Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 145 | Thursday, September 2, 2021

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DOH 11 cites ‘salo-salo’ as super spreader of Covid-19 in the workplaces

Children haul piglets on a customized “trisikel” at the livestock area of Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday. The Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11) revealed that a total of 49,315 pigs had been culled in Davao Region for the past two years due to the onslaught of the African Swine Fever. Edge Davao

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Major Jerry Lamosao, chief of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, shares updates on the anti-insurgency campaign of the government during the AFP-PNP Southern Mindanao Press Corps virtual presser on Wednesday.

Lamosao added that the 10th ID’s area of responsibility is generally peaceful. Edge Davao

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DA-11 fights ASF

company’s implementation of the minimum health standards and protocols to immediately address the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace, if any, and recommend and implement appropriate preventive measures.

“In the manual that we have for our contact tracing and even sa workplace natin na OSHC na manual it was reiterated there any activity that entails gathering, gathering na kasi ang tinatawag natin pag

pumunta sa isang place, nagtanggal ug mask, nagkaon-kaon ug nag istorya istorya even if we know that person we really don’t know if that person has a Covid-19 or up until may RT PCR siya na prinisent sa atin. Yun talaga ang super spreader yun ating eating together,” Pasion said.

Pasion urged the management of establishments to always implement the minimum health protocols. She said DOH 11 is in close coordination with the sanitation inspectors, Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE 11), and the Department of Trade and Industry 11 (DTI 11).

“We are constantly in coordination with them so that we will know ano yung constant violations ng ating establishments during their monitoring,” she said.

Based on her presentation, as of August 30, 2021, DOH-Davao reported 68,261 cases with 11,773 active, 54,336 recoveries, and 2,152 deaths.

Out of the total cases, Davao City recorded a total of 37,367 cases with 5,199 active, 30,973 recoveries and 1,195 deaths followed

by Davao de Oro with 4,771 cases; Davao del Norte with 12,327, Davao del Sur with 6,657, Davao Occidental with 1,917, and Davao Oriental with 5,222.

n official of the Department of Agriculture XI revealed that a total of 49,315 pigs had been culled in Davao Region for the past two years due to the onslaught of the African Swine Fever.

Dr. Karl Laurence Pineda, Livestock Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture XI told the members of the technical working group of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XI that the pandemic that hit the swine industry affected 10,664 farmers in 237 barangays of 43 municipalities in the five provinces and one city in the region.

He said that the African Swine Fever has greatly affected 5,669 farmers in Davao Occidental, 1,138 farmers in Davao de Sur, 1,259 farmers in Davao City, 1,068 in Davao del Norte, 106 in Davao de Oro and 1,424 farmers in Davao Oriental.

Pineda revealed that in Mati, Davao Oriental, a small farm laboratory confirmed the disease last August 13, 2021, but

Mayor Oscar Moreno said the big number of new Delta variant cases would put additional strain to the contact tracers of the city.

“We are already grappling with the COVID-19 cases and now this. It will add more work to our contact tracers,” he said.

Dr. David Mendoza, DOH-10 assistant regional director, said the Philippine Genome Center detected 48 new cases of Delta variant cases

throughout Northern Mindanao from the swab samples taken between Aug. 6 and 11.

Aside from the 27 cases in Cagayan de Oro, Mendoza said 11 cases were detected in Bukidnon, four in Lanao del Norte, one in Camiguin and five in Misamis Oriental.

Mendoza said the local government units of these areas are presently conducting intensive validation and contact tracing.

Dr. Ted Yu, of the Cagayan de Oro City Health Office, said of the 27 new Delta variant cases in the city, 16 are males and 11 are female.

“The youngest is 10 years old and the oldest is 86,” he said.

He said 17 cases are already considered clinically recovered, five are still active cases and confined in temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMF), three already tested negative,

while two have died.

But he said even the 17 recovered cases will have to be extracted and be brought to the TTMF for reswabbing.

He said contact tracing on the 27 new Delta variant cases began as soon as they received the report on Monday. He said that in the case of the two expired patients, they have already identified 21 direct contacts.

Seven of the new cases, Yu pointed out, are

DOH 11 cites ‘salo-salo’ as super spreader in the workplaces

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Department of Health-Davao (DOH-Davao) disclosed that “eating together” is the super spreader of Covid-19 in the workplaces.

“Ang super spreader talaga in the workplaces we could really see is eating together. Mao gyud na siya ang atoang makita because it’s really our habit as Filipino to eat together, chit chat, there and there,” said Dr. Rachel Joy Pasion, head of Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit of DOHDavao in a virtual presser.

Pasion said it is stipulated in the guidelines of DOH’s Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) to evaluate and analyze the

no culling was conducted following the deaths of all pigs.

He said that the City Government of Mati has already conducted total disinfection in the affected premises and surveyed the neighboring barangays.

Pineda surmised the same efforts were conducted in the provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.

“I suggest for other local government units to come up with their own legislation that will institute all measures to control the spread of the ASF,” he said.

Pineda said the Davao Occidental came out with in Provincial Ordinance No. 09-2021 while Mati City in Davao Oriental issued City Ordinance 464 Series of 2021, all designed to come up with a uniform approach to control the spread of the African Swine Fever.

He said the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region has reached

working in the same construction company in Barangay 30, Yu pointed out.

He said the rest of the cases in 15 other barangays are not related to each other: Carmen, 4 cases; Indahag, 1; Cugman, 2; Nazareth, 1; Macasandig, 1; Gusa, 2; Upper Balulang, 1; Balulang, 1; Bonbon, 1; Barangay 25, 1; Barangay 10, 1; Puntod, 1; Barangay 11, 1; Camaman-an, 1; Bugo, 1. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

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Euphoria over for CDO with detection of 27 new Delta variant cases

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he euphoria was short lived.

The Department of Health – Region 10 (DOH-10) said Tuesday 27 new cases of Delta variant were detected in the city, bringing the total to 58.

The announcement ended the several days of euphoria here after a drop of COVID-19 cases was reported last August 28, the feast of St. Augustine, patron saint of Cagayan de Oro.

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NEWS

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Ricardo“Cary”Lagdameo, chairman for Davao Investment Conference 2021 (Davao ICon 2021) and president of Damosa Land Inc., (DLI) says Davao has become ripe for many types of investments and despite the pandemic, Davao Region posted a 7.6 percent contraction, beating the national average which was a 9.6 percent contraction. Edge Davao

Soldier blasted to death in Basilan checkpoint

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soldier was killed while another was injured after an improvised explosive device exploded at a temporary checkpoint in Campo Uno, Lamitan City, Basilan on Tuesday morning (August 31).

According to Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, acting commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), the victims who are members of the Philippine Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion were immediately evacuated to Lamitan City Hospital for medical attention, however one was declared dead on arrival at Camp Navarro General Hospital while the other is still undergoing medical attention at Zamboanga City Medical Center.

The identities of the victims are yet to be disclosed pending notification of their next of kin.

Initial investigation dis-

closed that three unidentified suspects onboard a black Honda XRM were seen in the area when the explosion transpired.

Following the explosion, one of the three suspects managed to shoot his caliber 45 pistol at one of the victims and successfully grabbed the other victim’s service arm, an R4A3 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher attached.

The suspects then fled towards the direction of Barangay Cabobo of the same city.

Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, said government troops continue to assist the police in the conduct of investigation and pursuit operations.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts to identify and neutralize the perpetrators and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents,” Ponio said. (AMA)

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days later.

“Philippine Identification System applicants are advised to go to the registration center strictly on the scheduled dates written on their appointment slips. Updates for the schedule of your registration will be provided to you,” the third-class municipality posted on Facebook.

As of Aug. 16, a total

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Nat’l ID sign-up starts in Davao del Sur town

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egistration for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) started in Sulop, Davao del Sur on Aug. 23, 2021.

The municipality of Sulop, in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), launched its PhilSys registration center at the Municipal Engineering Office building in Purok 6, Poblacion on Aug. 21 and began accepting applicants two

Davao Region ripe for any type of investments

FNAT’L, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO usiness leaders are now considering Davao Region “ripe and ready” for any type of investments.

With the presence of new townships and industrial estates plus the location and the weather, the region has become a haven for different kinds of investments not just for the thriving agribusiness.

“Davao has become ripe for many types of investments and despite the pandemic, Davao Region posted a 7.6 percent contraction, beating the national average which was a 9.6 percent contraction,” said Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo, chairman for Davao Investment Conference 2021

(Davao ICon 2021) and president of Damosa Land Inc., (DLI) in his keynote speech during the recent online opening of Davao ICon this year.

Lagdameo added that during the pandemic, industries continue to thrive and are still operating.

“It (Davao) has been considered as the Cacao Capital of the Country and recognized as the Food Basket of the Philippines. Investing in Davao can take us to the future. The only way we can get to showcase investment opportunity is to

focus on the whole Davao Region,” he said.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio highlighted the region’s vast opportunities for growth and development in the aforementioned industries.

“We will need these economic pillars as we continue to move forward and cement the region’s role in the Philippines and in the ASEAN community. Let us continue to work together so that the Davao region which is strong today, emerges stronger tomorrow,” the mayor said.

Joji Ilagan-Bian, founder of the Joji Ilagan Career Centre Foundation and founding chair of the Min-

danao Technical Vocational Schools Association, said Davao is now the hub of internationalization.

“Ninety-five percent of our schools is doing 4.0 which is aligning with the 4th Industrial Revolution and the Internet of Things.

We know what global human resources needs and we are training our graduates to be resilient and adaptable,” she said.

Cherry Al-Ag, chief organizational officer of the Al-Ag Group of Companies and executive vice president of the Davao Tourism Association (DATA), highlighted the value that the workforce of Davao can

lite laboratory will enable the region in conducting Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for a fast detection of Covid-19 variants not only in the region but in the entire Mindanao as well.

Dr. Rachel Joy Pasion, head of Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit of DOH-Davao, said in a virtual presser that the establishment of such laborato-

ry entails huge amount of money.

“We had a meeting with UP-Mindanao and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) kasi sila yung mga target natin na satellite for WGS and based sa aming initial meeting, it needs a lot of funds. Depende sa funding na maibibigay sa atin dito sa region kasi yun lang

ang hinihintay natin yung funding then we will do the planning because dependeing on the fund that they will be giving us yun rin po ang maibigay sa UP-Mindanao,” she said.

Pasion explained that human resource will be needed when the satellite laboratory will fully operational.

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UP-PGC satellite laboratory for WGS in Davao Region awaiting funding

he establishment of the satellite laboratory for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of the University of the Philippines - Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) in Davao Region is still awaiting funding from the Department of Health (DOH).

To be established at the UP-Mindanao campus in Davao City, the satel-

FSATELLITE, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Passersby avail of free coffee and suman being offered by the Kitchen of Hope at the Assumption College of Davao along Cabaguio Avenue, Davao City on Tuesday (31 August 2021). The volunteer-driven kitchen serves free meals on Tuesdays and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mindanews photo

DOF to launch better online reporting of GOCC debts, liabilities: Dominguez

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he Department of Finance (DOF) is set to launch an online tool that aims to streamline the reporting of data pertaining to the debts and other liabilities of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs).

In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the DOF’s Corporate Affairs Group (CAG) said the use of the GOCCs’ Liabilities Reporting and Processing Tool (GLRPT) will help the department in its analysis of the debts

of state-run firms, and enable it to better manage and formulate strategies on the financial exposure of the government in relation to their liabilities.

Dominguez instructed the CAG in a recent DOF executive committee (ex-

ecom) meeting to ask the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) to incorporate compliance with this digital tool in its evaluation of the performance of state-run firms.

DOF-CAG director Joan Castillo said the launch of the GLRPT will involve the orientation and training of GOCC personnel on the use of the online reporting tool.

She said the GCG has agreed to transfer its web-based debt reporting

“The Philippine poultry sector performs a crucial function in our pursuit of agricultural development – where farmers and fishers can have the dignity of being self-sufficient even as all Filipinos are allowed access to adequate food,” Secretary William Dar said during his opening address for the Philippine Poultry and Livestock Virtual Summit on August 27, 2021.

He added that as the

country continues to manage the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF) and recover its hog population, “the poultry subsector remains a major bright spot for spurring agricultural growth this year, towards a target of 2 percent (%).”

Poultry production accounts for 13% of agriculture gross value added (GVA) and dressed chicken production in the Philippines surged 40% between

2009 and 2018, increasing from a million metric tons to 1.4 million.

In the second quarter of 2021, the poultry subsector also logged a 2.5% growth rate.

According to Secretary Dar, the Department of Agriculture (DA) instituted an expanded poultry production and livelihood program with an initial investment of P337 million as part of the National Live-

system to the DOF as part of the GLRPT. “The Central Management Information Office (CMIO) of the DOF further developed the system by expanding the GOCC coverage, enhancing the data field and creating a report template,” Castillo said in her report to Dominguez during the execom meeting.

Earlier, Dominguez urged the GCG to incorporate the assessments

stock Program.

“With this initiative, we aim to help farm families recover from the loss of jobs and unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and those whose poultry stocks were depleted by avian influenza.”

Qualified beneficiaries of the program will have to organize into clusters, and they will receive initial stocks of poultry animals

FDOF, P10

Dar highlights poultry sector’s crucial role in agricultural dev’t

FDAR, P10

Gov’t gets P1.7-B royalty payment from integrated energy company

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he government, through the Department of Energy (DOE), has received nearly PHP1.7 billion in royalty payment from integrated energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corp.

(SMPC) for the second quarter of the year.

In a statement Tuesday, SMPC said this is the highest quarterly royalty payment to the government after the firm recorded a revenue of PHP14.8 billion from April to June 2021.

SMPC’s revenue in the second quarter of 2021 was supported by all-time high coal sales and higher average selling prices.

Of the PHP1.7 billion turned over to the government, PHP1 billion will go to the national government that can be used to fund programs to fight coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Some PHP666 million will go to local government units (LGUs) that host SMPC mine sites --PHP136 million for

the province of Antique, PHP300 million for the municipality of Caluya, and PHP230 million for Barangay Semirara.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, host LGUs of petroleum, coal, geothermal, hydrothermal, and wind facilities shall receive 40 percent of the royalty proceeds.

“The pandemic has taken a significant toll on our country. We hope that our contribution can help boost our government’s response against Covid-19,” SMPC president and chief operating officer Maria Cristina Gotianun said.

SMPC is the country’s lone power producer that mines its own fuel source --integrating its coal mining and power operations to create a local value chain.

Based on its website, SMPC generates 900 megawatts of power with an additional 1,200 MW of coal-fired power in the pipeline. (PNA)

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ECONOMY

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Dozens of 11-kilogram cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are piled outside an outlet along R. Castillo Street in Davao City. Oil firms have announced a P0.65 per kilogram increase of LPG starting September 1. Edge Davao

LPG prices up in September C onsumers will have to pay more for cooking gas as the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) increased anew this month.

Petron has implemented a PHP0.65-perkg. increment in LPG prices effective Wednesday.

Its AutoLPG prices also increased by PHP0.36 per liter.

“These reflect the international contract price of LPG for the month of September,” Petron said in an advisory.

The prices of Solane’s LPG also went up by PHP0.64 per kg.

The price adjustments translate to a PHP7.04 to PHP7.15 increase for an 11-kg. LPG tank this month. (PNA)

CebPac to resume Hong Kong flights beginning September 1

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ow-cost airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) will resume passenger flight operations six times weekly (daily except Saturday) beginning September 1.

In a statement on Tuesday, CEB Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said there is latent travel demand, and the airline remains cautiously optimistic as it boosts operations where it is most needed.

Hong Kong authorities imposed a ban until September 11 on Philippine Airlines (PAL) passenger flights from Manila after three of its passengers tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) upon “arrival testing” in the Chinese territory last August 27.

With this, PAL will only be mounting passenger flights from Hong Kong to Manila for two weeks.

Michelle Lim of CEB Corporate Communications told the Philippine

News Agency that while the carrier’s cargo flights to Hong Kong were unhampered, its last commercial flight there was mounted last April.

Currently, CEB operates passenger flights to Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul (Incheon), Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo (Narita), Lim confirmed.

CEB also regularly mounts “bayanihan” flights from Dubai to Manila to ferry overseas Filipino workers.

Meanwhile, passengers bound for Hong Kong are required to show a negative RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test result conducted 72 hours prior to their flight.

In addition, they need to accomplish the Hong Kong Department of Health online declaration form, and must show a confirmed room reservation for not less than 21 days. (PNA)

PH debt hits P11.61T in July

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he Philippines’ debt climbed further hitting P11.61 trillion at the end of July, the Bureau of Treasury reported on Wednesday.

The country’s total debt increased by P444.43 billion or 4 percent due to the peso’s depreciation and as the national government borrowed more money from both foreign and local lenders, Treasury said.

Of the total debt stock, 30.1 percent was foreign debt, while the remaining 69.9 percent was borrowed from local sources.

“From the start of

2021, total outstanding debt has grown by P1.82 trillion or 18.53 percent,” Treasury noted.

Domestic debt amounted to P8.12 trillion, which is P181.04 billion or 2.3 percent higher compared to the end-June 2021 level as a result of the net issuance of government securities.

Growth in domestic obligations amounts to P1.42 trillion or 21.28

percent from the beginning of the year owing to heightened financing requirements.

The country’s foreign debt stood at P3.49 trillion, which was P263.39 billion or 8.2 percent higher from the previous month.

Increased borrowing from foreign lenders added P159.34 billion, including P146.17 billion from the issuance of US dollar global bonds.

“Meanwhile, the impact of both local- and third-currency exchange fluctuations against the US Dollar added P100.66

he “Presyong Risonable Dapat” (PRD) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) has gained support from the business community as 119 retail stores and supermarkets

participated in the program.

In a statement Tuesday, the DTI said retail stores and supermarkets that joined the program include the 83 Robinsons supermarket branches, 25 Puregold branches, and 10 retail stores of

participating meat importers and traders, and WalterMart’s North Edsa Supermarket.

Under the PRD program, the government aims to bring high-quality but affordable meat products to the consumers, particularly in areas

billion and P3.39 billion, respectively,” Treasury said.

Foreign debt has increased by P390.55 billion or 12.6 percent from the end-December 2020 level.

The Philippines has been borrowing heavily to finance its COVID-19 response as well as the Duterte administration’s ambitious infrastructure program.

In 5 years, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has almost doubled the country’s debt from P5.95 trillion at the end of 2016.

under strict community quarantine status.

“With the extension of modified enhanced community quarantine until 07 September 2021, the DTI assures the public that we will continue to work with the private sec-

119 retail stores, supermarkets join DTI-DA’s PRD program T

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On Sen. Richard Gordon to inhibit as Chair of Blue Ribbon since being Chair of Red Cross as it raises possible conflict of interest:

The Filipino people deserve fairness and due process, most especially in a committee that we hold in high regard. Napaka-crucial (ng role) ng Blue Ribbon dahil aminado naman tayong lahat na para umunlad ang bansa, kailangan linisin ang gobyerno.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL The unvaccinated Against the din and cacophony of stories about the rising new cases of Covid-19 of whatever variant, one fact is clear – majority of the patients are unvaccinated.

In fact, in a virtual press briefing several hours ago, Dr. Rachel Joy Pasion, Department of HealthDavao Region epidemiology surveillance unit chief, confirmed that out of the 11,543 active cases, more than 95 percent have not received a single dose of any Covid-19 vaccine.

It was also noted that of the close to 3 percent ful-

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What Dr. Pasion said in the virtual press conference is true all over, not only in the Philippines.

This should make everyone in this country realize the vital importance of vaccination in the overall effort to defeat the pandemic.

It’s really time to junk the myriad conspiracy theories and the fishwives tales of our neighbors and believe what the medical experts are saying based on science.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

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

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

ly vaccinated who got infected, none of them were in critical condition.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

HYPERTENSION: PUBLIC HEALTH FAILURE Most of the people with high blood pressure are living in low and middle-incomes countries, according to a report released by the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) last August 25.

The report, based on a study co-led by Imperial College London, found that 82% of all people with high blood pressure live in low and middle-income countries. About one billion people have hypertension or elevated blood pressure.

The study, covering the period 1990-2019, includes data from 184 countries, covering 99% of the global population. It provides data by country and highlights where the most progress has been made.

The researchers found that Canada, Peru and Switzerland had among the lowest prevalence of hypertension in the world in 2019, while some of the highest rates were seen in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Paraguay for women and Hungary, Paraguay and Poland for men.

In the Philippines, at least 21% of adults are hypertensive, Dr. Dante Morales, president of the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH), reported. Based on data from the World Health Organization, hypertension causes 7 million

deaths annually while 1.5 billion people suffer due to its complications.

“Most of the time, hypertension has no symptoms,” Dr Morales explained in a news item disseminated by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. “This makes the condition more dangerous. If left untreated, the arteries and other vital organs in the body will be damaged.”

Among the complications of hypertension are heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysm, and renal failure. Of these, heart attack remains as the most common cause of death among Filipinos.

“This may be attributed to continuous neglect of the danger of hypertension and its complications,” Dr. Morales said.

Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.

Hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the systolic blood pressure readings on both days is more or less 140 mmHg and/or

the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days is more or less 90 mmHg. When hypertension happens, there are no symptoms.

“When symptoms do occur, they can include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears,” the WHO explains.

“Severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.”

The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure blood pressure.

Having blood pressure measured is quick and painless. “Although individuals can measure their own blood pressure using automated devices, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of risk and associated conditions,” the WHO says.

Hypertension is a serious medical condition. It can cause serious damage to the heart. “Excessive pressure can harden arteries, decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart,” the WHO says.

The elevated pressure and reduced blood flow can cause chest pain (also called angina), heart failure (which occurs when the heart

cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to other vital body organs) and irregular heart beat (which can lead to a sudden death).

The most common complication is heart attack. This occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked and heart muscle cells die from lack of oxygen. “The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the damage to the heart,” the WHO says.

Hypertension can also burst or block arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain, causing a stroke. In addition, hypertension can cause kidney damage, leading to kidney failure.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death among Filipinos, accounting fo5 65.66 deaths per 100,000 population. Stroke can either be ischemic (a blockage in the brain’s blood supply) or hemorrhagic (a leak or rupture in a blood vessel in the brain).

Although it is straightforward to diagnose hypertension and relatively easy to treat the condition with low-cost drugs, the recent study revealed significant gaps in diagnosis and treatment.

About 580 million people with hypertension were unaware of their condition because they were

never diagnosed. The study also indicated that more than half of people with hypertension, or a total of 720 million people, were not receiving the treatment that they needed.

In the Philippines, studies have shown that only 14 percent of Filipinos with hypertension are aware of their condition. Of those who know they’re hypertensive, only half are taking medications; and of those who are taking medications, less than half have their blood pressure controlled to optimal levels.

Living a healthy lifestyle plays an important role in treating hypertension. Among the prevention strategies are: reducing salt intake (to less than 5 grams daily) and alcohol consumption; eating more fruits and vegetables; avoiding use of tobacco; limiting the intake of foods high in saturated fats; eliminating/reducing trans fats in diet; and being physically active on a regular basis.

For managing hypertension, the United Nations health agency recommends the following: reducing and managing stress, checking blood pressure regularly, treating high blood pressure, and managing other medical conditions

DENNIS R. GORECHO FLOWERS FOR LOLAS

REMEMBERING VETERAN JOURNALIST MELO ACUNA AND THE COMFORT WOMEN The recent death of veteran journalist Melo Acuna coincided with the anniversary of the disappearance of the “Lola” comfort woman statue two years ago, an issue close to his heart, “It’s sad wife and I got to be part of 12,067 new cases” the message posted by Melo Acuna on his wall August 24, 2021.

A day later, he asked prayers that his oxygen level increase to 99 otherwise he will be brought to the ICU. Sadly, Melo passed away three days later, August 27, 2021, at 2:30 am. at the age of 64.

Some friends captured Melo’s character in their postings of love and respect to an iconic figure recognized for his long and distinguished media career.

Melo touched so many lives with his generous heart, sparking so many great conversations with his soothing voice and endearing humility, and being an inimitable pillar of civil, passionate and enlightening dialogues in the country.

Born in Alabat, Quezon on Feb. 8, 1957, Melo is known as a big man with a booming swabe voice that was always radio ready.

And he was always prepared to help colleagues, from connecting sources to sharing his playlists of golden memories on radio.

His passing “left a void in the press field” as he was a “great loss

to the Fourth Estate.”

Melo was one of the instrumental persons behind Flowers-for-Lolas, an alliance supporting the campaign on the issue of comfort women and other victims of sexual violence and slavery during the World War II. He organized several media events for the 2-meter-high “Lola” statue installed along Roxas Boulevard, an unnamed woman wearing a traditional Filipino dress, blindfolded, with hands clutched to her chest.

The LOLA statue represents Filipino women’s dignity and stands as “a reminder that wars of aggression must always be opposed, and that sexual slavery and violence should never happen again to any woman, anywhere at any time.”

Even if it is a reminder of a painful past, the “Lola” statue honors the memory, courage and resilience of these Filipino women .

Four months after its installation on December 2017, Melo monitored through his facebook the events that led to dismantling of the statue under cover of darkness on April 27, 2018 by the DPWH, allegedly for a drainage improvement project, but seen as submission to protests from Japan.

Issues of historical revisionism and the government’s submission to Japanese policy were

raised by concerned groups led by the Flowers-for-Lolas as they condemned the removal of the statue. President Duterte earlier remarked the state would not want to “antagonize” other countries.

Tulay Foundation again commissioned Roces to make the necessary repair, thus “Lola ” was placed under his custody for safekeeping until the Flowers-for-Lolas finds her “home.”

And her new home should have been the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran.

However, despite several follow-ups on the formal turn-over of the LOLA statue back to Tulay for its reinstallation initially on August 18 then August 25, 2019, Roces failed to do so.

Until Roces told Tulay that the Lola statue was taken by unidentified men from his art studio in Cainta, Rizal.

That day was one of my last face to face encounters with Melo.

Despite the lockdown, Melo continued hosting the “Tapatan sa Aristocrat” and the “Wednesday Roundtable at Lido” media forums through online platforms.

I told him that I was his “dakilang kaladkarin” as the impromptu resource person on several issues like seafarers, comfort women, activism, politics, Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), environment, among others.

He would usually call me the night before his event inviting me to be present although my name was already included in his poster.

Melo also often asked my help when he needs to form a panel for maritime issues especially those affecting the seafarers and during the annual National Seafarers Day. One of his recent online media forum on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States touched upon the bases agreement.

I gave a historical perspective on the VFA by narrating my experience with the campaign during the 1990s against the renewal of the US military bases treaty.

As the photographer of the Philippine Collegian, I covered several mass actions involving UP students, including the historic Lakbayan on March 1991, a three-day 96-kilometer march from the UP Diliman campus to the Clark Airbase in Pampanga.

I was even one of his guest last August 16, 2021 in Tapatan sa Aristocrat on the proposed Department of

Overseas Filipinos, as I described myself in our chat as “manggugulo lang.” A week later, he was gone.

Social media is buzzing continuously and is chocking with COVID stories.

It is more saddening if the COVID death statistics includes a close friend like Melo Acuna.

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).

8

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EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

VEGAN HAIR CARE FROM

THE BODY SHOP

HAIR has an attitude, an identity. It tells a powerful story about who you are. Which is why it’s so important to keep it in root-to-tip shape. Luckily The Body Shop’s new vegan haircare routines are here to help your hair look and feel as powerful as you, so you can keep telling your story, your way.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 145 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2021

M

ussels have been eaten by human beings since time immemorial. But a project funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) that can also be turned into patis.

Generally, patis is made from fish which is why it is called fish sauce in English.

The study led by Dr. Ernesta M. Peralta of the Institute of Fish Processing Technology of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) showed that green mussels can also be fermented and made into patis.

Just like the traditional fish patis, the low-salt fermented mussel sauce can be used to add flavor to soups, broths, and dishes as well as a sawsawan or dipping sauce. Unlike the fish patis, it has the potential of being a functional food and food ingredient.

Functional foods, also known as nutraceuticals, are ingredients that offer health benefits that extend beyond their nutritional value. Nutrient-rich ingredients like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are often considered functional foods as well.

Due to changing lifestyles and increasing demand for healthier food and food ingredients, Dr. Peralta developed patis tahong – as it is called – from green mussels, known in the science world as Perna viridis.

The green-shelled bivalves are locally known as tahong. They are abundantly found in the country and an important farming commodity in many coastal areas.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), a DOST line agency, says mussels are nutritionally rich.

They contain 13.6% pro-

tein, 11.1% carbohydrates, and 7.5% fats. They are also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, foliate, vitamin B12, manganese, selenium, omega 3 and 6, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

“Aside from being low in salt, patis tahong is all-natural and has no artificial color, preservatives, and monosodium glutamate (MSG),” said a press statement.

Healthy In a consumer acceptability testing conducted, the product elicited positive responses for its odor, taste, and consumers’ willingness to buy. The low-salt mussel fermented sauce, as such, has a market potential due to its product attributes.

The development of patis tahong also addresses a specific market niche requiring low-salt seasoning but superior to industrially produced fish sauce. “It has a promising competitive edge or at par with premium fish sauce brands,” the statement said.

Mussel production in the Philippines has remained stagnant over the years. It first appeared in Philippine fisheries statistics only in 1971 when 38 metric tons were reported. In fact, mussels were then considered a pest.

“Mussels were initially considered as a fouling organism by oyster growers,” Simeone M. Aypa wrote in a paper published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). “The impe-

AGRITRENDS

9

BRIGHT PROSPECTS OF MUSSEL PRODUCTION Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

tus for mussel culture in Manila Bay came about when oyster growers, attempting to collect oyster spats in less silty offshore waters, instead obtained exceptionally heavy and almost pure mussel seedlings.”

Mussel farming Since then, mussel culture has gone a long, long way. “Mussel farming does not require highly sophisticated techniques compared to other aquaculture technologies,” Aypa wrote.

“Even unskilled laborers, men, women, and minors can be employed in the preparation of spat collectors as well as harvesting.

Locally available materials can be used. The mussel harvest can be marketed locally and with good prospects for export.”

Being an archipelago, the Philippines has high potentials for expanding its mussel farming area and increasing its production level significantly. In the early 1980s, the FAO identified 4,925 hectares of potential expansion sites in Samar, Quezon, Aklan, and Capiz, among others.

Only green mussels are farmed in the country. The brown mussels are not suitable for farming because they are not known to attach to ropes or bamboo poles,

but only to living adults growing in dense mats on muddy bottoms.

Mussel farms are mainly found in Bacoor and Manila Bays in Luzon as well as in Sapian Bay in West Visayas, Maqueda Bay in East Visayas and in a number of bays and inlets along the northern coast of Panay Island.

“This bivalve species reaches sexual maturity within the first year and spawns with the rising of seawater temperature,” Aypa wrote. “In the Philippines, mussels spawns yearround, however, the peak period of spawning and setting is in April and May and again in September to October. Eggs and sperms are shed separately and fertilization occurs in the water.”

Life-cycle According to Aypa, green mussels have two relatively distinct phases in their life-cycle. “A free swimming planktonic or larval stage and a sessile adult stage.

The free swimming larva remains planktonic for 7-15 days, depending on the water temperature, food supply and availability of settling materials.

“At about 2-5 weeks old, the larvae seek a suitable substrate to settle on and final metamorphosis takes place, changing its internal

organ structure to the adult form. The young spat then grow rapidly and within 4-8 weeks, after settlement they measure 3-4 millimeters in shell length,” Aypa wrote The mussel industry is an important component of the aquaculture sector in the country. Due to its popularity in recent years, mussel farming now provides additional income and livelihood to fisherfolk in many coastal areas.

As it requires little capital, fisherfolk can readily raise mussels.

Longline system There are many ways of growing mussels but Filipino marine scientists are recommending the use of the longline system of mussel growing.

A kind of hanging method, it is different from the stake method, the traditional way of culturing the young mussels (spats) in bamboo stakes or poles.

“In this method, the bamboo poles act as a wall or barrier to the runoff from the uplands resulting in siltation,” explained Rodolfo De Guzman, of the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). “In time, the accumulated silt makes the waters shallow and is no

longer suitable for mussel culture.”

In the longline method, the young mussels are literally hanging on the line that is submerged in the water.

This is the reason why it is sometimes called sampayan, the Filipino term for clothesline.

“The cost of the longline is much lower than the stake method that uses bamboo, which is more expensive,” De Guzman wrote.

The longline culture system is already practiced in New Zealand but the local counterpart is a cheaper version. The Philippine version is modified by PCAARRD. Aside from being inexpensive, the longline method is easy to manage and maintain. The spats are collected from the wild using spat collectors made of coconut husks, which are generally thrown away.

Here’s how it is done: The collected young mussels are placed in onion bags and then hung in 50-meter longlines with recycled plastic containers that serve as floats. All the fisherfolk need to do is regularly clean the longline of unwanted materials which come from the water and attach themselves to the lines.

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92 porters get food, cash aid from Rep. ‘Pulong’ Duterte

A

total of 92 airport porters received rice and cash assistance from the office of the First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte at Davao International Airport on September 1, Wednesday morning.

The porters are affected by the crisis

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brought about by the COVID-19. The airport porters are responsible for the general task, including assisting travelers.

Victor Daplen, 56, a porter at the Davao airport, thanked Rep. Duterte profusely for the assistance. He said the food and cash

out to the affected communities by training farmers to be barangay biosecurity officers.

Pineda showed a total

of P172, 535,000. 00 has been released by the DA XI to the affected farmers in Davao Region. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

contribute to investment and that Davao Region can contribute to both the national workforce landscape, ASEAN, and to the rest of the world.

Principal Architect-Urban Planner and Founder of Palafox Associates Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., who has created city blueprint designs for more than 40 countries, explained how making Davao among the world’s sustainable and liv-

able cities can redefine it.

“We hope to change the paradigm: Mindanao as not just the backdoor of the Philippines but the front door of the Philippines.

Open spaces are the lungs of the city. The rethinking now because of the pandemic, we already implemented in Metro Davao from the master plan. Our proposals for the region should be polycentric, and not monocentric,” he said.

“Kasi hindi siya one is to one, hindi lang isang machine isa lang ang magbabantay, very tedious ang ating WGS and it would entail human resource, machine, ito nagko-cost ng millions. Meron tayong machine na hundreds (specimens) ang ma-process but it would entail seven digits as to the funding,” she said.

Pasion said DOH 11 is expecting that the region can start performing WGS

by November this year.

“They are not promising anything but the target within this year, hopefully, November we could estab-

lish our WGS here in the region. How much funding?

Wala pang exact amount for the funding but it’s a huge amount of money that is why we really ask the help of our central office in providing the funding in order for us to establish satellite laboratory for WGS,” she said.

One of the reasons why detection of variants in Davao Region is delayed because samples of specimens to detect the presence of Covid-19 variants in Mindanao are currently send to the PGC at UP campus in Diliman, Quezon City.

to raise and propagate as a source of food and sustainable income.

During the summit which aims at discussing the challenges and opportunities in the Philippine poultry industry, Secretary Dar also reported the DA’s plans and investments in the subsector including the establishment of postharvest and processing facilities.

“We are currently establishing a P50-million cold storage and meat-cutting facility in San Jose, Batangas and a P90-million meat cutting plant and cold storage warehouse in Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU),” he said.

The operationalization of the Triple A dressing plant in Bamban, Tarlac

will also address the supply chain in Metro Manila and in other parts of Luzon.

The agri chief also recognized the integral role of partners in the private sector for the vibrancy of all agricultural subsectors.

“The private sector has been most helpful in the rescue of the entire livestock sector, which suffered negative growth due to ASF. We need to involve more of our country’s best entrepreneurs in the effort – because they have a great deal to offer in terms of resources and expertise,” he said.

He also urged the leaders in the poultry industry to support the expansion and modernization of the relevant facilities to make the sector more competitive.

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would be able to support his family’s current basic needs.

“Perteng lisora kay rotational naman lang gud na among trabaho.

Sa isa ka semana, kaduha lang mi mag-report.

Dako na ning tabang aron makapundo mi para sa sunod expenses,” Daplen said.

STILL... FROM11

Oscar Gabriel, 47, High Airlifter Service Corporation supervisor, echoed the same sentiment of Victor. He said the pandemic has affected the schedule and their work.

“Gipangitaan gyud namo ug paagi na makatrabaho gihapon ang tanan. Sa pagka-

game while hitting 40% of his 3-pointers in the Florida bubble, winning over many of the Lakers fans that didn’t like his ball-dominant playing style.

Rondo will have even less of the ball when James or Westbrook are on the floor with him, but he is looking forward to being a teammate of Anthony and Ariza for the first time in

their lengthy careers, and he intends to test his new teammates in practice.

“We’ve had a lot of great battles, a lot of these guys that’s now teammates,” Rondo said. “I’m looking forward to putting everything in the past and putting it together for the greater good of the team and winning a championship here.”

tered him as a candidate for Knockout of the Year.

President of MP Promotions Sean Gibbons –

who represents Magsayo – said they’re aiming for his next fight to be in November.

of 1,048,255 Philippine Identification cards have been delivered nationwide in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Official printing partner Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has also released 3,036,747 more for delivery.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to estab-

lish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.

It also seeks to boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions.

(PNA)

made by regulatory agencies in evaluating the performance of GOCCs to further improve its oversight functions and avoid errors in the policy-making process of the government.

Dominguez made the call after he observed several instances of “incongruence” between the evaluation done by the GCG on GOCCs and those made by particular agencies regulating these firms.

As ex-officio member of the GCG, Dominguez called on the Commission to adopt his recommendation in refining its evaluation

methods and factoring in the findings of regulators in assessing and rating GOCCs. Dominguez, as Secretary of Finance, also sits as ex-officio chairman of eight GOCCs and director of 20 state corporations, where he noticed the incongruence between the evaluation made by the GCG and those by regulatory agencies.

He cited the case of the Insurance Commission (IC) whose review of the performance of some government insurance corporations contrasted sharply with the assessment by the GCG.

tor to ensure consumer’s access to meat products,” DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.

Last Saturday, the PRD program held its Frozen Meat Edition Weekend Pop-up in Riverbanks

Center in Barangka, Marikina City.

Frozen meat products, ready-to-cook meals, and processed food were sold in the weekend pop-up store.

The PRD pop-up store also gives discounts for selected products. (PNA)

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karon 32 lang usa ang salitan sa trabaho.

Among income paagi lang sa tip ug kanang P10 per baggage,” Gabriel said.

He also recalled how the porters used to have enough income before the pandemic following the estimated four international and

32 local flights per day.

Gabriel sought assistance from Rep. Duterte.

The First Congressional District Office has been giving both cash and in-kind assistance to its constituents and people who need immediate support in these trying times.

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After four to six months, the mussels are ready for harvest.

“Based on research, the longline method is a viable economic enterprise with a return on investment rate of as high as 87% and a short payback period of just one year to recoup investment,” De Guzman wrote.

Some notes As most materials used are recycled, the longline method is considered environment-friendly. In addition, it is also climate resilient as “it is not easily destroyed during typhoons and other natural calamities.”

During typhoon advisories, fisherfolk are advised to fill the plastic containers with seawater so that “the longline can be lowered, thus preventing it from being damaged by big waves or strong winds,” said Dr. Carlos Baylon, a professor at the University of the Philippines-Iloilo, who was the project leader of the Pinoy Longline Mussel Farming System.

Another way is to untie the longline from the concrete anchor and move to a sheltered area until the typhoon has passed through the culture site, Dr. Baylon added.

The longline method can also be employed in deeper waters. Unlike the stake method, it won’t cause sedimentation and most importantly, it reduces damage to the coastal environment.

With all these advantages, the longline method is described as “a sustainable enterprise.”

Despite this, production of mussels is still not as vibrant compared to other aquaculture initiatives. Part of the problem is the insufficient and unstable seed stock. Spat supply is affected by both human activities and nature.

“The mussel industry in the Philippines is still dependent on collection of wild spats,” Dr. Baylon was quoted

by Hatchery International.

“The supply from the wild should be supported by production from the hatchery.”

In 2014, the UP-Visayas launched the Mussel Hatchery and Nursery Program with funding support from DOST. Based on study, the hatchery-produced green mussel spats that were

transported to different culture sites as far as 1,250 kilometers away from the site “attained high survival of up to 100 percent.”

Food preparation Mussels are prepared differently, according to Wikipedia. In Belgium, the Netherlands and France, mussels are consumed with French fries or bread. In Italy, mussels are mixed with other seafood; they are consumed often steam cooked, sometimes with white wine, herbs and served with the remaining water and some lemon.

In Ireland, mussels are boiled and seasoned with vinegar, and the boiling water is used as a supplementary hot drink. In New Zealand, they are served in a hot pepper- or garlic-based vinaigrette, processed into fritters and fried, or used as the base for a chowder.

In Brazil, it is common to see mussels being cooked and served with olive oil, usually accompanied by onion, garlic and other herbs.

In India, mussels are either prepared with drumsticks, breadfruit or other vegetables, or filled with rice and coconut paste with spices and served hot.

Warning People who love to eat mussels must ensure that the mussels they are cooking are alive before being cooked. The enzymes mussels produce quickly break down the meat and make them unpalatable or poisonous after dying or uncooked.

Some mussels might contain toxins, the Medline Plus Encyclopedia warns.

“A simple criterion is that live mussels, when in the air, will shut tightly when disturbed,” the ABC Science pointed out. “Open, unresponsive mussels are dead, and must be discarded. Unusually heavy, wildcaught, closed mussels may be discarded as they may contain only mud or sand. A thorough rinse in water and removal of ‘the beard’ is suggested.”

In addition, don’t eat mussels that are harvested in areas where there is red tide.

It is caused by dinoflagellates and their toxins are harmless to mussels. But if the mussels are eaten by humans, the concentrated toxins can cause serious illness like paralytic shellfish poisoning.

VOL.14 ISSUE 145 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2021

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SPORTS

11

Rajon Rondo is back with a one-year contract with the Lakers.

Still a lot left in the tank: Rondo L OS ANGELES — When Rajon Rondo saw the opportunity to add his youth and energy to a championship-contending team, the 35-year-old point guard jumped at the chance to return to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Olympic bronze medalist Serrantes passes away

B

oxer Leopoldo Serantes, who won a bronze medal in the 1988 Summer Olympics, has passed away, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) announced on Wednesday.

He was 59 years old.

Serantes won a bronze in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, as well as gold medals in the 1985 and 1987 Southeast Asian Games. He compet-

ed in the light flyweight division.

It was recently reported that the Bicol native had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and was confined at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

Last August 17, Chooks-to-Go pledged to give Serantes a monthly allowance of P100,000 to honor his service to the country.

“I’m most excited about not being the oldest guy on the team anymore,” Rondo said with only the slightest grin. “I’m actually probably bottom five now, so that’s a big step for me, going from two months ago I was the oldest guy on the team, and now I’m considered one of the young guys. I’m looking forward to it.”

The extremely experienced Lakers announced their latest deal with a 30-something veteran on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time), bringing back Rondo on a one-year contract. Less than a year after Rondo played an important role as a reserve and a team leader on Los Angeles’ 17th NBA championship team, the veteran point guard is back in purple and gold to provide the same leadership in another title chase.

“We didn’t get our parade, but coming off not even a year being a cham-

Magsayo eyes shot at Russel’s title

I

t’s been only over a week since Mark Magsayo captured a brutal knockout victory over Julio Ceja, but the rising Filipino star already has his next opponent on his mind.

Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs) said he wants to be next in line for a shot at the WBC featherweight

belt, which Gary Russell Jr. currently holds.

And he said he doesn’t see himself losing that matchup.

“Russell fits me because he’s only speed, I can overpower his speed,” Magsayo told Ring TV. The fight against Ceja was just one of the Fili-

pino boxer’s hurdles to get closer to a world title shot. The August 21 bout was a WBC eliminator with a minor WBO belt at stake.

He knocked Ceja out cold on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas fight – a knockout that’s regis-

FMAGSAYO, P10

pion, want to do it again,” Rondo said. “(We) want, obviously, a parade here in LA, and this is a special team that could possibly make that happen.”

Los Angeles acquired former league MVP Russell Westbrook in a trade with Washington to join Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore, Wayne Ellington, Dwight Howard and returnee Marc Gasol.

Rondo, Howard, Ariza, Ellington and Bazemore are all former Lakers returning to the team. The Lakers also could still re-sign 34-yearold wing Wesley Matthews.

While their fortunes are likely to hinge on the health of their well-traveled core, Rondo says the group is highly motivated to reward the Lakers’ faith in their experience.

“I look forward to proving people wrong and understanding that age doesn’t make a difference,”

Rondo said. “A lot of the guys on the team still have a lot left in the tank, and (we’re) going against all odds and getting it done.”

Rondo’s past nine months have been awfully busy: The four-time AllStar signed with Atlanta as a free agent last November shortly after winning a ring with the Lakers, and he was traded to the Clippers last March ahead of their run to the Western Conference finals.

The Clippers traded Rondo to the Grizzlies two weeks ago along with Patrick Beverley in the deal sending Eric Bledsoe back to LA. Rondo agreed to a buyout with Memphis last Saturday and quickly rejoined a title contender.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel told Rondo that the team missed his voice in the locker room last season, which ended with a firstround loss to the Phoenix

Mark Magsayo scores a brutal knockout victory over Julio Ceja.

Suns after James and Davis both missed extensive playing time with injuries in the second half.

“I think I’m one of the most competitive guys in the league, and I love to win,” Rondo said. “Being put in a situation now where we have an opportunity to win a championship, and it’s only a few, a handful of teams that can say it in the beginning of training camp, and we’re one of them this year.”

Few NBA players can surpass Rondo’s playoff experience. He has appeared in 134 postseason games for six franchises, averaging 12.5 points and 8.5 assists.

Rondo was a role player for the Lakers during the coronavirus-interrupted regular season in 2020, but his responsibilities increased sharply in the postseason. He averaged 8.9 points and 6.6 assists per

FSTILL, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 145 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2021

FAVORABLE GROUP G

The Philippines was drawn in Group A with New Zealand, Korea, and India.

Gilas bunched with NZ, Korea, India in FIBA WC Qualifiers ilas Pilipinas can smile at the result of the 2023 Fiba World Cup qualifiers draw.

The Philippines was drawn in Group A with New Zealand, Korea, and India in the proceedings held on Tuesday at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland.

By joining Group A, Gilas avoided landing in Group B with Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Australia and longtime Asian power China, which were joined by 2023 World Cup cohost Japan and Chinese Taipei.

The first window of the homeand-away qualifiers is set this November, with the next windows in the first round scheduled on February and June-July next year.

Although already qualifed as hosts of the event, Gilas is looking at the qualifiers as part of its preparation for the global showpiece, where it is motivated to bounce back from its dead-last finish among 32 teams in China back in 2019.

The country’s highest finish in the Fiba World Cup was in 1954 in Rio de Janeiro where it captured the bronze medal behind Carlos Loyzaga.

Here’s how the groupings for the Asian qualifiers will play out: Group A: New Zealand, Korea, Philippines, India.

Group B: Australia, China, Japan, Chinese Taipei.

Group C: Jordan, Lebanon, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia.

Group D: Iran, Kazakhstan, Syria, Bahrain.

Meanwhile, here’s the groupings for the other continental qualifiers: African Qualifiers

Group A: Cape Verde, Mali, Uganda, Nigeria.

Group B: South Sudan, Cameroon, Tunisia, Rwanda.

Group C: Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Central African Republic, Angola.

Group D: Kenya, Senegal, Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Americas Qualifiers Group A: Argentina, Venezuela, Panama, Paraguay.

Group B: Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Chile.

Group C: Canada, Dominican Republic, Virgin Islands, Bahamas.

Group D: USA, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba.

European Qualifiers Group A: Serbia, Slovakia, Belgium, Latvia.

Group B:Belarus, Great Britain, Greece, Turkey.

Group C: Croatia, Sweden, Finland, Slovenia.

Group D: Israel, Germany, Estonia, Poland.

Group E: France, Portugal, Hungary, Montenegro.

Group F: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic.

Group G: Georgia, Macedonia, Spain, Ukraine.

Group H: Russia, Netherlands, Iceland, Italy.