Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 148 | Sunday-Monday, September 5-6, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 148 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 05-06, 2021

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Traders including these Muslim street vendors selling “kalamansi” are experiencing slow business due to minimal foot traffic at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City over the weekend. Edge Davao

NO SOCIALIZING Dabawenyos urged to stop from attending social gatherings, vigils

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VOL.14 ISSUE 148 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 05-06, 2021

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go tells vulnerable residents during a visit in Brgy. Leon Garcia in Davao City that his office would continue to provide critical assistance where needed and work closely with local officials to protect citizens.

Handout

T NO SOCIALIZING Dabawenyos urged to stop from

Civil Service anniv dedicated to state workers afflicted with COVID-19

attending social gatherings, vigils

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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abawenyos are urged to stop from attending social gatherings and vigils in fear of bringing home the virus and cause household transmission.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Covid-19 task Force, affirmed that presently, majority of the Covid-19 cases in Davao City is due to household transmission after a family member attended a gathering.

“Pero most often than not kaning mga household members man gud nato kay naa sila’y activities like social gathering sa trabaho or naga-

S

enator Christopher “Bong” Go assured Filipinos that the Duterte Administration is working hard to speed up the country’s vaccination efforts and safe re-opening of the economy while providing targeted assistance to struggling individuals and vulnerable groups.

In separate activities done by batches in Davao City on Thursday, September 2, Go dropped by various communities and told vulnerable residents that his office would continue to provide critical assistance

lakaw so pag uli nila ginadala gyud nila ang virus with them and they can infect their own family. Mao na ginapahunumdum sa mga katawhan na if love ninyo inyong pamilya iwasan ninyo ang mga risko na behavior such as attending social gathering, attending activities that have constant interaction pag-uli ninyo sa balay madala ninyo ang infection ug ma-spread sa buong

family. Daghan cases karon tungod sa mga gatherings,” she said via Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Friday.

Schlosser said the more people attend social gatherings and interacted with other people, the risk is high for them to get infected.

“So dili mag kumpyansa labi na gyud naay reported Delta variant sa city. Delta variant is more transmissable, mas daghan siya ug matakdan compared atong Alpha variant. Magpadayon ta sa pagka magbalantayon ug sa pag-follow sa minimum public health standards,” she

said.

She reminded that Davao City is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions status that is why social gatherings are still prohibited.

“Meaning no MICE tayono meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

Naa man gud ta’y ubay ubay na mga cases na naka-cause of surge of cases due to social gatherings and vigils. Dili gyud mag-conduct ug any social gathering or anything na naa’y panagtapok kay isa ni sa

where needed and work closely with local officials to protect citizens.

“Nagpunta ako ngayon dahil nagbilin si Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte. Sabi ko pupunta ako sa Leon Garcia. Taga-Buhangin ako pero nakatira ako diyan lang sa Lanang. So, magkakapitbahay lang tayo.

Natatandaan ko ang lugar na ito, mga sampung taon na ang nakalipas nang una kaming pumunta ng Pangulo sa mga nasunugan dito,” said Go. “Ngayon ay nasa isang krisis na naman tayo.

Marami ang nagsarado na negosyo at nawalan ng trabaho dulot ng pandemyang COVID-19. Bilang inyong Senador, nagsisikap ako upang makapagbigay ng tulong gamit ang ating mga programa,” he continued.

To address their immediate needs, the Senator and his staff distributed snacks, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 600 residents divided in batches at the Barangays Governor Vicente Duterte, Kapitan Tomas Monteverde, Sr. and Leon Garcia gymnasiums.

The recipients consisted of contractual workers; tricycle drivers and operators; fisherfolk; out-of-school youth; senior citizens; solo parents; and members of the LGBT community.

Select recipients were given new pairs of shoes while another set of beneficiaries were provided bicycles. Some beneficiaries also received computer tablets to help their children pursue their studies.

“Pakiusap lang namin sa mga kabataan ay magaral kayo nang mabuti kahit wala pa tayong face-to-face

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he 121st Philippine Civil Service anniversary celebration this month in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental is dedicated to the 13 state workers who died of COVID-19 complications.

Provincial Director Richard Ortiz of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) field office of Davao del Sur/Davao Occidental bared that the month-long celebration has kicked off Thursday (Sept.

2) with a virtual Holy Mass celebrated by the Manila Cathedral.

Ortiz said that the Holy Mass was offered for those who died and for the fast recovery of those state workers who are currently afflicted with the virus in both provinces.

The highest government official who died in June this year due to COVID-19 complications was Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas.

During Friday’s (Sept.

3) episode of GobyernongBalitaan radio program over Energy FM Digos, Ortiz bared that the other state workers who succumbed to COVID-19 were from the lo-

cal government units (LGUs).

There was one reported from the municipality of Bansalan, three (3) from Digos City, both in Davao del Sur, while there were two (2)reported deaths from the municipality of Malita, Davao Occidental.

From the national government agencies, three (3) deaths were recorded from the Department of Education’s Schools Division of Davao del Sur and two (2) from DepEd Digos City, while there was one (1) from a government financial institution.

Ortiz said that they will also be paying tribute to a 50-year-old female public school teacher, who succumbed to COVID-19 complications, in an online Zumba activity to be held on September 6, 2021.

He said that the DepEd Davao del Sur teacher was a key player in the Zumba preparations, who could no longer join the online event.

Ortiz will also be leading two virtual learning and development sessions as part of the highlights of the 121st

learning ngayon… Hindi natin basta-basta mabubuksan ang eskwela dahil delikado pa ang panahon,” he said.

“Kapag mayroon nagpositibo sa classroom mahirapan tayo, dahil ang bata pa naman ay hindi pa bakunado. Kaya naman pinagaaralan pa ng gobyerno ngayon ang pagbabalik ng ating face-to-face learning,” Go explained.

“Unahin muna natin ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Ang pera ating kikitain, pero ang perang kikitain natin ay hindi ma-

bibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever,” he added.

As part of a holistic set of interventions from the government for individuals and communities in crisis, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance while the Department of Agriculture gave away vegetable seeds to aid their livelihood and also help ensure food security.

The Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

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Restaurant sector to help enforce IATF guidelines

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he Restaurant Owners Association of Davao City, Inc. (RestoDC) will be working with the city government of Davao in enforcing the protocols and guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in the city’s restaurants.

RestoDC president Benjamin Lizada told Edge Davao that the group will do joint inspections of restaurants to ensure compliance with the IATF guidelines as the Delta variant of Covid-19 is already in Davao Region.

“But before strictly implementing these guidelines we will meet with as many restaurant owners as possible. In those meetings we will show them the Restaurant Sector Code of Conduct. We need to enforce the guidelines,” Lizada said.

Lizada is referring to the Restaurant Sector Covid-19 Code of Conduct, which was crafted in January of this year and was approved and adopted by at least 300 restaurants in Davao City.

Through the said Code of Conduct, the group aims to provide a set of standards that will govern the operations of the restaurant sector in the city as it operates amidst the Covid-19 pandemic; to disseminate and implement good practices anchored on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Diseases Guidelines; to promote and advance the compassionate and responsible partnership as the framework for engaging fellow members, tourism stakeholders, and government officials.

“Once we’ve gotten most if not all to comply, we would then work for the approval and application of DTI’s Safety Seal initiative for restaurants here in Davao City,” Lizada said.

According to Lizada, the Safety Seal of the Department of Trade and

Industry (DTI 11) will enable restaurants increase seating capacity by 10 percent for now.

“Basin in the future naa pa silay laing perks,” he said.

He also said the safety seal will also encourage restaurants to follow the guidelines.

“I believe people would want to eat in a place where they feel safe, one with a Safety Seal kay nakapasa man sa mga inspectors. In fact, dapat kami naa na by this time, kay qualified naman mi after a DOLE inspection last May,” he said.

Lizada, however, said the city is not keen at this time as there are still a lot of violations that is why restaurateurs need to work harder.

“At the moment sa current restricted GCQ classification, 20 percent dine in (aircon) and 50 percent al fresco ang allowed. So ma-increase sa 30 percent dine in (with the seal). Bintaha na lang na. Every customer counts. Kung MGCQ na ta, imbis na 50 percent, mahimo ng 60 percent. Plus 10 percent sa prevailing allowable percentage based on the quarantine classification,” he said.

Getting that safety seal is among the goals of RestoDC and this is why the restaurant sector is working with the city to enforce the protocols.

Lizada said once the sector achieves high compliance rate, the group will request the city government to allow the application of the Safety Seal for restaurants.

“In fact, I know that there are some commercial establishments in Davao City with Safety Seals already. But for restaurants the city government has not yet approved its application, kasi nga marami pa ring restaurants naga-violate ng minimum health protocols. This is why the restaurant sector is working with the city to enforce the protocols,” he said. By Maya M. Padillo

Families of rescued kids in Cebu given P30,000 to start livelihood

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amily heads of Ata Manobo children rescued from Cebu, this morning received P30,000 worth of livelihood package from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Davao del Norte Field Office.

On top of the livelihood start-up package, DOLE Davao del Norte also extended P6,000 cash through its TulongPanghanapbuhaysaAting Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers or (TUPAD) Program.

A sack of rice was also given to each of the 15 recipient family heads.

Ata-Manobo residents of Talaingod, the recipients had expressed desire to venture abaca

and corn farm and goods retailing, to which the DOLE livelihood assistance were granted, in response.

“When we have learned about the rescued children, we were then thinking of extending help to their families,” LalaineApugan, DOLEDavao del Norte TUPAD focal said during the turning over ceremony this morning also attended by DOLE Provincial Director Angelina Talinting.

Apugan was referring to children that government authorities rescued on February 15, 2021 at a retreat house in San Carlos University in Cebu City. (PIA DavNorInfocen/JeaneviveM.D. Abangan)

Residents avail of the mobile vaccination led by the Office of Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte in Barangay Suawan, Marilog District on Friday. The vaccination campaign is targeting to inoculate 500 individuals. CIO

Soiled diapers collected in Panigan River

By MAYA M. PADILLO

G

reen group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) has called on Dabawenyos to resort to more sustainable alternatives of diapers such as cloth diapers after the group recently collected almost half a sack of soiled diapers in Panigan River, which is a tributary to the Tamugan River, the next source of drinking water.

The group has warned the public of the terrifying impact of disposable diapers to the environment as not only do they form a sizeable portion of non-recyclable landfill waste, but they also contain many harmful chemicals that are subsequently dispersed into the environment.

“Dili jud namo ma-verify as to the source sa diapers.

Pwede from the community or from other neighboring communities na didto ra sad gilabay. We think intentional jud ang paglabay ato kay natigum man sya sa isa ka sudlanan,” Lawyer Mark Peñalver, executive director of IDIS, told Edge Davao.

In a statement, Peñalver said disposable diapers alarmingly contribute to the high amount of trash in the environment. He said while disposable diapers appear to be more convenient than cloth diapers, they have a horrifying impact on the environment and human health since they contain hazardous compounds.

He said disposable diapers contain toxic chemicals, pathogens such as Fecal and

E.Coli Bacteria, and various viruses. These contaminate water resources and find their way into the food chain through algae, macroinverte-

brates, and fish.

Apart from diapers, IDIS also collected other solid wastes such as face masks,

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4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 148 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 05-06, 2021

On criticisms directed at President Rodrigo Duterte for appointing persons hailing from Davao City:

Kahit anumang administrasyon iyan, reality is that appointments are not only based on merit but also trust, whether it’s in the capacity of the person or his character … Nagkataon lang na ako ang naging tulay kay Pangulong Duterte.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL Trust and confidence The question of some critics of government regarding appointees of President Rodrigo Duterte as mostly coming from his home city of Davao is a matter that is easily addressed by existing laws on civil service.

The chief executive has the prerogative of appointing persons to certain appointive positions based on trust and confidence. These positions are considered confidential positions and are not subject to the usual qualification standards.

Hence, the matter raised by the critics of the President fall into this ambit of law where positions considered confidential may be filled by appointment of the chief executive in the exercise of the prerogative of his office and may not be questioned. The tenure of

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Therefore, since it is the President that has the power to bestow this trust and confidence, it is also him who can exercise the power to take it back.

Plain and simple.

It is of no consequence that the appointee comes from the home city of the appointing power. It is understandable that trust and confidence stems from familiarity and the proximity to the appointing power plays a big factor.

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

such appointive officials also depend on the existence of that trust bestowed upon him by the President. For as long as that trust and confidence exists, the tenure continues.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

VOL.14 ISSUE 148 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 05-06, 2021

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VANTAGE POINTS

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ATTY. MIGS NOGRALES IBP DAVAO CHAPTER DIRECTOR

CHILD SUPPORT IS A RESPONSIBILITY BROUGHT UPON FATHERS TO BOTH THEIR LEGITIMATE AND ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN. “Dear IBP,

Mayroon po akong anak sa ex ko at hindi po kami kasal,8 yrs old na po yung anak ko.Nawalan po kasi ako ng trabaho dahil pandemic,ngayon hiningan ko po ngsuporta yung tatay s anak namin,kasi dati po wala suporta yung tatay nya,halos inabot po ng dalawang taon.Last year po nagsupport naman po siya ng 1k,Nov.2020,tpos nito pong July lang naulit at 1k po ulit. Ngayon po gusto ko po sana magpagawa ng demand letter s barangay namin,kaso sabi po ng ex ko gusto dw po niya makasiguro kung sakanya ung bata, ipaDNA test daw po nmin pero nakapirma po siya s birthcertificate ng bata.sknya po nkaaplido ung bata.bago dw po siya magsustento, ipaDNA test dw ung bata kaso wla nmn siya pangpaDNA test. saka tanung ko n din po sna kung magdemand po ako ng amount ng sustento may karapatan po b ako?and paano po

kung nsa manila siya at hindi nya kayang pirmahan ung demand letter?pde po b magulang nya ang pumirma nlng?”

The Distressed Mother

Dear Distressed Mother,

Every family is considered the basic unit of society and, therefore, our laws ensure that protection is given to every family. It is the policy of the State to promote the family as a foundation of the nation, strengthen its solidarity and ensure its total development. Consequently, laws were created in order to ensure the welfare of the children in general On the one hand, the Family Code mandates fathers or parents to support their illegitimate children legitimate and illegitimate children. Considering that your ex has already acknowl-

edged your child by signing his name as the father in the Birth Certificate, I do not see the need to have a compulsory DNA test done before your ex should provide support to your child because under Article 194 of the Family Code, a biological child is automatically entitled to support. Thus, the law is clear: fathers should provide support to both their legitimate and illegitimate children to all those which are indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education, and transportation.

Please note, however, that this support must be proportional to the resources or means of the giver and the necessities of the recipient (Art 201 of the Family Code). Thus, if the father earns minimum wage, he cannot be obliged to support more than that which he earn. Conversely, the father and mother may agree on the amount and the manner

or payment, or in case of disagreement, the court will decide the matter based on the appropriate provisions of the Family Code.

On the other hand, under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, there are specific offenses which can be committed by the father against his child especially if he refuses to give support. This offense can be covered under the economic abuse wherein there is a denial of financial support. If this is your case, then under Section 8 (g) of such law, you may file a protection order directing the father to provide support for your child.

This is what is known as salary garnishing wherein a percentage of the income or salary may be withheld by the employer and automatically remitted to the woman.

Accordingly, considering that filiation has already been

proven through the birth certificate, your ex has already admitted his filiation with your child; thus, as provided under Article 176 of the Family Code, your (illegitimate) child has every right to use the surname of his/her father and shall be under your parental authority as the mother.

Your child is automatically entitled to support in conformity with the Family Code and should your ex question such filiation, he may institute the an action to prove non-filiation instead of demanding such DNA exam during his lifetime instead.

The above legal opinion is based solely on the appreciation of the facts and problem given and stated above. The opinion may vary when other facts, circumstances, and situations are stated.

For more information and for further queries, you may contact the Legal Aid Office of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Davao City Chapter at ibpdavao@gmail.com.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO WHAT IS A HERO? A few days ago, I was reading an article that came out in Philippine Daily Inquirer. It was about American actor Rob Lowe, who was interviewed by Ruben V. Napales for his widely-read column, “Only in Hollywood.”

For the uninformed, Lowe made his acting debut at the age of 15. He came to prominence as an actor when he appeared in teen films like 1983’s The Outsiders, 1984’s The Hotel New Hampshire, 1985’s St. Elmo’s Fire, and 1986’s About Last Night.

Nothing heard of him until he ventured back into television, appearing in such “The West Wing,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Code Black,” and the reality series, “The Lowe Files.”

“Yeah, I have been lucky,” Lowe replied on his staying power in Hollywood. “It’s one of those things that I talk about in my one-man show. I am talking about Chris Farley, who was a great friend, and who I spent a lot of time with, trying to help.

“At the end of the day, Chris Farley had the wrong heroes,” he continued. “His hero was John Belushi and, in the end, Chris was John.”

Fortunately, Lowe has chosen the right hero. “So, I’ve been lucky that I’ve had the right heroes,” he admitted. “I had Paul Newman—a great actor and the ultimate movie star. What I was

drawn to without really knowing it was, I liked Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, Cool Hand Luke and Slap Shot.”

These days, there are many talks about what is a hero? There are those who claim that Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino II (“Filipinos are worth dying for,” he once said) is a hero while Ferdinand E. Marcos wasn’t. But there are those who opposed; it should be the other way around.

“What’s a hero?” asked flight attendant Uli Derickson in the March 1994 issue of People magazine. “I didn’t even think about it.”

Working on TWA Flight 847 from Athens to Rome, which was hijacked for seventeen days by Lebanese terrorists in 1985, she persuaded the hijackers to spare the lives of all but one person on board and maintained calm throughout the ordeal. Rejecting the “hero” label, she insisted that she was only doing her job.

A decade ago, when I visited my sister in Livingston, Montana, there was one incident that I could not forget. It was winter time and the garage was very slippery. Daniel, my sister Elena’s husband, was in his office some 30 kilometers away. We decided to go to the Walmart to buy some groceries in the nearby city of Bozeman.

We were going out when Phil, the youngest son, skidded

and almost fell into the ground.

Erik, the eldest, saved his younger brother by holding him before the latter fell. Instantly, Phil hugged his brother and told him, “You are my hero.”

Whether you are a man, a woman, or a little kid, you can be a hero. Yes, anyone can be a hero. “A man can be a hero if he is a scientist, or a soldier, or a drug addict, or a disc jockey, or a crummy mediocre politician,” says American feminist critic Andrea Dworkin. “A man can be a hero because he suffers and despairs; or because he thinks logically and analytically; or because he is ‘sensitive;’ or because he is cruel.

“Wealth establishes a man as a hero, and so does poverty,” Dworkin further said. “Virtually any circumstance in a man’s life will make him a hero to some group of people and has a mythic rendering in the culture—in literature, art, theater, or the daily newspapers.”

In Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War, Mary Roach wrote: “Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory.

Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history. Sometimes a chicken can save a man’s life.”

“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom,” commented American singer Bob Dylan, who re-

cently received the Nobel Prize for Literature.

“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer,” noted Ralph Waldo Emerson. But definitely, to quote the words of John Barth, “Everyone is necessarily the hero of his own life story.”

Indeed, it is very hard to define what a hero is. Suzy Kassem, in Rise Up and Salute the Sun, wrote: “This is where people misunderstand war. When you attack another country for its resources, you are the pirate.

But when you protect your country from the pirates, you are the hero.”

In movies, heroes abound. In fact, there are super heroes (Superman, Spiderman and Captain Barbel to name a few) and super heroines (like Darna and Wonder Woman). Again, how one can become a hero or heroine?

“It does not take a great supernatural heroine or magical hero to save the world. We all save it every day, and we all destroy it -- in our own small ways -- by every choice we make and every tiniest action resulting from that choice,” Vera Nazarian pointed out.

“The next time you feel useless and impotent, remember what you are in fact doing in this very moment. And then observe your tiny, seemingly meaningless acts and choices coalesce and

cascade together into a powerful positive whole. The world -- if it could -- will thank you for it. And if it does not... well, a true heroine or hero does not require it,” she wrote.

There are no heroes, if there are no villains. Your boss, for instance, can either be a hero or a villain. It depends upon which perspective you see him. If he develops you to be like him in the future, then he can be your hero but if he keeps belittling in front of visitors and subordinates, then the boss can be your villain.

How does a hero differ from a villain? When screenwriter Ben Hecht arrived in Hollywood for the first time, his fellow screenwriter Herbert Mankiewicz told this secret: “In a novel, a hero can lay ten girls and marry a virgin for a finish. In a movie, this is not allowed. The hero, as well as the heroine, has to be a virgin. The villain can lay anybody he wants, have as much fun as he wants cheating and stealing, getting rich and whipping the servants. But you have to shoot him in the end.”

That’s why everyone wants to be identified with the hero.

“The thing about a hero,” said Joss Whedon, “is even when it doesn’t look like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, he’s going to keep digging, he’s going to keep trying to do right and make up for what’s gone before, just because that’’ who he is.”

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rason na magkaroon ug massive transmission,” she said.

She also reminded Dabawenyos that the city government of Davao still not reached herd immunity.

“We all understand na tanan ta kinahanglan maglihok na ug mu-trabaho, but if we can

avoid travelling places and we can avoid social gathering or vigils palihog dili sa nato ni buhaton sa pagkakaron because aside sa wala pa nato na-achieve ang herd immunity, dili pa gyud secure na natanggal na nato o napatay na nato ang virus sa city.

Unta ibutang sa hunahuna sa mga tao karon na naa gi-

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPNES MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES 11TH Judicial Region Branch 3 Davao City

D’ TROPICS SHADES CORPORATION Plaintiff

CIVIL CASE NO. M-DVO-19-01366-CV

FOR: REVIVE THE DECISION/AMENDED -versus- DECISION DATED 13 JUNE

2009 AND 02 JULY 2009,

RESPECTIVELY ISSUED

BY HON. RUFINO S. FERRARIS,

BRANCH 7, MTCC IN DAVAO SHIRO NIWA and MERRY ROSE NIWA CITY IN CIVIL CASE NO. 19,637- Defendants 2006 and TO RECOVER X-----------------------------------------------X DAMAGES AND ATTORNEY’S FEES

SUMMONS (Under the Rules on Summary Procedure) TO Defendants : SHIRO NIWA and MERRY ROSE NIWA Davao School of Performing Arts and Music, Bo. Pampanga, beside Lot No.4, Lanang, Davao City GREETINGS: You are hereby required to enter your appearance in the aboveentitled case within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons upon you exclusive of the day of such service and to answer the Amended Complaint of the plaintiff which is hereby attached and herewith served upon you within the time fixed by the Rules of Court.

If you fail to answer within the time aforesaid, the plaintiff will take judgment from this Court, the relief applied for in the said complaint.

Witness the Honorable KIM E. ORTIZ-LIQUIDO, Assisting Judge of this Court, this 12th day of January 2021 at Davao City , Philippines.

VOL.14 ISSUE 148 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 05-06, 2021

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Civil Service anniversary commemoration.

As the main resource hapon ang atoang kalaban so dapat dili ta mu-kumpyansa kay nangita lang gyud ug lusot ning virus para maka-infect ug kadaghanan,” she said.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) Mortgagee,

- versus -

CHARLIE SABERON married to ELIZABETH SABERON, Mortgagor/s X--------------------------------------X

EJF-REM CASE NO. 18015-21 FOR; EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 as amended

mance.

“The session will be presenting the characteristics of a hero that can be emulated by the government workers,” Ortiz stated.

The second session to be held on September 22 will discuss on “Keeping a positive mindset,” where Ortiz will give

practical suggestions on maintaining a good mental health.

The last activity for the celebration is the virtual general assembly of the Human Resource Management Officers (HRMOs) in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental, which will be held on September 29, 2021. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) Mortgagee,

- versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 18, 005-21

TONY J. ELID, married to Jacquiline C. Elid Mortgagor/s X-----------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee- SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) against CHARLIE SABERON married to ELIZABETH SABERON , with postal address at Lot 13, Block 5, Landmark Village II, Sasa , DAVAO CITY, the indebtedness of the mortgagor as of July 1, 2021 amounted to ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY EIGHT THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS & 73/100 centavos (Php 1,558,850.73) , Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on October 21, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property/ ies mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-128582 “A parcel of land xxx ( Lot 13, Block 5, Psd-11-019540, being a portion of Lot 2 (LRC) Psd-97023 situated in the Barrio of Sasa City of Davao, Island of Mindanao .xxx xxx xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR (174) SQUARE METERS, more or less .”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on November 18, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines.September 2 , 2021

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above- mortgagee against TONY J. ELID married to Jacquiline C. Elid , with postal address at Lot 16, Block 1, # 90 Capricorn St. Sto. Niño Village, Maa, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of June 30, 2021 amounts to P 1,812,821.55 , Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on October 21, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property/ ies mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit:

MS LOUDES S. CALPO Clerk of Court III

speaker, he will be tackling about “Harnessing the Hero Within” on September 9, 2021, to expound on the CSC’s Honor Awards Program, an annual undertaking that recognizes government officials and employees who have displayed outstanding work perfor-

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG Sheriff IV

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-124320 “A parcel of land ( Lot 16, Block 1, Psd-11-018911,xxx),situated in the Barrio of Maa City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FITY (150) SQUARE METERS, more or less .”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on November 18, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines.September 2 , 2021

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

JULITO J. ANGGOT Sheriff IV

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 148 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 05-06, 2021

BONG... FROM2

Industry, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries for their respective livelihood assistance and skills training programs.

The Senator, who is also Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, appealed to the public to get vaccinated. He explained that the vaccines considerably reduce one’s risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19.

“Ang bakuna ang susi

at solusyon para malampasan ang krisis na ito.

Magpabakuna na po kayo para makamtan natin ang population protection kung saan mabakunahan na ang 50% sa populasyon.

Ngayon ‘pag dumating na tayo sa 70%, ito ang tinatawag na herd immunity,” explained Go. “Kailangan protektado kayo para hindi mapuno ang ospital at bumagsak ang healthcare system,” he added.

Go offered his help to those with medical con-

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

BDO UNIBANK, INC, Mortgagee,

- versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,723-20

SPS. REYMANDO S. MACUSANG, JR., And NORHAIYA D. MACUSANG Debtors/Mortgagor/s.

X------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Upon extra-judicial petition for fo sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed the above mentioned mortgagee against SPS.REYMANDO S. MACUSANG AND NORHAIYA D. MACUSANG with postal addresses at 1) BLK. 2, LOT 7, PHASE II, ORANGE GROVE DAVAO, MATINA ,PANGI ,DAVAO CITY, 2) UNIT 112, BUILDING 6, CONDO 1 , MAHARLIKA VILLAGE, TAGUIG CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 16, 2020 the subject obligation in the amount of PESOS: NINE HUNDRED TWENTY ONE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED THIRTY FOUR & 34/100 (P921,334.34) Philippine Currency, inclusive of principal, interest , penalties, and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on OCTOBER 21, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real properties mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO.146-2017013139 “ A PARCEL OF LAND, (LOT 7, BLK. 2, XXX PLAN PCS-11-003249,XXX) , situated in the Barangay of Matina, Municipality of Davao City , Island of Mindanao xxx Containing an area of TWO HUNDRED THREE (203) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on NOVEMBER 18, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property/ies and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines. August 23, 2020

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC

Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

TERESITA M. CEBALLOS

Sheriff IV Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK Mortgagee

EJM-REM CASE NO. 17,999-21

-versus-

FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE IRISH D. SALMAGRENDE married to OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER EVA M. SALMAGRENDE, ACT 3135 as amended Borrower/Mortgagor x---------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against IRISH D. SALMAGRENDE married to EVA M. SALMAGRENDE with given address at Blk. 9, Lot 11, Ph 1, Violeta corner San Francisco St.,Sto. Niño Davao City, Davao del Sur and collateral address at Blk 16 Lot 22 Villa de Mercedes, Ph2, Barangay Cogon, Sirawan, Toril Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of July 27, 2021, amounts to Php 2, 566,564.08 Philippine Currency, plus accruing interest, penalty and other charges thereon from the said date up to the date of foreclosure sale, publication, other foreclosure expenses, attorneys’s fees and such other additionalsums are due from the Borrowers/Mortgagors under the Mortgage Deed; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on October 21, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/ or Manager’s Check and in Philippine Currency, the real property with all its improvements found thereon particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2018005197 “ A parcel of land of the consolidation and subdivision plan ( Lot 22, Block 16, of the consolidation and subdivision project pcs-11-004437),xxx situated in the barangay of Cogon , Sirawan, Toril, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (312) SQUARE METERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

In the event that the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on November 18, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City , Philippines, August 23, 2021.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner-the OIC Clerk of Court/Ex-OfficioProv’l Sheriff

IRVIN PAUL L. CUBELLO Sheriff IV

cerns. He also advised them to visit the Malasakit Center located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) or any of the other 137 centers found nationwide for convenient access to medical assistance programs.

“Kahit bakunado na kayo, importante face mask, face shield para protektado. Kung mahal ninyo ang inyong mga anak, dapat disiplina, kailangan natin ang inyong kooperasyon at disiplina,” Go emphasized.

“Mayroon akong dala na vitamins at lahat kayo makakatanggap ng vitamins. Pakiusap lang inumin ninyo ito, ‘pag malakas ang inyong resistensya mas lalaban ang katawan ninyo laban sa COVID-19,” he added.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where medical assistance programs of the national government are conveniently available under one roof.

The program was instiRepublic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Bago Gallera Davao City

tutionalized through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 which Go primarily authored and sponsored in the Senate.

“Naabutan po ako ng lockdown sa Maynila. Kakarating ko lang nitong March at kababalik ko lang rin sa aking trabaho. Mahirap talaga pero go lang.

Tiis lang rin sa hirap kahit ganito ang panahon. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go para sa aking mga natanggap at sa mga matatanggap pa namin,” said Bernabe Abadella, a resident who received aid from Go’s team.

The Senator recognized various local officials for their untiring service and exemplary leadership amid the various crises communities are facing.

Among those that Go acknowledged were 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, 2nd District Rep. Vincent Garcia, Mayor Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Councilor Che-Che Justol, barangay Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Bago Gallera Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2021-8-2116 (2000-XI-02116)

Case No. R11-EV-FC-2021-8-1606 (2016-XI-01606)

SABINO S. BAGUIO, Petitioner x---------------------x

SALES B. ELARDO, Petitioner x-------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: PUAN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate has expired last April 30, 2021.

On July 6, 2021, Petitioner filed a Motion seeking the acceptance of the late filing of the Petition for Extension of Validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on October 26, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Davao City, Philippines, August 31, 2021.

NONITO A LLANOS III Regional Director

Petitioner, Sabino S. Baguio, 132 Pluto St., GSIS, Matina, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco, Balusong Ave., Matina, Davao City

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: BAGO APLAYA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 20, 2021.

In the pertition filed on August 27, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on October 19, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Davao City, Philippines, August 31, 2021.

NONITO A LLANOS III Regional Director

Petitioner, Sales B. Elardo, Purok 2, Bago Aplaya, Talomo District, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino, Rm. 202, New Borgaily Bldg., San Pedro St., Davao City

A2

officials Remedios dela Luz, Robert Diaz, and Lita Empis, among others.

“Kami ni Pangulong Duterte mahal namin kayong lahat. Huwag kayong mahiya sa akin, magkapitbahay lang tayo… Nandito lang kami at magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya.

Magsusumikap kami na ating malampasan ang krisis na ito,” Go assured.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported various infrastructure initiatives in Davao City to improve public service delivery and boost economic opportunities in his hometown.

cigarette packs, sachets, paper plates, single-use utensils, etc.

Peñalver said also in the statement that with this finding, IDIS is alarmed that it will continue to collect these kinds of harmful waste in the rivers unless there is strict enforcement of the laws.

IDIS is now calling on key stakeholders to proactively monitor activities within the watershed area and ensure proper Information Education Communication (IEC) campaigns on waste segregation and disposal within the nearby communities.

“Diapers are a necessity for your child. But its negative impact on our environment is not. It is possible to achieve the same protection at a lower cost and similar convenience as disposables. If we plan to raise our children on a healthy and clean planet, shouldn’t we protect the environment and this planet for them? We need a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable alternative should we want to

secure the future for our children,” the statement said.

Last month, the City Council of Davao passed the Ordinance Regulating Recreational Activities within the Watershed Areas of Davao City for the Protection, Conservation, and Preservation of the Natural Environment.

IDIS posted that in the regular clean-up drives of the Bantay Bukid volunteers, they have collected several kinds of solid wastes in Panigan-Tamugan Watershed.

The group said that unregulated recreational activities in the said area are one of the reasons why there is an increase in solid waste collection in Davao City.

The group also stated that currently, several people are doing their laundry and swimming in the river.

These activities remain to be unregulated and unmonitored. Volunteers also saw built structures such as cottages in the area, which encourages the influx of people in the river.

said race, took the gold at a time of 16.99 seconds.

Yuki Oya of Japan won silver at 17.18 seconds, while Mexico’s Leonardo Perez set a new personal best of 17.44 seconds en route to the bronze.

There were supposed to be three Filipinos in action for Friday, but para-taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin was tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019.

“Allain is upset in missing this opportunity but prays that this challenge will strengthen in resolve in his later competitions,” Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo said the day before.

Ganapin became the third Filipino para-athlete who has tested positive for Covid-19, joining para-powerlifter Jinky Guion and para-discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda at the sidelines.

Guion, like Ganapin, tested positive for Covid-19 here, while Aceveda got her positive result during the mandatory testing for the athletes in Tokyo.

“The present pandemic has created so many obstacles for our para-athletes.

The virus has been unforgiving and denied them the chance to bring glory and honor to the Philippines,” Barredo said. (PNA)

SOILED... FROM3

PH... FROM7

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 SPS.AMBROSIO G. GRAMAJE and VICTORIA T. GRAMAJE who died on March 8, 1976 and April 5, 1992 leaving a parcel of land with TCT No. T-46306, containing an area of TWO (200) HUNDRED SQUARE METER has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among their HEIRS , per Doc. No 138; PageNo.29; Book No.III Series of 2021, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. MANUEL A. MAHIPUS, MNSA

6

EDGE EDGE DAVAO DAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 148 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 05-06, 2021

AGRITRENDS

GOLDEN RICE: GAME CHANGER IN RICE PRODUCTION

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO courtesy of PhilRice

A

‘potential gamechanger for the rice industry in the country.’ That was how House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, Second District) described golden rice after learning that the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) of the Department of Agriculture granted a biosafety permit for the commercial propagation of genetically-engineered cereal in the country.

“Rice accounts for onefifth of the basket of goods for the poor. And agriculture in general accounts for 22.5% of the labor force, even though it merely contributes 8% to gross domestic product. So, anything that raises value for the sector, such as golden rice, will make a difference,” Salceda said.

The recent government approval for the commercial cultivation of golden rice “is a most welcome, long-awaited development for the science community,” to quote the words of National Scientist Emil Q. Javier and Institute of Plant Breeding founder.

“We had been long waiting for golden rice’s regulatory clearance,” pointed out Dr. Nina Gloriani, former dean of the College of Public Health at the University of the Philippines-Manila.

“This is a milestone,” Salceda added. “This biosafety approval of golden rice is the first authorization for commercial propagation of genetically engineered rice in South and Southeast Asia.”

This rice variety is first of its kind in the scientific world because the genes for

beta carotene bred into golden rice were obtained by genetic engineering. The beta carotene genes come from a genetically distant edible relative, yellow corn.

Experts from all over the world hailed the approval as an indicator of the country’s leadership role in agricultural biotechnology in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The country’s pioneering path began in 1990 with the establishment of its first biosafety policy and further strengthened by Administrative Order No. 8, Series of 2002 (AO8), which opened the pathways for “local agriculture to benefit from the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology.”

While A08 has since been superseded by the Joint Department Circular no. 1 series of 2016, the spirit of scientific inquiry for the social good that it fostered continues to this day.

A08 architect Leonardo Montemayor, who’s currently the board chairman of Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), said he considers modern biotechnology as a tool in

curbing vitamin A deficiency (VAD).

Lack of vitamin A predisposes people, especially children, to increased risk of respiratory diseases, diarrhea, measles, night blindness, and can lead to death. VAD continues to be a major nutrition and public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including the Philippines. It affects some 190 million children under five years of age worldwide.

“Let us promote other sources of vitamin A – malunggay, squash, and camote, but let us not close our eyes from the possibility that modern biotechnology can provide an additional tool for us to address VAD. If (golden) rice turns out to be something very useful, at least it is very convenient compared to other sources of vitamin A. Let us have a range of (choices) for people, especially kids, for them to have better access to vitamin A,” Montemayor said.

According to Dr. Gloriani, the Philippines had been remarkably successful in combating VAD in recent years.

Based on a study done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), the country has brought down VAD prevalence among children from 40% down to 17%, between 2003 and 2008. However, among the poorest fifth of Filipino children, VAD prevalence remains unacceptably high at 26%.

The deficiency numbers, however, have not changed between 2008 and 2018. As

such, health experts believe there’s still a lot of things to be done. In a FNRI nutritional survey done in 2019, only two out of 10 Filipino households meet the estimated average equivalent for Vitamin A. Health experts believe partial relief could be provided by golden rice. Laboratory and human feeding trials suggest that one cup of cooked golden rice can provide 30–42% of Vitamin A estimated average equivalent for pre-school children.

Since the beta carotene is naturally embedded in the golden rice grain, the needed essential nutrient comes at no additional cost and effort to the consumer, a significant benefit to poor households.

Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr., chairman of the Agriculture Sciences Division of the National Academy of Science and Technology, said the development of golden rice took very long (over 20 years) because the beta carotene genes from yellow corn had to be meticulously transferred into popular rice varieties acceptable to farmers.

Otherwise, the farmers will not plant them. “The new golden rice varieties must have high yield, resistant to pests and diseases, suited to a wide range of growing conditions and with superior eating quality,” said the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

The conversion of regular rice varieties into golden rice involved conventional plant breeding methods spanning over many crop

generations and years, PhilRice said, adding that unlike the regular white well-milled rice, the grains of golden rice are translucent golden yellow in color.

When cooked, golden rice looks very much like the saffron-colored rice in the Spanish paella, a dish many Filipino chefs have adopted as very much part of the Filipino cuisine.

Rice specialist Dr. Reynante Ordonio said that PhilRice will initially promote cultivation of golden rice versions of two registered varieties — PSBRc 82 and NSICRc 283.

As the golden rice beta carotene genes are regularly incorporated in national rice breeding programs, more golden rice inbreds and hybrids are expected to be released in the future not only in the Philippines but also in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America where VAD is rife and where rice is the major staple.

Golden rice was invented

by Professor Ingo Potrykus, then of the Institute for Plant Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and of Professor Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg, Germany.

National Scientist Javier clarified that all along golden rice had been intended by its inventors as an additional option. It should not be a substitute for existing VAD-elimination programs.

With golden rice, a naturally bio-fortified no-additional-cost option now

available to consumers, a multipronged long-term sustainable solution to the scourge of vitamin a deficiency in many parts of the developing world is in sight.

Meanwhile, some people are wary about genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in the food they eat.

On this matter, Montemayor said, “We have to establish our framework and all necessary guidelines to regulate and monitor these, and make sure that safety protocols and regulations are in place.”

“On the matter of GMOs in the country, we have to establish our framework and all necessary guidelines to regulate and monitor these, and make sure that safety protocols and regulations are in place,” he said.

In terms of the proprietary right of golden rice, Montemayor said no proprietary issues will emerge as Syngenta, which previously owned it, waived its right to the public domain. This means that PhilRice and the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) are free to research, develop, and come up with the final output.

“By working to bring golden rice to the tables of those who need it the most, PhilRice is fulfilling its mandate to provide safe and nutritious rice, and paves the way for agriculture and nutrition sectors to work closely together to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of all Filipinos,” PhilRice states.

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 148 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 05-06, 2021

7

Hard-fighting PH bets end campaign in Tokyo Paralympics T he Philippines will not be bringing home a medal in the Tokyo Paralympics as the national team’s last two hopes failed to make the podium on Friday.

Following the conclusion of the qualifying heats for the 100-meter backstroke event at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre, para-swimmer Gary Bejino was way outside of the Top 8 cutoff for the final.

Competing at Heat 2, Bejino clocked in at one minute and 28.87 seconds, finishing last among seven swimmers.

After Heat 3 was played, Bejino ended up at the cellar of a list of 20 para-swimmers.

Bejino was seven seconds off the time of the last qualified finalist, David Sanchez of Spain.

Jia Hongguang of China headlines the finalists after clocking in the fastest at the heats with 1:14.15.

Completing the Final 8 are Matias De Andrade of

Argentina, Dino Sinovcic of Croatia, Wang Jingang and Yang Hong of China, Thijs Van Hofweegen of the Netherlands, and Laurent Chardard of France.

Meanwhile, Jerrold Mangliwan settled for the eighth spot in the final 100-meter wheelchair race at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium.

Mangliwan clocked in at 20.08 seconds, barely three seconds off eventual winner Raymond Martin’s time.

The American, who holds both the world and Paralympic records for the

FPH, A2

Dabawenyo swimmer Ernie Gawilan gave his best but missed a medal finish.

T

Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar drives past rookie James Laput.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS 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 SPS.PERPETUA S. MORENO and SALVADOR B. MORENO who died on October 27, 2002 and July 4, 2015 leaving a parcel of land with TCT No. T-47518, containing an area of TWO (200) HUNDRED SQUARE METER has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among their HEIRS , per Doc. No 171; PageNo.36; Book No.III Series of 2021, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. MANUEL A. MAHIPUS, MNSA

ERRATUM In the August 16, 25 , 30 2021 issues of Edge Davao, in the Notice of publication given by Union Bank Of The Philippines of Edmon Mayormita ,the following were erroneously published, It should be “Ponce St. Brgy.28-C” instead of “Ponce St. BRDY. 28-C”, “Including improvements thereon and more particularly described as follows” ,it must be “Including The improvements thereon and more particularly described as follows. The word “FOR” must be placed after the word “WEEK” “AT LEAST, must be “A LEAST”. Instead OF FORECLOSURE , it must be OF THE FORECLOSURE Our apologies

errafirma Dyip re-asserted itself as the giant-killing team in the 46th PBA Philippine Cup in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Riding on the sizzling hands of Juami Tiongson and the solid plays of their veterans, the Dyip pulled off back-to-back victories at the expense of heavyweight teams San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel no less at the resumption of play.

Two days after toppling the Beermen in overtime, 110-104, the Dyip continued their charge and dropped the upset axe on the Gin Kings, 95-90, in Friday’s mid-afternoon matchup at the Don Honorio Ventura State U Gym. It was the Dyip’s first-ever victory in franchise history against Ginebra, which had prevailed in their 16 prior meetings.

They also posted the first back-to-back Ws by a team over SMB and Ginebra in the All-Filipino since TNT in 2012.

Coach John Cardel and his rejuvenated charges improved to 2-4, just half a game behind the Gin Kings (2-3) in the standings.

“Gusto talaga ng players manalo. We started very poor, 0-4, so going to the semi-bubble, talagang I talked to the players isaisa, especially the veterans and they also did their part and kinausap kapwa players,” said Cardel after posting Terrafirma’s first two-game streak in a conference since the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup. “Sinabi nila, pumunta tayo dito (Pampanga) hindi para magbakasyon, kundi para manalo, makuha ang unang panalo. Eto na nga, we have two wins, sana magdire-diretso na,” he added.

After dropping a career-high 28 on SMB, Tiongson rifled in an even hotter 31 against Ginebra, making nine of his 15 attempts from beyond the arc.

Tiongson’s snipings helped Terrafirma seize leads as high as 17 then Rashawn McCarthy, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Andreas Cahilig and Eric Camson joined the fray to mop it up in the endgame after Ginebra came to within three.

McCarthy hit a clutch triple, Ganuelas-Rosser made a big defensive stop on Japeth Aguilar and Cahilig won an offensive rebound against Christian Standhardinger that led to Camson’s insurance basket.

“This wouldn’t be possible if everyone didn’t sacrifice and did their roles,” said Tiongson, who put the game away with two free throws.

Camson (15), Aldrech Ramos (11), and McCarthy (10) also turned in double-digit outputs for 11-man strong Terrafirma, which continued to miss key players like Joshua Munzon and Roosevelt Adams.

Standhardinger and Aguilar paced Ginebra with 17 and 16, respectively. (PBA) The Scores: Terrafirma 95 - Tiongson 31, Camson 15, Ramos 11, McCarthy 10, Ganuelas-Rosser 7, Cahilig 5, Gabayni 5, Celda 5, Laput 2, Calvo 2, Batiller 2.

Ginebra 90 - Standhardinger 17, Aguilar 16, Tenorio 14, Thompson 12, Pringle 11, Caperal 11, Ayaay 5, Salado 2, Mariano 2, Dillinger 0, Tolentino 0, Enriquez 0.

Quarterscores: 22-23, 51-46, 78-65, 95-90.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 148 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 05-06, 2021