Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 139 | Thursday, August 26, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 139 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

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GOV’T OFFICES MAY RESUME ACTIVITIES AFTER AUGUST 31 NEWS P 3 edgedavao@gmail.com

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WHAT’S THE SCORE?

Sara to PRRD and Go: Own up publicly decision to run as a tandem STORY ON PAGE 2

A motorcycle driver and his pillon rider make the metal product and the other items they bought as barrier while they traverse along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 139 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III while presiding over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Tuesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

WHAT’S THE SCORE?

Mayor Sara to PRRD and Go: Own up publicly decision to run as a tandem

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio urged President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go to make it on public their decision to run as President and Vice President in the 2022 elections.

This is in relation to the President’s latest pronouncement that he and Go will give way to Mayor Sara should she decide to run for president in the 2022 national elections.

Mayor Sara in a statement affirmed that the President, very recently, personally confirmed to her his decision to run for Vice President and Senator Go as President.

The mayor said it was not a pleasant event.

“I was left with two letters endorsed to me by the President for consideration — one note explained why I should endorse the Go- Duterte tandem and the other suggested that I take in Senator Go as my Vice President. I strongly suggest to the President and Senator Go to own up publicly their decision to run as a tandem If they can confirm it privately, then I do not see the

reason why they cannot be candid about it to the public,” the mayor said.

The mayor added that the President and Go should simply present to the people what they can offer to the country and how they can help the Filipinos.

“I respectfully advise them to stop talking about me and make me the reason for them running or not running,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara also asked Senator Koko Pimentel and Ronwald Munsayac to stop blaming her for the sad state of their political party.

“It is not my fault that no one among you is a leader worthy of the

respect of the majority.

Do not blame me for the sitcom that your party has been reduced to,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara also said she is not a “Last Two Minutes” person.

“I think, organize, and I implernent accordingly.

In the meantime, refuse to be a political punching bag for a party in complete disarray,” the mayor said.

In issuing the statement, Mayor Sara apologized to her mother Elizabeth Zimmermann for the statement and alsi asked the nation to read her message from the point of view of a politician and nothing else.

wang long-term follow-up studies and the participants are still being monitored from 2 to 3 years.

This means that we have yet to generate complete clinical trial result,” Dr. Montejo said.

This led her to say and reiterate the statement of the DOH that booster shots are not yet recommended.

“We still need to vaccinate more people and there is no data that shows that boosters are needed.”

In a public advisory released last August 21, the DOH clarified information regarding the length of protection that COVID19 vaccines offer based on a media interview of one of the Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) members which has been taken out of context.

The advisory cited that “contrary to the circulating posts, Dr. Nina Gloriani did not mention how long antibodies from vaccines last, but of when antibodies start to de-

crease based on follow-up from participants in the clinical trials.”

The DOH emphasized that while booster shots is not yet recommended in the country, the government rather needs to continuously prioritize those belonging to the high risk groups including the senior citizens and persons with underlying conditions to maximize the gains of the current vaccine supply. (PIA XI/ Frances Mae Macapagat)

Booster shots still not recommended: DOH 11

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he Department of Health XI clarified, in their latest virtual presser, that booster shots of any COVID19 vaccine is still not recommended.

Chief of the DOH 11 Local Health Support Division Dr. Raquel Montejo said that all COVID19 vaccines were all issued an Emergency Utilization Authority (EUA) which means that all are still ongoing on their Phase 3 clinical trials.

“Mayroon pang ginaga-

Suspect in Toril murder gives up

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20-year-old murder suspect who is a son of a barangay tanod in Barangay Alambre, Toril District, Davao City turned over to authorities Tuesday morning (August 24).

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Capt.

Rose Aguilar identified the suspect as John Christopher Joseph Pequiro.

According to Aguilar, Pequiro’s father Leopoldo,62, revealed to the members of Toril Police Station that his son confessed to him that he killed Joruel Angelo Lo-ay, 19, a resident of Barangay Dumoy, Toril on August 19.

Leopoldo voluntarily endorsed his son to the Toril Po-

lice Station.

Lo-ay was reportedly missing since August 20, 2021.

During the investigation, the suspect said that at about 5 p.m on August 19 while he and the victim were at the riverside situated at Mulig, Toril, an altercation ensued between them thus resulting in a stabbing incident.

Pequiro said the victim threatened to stab him. However, he was able to grab the knife from Lo-ay and subsequently, stabbed the victim hitting different parts of his head and face causing his untimely death.

Lo-ay’s decomposing body, was found beside the river with stab wounds.

1,700 Meranaws flee as military clashes with Dawlah Islamia

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lashes between military forces and the ISIS-inspired Dawlah Islamia in the past few days in the boundary of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte have displaced around 350 families or approximately 1,750 individuals, reports said.

Lt. Col. Julius Librada, commanding officer of the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, said in a report that the encounters erupted in Tangcal and Munai in Lanao del Norte and in Madalum, Lanao del Sur. The first clash reportedly took place noon last Saturday between elements of the 51st Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade against some 30 Dawlah Islamia armed men, but clashes continue as soldiers are pursuing the armed men.

A report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said

that the armed encounter took place in Barangay Lindongan and Barangay Pelingkingan, both in Tangcal.

The report said the evacuees from the affected barangays sought refuge at the Bayabao Multipurpose Building and Proper Tangcal Gym, while others are scattered in the different barangays with their host families.

The municipal government of Tangcal, according to the UNHCR, distributed relief goods to the displaced families.

Troops from the 51IB found and detonated an improvised explosive device intended to inflict casualties on government soldiers, Librada said.

He added that they met with Tangcal municipal and barangay officials Tuesday morning and urged them to strengthen security measures in their respective areas.

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NEWS

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says there is a rise of cases, most likely these are the variants which they say more infectious and can infect minors. All the more, we have a reason for the parents and the adults to consistently observe minimum public health standards and get vaccinated if they have been given a schedule. Edge Davao

ERRATUM In the May 21, 2021 issues of Edge Davao, in the Notice of publication given by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Case Number R11-EV-FC-2021-5-3070 (2021-XI-03070) the name was erroneously published from Aritas C.Dagohoy/Petioner must be Rogelio R. Rabago/Petitioner Our apologies

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Pursuant to Sec.1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Romulo Paña Carandang who died on October 15, 2019 in Davao City leaving a parcel of land that was purchased from Sta. Lucia Land, Inc. with TCT No. T-1462018004548 has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among their his heirs , per Doc. No 27; PageNo.07; Book No.77 Series of 2021, of the Notary Public Atty. Jose Edgar J. Ilagan

Gov’t offices may resume activities after August 31

By MAYA M. PADILLO

M

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced that there are no current plans to extend the implementation of Executive Order 31 (EO 31) and government offices can now plan and resume their activities after August 31.

In May this year, Mayor Sara issued EO 31 ordering barangay, local and national government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) in Davao City to stop the conduct of in-person non-essential events such as govern-

ment-organized activities such as inauguration, anniversary, thanksgiving, ribbon-cutting, blessing, turnover, launching programs, oath-taking, photo opportunity, retirement honors, welcome honors testimonial programs, summer outing, and team building from May 26,

2021 until August 31, 2021 due to the surge of Covid-19 cases in the city.

“There are essential government activities that are postponed until August 31. Sa pagka-karon wala pa nato na siya gi-extend sama aning essential government activities after August 31 kaning mga examinations, Comelec registration, national ID registration-these are essentials that are currently put on hold due to the surge last time ug wala pa ni extension sa pag-

ka-karon until August 31 gihapon ni sila. Puwede na sila (government offices) magplano ang mga national government agencies puwede na sila magplano ug resumption after Aug. 31,” the mayor said The mayor reminded the government agencies to still follow the minimum public health standards upon resumption.

“Kanang mag conduct ug activity kinahanglan sundon gihapon ang minimum public health standards,” the mayor said.

nation drive of ICT Davao, around 10,000 employees of the Information Technology – Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector of Davao City have already received their vaccines. Of these, 3,480 have received their second dose and are already fully vaccinated.

ICT Davao posted on its social media account that to date, it has already rolled out five tranches of Vacc2Normal, the latest was done in partnership

with the University of Mindanao (UM) Matina Campus (as site provider) and PLDT Enterprise (as Internet Sponsor), supported by partner companies who provided volunteers, namely: iQor, Teleperformance, VXI, Awesome OS, Sutherland, Concentrix, Northeast Solutions, iLucent, Detail Online, Fair Trade Outsourcing, Cavista/Axxess, HC Global, LaunchPad, Coders for Hire, BizLite and Next BPO Solutions.

The latest tranche saw 2,150 employees receive their first dose.

The IT-BPM is considered the biggest private sector in Davao, comprised of around 50,000 employees. Among those who received their vaccines are employees of BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) companies working on-site and at home.

The goal of ICT Davao is to inoculate up to 25,000 employees of the IT-BPM Sector. By Maya M. Padillo

BPO sector to conduct second leg of vaccination

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he BPO Association of Davao Inc., (BPOADI) said on Tuesday it will be doing a second tranche of vaccination dubbed Vacc2Normal next week.

Xavier Eric Manalastas, president of BPOADI told Edge Davao that the said vaccination for the BPO employees will be simultaneously done in two sites namely Felcris Centrale and SM City Davao.

Meanwhile, through the Vacc2Normal vacci-

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 139 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

On President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Bong Go running as tandem in next year’s elections: I was left with two letters endorsed to me by the President for consideration — one note explained why I should endorse the GoDuterte tandem and the other suggested that I take in Senator Go as my Vice President. I strongly suggest to the President and Senator Go to own up publicly their decision to run as a tandem If they can confirm it privately, then I do not see the reason why they cannot be candid about it to the public.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL Confusion There appears to be some element of surprise again in the build up to the national elections next year.

On Monday, the President’s party Partidong Demokratiko ng Pilipinas (PDP) announced the former has accepted the nomination to run as Vice President in the next elections paving what could be a Sen. Bong Go-Pres. Duterte tandem.

The next day, President Duterte said he will give way if his daughter Sara runs. The statement prompted Mayor Sara to react saying that her father and Go must make a public admission of their plans to run as tandem the sooner the better and not anchor their

EDGEDAVAO

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It’s getting a bit complicated in the minds of the public. However, there is reason to believe the parties involved have discussed the issue amongst themselves.

It may seem to be a good ploy to try to conceal their political plans— PRRD and Go on one side and Sara on the other—but it may not seem to work with the same result as 2016 to keep the public hanging on what the real plan is.

The earlier the picture is clear, the better.

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

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decision on her decision.

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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

for in vitro diagnostics, intended to be used for the detection of either antigen or antibody from clinical samples, usually blood within a shorter period. b. Stagnant water – a body of water having no current or flow and is usually a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

19th City Council 40th Regular Session Series of 2020

SECTION 4. CREATION OF DAVAO CITY INTER AGENCY TASK FORCE (IATF) ON MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES PREVENTION AND CONTROL. This Task Force is composed of the following:

PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

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Sebastian Z. Duterte - Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ORDINANCE NO. 0401-20 Series of 2020 AN ORDINANCE STRENGTHENING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING THE DAVAO CITY MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “THE DAVAO CITY MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES PREVENTION AND CONTROL ORDINANCE”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – It is the policy of the City of Davao to protect the health and well-being of its people/constituents. To this end, the City shall adopt a barangay based approach to ensure the cooperation of the people in cleaning the areas within their control and, ultimately, eradicating mosquito-borne diseases.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS: a. Mosquito-borne Diseases – pertain to diseases caused by viruses or parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. These diseases can be transmitted without affecting the mosquitoes themselves. The following are the types of mosquito-borne diseases:

i. Chikungunya – a febrile disease that resembles dengue, occurs especially in parts of Africa, India, and Southeastern Asia, and is caused by a togavirus of the genus Alphavirus (species Chikungunya virus) transmitted by mosquitoes especially of the genus Aedes. ii. Dengue Fever – an acute infectious disease that is characterized by high grade fever, headache, severe joint pain, rashes, abdominal pains, nose bleeding and other hemorrhagic manifestations caused by a single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Flavivirus (species Dengue virus) transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes – also called breakbone fever, dandy fever, or dengue fever. iii. Filaria – is an infectious tropical disease caused by any one of several thread- like parasitic round worms. The two species of worms most often associated with this disease are Wucheria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. The larval form of the parasite transmits the disease to humans by the bite of an Aedes poicilius mosquito. iv. Japanese Encephalitis – is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses, and is spread by Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes. v. Malaria – a serious disease that causes chills and fever, sweating and is passed from one person to another by the bite of an Anopheles mosquito. vi. Zika Virus Disease - caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. People with Zika virus disease can have symptoms including mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. vii. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) – a collection of reagents and other materials

Chairperson: Co-Chairperson: Members:

City Mayor City Health Officer SP Committee on Health City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) City Information Office (CIO) Liga ng mga Barangays Barangay Cultural and Community Affairs Division (BCCAD) Barangay Local Government Units (BLGU) City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO) City Legal Office (CLO) Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) City Engineer’s Office (CEO) Business Bureau Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) Department of the Interior and Local Government – Davao City (DILG) Department of Education XI (DepEd XI) Department of Health XI (DOH XI) Department of Labor and Employment XI (DOLE XI) Philippine National Police XI (PNP XI) Bureau of Fire Protection XI (BFP XI) National Commission on Indigenous Peoples XI (NCIP XI) Task Force Davao (TFD) Davao Central 911 City Planning and Development Office/ GIS Division Tropical Disease Control Unit – City Health Office Environmental Sanitation Division – City Health Office Sangguniang Kabataan Federation

SECTION 5. FUNCTIONS OF THE INTER AGENCY TASK FORCE (IATF) – The IATF shall be primarily responsible for the following: a) Launch/participate in city-wide dissemination of Information and Education Campaigns (IEC) on Mosquito-borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control through fora, symposia and media mileage;

b) Conduct simultaneous and synchronized city-wide household clean-ups on the last week of June of every year, engaging various sectors in the community, the academe, private establishments, and other institutions; c) Conduct monitoring in communities near their respective offices in compliance with mosquito-borne viral disease prevention and control measures; d) Come up with mosquito-borne viral disease advocacy communication plans and standard messages; e) Conduct assessment and evaluation meetings relative to the implementation of plans and activities of the Task Force; f) Ensure the conduct of the 4 o’clock habit in every household, and in schools and offices; g) Direct the implementation of plans and activities of the Barangay Mosquitoborne Diseases Task Force, which will curb morbidity, ease the economic burden and reduce deaths caused by Dengue, as well as abnormalities and deaths caused by Zika Virus and Chikungunya and other mosquito-borne illnesses; h) Oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the guidelines set by the Mosquito-borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Task Force;

i) Oversee the transportation of suspected Dengue patients to the nearest district health office for Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), with the subsequent transfer of those with “probable” results to the nearest hospital for early referral and management.

The members of the Inter Agency Task Force shall cooperate and exert all efforts towards the success of the prevention and control programs for mosquito-borne diseases.

SECTION 6. CREATION OF BARANGAY MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES TASK FORCE (BMDTF) – The barangays shall hereby create a Barangay Mosquito-borne Diseases Task Force (BMTF). It shall be led by the Punong Barangay as Chairperson. The composition of the Task Force shall be as follows: Chairperson Punong Barangay Vice Chairperson Kagawad - Chairperson of the Committee on Health Coordinators Nurse / Midwife in charge of said barangay Members School Principals

Representative from the Business Sector

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Barangay functionaries Barangay Health Worker (BHW) Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Other sectoral group of the barangay Sangguniang Kabataan President Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT)

SECTION 7. FUNCTIONS OF THE TASK FORCE – The Barangay Mosquito-borne Diseases Task Force shall have the following functions:

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This strategy shall be used as a guideline for the Task Force in formulating their own plans and programs to fight against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

B. To encourage mosquito-free environment, through the following strategies: i. Encourage all residents in the barangay to observe proper disposal of garbage;

a) Prepare programs for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases;

b) Conduct education and training programs on pest/mosquito management;

ii. Encourage residents to observe the absence of stagnant water;

c) Prepare activities scheduled throughout the year to control the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases;

iv. Require all vulcanizing and battery repair shops as well as other similar business establishments that store stagnant water to cover these containers and to change water every two (2) days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in these areas;

d) Make public announcements/notices regarding mosquito-borne diseases and related matters; e) Coordinate with other government agencies especially the City Health Office in order to achieve its goals;

iii. Encourage residents and institutional establishments to observe the 4 o’clock daily habit of cleaning the surroundings;

v. Require owners of vacant lots to keep their properties clean and free of breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes;

f) Ensure proper implementation of its programs;

vi. Ensure that barangay officials are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness in their respective barangays;

g) Make quarterly reports to the City Mayor, through the City Health Office, regarding the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases in their respective areas and the activities conducted to prevent or control such illnesses;

vii. Ensure that barangay officials are responsible for ensuring that canals are free of stagnant water, and possible breeding containers such as tires, tin cans and other water catching plants;

h) Conduct household surveillance of at least 100 households per week

i) Report, refer and monitor suspected Dengue cases to Barangay Health Centers.

SECTION 8. STRATEGIES - The BMDTF and the IATF shall adopt the following strategies: A. Four (4) S Strategies:

1. Search and destroy possible breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes like flower pots, vases, discarded plastic bags, bottles, old tires, cans, earthen jars, coconut shells, water catching plants such as bromeliads, roof gutters, water drums and other containers that might hold clean stagnant water. Prevention of mosquito-borne diseases is easier to achieve by keeping the environment clean. As such, all water containers should be kept covered, and water in vases have to be changed frequently to avoid becoming mosquito breeding spots.

2. Self-protective measures include the wearing of long sleeves or long pants. Dark colored clothing should be avoided, as it attracts mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellants may also be used as deterrent. Mosquito repellant lotions and liquid sprays are available in the market; however, parents are cautioned against using strong repellants on small children because of potentially harsh chemicals. Organic mosquito repellant alternatives such as all-natural citronella bug sprays may be used as alternative.

Mosquito coils, electric vapor mats, and mosquito spray may also be used during the daytime. Electric rackets, mosquito nets, and screens are also effective protection against mosquitoes.

3. Seek early medical consultation. See a doctor immediately if there are early signs and symptoms of dengue and at least two (2) days of fever.

4. Support indoor and outdoor spraying and fogging activity to prevent impending outbreak. Fogging is recommended when outbreaks and epidemics are positively determined in a particular area. Fogging, however, is effective only against the adult infected mosquito; it cannot get rid of the larvae, locally known as kiti-kiti.

4. a. When to conduct Targeted Residual Spraying i. When there is clustering of cases (e.g. at least 3 cases reported in 4 consecutive weeks) or during outbreaks; ii. Conduct two (2) to three (3) times a year, even in the absence of rain; iii. For schools, targeted indoor or outdoor residual spraying must be conducted during weekends or holidays; iv. Target area: The resting place of mosquitoes which is within 1.5 meters from the floor.

4. b. When to conduct space spraying i. When an area is declared a hotspot or when there is a clustering of cases; ii. In the presence of outbreak or an impending outbreak ; iii. When the area exceeds the Vector Threshold Index (evidenced by vector surveillance data- HI,BI); iv. Frequency: At least four (4) cycles with at least 7 days interval between cycles; v. Timing: • Most favorable : Early morning at 6:30-8:30 A.M. or late evening at 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.; • Acceptable: Early to mid- morning or late afternoon or early evening.

viii. Ensure that schools are certified by the sanitary inspector to be free of mosquito breeding sites; ix. Discourage the keeping/hoarding of items like old tires and batteries, steel or plastic drums, pails and empty bottles and jars, water tanks, or any scrap material that contain water.

C. Regular inspection of all inhabited places in the barangay unit, including residences, commercial establishments, schools, offices, churches, junk shops/ vulcanizing shops, and other buildings for any item that could serve as breeding place for mosquitoes.

D. Discourage the keeping of items like old tires and batteries, steel or plastic drums, pails, empty bottles and jars, water tanks, or any scrap material that may hold stagnant water.

E. Discourage schools and teachers from keeping flower vases, aquariums, grottos and fish ponds without fishes that may contain stagnant water in the school premises and classrooms.

F. Encourage all residents in the barangay to practice search and destroy measures and to observe cleanliness and proper hygiene, like proper disposal of garbage and see to it that no stagnant water is stored or kept in the vicinity.

G. Strictly observe the 4 o’clock daily habit of cleaning the surroundings and doing search and destroy activities in all elementary and high schools both public and private respectively, with the participation of the whole barangay.

H. Monitor all residents in the barangay to be alert for any signs of dengue and other tropical disease as defined by the Department of Health through the City Health Office.

I. Promulgate other measures to contribute to the prevention and control of dengue outbreaks and other tropical diseases in consonance with the provisions of the Ordinance.

J. Request a letter for appropriation of funds from the Sangguniang Panlungsod/ Sangguniang Barangay should the need arise.

SECTION 9: ROLE OF THE TROPICAL DISEASES PREVENTION AND CONTROL UNIT – The Tropical Diseases Prevention and Control Unit shall have the following role, with respect to this Ordinance: A. Conduct/intensify Information Education Campaign in the prevention and control of dengue, and other tropical neglected diseases with emphasis on the 4S Strategies in preventing outbreak of all mosquito-borne diseases. i. ii. iii. iv.

Search and destroy breeding places of mosquitoes; Secure self-protection measures; Seek early medical consultation; Support indoor and outdoor spraying, and/or fogging activity to prevent impending outbreak.

B. Promote a mosquito-free environment through the following: i. Encouraging all residents in the barangay to observe proper disposal of garbage; ii. Encouraging residents to observe the eradication of stagnant water; iii. Encouraging residents and institutional establishments to observe the 4 o’clock daily habit of cleaning the surroundings; iv. Supporting indoor and outdoor spraying, and/or fogging activity to prevent impending outbreak; v. Requiring owners of vacant lots to keep their properties free of breeding sites for mosquitoes;

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vi. Ensuring that barangay officials inspect canals and other bodies of stagnant water and making sure these are free from possible breeding sites of mosquitoes.

C. Regular inspection of all inhabited places in the barangay, including residences, commercial establishments, schools, offices, churches, junk shops/vulcanizing shops, and other buildings for items that could serve as breeding place for mosquitoes.

D. Discourage schools and teachers from keeping flower vases, aquariums and fish ponds without fish that may contain stagnant water in the school premises and classrooms.

E. Encourage all residents in the barangay to practice search and destroy activity, hygiene, proper disposal of garbage, and see to it that no stagnant water is stored or kept in the vicinity and to otherwise cover all water containers.

F. Mandate the strict observance of the 4 o’clock daily habit of cleaning the surroundings and doing search and destroy activity in all elementary and high schools, both public and private, respectively, and ensure the participation of all barangay workers.

G. Promulgate other measures which contribute to the prevention and control of dengue outbreak and other tropical neglected diseases in consonance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

H. Request for appropriation of funds from the Local Finance Committee/City Mayor’s Office through the Annual Operational Plan, for inclusion in the regular budget of the City Health Office.

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SECTION 14. PENALTIES - Upon inspection of the Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Unit, Environmental Sanitation Inspectors of the City Health Office and Barangay Mosquito–borne Disease Task Force, any person who shall violate, disobey, refuse, omit or neglect to comply with any of the preventive measures and prohibitions under this Ordinance shall be punished by the following: a) First offense – A fine of Php 1,000.00 and 2 hours community service; b) Second offense – A fine of Php 3,000.00 and 4 hours community service; and c) Third offense – A fine of Php 5,000.00 with confiscation of items and objects concerned.

Business establishments which violate, disobey, refuse, omit or neglect to comply with any of the preventive measures and prohibitions under this Ordinance shall be punished as follows: a. First offense – The establishment shall be placed under strict monitoring/ suspension by the Business Bureau. b. Second offense – Shall be ground for cancellation of the establishment’s business permit.

SECTION 15. ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT/CITATION TICKET – An ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT, otherwise known as CITATION TICKET shall be issued to violators of this Ordinance. The Citation Ticket shall state the name and address of the violator, the specific violation committed, and the provisions of the succeeding section, “No Contest Provision.” If the violation concerns a business establishment or a juridical entity, its manager, owner, officer-in-charge or any agent thereof shall be cited as the violator.

The creation of Blood Stations in all District Health Centers shall be encouraged in order to facilitate easy access to processed blood products in anticipation of a dengue outbreak or an increased incident of other tropical diseases. District Health Centers shall spearhead the implementation of a regular blood donation program.

SECTION 16. NO CONTEST PROVISION – Any person cited for violation of this Ordinance who does not wish to contest the same and is willing to pay voluntarily the fine imposed or to voluntarily render community service under this Ordinance prior to the filing of a complaint before the Office of the City Prosecutor shall be allowed to do so, and shall pay the corresponding administrative fine as cited in Section 14 at the Office of the City Treasurer. Availment of the No Contest Provision shall exempt a person from criminal liability under this Ordinance, however, he/she may avail of this provision only once. Subsequent violations shall necessitate the filing of a complaint against the violator. Business establishments and other juridical entities, however, cannot avail of the No Contest Provision.

District Health Officers shall coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Red Cross-Davao City Chapter and Davao Blood Center for the conduct of annual blood donation drive within the jurisdiction of every District Health Center.

The City Legal Office and the City Treasurer’s Office shall provide for the procedure for the availment of the “No Contest Provision” and establish a case inventory and recording system of all violators of this Ordinance.

SECTION 11. FREE BLOOD TESTING FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS DURING OUTBREAK– A state of outbreak shall be declared by the City Health Officer upon the advice and guidance of the Department of Health RO XI-Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) and the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) and Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Unit (TDPCU) with proper coordination with the Local Health Board.

SECTION 17. CREATION OF MOSQUITO – BORNE DISEASES PREVENTION AND CONTROL TRUST FUND – The City Treasurer’s Office shall open a Mosquito-borne Diseases Prevention and Control Trust Fund. All revenue collected by the BARANGAY MOSQUITO-BORNE TASK FORCE shall be forwarded to the barangay treasurer, who shall remit said collection to the City Treasurer’s Office, and shall be held in the aforementioned Trust Fund. The use of funds shall be limited to Dengue and other Mosquito-borne Diseases Monitoring and Prevention and Control activities. The Local Health Board will decide on the usage of funds, based on the reports from the Tropical Diseases Unit.

SECTION 10. BARANGAY BLOOD STATIONS – All barangays are required to implement a regular voluntary blood donation program as signified by City Ordinance No. 0336-10, as amended by City Ordinance No. 0382-18, or “An Ordinance Institutionalizing a Barangay Voluntary Blood Donation Program of Davao City”.

Upon declaration of an outbreak, all blood testing, RDT, CBC and platelet count shall be free in District Health Centers with laboratory capability. Dengue Rapid Diagnostic Tests shall also be performed free of charge. The DOH–Davao CHD shall augment the supply of Rapid Diagnostic Tests in all health facilities free of charge.

A Dengue/Mosquito-borne Disease Hotline shall also be provided for the speedy reporting of cases as well as for quick information dissemination and response to inquiries in relation to the same. The hotlines are as follows:

First District: 0918-445-2004 Second District: 0920-759-6597 Third District: 0909-805-4998 Landline: (082) 227-4749, City Health Office Main

SECTION 12. FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS DURING AN OUTBREAK. - Upon declaration of an outbreak, the primary functions of government and private hospitals are the following: a) All government and private hospitals are obliged to admit patients diagnosed with mosquito-borne diseases regardless of financial capability and to create a mosquito-borne fast lane and provide additional beds within their charity wards to accommodate these patients.

b) All government and private hospitals shall establish a network in reporting and monitoring outbreak of dengue and other neglected tropical diseases, and closely coordinate with the CHO-CESU, and DOH XI- RESU, DOH-National Aedes Borne Disease Prevention and Control Program and Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Unit.

SECTION 13. PROHIBITED ACTS. - The following acts are prohibited under this Ordinance: a) Storing of old tires and batteries, steel or plastic drums, empty bottles, unused jars and water tanks without proper covering, making them possible mosquito breeding sites;

b) Storing of rain or tap water in containers not properly covered when used in households and in relation to the pursuit of business, like vulcanizing and battery repair shops, junk shops, etc; c) Failure of vacant lot owners to clean their property, thus making it a possible mosquito breeding site; d) Non-abatement of other possible mosquito breeding places such as, but not limited to, gutters, plastic waste, open bottles, etc.

SECTION 18. BUDGET APPROPRIATION - The City Government of Davao shall appropriate the budget for the implementation of this Ordinance, and the barangay concerned shall appropriate the corresponding budget for the Barangay Task Force.

SECTION 19. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 20. REPEALING CLAUSE - All laws, decrees, executive orders, department or memorandum orders and other administrative issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby modified, suspended or repealed accordingly.

SECTION 21. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval of the City Mayor and after compliance with the publication requirement.

ENACTED, November 03, 2020, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED:

SEBASTIAN Z. DUTERTE Vice Mayor Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

ATTESTED:

JAN 25 APPROVED : ________________, 2021

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A pedestrian browses through a collection of second hand shoes on display at a stall along Ilustre Street in Davao City. Edge Davao

Gov’t issues over 21.6K T safety seal certifications

DOLE to probe alleged union busting in mobile company

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total of 21,676 safety seal certifications were issued by government agencies, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ireneo Vizmonte said.

In the Department of Health’s virtual Kapihan session on Tuesday, Vizmonte said DTI has approved 3,169 applications for safety seal.

Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila alone issued 12,898 safety seals; the Department of the Interior and Local Gov-

ernment (DILG) with 4,578 certifications; the Department of Tourism (DOT), with 780; and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), with 251.

The government launched the safety seal, a certification program for business establishments that comply with the min-

imum public health protocol.

“More than boosting the consumer confidence, we want to engage (the) government and private sector in order for establishments to commit to the implementation and enforcement of minimum public health protocol or prevent transmission of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019),” Vizmonte said.

Establishments with safety seals may add 10-percent capacity in

their operations on top of the allowed capacity.

Vizmonte said there were also denied safety seal applications as some establishments have not met the prescribed health standards in safe opening of businesses.

But they can reapply for the safety seal once they have complied with the standards, the DTI official added.

The DTI is the safety seal issuing agency for groceries, supermarkets,

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he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will investigate allegations of union busting in a mobile phone company.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said they will look into the claims that former employees of Vivo Tech, Inc. were terminated because they formed a union.

“That’s a very sad story during the pandemic. But we need to get all the information about this so we can act on it accordingly,” he said in a statement.

Bello also urged the dismissed workers to file a complaint before the department.

“Before anything, I call on the dismissed workers

to formally file a complaint at DOLE so we can fully execute our job on the matter,” Bello said.

Earlier, more than 200 disgruntled employees of Vivo Tech staged a rally at DOLE office in Intramuros, Manila, to protest the company’s decision to fire a total of 689 regular employees allegedly without legal basis.

It was learned the workers recently formed a union and had a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the management of the company, but the firm reportedly failed to comply with its obligations.

Bello said the company will be dealt with accordingly if it will be found to be a union buster. (PNA)

ebu Pacific reminds its passengers to bring only one hand-carry bag during their travels to ensure a smooth and convenient flight experience.

The carry-on bag must not exceed 7 kilograms in weight and its size must fit in the overhead bin or under the aircraft seat.

This strict implementation of the hand carry baggage policy is in line with the airline’s goal to improve its processes for a more efficient and seamless custom-

er experience.

Beginning September 01, 2021, guests who do not comply with this rule will be charged with a gate baggage fee of P1,000 per person for domestic flights. In the coming months, the airline will also begin charging for its international flights – P1,500 for short haul and P3,000 for long haul.

Cashless payments are also encouraged, in line with the airline’s contactless flight guidelines amidst

to strictly implement BPO firm, academe partner CebPac one carry-on baggage policy to accelerate tech innovation C B usiness process outsourcing (BPO) firm Accenture has partnered with 10 universities and academic institutions to help accelerate technology innovation in the country.

In a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, Accenture turned over PHP80 million in grants to its academic partners to fund programs that focuses on emerging technologies, sustainability, and inclusion

and diversity.

Accenture technology lead in the Philippines, Africa, and Asia Pacific Amber Tierro said the funding aims to help boost the local innovation system, especially Filipino technology talents.

“By supporting on-campus labs and incubators that are embarking on initiatives to accelerate the use of new technologies, develop more sustainable business practic-

es, and foster a more inclusive culture in the technology field, we are helping to nurture the next generation of Filipino technologists that will solve complex business and social challenges in the future,” Tierro said.

Accenture’s partnership with Adamson University Technology Business Incubator for Neo-Environmental Science and Technology will involve curriculum updates

and startup support for Industry X applications.

In Asian Institute of Management-Dado Banatao Incubator, the BPO firm will be funding the Innovate with Data program that will establish a collaborative learning journey to transform local startups into data-driven companies.

Its tie-up with Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)

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Department of Trade and Industry-Davao (DTI-Davao City), through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program, donates several equipment to the Bagobo Tagabawa Pangulabe Association of Barangay Lubogan in Toril, Davao City to help improve the group’s garments and tribal wear production.

Bagobo Tagabawa group receives equipment from DTI-Davao City T

Public to benefit from ATM installation in 7-Eleven stores

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he government’s bid to ensure the availability of financial services to more Filipinos got a boost from the installation of automated teller machines (ATMs) in over 500 7-Eleven stores in Metro Manila and Cavite.

Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), the exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven in the country, announced its partnership with Japan’s Seven Bank Ltd. (Seven bank) subsidiary, Pito AxM Platform, Inc. (PAPI), in providing the banking pub-

lic the lowest inter-bank transaction fee for cash withdrawals.

“We want to offer our customers the most convenient service, which is why we also want them to save on transaction fees they would have otherwise spent when withdrawing at another ATM,” Philippine Seven Corporation president and chief executive officer Jose Victor Paterno said in a statement.

Paterno declined to give figures on the average cus-

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Factors vs. lockdown’s impact on gov’t fiscal position cited

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he government’s jab program against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and arrival of more vaccines are expected to counter the impact of movement restrictions on the government’s fiscal performance in the coming months.

In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort forecasts an increase in budget deficit in the coming months due to the cash aid distributed during the two-

week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila from August 6 to 20.

Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on Tuesday showed a PHP121.2-billion budget gap last July, lower than the previous month’s PHP149.9 billion and yearago’s PHP140.2 billion.

As of end-July this year, the budget deficit reached PHP837.3 billion, higher than the PHP700.6 billion in the same period last year.

“Increased government

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machine, one unit of heavy duty high-speed industrial sewing machine, two units of manual sewing machine, three portable sewing machines, with a total project cost of Php128,785.

The agency launched the SSF program nationwide in 2013 with the aim of im-

proving the productivity and efficiency of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This is done by giving them better access to technology, machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system.

DTI-Davao City Director Rachel S. Remitio said that it is DTI’s commitment to continuously provide the MSMEs with opportunities to improve their business.

Based on the SSF program guidelines, the beneficiaries, who are also referred to as cooperators,

manage the facilities. However, it must be noted that these are for the common use of MSME beneficiaries, which include the cooperatives, associations or groups of MSMEs. “The facilities should help the target beneficiaries increase their production capacities and improve product quality, resulting in widened market reach, increased sales and jobs generation,” said the local trade official.

The newest group of beneficiaries, the Bagobo

in the Philippines, especially as it would help to create jobs and employment for our people,” he said.

The trade chief said the sector could help in strengthening partnership with the US in building back better opportunities in the post-pandemic future.

“Presently, IT-BPM (information technology and business process management) remains as one of the top industry investments in the Philippines by US firms, with HIMS as one of the fastest-growing sub-sectors achieving double-digit

growth despite the pandemic,” Lopez said.

He added the highly skilled, educated, and cost-competitive talent pool remains the country’s key advantage as a preferred location for global IT-BPM companies.

Aside from its workforce, Lopez said the government has implemented policies that would improve the investment climate in the country.

These include enacting the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act into law,

which initially reduces the corporate income tax rate from 30 percent to 25 percent.

It also provides an income tax holiday (ITH) from four to seven years depending on the level of technology and location of the project and provides enhanced deduction or 5 percent special corporate income tax for 10 years on top of the ITH. Lopez said HIMS, as part of the IT-BPM industry, is included in the 2020 Investments Priorities Plan as a transitional Strategic Invest-

he Bagobo Tagabawa Pangulabe Association’s productivity is seen to improve as it is the latest recipient of the Department of Trade Industry’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program here.

DTI-Davao City, through the SSF program, conducted a techno-transfer and test run for the project on harments and tribal wear production with Bagobo Tagabawa Pangulabe group of Barangay Lubogan in Toril.

The facility includes the one unit of high speed edging

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PH viable haven for US healthcare info management services investments

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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Philippines remains an attractive investment destination for healthcare information management services (HIMS) companies from the United States despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In a webinar Tuesday, Lopez said HIMS is one of the priority sectors under the “Make It Happen in the Philippines” investment campaign of the country. “(W)e remain committed to realizing the global business goals of your company

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membership shopping clubs, convenience stores, construction supply and hardware stores, outlets of logistics service providers, barbershops and salons, and service and repair shops.

The DOT issues certificates for tourism-related establishments like hotels, resorts, apartment hotels, other accredited accommodation establishments, travel and tours services, meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) venues and facilities, and restaurants inside hotels and resorts.

DOLE, on the other hand, is responsible for manufacturing, construction sites, utilities, information and communication companies, and warehouses.

LGUs cover malls, wet markets, other retail stores, restaurants outside hotels and resorts, fast food, eateries, coffee shops, banks, money changers,

pawnshops, remittance centers, car wash, laundry service centers, art galleries, libraries, museums, zoo, sports centers, tutorial, testing, review centers, gyms, spas, cinemas, arcades, and all other private establishments.

The DILG also issues safety seals to government offices.

To get and maintain a good housekeeping badge, an establishment should strictly implement minimum public health standards, such as the proper wearing of face shields and face masks, good ventilation, disinfection, and using the contact tracing system of StaySafe.ph.

Vizmonte also underscored the importance for establishments to implement the Prevent-Detect-Isolation-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategy in the workplace to control the spread of coronavirus.

(PNA)

operating during the pandemic.

“We have been continuously reviewing our processes to ensure we are able to provide the best customer experience for everyJuan.

This is being done to make sure CEB avoids any unnecessary flight delays as much as possible,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience at Cebu Pacific.

Passengers who purchased additional items at the airport are exempted and will not be charged with this fee, if they can show the official receipt from the

store where they shopped at the airport.

Other items that will be accepted as extra free hand carry are equipment for medical needs or for infants.

“We also hope this will convince our passengers to become more mindful as we do not want them to shell out additional, avoidable fees,” added Iyog.

CEB reminds everyJuan to properly pack their bags and avail of additional prepaid baggage allowance to avoid any other additional fees at the airport. More information on this may be viewed on www.cebupacificair.com

Tagabawa Pangulabe Association, is into the production of tribal wear, such as beaded dresses and jackets, shoes, tangkulo, tribal scarf and traditional beadworks. Most of its members are women, who are glad to have found a regular source of income for their families.

Remitio recognized the strong leadership of the traditional Bagobo Tagabawa artisan Bae Arlyne Salazar.

Along with their close ties with the government and collaboration with the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation (DFDCF) and Manila-based entrepreneurs, the association was able to market their product locally and internationally. One of their regular clients is the renowned national figure in fashion and design, Zara Juan.

Amid their success and the unending orders, the group admitted that they had difficulty in meeting their clients’ requirements. They could not mass produce due to the low capacity of their existing facility. To address the processing and manufacturing gaps, Salazar sought the assistance of DTI-Davao City.

Through DTI’s SSF program, they were granted with seven sewing machines, ranging from portable to high-speed industrial units.

The local government unit of Barangay Lubogan in Toril was identified as the cooperator and the Bagobo Tagabawa group as the main bene-

ficiary.

“The provision of the equipment under the SSF program is covered by a Usufruct Agreement. It means DTI still owns the equipment for two years. But, if we observe during our audit and project evaluation that LGU-Lubogan and the Bagobo Tagabawa Pangulabe Association are maximizing the equipment and operating them according to the existing SSF guidelines in a span of two years, then the equipment will be awarded already to the cooperator,” Remitio explained, while emphasizing that it will then become the ownership of the cooperator.

“We are glad that DTI provided us this equipment, rest assured that it will be taken care of by the Association,” Barangay Captain Levi Fortuna said.

Prior to accessing the SSF program some members of the association underwent a skills training on sewing in 2017, which was conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in coordination with the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) of Davao and National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA). It is also expected that they will have more training activities in the coming weeks to fully capacitate them, among these are on sewing skills upgrading, product development and pricing and costing.

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involves curriculum intervention to establish data and analytics programs at the tertiary education level.

Accenture will also collaborate with Ateneo Blockchain Labs to initiate programs to scale healthcare startups leveraging multi-party systems and blockchain curriculum elaboration and development of government applications for multi-party systems with ADMU Loyola Schools.

The Ateneo Innovation Center will also benefit from the grant as it embarks on programs focusing on 5G and Industry X technologies in target industries such as energy, consumer goods and services, deep technology, resources, and healthcare.

Accenture and FEU Institute of Technology will also initiate research and development programs on use of 5G and Industry X technologies.

Another 5G and Industry X technologies program will be done in the University of Santo Tomas–College of Information and Computing Sciences, with additional funding for 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) Research Facility and Industry Innovation Collaboration Space.

Accenture and UST DOST-TOMASInno Center will also collaborate on a program for building solutions for healthcare using IoT and robotics in regenerative medicine, among others.

The Technological Institute of Philippines-Nurture Innovation Technology Revolution Office will be rolling out post-graduate program integration for Industry X applications through the help of Accenture.

Program at the University of the Philippines Engineering Research and Development Foundation Inc. with University of the Philippines Sustaining Collaboration in an Advanced Learning Environ-

ment that will be supported by the BPO firm is the funding of startups and university-spin-off ventures within the sectors of healthcare, retail, software and platforms, consumer goods and services, banking, and insurance, among others.

Miriam College–MC Technology Business Incubator’s will also receive support for Support incubation of second-stage startups that are female-led and focused on Edutech and additional support for senior high school and junior high school programs to encourage female students to take Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Accenture is also collaborating with the De La Salle University-DLSU Animo Labs Foundation Inc. to create cross-industry monitoring, tracking and certification capabilities and platform for Environmental Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) in the Philippines and developing countries as well as with DLS-College of St. Benilde for initiating a program to build enterprise, software development, and user experience design capabilities within the deaf community to uplift their business and career opportunities.

“This grant program helps build the foundation on which our universities and academic institutions can further develop Filipino technology talent to look ahead to the future and solve pressing challenges using advanced technologies.

With the accelerated pace of innovation today, we’re proud to help inspire and motivate our youth to take on this opportunity to learn, experiment and test ideas, and support them as they do it over and over again,” Accenture Technology in the Philippines innovation lead Arvin Yanson said. (PNA)

spending for Covid-19 vaccines/booster shots, which could be recurring in nature in the coming years, as well as on related preparations/logistics including for testing, quarantine/healthcare facilities, among other would also lead to wider budget deficits and higher government borrowings/debt, going forward,” Ricafort said.

However, Ricafort said reopening of the economy will help revive economic activities as more people get vaccinated.

He said higher government spending on infrastructure and other expenditures, especially ahead of the election ban for the May 2022 national polls, are expected to boost the economy’s recovery.

“Further measures to reopen the economy

from MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine)/ECQ in NCR (National Capital Region) would eventually allow greater capacity for many businesses/industries in terms of higher production, sales, net income, employment/jobs, and other business opportunities, thereby increasing the government’s tax revenue collections and help in reducing the country’s budget deficit,” he added.

Ricafort said hitting the government’s goal for population protection “would also help make the country’s budget deficit, debt stock, and overall fiscal performance more manageable and sustainable in the coming years, especially if the economy picks up/ recovers further, alongside existing and upcoming fiscal/tax reform measures.”

(PNA)

ment Priorities Plan (SIPP) under CREATE. He said programs to upskill and retool the local workforce continue despite the pandemic to accelerate growth in innovation-led and technology-led sectors like HIMS. The Department of Infor-

mation and Communications Technology is also ramping up its programs to improve the ICT infrastructure in the country, while the Anti-Red Tape Authority is ensuring that doing business in the Philippines would be easier for both local and foreign investors. (PNA)

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Olympic gold medalist and her family will always have a steady and sustainable source of income.

That is why apart from the P10 million incentive, he is also giving Diaz two Chick ‘N Juicy chicken rotisserie franchise outlets from San Miguel Foods, Inc. as a gift. One outlet will be located at Eastwood City in Libis and while another to be set up at her home province of Zamboanga.

“We know that after winning the Olympic gold, there’s a downpour of incentives both from the government and the private sector for Hidilyn and our other Olympic medalists the past few weeks. My advise to her is of course to be smart with her finances--to spend and invest wisely, and to plan for the future,” Ang said.

“With the franchise outlets, we will assist Hidilyn every step of way in her journey as an entrepreneur so that she can also help other people in need of jobs. In addition to the physical stores, equipment, and training, we will also provide the initial stocks for free to get her started,”he added.

Ang also asked Diaz to use her influence to en-

courage more Filipinos to follow health protocols and get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Being a world-class athlete takes a lot of discipline and adherence to time-tested rules in order to be the best. Beating this pandemic requires the same. We can all do our share by being diligent with following health protocols, and getting vaccinated.

There is a Hidilyn in each one of us and we can all carry the country’s weight on our shoulders through this difficult period,”Ang said.

A longtime supporter of Philippine sports, SMC backed the Philippine team that ruled 2019 Southeast Asian Games with a haul of 149 gold medals, 117 silvers, and 121 bronzes.

With the help of SMC, the Philippine team also won the overall championship in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games with 112 golds, 85 silvers, and 93 bronzes.

SMC also owns a three professional basketball teams, namely San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

wise known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, which provides financial rewards to athletes and their coaches who win in major international sports competitions.

Under the said law, the incentives shall come from Pagcor, chargeable against its National Sports Development Fund.

Pagcor Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo and officials of the PSC joined Duterte during the turnover of the cash incentives to the winning athletes and coaches.

Domingo said Pagcor takes great pride in being instrumental to the country’s triumphant campaign in the Tokyo Games with its long-standing support to national sports development programs.

“We will never tire in our effort to pump-in the necessary support to athletic development as we’re certain that more Filipino sports heroes will emerge in the future with ample financial backing,” she stated.

Being one of the main

funding sources of the PSC, Pagcor remits a substantial portion of its revenues to the government sports agency to finance the country’s sports development programs and fuel the training of national athletes in their participation to international sports competitions.

From 2016 to June 2021 alone, the state-run gaming firm remitted a total of PHP7.37 billion to the PSC. Of this amount, PHP7.10 billion comprised the PSC share by virtue of Republic Act (RA) 6847.

When the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, Pagcor also donated PHP842.5 million to the government sports agency in 2019 for the rehabilitation of major sports facilities including the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila as well as the Philsports Complex Multipurpose Arena in Pasig City. Said amount was on top of Pagcor’s regular remittances to PSC. (PR)

tomer traffic in their stores in Metro Manila and Cavite but said “all stores with ATMs are expected to draw more customers”.

“Customer traffic is expected to increase by 10-15 percent,” he said.

To date, some 7-Eleven stores nationwide have e-money/online payment machines.

Paterno said ATMs “are envisioned to co-exist with our current e-money payment methods”.

“The ATMs are expected to provide convenience for our customers who prefer cash as their primary means of payments,” he

said.

Installation of ATMs in 7-Eleven stores in Metro Manila and Cavite started in February this year and the target is to expand this to 1,000 stores by the end of this year.

“With the threat of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) still present, and the continuing implementation of community quarantines, the need for easy access to financial services is paramount. Now, more Filipinos can withdraw cash at ATM machines in over 500 7-Eleven stores,” Paterno added. (PNA)

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RSA hands P10-M cash to Hidilyn S an Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang challenged Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz to gun for another gold medal three years from now in Paris, where the Philippines will mark its 100th year of participation in the quadrennial meet.

Ang said that with momentum on her side and confidence still strong after winning the country’s very first gold medal recently, the 30-year-old weightlifter Diaz can establish another record by capturing another one in the 2024 edition scheduled in France, and, in the process, also embolden other Filipino athletes to aim higher in international competitions.

“Hidilyn is the country’s trailblazer in our successful Olympic gold medal quest.

After years of heartbreaks, she came through for us and we are very thankful as a nation. We encourage her to go for another gold and inspire more athletes to believe that they can achieve more,” Ang said.

“Her victory comes at a very crucial point in our

country’s history when we are grappling with a pandemic and a lot of Filipinos are looking for hope as we fight this virus and cope with the difficulties it has brought,” he added.

Ang, who met Diaz, a Ginebra San Miguel brand ambassador from 2019, personally handed to her a P10 million check, as his personal gift for her winning the gold. Aside from Diaz, boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio will receive also receive P5 million each from Ang for winning silver medals, while P2 million will go to bronze medal-winning boxer Eumir Marcial.

Ang said that despite the windfall of incentives Diaz has received, he wanted to help ensure the

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San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang hands over the P10 million incentive to Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

PSC recognizes Pagcor’s role in PH’s historic Olympics win

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hilippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez acknowledged the vital role that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) played in the country’s historic finish in the recently-concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In a letter to the staterun gaming firm, Ramirez expressed his gratitude for the support that Pagcor

continuously extends to the PSC, which he said helped the Philippine delegation come up with a triumphant campaign in the Games, highlighted by the country’s first Olympic gold medal and a haul of two silvers and a bronze.

“Pagcor’s contributions funded the training and preparation of the Philippine team for the Olympics.

With their help, our nation-

al athletes are able to show the world just how talented the Filipino athletes are,” he said in a news release on Tuesday.

On Monday, the PSC formally released the Pagcor-funded cash incentives to the Olympics achievers during their courtesy visit on President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang.

Getting the lion’s share of the cash windfall was

weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who received a total of PHP15 million for winning the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal and setting a new Olympic and national record. Rewarded with PHP5 million each were silver-medalist boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, while another fighter, Eumir Marcial, received PHP2 million for his bronze medal finish.

Also given cash incentives were the athletes’ coaches and trainers, which is equivalent to 50 percent of their wards’ financial rewards.

Diaz’s trainer, Antonio Agustin Jr. received a total of PHP5 million for helping the weightlifter achieve the historic feat. Likewise, boxing coaches Elmer Pamisa, Nolito Velasco, Ronald Chavez and Reynaldo Gali-

do received cash incentives from the state-run gaming firm.

Meanwhile, swimmer Luke Michael Gebbie and weightlifter Elreen Ann Ando also received PHP250,000 each for setting new national records.

The release of cash incentives to the triumphant Olympians is mandated by Republic Act 10699, other-

FPSC, A3

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

STUNNED AND ASTONISHED My headline describes my reaction to the UD loss by Manny Pacquiao to Yordenis Ugas in last week’s WBA battle in Las Vegas.

I am even hesitant to write this piece because I felt strongly that the judges erred in awarding a unanimous decision win to Ugas. (BUT I RESPECT THE JUDGES’ DECISION.) There are a couple of criteria that I rely on that are universally recognized by boxing organizations.

First, there was no knockdown.

Second, neither fighter dominated each other to clearly establish that any one fighter could claim a UD for that matter.

I would concede a majority draw, with one judge giving Ugas the win and the other two declaring the fight even.

You will agree that Pacquiao was tentative in the first five rounds. His offensive forays were not as aggressive as when he taught Thurman a neat lesson, not to mention the clinical battle against much heralded ring gladiators like Barrera, Morales, Marquez, Cotto, Mosley, etc.

If you remember his last match against Thurman, comparatively speaking, Pacquiao quickly sent his message across by putting his opponent to the canvas right after the opening bell.

(This was the same ag-

gressive tactic he employed against the trash-talking Adrien Broner.)

After recovering from the initial shock, Thurman became cautious and extra careful in the ensuing rounds that his attempts to thwart his eventual defeat went to naught.

I also will concede that Ugas’ long left jabs and right straights kept the Pambansang Kamao at bay.

But this did not prevent him from hitting the taller Cuban as Pacman rushed inside, scoring shots to the body and the face with uppercuts and crosses with regularity.

Of course, Manny was hit

by Ugas’ piston-like jabs and right straights and even some wild right crosses.

But Ugas’ hits did not have much sting.

FIgure it out. If his knockout record were to be the basis, Ugas did not have the haymaker punch that would render a sensational knockdown. He had just 7KOs in 25 wins.

The ugly and obvious fact was that Pacquiao’s two-year inactivity resulted in the cocalled ring rust which stunted his lateral movements that he employed - and defeat against the likes of Oscar dela Hoya and Antonio Margarito who were much taller also.

I also concede that Manny did try his best but his best was inadequate to claim a clear or even split decision victory. I thought Pacquiao

was just in survival mode in the last three rounds.

Although the 8-division champ attempted to score a knockout, Ugas’ long reach prevented the former from landing the punch that crashed his former victims to the canvas.

Ugas never impressed me. Shawn Porter demolished him before. His robotic movements and stance were the same as what Dela Hoya and Margarito posed against Pacquiao.

But that was yesterday.

I believe that Manny should now hang up his gloves. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 139 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

UNRAFFLED Dabawenyo Paralympian Ernie Gawilan rides a wheelchair during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics.

PH Paralympians in high spirits despite elite field

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OKYO – Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan and discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda are undaunted by the elite opposition they will be up against in their respective events in the World Paralympic Games here.

“Ang umaaayaw ay hindi mag-wawagi. Kaya hindi tayo umaayaw,” said Mangliwan, who was struck by polio at the age of two, spiced by some colorful language in Flipino that was unfit to print that drove home his resolve and determination to do well.

“Kung titignan natin yong record nila (ang kalaban), malakas po sila. Pero malakas din po tayo,” echoed Aceveda of the sentiments of her fellow athlete in an interview last Monday inside the Athletes Village.

The tall and stocky Aceveda, who won three golds in the 2013 ASEAN Para Games in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, was keenly aware of the challenges facing them in their stint fully

supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

“Salang-sala na po yan sa bansang pinanggalingan nila so battle of the champions na po yan. Eh, hindi po tayo susuko,” said the 50-year-old mother of three who manages three massage therapy clinics in different malls in Marikina.

Mangliwan, who was the Philippine contingent’s standard-bearer during the opening ceremonies at the Japan National Stadium Tuesday night, will be the first to see action between them on Friday in the T52 men’s 400-meter race, with the heats scheduled in the morning and the finals in the evening.

His coach Joel Deriada be-

lieves that the 2016 Rio Para Games veteran of reaching the finals of the first of three events if he plays his cards right.

“Nakita na namin yong record ng kalaban ni coach Joel kaya nakita namin may malaking pag-asa ako makapasok sa event na to,” Mangliwan said.

“Yun ang pinaka-goal ko is to make it to the finals po talaga.

Kung makuha ko po yung goal ko na yon, all out na po doon.”

The wheelchair racer’s other events are the men’s 1,500-meter race on Saturday and the 100-meter sprint, beginning with the heats on Sept. 2 and the finals on a succeeding day.

“Bali gusto din po natin makapasok sa finals. At siyempre po, manalo. Ibibigay namin yong best namin,” said Aceveda, who suffered a degenerative disease at the age of three that has left her technically blind in both eyes.

Compounding the discus thrower’s situation is the fact that under the Internation-

al Paralympic Committee and World Para rules, she will be performing blindfolded to block out whatever feeble light that some athletes might still perceive as means of equalizing the playing field.

Thankfully, Aceveda will have plenty of time to hone her technique together with coach Bernard Buen since the F11 women’s discus throw finals won’t be until Aug. 31 at the Japan National Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Paralympic Committee released an official statement Tuesday, announcing that para-powerlifter Achele ``Jinky’’ Guion won’t be able to compete in the Games after testing positive for COVID-19 together with her coach, Antonio ``Tony’’ Taguibao. ``Jinky is deeply frustrated that she will not be able to compete in her powerlifting event for her country after training for so long, and especially get-

ting much inspiration from Hidilyn Diaz, a powerlifter like herself and the first Filipino to win an Olympic medal,’’ said PPC president Michael Barredo.

Other members of the delegation who tested positive for COVID-19 are Chef de Mission Francis Diaz and para-athletics coach Joel Deriada.

Barredo took over as chef de mission in the absence of Diaz to implement tasks involving planning, logistics, and communications, among others, for the team’s orderly navigation in the Paralympics. ``Despite this most unfortunate development, all our para-athletes remain in high spirits and committed to giving their best possible performances to bring honor and glory for our country. Tuloy ang laban.

Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino,’’ said Barredo, who will likewise function as the head of the delegation of Team Philippines.