Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 117 | Friday, July 30, 2021

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A police officer helps a visually impaired person cross a street and gets a ride to work along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City on Thursday.

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3 of 16 close contacts of the first Delta variant case in Davao City tested positive STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 117 • FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte returns the salute of weightlifter and airwoman Hidilyn Diaz, who won the country’s first Olympic gold medal, during a video call at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park on Wednesday night. President Duterte told Diaz that she will be awarded with the Medal of Merit, fully furnished house and lot in Zamboanga City and P3-million aside from the P10-million incentive provided by law. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

POSITIVE CONTACTS T 3 of 16 close contacts of the first Delta

City expects rise in number of second jabs with AstraZeneca

variant case in Davao City tested positive

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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Schlosser has confirmed a 28-year-old female as the first case of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in Davao City on July 26, 2021.

The patient was swabbed on June 26, 2021, after her exposure to a confirmed symptomatic Covid-19 case at her workplace.

The City Health Office (CHO) received the confirmatory results of the surveillance test from the

UP-Philippine Genome Center on July 24, 2021. The patient has completed the required isolation period of 14 days and has since recovered.

Before her exposure, the case has received her first dose of Sinovac vaccine and three days after her isolation, the second dose of the said vaccine.

The case in Davao City is the second case in Davao Region with Delta variant.

On July 25, 2021, Tagum City Health Officer Dr. Arnel Florendo announced via a Facebook post that a 22-year-old female patient with no

recent travel history was the first confirmed local case of the Delta variant or B.1.617.2 in Tagum City.

Dr. Annabelle Yumang, director of the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11), said that there is a big possibility that a person will also get Delta variant if exposed to a person with a Delta variant of Covid-19.

“Dako ang possibility nga kung natakdan siya sa Delta variant, Delta variant pud ang nakainfect sa iya, unless naa pa siya lain exposure sa mga other variants such as Alpha and Beta variants,” she said.

Ortiz, spokesperson of DPWH 11 during the AFPPNP media briefing on Wednesday.

The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) announced via Facebook on Monday that Bolton Bridge 2 will be temporarily closed for motorists starting July 31, 2021 until August 31, 2021, after cracks were detected as results of the series of earthquakes in

2019.

“The cracks are not alarming, kay daghan pa man ta mga columns nga nag-support sa bridge. We would like to make it clear na dili ang mga columns ang naguba pero isa lang ka diaphragm na patunganan sa atoang super structure,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz said what remains to be done in the next four weeks is the removal of the concrete slab above Pier

no. 3 of the said bridge.

“Kaning concrete slab is katong super structure nato, so ang i-repair nato is kaning diaphragm diri sa baba. Kung mao ni ang column sa bridge, katong patunganan sa atong pavement. Mao to ang pinaka crucial na part sa atoang maintenance didto because naa ta’y nakita na mga feasible cracks as result sa series of earth-

ut of the 16 close contacts in work place of the first Delta variant case in Davao City, three have so far tested positive.

Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said the city traced the index case of the first recorded Delta case and assured there is no household contact since the patient is living alone.

“Apparently the patient was living alone, hence, no immediate family members were exposed,” she said.

There were 16 close contacts traced, all at her work place exposure.

Bridges crossing Davao River in good condition, except Bolton Bridge 2: DPWH

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n official of the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured that all bridges in Davao City that crossed the Davao River are in good condition except Bolton Bridge 2.

“Sa tanang bridges nga nakatabok sa Davao River, kini lang ang nakitaan nato ug problema ang Bolton Bridge 2. Ang Bridge 1 wala’y problema,” said Dean

FBRIDGES, P10

he city government of Davao is expecting the increase in the number of second dosers with AstraZeneca vaccine during the first week of August.

“Fortunately, though, this coming first week of August we will be rolling out second dose of AstraZeneca, hence we will expect the rise in the number of second jabs with this brand,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force.

Schlosser explained that those who had AstraZeneca jabs, the interval time from the first dose to second dose is one month to three months, but the city does the three months interval most often than not.

She said during the first few weeks of the city’s vaccination roll out, Davao City had been allocated with AstraZeneca brand of vac-

cine and based on the data showed there were a lot of Dabawenyos who received first dose and low number of second dose.

Schlosser also shared the number of Dabawenyos administered with AstraZeneca vaccine as of July 25, 2021: for Priority A1 (health care workers), the city recorded 9,000 for the first dose and 4,992 for the second dose; for Priority A2 (senior citizens) 4,000 for the first dose and 336 for the second dose (because of the time interval) as of July 28, 2021; for Priority A3 (persons with comorbidities) 7,871 for the first dose and 337 for the second dose; for Priority A4 (essential workers) 24,651 for first dose of AstraZeneca and 22,000 for the second dose; and for A5 (indigent/IPs) 330 for first dose of AstraZeneca (no roll

FCITY, P10

19 former rebels undergo ‘de-radicalization’ process

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t least 19 former members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who voluntarily surrendered to government troops in Davao de Oro are currently undergoing “de-radicalization” programs to prepare them to return to a peaceful life.

Brig. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, said that the process which normally lasts for 10 days would help these former rebels prevent them from being lured by the communist ideologues again.

“The de-radicalization is also part of the processes of the Enhanced Comprehensive Integration Pro-

gram (ECLIP) in order to prepare the former members of the CTGs for their reintegration to mainstream society,” he said.

10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Ernesto Torres also acknowledged the efforts of the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro in its implementation of the Whole of Nation Approach to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Torres thanked the decision of the former rebels in returning to the folds of the law and living normal lives and expressed gratitude to the partners and stakeholders in addressing the needs of the FRs.

VOL.14 ISSUE 117 • FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Dabawenyos will be allowed to choose their schedule for vaccination against COVID-19 as the online booking feature of the Safe Davao QR (DQR) will be up next week to provide convenience and avoid overcrowding at the vaccination sites. Edge Davao

LCEs have right to complain vs. poor electricity service: Cusi E

nergy Secretary Alfonso Cusi yesterday said local chief executives (LCEs) like provincial governors and mayors have the right to complain against poor electricity service because they are protecting the interests of their constituents as mandated by the Local Government Code.

“Elected leaders have the mandate to protect the welfare of their areas and their constituents. When their constituents are suffering from unstable pow-

er supply, poor electricity services, and high cost of power, the elected leaders are duty-bound to bring up the fight. That is their job as elected leaders,” said Cusi,

also the vice chair of the ruling Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Cusi’s pronouncement disputed the statement of Edgardo Masongsong, head of the National Electrification Administration, who threatened local chief executives of complaints before the Ombudsman for what he termed as interfering in the affairs of electric cooperatives.

Masongsong’s statement was in defense of the

North Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco), new name of Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (Daneco), which has been besieged with clamor to transfer its remaining franchise area in the province to the Davao Light and Power Co. (Davao Light).

Davao Light has been servicing Panabo City, Sto. Tomas, Carmen and Dujali, all parts of Davao del Norte, since 1976.

Cusi added: “That is why it is important for the public

to elect and support leaders who look beyond just political and personal gain. We need leaders who will look after the long-term needs of their communities including energy security -- which is cornerstone for economic growth for a locality.”

He said franchise holders, whether they be for electricity service or other public utilities, are only given the privilege by the government to provide the services, and that this is never an exclusive right.

“If you are not providing the service that is demanded of you, when your consumers are no longer happy with you, when your finances are crumbling down, the government can always step in for the benefit of the consumers. That is now our mandate as national government officials,” he said.

Masongsong’s statement also annoyed two city mayors of Davao del Norte as they have been among those vocal about their support for

FLCEs, P10

Disaster resiliency a priority: Go

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enator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his appreciation towards President Rodrigo Duterte for supporting many of his proposed legislative measures, especially those that would address natural and human-induced disasters, during the latter’s final State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 26.

Since being elected as Senator in 2019, Go has been committed to pushing measures that are intended to create a quicker and more unified whole-of-government approach during crisis situations.

“Iisa po ang hangarin namin ni Pangulong Duterte kaya naman nagpapasalamat po ako sa Pangulo for mentioning some of my priority bills during his final SONA,” said Go. “Naiintindihan po ni Pangulong Duterte na iba’t ibang krisis at sakuna ang hinaharap ng mga Pilipino bawat taon. Kung gaano kabilis makasira ng pamumuhay ang mga di inaasahang pangyayaring ito, mas mabilis dapat ang aksyon ng gobyerno upang mapaghandaan at maprotek-

FDISASTER, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 117 • FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

A vendor sorts out steamed corn that he will peddle around downtown area in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

Digital banking catalyst for financial inclusion -- BSP T

DTI chief not in favor to limit the movement of unjabbed persons

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igital banking is helping the Philippines achieve its financial inclusion goal which is essential to economic growth, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday.

The BSP earlier released a digital banking framework that set a distinct classification and has paved the way for purely digital banks to operate in the country.

Digital banks have no physical branches. All transactions, including on-boarding and opening of accounts,

are done online.

“Like an automobile bringing passengers to their desired destinations, the Digital Banking Framework contributes to transporting the country to greater financial inclusion and to further realization of a well-oiled financial sys-

tem in the Philippines,” BSP Gov. Benjamin Diokno said in a webinar.

The measure promotes innovations, cyber resilience and boosts digitalization of the financial sector, the central bank said.

A “sound” digital governance, secure and resilient technology infrastructure and effective data management strategy should guide the digital-centric financial business model, the BSP said.

So far, the Monetary

Board has approved digital bank licenses to Landbank’s Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank), Tonik Bank, UNOBank and most recently UnionBank.

Diokno earlier said several other groups have filed an application to establish a digital bank including the Gokongwei group.

The BSP’s goal is to increase digital payments to 50 percent and to encourage 70 percent of the population to have their own bank accounts by 2023.

rade Secretary Ramon Lopez does not agree with the recommendation to limit the movement of unvaccinated persons amid the threats of the Delta variant of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a television interview Tuesday night, Lopez said this is not yet the time to implement such a policy given the supply situation of the Covid-19 vaccines.

“That might be a good move when we reach that point that there is so much vaccine available and more supply than the demand,” he said.

He added this can be done

in the future to encourage those unvaccinated individuals to get their Covid-19 jabs.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, an executive order was issued that requires residents to present their vaccination cards upon entering markets -- limiting the movement of those unvaccinated persons.

Due to low turnout in vaccination sites, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan said this policy aims to encourage their constituents to get vaccinated.

Government data show the country administered over 18 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines as of July 27.

sponse,” the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief said.

“The risks from the Delta variant are higher,’ Chua said.

Metro Manila and its four adjacent provinces were placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 to April 11 as new COVID-19 cases saw a steep surge at that time.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Tuesday agreed with OCTA Research’s recommendation to implement “circuit breakers” amid the local transmission of the Delta variant.

“Our response is to manage the risks by ensuring a much faster vaccination rate, and limiting more stringent lockdowns in local areas or sectors of highest risk, while allowing the rest of the people, especially those already vaccinated, to earn a living,” Chua said.

He said that both the economic and health teams would will need to see the full analysis before recommending new quarantine classifications.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion and some business leaders support a two-week “circuit-break-

IMF keeps PH growth forecasts, NEDA: March-April experience to guide monitors impact of Delta variant response vs. surge amid Delta variant

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he International Monetary Fund (IMF) is keeping its 5.4-percent growth forecast for the Philippine economy for 2021 but is on the lookout for the economic impact of new variants of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a reply to e-mailed questions from the Philippine News Agency (PNA), IMF Resident Representative to the Philippines Yongzheng Yang said there is no revision on their growth forecast for the country based on the World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update released on July 27.

“The Delta variant of the coronavirus is a concern and we are monitoring its poten-

tial impact on the economy.

We will let you know if there is any update on this front,” he added.

IMF’s 2022 growth forecast for the country is 7 percent.

Its growth projection for the Philippines for this year is below the government’s 6 percent to 7-percent target band, while the 2022 forecast is the lower-end of 7-9 percent target set by economic managers.

After the Article IV Consultation by IMF executives with Philippine officials and the private sector last May 21 to June 11, the latter believe that fiscal space provides the government leeway to address the im-

pact of the pandemic to the vulnerable sector.

Factors identified as downside risks to growth include Covid-19 supply constraints and delays in the vaccination program.

IMF executives said another uptick in local Covid-19 infections will likely increase the effects of external shocks on interest rates and inflation.

Recently, health officials reported local transmissions caused by the Delta variant, which experts said are more contagious and have caused havoc in several countries like India and Indonesia.

Health experts thus have

FIMF, P10

T

he government’s experience in March to April when it placed the National Capital Region and several nearby provinces in an ECQ bubble will guide its response to mitigate the threat of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant.

Socio-economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua made the remark a day after the OCTA Research group suggested a two-week lockdown in the NCR as the region recorded a daily average of almost 1,000 cases.

“Our experience last March to April—[when] we were able to do a better balance—can guide our re-

FNEDA, P10

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ECONOMY 5

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez bares that the country’s business registrations and renewals reached 1.9 million as of Tuesday. Presidential Photo

Palace adviser favors lockdown due to Delta in ‘ghost month’ than in Q4

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everal businesses “prefer” to have a lockdown next month to immediately arrest the spread of COVID-19’s Delta variant than have stricter community quarantine policies in the last quarter of the year, a Malacañang adviser said, Wednesday.

The months of September, October, November and December are more profitable for business, said Joey Concepcion, presidential adviser on entrepreneurship.

“This is the quarter where consumers spend for Christmas. This is the quarter where election spending is expected to pour in,” he said.

“This is the quarter that would spell the difference what 2022 would be,” he said.

August would be a good month to implement a “cir-

cuit-breaker lockdown” as most businesses limit spending during this time as auspicious investors consider it as a “ghost month.”

“August is a ghost month.

It is the weakest month for most of us so... The whole strategy is to hit it now if a lockdown is inevitable,” he said.

“We prefer we solve the problem early than wait for the problem to be bigger and then lockdown for months,” he said.

Independent research group OCTA has been urging the government to impose a “circuit-breaking” lockdown to arrest the spread another uptick in coronavirus infections due to the highly transmissible Delta COVID-19 variant.

PSALM sends demand letter to 2 electric coops, one private firm

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he Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) has sent final demand letters to two electric cooperatives and a private corporation to compel them to pay over P15.01 billion-worth of combined overdue electricity bills and other charges that remain unpaid despite repeated collection notices sent to them.

PSALM president-CEO Irene Besido Garcia said the bulk of these unpaid obligations was incurred by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO), which, as of May 31, 2021 owed P11.98 billion in overdue power bills and

another P10.37 million in unremitted universal charge (UC) collections, excluding late remittance of interest charges, or a total of P 11.99 billion.

Garcia has also sent a final demand letter to the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) to settle its obligations amounting to P3.01 billion, of which P2.99 billion are unpaid electricity bills and P25.67 million are unremitted UC collections.

Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino (WAHC) also received a final demand letter for its unpaid power bills amounting to P24.99 million, as of April 2021.

Business registration, renewal reach 1.9M

B

usiness registrations and renewals reached 1.9 million as of Tuesday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

He said the number has increased from 900,000 business registrations and renewals in 2015.

“While there are business(es) that closed down, the number of new businesses that registered and those that renewed their businesses actually increased,” Lopez said in a

television interview Tuesday evening.

The trade chief said as long as there will be no extreme lockdowns that will happen, many sectors will remain open.

He added this would help the country to further reduce the unemployment rate close to the pre-pan-

demic level of 5 percent.

Unemployment rate in May 2021 settled at 7.7 percent, lower than the 8.7 percent in its previous month, and lower than the 17.7 percent joblessness rate at the height of the pandemic last year.

“As long as we are able to reopen, we see (a) faster reaction to employment.

In other words, more people are going back to work, more sectors, more businesses are opening up again,” Lopez said.

He said the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to pass economic reform bills such as amendments to the Foreign Investments Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and the Public Service Act is “very timely” as the government is “trying to look for ways and means to achieve economic recovery”.

Lopez said these key legislations will help to attract foreign investments in the country that would create more jobs for Filipinos.

(PNA)

the country anticipate the changes in the digital economy, Dominguez said.

He said the experiences of countries in this COVID-19 pandemic underscore what the government already knew: that economies will have to quickly adjust to the trajectory of modern digital technologies if they are to remain viable.

With digital technology having the most significant impact on finance, Dominguez said the government encouraged the rapid adoption of financial technologies (Fintech) in the country by putting in place a liberal regu-

latory environment to enable these digital tools to flourish.

“The private sector can help us provide a more nurturing policy environment for FinTechs. I am confident that a strong partnership between the private sector and the government will help the Philippines breach the digital divide and achieve President Duterte’s goal of financial inclusion for all Filipinos,” Dominguez said at the kick-off event held Friday (July 23) for the virtual Digital Pilipinas 2021 Festival.

Dominguez and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez were invited to speak at the event.

The festival, which was

launched by GeiserMaclang Communications Inc. (GMCI) in partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, will culminate in November 2021 with the Philippines’ participation in the Singapore Fintech Festival—the largest Fintech event in the world so far.

Dominguez said the Philippines’ greatest advantage in rapidly adopting to Fintech is its tech-savvy and young workforce that can provide the intellectual capital needed for Fintech-focused investments and enable the country to rapidly transition to the new economy.

Strong gov’t-private sector partnership to achieve PRRD’s financial inclusion goal

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III sees a strong government-private sector partnership helping the Philippines breach the digital divide and achieve President Duterte’s goal of financial inclusion for all Filipinos as the country adjusts to the rapid changes in the emerging new economy.

The government has always encouraged a close working relationship with the private sector in the implementation of its digitalization efforts, knowing fully well that the private sector’s expertise and initiative to adopt digital innovations will help

DAVAO 6 EDGE VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 117 • FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

In expressing his appreciation towards President Rodrigo Duterte for supporting many of his proposed legislative measures, especially those that would address natural and human-induced disasters, during the latter’s final State of the Nation Address:

Iisa po ang hangarin namin ni Pangulong Duterte kaya naman nagpapasalamat po ako sa Pangulo for mentioning some of my priority bills during his final SONA.” Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL Are you ‘fully vaccinated?’

Taking a second dose of Covid-19 gives the vaccinated person the notion that he is “fully vaccinated.” Or so that’s the general understanding.

There is a slight misconception though. And to be able to answer that FAQ “wgen are you considered fully vaccinated?”, the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the answer.

CDC says you are NOT fully vaccinated.

So people who take photos and declare they are fully vaccinated right after their second shot are technically not yet fully vaccinated. There is a two-week period before one is.

According to CDC, in general, people are considered fully vaccinated under the following circumstances.

It is important to bear in mind that even while having received a second jab, one still needs to wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission to reduce the risk of being infected with the Delta variant and possibly spreading it to others.

Second, after two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

While vaccination gives one a peace of mind, it does not make one invincible.

First, after two weeks from their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer. AstraZeneca, Sinovac or Moderna vaccines; or If you don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age,

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It is still best to practice hygiene and stay protected.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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If one has been fully vaccinated, one still has to follow guidance at the workplace and local businesses. If you travel, you should still take steps to protect yourself and others.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 117 • FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL A couple of years back, when I was in the United States, I had the opportunity of talking with a church pastor who happened to be an emergency medical technician, too. “I have worked with people who have attempted suicide,” he said. “I have worked with the families of suicide victims. In nearly every case, the families of victims reported a common factor about those who attempted suicide.

According to the pastor, people become suicidal when they no longer can see any hope. “They could neither see a reason to go on living nor anyone who was able to give them a reason to live,” he pointed out. “Living without hope means to experience a bleak, lonely and painful existence.”

Wishing and hoping is not the same thing. If you wish for something, you want it but don’t know whether you will receive it. But to have hope is to expect and believe a thing will happen.

“There is no medicine like hope, so incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow,” Orison Marden, an American inspiration author, once said.

Another inspirational American author, Norman Vincent Peale, wrote: “Have you ever stopped to wonder what it is that keeps you going from

one day to another? What lies behind your ability to fight your way through periods of discouragement or depression? What makes you believe that sooner or later bad times will get better? It’s a little, four-letter word that has enormous power in it.

Power to bring failures back to success. Power to bring the sick back to health. Power to bring the weak back to strength. It’s hope.”

As I write this, there is a copy of one of the back issues of Reader’s Digest on my desk. One of the intriguing stories this particular issue carried was that of the Reeves (yes, I am referring to Christopher Reeve and his wife, Dana, both now deceased). The “intimate portrait of a remarkable love” was told by the couple’s intimate friend, Ken Regan.

Alanna Nash wrote the story.

“One of the life values that Dana taught me was about hope,” said Regan. On October 10, 2004, Christopher died. Four months later, Dana’s mother died after undergoing an ovarian cancer surgery. That was in February, 2005 and by November of the same year, Dana’s father suffered a stroke. On March 6, 2006, Dana died of cancer at the age of 44.

Fortunately, a few months before her death, Dana taped

an introduction to a PBS documentary called The New Medicine. “For years, my husband and I lived on – and because of – hope,” she told viewers. “Hope continues to give me the mental strength to carry on.”

Yes, despite all the tragedies she faced, Dana never lost hope. People who are sick are always banking on hope. When all things fail, there is always hope they can wait for. Professor and world peace advocate Norman Cousins pointed out: “The human body experiences a powerful gravitational pull in the direction of hope. That is why the patient’s hopes are the physician’s secret weapon. They are the hidden ingredients in any prescription.”

“We judge a man’s wisdom by his hope,” American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said. Well, that was the case of Dr. Thomas Starzl. As a surgery resident in medical school, he was very much interested in transplants. In 1958, he sewed new livers in dogs whose livers had been removed. Unfortunately, all dogs died within two days of the operation.

But his early experiments did not deter him from continuing what he had started. He was hoping that one of these days, he would succeed. In 1959, he

found a way to stabilize circulation and the dogs lived for a week after transplant. This is a good start, he may have told himself.

In March 1963, Dr. Starzl performed the first human liver transplant but his patient bled to death. That failure, and a hepatitis epidemic that spread through artificial kidney and transplant centers around the globe during the early 1960s, forced his liver program to be abandoned.

But the termination was not complete though. In 1968, Dr. Starzl and others reported results of new transplant trials to the American Surgical Association. All seven children involved in the study had survived transplants, although four died within six months – an encouraging but not stellar result. By 1975, only two liver programs were left in the world.

Then in May of 1981, Dr. Starzl and his team had success – 19 or 22 patients lived for long periods!

Lesson of the story: Dr. Starzl was criticized, even vilified, by the medical establishment for attempting transplantation – but he persevered. He was hoping all against hope that he will succeed – and he did! Today, liver transplantations are routinely performed in hospi-

tals around the world. “He who does not hope to win has already lost,” said Jose Joaquin Olmedo, former president of Ecuador.

Several proverbs have been written on hope. An ancient proverb states: “A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day.” An Arabian proverb notes: “He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” The Turkish proverb advices: “Things never go so well that one should have no fear, and never so ill that one should have no hope.” To which the English proverb warns: “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”

A lot of famous men have shared some ideas about the subject. “Hope is a waking dream,” said Aristotle. Francis Bacon quipped: “Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper.”

Emil Brunner compared: “What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life.”

Samuel Johnson noted: “In all pleasures hope is a considerable part.”

“Take from a man his wealth, and you hinder him; take from him his purpose, and you slow him down,” C. Neil Strait wrote.

“But take from man his hope, and you stop him. He can go on without wealth, and even without purpose, for a while. But he will not go on without hope.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

ORVILLE V. WOOD, MALITA PLANTER AND GOVERNOR Born in King County, Montana, USA, on September 1, 1877, Orville V. Wood’s parents were originally from California.

He took his education at San Diego Normal School before moving to the Philippines to be part of the Thomasites, so named after the Army transport Thomas that brought the educators to the islands in 1901.

Wood’s initial assignment was to establish a school at Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, at the time nearly desolate after a mini-uprising erupted in the area at the tail-end of Spanish rule. Predominantly inhabited

by Bagobos, the place was once known Labo, marshland in Bagobo, but with no school to speak of. It was only a year later that a classroom was built.

Similar projects were launched in Mati, Caraga, Cateel, and Baganga. As part of the agenda to prepare Filipinos in handling administrative positions in government, he was appointed district secretary of Davao on December 1, 1904,

serving the post until July 31, 1907. Four years later he joined as honorary member of “The Round Table” of The Manila Coffee Club in 1911.

Wood and his assistant district secretary Max L. McCullough were partly credited for some of the gains achieved during the watch of Davao governor Edward Robert Bolton.

They were productive partners in settling disputes between tribes, in building up good relations between the indigenes and the Americans, and in creating a feeling of confidence.

A native of Los Angeles, California, Wood was a member of the 1904 St. Louis Exposition Board. He remained with the government service until 1909, assuming various positions in public service, from schools’ superintendent in Davao to acting district governor. As district secretary, Wood took over briefly as acting governor of Davao following Bolton’s untimely demise. He served the post for a week after Capt. George T.

Langhorne, Mindanao’s acting provincial governor, assumed the post before relinquishing it again in his favor. He later resigned from teaching and devoted his energies to cultivating his farm in Malita.

In the roll of the Davao Planters’ Association, which he co-founded, Wood was listed as manager of Culaman Hemp Company, a firm organized

by Bolton on March 1, 1903.

Months after the law on the lease of public lands took effect on September 30, 1910, he acquired 451 hectares on a 25year lease period.

To work the fields and ensure he wisely spent his investments, he had to do away with personal comforts and scrimped on necessities. As an affluent planter, Wood treated himself with a trip back to California in 1914 and made a visit to the Panama Exposition.

He was preparing himself for bigger challenges as soon as he was back in harness in the plantation, particularly in solving

the cost of transporting hemp via watercrafts, which was quite exorbitant. To address the issue, they acquired launches that hauled hemp bales directly from plantation docks.

By 1918, Wood’s own plantation already employed around five hundred laborers. He also owned a plantation at Santa Cruz which was named after him. His Malita residence at the time was an attraction. According to a 1916 visitor’s account, his plantation was “a beautiful place” with a new house made from ipil finish, and the “whole hacienda is one of thrift.”

Inside his residence were “his own store, electric light and refrigeration plant, and a well-systematized establishment.” Mostly cultivated to abaca, his sprawling 463 hectares was “yielding splendidly and [he was] getting fabulous prices for the [hemp] product.” He told his guests that the major reason why he decided to stay in Malita was due to its plentiful water supply.

To ensure better communi-

cation, Wood and other hemp planters collaborated to establish wireless stations that would allow them to connect bet and among them anytime.

This also afforded them facilities that made it faster and convenient to contact Manila.

But abundance finally gave way to pressures that came with an expanding business and the stresses that went with dealing people. In December 1922, Wood, now suffering from anemia and severe physical and nervous breakdown, left for the US on board the Army transport Grant.

He failed to make it to his motherland; he died on December 19 while en route to the U.S. He left behind a widow, Dora, whom he married in 1918, and daughter Dora Ellen, then four years old.

Reminiscing their stay in Davao until Wood’s death, Dora wrote: “We have at least 200 bushels of roses, of more than a dozen varieties, at Malita. Our electric plant and ice plant are run by waterpower; also, the copra cutter, corn mill, rice mill and corn sheller.”

8

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EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

LIVING

WORKATION: A MUST-TRY WFH, short for work from home has become a byword among working individuals during the pandemic.

WFH has become a trend since the pandemic started a year ago. Companies shifted fast by having their employees work-fromhome instead of risking their health everyday going to the office, while freelancers and entrepreneurs go on with their usual routine but this time online.

Although that would be the most comfortable experience one could have, workaholics would still feel that need to have an R&R in hotels, cafes or condominiums just to have a fresh perspective away from the corners of their home.

That situation is the same for Dabawenyos who had too much of the familiarity especially with the heightened restrictions implemented in the City.

Which is why condos in Davao like Aeon Towers has opened its doors to those who would just want to have a different view on working days or simply unwind during the weekends.

A few of Aeon Towers’ fully furnished and smarthome ready units are now rented out on a daily and weekly basis for this kind of experience.

A few of Aeon Towers’ fully furnished and smarthome ready units are now rented out on a daily and weekly basis for this kind of experience. You can have it as a workation (work-staycation) where you can start your virtual meetings with a cup of coffee while enjoying fantastic skyline views of the city and Mount Apo or an overnight stay where you get to experience the exclusive amenities offered at Club Aeon—fitness gym, swimming pool at 6th floor and its co-working spaces at the lounge. A few of its other perks would be the free Filipino breakfast for two, unlimited wifi access and a

one-time comsumption of the minibar.

You can enjoy all these only at Php2,999/night at a studio unit or Php3,499/ night for a 1-bedroom unit daily or make your stay even longer for like a week at Php3,000/night.

Have a one-of-a-kind experience by availing this limited offer at Aeon Towers—the iconic skyscraper in Davao CBD, and have that work-life balance you’ve been missing out!

For inquiries and reservations visit www.facebook. com/AeonRentalMgtProgram or call at (082) 2382425, 0968-575-8518 or 0926-685-8413.

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 117 • FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

D

iabetes is now an enormous health problem in the Philippines.

From January to December last year, diabetes ranked fourth as the leading cause of death in the country, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. Between 2015 to 2019, the average death toll was 32,991 but the figure went up to 37,265 in 2020.

Recent reports say over 7 million Filipinos are expected to have diabetes by 2030. But most of those having the disease don’t know they have it. In fact, many diabetics die “because it is already too late to remedy the situation,” to quote the words of the late Dr. Ricardo Fernando, who founded the Institute for Studies and Diabetes Foundation.

But what is alarming is that Filipinos diagnosed with diabetes are getting younger. “Children as young as 5-years old have been diagnosed with diabetes,” reports Philippine Diabetes Association (PDA), an umbrella organization of all associations involved in the care of the diabetic patients.

“A doctor cannot tell that a child is diabetic until he starts to complain and usually that is already late as far as complications are concerned,” Dr. Fernando explained. “This disease has no cure. What doctors can do is just minimize the complications or push its onset a little later because the disease is more manageable among older people.”

The Medical News Today (MNT) considers diabetes as “a metabolism disorder.” Metabolism refers to the way your bodies use digested food for energy and growth. Most of what you eat is broken down into glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar in the blood - it is the

principal source of fuel for our bodies.

“When our food is digested, the glucose makes its way into our bloodstream,” MNT explains. “Our cells use the glucose for energy and growth. However, glucose cannot enter our cells without insulin being present - insulin makes it possible for our cells to take in the glucose.”

Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas.

“After eating, the pancreas automatically releases an adequate quantity of insulin to move the glucose present in our blood into the cells, as soon as glucose enters the cells blood-glucose levels drop,” MNT notes.

A person with diabetes has a condition in which the quantity of glucose in the blood is too elevated (hyperglycemia). “This is because the body either does not produce enough insulin, produces no insulin, or has cells that do not respond properly to the insulin the pancreas produces,” MNT says. “This results in too much glucose building up in the blood. This excess blood glucose eventually passes out of the body in urine. So, even though the blood has plenty of glucose, the cells are not getting it for their essential energy and growth requirements.”

Several types Oftentimes, “doctors use the full name diabetes

DIABETES: SO SWEET YET DEADLY

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

mellitus, rather than diabetes alone, to distinguish this disorder from diabetes insipidus, a relatively rare disease that does not affect blood sugar levels,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

Actually, there are several types of diabetes. Type 1 (formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes) occurs in only 10-15% of all cases and tends to occur in people under the age of 30. Onset is normally sudden and dramatic. More than 90% of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are permanently destroyed. The exact cause is unknown but it’s generally thought to be inherited.

Environmental factors may also be a trigger. “Scientists believe that an environmental factor – possibly a viral infection or a nutritional factor in childhood or early adulthood -- causes the immune system to destroy the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas,” the Merck manual notes.

As insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are

Pixabay

damaged, insulin must be injected to keep the patient alive. “Aside from being safe, (insulin treatment) is cost effective compared with taking several classes of anti-diabetes pills at the same time,” points out Dr. Linda Lim-Varona, an internal medicine specialist.

Gary Valenciano also has this type of diabetes. His wife, Angeli, has saved the life of her husband several times already. “She has revived me a number of times, preventing me from falling into a diabetic coma,” the singer reveals.

Type 2 (called previously as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes) is the most common form; it accounts for about 90% of all cases. In this type, the pancreas continues to produce insulin, sometimes even at higher-than-normal levels. But the body develops resistance to the effects of insulin, so there is not enough insulin to meet the body’s needs.

The other types are gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glycemia

(IFG).

“Gestational diabetes is hyperglycemia with blood glucose above normal but below those diagnostic of diabetes,” the World Health Organization (WHO) explains. Gestational diabetes is common among women and it occurs during pregnancy.

This type of diabetes is diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than through reported symptoms. “Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery,” the WHO states.

“These women and possibly their children are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.”

Both IGT and IFG are intermediate conditions in the transition between normality and diabetes. “People with IGT or IFG are at high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, although this is not inevitable,” the WHO says.

Lifestyle-related condition Diabetes is considered a “lifestyle-related condition” as it is caused by excessive

weight, physical inactivity, and stress. “If you look at the spread of the scourge around the world, Type 2 diabetes occurs as a country advances technologically, when people come out of the fields to sit behind desks,” notes Dr. Irwin Brodsky, director of the Diabetes Treatment Program at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

There might also be a genetic link; it often runs in families. Certain diseases and drugs (like corticosteroids) can also affect the way the body uses insulin and can lead to developing this type of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes may also “occur in people with excess production of growth hormone and in people with certain hormone-secreting tumors,” the Merck manual says. “Severe or recurrent pancreatitis and other diseases that directly damage the pancreas can lead to diabetes.”

Symptoms and complications The two common types of diabetes have very similar

FDIABETES, P10

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EDGEDAVAO

BRIDGES... FROM2 quakes we experienced in 2019,” he said.

Ortiz said DPWH has allotted one month for this phase to make sure that the works of the substructure are done efficiently.

“Ang concrete slab maclear gyud kaayo para safe namaagiansamgamotorista,” he added.

Ortiz said this is the last phase of the rehabilitation of Bolton Bridge 2, which started in April this year.

He said rehabilitation is currently at 94.82 percent accomplished.

“This is only eight percent sa scope of work nga i-implement nato didto sa BoltonBridge.Angtrabaho dili lang ang pag- repair sa diaphragm. Ang trabaho gyud nato is pag-retrofit sa tanang poste/columns.

Ang gigamit nato ana is carbon fiber. For the past several months, wala ta’y makita na trabaho na visible kay didto tanan mga tao sa ubos nagatrabaho,” he said.

OrtizaddedthatBridge

1 can still accommodate two-way traffic during the rehabilitation, however, advised motorists to expect moderate to heavy traffic especially during peak hours.

“Yes,ma-accommodate pa siya ug two-way traffic this time that is why ang city government through CTTMO established alternate routes for vehicles for the meantime. Pero kanang Bolton Bridge I, maagihan gihapon twoway kaya lang expect moderate to heavy traffic especially during peak hours,” he said.

Meanwhile, CTTMO has advised motorists to use the following routes instead: JP Laurel Avenue, Quirino Avenue to McArthur Highway; G. Torres Street (Sandawa), Generoso Bridge - Quirino Avenue; CP Garcia or JP Laurel, Quirino Avenue to McArthur Highway; and CP Garcia or McArthur Highway to avoid traffic congestion.

By Maya M. Padillo

out for second dose yet).

“Karon sa roll out sa AstraZeneca, managhan na gyud ang atong second dosers because daghan man ta gipangbakunahan ug first dose sa AstraZeneca. Mao na gyud ni ang gihulat sa kadaghanan kasi daghan nangutana nganong dako kaayo ug difference ang first dose from the second dose. Kasi during that time sa atong mga first roll out ang atong pinaka daghan na vaccines na available or allocated vaccine sa atoa were Sinovac and AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca will take at least three months ang interval. In our case ang atong interval three months,” she said.

Meanwhile, Schlosser assured that all Davao city vaccination hubs scheduled the second doses of all brands of vaccines are at the right interval. If there some Dabawenyos who missed their doses is because of vaccinees’ failure to come

on the specified schedule due to work, transfer of location and other personal reasons, vaccinees who came from other country or other cities who wished to have their second jab here in Davao, and vaccinees who deliberately miss their scheduled because they were afraid due to fake news such as zombie, 666, magnet, and others.

Schlosser said as per Department of Health (DOH) guidelines, if a vaccinee misses the recommended interval for whatever reason, she or he can get the dose as soon as possible without the need of restarting the dose.

“Effectiveness if beyond the recommended interval?

We can direct the question to DOH since the updates/ resolutions and guidelines are coming from them which is based in sound evidences and current knowledge,” Schlosser said. By Maya M. Padillo

raised the need to implement stricter quarantine measures as early as pos-

sible to prevent the further rise of domestic Covid-19 infections. (PNA)

er” lockdown in NCR as long as it would be in August.

He said the lockdown in August would not disrupt the heavy consumption activities during the “ber” months ahead of the the Christmas season.

On the impact of a possible two-week hard lockdown on the economy, Chua said, “I’d rather wait till Aug 10, the second quarter [gross domestic product] release before we revisit the targets in light of recent developments.”

OCTA fellow Professor Ranjit Rye said the group would leave it up to the government to decide what kind of circuit breaking measures to put in place but underscored that the status quo “will not be enough.”

Metro Manila is under

general community quarantine with heightened restrictions until July 31.

Secretary Vince Dizon, deputy chief implementer of the government’s pandemic response, said authorities are open to OCTA’s recommendations but added that they will seek a “balanced solution” to the threat of the Delta variant.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 1,562,420 on Tuesday with 7,186 new infections, the highest daily infection recorded since June 13.

The Department of Health also announced that total recoveries climbed to 1,478,625 after 5,672 more patients recovered from the illness while 72 new fatalities brought the death toll to 27,318.

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LCEs ... FROM 3

the takeover of the remaining franchise area in Davao del Norte held by Nordeco.

Mayors Allan Rellon of the capital Tagum City and Al David Uy of tourist destination Island Garden City of Samal have been among the mayors in the province who have joined Gov. Edwin Jubahib in the call for the transfer of the remaining franchise area of Nordeco in the province due to what they perceived as poor services.

Rellon said his administration has been providing services in electricity to fill the huge void that Nordeco has neglected as the city government has even bought supplies and set up

facilities to ensure that its constituents have better electricity.

Uy, on the other hand, has questioned the electric cooperative over its implementation of programs, including its borrowings supposedly to make the power services in the city better. Among those that Uy cited was the supposed loan whose payment was collected from its consumers as it was included in their bills.

Uy suspected that the cooperative has collected beyond the loan amount even as the cooperative has not provided him with a clear explanation despite sending it a demand letter. (AMA)

tahan ang buhay at kapakanan ng mga Pilipino,” he added.

In his sixth SONA, Duterte mentioned the need to establish a Department of Disaster Resilience. Senate Bill No. 205, filed by Go, aims to create the Department of Disaster Resilience, a focused department that will ensure a proactive approach to natural disasters.

Under the said bill, DDR will unify and streamline all responsibilities related to disaster preparedness and response, functions that are presently scattered across various departments and offices.

“Bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na hong makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs, preposition of goods at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar. At pag-alis ng bagyo, restoration of normalcy kaagad, maibalik kaagad sa normal ang pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin. ‘Yan po ang layunin ng Department of Disaster Resilience,” said Go. “Madalas pong tamaan ng bagyo, lindol at iba pang kalamidad ang ating bansa.

Kailangan na talaga nating i-scale up ang preparedness to resiliency against disasters,” he added.

Also, in order to further enhance the capabilities of the Bureau of Fire Protection in addressing fire-related incidences, Duterte also highlighted the need to pass SBN 1832, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act. Authored and co-sponsored by Go, SBN 1832 mandates the bureau to implement a modernization program that includes upgrading and acquiring fire equipment, recruiting more firefighters, developing specialized training programs, conducting monthly fire prevention campaigns, and many others.

“Nasa Bicam na po ito at meron lang pong kailangan i-reconcile sa Bicam report. Ako naman po, ang importante ay maipasa po ito agad. Hopefully po ay sana maipasa na po ito upon resumption ng Congress at matulungan na po natin ang ating kababayan,” Go said.

“To better protect Filipinos, we need to further strengthen the Bureau of Fire Protection by improving its services and capabilities so that it can efficiently and effectively respond to incidents and other ca-

tastrophes,” he added.

Finally, Duterte stressed his support for the enactment of SBN 1228 that aims to create climate change resilient communities by providing for the establishment of an evacuation center in every local government unit throughout the country.

Every year, around 20 typhoons hit the country with at least five of them being destructive. Stronger typhoons require either preemptive or mandatory evacuation of people, often ending up cramped in schools and gymnasiums. The Philippines is also along the Pacific Ring of Fire, causing around 100 felt earthquakes every year.

Given the geographic location of the country, Go reiterated that it is necessary to build permanent evacuation centers nationwide to ensure the safety of Filipinos in times of natural calamities and other disasters.

“Kailangang magpatayo tayo ng mga safe, permanent and dedicated evacuation centers na mayro’n sapat na mga emergency packs, katulad ng blankets, tubig, gamot, flashlight, at ready na relief goods. Obligasyon ng gobyerno na palaging maging handa sa oras ng sakuna,” Go explained.

Go, then, urged his fellow lawmakers to unite and continue extending support to these proposed measures, saying “Hinihikayat ko rin po ang aking fellow lawmakers na patuloy natin suportahan ang mga panukalang batas na ang layunin ay makapagbigay ng ma ligtas at komportableng buhay ang mga Pilipino.”

The President also mentioned in his last SONA other key priority legislation authored by Go, such as Senate Bill No. 1419 or the Unified System for Separation, Retirement, and Pension of the Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP); SBN 393, which seeks to provide free legal assistance to Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel; SBN 1738 or the “E-Governance Bill”; SBN 2158, which seeks to establish a Center for Disease Control and Prevention or the Philippine CDC; SBN 2155, or the “Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines Bill”; and the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos. By Maya M. Padillo

DISASTER... FROM 3

DIABETES... FROM 9 symptoms: excessive urination and abnormal thirst.

Other symptoms include unusual hunger, rapid loss of weight or excessive weight, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, drowsiness, itchy skin and skin disorders, cramps or numbness in the limbs, and abdominal pain.

Those who are experiencing any of the above symptoms but do not believe they have diabetes are gambling with their health.

Augusto D. Litonjua, founding president of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, said complications that arise from diabetes include blindness, heart diseases or stroke, kidney trouble, impotence, renal failure, and amputation.

“Blindness can occur 25 times more in diabetics than non-diabetics,” Dr. Litonjua said. “They are also twice as prone to heart attacks and strokes, 17 times more prone to kidney disease, five times more prone to gangrene and about 50 percent of men with long duration of diabetes are impotent.”

Prevention Unknowingly, diabetes can be prevented. A 10year study conducted at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland showed the 5 best ways to prevent diabetes.

First, you need to try to achieve your normal weight.

Second, you need to be physically active. Regular exercise will not only help you have a normal weight, it also makes people have normal blood sugars.

The two other attributes pertain to vices: cigarette and alcohol consumption.

It was found that people who didn’t develop diabetes were non-smokers or they had stopped smoking for at least 10 years already.

As for drinking, it has been shown that the more a person drinks, the more

they are prone to engage in other unhealthy habits like eating too much, smoking and not getting enough exercise.

This brings us to the final attribute: foods. You need to eat healthy foods.

According to the lead author of the study, Dr. Jared Reis, among all five factors, being overweight was linked most strongly to diabetes risk.

Treatment People with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections. Those with type 2 diabetes usually don’t need insulin injections. But 25% of them take drugs to improve sugar metabolism. “Treating Type 2 diabetes with drugs does reduce blood sugar, that’s true,” says Dr. Willie T. Ong, a well-known author of health books.

But in many cases, doctors are treating Type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise.

They find that this lifestyle approach does more than just reduce blood sugar.

“It does a lot more,” says Dr. James Barnard, professor of physiological science at the University of California.

“The same regimen that puts diabetes on hold has a favorable impact on high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity.” Those three, along with high blood sugar, are what doctors call the deadly quarter.

But before doing anything, however, be sure to talk with your doctor. “We have been saying that diabetes is not a disease to be toyed with,” said Dr. Litonjua. “It should be viewed with concern because if left untreated then there may be serious consequences. The glimmer of hope here is that if you treat a diabetic really well, he will be as long as a person without diabetes, and probably with a better quality of life because he takes care of himself better than one without diabetes who lives recklessly.”

hamed Flissi of Algeria.

Featherweight Nesthy Petecio sees action on the

same day aginst Irma Testa of Italy with a place in the finals at stake.

says that she wants to win the Olympic gold medal and she diligently undergoes her training routine from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm daily, apart from focusing on her studies at night,” he said when met by reporters on Tuesday.

He also described Hidi, who made her fourth Olympic appearance at the Tokyo Games, as a very highly disciplined athlete, especially when it came to her food and training, adding that she would measure every portion of her food intake.

Ahmad Janius Abdullah shows the garage where Hidilyn Diaz trained for the Tokyo Olympics, July 27, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Bernama) He said he also had the opportunity to send Hidi and her team to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to catch a flight to Tokyo for the Olympics on July 18.

“My relationship with Hidi is like that of a father

and daughter. Although she calls me ‘sir’, I always ensure that all her needs in the house are sufficient.

I also advised her to do her best in the snatch discipline as that’s her weakness. I’m glad she took it seriously and performed excellently to bag the gold,” he said.

He said he felt proud and was touched that although Hidi received widespread acclaim and worldwide coverage, she never forgot to thank them at Teratak Muhammedar and Malaysia right after bagging the gold.

He added that he was informed that Hidi, who loves to eat “Asam Pedas Melaka” and “durian IOI”, will return to Melaka in the near future.

Hidi, who came to Malaysia to train in January last year, found herself stranded here following the Covid-19 pandemic and had trained at various venues, including the Desa Pandan Sports Complex and the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil. (Bernama)

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Flyweight Irish Magno’s campaign in the Tokyo Olympics ended at the round-of-16 stage on Thursday.

Hidilyn’s Olympic gold brings joy to her foster family in Melaka

J

ASIN – The gold-medal success of Hidilyn Diaz, the weightlifter from the Philippines who made history by bagging her country’s first-ever Olympic medal at the Tokyo Games, is also the pride of her foster family in Kampung Kesang Tua here, with whom she stayed for more than a year.

The lifter’s foster father, Ahmad Janius Abdullah, 50, who also helped train her, said the 30-year-old weightlifter’s recipe for success was her determination, focus, and burning ambition to win an Olympic gold medal.

Ahmad Janius, who is also the deputy president of the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF), said

his decision to help the lifter from Zamboanga City, who won the gold medal in the women’s 55kg class, was based on the spirit of sportsmanship and good ties between the Philippines and Malaysia.

He said Hidilyn, or better known as Hidi, had stayed at Teratak Muhammedar, which became her home and training center, with two of her personal trainers since September 16 last year.

“Hidi is very fastidious and will ensure that every training equipment and the facility is in proper condition and arranged accordingly, including the smallest details. She always

FHIDILYN’s, P10

Magno bows out after losing to Thai rival T he Philippine suffered a setback in boxing on Thrsday after flyweight Irish Magno lost in the round-of-16 stage on Thursday after after getting outclassed by longtime Thailand rival Jutamas Jitpong at the Kokugikan Arena.

Magno, 30, beat Jitpong the last time they met at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games semifinals, but the tables were turned this time as the stylish Thai took command early and never gave the Filipina any chance to

get into any form or rhythm.

The judges’ 5-0 decision, which had the Thai winning all the rounds except one under the 10-point must system, ended the Olympic campaign of Magno just days after an impressive

debut against Christine Ongare of Kenya.

“Siyempre malungkot,” said Magno, who went through months away from her family training in Thailand during the boxing team’s buildup for the Games.

“Pinaghandaan namin, pero pinaghandaan din po nila. Yung nga po ang sinasabi ko, ang Olympics po, hindi basta-basta, lahat po ng sumasali dito, nagpe-prepare po talaga para makakamit ng medalya.”

Magno’s loss was the first in six fights here for the four-man boxing team, which earlier in the day celebrated an RSC-injury win by middleweight Eumir Marcial against Algeria’s Younes Nemouchi that put him a win away from a guaranteed medal.

On Saturday, Carlo Paalam, who dominated Ireland’s Brendan Irvine in his debut, guns for a place in the men’s flyweight quarterfinals against fourth seed Mo-

FMAGNO, P10

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

HIDILYN’S OLYMPIC GOLD SHOULD SPARK NEW MINDSET Thanking God first for her gold medal victory more than anything else, Hidilyn Diaz uttered the best compliment she could ever have said.

“Grabe si God,” was the phrase I remember best when Hidilyn was interviewed just moments after her historic triumph, clinching for the Philippines the very elusive first gold medal after 97 years of taking part in the most awaited quadrennial event.

Diaz’ remarks of godly gratitude have biblical basis.

In Deuteronomy 8:17-18, the Scripture says: “You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it

is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…”

“Wealth” here is taken to mean “abundance, success not only in terms of material prosperity and possession but also in other areas of human endeavor, including spiritual wellness.”

In other words, athletes who aspire for glory, fame and fortune in the sports field should not only rely on their rigorous scientific training regimen but must first seek divine approbation because human ability, confidence and skill are doubly strengthened when God gives His blessings.

(If I may add, Joshua, Moses’ young inexperienced assistant who succeeded him after his death, led the Israelites success-

ful entry into the Promised Land, conquering 31 kingdoms in the process that fought to prevent them from coming in and settling down.)

Anyway, Hidilyn thus expressed humility in the midst of her euphoria, an attitude that pleases God but which is mostly lacking in many celebrities who achieved fame and glory in their individual field.

Diaz will be showered with material rewards - prize money in undetermined amounts yet from several kind-hearted individuals and corporations (P15M is said to come from PACOR thru the PSC, P3M from the President, among others), house and lot in Zamboanga (from PRRD) and Tagaytay

City (courtesy of POC president Bambol Tolentino), a condo in QC, etc, etc.

Before some shrewd and smart-alecky sports people grab their own share of the credit (as has been usual when a gritty Pinoy athlete achieves podium success in the global sports arena), we should allow Hidilyn to enjoy the moment with her loved ones - her immediate family - cherish and relish her victory in the privacy of their limited confines.

I will not be surprised if a commercial biofilm of Hidilyn’s personal and even romantic journey into her weightlifting prominence comes along very soon.

The PSC should henceforth capitalize on the impact of Diaz’

herculean efforts by launching a national grassroots campaign to encourage, motivate and educate young school (and out of school) children to emulate the heroic saga of the first Filiino Olympic gold medal winner.

PSC should produce a documentary, if I may suggest, to this effect which will enrich its sports library of Pinoy sports heroes.

In closing, may I share Plato’s wisdom, thus: “Apply yourself both now and in the next life.

Without effort, you cannot be prosperous. Though the land is good, you cannot have an abundant crop without cultivation.”

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 117 • FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

EASY WINO Marcial makes short work of Nemouchi in fiery Tokyo debut

Middleweight Eumir Marcial made short work of Younes Nemouchi in his Tokyo Olympics debut on Thursday advancing to the quarterfinals.

lympic gold hopeful middleweight Eumir Marcial made short work of Younes Nemouchi in his Tokyo Olympics debut on Thursday, advancing to the quarterfinals when the referee stopped the fight in the first round due to a bloody cut above the Algerian’s eye.

Marcial, 25, decked the underdog Nemouchi with a stinging right hook less than a minute from the opening bell for an eight count and the referee had to step in again later after an accidental clash of heads opened a cut above the Algerian’s right eye.

The end, which came at the 2:41 mark of the opening round, came swiftly for a 25-year old Algerian who made it all the way to the round of 16 in Tokyo after being tapped as a late replacement for an injured teammate in the African qualifiers.

The decision was met by protests from Nemouchi’s corner, which felt strongly about a head-butt causing the cut that led to the end of the fight.

Marcial admitted a clash of heads led to the cut.

“Unang-una, masaya syempre sa pagkapanalo. Hindi pa ito ‘yung last fight, marami pang fights na darating,” said Marcial, who beat Nemouchi in their only previous meeting back in 2018 in Russia.