Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 153 | Saturday, September 11, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

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VACCINE MYTH Notion that only branded vaccines can protect against Covid-19 is not true: TF STORY ON PAGE 2

A construction worker works on the metal component of the P740-million three-storey Agdao Public Market building in Brgy. Agdao, Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

The Davao City Covid-19 Task Force brushes off the belief that only branded anti-Covid-19 vaccines can protect against the virus. Some vaccine roll out are slow in the city’s vaccination sites that administer Sinovac vaccine as some Dabawenyos prefer the branded Pfizer-BionTech and Moderna vaccines due to the notion that they’re far more effective than non-branded. Edge Davao

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Bukidnon targets to open biomolecular lab this month

Notion that only branded vaccines can protect against Covid-19 is not true: TF

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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avao City Covid-19 task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser brushed off talks that only branded anti-Covid-19 vaccines can protect against the virus.

This is in relation to the slow vaccine roll out in the vaccination sites that administer Sinovac vaccine as some Dabawenyos prefer Pfizer-BionTech and Moderna vaccines.

“Whether unsa na brand, ang purpose is to protect. Sa mga na-assign sa vaccination site na ang ilah-

ang brand is Sinovac, i-take ang opportunity ug pagpa vaccine nata ug dili na necessary na branded as long it serve the purpose,” Schlosser said.

Schlosser said the city government is now doing education and information dissemination to the public that all brands of vaccines

can protect them.

“Bisan unsa na klase na vaccine mu-protekta gyud against Covid-19. Kung ma-infect man ka, mild o asymptomatic lang ang imong makuha nga Covid-19. Naa notion ang tao na pag Pfizer or Moderna since branded siya, grabe ang ilahang protection. That is not actually true, all the vaccines are formulated to protect us from Covid-19 maski unsa pa nga brand. Mura lang ug nisuot ug pantalon na pagLevis, better daw, but no it still serve its purpose. Com-

pared sa Lee nga pantalon ang iyahang tumong pareha naa kay ginasuot na protection para dili makita ang imong body,” she said.

On Monday, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reminded Dabawenyos not to be choosy when it comes to anti-Covid-19 vaccines.

“Magremind lang ta sa tanan natong kaifsuonang Dabawenyo nga dili na mamili og brand sa bakuna because in this pandemic every day counts. Wala ta kahibalo who may become

already there and all we have to do is to update them. The commanders knew what to do already,” he said.

Eleazar said they would start checking the records of their members, whether they are active or inactive, and will start to engage with possible election candidates.

“We need to check so that if there is an initial problem, we can easily fix it. The bottom line is, there will be no harass-

ment. As early as now we are preparing, so when 2022 comes we are very much prepared already,” he added.

While in the region, Eleazar also inspected the Panabo City Police Station.

“As we continue to patrol and inspect various stations in the country in accordance with our Intensified Cleanliness Policy (ICP) with the PNP, we went to the Panabo City Police Station in Davao

del Norte to check the station and at the same time greet our police, especially as we continue to face the ordeal caused by the pandemic,” he said.

Eleazar also lauded its personnel for the station’s cleanliness.

“This proves (they have) good discipline.

Beyond the cleanliness in the office, the cleanliness in our ranks and cleanliness in the community (is important),” he added.

(PNA)

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PNP preparing for 2022 polls: Eleazar

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hilippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Thursday said the police force is preparing to ensure a peaceful and orderly 2022 elections.

In a virtual press briefing held in Davao del Norte, Eleazar said it has been a continuing preparation since after the 2019 elections.

“This (election) is recurring every three years.

All policies, doctrines, and programs of PNP are

he installation of a biomolecular laboratory for COVID-19 swab tests at the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) here has been completed and the facility can start operating this month, a health official said.

Dr. Miguel Antonio Prantilla, BPMC chief of hospital told the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) during its session on Tuesday that they have calibrated all equipment at the laboratory.

He said the facility can handle up to 1,000 samples per day.

He said they are just waiting for the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the provincial government and the Northern Mindanao Medical Center and the license to operate from the Department of Health, which will be issued after an inspection.

Prantilla added they already asked Gov. Jose Maria R. Zubiri Jr. to negotiate with

a company for the collection of hazardous medical wastes from the laboratory.

Provincial Board member Nemesio Beltran Jr. said the facility should be opened soon so that samples taken from suspected COVID-19 patients in the province need not be brought to Cagayan de Oro City for RT-PCR tests.

He noted that patients have to wait for three to five days to know the test results.

Prantilla also told the SP that all beds for COVID-19 cases at BPMC were already occupied, and over 100 patients were waitlisted.

He said 92 percent of the patients were not vaccinated against the virus and only seven percent were inoculated.

During the same SP session Provincial Health Officer Dr. Gary Guido Tabios Jr., responding to a query from Beltran clarified that not all individuals who died in

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BARMM youth groups urged to submit projects for funding

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he Bangsamoro Youth Commission of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BYC-BARMM) has encouraged regional youth organizations to submit project proposals for possible funding from the commission and its partner development agencies.

In an interview on Friday, BYC chairperson Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong said the project proposals are for positive community transformation.

“The overall project

dubbed ‘Ideation Impact Challenge: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future 2021’ is a call for the youth who advocate for community peacebuilding and development in the BARMM,” he said.

Spearheaded by BYC in partnership with the United Nations Development Program and co-funded by the European Union, the undertaking invites youth organizations, Sangguniang Kabataan (youth councils), and local youth develop-

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

NEWS

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A biker traverses using the sidewalk as the bike lane is occupied by other vehicles along MacArthur Highway in Matina, Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

Japanese investors urged to rediscover business opportunities in Davao City DavNor provincial hospitals amply supplied of oxygen

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rovincial hospitals of Davao del Norte have amply stored oxygen to serve COVID-19 patients, Provincial Health Officer said.

As guest of One Davao Presser, Dr. Alfredo Lacerona of PHO Davao del Norte said PLGU hospitals had reserved about 5,000 tanks of oxygen, a supply which had been running out in tertiary and in some private hospitals.

“Ang oxygen nga maoy nangahurot sa ubang hospital, naka reserve ta ug enough number. (The oxygen that runs out in other hospitals, we have reserved enough number.),” he said.

“So far nagadawat na man ta ug severe covid cases sa atong mga provincial hospitals. (We have so far accept severe COVID cases in our provincial hospitals.),”he said.

Dr. Lacerona was responding to the call of Tagum City-based Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) which had advised the public “to seek medical attention at the nearest Local Government Unit healthcare facility.”

DRMC recently con-

veyed public regrets that “it is experiencing shortage of medical oxygen supply”. Its management, however, assured that those “referred requiring supplemental oxygen will be assisted for admission to other facilities”.

In relation to this situation of DRMC, Dr. Lacerona revealed instructions of Provincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib “to accommodate up to moderate” cases of COVID-19.

However, Dr. Lacerona said the “provincial hospitals are getting near their full capacity levels” due to surge in COVID-19 positive cases in Davao del Norte.

Citing week-on-week logged COVID-19 positive cases, Dr. Lacerona said that PHO registered in the last week of August a total of only 352. A week after, cases went up a total of 408; then spiked at 697 the following week, and surged to 868 just recently.

“Ingon ana ka-paspas ang pagsaka; among tanaw tungod na jud ni sa atong delta variant. (That is how fast the rise in number of cases. We look at this as due to Delta variant cas-

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the Davao City Promotions Center (DCIPC) has urged Japanese investors to rediscover trade and business opportunities in Davao City.

DCIPC officer-in-charge April Marie Dayap assured that the city government of Davao under the leadership of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio through the DCIPC is ready and willing to help investors in exploring the industries and opportunities in the city.

“I am inviting all Japanese friends, investors and businessmen to rediscover Davao City and see for yourself the very reasons why

many Japanese companies have decided to do business here,” Dayap said during the online roadshow to Japanese investors on Wednesday.

The roadshow was participated by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Japanese Consul General Yoshiaki Miwa who expressed support to the event, which included a manifestation of the strong relations between Japan and Davao.

“The roadshow reiterates the strong relationship between Davao and Japan and an opportunity to further reinforce our already strong ties by becoming partners to boost industry, business, trade and commerce,” Dayap said.

The event was also participated by over 60 participants including Japanese entrepreneurs and investors located in the Philippines and In Japan, and guests from both the private and public sectors.

There were also presentations by Christian Cambaya on the investment op-

portunities available in the city and Michael Maquiran on Converge’s Fiber Technology.

Keisuke Nakao, CEO of Nakashin Davao International, Inc, also shared his experience as a Japanese doing business in Davao for the past 18 years.

The roadshow is in line with DCIPC’s pursuit to enhance its investment promotion program by promoting to foreign investors that Davao City is still the premier investment destination in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia amid the pandemic.

been realized since the city is dependent on the supply of vaccines from DOH. “Gahulat ra ta og allocation of vaccines from the national government.

Karon ang niabot lang kasi for this week dili pud ingon ana ka daghan (What arrived this week is not that much) – Pfizer 13,455; Sinopharm 3,125, and AstraZeneca 600. Pero gapaabot gihapon ta. Mao lagi to ang goal sa atong good mayor, 15,000 a day nga vac-

cinees,” she added.

Meanwhile, she bared that the city has achieved 51.69 percent herd immunity for its first dose vaccination rollout.

Schlosser said as of September 4, 2021, the city has administered 620,284 first doses while the second dose, which is still ongoing, is 347,797.

“The fact nga nakaabot na ta sa 51 percent kana dako-dako na na sya nga achievement sa atoang LGU og vaccination cluster. In fact,

(we’re) always commended. We are fortunate kay dili nato kaayo problema ang gusto magpa-vaccine kay daghandaghan gyud ang gusto,” she said.

Schlosser also cited that the Sangguniang Panlungsod-led mobile vaccinations also play a key role in hastening the vaccination rollout and increasing the number of A2 (seniors) and A3 (adults with comorbidities) vaccinees every day.

By Maya M. Padillo

City asks for bigger vaccine allocation from DOH 11

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has already requested the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH 11) for a bigger vaccine allocation since the city is now capable of vaccinating 15,000 individuals daily via various vaccination sites in the city according to Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force.

Schlosser said that the target of 15,000 daily vaccinations has not yet

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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A resident chooses from a wide array of commercial rice on display at a stall in Matina, Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

PH economy post-Covid F will be different: Diokno

PAL launches Hiraya Flight Pass

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be different from the preCovid level,” he told journalists in a virtual briefing on Thursday.

After five consecutive quarters of contraction, the domestic economy was

able to expand in the second quarter of 2021, with a growth print of 11.8 percent, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP).

Authorities are optimistic for an economic recovery this year, with the target range set between 4 and 5 percent.

Diokno has repeatedly said the economy continues to show signs of recovery amidst the challenges brought about by the virus-induced pandemic.

On Thursday, he said while the economy is seen to recover from the impact of the pandemic “that does not mean that it will be the same economy, that preCovid economy will be different than the post covid economy.”

“So naturally some industry or some firms will not be able to recover or will be able to recover many years to come but there will be new industries,” he added. (PNA)

lag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Thursday launched its “Hiraya Flight Pass” which allows passengers to pre-purchase flights with open travel dates for all domestic routes.

According to PAL, passengers can avail of up to 50% savings through the Hiraya Flight Pass, which can be used for up to a year in economy, premium economy, and business classes.

PAL said the price of the passes will depend on the features they select, such as destination and travel zones, preferred number of flights, length of travel period, cabin class, fare types, advance booking parameters, and booking class availability.

“The Hiraya Flight Pass

A deficit indicates that the value of a country’s imports exceeded export receipts, while a surplus indicates more export shipments than imports.

Total external trade, the summation of imports and exports, amounted to $16.13 billion, up 19.2.8% from $13.53 billion in July 2020.

Imports accounted for 60.2% of the country’s external trade while the rest or 39.8% were exported goods.

“Philippine external trade for the month of July 2021 remains a bright spot for the Philippine economy despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, with exports among record highs at $6.4 billion (near

the record high of $6.8 billion posted in March 2021) and imports already among the highest levels since October 2019, or a few months before the pandemic, at $9.7 billion (or $1 billion away from the record high of $10.7 billion posted in October 2018),” Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

“Faster economic recovery in some developed countries that are major export markets of the country especially where COVID-19 vaccine rollouts are much faster towards herd immunity could have supported faster recovery in global trade, including Philippine exports as seen in recent months,

but could be offset by slower economic recovery prospects in other countries amid lockdowns and travel restrictions due to the surge in new COVID-19/Delta variant cases,” Ricafort said.

Exports The country’s total export receipts stood at $6.42 billion, up 12.7% year-onyear due to annual increase in nine of the Philippines’ top 10 major export commodities led by coconut oil which grew by 207.7%.

This was followed by cathodes & sections of cathodes, of refined copper at 84.6%, and ignition wiring set and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircrafts and ships at 28.6%.

Year-to-date, exports in 2021 amounted to $42.39 billion, which is higher than the pre-pandemic level of $40.82 billion in the same period in 2019.

“Our sustained export growth rate can be attributed to the recovery in the global markets, coupled with our efforts in ensuring that the exports manufacturing sector operate at 100% capacity even during the ECQ,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a separate statement.

“The Philippines is clearly benefiting from its integration in Asia’s supply chains and the strong economic rebound in the region,” Lopez said.

Exports to China com-

changed economy is seen for the Philippines post-pandemic, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno forecasts the economy to regain its previous vigor starting in the last quarter of 2022.

“On the aggregate level, we will be back by around the fourth quarter of 2022 or the first quarter of 2023.

On the aggregate level. But the structure, the composition of that economy will

is the first and only customizable and shareable travel pass in the domestic travel industry, and offers the biggest savings, the most flexibility, and the widest network of available destinations,” the carrier said.

Travelers can choose multiple passengers, and share the pass with family, friends, and co-workers. They will also be given last-minute booking privileges, and manage their flight requests and changes online.

PAL over the weekend said it filed for bankruptcy in the United States, as part of its restructuring plan.

The first day of hearings is scheduled on Thursday.

The company is confi-

prised the highest export value amounting to $1.04 billion or a share of 16.1% to the total exports during the month.

Completing the top five major export trading partners with their export values and percent shares to the total exports were United States of America (USA) at $1.03 billion (16.0%), Hong Kong at $875.16 million (13.6%), Japan at $847.88 million (13.2%), and Singapore at $360.40 million (5.6%).

Imports The Philippines’ total imports amounted to $9.71 billion, up 24% year-on-year due to the increase in nine of the top 10 major commod-

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PH’s balance of trade yields $3.29-billion deficit in July

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he Philippines’ balance of trade in goods yielded a wider deficit in July as growth in imports outpaced the increase in exports amid the continued recovery in global trade from the disruption brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Thursday.

Preliminary data released by the PSA showed the country’s trade gap amounted to $3.29 billion in July, wider by 54.1% from $2.134 billion in the same month last year.

The balance of trade in goods is the difference between the value of export and import.

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ECONOMY

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Empty cargo vessels are docked at Sasa Port in Davao City. The country’s balance of trade in goods yielded $3.29-billion deficit in July as growth in imports outpaced the increase in exports amid the continued recovery in global trade from the disruption brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

DITO aiming for 6M subscribers this year

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ITO Telecommunity is aiming to get 6 million subscribers by the end of the year, one of its officials said on Thursday.

The country’s third major telco said it also passed its second technical audit and is looking to launch a “fiber-like” 5G fixed wireless service later this year.

DITO chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said the new telco so far has 2.6 million subscribers, but is adding around 20,000 new subscribers every day.

Tamano said they are set to hit 3 million subscribers by the end of the month.

“We find these numbers very positive. It shows you the appetite of the market for a new player,” Tamano said.

Amid complaints from

some subscribers about the telco’s service quality, Tamano admitted that DITO is not yet at par with other telcos.

“Some of the complaints arises from a desire for us to be at par with some of our competitors. Unfortunately, we are not yet there, but we’re doing our very best to be there. Keep in mind, we’ve only been in commercial operations since March.

Our competitors have been in commercial operations for 20 years.”

Regarding their rollout, DITO said it is now present in 233 areas and will be expanding to 53 more this month, including 16 new areas by Friday, Sept. 10.

The telco, which is owned by Davao-based tycoon Dennis Uy and Chi-

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PSA: PH factory output climbed 537.9% in July

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he Philippine manufacturing sector posted a triple-digit growth in July, due to a low base effect as output declined the same month last year amid the quarantine restrictions, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Preliminary results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) showed that the factory output or the volume of production Index (VoPI) surged 537.9% in July.

This compares with the

459% increase recorded in June, and the -72.8% in July 2020, when the National Capital Region (NCR) was placed under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Expansion was seen in 14 out of the 22 industry divisions, with the fastest growth recorded in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products which surged 3,525.6%.

Declines were seen in eight divisions, with the fastest slump seen in the man-

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DTI 11 OKs 54 Safety Seal applications

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premises, the concerned DTI 11 provincial office immediately prepare for the issuance of the seal to the qualified establishments that are under its jurisdiction.

Of the approved applications as of September

3, 19 are groceries, supermarkets, and membership shopping clubs; 16 are construction supply and hardware stores; 11 are barbershops and salons; four are service and repair shops; three are convenience stores; one outlet of a logistics service provider. Under the national government’s Safety Seal program, DTI is the issuing authority for these business categories.

Thus, 11 of the 99 applications were denied since such are not within DTI’s jurisdiction.

DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi shared that this initiative can benefit both consumers and business owners. She explained that by seeing the seal displayed within the establishment, the consumers are assured that they are visiting a safe place. They can expect a strict implementation of the required protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In the meantime, the said establishments will have a compet-

Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte, and Davao de Oro. Also included were the local government units of General Santos and Saranggani Province.

One of the recipients is the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), which received essential oils and diffusers that will be strategically placed in lobbies, admin offices and nurses’ stations.

“Young Living believes that this is a wonderful step in the company’s jour-

ney in the region. We hope that this simple gesture will be of great benefit to patients, frontliners and LGUs alike and that our products uplift them and make their everyday experiences even better,” says Melody Yap, marketing manager of Young Living Philippines.

Young Living is a multinational company producing essential oils and essential oil infused products. Producing high quality products is assured by

their Seed To Seal commitment which is marked by strict specifications and rigorous quality control standards in their production process.

Yap said with the company’s “Seed to Seal To South” they will be bringing their products closer to Mindanao with the launch of an Experience Center for its members as well as a Mindanao-based warehouse to make their products accessible to its clients in Mindanao. (PIA/ XIRG Alama)

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 11 has vouched for the strict implementation of safety protocols among several business establishments in the region after approving 54 of the 99 Safety Seal applications it received.

Since the agency started its issuance in June this year, various business establishments submitted their requirements and requested for inspection.

After a thorough assessment of their application requirements and business

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ver a million pesos worth of wellness products consisting of dewdrop diffusers and oils were donated by Young Living Philippines to government hospitals, health centers and local government units in the region.

This is part of Young Living’s campaign to bring their products closer to Mindanaoans. The donations were in the form of over 200 packages distributed to health facilities in the City of Davao and the provinces of

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

On the notion that only branded anti-Covid-19 vaccines can protect against the virus:

Whether unsa na brand, ang purpose is to protect. Sa mga naassign sa vaccination site na ang ilahang brand is Sinovac, i-take ang opportunity ug pagpa vaccine nata ug dili na necessary na branded as long it serve the purpose.”

Dr. Michelle Schlosser

Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson

EDITORIAL ECQ life Extra precaution means going beyond current imposed restrictions.

This means, whatever the current imposed health protocols status, it is best to treat it like an ECQ. Taking the hard stance against a very unpredictable enemy that is the coronavirus-causing Covid-19 which now presents as different variants is better than taking lightly. A lot of cases, even those involving fully-vaccinated individuals, are perplexing enough as to cause alarm to our health authorities.

The effects of, say the Delta variant that has claimed many lives, in a way cast some doubt on the integrity of our vaccination program. Some people are even questioning

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However, Davao City Covid-19 Task Force maintained the brand is of no moment at all. All vaccines do work although research tells us they have varying degrees of efficacy. And then there are other factors too.

Which then brings us back to the question whether or not to celebrate at a relaxed status or keep living the spartan life amidst this pandemic.

Our best bet is still being extra cautious and to get vaccinated at the first opportunity.

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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now whether the brand of vaccines one is inoculated with matters. This in a way set back the vaccination campaign as doubts clouded its efficacy.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

SUDDEN DEATH BY ONESELF In 2014, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) published “Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative,” its first report on suicide as a public health issue. Suicide takes place as often as every 40 second, the report said.

An earlier WHO report said the Philippines has suicide rates (per 100,000) of 2.5 for men and 1.7 for women.

Suicide is a major contributor to premature mortality around the world. Approximately 32% of the world’s suicides occur in Western Pacific region.

“While acknowledged as an important and neglected health issue, it remains a low priority in most Western Pacific countries due to competing health problems, stigma and poor understanding of the condition,” wrote Maria Theresa Redaniel, May Antonnette Lebanan-Dalida, and David Gunnell, authors of “Suicide in the Philippines: time trend analysis (1974-2005) and literature review.”

According to their study, the incidence of suicide in males increased from 0.23 to 3.59 per 100,000 between 1984 and 2005. Similarly, rates rose from 0.12 to 1.09 per 100,000 in females. Among females, suicide rates were highest among the age bracket of 15-24 year old,

while in males rates were similar in all age groups throughout the study period.

The most commonly used methods of suicide were hanging, shooting and pesticide ingestion. In non-fatal attempts, the most common methods used were ingestion of drugs or pesticide ingestion. Family and relationship problems were the most common problems reported.

Suicide, the process of purposely ending one’s own life, has always been viewed negatively in most culture. But not in Asia, where 60% of all the suicide deaths in the world are reported from. In fact, two of the countries with relatively huge suicide rates are Japan and South Korea, which have a very high level of competition that starts right from childhood.

“Although some attempted or completed suicides come as a shock even to family and friends, clear warnings are given in most cases,” points out The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

“Any suicide threat or suicide attempt is a plea for help and must be taken seriously. If the threat or attempt is ignored, a life may be lost.”

For health purposes, the Merck manual calls it “suicidal behavior.” It explains: “Suicidal behavior includes attempted sui-

cide, suicide gestures, and completed suicide. An attempted suicide is suicidal action that is not fatal. If an attempted suicide involves a suicidal action unlike to have any potential of being fatal, it is called a suicide gesture. A person taking such an action (for example, ingesting six acetaminophen tablets) may be making a plea for help or attention without having any intention of actually ending his life. A completed suicide is a suicidal action that results in death.”

The Merck manual says suicidal behavior is an all-too-common health problem. Although most suicidal behavior does not result in death, 10% of people who try to kill themselves using potentially fatal means do die from their actions.

“Suicidal behavior is an unmistakable signal that a person has feelings of desperation and hopelessness,” the Merck manual says. Among those with highrisk factors for suicide are males, having painful or disabling illness, living alone, having debt or living in poverty, under bereavement, experiencing humiliation or disgrace, and depressed.

Other high-risk factors: persistence of sadness even when other symptoms of depression are getting better, history of drug or alcohol abuse, history of pri-

or suicide attempts, family history of suicide, family violence (including physical or sexual abuse), suicidal preoccupation and talk, and well-defined plans for suicide.

According to some studies, one out of four people who complete suicide notes. These notes often refer to personal relationships and events that will follow the person’s death. Notes left by older people often express concern for those left behind, whereas those of younger people may express anger or vindictiveness.

The choice of suicide method is often influenced by cultural factors and availability and may or may not reflect the seriousness of intent. “Some methods (for example, jumping from a tall building) make survival virtually impossible, whereas other methods (for example, overdosing on drugs) make rescue possible,” the Merck manual noted.

“However, even if a person uses a method that proves not to be fatal, the intent may have been just as serious as that of a person whose method was fatal.”

Drug overdose and self-poisoning are two of the most common methods used in suicide attempts. Violent methods, such as gunshots and hanging, are uncommon among attempted

suicides because they usually result in death. Of completed suicides, a gunshot is the method most frequently used by males.

Females are more likely to use non-violent methods, such as poisoning, drug overdose, or drowning.

In the Philippines, a study showed that the methods of committing suicide included shooting oneself, 40%; hanging, 30%; poisoning, 16.7%; and jumping from high places, 13.3%. In 73% of the reported cases, suicide was committed in their own homes.

Suicide is for real and it is unfathomable why people try to cut their lives short. “It’s difficult to understand how a person could not give value to a survival instinct, which is to stay alive from the standpoint of a non-suicidal person,” wrote Dr. Gia B. Sison, a practicing medical doctor who specializes in occupational medicine and a strong mental health advocate.

Quoting a book, Clinical Manual for Assessment and Treatment of Suicidal Patients, Dr. Sison further wrote: “The thought of suicide most often occurs when a person feels they have run out of solutions to problems that seem inescapable, intolerably painful, and never-ending.”

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

COALITIONS, ALLIANCES, HORSE TRADING, ETC. “To lead the people, walk behind them.” - Lao Tzu *******

“T’was the best of times, t’was the worst of times…’and so rolled romantically the introductory quote by Charles Dickens of his 1859 immortal and much-discussed historical novel “ A Tale of Two Cities,” a period of political history set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution that interwove the personal but distinctly separate lives of two men, a French royalty and an ordinary Englishman.

The moral of Dickens’ narrative (as described in Wikipedia) is “that experience and tradition provide greater stability than revolutionary uprisings.”

The former points to Britain’s political development and the latter is represented by France.

With a dramatic eloquence

that only Dickens can do, I am inclined, without any pretensions to duplicate the former, to liken, if not totally, compare the politics of that era to our contemporary Philippine political life.

Today, as we scour the political terrain, we observe the shrewdness of the most astute and overly-ambitious men and women who think each has a winning formula to capture the support of the Filipino people and secure the presidency in the coming 2022 national polls.

To be truthful about it, none of the aspiring figures styling himself (herself) as the man (woman) who can beat the endorsed candidate of the incumbent Duterte administration who appears unmistakably as Davao City Mayor Inday Sara.

So much insinuations, back-stabbing, underground ops, propaganda and machinations are polluting the air regarding

this and that possible coalition and alliance aimed at toppling the Establishment.

VP Leni Robredo, who ideally should be the leading contender, has been flip-flopping, an attitude that does not do justice to her position. She is scared like a dog scampering with its tail between its legs. Her Yellow comrades have neither been resolute enough to persuade her to declare categorically her political intentions.

She is now reportedly willing to support a (Isko) Moreno (Manny) Pacquiao tandem who, as media operators are hypeing, is capable of giving the Duterte-anointed a run for the money.

Will Paquiao settle for second? Nope, he said so in his several media interviews. But who knows really?

His ego has been bruised, much more bruises than what Yordenis Ugas did.

Horse trading and compromises are now the order of the day.

The opposition, contrary to their “positive” and self-serving press statements, is actually in a frenzy scouting for the right combination.

Lacson, the first to declare his presidential objective, is still inviting other groups to coalesce with him and his VP partner Tito Sotto despite presenting a nearly complete 12-man senatorial lineup.

The Lacson-Sotto ticket looks formidable on paper, what with several re-electionists and returnees on the list. Which politicalparty will Lacson carry? NPC? The Liberals are without yet a standard bearer.

But do not raise your quizzical eyebrows if they bring in Moreno or Pacquiao in due time.

The Liberals cannot produce a winnable candidate from

within its ranks. I don’t know why they are not not propping up Kiko Pangilinan or Franklin Drilon, two of the most senior active senators.

My guess is that these two guys also know they cannot win the presidency at this time.

My oh my.

And yet, the opposition is ONLY going up against a city mayor for the highest position of the land?

Yes, only against ANOTHER CITY MAYOR! The virtual reality seems to stare the opposition hard in the face as the deadline for the filing of COCs nears.

The practical consciousness among voters and would-be supporters is that no one will back or vote for a losing candidate.

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

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EDGEDAVAO EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

THE FINAL PITCH RETURNS IN SEARCH OF BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW NORMAL

THE Philippines’ first and only business reality TV show, The Final Pitch, returns for a seventh season on CNN Philippines. With the theme “Virtual Edition,” the new season offers a hybrid setup where the show’s investor-judges will virtually interact with the contestants as they pitch their businesses on-location at The Final Pitch studios.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and startups with business solutions equipped for the country’s transition to the new normal will have a chance to pitch their innovative ideas to a diverse panel of investors looking to fund and back their initiatives.

The Final Pitch creator and host John Aguilar explained that the Virtual Edition encourages Filipinos to pursue entrepreneurship and continue with their plans despite the current pandemic surge.

“We want to make a statement with this season that just because there is a pandemic and a delta variant out there, it doesn’t mean that we should stop conducting businesses, trying to look for solutions, and even making a living. This is also a very aggressive call out for entrepreneurs with solutions for all of the challenges we face and to those who had their businesses particularly adapted to

the new normal,” Aguilar said.

This year’s distinguished panel of investor-judges include Dennis Uy, Chief Executive Officer of Converge ICT Solutions; Bernard Dy, Cauayan City Mayor; Ricky Villarante, Chairman and CEO of 8Ventures; Rose Ong, Senior Executive Vice President - COO of Wilcon Depot; and David Almirol, Founder & CEO of Multisys Technologies Corporation.

According to Dennis Uy, “As a self-made entrepreneur myself, I am looking for ways to help budding techpreneurs achieve their goals. The economic downturn and the wave of unemployment resulting from the

pandemic made many Filipinos into reluctant entrepreneurs.

In this transition from worker to entrepreneur, Converge is there to handhold the displaced Filipinos. I am on the lookout for those who are able to harness the power of technology and connectivity to find ways to uplift the lives of others.”

David Almirol Jr. said that MultiSys has always been supportive of Filipino startups. The company has already invested in several startups across various industries like agriculture, motor parts, hospitality, food & beverage, fintech etc. “For The Final Pitch, we look for new ideas and innovations with

a focus on real estate, fintech, academe, and eGames.” The show is also a great opportunity to showcase Multisys and the talent of the Filipino IT community.

Rose Ong, said that Wilcon Depot has been a strong supporter of start-up companies and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Wilcon is a long-time partner of Go Negosyo in fulfilling its advocacy to engage and encourage the Filipinos in their entrepreneurial journey. With the growing interest of many Filipinos in entrepreneurship, I am confident that this season of The Final Pitch will be its biggest and best season yet. I particularly looking forward to hearing business ideas and allow our entrepreneurs to present and prove that those ideas have a good chance of succeeding.

Cauayan City, Isabela Mayor Bernard Dy, hopes to be able to find a sustainable solution that would make not only the City of Cauayan but the rest of the cities in the Philippines to be truly smart and sustainable communities. “I’m looking for a smart innovation that has a positive impact in such a way that it could help improve people’s lives. I want to be able to use this solution for the citizens of Cauayan City, which can likewise be adopted by other cities.

The support that I can extend to the participant’s business is to act as a linkage to other cities

to promote the marketability of the solution or business.”

Meanwhile, technopreneur investor Jay Villarante said that he is looking to invest in technology companies that are led by passionate and dedicated teams. ”Since 2016, it has been my mission to grow organizations that create and use new technologies to develop profitable businesses through my company, 8Ventures Pte Ltd. We aim to provide the participating startups the resources they need including the financial support, network, mentorship, and cybersecurity services, via our subsidiary, Secuna.”

All contestants will go through a virtual business mentorship with selected business mentors, namely Dean Bernales, Managing Director, Uniquecorn Strategies; Patt Soyao, Managing Director, Icon Executive Search; and Hiyasmin Neri-Soyao, Managing Director, Shoppertainment Live.

The show is set to air on CNN Philippines this October 2021.

To join The Final Pitch, applicants will be required to fill out and submit an online entry form through this link: thefinalpitch.ph/application via its official website www.TheFinalPitch. ph. The deadline for submission of applications is until September 17, 2021. Filming begins on Sept. 24.

THE ATOM ARAULLO SPECIALS PRESENTS “TEAM PILIPINAS” THIS SUNDAY WINNING and rising above all odds, four Filipino athletes spark hope and pride during these most challenging times through their phenomenal and historic triumphs.

This Sunday (Sept. 12), The Atom Araullo Specials presents “Team Pilipinas” that features the stories of these Filipino athletes who ended the Philippines’ near century-long quest for Olympic multiple medals.

Aside from bringing home its first-ever gold medal, the Philippines also finished as the top performing Southeast Asian nation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics following its biggest medal haul in the history of the games.

Hidilyn Diaz made Olympic history as the Philippines’ first gold medalist, winning in the women’s weightlifting competition. Boxers Nesthy Petecio bagged the women’s featherweight silver, Carlo Paalam captured the men’s flyweight silver, while Eumir Marcial won a bronze

in the men’s middleweight class.

Before their victories, the four Olympic medalists started from small beginnings. At an early age, Hidilyn experienced selling vegetables and fish with her father.

Later, she focused on weightlifting and became part of the national

team. At 17, Hidilyn became the youngest and the first female weightlifter of the Philippines in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Meanwhile as a kid, Carlo used to scavenge garbage and metal scraps which he would sell to help earn money for his fam-

ily in Cagayan de Oro City. Carlo started boxing at the age of seven.

He would join amateur boxing competition in CDeO and would earn only P100 to P200 per bout. It was in 2009 when he was discovered by the CDeO Boxing Training program.

Nesthy’s father who was an amateur boxer in Davao, began training her at the age of seven. She chose boxing as a sport to help the family earn extra income and to avail a sports scholarship. Nesthy entered her first competition in 2007 after she was recruited by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines-Calinan boxing team.

Like Nesthy, Eumir Marcial also started boxing at the age of seven.

His father was instrumental in getting him into the sport because he was the head coach of the Zamboanga City boxing team then. At the age of 16, he won the International Boxing Association Junior World Championship.

Catch these four athletes’ stories in “Team Pilipinas” on The Atom Araullo Specials this Sunday at 2 pm on GMA Network.

Kapuso abroad can catch it via GMA Pinoy TV. For more updates on GMA Network, visit www. gmanetwork.com.

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

DR. OSCAR ESCUDERO, JR. Urology

F

ilipinos these days are more concerned about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-10). So much so that they have neglected other diseases like prostate cancer.

Like other forms of cancer, prostate cancer is deadly. But like other forms of cancer, prostate cancer can still be cured when discovered early. If the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, there’s a likelihood that the complications can be minimized.

On a gloomy Monday morning, Dimuel Panes arrived at a private hospital in Davao City for a routine annual checkup required by his company. Feeling fine, and having always received a clean bill of health, the economics professor, then 45, had not wanted to take time off from work.

But this time, it was different. He noticed that his flow of urine has become a trickle. In some instances, he has to hang around the urinal before he is able to start. And to complete his embarrassment, he was apt to dribble on after he had hope to finish. As a result, he can no longer sit through a movie or even a dinner party without having to slip out to the comfort room.

At night, Dimuel was up every couple of hours, thus ruining both his sleep and that of his wife, Jean.

A nurse by profession, Jean knew that her husband’s father died of cancer.

She thought that Dimuel might have inherited the disease. So, she urged him to undergo a blood test that measures levels of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). “You need this test,” she told him.

After weeks of prodding, Dimuel finally relented.

After the test, the doctors detected that Dimuel’s PSA level was abnormal. A further biopsy revealed he has prostate cancer. The doctor suggested surgery.

Today, three years later, Dimuel is very much healthy and active. “The PSA test is the reason why I am still alive,” he admitted.

“Early detection,” says Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist and cardiologist who serves as consultant at the Manila Doctors Hospital and Makati Medical Center, “gives medicine its best window of opportunity for beating cancer.”

The need for early detec-

tion has never been greater.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) reports that dramatic increases in life expectancy, combined with profound changes in lifestyles, will lead to global epidemics of cancer.

Third cause of death Long considered a disease of the Western world – particularly North America and Europe – prostate cancer is also fast becoming a prevalent health burden in the Philippines. “It is common among men 60 to 70 years of age,” said Dr. Oscar Escudero, Jr., a urologist at the Davao Doctors Hospital.

In the Philippines, prostate cancer ranks as the third leading cancer site among men, said Dr. Escudero in e-MedTalk series. Prostate cancer is behind lung, colorectal, and liver cancers.

“It is important for us to know what are the possible symptoms of prostate cancer and the possible preventive measures we can take,” he said.

This month of September, the country celebrates Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The EEL Urology Group of Davao City, whose members are trained in urology at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, is leading the awareness campaign.

“With proper treatment, survival rates can be as high as 98% even in advanced disease,” the group said based on data that it posted in its Facebook account.

In this time of pandemic, Filipino older men should not only be cautious of the virus that causes COVID-19 but must also be aware of prostate cancer. “The number of prostate cancer cases in the Philippines continues to increase, leading health experts to believe that this silent killer will claim one life every hour,” wrote Francis Earl Cueto in a Manila Times feature.

Signs and symptoms Like other forms of cancers, prostate cancer has some manifestations.

“Generally, the signs and symptoms are related to urination,” Dr. Escudero said.

These include: inability to urinate, or difficulty start-

MEN SHOULD NOT DIE OF

PROSTATE CANCER

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ing or stopping the urine flow; the need to urinate frequently, especially at night; weak or interrupted flow of urine; and pain or burning sensation during urination.

Other symptoms include difficulty having an erection or decrease in the amount of semen ejaculated; blood in the urine or semen; and frequent pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

“If you have these symptoms, you better start consulting your urologist,” Dr. Escudero suggested.

The aforementioned are just signs and symptoms and only a doctor can know for sure whether a man has prostate cancer.

“If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, go and see your doctor immediately so that the cause can be diagnosed and any relevant treatment administered,” recommends Professor Peter Lim Huat Chye, senior consultant and advisor of the Department of Urology at the Changi General Hospital in Singapore.

Understanding prostate The prostate is a pili nutsized gland located between the bladder and the penis.

“The prostate is just in front of the rectum,” points out webMD.com. “The urethra runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder to the penis, letting urine flow out of the body.

“The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and pro-

Photos and graphs from websites

tects sperm. During ejaculation, the prostate squeezes this fluid into the urethra, and it’s expelled with sperm as semen.” Its function, however, is regulated by testosterone, a male sex hormone produced mainly in the testicles.

On a case-by-case basis, doctors cannot pinpoint with certainty what causes prostate cancer. “The causes of prostate cancer are not well understood,” admits the US National Cancer Institute (NCI). “Doctors cannot explain why one man gets prostate cancer and another does not.”

Researchers are studying factors that may increase the risk of the disease. Having one or more closer relatives with prostate cancer increases a man’s risk of developing the disease. A diet high in animal fat is another factor (fats increase levels of testosterone).

Obesity is also a contributing factor. Two studies, which appeared in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, said that maintaining normal weight throughout your lifetime reduces your risk of developing prostate cancer.

Unlikely culprits Those are some possible causes. There are those who believe that prostate cancer is caused by hitting the prostate area oftentimes; biking is a case in point. “Whatever sports you are in, those are not true. There is no scientific evidence or clinical

association that biking can cause prostate cancer,” said Dr. Escudero, who has been biking for 35 years now.

There are others who associate prostate cancer with sex: oversex, undersex or masturbation. Those are also myths, according to Dr. Escudero. In addition, no proven link exists between prostate cancer and use of alcohol or tobacco, circumcision, infertility, and infection of the prostate. The theory that men who have vasectomies are at slightly increased risk for prostate cancer remains unproven.

“Compared with most other cancers, prostate cancer behaves rather strangely,” says The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative and Conventional Treatments.

Prostate cancer is the male equivalent of ovarian cancer in women. It’s a “silent killer,” a tumor that all too often goes undetected and spreads throughout the body. Usually, it grows slowly, taking years to progress.

“The problem,” says Dr. Jason L. Letran, urologist at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center and Chinese General Hospital, “is that often by the time a man notices something is wrong, he’s already missed his best chance for a complete cure.”

What men can do Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. “About six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men aged 65 and older,

and it is rare before age 40,” says the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. (PCSI). “The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 66.”

Doctors, however, urges males who are 40 years old and above to undergo a digital rectal examination (DRE), in which a doctor’s gloved, lubricated finger is inserted into the man’s rectum to feel for lumps, enlargement, or areas or hardness that might indicate the presence of cancer.

“It is uncomfortable but not painful, and it’s generally brief, lasting less than a minute,” assures Professor Lim of DRE. A serious drawback to DRE is that it cannot be totally relied upon. As such, Dr. Letran suggests a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein given off by the prostate tissue. In general, the higher the PSA, the greater the risk of cancer.

Experts believe that the combination of DRE and PSA enhances early detection. From age 50 onwards, men are advised to get an annual PSA and DRE tests.

Males with a family history of prostate cancer should start getting annual checkups at age 40.

But in some instances, DRE and PSA are not enough. If the urologist finds something is wrong, he can recommend a transrectal ultrasound, a procedure

FMEN, P10

10

EDGEDAVAO

VACCINE... FROM2

severe or critical. Kita on our own dili ta mahibalo kung kanus-a na or kita ba to. It is important na kung naay opportunity (magpabakuna) ug naa na schedule sa pagpabakuna, dili na ta magpili ug brand because every day counts in this pandemic,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara also advised the public to still follow the

minimum health standard protocols even if they are fully vaccinated already.

“Magremind lang ta sa mga tao, nga dili tungod kay naka two doses namo that will protect you from Covid-19. It is important to remember na kinahanglan magsunod gihapon mo sa minimum public health standards,” she said.

their homes were COVID-19 cases.

He said most of those who died at home suffered from other illnesses like hypertension, stroke and diabetes which worsened due to lack of medical care.

He said they were suspected of having contracted COVID-19 because their family members only re-

vealed the symptoms related to the virus not the comorbidities.

But Tabios admitted that there were confirmed COVID-19 cases who died in their homes while trying to recover because they could no longer be accommodated in hospitals and isolation facilities. (MindaNews)

ment councils to pitch in proposals to help their communities.

“This project also aims at strengthening meaningful participation and engagement of the youth in the BARMM development as well,” Macasalong said.

The BYC is the primary youth development arm of the BARMM through its creation by the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 10.

He pointed out that the BYC works on the premise of creative and innovative ideas of the youth that, if supported and recognized, would bring about profound changes for economic recovery amid the adverse effects of the pandemic.

Macasalong emphasized that project proposals may be in line with the priority

areas identified in the Bangsamoro Youth Transition Priority Agenda, such as health, education, peacebuilding, governance, and active citizenship.

Successful teams will be chosen to undergo several workshops and mentoring, after which 20 teams will be awarded seed funds to implement their projects.

“Depending on the scope and purpose of their projects, 10 teams will be awarded PHP50,000, while the other 10 teams will be given PHP20,000 for their project implementation,” he said.

Macasalong said the BYC would receive applications through the online link https://bit.ly/IdeationImpactChallenge until noon of September 12. (PNA)

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DAVNOR... FROM3

es.),” he said.

Dr. Lacerona revealed that Davao del Norte now has eight total cases of COVID-19 Delta Variant with the five newly reported by DOH found in Tagum City.

In the afternoon of September 08, PHO Davao del Norte registered 203 new confirmed cases bringing to a total of 1,669 total active cases.

PHO Davao del Norte has been registering more than 100 cases of COVID-19

cases since the first week of September with September 1 and September 7 as exemptions during which only 79 and 96 COVID-19 cases were recorded.

Despite the challenge, Dr. Lacerona noted well the active involvement of local chief executives in deploying its Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) to trace COVID-19 patients and to monitor those at home isolation. (Jeanevive Duron Abangan, PIA XI)

ity groups which was led by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with 84.9% increase.

This was followed by iron and steel with 62.9% growth and transport equipment with 59.7% increase.

Year-to-date, total imports value stood at $62.7 billion, up 30.2% from $48.91 billion in the same period last year.

China was the country’s biggest supplier of imported goods valued at $2.15 billion or 22.1 percent of the total imports in July 2021.

Completing the top five major import trading partners with their corresponding import value and percent share to the total imports were Japan at $997.61 million (10.3%), Republic of Korea at $761.27 million (7.8%), Indonesia at $691.08 million (7.1%), and Singapore at $607.22 million (6.3%).

“Imports could slow

down in August 2021 in view of the ECQ in NCR from August 6-20, 2021 (followed

by MECQ), consistent with the slowdown in overall economic/business activities,” Ricafort said.

He added that imports volume could pick up in the coming months amid the proposed more localized or granular lockdowns as de facto measures to further reopen the economy, “which could lead to some pick up in business/economic activities as well as in the country’s importation requirements.”

General community quarantine with alert levels system or granular lockdowns were supposed to be implemented on September 8 in Metro Manila until the end of the month, but the government opted to retain the modified enhanced community quarantine classification in the region due to concerns on the guidelines on how to implement the policy.

PH’s... FROM4

DITO... FROM5

MEN... FROM 9

involving the same technology that produces images of babies in the womb. While ultrasound can’t distinguish healthy cells from cancer cells, it can help direct a needle biopsy.

Available treatments Unlike those in Western countries, most Filipino men with prostate cancer come for treatment very late when little can be done to help them. This is most unfortunate as the disease can be cured when detected early.

Prostate cancer treatment may seriously affect a man’s lifestyle, according to Dr. Letran. Major surgery, radiation therapy and drugs for prostate cancer often cause impotence and may cause incontinence.

Treatment may also involve watchful waiting.

“Watchful waiting is an option for men who are too old or too weak for treatment or for those who refuse treatment,” says Dr. Eduardo R. Gatchalian, past president of the Philippine Urological Association, Inc. “Yet for the relatively healthy elderly male, observation is not a viable option especially if we have a cancer that has a high Gleason score or the indicator of aggressive nature of the disease.”

Meanwhile, what are the chances of being cancer-free after getting diagnosed?

There is a 100% chance of being declared cancer-free five years after treatment, according to Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

“The odds against prostate cancer have been steadily increasing over the years, making it a promising future,” says Dr.

DeANDRE...

Jaime S.D. Songco, of MakatiMed’s Urologic Oncology Section, citing a 2017 study which showed that only about 4% of newly diagnosed prostate cancers spread to other organs.

“Of course, early diagnosis is still key, as it further increases your chances of being declared cancer-free,” he added.

Death toll If you are 50 or over, you better consider prostate cancer as a possibility. Film director Eddie Romero and architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, both National Artists, have died of prostate cancer.

Romero, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, lost his battle against the disease at the age of 88. “After the diagnosis, he took treatment very well,” his son, Joey, who is also a director, said in Saksi interview.

It was not until April 2013 that the director’s health started deteriorating.

This happened when he lost appetite to eat. “We had to put a tube in his stomach to help him be fed,” Joey was quoted as saying.

Romero died on May 28, 2013. Six years later, on February 19, 2019 – just eight days after his birthday – Mañosa also died of the same disease. The architect of some of the country’s iconic structures was also 88.

Other famous Filipino personalities who died of prostate cancer were singer Eugene Villaluz (70), film actor and television host Rod Navarro (67), movie actor Ross Rival (62), film actor Nestor de Villa (75).

“Weprovidefiber-like service without using fiFROM 11 ber, ” he said.

FROM 4 and pretty good game — all his lowest totals DITO says this will pretty fairly I was a Clipper for since 2013 — Jordan was dent it will exit the corporate Thursday also announced be their short to medi- when years,” said Jordan, who traded earlier this month restructuring process by the the one-week sale of its um-term option for cus- 10 his house in Malibu af- to the Detroit Pistons, who end of the year, but revenues Super passwhich allows tomerslookingforhome kept ter leaving the Clippers. “But bought out the remaining are unlikely to return to pre- passengers to book local datasolutions,whilethey obviously this is a big sports two years and $20 million COVID-19 levels until after flights at one-way base prepare for a fiber rollout town, and a lot of the fans on his contract.

2025. fares of P99, without a down the road.

Laker fans. Even when Jordan lost playing time PAL’s competitor bud- fixed date and destinaListedtelcoConverge are I was with the Clippers, we and didn’t make his usual get carrier Cebu Pacific on tion.

ICTSolutionscompeted understood that. ... I’m fo- defensive impact last seaagainst DITO to become cused on now, and this team, son in Brooklyn, thecountry’sthirdmajor and what our goals are ulti- the Nets to moveprompting on from FROM 5 telecommunicationscom- mately, and I’m just really the center they signed to a itive advantage because of visits are aimed at checkpany when the contract excited to be here. This is four-year, $40 million deal the confidence they can get ing on their compliance was up for bidding. opportunity to me, in July 2019. Jordan refrom customers. with the safety measures Owned by a different a great I just want to take ad- mains a close friend of Nets “This is DTI’s way of since March last year folDennis Uy, based out of and of it.” superstars Kyrie Irving and encouraging the business lowing the declaration Pampanga,ConvergeICT’s vantage is joining the Lak- Kevin Durant, and he recommunity to really en- of Proclamation No. 922, success in its home fiber ers Jordan his career stalled fused to criticize the team sure that safety and health which placed the entire rollouthashelpeditsown- withafter the Nets. After averag- for giving up on him and protocols are in place at all country under a State of ers debut in Forbe’s list of ing just 7.5 points and 7.5 enticing LaMarcus Aldridge times. Likewise, we want National Health Emergen10 richest Filipinos. for Brooklyn last out of retirement to replace them to assure their cus- cy. Through Joint MemoWhiletheDavao-based rebounds season in 21.9 minutes per him. tomers that they are safe randum Circular 20-04A, The new telco is also DennisUyhasyettomake whenever they are in these the agency and the De- looking to launch a 5G it to the Forbes list, Conplaces. The printed Safe- partment of Labor and fixedwirelessaccessprod- verge’s Dennis Anthony FROM 11 ty Seal Certificates can be Employment (DOLE) joint- uct in the fourth quarter, Uy and his wife are listed found right at the entrance ly inspect business estab- Tamano said. rematch for Ugas against Por- route to the Pacquiao bout, at number 6.

PAL...

DTI...

of the business establishment. We in DTI are committed to champion both our business sector and consumers; that’s why, we put high regard when implementing programs like the Safety Seal,” the local trade official noted.

Ambi urged business establishments to apply for a Safety Seal online through https://safetyseal.dti.gov. ph.

It is worth noting that DTI 11, together with its provincial offices throughout the region, has been inspecting different business establishments. These

lishments regarding their adherence to COVID-19 health protocols. From January to July 2021, they have already visited 1,059 business establishments all over the region.

Apart from the safety protocols compliance, DTI 11 has also been assisting the Department of Health (DOH) in checking the hospitals and laboratories on the regulation of prices for COVID-19 RT-PCR testing and testing kits. A total of 19 facilities have been monitored during the first seven months of this year.

(PR-DTI 11/Jen Mendoza)

na Telecom, meanwhile said it passed its second technical audit, achieving 52.75 percent coverage of the Philippine national population. It said it was able to deliver a minimum average broadband speed of 89.13 Mbps for 4G, and 853.85 Mbps for 5G. The government’s requirements were for a speed of 55 Mbps, and a population coverage of 51 percent.

It said it also has 4,384 towers “under mobilization” with 3,094 towers “already integrated.”

The company also said it has laid down 18,074 kilometers of land-based fiber optic cable, and another 953 kilometers of submarine cable.

PSA... FROM5

ufacture of tobacco products at -55.8%, followed by chemicals and chemical products at -13.4%, and the repair and installation of machinery and equipment at -11.4%.

In terms of capacity utilization, PSA data showed that only 26.9% of firms were operating at 90% to 100% of capacity. Some 34.2% operated at 70% to 89$ capacity, and 38.9% operated below 70%.

In terms of the value of

WHAT...

production index (VaPI), manufacturing rose by 528.1% in July, marking its highest annual rate in the 2018-based series so far. This compares with the -74.1% recorded in July 2020.

The upward trend was attributed to the increase in 15 out of the 22 divisions, led by the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products. Declines were seen in seven divisions, led by the manufacture of tobacco products.

ter in an effort to avenge what was universally regarded as an awful and unjust decision loss for the Cuban.

No matter what, though, this will be Ugas’ chance to prove himself worthy of the main stage and prove to the boxing world that what happened against Manny Pacquiao was more about him than right time-right place dynamics.

Ugas’ body of work is all overall solid, although a bit shaky prior to him taking a sabbatical from the sport in 2014. Upon returning to the ring in 2016, he fired through an 11-1 run en

beating names such as Jamal James, Bryant Perrella, Thomas Dulorme, Ray Robinson, Omar Figueroa Jr., and Abel Ramos. They were all solid victories against solid fighters, but certainly nothing at the elite level. His lone defeat in that run came to an elite player in Shawn Porter, but, again, it was a very disputed, controversial decision.

The glow of his career-best win close to being behind him, Yordenis Ugas will now face the harsh reality of the boxing world– a fighter has to keep proving his worth, over and over again.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

Phonix forward Jason Perkins dominated for the Fuelmasters. PBA

DeAndre Jordan thrilled to be on the other side of LA

L

OS ANGELES — DeAndre Jordan is back in Los Angeles, and this time he’ll be chasing a championship from the Staples Center locker room that has a few more trophies in it.

DeAndre Jordan on other side of LA The longtime Clippers center signed with the Lakers on Thursday (Friday, Manila time), filling their penultimate roster spot as the 10th 30-something player on the 17-time NBA champions’ remarkably experienced roster.

Jordan is a 13-year NBA veteran who spent his first 10 seasons down the Staples hallway with the Clip-

O

n Tuesday, WBA welterweight champ and recent conqueror of Manny Pacquiao, Yordenis Ugas received the key to the city of Miami from Mayor Francis Suarez. It was a unique privilege for anyone, but especially for a boxer.

“Ugas could have used that platform to talk about himself,” said Mayor Suarez.

“Instead, he highlighted the oppression, the brutal dictatorship in Cuba. That’s something that we have to be eternally grateful for.

“He is more, in that sense, an activist than he is a fighter. And I think that’s really impressive. I knew at that moment that I had to invite him and give him the key to the city. He earned it.”

Miami having the largest Cuban population in the

pers before spending the past three years in Dallas, New York and Brooklyn. He led the league in field goal percentage five times and won two rebounding titles during his decade with the Clippers, who reversed the franchise’s image as longtime losers on the famed Lob City teams with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

But the 33-year-old Jordan understands the landscape of LA sports, and the rim-protecting, lob-finishing big man knows he just gained several million new local fans by switching teams in this rivalry.

“I think I was treated

FDeANDRE, P10

world outside of Havana played a great part in that honor being brought to Cuba’s Ugas. But, without the heft of the accomplishment in beating Pacquiao, none of this would’ve happened.

Beating Manny was, very much, a big deal.

The question now, however, is: What’s next?

There are definitely questions still to be answered when it comes to Ugas’ main stage viability and ability to play the role of an elite in the deep and lucrative welterweight division.

The 35-year-old Ugas will have to prove that his win on August 21 had more to do with his own talent and skill than the 42-yearold Pacquiao’s waning ability. He’ll have to prove that

11

SPORTS

Phoenix snaps Terrafirma’s streak

P

hoenix banked on an impressive start from Jason Perkins before pulling away for a 96-84 win over Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup on Thursday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Perkins exploded for 20 points in the first half to keep Phoenix

what he did was more than a one-time fluke brought on by catching the right fighter at the right time.

The immediate future for Ugas seems fairly certain.

A unification bout with IBF/ WBC champ Errol Spence will be the next big fight for him, but when that happens depends on Spence’s recovery from a torn retina. Before or after a Spence fight, Ugas could find himself rematched against Jamal James, who won the interim WBA title against Thomas Dulorme last August (and was then elevated to “full champ” status in February) and may be next in line for a title shot (depending on the WBA’s wonky championship rule and policies). The WBA’s recent calling for unification of their many, many

afloat against Terrafirma, which was trying to keep its three-game winning

streak alive.

Perkins fizzled a bit in the second half and finished short of a career-high after totaling 28 points, but his fellow Fuel Masters took over as they pulled away for good in the fourth quarter.

Perkins went 10-of-17 from the field alongside four rebounds and four as-

sists for Phoenix, which not just snapped Terrafirma’s three-game streak but also tied its victim at 3-5.

Vic Manuel added 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, four rebounds, and one steal for the Fuel Masters.

Aldrech Ramos put up 13 markers, four boards, one dime, and one block for the Dyip. (PNA)

Yordenis Ugas upset Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to retain his WBA title. world titles could mean a consolidation of their welterweight belts as well. Maybe…but who knows with those guys? Ugas beat James via unanimous decision

back in 2016.

Other than bouts with Spence and James, standby fights could happen with anyone in the WBA welterweight top 4– Eiman-

tas Stanionis, Abel Ramos, Radzhab Butaev, or Gabriel Maestre. If Terence Crawford-Shawn Porter talks fall through, we may even see a

FWHAT, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 153 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

Leylah Annie Fernandez is through to the US Open final.

CINDERELLA RUN

Fil-Canadian Fernandez is through to US Open Final

I

t’s been dubbed the match of the tournament, and rightfully so.

In a huge upset at Flushing Meadows, Canadian teenager

Leylah Annie Fernandez has defeated world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-7, 6-4, 4-6 to book her spot in the US Open final.

Currently ranked No. 73 in the world, the 19-year-old is suddenly one victory away from being a grand slam champion.

ESPN commentator Chris Fowler praised Fernandez‘s “unearthly poise” while his colleague said: ”I’ve never seen anything like is on Ashe, ever.”

Earlier in the US Open, Fernandez had knocked out four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka and No. 5 seed Elina Svitolina.

Sabalenka broke serve to got up 4-1 in the first set, much to the dismay of the New York spectators.

Fernandez has proven a fan favourite at the US Open this week, and the crowd made no attempt to hide who they were supporting on Friday morning AEST. At one stage in the opening set, there was rapturous applause in response to a double fault from Sabalenka.

The crowd’s assistance seemingly worked for Fernandez, who managed to put the set back on serve and force the tie-break, which she won comfortably.

Sabalenka immediately hit back by breaking serve early in the second set, before the Canadian teenager once again tied up the scores with a well-directed backhand slice.

When Fernandez took a 3-2 lead in the second set, Sabalenka took her frustration out on a tennis racquet, repeatedly smashing it on the ground.

The Belarus star showed her class to once again break serve and claim the second set, with the contest heading towards a thrilling conclusion.

The opening five games of the third set remained on serve, but a backhand unforced error from Sabalenka save Fernandez a critical break.

The Canadian managed to save three break points soon after, but Sabalenka prevailed to put the decisive set back on serve.

But Sabalnka showed signs of fatigue as the match approached its conclusion, and a couple of double faults gifted Fernandez three match points, and the teenager made no mistakes.

Meanwhile, British teenager Emma Raducanu is each one victory away from reaching their first grand slam final, displaying the next generation’s formidable talent.

Raducanu, who became the first US Open qualifier to reach the last four, will next face Greece’s Maria Sakkari at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I think we all have equal chances of winning the semi-finals and then winning the title,” Sakkari said. “We are all for a reason here. We’re all playing well.”

One of the remaning three players will capture their maiden grand slam title in Sunday morning’s final, which could be an electrifying prodigy battle.

“I’ve known Leylah since we were juniors, in Under-12s,” Raducanu said.

“We played Orange Bowl and all of those tournaments. I played her in Junior Wimbledon, actually.

“The fact we’re both in the semi-finals of the US Open after having played each other from the early days, it’s very cool to see just how far we have come. She’s a really cool person.”