Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 115 | Wednesday, July 28, 2021

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HISTORYDILYN

VOL.14 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

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How Mindanao pride Hidilyn Diaz lifted the nation STORY ON PAGE 2

Unbeknownst to many, Hidilyn Diaz trained with broomsticks, gym bags and resistance bands during the pandemic when she wasn’t allowed to go to the gym. Weightlifting news page BarBend Strength Sports News was able to document the moment uploaded a video on Instagram dated December 4, 2020

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

HISTORYDILYN P How Mindanao pride Hidilyn President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his 6th and final State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City on Monday. Presidential Photo

Duterte maintains high approval, trust ratings

Diaz lifted the nation

BY NEIL BRAVO

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ith 127 kilograms of metal weight to win the Olympic gold medal, Hidilyn Diaz stepped up to the plate. For a brief moment, it was more than just 127 kilograms, it was the entire country on her shoulders.

97 years of waiting for a hero ended on one lift on Monday night. The same lift that carried 110 million Filipinos across 7,100 islands.

July 26 should be

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hat to many Filipinos were just dreams, President Rodrigo Duterte turned into reality in his five years in office.

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez of Leyte’s First District said Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday was but a “capsule” of what he has achieved.

“Before he was elected President in 2016, all these were just dreams that seemed elusive

declared Hidilyn Diaz Day by lawmakers. It’s a travesty if they won’t.

Now the country can proudly say it has an Olympic gold medal in its treasure chest. The

Philippines is the fifth most mineralised country in the world, with the third largest deposits of gold. But this gold will stand in history as the most precious of all.

Diaz now stands to be elevated to the pantheon of Philippine sports heroes as one of the greatest ever, and is set to receive a windfall of no less than P33 million from both the government and the private sector for the unprecedented feat.

That bonanza, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Toentino, is expected to reach the P50 million mark once all the pledges and other donations are accounted for.

That windfall could easily change the life of the 30-year old pride of Zamboanga City overnight.

But looking back at her journey, the road to Tokyo

and unattainable in our generation,” he said in a statement.

Among Duterte’s “sterling accomplishments” were free college education, healthcare coverage for all Filipinos, free irrigation, an autonomous government for the Bangsamoro, and peaceful communities with lower crime rates nationwide.

Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said the President did a “great job” in bringing about

meaningful change through his no-nonsense policies, particularly in the area of peace and order as seen in his campaign against illegal drugs.

“We were on the way to a better future when the Covid-19 pandemic struck and threw a monkey wrench into some of the administration’s economic achievements, something that other nations have also experienced. Despite this, we cannot discount the fact that the Duterte

administration did all that it could to safeguard the public, cushioning them from the impact of this health crisis through various measures,” Barzaga said in a statement.

Economic gains Albay Representative Joey Salceda was glad that President Duterte reiterated the historic legacies of his administration in socioeconomic development.

“He is the President to have made college tuition in state colleges

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has maintained high approval and trust scores despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic for over a year now, according to the latest survey by a political consultancy firm.

PUBLiCUS Asia Inc., in its July 13 to 19 poll, found that 58 percent of 1,500 Filipino respondents approve Duterte’s work performance, while 55 percent continue to trust the Chief Executive.

The pollster conducted an independent and non-commissioned survey.

Duterte’s approval and trust ratings, however, declined from 65 percent and 55 percent, respectively.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte got an overall approval rating of 58 percent, down from Pahayag Q1 (first quarter) result of 65 percent. While his trust

rating also slid down to 50 percent from Q1 result of 55 percent,” PUBLiCUS said.

Despite this, Duterte still emerged as the most approved and trusted government official, the survey found.

Not a lame duck Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, in an interview with PTV4’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas, said Duterte’s high approval and trust ratings signify that Duterte has never become a “lame duck.”

“Sa bansa natin, nasanay tayo na kapag ang Pangulo ay nasa huling taon ay nagiging lame duck na. But we have a Presidente who even during his last year ay hindi lame duck, powerful pa rin at pinapakinggan ang ating mga kababayan (In our country, it’s been common for a pres-

free. His administration institutionalized the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

His government doubled infrastructure spending, and launched more than 20,000 infrastructure projects with 6.5 million jobs scattered across the country. His government instituted Universal Health Care – the foundation for equitable medical care for all Filipinos,” Salceda said in another statement.

Salceda highlighted

that the administration’s comprehensive tax reform program is hailed across the globe as a model for public resource management and public investment.

He said average revenue-to-GDP (Gross Domestic Product) rates under President Duterte, at 15.3 percent of GDP, are at their highest since the 1997 tax reform under former president Fidel V. Ramos.

“In fact, the Duterte tax reform, which I am hon-

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

NEWS

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio watches President Rodrigo Duterte’s 6th State of the Nation Address (SONA) with City Administrator Zulieka Lopez at City Hall on Monday afternoon. Photo courtesy of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte FB page

10 returning OFWs test positive for Covid-19

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio bared on Tuesday that 10 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who returned to the Philippines on repatriation flights via Davao City were positive of Covid-19.

Of the 10 OFWs, three were repatriated from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and seven from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The mayor shared that some of the passengers who tested positive for Covid-19 are asymptomatic, others are showing mild symptoms while others are needing medical care.

The OFWs have been placed in a designated temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMFs) for OFWs. The city will also refer their cases to

the Department of Health regarding its protocol in identifying close contacts in the flights.

It can be recalled that the city government of Davao, in coordination with health and tourism authorities, has prepared hotels as quarantine facilities for inbound international passengers.

The said batches of OFWs were those who arrived at the Davao International Airport (DIA) on separate flights on July 15, 2021 and July 18, 2021.

The passengers were swabbed 48 hours before the flight and were required to present negative Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results under City Ordinance

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Sara fine with PRRD prioritizing projects outside Davao City

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio watched President Rodrigo Duterte’s 6th and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the City Hall and she said one of the things that immediately struck her was when the President mentioned that he prioritized projects outside Davao City.

“Isa sa mga kaagad na tumatak sa akin ang sinabi niyang inuna niya ang mga proyekto sa Pilipinas, at hinuli ang para sa Davao City.

With all due respect sa mga Dabawenyos, sang-ayon ako doon, para mas lalong mabigyan ang wala pa, at matutu-

kan ang prayoridad ng mas nangangailangan,” the mayor posted in her Facebook account.

The President reported that his administration has completed the junction Lanao-Pagadian-Zamboanga City Road, which will pro-

A

at the back of McDonalds beside Ladislawa Village, Buhangin was confirmed to have been raped and then killed based on the autopsy report.

vide easier access to farms and easily transport their agricultural products at low cost and in great quantities to industries and economic zones located in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

To help promote equitable development, he also said his administration completed several roads leading to important trade corridors.

He also said that the Sorsogon City Coastal By-Pass Road is targeted for completion by the end of 2021 while the Davao City Coastal Road will be completed by 2023.

“Bakit? Why? Why is

Davao last? Kasi sinabi ko sa kanila, unahin ninyo ‘yung buong Pilipinas. During the initial years of my presidency, I told the economic managers and the DPWH, pati si Art Tugade sa Transportation, “Unahin ninyo ang Luzon at ibang areas sa Mindanao. Do not look into the political entrails of the city and the other provinces.” Sinadya ko talaga na ipanghuli ang Davao. Kaya ang --- for the Dabawenyos, you must understand that we cannot really unahin natin iyong --- kasi taga diyan ako eh. Kung hindi ako sigurado taga-Davao, tapos na ‘yan

Bajada in the afternoon of February 28 asking permission from her husband Williamor Corpuz to go to the tailoring shop at San Pedro Village, Buhangin but failed to return home.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Chief Colonel Kirby John Kraft identified the suspect as Rolly Flores Cabiltes alias Buboy, 39 a native of Sulop, Davao del Sur and a transient resident in Bajada.

Kraft told reporters the suspect admitted

“With the conduct of thorough validation on the statement of the suspect and the lengthy investigation conducted by Buhangin Police headed by its Station Commander Major Bernie Suaga, it corroborated to the suspect account that he was the one who killed the victim. More so, he was positively identified by an eyewitness,” Kraft said.

“Umayon po yong kuha ng CCTV pati yong cartographic sketch na binigay ng witness. So siya po talaga at siya po yong principal identification na siya po yong gumawa ng krimen,” Kraft said.

Kraft said the suspect

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Troops secure villagers vs. Parking attendant owns rape, slay of lady exec 39-year old parking Corpuz whose body was The lady left their res- that he was the one responterror group in SoCot town attendant has con- found in the grassy area idence at NCCC Village, sible for killing Corpuz.

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overnment troops assured on Monday the safety and security of residents in remote communities of Polomolok, South Cotabato amid the ongoing operations against an Islamic State-inspired local terrorist group.

Lt. Col. Zandro Alvez, commanding officer of the Army’s 5th Special Forces (SF) Battalion, issued the assurance as some 97 residents from parts of Barangay Lumakil evacuated over the weekend after clashes erupted between their troops and a group of bandits under the Dawlah Islamiya-Maguid Group.

He said the residents

in nearby communities left their homes amid the exchange of gunfire between their forces and the bandits on Saturday.

Alvez said they launched the operation following reports from concerned residents regarding the presence in the area of members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maguid Group.

He said the affected residents evacuated to nearby Barangays Lapu and Bentung as they reportedly feared for their safety.

Troops from the 10th SF Company responded to the area to ensure the safety and security of the

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fessed to the rape and murder of 47-year old cosmetics firm manager Christine Sunga Corpuz in Buhangin District, Davao City last March 1, 2021.

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez says reforms instituted by the Duterte administration has allowed the country to be resilient amid the pandemic. Presidential Photo

Economic reform measures boost PH resilience: DOF chief A

DTI promises to make PH more attractive to investors

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celeration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which exempts workers with annual income below PHP250,000 from paying personal income tax.

The same law imposed excise taxes on sugary drinks, a move targeted to address Filipinos’ consumption for sweetened beverages and lower their chances of having diabetes, among others.

Authorities said the government saves some amount from this law because there would be less

people, particularly the poor, who will need hospitalization thus, less expense for the state.

Excise taxes for cigarettes were also increased.

Improvement in tax collections allowed the government to increase revenues and have more funds for its infrastructure and social protection programs, among others.

Dominguez said these moves allowed the government to be in a good financial position.

“Unfortunately, Covid (coronavirus disease 2019) hit. Now, because we were so healthy financially, it did not affect us like other countries,” he said.

He added credit rating agencies downgraded the

ratings of several countries because of the impact of the pandemic but the Philippines has been spared to this so far.

A credit rating downgrade is a disadvantage for a country vis-à-vis its capacity to borrow from fund sources. It also means higher rates for its borrowings.

Last July 12, Fitch Ratings affirmed its investment grade rating, at ‘BBB’, on the Philippines but changed the outlook from stable to negative because of the economic impact of the pandemic on the domestic economy.

Dominguez dubbed the ratings outlook change as “normal” because of the pandemic.

investments. Because if there are more investments, there will be more jobs for Filipinos,” Lopez said in mixed English and Filipino.

Duterte asked Congress during his final SONA Monday to pass the three economic reform legislative measures as these bills were certified as urgent.

“I would like to renew my call to Congress to immediately pass the amendments of priority legislative measures such as the Foreign Investments Act, the Public Service Act, and the Retail Liberalization Act,” he said.

The amendments to Foreign Investments Act

aim to allow more equity for foreign investors that will bring their businesses here.

“All of these reforms will remove or reduce foreign equity restrictions,” Lopez said. “It will help us to encourage them to invest here and generate more jobs which is needed for our economic recovery.”

Chua said amending the Foreign Investments Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and Public Service Act will help the country to benefit from world-class capital, technology, and innovation.

“So in the Public Service Act, it ushers a possibility that we have far better op-

tions for telecommunications and transportation.

These two are very important to the ordinary lives of the people,” the country’s top economist said.

Meanwhile, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act will bring more options for Filipinos in the retail sector, Chua said.

“The Retail Trade Liberalization Act, when you go to the mall, you have options.

If we have more open trade in the retail sector, then the ordinary Filipinos (when) they go to shop, they have more options. When you have more options, the prices fall, the quality increases,”

eforms instituted by the Duterte administration has allowed the country to be resilient amid the pandemic, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said on Monday.

In an interview over state-owned PTV-4, Dominguez likened an economy to a human body that needs to be healthy.

“If you want to be resilient to disease, you need to keep healthy, you have to exercise. And that requires sacrifice. So what we did from 2016 to 2019 is like exercising,” he said, referring to the tax reforms pushed by the government that eventually became laws.

One of these measures is the Tax Reform for Ac-

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NEDA, DTI chiefs laud Duterte’s order to pass econ reform bills

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ocioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez have welcomed the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to legislators to pass bills that will further open the economy.

In a post-State-of-theNation Address (SONA) interview with PTV, both Chua and Lopez underscored the need to pass legislation to amend the Foreign Investments Act, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and the Public Service Act. “It is important that our business environment is friendly to foreign investors so that we can attract more

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fter approving investment projects worth PHP5.2 trillion from 2016 to June 2021, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is committed to support policies and push for programs that will attract more investments to the country.

“The DTI strongly supported the full implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, which is definitely a milestone and a new landmark incentive law. It provides the government the flexibility in granting fiscal and non-fiscal investments for high-value strategic investments,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez told the Philippine News Agency.

On March 26 this year, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the CREATE Act, which reduces the corporate income tax rate in the country from 30 percent to 25 percent for big corporations and up to 20 percent for small domestic businesses.

It also provides performance-based, time-bound, and targeted fiscal incentives packages for both local and foreign investors.

Lopez said the government is also pushing for legislative reforms that will attract more foreign investments such as the amendments to the Public Service Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and the Foreign Investments Act. He added Duterte certified these bills liberalizing the economy as urgent, and are targeted to be approved

by October this year.

Improving market access The DTI chief said the Philippine government under the Duterte administration is supporting trade liberalization and pursuing agreements with other countries to improve economic relations with other nations.

The Philippines is a signatory of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) -- a trade agreement among Asean countries and its free trade deal partners including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

RCEP was concluded in November last year.

This free trade agreement (FTA) among 15 countries in the Asia Pacific will enter into force 60 days after six Asean member states and at least three FTA partners submitted their instrument of ratification.

“For the Philippines, we are working hard to finish our internal processes so that the Philippines can be one of the first six Asean member states to deposit the instrument of ratification,” DTI Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty said in a previous interview.

Lopez said the signing of RCEP could help renew growth in foreign direct investments (FDI).

A United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report showed that the Philippines’ FDI inflows in 2020 rose 29 percent despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, bucking the global trend of declining FDIs last year.

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ECONOMY 5

Dabawenyos gather outside City Hall’s City Planning and Development Office to process their business permits and other local government documents on Tuesday. Edge Davao

PRRD calls for passage of bills to attract foreign investment P

DOF prepares fiscal recovery plan for next administration

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he Department of Finance (DOF) is preparing a recovery plan to help the next administration easily make fiscal decisions.

“We are preparing the plan so that when we turn over to the next administration by June 30, 2022. There will be a good solid, what we call, a fiscal recovery plan,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said during an interview over PTV-4 on Monday.

Dominguez said the plan they are lining up for

possible adoption by the next administration includes tax hikes and reduction of some unnecessary spending.

He said tax reforms have allowed the current administration to be fiscally healthy and provided it the capacity to spend on pandemic-related expenses.

He added that because of the economy’s resilience, its credit ratings remain intact, at investment grade levels, amid the adjustment on its

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Congress has time to pass more economic measures: lawmakers

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ongress has time to pass several economic measures before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, lawmakers said Monday.

The Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Public Service Act and Foreign Investment Act “are all in advanced stages” of legislation, Sen. Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said.

“I think it’s reasonable to expect those 3,” Angara said.

Several measures under the administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Programs

(CTRP) are also pending.

But the income-generating packages have already been approved such as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN Law).

Duterte signed Package 1 or the TRAIN law in December 2017 and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE law in March.

CREATE is meant to attract more foreign investments.

Finance Secretary Carlos

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resident Rodrigo Duterte called on lawmakers to pass three priority bills meant to attract more foreign investments into the country.

“I would like to renew my call to Congress to immediately pass the amendments of priority legislative measures such as the Foreign Investments Act, the Public Service Act, and the Retail Trade and Liberalization Act,” Duterte said during his last State of the

Nation Address.

The proposed amendments to the Foreign Investments Act aim to let foreigners own small and medium-sized enterprises with a minimum paid-up capital of less than $100,000 if it involves advanced technology, or it employs at least

15 direct employees. The bill is seen improving technology transfer, raising foreign exchange from exports and leading to higher tax revenues.

The Public Services Act aims to limit the definition of utilities to the distribution and transmission of electricity, water and sewerage. Foreign businessmen say this will further open up the country’s telecommunications sector to non-Filipinos and improve

telco services.

The Retail Trade Liberalization Act meanwhile aims to open up the country’s retail sector by lowering the minimum paid-up capital for foreign retail investors.

The Management Association of the Philippines said it welcomes Duterte’s backing for these measures which it said are “necessary laws to encourage investments and stimulate our battered economy.”

ATE) law, which was signed into law on May 26, 2020 and took effect last July 1, as the biggest stimulus that will help buoy the domestic economy from the impact of the virus-induced pandemic.

This, as CREATE Act, or Republic Act 11534, reduces corporate income tax (CIT) from 30 percent to 25 percent for big business and to 20 percent for small enterprises, on a gradual basis.

“CREATE not only leaves more cash resources for firms to sustain employment or use for investments, but also positions them to be more regionally competitive

and attractive to foreign capital infusion,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said in his speech during the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) membership meeting last week.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), said his administration aims for “a simpler and more equitable and more efficient tax system than can foster investment and job creation” On Dec. 19, 2017, he signed into law Republic Act 10963, otherwise known as the Tax Reform for Acceler-

ation and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act. This law exempted workers with annual income of below PHP250,000 from paying income tax.

With the economy weakening because of the pandemic -- with the 2020 print by -9.5 percent -- economic managers believe that all measures, both monetary and fiscal, put in place since last year will allow the economy to recover this year to between 6-7 percent.

This growth target is the economy’s pre-pandemic level growth levels, as measured by gross domestic

Tax reforms boost PH economic recovery, pandemic response

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ax reform is the Duterte administration’s priority program eyed to boost government revenues for its flagship infrastructure projects, with an annual requirement set at around PHP1 trillion.

But little did economic managers know that this reform bid will be greatly used before the current administration ends its term in 2022, as the fiscal reforms further provided the government leeway to help finance pandemic-related spending.

Economic managers have touted the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CRE-

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DAVAO 6 EDGE VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

In admitting that he was upset upon learning that many government officials were involved in the illegal drug trade:

When I first said I will fight drugs in six months, I thought it was like in Davao. You can either coerce, intimidate, or bribe them, or give them money. Kaya ‘yan ang masakit sa loob ko (This is why I am upset). I did not know that I was fighting my own government.

Customs and everyone else were facilitating the importation of drugs. And one importation, as you can see it every night on TV, the police now seize about almost a billion worth of drugs every day.”

President Rodrigo Duterte

In his sixth and final State of the Nation Address

EDITORIAL Search is over It took the Philippines almost a century to earn its first Olympic gold medal.

ing world record holder Liao Quiyun.

Hidilyn Diaz ended the long drought for an Olympic gilt with her smashing triumph on Monday night. Not only did she win the elusive gold, she did it in style.

The future generations of Filipinos will be looking back to this day 26th of July, 2021.

97 years to be exact, the Holy Grail finally fell on our hands thanks to a brave, determined 30-year old woman from Zamboanga City.

Images if Hidilyn letting out an emotional outburst after her final lift will be immortalised not only in the annals of Philippine sports but also as one of memorable times in the nation’s history.

Hidilyn broke the Olympic record with a 127-kg lift in the clean and jerk. She also overcame China’s reign-

As fitting tribute to Hidilyn’s historic golden moment in the Olympics, perhaps we can commemorate this date in history as Hidilyn Diaz Day.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

FILIPINOS AND AMERICANS: THE DIFFERENCE When people learn that I have been to the United States several times, they usually ask, “What is the difference between the Philippines and the United States?” My usual reply is, “Plenty.” With their eyes wide open, they inquire, “Can you enumerate some?”

In the Philippines, we have the smorgasbord called “Eat All You Can.” You can’t call it that way in the United States. If you tell that to Americans, they will probably think otherwise. The reason: That’s gluttony in the highest order.

But those four words are still there, only scrambled. Instead, Americans name it “All You Can Eat.” It’s a restrained way of saying the same thing.

You can eat anything you want and as long as you want.

Unlike in the Philippines, the Americans have lots of choices. In our country, if we order soft drinks, the waiter usually gives you the kind of soft drink you want. When I was in New York in 2000, I ordered the soft drink I wanted. All of a sudden, I was bombarded with lots of questions: “Classic or diet?” “In can or in a bottle?” “With ice or without ice?”

Out there, you have to real-

ly tell what you want since, as I stated earlier, there are lots of choices.

When you order a beef steak, be sure to tell the waiter how you would like it to be cooked: rare (cooked with some blood still present), medium rare (half-cooked), and well-done (cooked the way most Filipinos like or “just like charcoal,” as Americans tells us).

Americans have specified meals to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, whatever leftovers you have for breakfast, that should not be eaten for lunch since that food was intended only for breakfast. At one time, I ate my breakfast leftover and when my nephew saw it, he told me: “That’s for breakfast and not for lunch.”

Breakfast is usually light, lunch is not too heavy, but you can eat like a king when it comes to dinner. This is the reason why most restaurants are fully-packed at night.

In the Philippines, we can always find a table when we go to a restaurant. But that’s not the case in the US; don’t immediately sit on a vacant table.

Instead, go to a waiting area. A waiter will come and ask you if you have a reservation. If you

haven’t, he will ask you how many people are there in the group. Once he gets this information, he will bring you to a table where the group can settle.

If you go out for dinner with your American friends, be sure not to open the bill which the waiter usually places on the table upside down after all of you have finished eating. Don’t even peep how much is the total bill.

If you do so, it means you are paying for the whole bill. Wait for the whole group to finish eating and then when the time comes to pay the bill, someone may ask, “How much do we need to pay?”

If you are going out with your family, don’t worry about the kids running inside the restaurant. Generally, children are given crayons and coloring books in order for them to have something to do while waiting for the food. Grown-up children are given some puzzles or toys.

Fast foods are a different story. When you enter, pictures of the food they are serving are displayed on top of the counter.

The pictures look smaller. Don’t ever dare to order two or more since one order, for a Filipino, may mean good for two or three persons.

Here in the Philippines, the pictures of food displayed are so huge that you think it is enough to satisfy your hunger. But that is not the case; you will find the food too small for your stomach to be filled.

Talking about children again, only children are supposed to be present in a children’s party. When my nephew celebrated his 8th birthday, and his parents threw him a party, he invited his friends and classmates. At 7 p.m., his friends and classmates arrived. The parents who brought them asked, “When do we need to pick our kids?”

This is not the case in the Philippines. Parents usually accompany their kids who attend a children’s party. The grownups (including the yayas) end up joining the party and the fun is intended for the children only.

Our usual greeting among male friends and acquaintances is a handshake or “beso-beso” among women. Out there in the US, they hug each other, whether male, female, or children. The first time I was there, I was having some problems hugging a male friend in front of so many people.

I have observed that Americans may not have the best traf-

fic rules but they follow them strictly. In fact, even if there are no cars around if there is a stop sign, the drivers usually stop. The Philippines may have the best traffic regulations but Filipinos don’t follow them. It’s no wonder why kotong cops are well-known in this country.

It was only there that I was able to learn to read maps.

When my uncle Carl, aunt Aida, and myself traveled from Columbus, Ohio to Alpharetta, Georgia, all we had was an address and a map. “Where are we now?” my aunt, who drove the car, inquired as I looked at the map.

There, you don’t get lost because signs abound.

The United States is a very big country. Texas, for instance, is almost four times the size of the Philippines. That is why a car is a necessity for them and not a luxury. They don’t have jeepneys, pedicabs, skylabs and trisikads out there. Imagine walking 10-15 kilometers from your home to the nearest shopping center.

These are just some of my observations on my travels and visit to the United States in recent years. I am sure other Filipinos who have the pleasure of going there also have different

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG KULE

LET’S CELEBRATE ACTIVISM An avatar called “Tumindig” recently became viral with the message that one must stand up for what he believes in and fight.

The digital drawing posted last July 17 by satirical cartoonist Tarantadong Kalbo centered on a standing fist person amidst a sea of bowed ones representing the fist bump gesture used

by President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies.

Followed by other “dissenters”, the raised fist is associated with activists who dared to stand up and stand out from the crowd.

The word activism came from the Latin root actus, “a doing, a driving.”

In general, activism consists of efforts to promote or participate in social, political, economic, legal, or environmental reforms with the desire to make changes in society toward a perceived greater good.

Any controversial social issues you can think of involve activism on both sides.

Activism is carried in several forms and varying levels of collective action from petition signing, letter writing, consultations, negotiations, pickets, and street protests.

University of the Philippines (UP) has always been associated with student activism.

Students have always been a potent force in social organization and social change in Philippine society.

When I entered UP Diliman in 1987, I was warned several times not to participate in rallies and be associated with the activist groups. Perhaps I was really a nerd for my first two years spending most of my time in the library and classrooms.

It was on my third year that I became part of the UP student movement as the photographer for the Philippine Collegian and later as a member of the Sandigan Para sa Mag-aaral at Sambayanan (SAMASA).

SAMASA began as a University-wide alliance of student organizations campaigning for the return of student institutions such as the Student Councils.

When the USC was re-established in 1981, SAMASA won landslide victories in that election and in several elections after.

SAMASA was one of the major student political parties during my UP student days in the 1980s and 1990s at the, the

others include Nagkaisang Tugon ( TUGON).

It was established when students’ movement is at its peak to defend their democratic rights to organize inside and even outside campus grounds The UP student activism has taught us the vision of service to the people.

The campus moulded us to fight for the causes we believe in; trained us for the skills we need to communicate ideas and rally others to effect changes in society.

One of the SAMASA election campaign poster in the early 1990s featured my photo with the phrase “May panahong magduda’t magtanong, ngayo’y panahon ng pagharap at pagsulong” lifted from one of the progressive songs.

A comrade once said SAMASA was never perfect. It perfectly believed in some ideas which died along the way. But it dared, too, to confront its own weaknesses in order to compose new songs for imperfect realities. People die, so as organizations. But for some compelling design of certain historically contextualized habits, like commitment and consistency, shad-

ows from the past that persist to own warm bodies manage to resurrect ideas that continue to be formidable. Thus, SAMASA died because it needed to live again!

“Does activism still matter?” is the question posed during the recent webinar sponsored by SAMASA as part of its 40th year anniversary.

SAMASA stalwart Atty. Raffy Aquino summarized the answer of the discussants, including veteran journalist Malou Mangahas, by identifying the four elements of activism.

First, habituality of constancy. Activism cannot be occasional alliances, to be engaged only when convenient.

Second, change. Activism is progressive, always looking forward to what may be, what ought to be. One who acts only to preserve the ways thing are is reactionary, not activist.

Third, society. It is both the object of change, and its site. It is the betterment of the human condition, as found in communities and countries, that is the activist’s concern. Because power is relevant to the changing of that condition, activism is political.

Fourth, collective action.

There are no lone-ranger activists. Activists seek to connect and organize, because the action of many is more telling than the act of one person.

There is a fifth element of activism that runs through these four: thought. Activists have to be both militant and expert, committed and competent, and thus, must be thinking activists.

Thoughtful activism demands that we learn and unlearn, read before we write, listen before we speak. We, from the various professions and businesses, enrich all pathways to activism, through constant study and intellectual clarification.

One needs to see the world from a different perspective, not to be complacent to submit to the status quo, and not to be afraid to be critical.

Let us celebrate activism.

Kule is the monicker of Philippine Collegian, the official student publication of UP Diliman. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786

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LIFESTYLE WHETHER there’s Covid-19 pandemic or not, climate change is here to stay.

For most of us, the pandemic is the most desperate of times. Not quite for Andrew Worsley, Board of Director of Puno Edukasyon at Para sa Kabuhayan (PEP), who thinks the pandemic is a great opportunity to commune with nature and do something for the environment.

PEP recently launched Trees in the City program in partnership with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the regional office of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR 11), which aims to protect the environment as well as to educate and provide livelihood to communities where the trees will be deployed.

“What we want to do is bring climate change awareness and educate people on the importance of local and indigenous trees on the environment,” Worsley said.

During the launching, PEP readied 160 small trees and seedlings of 15 different species including Kamagong, Tugas, Banaba, etc.

The small trees were planted in plastic drums while the seedlings in black plastic bags.

After the launch, some of the trees were deployed outside DENR 11 and some were placed in various establishments around Davao City.

“We want to introduce the city as a nursery.

When the trees get too big for the drum, we’ll then take the drum, kept the drums open and plant the tree firmly, example outside the government office, schools, or wherever the PCSO wish the tree permanently planted,” Worsley said.

He said in Davao City, they are looking at deploying the trees at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), transport terminals, other places where people need to hangout and have a better destressing.

This is perfect particularly for those medical practitioners who continue fighting and saving patients against Covid-19 because some people say spending time among the trees can help them relax, refuel and give them a

break from the worries and stress that dominate in their daily lives.

Trees also play a vital role in the communities through tree care and management activities.

Worsley said to make this project sustainable they will tap people who will serve as caretakers to make sure that the trees are in tiptop shape always.

“Also we will give seedlings to people for free and we will come back, one year or two-year time and pay them. Everybody benefits,” he said.

After Davao City, Worsley said they are targeting to plant trees as far as Cebu City, Bacolod City, and Bohol.

“We have to do it because the world is changing and if we don’t change, there might be nothing left for us,” he said.

TREES IN THE CITY

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AGRITRENDS

9

RAISING DUCKS FOR

BALUT AND SALTED EGGS Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

R

ice is the staple food of Filipino along with fish. “If we did not have rice, our deepest comfort food, we would probably feel less Filipino,” the late food columnist Doreen Fernandez once said.

Duck raising is an old industry in the Philippines.

It has been in the country for so long a time that nobody can say definitely when it started. The early Chinese traders supposedly introduced duck raising into the country, and when the Spaniards settled in Manila, they found it already a thriving business in – where else? – Pateros (the Spaniards always referred to its inhabitants as pateros, which means “duck raisers”).

Today, ducks are raised anywhere in the country.

Although it ranks second only to chicken for egg and meat production, duck is also an important sub sector of the Philippine poultry industry. It provides employment and income-generating opportunities for Filipinos, particularly those in the rural and marginal areas.

Unknowingly, duck production is one of the most profitable livestock industries in the country mainly because of its egg. There are different species of ducks that are raised for egg production.

Most farmers have a hard time determining which of these species are applicable in their farms.

Due to this problem, Filipino agricultural scientists did continuous selection and breeding of the

traditional Pateros duck.

In a project conducted by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and the National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center (NSPRDC), a genetically superior breed duck called itik Pinas (IP) was developed.

IP has three strains: two of which are pure lines known as IP-Itim (black strain) and IP-Khaki (Campbell strain) and one commercial hybrid line, IP-Kayumanggi (brown strain).

The IP-Itim ducks have the following production characteristics: begin laying eggs at age of 23 weeks; production peaks at the age of 29 weeks; have a peak production of 99%; produce about 256 eggs per year; consume about 12.8 kilograms of feed between day one and 18 weeks of age; and daily feed intake is 142 grams during their laying period.

On the other hand, the IP-Khaki ducks have the following production characteristics: begin laying eggs at the age of 22 weeks; production peaks at the age of 29 weeks; have a peak production of 98%; produce about 256 eggs per year; consume about 12.5 kilograms of

feed between day one and 18 weeks of age; and daily feed intake is 149 grams during their laying period.

Meanwhile, the IP-Kayumanggi ducks have the following production characteristics: start laying eggs at the age of 20 weeks; production peaks at the age of 29 weeks; have a peak production of 98%; produce about 266 eggs per year; consume about 12.5 kilograms of feed between day one and 18 weeks of age; and daily feed intake is 140 grams during their laying period.

Unfortunately, duck eggs are not popular compared with chicken eggs.

The reason: duck eggs have this fishy odor and flavor which most Filipinos don’t like at all.

Most duck eggs end up being processed into two major Filipino delicacies: balut (a fertilized egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell) and salted egg (itlog na maalat).

It might be unacceptable to most foreigners but for Filipinos, balut is one of the country’s most treasured delicacies. In fact, making balut is native to the Philippines. A similar preparation is known in China as maodan (literally “feathered egg”), and Chinese traders and migrants are said to have brought the idea of eating fertilized duck eggs back from the Philippines.

However, the knowledge and craft of balut-making has been localized by the balut-mak-

ers (locally known as magbabalut). Today, balut production has not been mechanized in favor of the traditional production by hand.

Named after the Filipino term which means “wrapped,” balut has been touted as aphrodisiac as it boosts libido. Studies have shown balut contains 12.6 grams of protein, 181 calories and good sources of Vitamin B1 and B2, minerals, niacin, beta carotene and other supplements.

Balut is common on street drinking sessions and just chatting with friends late at night. Generally, balut is being sold mostly when the street lights are on by vendors in baskets covered with thick foams and cloths to keep them warm.

Generally, balut is eaten with a pinch of salt, though some balut-eaters prefer chili and vinegar to complement their egg. The egg is savored for its balance of texture and flavor; the broth surrounding the embryo is sipped from the egg before the shell is peeled and the yolk and young chick inside can be eaten.

All of the contents of the egg are consumed.

“This food is the defining factor of all exotic foods in the country,” one foreigner commented. “It has made the Philippines unique from all of the countries in the world. Hopefully, in the future, the world will be ready for it and that the Philippines will make it an international phenomenon.”

Balut has been the

“shocking” topic of some television shows because of its taboo nature in some Western cultures. In two episodes of Survivor: Palau and two episodes of Survivor: China, separate challenges featured attempts to eat this fertilized egg. Similarly, Fear Factor frequently uses balut as a means of disgusting contestants. The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs.

Team Mir featured balut eaten by several contestants after its introduction by a Filipino-American fighter Phillipe Nover.

Recently, balut has entered higher cuisine in the Philippines by being served as appetizers in restaurants: cooked adobo style, fried in omelets or even used as filling in baked pastries.

Like balut, salted egg (itlog na maalat) is now well accepted by Filipino consumers. In fact, it is a common feature in Filipino dining tables especially during breakfast. It can be eaten along with steamed rice or mixed in salad style with diced tomatoes and onions.

Salted egg is also used as an ingredient in pastries and toppings on breads and other bakery products, especially bibingka. In China (where it is eaten with congee), the yolk of salted egg is highly prized as it is used in mooncakes to symbolize the moon.

The shelf life of salted eggs can now be extended by using the cassava starch-potassium sorbate coating developed by the University of the Philip-

pines at Los Baños (UPLB) in tandem with PCAARRD. “Application of coating is considered a practical method in extending the shelf life of salted duck eggs stored at ambient temperature from 5 to 12 weeks,” PCAARRD, a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), said in a briefer.

The coating is composed of cassava starch (4-6%), glycerol (1-3%), potassium sorbate (0.30.5%), and water (9095%). Apply this coating to boiled salted eggs through soaking and drying (using a 50+3⁰C cabinet dryer) for two hours.

Aside from extending the shelf life of salted duck eggs, the technique also prevents moisture loss and microbial contamination and improves sensory characteristics.

What’s in a salted egg? Nutritionists say it is packed with nutrients.

Compared to fresh egg, balut, or century egg, salted egg is highest in calcium (120 milligrams), carbohydrates (4.4 milligrams), ash (202 milligrams), and thiamin (0.74 milligram).

So popular is salted egg that Filipinos who are now living or working abroad are looking for it.

A study conducted by Dr. Jovita M. Datuin, of the Don Mariano Marcos State University showed the Philippines is already exporting processed duck products including salted eggs to Kuwait, Arabia, Peninsula, Bahrain, and even the Trust Territory in the Pacific Islands.

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HISTORYDILYN... FROM2

wasn’t easy.

In June 2019, Diaz had to ask for financial support on social media.

“Is it okay to ask sponsorship sa mga private companies towards Tokyo 2020? Hirap na hirap na ako.

I need financial support. Sa tingin niyo okay lang kaya?

Nahihiya kasi ako pero try ko kapalan muha ko para sa minimithi kong pangarap para sa ating bansa na maiuwi ang Gold Medal sa Olympics,” she posted on her Instagram stories.

And then there’s the pandemic.

Under a pandemic lockdown and with the lack of access to available equipment, she had to improvise in order to continue her training.

With ingenuity and determination, Diaz had to use broomsticks, resistance bands, and gym bags as makeshift weights to replace the non-existent barbells.

Weightlifting news page BarBend Strength Sports News was able to document the moment uploaded a video on Instagram dated December 4, 2020.

“Sometimes, when you can’t make it to the gym, you’ve gotta make do with what you have,” the publication said. “Rio Olympic Silver Medalist finding a way to keep the legs strong during lockdown.”

Diaz’s breakthrough gold medal win sent ripples on social media as everyone in the Philippines turned into instant Hidilyn worshipers.

Some event went off tangent and touched on political undertones.

The Palace and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go went on Facebook to send his greetings to the country’s first Olympic gold medalist.

“The Palace congratulates Hidilyn Diaz for bringing pride and glory to the Philippines for winning the country’s firstever Olympic Gold medal (weightlifting women’s 55kg),” said Presidential

Spokesperson Harry Roque on his Facebook page.

The Olympic gold medal came just hours after President Duterte delivered his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) under his term.

ident to become a lame duck in his last year in office. But we have a president who even during his last year is not a lame duck and remains powerful. Our countrymen continue to listen to him),” Andanar said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in an interview with CNN Philippines, said Duterte continues to enjoy the “trendsetting popularity” in terms of trust rating and satisfaction scores.

“No other President has achieved this. So, despite the fact that we have a handful of protesters and almost professionally conducting these protest actions, an overwhelming majority of the people support the President, continue to trust and are satisfied with its leadership,” Roque said.

‘Passing’ scores Meantime, the same survey by PUBLiCUS showed that the Duterte government has received “passing” marks in infrastructure development (7.33), taking care of

overseas Filipino workers (6.72), providing public education (6.69), promoting peace in Mindanao (6.55), and anti-terrorism drive (6.52).

The Duterte administration has also earned “passing” scores in crime reduction and providing health services (both 6.49), Covid-19 response efforts (6.40), food security (6.39), economic development (6.27), poverty reduction (6.18), job generation and dealing with corruption (both 6.11), foreign affairs (6.05), and energy security (6.02).

However, the government has failed to obtain passing marks in promoting human rights (5.86) and managing inflation (5.82), PUBLiCUS said.

It also noted that the government’s popular projects and programs include the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program (67.1 percent), Bayanihan Acts (43.9 percent), anti-narcotics drive (40.9 percent), and the Universal Health Care Act (31.8 percent). (PNA)

“Congratulations to Hidilyn Diaz for winning the Philippines’ first ever gold medal in the entire history of the Olympic Games! I join the whole Filipino people in saluting your excellence and excellence! Your hard work, discipline and success inspire all of us, especially young people who aspire to be athletes just like you. Seeing our flag flying high inspires us further to overcome the challenges and rise triumphant amid the crises we are facing.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and on behalf of the Filipino people, thank you for giving us hope and bringing pride once more to our beloved country.

Long live, Hidilyn Diaz, and all Filipino athletes,” Go said in a statement.

Going back to the historic lift.

After finishing tied for second with China’s reigning world champion Liao Qioyun in the snatch, Diaz needed to be nothing short of perfect in her three attempts in the clean and jerk to beat the Chinese favorite in what by then became a veritable chess game in the end.

Diaz had never succeeded in lifting 127kg even in training, but had consistently gone above 120kg in the weeks leading up to the quadrennial conclave.

There was no turning back. It’s lift or bust. Gold or silver.

Diaz must have heard 110 million voices chanting her name.

With one mighty burst of strength, Hidilyn Diaz-the girl from Mindanao-lifted the nation.

The search is over.

DUTERTE... FROM2

VOL.14 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

LAWMAKERS ... FROM 2 ored to have authored and shepherded in Congress, is taught as a module in some of the world’s best universities,” he said.

Prior to the pandemic, Salceda said average growth rates under Duterte’s presidency were higher than any other President since 1986 while the average inflation rates are lower than any other presidency even after the pandemic ensued.

“Amidst the chaos and disruption of the Covid-19, it is important to remember that under normal times, President Duterte’s socio-economic policies have worked to keep us growing, and has helped spread newly created wealth and its benefits to more Filipinos, through an aggressive public investment plan. Indeed, President Duterte’s resolve was the iron fist inside the boxing gloves of the economic team,” Salceda said.

He expressed gratitude to President Duterte for setting the country’s econom-

ic policy direction for this final year, highlighting the importance of countryside development in peace and order, governance reforms, and economic bills to relax restrictions on foreign investments, among others.

“Moving forward, completing herd immunity as early as possible this year, and properly spending the PHP45 billion buffer we set aside for 2022, will be of the highest importance in economic recovery,” he said.

“The passage of the amendments to the Public Service Act, the Foreign Investments Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act will also be crucial to creating new jobs and opening new businesses.”

Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers said he would push for the re-opening of the case of nine Philippine National Police generals who were allegedly involved in illegal drugs but have remained scot-free.

pareho ng iba. Kaya lang sinabi ko, make Davao the last priority,” the President said.

When completed, the 18.5-kilometer Davao City

Coastal Road will cut travel time from Toril to downtown from 45 minutes to only 15 minutes. The project is expected to benefit 7,500 motorists per day.

No. 0477-21, Series of 2021 or the Mandatory Testing Prior to Entry into the Davao City via DIA. The city also followed the policy of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging

Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) requiring OFWs and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) to undergo a 14-day quarantine in Davao City before proceeding to their final destinations.

was then under the influence of illegal drug shabu and intoxicated liquor when he committed the crime.

Cabiltes surrendered to authorities because he was bothered by his conscience.

“Naka-droga siya at uminom ng alak noong panahon ng mangyari ang insidente,” Kraft said.

The suspect was assisted by Lawyer Wilmer Donasco in the execution of the waiver and extra judicial confession explained the content of the waiver and

extra judicial confession to the suspect and the consequences and the outcome of his admission which the latter signed with no hesitation.

The extra judicial confession was received by City Prosecutor Maria Estrella Dulla-Valles in the presence of assisting counsel Donasco as the case now awaits preliminary investigation.

A case of rape with homicide was filed against Cabiltes at the City Prosecutors Office on Saturday (July 24).

evacuees as well as other residents, he said.

“We assured them that they should not worry or fear for their safety from the ongoing operations,” Alvez said in a statement.

Mercy Alonzo, Barangay Lapu chairperson, said affected residents remained at the evacuation center in the barangay gymnasium as of Monday morning.

She said they were still waiting for clearance from the 5th Special Forces so they can facilitate the return of the evacuees to their homes in Puroks 1, 2 and 3.

“None of them were hurt, they just panicked and immediately fled after hearing the gunfire,” she said in a radio interview.

Alonzo said the Provincial Disaster Risk Re-

duction and Management Office, the municipal government of Polomolok, and several local officials have brought food and relief assistance to the evacuees.

Alvez said the 10th SF Company led by Capt. Harold Layan also delivered relief goods composed of rice packs, bread, noodles and canned goods.

He reiterated that their operations against local terrorist groups will continue to protect residents and communities in the area.

“We are ready to stake our lives just to ensure the safety of every resident against anyone with ill intentions and those plotting to sow conflict and terror, and disrupt the peaceful lives of innocent civilians,” he said. (PNA)

SARA ... FROM 3

RETURNING ... FROM 3

PARKING ... FROM 3

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ECONOMIC... FROM 4 “We maintain a good credit rating, which means that we borrow at very good terms for us so our children and grandchildren will not have to pay so high interest rates,” he said.

The domestic economy registered a contraction, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), of 9.5

percent in 2020 due to the effects of the pandemic.

In the first quarter of this year, the contraction was at 4.2 percent.

Economic managers recently maintained their 6 percent to 7-percent GDP growth target this year as the economy re-opens and recovery efforts are being implemented. (PNA)

credit rating outlook.

Earlier this month, Fitch Ratings affirmed its ‘BBB’ rating on the Philippines but changed the outlook from stable to negative because of the economic impact of the

pandemic.

Dominguez dubbed the ratings outlook adjustment as “normal” because of the pandemic, adding that the credit ratings have remained the same. (PNA)

Dominguez III earlier said the administration would push for 2 more tax reform measures meant to revamp the country’s property valuation system, and simplify the taxation of passive income, financial services and transactions.

“The heavy lifting has been done, really. These other tax reform packages are no longer revenue-generating except maybe for the tax on POGOs,” he added.

If there is still enough time, Congress might also be able to finalize a measure meant to finalize tax laws for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).

Senate Majority leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri earlier said the Senate aims to

pass 10 measures to strengthen the economy.

Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said “much of the framework for recovery is in place.”

What the administration can do is to “mobilize” the resources, he said.

Moving forward, the Philippines should do more to strengthen agriculture, science and reproductive health law.

The country’s economy has seen its worst level since the end of World War 2 at -9.6 percent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gross domestic product has since been gradually recovering but surges in infections due to new COVID-19 variants threaten gains.

product (GDP).

For 2022, the growth target was set between 7 and 9 percent while normalization is seen in 2023 and 2024 with GDP target set between 6 and 7 percent.

Economic managers have repeatedly said that spending, not just for infrastructure projects but also for the vaccination program against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), have been ensured until the proposed budget for 2022.

For one, the estimated disbursements for 2021 and 2022 have been retained at PHP4.74 trillion, or about 23.9 percent of GDP, and PHP4.95 trillion, or about 22.4 percent of GDP, respectively.

These spending goals have been set with considerations on ensuring that budget deficit levels remain sustainable.

Budget gap ceiling for this year was set at 9.3 percent of GDP while it is at 7.5 percent of GDP for 2022, 5.9

percent of GDP for 2023, and 4.3 percent of GDP for 2024.

Relatively, revenue target for this year has been set at PHP2.88 trillion while the 2022 figure has been set at PHP3.29 trillion; 2023, PHP3.59 trillion; and 2024, PHP4 trillion.

Last week, Dominguez said they aim to allocate PHP45 billion in next year’s national budget for additional Covid-19 vaccine procurement.

Authorities have repeatedly said that the vaccination program is among the primary measures against the pandemic and that funds are readily available.

Ensuring that all the adult population are vaccinated means lessening the risks of them being critically ill of the virus if ever they get infected, they said.

They also said that ensuring that most of the population get vaccinated would provide the scope for the continued re-opening of the economy. (PNA)

he added.

Duterte certified the three legislative measures as urgent in a letter addressed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III last April.

The economic reform bills are also targeted to

be passed by October this year.

“You have to work on this, guys. Well, I’m sure that we can have a respite of this contagion in your own little way,” Duterte said in his SONA. (PNA)

tion with this sponsorship.

Our hope is that this is only the beginning of a golden era for Philippine sports and

that more entities from all sectors extend support so we can have more golds in the future,” Zorrilla added.

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Dabawenya boxer Nesthy Petecio takes on Colombia’s Yeni Marcela Arias Castaneda in the quarterfinals of the 54-57kg boxing competitions Wednesday at the Kokugikan Arena

Nesthy guns for semis

T

OKYO – Two days after Hidilyn Diaz’s gold medal conquest in the Summer Olympic Games, Nesthy Petecio gets her turn on the spotlight when she takes on Colombia’s Yeni Marcela Arias Castaneda in the quarterfinals of the 54-57kg boxing competitions Wednesday at the Kokugikan Arena here.

Petecio, the featherweight champion of the 2019 World Boxing Championships, shoots for the bronze medal at 10 a.m.

(Philippine time) against the bronze medalist in the 2019 Pan American Games.

If Petecio hurdles the Colombian, she only needs to win two more to win the gold.

“We will look at the videos of her (Castaneda) fights here,” said Petecio’s

Australian coach Don Abnett. “We know her next opponent will be tough, but we’re very confident.”

Indeed, they are.

On Monday, Petecio removed the biggest stumbling block in her road to glory by beating tournament topseed and world’s no. 1 in Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-Ting by fashioning out a 3-2 split decision victory. Prior to this, Petecio pulled off a

dominant 5-0 mauling of Congo’s Marcelat Sakobi Matshu in her first bout.

“I want to win the gold medal for my country, but I know that I will have to work hard for it,” said Petecio in Filipino after her win over Lin. On Thursday, Eumir Felix Marcial, predicted by Association Press to win a gold medal here, debuts against Younes Nemouchi of Algeria in the 69-76kg

division at 10:48 a.m.

(Philippine time), while Irish Magno, fresh off her 5-0 demolition of Kenyan Christine Ongare, in the 4851kg, takes on Thailand’s Jutamas Jitpong next at 12:24 p.m. (Philippine time).

Carlo Paalam, after posting a 4-1 win over Ireland’s Brendan Irvine, fights Algeria’s Mohamed Flissi on Saturday at 10:48 a.m. (Philippine time).

tament to the unwavering spirit of the Filipino to rise above all odds,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

Diaz, a 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist, prevailed in a neck and neck showdown with China’s Liao Qiuyun in the clean-and-jerk lift as their battle for the gold went down the wire.

Finishing tied with Diaz in the snatch with a 97-kg. maximum lift, Liao lifted 126 kg. in her final lift, forcing Diaz to go for 127 to steal the top spot from Liao.

Diaz, however, smooth-

ly cleared the 127-kg. lift to win it all, also setting an Olympic record in the process.

Her 224-kg. total is also an Olympic record.

“Your One Defense Team is proud of you, Sergeant Diaz!” Lorenzana said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said Diaz’s historic feat brought “pride and glory” to the military and the country.

Sobejana said the entire AFP was inspired by Diaz’s

hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

“We wish her the best moving forward. Soar high, Airwoman!” he added.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes said Diaz personifies the “Diwa, Galing at Malasakit” of members of the Air Force.

Diaz, who hails from Zamboanga, entered the PAF as an active personnel in 2013 and is currently an organic personnel of its Civil-Military Operations Group. (PNA)

oil company in the country, Phoenix Petroleum through Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Sports Foundation, Inc., an initiative launched in 2018.

“I think many of us felt so much pride and joy seeing our flag being raised, and our National Anthem being played, while honoring the historic win of Hidilyn Diaz.

It’s all the more special for us because she is a Phoenix-athlete whose tough journey has finally given our country

its first Olympic gold medal,” said Atty. Raymond Zorrilla, Phoenix Petroleum Senior Vice President.

Zorrilla stated that the company has been an active supporter of Philippine sports, having its own team in the Philippine Basketball Association, and having established Siklab Atleta, a dedicated foundation that helps athletes as they gun for the country’s first Gold at the Olympics. The latter was

launched on March 3, 2018 as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the private sector. The following year, as the weightlifting athlete was preparing for her Olympic bid, Phoenix granted Diaz a sponsorship worth Php 2 million through a memorandum of agreement signed between the company and the Philippine Sports Commission.

“From fueling the dream, we now hope to fuel inspira-

Hidilyn’s Olympic win brings ‘pride, glory’ to PH

D

epartment of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and other ranking military officials expressed pride and lauded Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for her historic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympic Games Monday night.

Diaz, a Philippine Air Force sergeant, bagged the country’s first gold medal since joining the Olympiad in 1924 after dominating the women’s 55-kg. weightlifting competition.

“Her success is a tes-

Phoenix to award Diaz P5M, lifetime free fuel

W The Philippines’Margielyn Didal finished 7th in skateboarding.

eightlifter Hidilyn Diaz brought pride to the nation, and inspired Filipino athletes as she fulfills the country’s almost century-old dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.

After winning the first-ever gold medal for the Philippines at the Tokyo Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz will be given Php 5 million, and free fuel for life by long-time supporter and third largest

FPHOENIX, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 115 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

ONE MORE GO Butch leaves option open for Hidilyn to compete in Paris

BY NEIL BRAVO

M

oments after the “golden mission“ was completed, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez informed the Palace of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s feat.

“The President and Senator Bong Go were very happy last night when I informed them of this gold,” Ramirez told this writer through a message from Tokyo.

The next mission is to try to do back-to-back golds by the Zamboanga City lass and that will be in 2024 in Paris.

By then, Diaz will be 33 and should still be young enough to duplicate her feat if she stays competitive.

That’s the operative word.

Competitive.

“She is an exceptional elite athlete who are hard to find,” said Ramirez of Diaz.

The country’s sports czar paid tribute to Diaz’s “enormous dedication to get the first gold.”

And as reports circulated before the historic golden performance in Tokyo, Diaz could be thinking of ending her career after accomplishing the Mt. Rushmore of her career.

Ramirez said he hasn’t asked Diaz about returning for Paris.

“We are giving her options to pursue to Paris or focus her life and love,” he said.

Ramirez became the first PSC chief to produce back to back Olympic medals after Diaz’s silver in Rio five years ago.

“The Filipino people were

monitoring her fight last night. First time we sang the Phil National Anthem with pride and honor to be part of her journey.”

Ramirez hopes the 19man Philippine contingent can win another medal in Tokyo.

“We will sustain this momentum not only weightlifting but also in other Olympic Sports,” he said.

Hidilyn Diaz celebrates after her final lift. Olympic.com photo