenities.

For those who love it more indoors, a huge lobby area, an indoor basketball court, fitness gym, entertainment room and children’s playroom are available to provide countless simple pleasures.

Know more about Aeon Bleu and its promos by visiting www.aeonbleu.com. ph or like and follow Aeon Luxe’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/ AeonLuxeOfficial .

mWell, PH’s first fully integrated

health & wellness app launches today

M

akati, Philippines, July 15, 2021 - Today is a milestone as Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (MPHTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI), transforms the digital health care ecosystem with mWell, an allin-one app meticulously created for the Filipino’s holistic well-being, providing professional consultations, wellness programs, products and delivery services.

MPIC Chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan is truly confident and excited with MPIC group’s newest foray in digital health care, “Filipinos will now have better access to healthcare with mWell making available online healthcare solutions through a wide and

sustainable network of medical experts and services. With just a few taps, users can do a virtual check up with doctors, select health and wellness programs, buy medicines, and do a lot more as we strengthen the mWell integrated digital health care ecosystem.” mWell is a highperformance mobile app backed by a powerhouse of top names in the healthcare, wellness and tech industries.

CareSpan’s Clinic in the Cloud™ integrates digital care tools and data for mWell doctors and patients.

LotusFlare’s multi-awarded cloudnative, IT digital enablement platform ensures a seamless, end-to-end customer experience. Ping An’s healthcare technologies enables mWell to

address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care, and treatments.

Complementing the technology partnerships, mWell teams up with award-winning fitness experts like Active8me, for personalized daily fitness, nutrition and wellness programs; and theAsianparent, for smart parenting solutions from pregnancy to family health management.

Powered by PayMaya for fast, secure, and hasslefree transactions, over three thousand health and wellness product SKU’s are available for mWell app users at the online health shop by Adobomall.

Joey Lim, MPIC’s President and CEO also expresses confidence that this fully-integrated healthcare management is a game changer, “mWell empowers Filipinos to be in full control of their well-being even from the comfort of their own home through innovative healthcare solutions. We invite health practitioners, consumers, and businesses to be part of the mWell ecosystem.”

The mWell launch today signals the

opening of this new digital health ecosystem.

Currently in partnership with CareSpan, Philcare and Keralty Clinic, a whole gamut of doctors and health practitioners have joined the mWell roster comprising of general practitioners and specialty doctors to enable much needed access to health professionals during this pandemic. Doctors are able to easily manage digital appointments, keep patients’ confidential medical records and issue e-prescriptions.

And with the partnership of Medicard, users can

book COVID-19 testing services.

Doctors, clinics, and hospitals all over the country are welcome to be part of mWell.

Doctors can set up their own mWell virtual clinic for free. There are no setup or membership fees.

Doctors will be given a quick and easy training to be able to access the mWell suite of services and can immediately digitize their practice, reaching more patients nationwide. Clinics and hospitals can set up virtual labs and accept booking via the mWell app.

“At the heart

of mWell lies our passion to bringing healthcare closer to every Filipino,” states Chaye Revilla, Chief Finance & Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. “mWell embodies the group’s efforts to put health at the core of its advocacies towards nation building and growth hinged on sustainability. “ Revilla added.

Starting August, mWell will provide a more enriching journey as users can access the e-Pharmacy service that will allow them to buy

FmWELL, P7

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A street hawker prepares bottled water that he will peddle along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

22 firms in Region 11 get Safety Seal Certification T

PH economy expected to grow by 5-6% in ‘21

T

wenty-two establishments in Davao Region have recently been awarded with a Safety Seal Certification.

The Department of Trade and Industry XI (DTI XI) announced this in One Davao Virtual Presser, in a special episode highlighting the #DuterteLegacy: A PreSONA Special.

Deolly Roque, DTI XI Division Chief bared that 19 establishments are currently being evaluated and will soon get certified.

The Safety Seal is a certification mechanism jointly implemented by the DTI and other government offices such as the Department of

Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to check the eligibility of establishments against the compliance checklist.

“This is a voluntary certification that may be availed by all private business establishments, selected public places, and government offices,” said Roque.

Roque explained that the safety seal is voluntary,

however, it will help the establishment get more clients and customers as this would mean that the establishment had underwent stringent procedures before getting the safety seal.

Having the seal would mean that an establishment can assure the consumers and the general public that it is compliant with the minimum health protocols set by the government.

“The DTI is not yet allowed to announce the names of these establishments but any customer may check on the displayed documents if the establishment has this safety seal,” Roque said.

Those establishments which are confident enough to aim for this certification, may apply thru any of these: groceries, supermarkets, convenience stores, hardware stores, logistics service outlets, barbershops and salons, service and repair shops.

Or they may visit dti. gov.ph/safetyseal. If an establishment is not covered

by DTI, they may visit the DILG and DOT offices.

Aside from evaluating applications for safety seal, the DTI has also been working with DOLE in monitoring workplace prevention and control of COVID19.

mist Dr. Victor Abola said during the virtual briefing of the First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) on Wednesday.

He forecasts monetary authorities to start the unwinding of monetary policy measures, which were implemented from 2020 to help buoy the domestic economy from the impact of the pandemic, by the end of 2021 or the first quarter of 2022. “(Monetary officials

may start easing) as soon as they see that the acceleration in growth is getting back into our growth path of the past,” he added.

Last year, BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) slashed the central bank’s key rates by a total of 200 basis points to encourage lending among banks and borrowing among households and businesses and to ensure that economic activities remain robust.

T

he investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group expects the Philippine economy to recover with a growth of 5 to 6 percent by the end of the year, reversing the 9.6-percent contraction in 2020 amid the pandemic.

The First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) sees the faster global economic recovery, accelerated vaccine mobilization, sustained supportive fiscal and monetary policies, and the government’s commitment to push infrastructure projects fueling this year’s growth.

“Our dependable and resilient OFW (overseas Filipino workers) remittances, which grew 13 percent yearon-year in April this year, and BPO (business

process outsourcing) services are anticipated to perform even better.

As employment starts to pick-up and more people get inoculated, consumer confidence is also expected to improve,” FMIC president Jose Patricio Dumlao said in a virtual press briefing Wednesday.

Dumlao said the upcoming election next year is also anticipated to support growth.

“We are seeing a lot of positive signs and reasons to believe that the country is on its way to recovery but it is not to say that we should let our guards down. Still, the biggest risk to our outlook is the uncertain course of the pandemic. We should continue to be cautious and mindful and do our share in controlling the spread of the virus,” he added.

tents are not against the Shariah, like these are not from animals and plants,” ITDI Director Anabelle Briones told the Philippine News Agency.

Briones added that the production process and the production area would be both exclusive for the halal cosmetics. “The equipment to be used are also solely for the halal cosmetics production. Cleanliness is also needed for both the production and the workers,” she con-

tinued.

Of the total funding, Briones said PHP500,000 came from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), while the ITDI provided the PHP300,000.

“Out target (for these products) is the growing Muslim population, as well as non-Muslims who are searching for products that are clean and safe. We also target the export market in Muslim countries,” she said.

Economist raises possibility of P800-K allotted for market another BSP rate cut by Aug. research on halal cosmetics

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n economist has raised the possibility of another cut in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key rates by August this year to show its willingness to further support the economy’s recovery.

“BSP actually has room for further easing just to signal that they’re willing to support growth recovery into faster track,” University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) econo-

he government has allocated PHP800,000 for the conduct of market research on halal cosmetics until October, an executive of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) said Wednesday.

“When we say halal cosmetics, this was made following the principles of the Halal Assurance Management System, and the Shariah (Islamic law). The contents used follow the Shariah. The con-

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VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

Workers unload and pile dozens of 11-kilogram cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in front of an establishment along R. Castillo Street in Davao City. The bill regulating the LPG industry is only one step away from its enactment after the bicameral conference committee approved the final version of the measure. Edge Davao

BARMM’s ‘palay’ yield up T 36% in Q1 2021, says PSA

LANDBANK joins DA’s national info caravan for farmers, fishers

T

he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has recorded a 36 percent increase in palay yield during the first quarter this year, the region’s Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Thursday.

PSA-BARMM Director Razulden Mangelen said their records indicated that the 36 percent growth in palay yield is equivalent to 310,012 metric tons, as compared to 196,987 metric tons logged last year.

Saudi Mangindra, chief of agriculture operations for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Re-

form (MAFAR)-Maguindanao, also affirmed the significant palay yield.

“This is a huge accomplishment for the reason that before, the region usually hit about a 3 to 5 percent increase in rice production,” he said in an interview on Thursday.

Mangindra also acknowledged the significant contri-

bution of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) office in Midsayap, North Cotabato to the BARMM’s agriculture sector.

He lauded the PhilRice assistance to Tuesday’s completion of 30 farmers from Maguindanao, province component of BARMM, of their four-month Farmers’ Field School (FFS) training organized by MAFAR and PhilRice-Midsayap.

In a separate interview, Ommal Abdulkadil, assistant director of PhilRice-Midsayap, said the agriculture sector remains resilient, as it contin-

MFTC Inc. is ramping up its commitment to deliver a smoke-free future with the expansion of the IQOS e-commerce coverage, making available nationwide its flagship smoke-free product, IQOS, for Filipino adult smokers 21 years old and above who would otherwise continue to smoke.

The local affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), PMFTC extended the distribution coverage of the IQOS e-commerce website making heated tobacco devices and heat sticks accessible through delivery to key areas in Mindanao including Davao City, General Santos City, Palomok, Cagayan de Oro City, Opol, El Salvador, Tagoloan and Villanueva in Misamis Oriental.

“Making IQOS accessible

in key areas across the Philippines will help fast track PMFTC’s commitment towards achieving our vision of a smoke-free future. This is in line with PMI’s goal to help adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke to move away from cigarettes as quickly as possible and switch to a better alternative,” PMFTC’s President Denis Gorkun said.

During a media briefing last May, PMI’s new CEO Jacek Olczak said PMI is focused on developing, scientifically substantiating, and responsibly commercializing smoke-free products that are better alternatives to smoking, with the aim of replacing cigarettes as soon as possible.

“I am humbled and excited to lead PMI as we acceler-

ate our transformation into a smoke-free company,” Olczak said.

Latest estimates showed that there are 17 million Filipino smokers in the Philippines and more than 117,000 Filipinos die each year due to smoking related disease. The quit rate, however, stagnates at 4 percent since 2009.

“PMI is an industry leader in scientific innovation, and our ambition is that more than half of our net revenues will come from smoke-free products in 2025. Our evolving portfolio will drive our long-term future,” Olczak added.

IQOS devices use a patented HeatControl™ Technology that precisely heats, without burning, tobacco-filled sticks wrapped in paper

ues to provide essential food supply amid the pandemic.

“We are helping the farmers to the best of our capability as there will be no food on our table if not for them,” Abdulkadil said.

He said Tuesday’s graduation of the farmers from Matanog, Barira, and Buldon towns of Maguindanao is the fifth among the series they have conducted for this year.

The participants underwent training on-field preparation, planting method, pest control, and identification of best performing varieties of seeds, among others.

he Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) highlighted its continued support to the agriculture sector at the first-ever National Information Caravan on Agri-Fishery Credit Programs on June 24, 2021, held in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC).

Coinciding with the DA’s 123rd anniversary celebration, the virtual Caravan, streamed live via the social media channels of DA and LANDBANK, forms part of collective efforts to increase the general public’s awareness, appreciation, and availment of agri-fishery credit programs being offered by the government.

called HEETS™ to release a water-based aerosol. Unlike cigarettes, IQOS does not burn tobacco and therefore produces no smoke and no ash.

A growing consensus among public health experts concludes that burning or combustion, not nicotine, is the main cause of smoking-related diseases and deaths.

Gorkun noted that heated tobacco products are not risk free and that the best option for smokers is still to quit cigarettes and nicotine products. He, however, said that “for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke, non-combustible alternatives like IQOS are better options.”

PMFTC’s heated tobac-

co products were initially made available in Metro Manila last year through the IQOS.COM website, the IQOS Stores located in major shopping malls, and select tobacconists/retail stores.

Currently carried by select 7/11 branches in the National Capital Region, the heat sticks will also be available at select branches in South and Central Luzon by end of July.

IQOS devices and heat sticks are only for adult consumers 21 years old and above who wish to continue using tobacco products or other nicotine-containing products. The IQOS e-commerce website requires age verification upon entry, while presentation of a valid ID is required upon delivery of the product to the consumer.

“LANDBANK remains one with the Department of Agriculture and other government partners in serving the requirements of farmers and fisherfolk nationwide to increase their productivity and income. We are committed to delivering accessible and responsive financial services toward revitalizing our local economy and ensuring food security,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

As of May 31, 2021, LANDBANK has assisted cumulatively 2,734,572 farmers and fishers nationwide, of which 991,577 were supported through loan and cash grant releases amounting to P13.39 billion under programs administered for the DA.

PMFTC rolls out IQOS e-commerce nationwide, ramps up Smoke-Free Future vision

P

Philip Morris International’s smokefree products are not risk-free and addictive, for adults (21+) who would otherwise continue to smoke/use other nicotine products.

Are you at least 21y/o and a smoker/ user of other nicotine products?

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VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

THE HORRORS OF

SEA LEVEL RISE Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

hen the Pangi River in Davao City swelled to new heights in June 2011, 29 people lost their lives and 50,000 residents had to flee their homes.

In an editorial, the local daily Sun Star Davao commented: ‘‘The rapid urban development has caused encroachment into the city drainage, preventing the water from seeping into the soil with all the construction in the heart of downtown Davao.”

But those are only part of the problem. Former Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza believes that the constant flooding happening in Davao City these days is due to sea level rise. “My calculation is that (the sea level) has risen by one foot over a period of 20 years,” he wrote in his column, “Advocacy Mindanao.” “Hence, rain waters and floods no longer easily flow or empty out into the sea. They are clogged in the waterways and spill out into the riverbanks.”

Lorenzo Tan, executive director of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), seemed to agree. In a conference on strengthening river basin organizations in Davao City in 2015, he declared: “If you see rising sea levels, Mindanao is at ground zero.

“But let’s not talk about the ice, let’s look at Davao City and when we look at Davao City, we look at the Davao River, and at other rivers surrounding it. Has Davao City looked at the areas around it to make itself ready?” Tan was quoted as saying by Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Impact in Davao The WWF head knew what he was talking about.

Davao City was among the 12 key cities in the country

that was included in the Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts study done by WWF along with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation Inc. “The study was conducted to help city planners assess the impacts of climate change in their communities, identify opportunities and decide on a sustainability strategy, sitespecific interventions that will allow the city to retain its economic viability,” Tan told Business World.

Tan noted that Davao runs a close second to Cebu in terms of tonnage shopped through its ports. “Located along the relatively shallow channel between the city and Samal Island, these port facilities are a nerve center for Davao City’s economy, and serve a variety of ships handling both cargo and passengers,” the risk assessment said.

But sea level rise may create some havoc in the near future. “Davao should take a close look at the city’s shipping fleet and port facilities and take the necessary steps to ensure that they are upgraded to deal with the impacts of climate change,” Tan suggested.

Sea level rising fast According to a recent study, whose findings were published in Nature, the world’s oceans are now rising far faster than they did in the past. The current sea-level rise rate – which started in 1990 – is 2.5 times

faster than it was from 1900 to 1990.

The study found that for much of the 20th century, sea level rise was about 30% less than earlier research had figured. “But that’s not good news because about 25 years ago the seas started rising faster and the acceleration in 1990 turns out to be more dramatic than previously calculated,” wrote Seth Borenstein in a dispatch for Associated Press.

“We’re seeing a significant acceleration in the past few decades,” study lead author Carling Hay, a geophysical researcher at Harvard University, was quoted as saying.

According to the report written by Borenstein, previous research showed that between 1900 and 1990, the seas rose about two-thirds of an inch a decade. The new study recalculates the 1900-1990 rate to less than half an inch a decade. Old and new research both say that since the 1990s seas are rising at about 30 millimeters a decade.

T r o u b l i n g implications “The implications are troubling – accelerated ocean warming, ice sheet collapse and sea level rise – all point to more and more sea level rise in the future, perhaps at a faster rate than previously thought,” noted Jonathan Overpeck, co-director of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona.

“This will make adaptation to climate change more difficult and costly.”

One of the consequences of sea level rise is making groundwater become salty in taste. “Salinity intrusion

into groundwater resources occurs naturally to some extent in most coastal regions via the hydraulic connection between groundwater and seawater including through canals and drainage channels,” said a World Bank report.

Health studies show salty water is bad for your health. “The most common consequence of excessive salt ingestion is hypertension,” the World Bank report said. “Along with hypertension, there is a broad range of health problems potentially link with increased salinity exposure through bathing, drinking, and cooking; these include miscarriage, skin disease, acute respiratory infection, and diarrheal disease.”

Salt intrusion is indeed bad news. In Davao City, for instance, the sources of water are in danger of becoming salty. “Davao has traditionally tapped surface water from its rivers as its main water source,” the WWF/BPI report said. “It prides itself in the relatively high quality of its drinking water.

However, salt intrusion has already been reported in city districts to shore, especially in portions of the city where groundwater extraction continues. Sea level rise may aggravate this situation.”

One of affected countries The Philippines is among the many countries most affected by climate changes in the world.

Accelerating rise of sea level is the biggest threat as the country is home to more than 7,100 islands.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and

Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), an increasing trend in the sea level in the country was observed way back in 1965.

According to a research conducted by the Philippine Country Study to Address Climate Change, the Manila Bay is already subjected to several hazards, including flooding and storms.

“Shoreline changes due to reclamation for housing, ports, coastal roads, buildings and other urbanized development are high, adding to an increased threat of inundation,” the study said.

It is still going on. “By the end of this century, sea levels in (Asia and the Pacific) region are expected to rise by about 125 centimeters, exceeding the global average by 10-15%,” said Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines, a World Bank report.

“Even assuming the sea level in the region rises at the global average rate of about 100 centimeters, about 14% of the Philippines’ total population and 42% of its total coastal population will be affected by intensifying storm surges resulting from more intense typhoons,” the bank report stated.

“In the Philippines, the impacts of storm surges, associated with sea level rise and more intense storms, are particularly significant in terms of the percentage of affected coastal land area, population, and gross domestic product,” the bank report added.

Findings of the study produced by the New Jerseybased science organization Climate Central said that the land currently occupied by 8.6 million Filipinos could be inundated by the end of the century as the sea levels continue to rise.

Climate change Sea level rise is one of the certain outcomes of climate change. It was Dr. James E. Hansen of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration who first raised the problem of climate change. In 1988, he told an American Senate hearing that the greenhouse effect “is changing our climate now.”

The greenhouse effect is a natural warming process.

During the Climate Change Media Workshop some

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years back in Davao City, Dr. Perez said that carbon dioxide and certain other gases are always present in the atmosphere. These gases create a warming effect that has some similarity to the warming inside a greenhouse, hence the name “greenhouse effect.”

Dr. Perez explained human activities that emit additional greenhouse gases to the atmosphere increase the amount of heat that gets absorbed before escaping to space, thus enhancing the greenhouse effect and amplifying the warming of the earth.

“Although the Earth’s climate has changed many times throughout its history, the rapid warming seen today cannot be explained by natural processes alone,” pointed out Dr. Perez who has a PhD in Meteorology from the University of the Philippines.

Man’s tampering with the environment has made the temperature change faster, scientists believe.

“While human activities during the past century have damaged a long list of nature systems, most of these problems are local or regional in scope and can be reversed in years or decades if sufficient effort is exerted,” wrote Christopher Flavin in his book, Slowing Global Warming: A Worldwide Strategy.

“Climate change is very simple,” noted Dr. Robert Watson, who used to head the Nobel-prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. “We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up.

As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.”

“Our lifestyle has led to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” notes the fact sheet circulated during the workshop mentioned earlier.

“These gases trap heat from the sun, making the earth warmer.

Manifestations of a warmer world include rising mean temperatures, sea level rise and increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts and greater rainfall.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the fourth quarter during game four of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

Bucks overcome Suns to tie Finals series 2-2

M

ILWAUKEE -- Khris Middleton scored 40 points, 10 of them in the final crucial minutes, and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied past Phoenix 109-103 on Wednesday to pull level in the NBA Finals.

Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo added 26 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists for the Bucks, who improved to an NBA-best 9-1 at home in the playoffs.

Milwaukee equalized at 2-2 in the best-of-seven championship series with game five Saturday in Phoenix and game six Tuesday at Milwaukee.

“The only way we’re going to win this series is to get one on the road,” said Middleton. “It would be nice to get this next one.”

The Bucks seek their first crown since 1971 while the Suns seek the first title in the club’s 53-year history.

Phoenix’s Devin Booker, coming off a playoffs-worst 10-point performance in a game three loss, scored 42 points in a losing cause. The Suns made 17 turnovers to five for the Bucks.

“He could have gone for 50-plus,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “We managed it well. A lot of our problems were self-inflicted. As a team we’ve got to take better care of the ball.”

Jae Crowder made two free throws to put the Suns ahead but Middleton answered with back-to-back

jumpers to put the Bucks ahead 101-99.

Phoenix’s Chris Paul made his fourth turnover of the game and Middleton finished a fast break with a layup to give the Bucks a 10399 edge with 27.2 seconds remaining.

Middleton added four late free throws to seal the triumph.

“We just stayed with it, doing what we do,” Middleton said. “I hit some tough shots against a tight defense.”

Antetokounmpo made key defensive plays late to disrupt the Suns and help spark a 15-0 fast break edge for the Bucks.

“Giannis, that’s what he has been doing all year. He’s amazing,” said Middleton.

“He didn’t have the dominant performance, but he did it with other things.”

Phoenix guard Paul, a 16year veteran in his first NBA Finals at age 36, managed only 10 points on 5-of-13 shooting.

Only Stephen Curry with 40 points had scored more in the first three quarters of a finals game in the past 25 years than Booker’s 38.

But Booker picked up his fifth foul only 70 seconds into

the fourth quarter and went to the bench with the Suns ahead 85-79.

With the Suns clinging to a 95-92 lead, Jrue Holiday drove for a breakaway and appeared to be fouled by Booker -- which would have

seen the Suns star fouled out of the game with six.

Instead, referees made no call and it took Antetokounmpo’s grabbing the ball and making a layup to lift the Bucks within 95-94 with 3:33 remaining.

Ravena included in NLEX lineup

N

LEX has enlisted Kiefer Ravena in its opening day roster for the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season.

This amid an impending transfer to the Shiga Lakestars of the B.League which has been stalled due to contract issues.

Ravena initially signed a new contract that would keep him as a Road Warrior

The PBA board of governors has already ruled that Kiefer Ravena must honor his new deal with NLEX

until 2023.

However, the Lakestars announced that Ravena has also signed with the team and even enlisted him in their own opening day lineup.

The PBA board of governors has already ruled that Ravena must honor his new deal with NLEX, which many PBA fans thought would finally put the issue to sleep until Shiga named him to its roster, which complicated matters.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

mWELL... FROM6 South Star Drug OTC and Prescription medicines and have these delivered to their homes, or buy PhilCare health insurance products for dengue, accidents, and emergencies. Also

in August, mWell will launch a nationwide medical mission, an unprecedented first telehealth virtual event in the Philippines highlighting partnerships and

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: January 01, Sasa Maa 2021 to Sandawa January 31, Matina 2021 Panabo Main Panabo Branch

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION July 28, 2021(WED) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Panabo Branch Magsaysay St. Panabo City

THE MANAGEMENT

collaborations with clinics and doctors nationwide.

For its initial offering, PLDT Home customers may avail of a free consultation with mWell doctors. There are more services waiting to be launched with each new

feature adding concrete benefits to the health of every Filipino. Get started on your health today. You can download the mWell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

For more information, visit https://www.mWell.com. ph.

City’s other local sister cities are: Angeles in Pampanga; Marikina, Quezon and San Juan in the National Capital Region; Liloan town in Cebu; Basud town in Camarines Norte; and Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte.

The city has also

forged sisterhood agreement with foreign cities namely Jinjang and Nanning in China; Bitung and Manado in Indonesia; Kitakyushu City in Japan; Kawaii County in Hawaii, USA; and Tacoma City in Washington, USA. By Maya M. Padillo

DAVAO... FROM2

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, notice is hereby given that the late VICENTE P. SILVERON who died on July 28, 2020 in Manay, Davao Oriental ,that the deceased in time of his death leaving a share, in parcel of land covered under TCT No. CLOA NO.13460 with an area of Two Thousand One hundred Twenty five ( 2,125.00) Square Meters situated at Barangay Central, Manay, Davao Oriental has been the subject of EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY executed among his heirs, per DOC. NO.192; PAGE NO. 40; BOOK NO. 21 Series of 2021, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. BEHN JOSEPH O. TESIORNA

LAWYER... FROM2

7

hustisya o katarungan.” (I did not become a lawyer to do illegal things. I became a

lawyer to help my fellowmen attain justice). (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

These beneficiaries were greatly affected with the disrupted and severe economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

The beneficiaries of TUPAD will be employed for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed, while the beneficiaries of GIP will have a three-month employment.

Present during the

activity were Technical Services and Support Division (TSSD) Chief Paul V. Cruz, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Leo Ariel Pepino, and Livelihood Focal Eizarina G. Delos Santos.

The checks were received by Governor Marc Douglas IV Chan Cagas, Vice Governor John Tracy Cagas, Mayor Josef F. Cagas and Provincial PESO Manager Rolly M. Impas.

AWARDS... FROM2

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, notice is hereby given that the late ZOSIMO C. GAMAD and ELISA ALVARADO who died on January 30, 2016 and January 24,2009 in Davao City ,that the deceased in time of their death left parcelsof land with TCT No. T-148588 with an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN (127) SQUARE METERS more or less has been the subject EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE executed among their heirs, per DOC. NO.196; PAGE NO. 44; BOOK NO. XI Series of 2021, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. REYNOLD S. ESCURZON

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 105 • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

Dabawenyo para swimmer Ernie Gawilan leads the Philippine campaign in the Tokyo Paralympics.

MORE PROSPECTS

Guion qualifies for Paralympics, adds to PH chance at gold

P

ara powerlifter Achelle Guion becomes the 6th Paralympian who gets the chance to represent the country at the upcoming Tokyo Paralympics.

Guion, a veteran para-powerlifter, was part of the 2012 London Paralympics placing 6th in the competition. At the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, she won a silver medal in the women’s 45kg event by lifting 70 kilograms. She also got a silver medal in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she competed in the 45kg division.

Francis Diaz, Chef de Mission of Team Para Philippines to the 2020+1 Tokyo Paralympics confirmed that this exceeds the previous 5 Paralympians sent to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Josephine Medina won a

Bronze in Para Table Tennis.

Philippine Sports Commission National Training Director Marc Velasco expressed the agency’s support to the 6 Paralympians and said that “we all hope to see them all proudly waving the flag in medal finishes.”

Guion will be joined by Paralympic returnees Ernie Gawilan (para-swimming) and Jerrold Mangliwan (para-athletics) together with Allain Ganapin (para-taekwondo), Jeanette Aceveda (para-athletics), and Gary Bejino (para-swimming) they will form the 6-man team of the Philippines for the Paralympics.