Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 157 | Thursday, September 16, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 157 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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ACQ’s legal team says case filed by Sen. Pacquiao a political move STORY ON PAGE 2

Sen. Manny Pacquiao files a P100-million libel and cyberlibel cases against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, after the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ questioned the boxer-lawmaker’s alleged misuse of the P3.5-billion fund for a project in his home province Sarangani. Quiboloy’s legal team said Pacquiao’s filing of cases could be part of the legislator’s propaganda in relation to his possible presidential bid. Photos by Edge Davao and Pastor Quiboloy FB account

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 157 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Department of Education 11 (DepEd 11) spokesperson Jenielito Atillo bares that the number of enrollees for School Year 2021-2022 is close to reaching the 100 percent target number of students based on last year’s enrolment data.

Edge Davao

POLITICAL PUNCH R ACQ’s legal team says case filed

11 captured NPA in Bukidnon found positive of COVID-19

by Sen. Pacquiao a political move

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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astor Apollo Quiboloy’s legal team spearheaded by lawyer Dinah Marie Tolentino downplayed the P100-million libel and cyber libel complaints filed by Senator Manny Pacquiao against the evangelist may be considered as retaliatory and a political move considering that the proximity of the elections.

On Tuesday, Pacquiao filed libel and cyber libel complaints at the Makati City prosecutor’s office against Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and demanded him to pay P100 million in damages for spreading “fabricated” claims about him.

In a statement, Pacquiao said the complaints stemmed from a television appearance and social media post made by Quiboloy

where he claimed that the Senator had allegedly misused the P3.5-billion fund for the unfinished Sarangani Sports Training Center in Alabel, Sarangani.

Tolentino said Quiboloy has yet to receive a copy of the complaints filed by the Senator.

Nevertheless, she said Quiboloy is ready to respond to the accusations against him.

“The complaints of Senator Manny Pacquiao may

be considered as retaliatory and a political move on his part considering that the election is coming and we shall do all within our power to ensure that this complaint will not curtail what is a constitutionally protected speech and expression,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino also said they shall do all within their power to ensure that the complaint will not curtail what is a constitutionally protected speech and expression.

“We maintain that every citizen has the right to inquire, to hear, to speak and make commentaries about the actions of public officials.

The interest of society and the maintenance of good government demand a full discussion of public affairs.

In a democratic society, public officials like Senator Man-

ny Pacquiao should expect criticisms and critical evaluation of their performances from the citizens whom they are expected to serve. As Thomas Jefferson would put it, “he assumes himself as a public property,” she said.

She also said Quiboloy was just merely exercising that right in properly respectful terms.

“In fact, he never made any accusation against the good Senator, but only floated a question regarding that matter on behalf of the people who wanted answers,” she said.

The legal team of Quiboloy assured that as soon as they receive the copy of the Complaint they will file a counter-affidavit, and will await for the fair and impartial Resolution of the City Prosecutor of Makati.

In an advisory issued on Monday, Pagasa said there was a 70 to 80 percent of a La Niña in the coming months based on latest forecasts by most climate models and expert judgments.

“Rainfall forecasts also suggest a higher probability of above-normal rainfall conditions in many areas

of the country in the next several months. This can be attributed to the expected stronger easterlies, enhanced Northeast monsoon and tropical cyclone occurrences,” the state weather agency added.

“La Niña is characterized by unusually cool ocean surface temperatures in the Central and

Eastern Equatorial Pacific,” it explained.

It added the eastern sections of the country which normally receive more rainfall during the last quarter of the year could further increase the likelihood of more adverse impacts such as floods and landslides over highly vulnerable areas. (MindaNews)

La Niña may occur in last quarter of 2021 – Pagasa

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xpect more rainfall in the months ahead.

La Niña, or the cooling phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, may occur in the last quarter of 2021 and persist until early next year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

T-PCR swabs and antigen tests conducted on the 11 New People’s Army rebels captured by Army soldiers following a series of encounters in Bukidnon province last week showed that seven of them are sick with the highly infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commanding general of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said they also have conducted antigen tests on the soldiers involved in the Sept. 10 clash in Valencia City and have placed them in isolation for the meantime.

Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the Valencia City health office informed them on Monday that three of the four rebels who were arrested have been found positive of COVID-19 based on the RT-PCR tests they made on the suspects.

Two of those found positive, he added, were minors.

“The Valencia City health office conducted RT-PCR swab tests especially after the two minors were turned over to the City Social Welfare Development Office,” Garello said.

The military said the four were captured during a clash in Purok 10, Sitio Nanulang, Ba-

rangay Laligan, Valencia City last September 10.

A military report said the soldiers also captured three M16 rifles and three AR15 rifles from the rebels.

Garello, meanwhile, said three of the nine rebels earlier captured in San Fernando town, Bukidnon, have been found positive of antigen tests. The three, he added, are now under the custody of San Fernando municipal health office.

Earlier, the military placed under isolation an entire squad of soldiers involved in the close quarter fighting with the NPA rebels in San Fernando town, Bukidnon last Sept. 10.

The military also placed under observation an entire platoon of soldiers that were also involved in another firefight in the same town.

Barandon said the medical findings on the rebels have raised a new dimension in their counter-insurgency campaign.

“We are buying antigen tests for our soldiers and training our medical teams on how to use them,” Barandon said.

He said antigen tests are easier to use and portable compared to RT-PCR swabs, which can be spoiled in the field, “making [the former] an ideal first line of defense against COVID-19.”

(Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 157 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

NEWS

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The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) schedules to utilize a facility at the Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (formerly Davao Mental Hospital) due to the influx of Covid-19 patients seeking hospital care. Edge Davao

Overwhelmed SPMC to open extension isolation facility for COVID-19 patients

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mid the influx of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients seeking hospital care from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), the government-run hospital is scheduled to utilize a facility at the Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (formerly Davao Mental Hospital) as another isolation facility for active cases.

Dr. Ricardo Audan said in a phone interview on Monday that this facility, with a capacity of 25 to 30 beds, would be opened on Wednesday to cater to the infected patients needing hospital admission.

He said that the hospital has been overwhelmed with new cases, admitting an unexpected influx of patients daily.

Last September 1, the SPMC opened the 44-bed modular hospital, constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways, but even that facility catering to moderate to severe COVID-19 patients has been fully utilized, Audan said.

As of September 13, the SPMC reported that its 103 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 517 ward beds for COVID-19 patients have been fully occupied.

Audan believed that the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 caused the unprecedented surge of cases.

“What is happening now, with high transmission, we can already assume that it’s Delta because of its high transmissibility. These are the

characteristics of Delta,” he pointed out.

Audan said the SPMC is awaiting the arrival of the equipment and reagent kits sometime “end of this month or any part of October” to operationalize the whole genome sequencing facility for the detection of variant cases.

He added that the team who will run the facility has been trained already.

The Department of Health (DOH)-Davao confirmed the detection of 36 additional Delta cases, of which 32 are local cases, one returning overseas Filipino, and three others who were tested and sequenced by other regions are still for verification.

To date, the DOHDavao reported a total of 537 variants of concern (VOC) cases: Alpha variant, 139 cases; Beta, 304 cases; and Delta, 94 cases.

Of this total, the agency said 456 are tagged as clinically recovered and 49 deaths were reported.

There are two active VOC cases, and 30 cases are still under investigation, according to DOHDavao.

Currently, Audan said the hospital still has a sufficient inventory of oxygen supply.

He said they have just operationalized the hyperbaric oxygen plant, on top of the two existing plants, to increase its supply of oxygen.

The three plants have a total of eight oxygen generators. Of the eight, two generators are currently being

FOVERWHIELMED, P10

Sara stands by one Duterte in ‘22

By MAYA M. PADILLO

M

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is standing firm on her family’s agreement that only one Duterte will run for national post in the 2022 election, according to Mayor Sara’s spokesperson Mayor Christina Garcia-Frasco of Liloan town in northern Cebu.

Frasco, in an online interview with Manila-based media, said Mayor Sara is not playing “hard to get” but in fact has the desire to serve the Filipino people

based on the consultations she conducted in Cebu last July this year, however, has to pivot in the sense that their (Duterte) family decided to field only one fam-

ily member in the national election.

In July this year, Mayor Sara announced her openness to run in any national post in the 2022 elections and even started conducting consultations to feel the pulse of the people.

“Mayor Sara at the time when she started consultations she seriously wanted to listen to the voice of the people and to hear them out and to listen to their de-

sires and hopes and their aspirations for our country.

And that shows her desire to serve the Filipino people. However, a new condition has set in, in the sense that their family decided to field only one person in the national election and that being the case, Mayor Sara decided to respect that agreement as long as the President’s position is he would run for vice pres-

a virtual presser that as of 2 a.m. of September 15, 2021, the status with respect to the enrolment has already reached 1,285,891 (99.7 percent) enrollees in the entire region.

“Comparing it sa previous enrolment data for School Year 2020-2021, which is just 1,289,331 enrollees, this would mean that we have reached already the 95 percent threshold of the number of enrolment vis-avis the population last year,” Atillo said.

For the breakdown of this 1,285,891 number of enrollees-963,986 enrollees for the public schools and 82,905 for the private schools.

Of the total number of enrollees, DepEd 11 added the 239,000 registered during the early registration.

“That is quiet huge number already and we’re about to really hit the 100 percent mark and then hopefully, with this very wonderful situation there is a great likelihood na malagpasan pa

nato ang atong gidaghanon last year. This also means that naa na’y maayong pagdawat ug pagsabot (gikan sa ginikanan) kung nganong kinahanglan ang edukasyon magpadayon bisan pa man ug naa ta sa pandemya,” Atillo said.

Atillo said DepEd 11 is still expecting for the number of enrollees to increase as enrolment will run until the end of the month.

“The Secretary (Sec. Leonor Briones) has decided

FSARA, P10

DepEd 11 close to hitting 100 percent target number of student attendance

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he regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd 11) on Wednesday said it is close to reaching the 100 percent target number of students following the opening of classes last Monday for the School Year 2021-2022.

DepEd 11 officially opened the classes in Davao Region on September 13, 2021 attended by the teachers minus the physical presence of the students.

DepEd 11 spokeperson Jenielito Atillo told media in

FDEPED, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 157 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III says the public listing of the Philippines’fourth Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) company amid the lingering pandemic demonstrates the beneficial results to the economy of the Duterte administration’s efforts to allow these financial instruments to flourish, and confirms investor optimism in the country’s solid recovery. Presidential Photo

Agriculture, human capital dev’t key to more resilient economy: NEDA

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eforms that enable structural transformation and strengthen human capital development are the foundations of a more resilient economy in a post-pandemic world, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) said.

In his keynote speech during the opening program of the 7th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC) hosted by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) Tuesday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua underscored the significance of

the agriculture sector in the country’s development story.

“Focusing on the theme, ‘Reset and rebuild for a better Philippines in the post-pandemic world,’ this year’s Development Policy Research Month challenges us to plan for a more resilient economy. To achieve

this, we need to focus on our agriculture sector, which is the foundation of any country’s structural transformation,” Chua said.

The NEDA chief said the Duterte administration has enacted several reforms and invested trillions in social services and infrastructure to enable proper structural transformation and strengthen the human capital development of the country.

For instance, the Rice Tariffication Law lowers rice prices for all Filipino consumers, especially the poor, and enhances the productivity of rice farm-

ers through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

“After the Rice Tariffication Law, rice ceased to be one of the top contributors to inflation and has been negative for most of the past 28 consecutive months since May of 2019. This allows the people, especially the poor, to more adequately meet their daily food and dietary needs, especially amid the pandemic. At the same time, rice production increased to 3.5 million metric tons in the third quarter of 2020, representing a 15 percent growth

FAGRICULTURE, P10

Displaced workers encouraged to tap DTI livelihood programs

T

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is ready to help Filipinos that lost their jobs amid the pandemic through its agencies’ livelihood programs.

In a Palace briefing Tuesday, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the department is distributing livelihood kits worth PHP5,000 to PHP10,000 to an individual to start his own busi-

ness.

Lopez said these livelihood kits are given for free and not as loans.

“We teach the nation to fish to feed them for a lifetime,” he added.

Lopez said over 50,000 livelihood kits were distributed throughout the country.

Aside from livelihood kits, the DTI is still rolling out the Covid-19 Assis-

tance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program, a zero-interest loan to help existing businesses survive amid the pandemic.

This month, the DTI is conducting a survey to determine the impacts of the recent restrictions in community quarantine in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

As of June, closed businesses in Metro Ma-

nila were at 10 percent.

Lopez said although there are businesses that permanently shut down, more businesses have opened despite the pandemic.

Most of these businesses are engaged in e-commerce and other sectors that have growth amid the ongoing health and economic crisis.

(PNA)

Real estate bubble still far for PH: economist

A

n economist has discounted a real estate bubble despite the increase in building permits issuance while the residential real estate price index (RREPI) declined.

Citing Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa cited the pick-up in construction activities in the second quarter of 2021 compared to last year.

“This reflects pent up permits as construction activity was finally allowed

to resume in some parts and on a staggered and limited basis,” he said in a report Tuesday, noting the impact of the movement restrictions by the government to address the rise of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections since last year.

The PSA reported Monday the total number of constructions rose by 114.1 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of this year.

For one, residential-related constructions expand-

FREAL, P10

CC to resume review of mergers and acquisitions

T

he motu proprio review of mergers and acquisitions which was suspended for a year under the country’s second coronavirus response law is set to resume, the Philippine Competition Commission said Wednesday.

The Bayanihan to Recover as One Act earlier implemented a moratorium on non-notifiable M&A reviews which will expire on Sept. 15.

“With the year-long suspension lifted, and based on its increased market monitoring efforts, PCC can now launch motu proprio reviews and flag M&As which may have potentially anti-competitive effects regardless of any transaction value,” said PCC Chairperson Arsenio M. Balisacan.

“We are hopeful that the return of PCC’s motu proprio review powers would

FRESUME, P10

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ECONOMY

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A fish vendor arranges her display of medium-sized boneless milkfish locally known as‘bangus’minutes before the scheduled closing time of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday afternoon. Edge Davao

SIM card sign-up necessary amid e-commerce growth A

s the digital industry shifts to high gear and online transactions have Fourth REIT listing amid pandemic the norm since the coronavote of confidence in PH recovery virus been pandemic struck last year, it has he public listing of the folio valuation and asset become a necessity to strengthen elecPhilippines’ fourth size, which all reflect its tronic commerce laws.

Real Estate Invest- “impressive portfolio and

T

ment Trust (REIT) company amid the lingering pandemic demonstrates the beneficial results to the economy of the Duterte administration’s efforts to allow these financial instruments to flourish, and confirms investor optimism in the country’s solid recovery, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Tuesday.

Dominguez said it has only been 20 months since the Duterte administration fixed the flaws in the regulatory framework for REITs after more than a decade of deadlock, yet the country has already seen four property giants establishing their respective real estate investment trusts to date.

The fourth one -- Robinsons Land Commercial REIT (RCR) -- is the largest so far to be listed in the stock market in terms of market capitalization, port-

sterling record as a property developer,” Dominguez said.

RCR’s listing follows the earlier public offerings of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI)’s REIT (AREIT Inc), DD Meridian Park REIT (DDMP REIT Inc.) of DoubleDragon Properties Corp. (DDPC), and Filinvest REIT Corp.

(FILREIT) of Filinvest Land Inc. “This public offering is another vote of confidence that the Philippine economy is on track to a solid recovery from the difficulties brought about by the pandemic,” Dominguez said in his pre-recorded message at RCR’s listing in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Tuesday morning.

“As we fast-track the rollout of the vaccination program for our people, deepen support to domestic businesses, and set the

FFOURTH, P10

Senate Bill No. 2395, or the SIM Card Registration Act, mandates the registration of the subscriber identity module card before releasing to the buyer.

Bill co-sponsor Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said now is the right time to pass the measure to prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of

the e-commerce platform.

“While we enjoy the privilege of the e-commerce platform, there are some who suffer due to the irresponsible acts of others. Despite the hardship brought about by the pandemic, we have heard of several news involving scammers who use the e-commerce platform to make undue

advantage especially with our hardworking food delivery riders,” he said in his co-sponsorship speech on Tuesday.

He recalled that in 2020, he learned of the story of 10 riders who delivered food amounting to PHP20,000 to a subdivision in Las Piñas City.

The supposed recipient denied placing the order, made through a food delivery application.

“Sadly, when these instances happen, there is no way we could identify the perpetrator and thus, our delivery riders are left with

no choice but to bear the burden of losing their hardearned money,” dela Rosa said.

The senator warned that violence also happens with SIM cards as terrorists use mobile phones as bomb triggers.

He cited that on Jan. 27, 2019, security footage in the twin-bombing incident in Jolo, Sulu showed one of the suspects holding a mobile phone that triggered the church blasts.

The Dabawenyo senator also recalled that on Sept. 4, 2016, a blast in Davao City

Tuesday, Lopez said about PHP180 billion per week in revenue will be restored in the economy with the new community quarantine policy.

Some 144,000 jobs from the formal sector and up to 200,000 jobs from the informal sector are also expected to return in the la-

bor market, he said.

By Sept. 16, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) will pilot in Metro Manila the implementation of granular lockdowns and alert level systems.

There will be five alert levels in the new policy and

these will be implemented by city or municipality and not by province or region.

However, Metro Manila mayors have agreed to have a uniform alert level of Alert Level 4 for the pilot testing of the new policy.

Alert Level 4 is equivalent to the current modi-

FSIM, P10

New quarantine level system seen to restore more biz activities, jobs

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s the government shifts to community quarantine policy in Metro Manila, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the new policy aims to bring back more business activities and jobs gradually and safely amid the threats of Delta variant.

In a Palace briefing

FNEW, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 157 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

On the filing of libel charges by Sen. Manny Pacquiao against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy:

The complaints of Senator Manny Pacquiao may be considered as retaliatory and a political move on his part considering that the election is coming and we shall do all within our power to ensure that this complaint will not curtail what is a constitutionally protected speech and expression.”

Atty. Dinah Marie Tolentino

Spokesperson of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s Legal Team

EDITORIAL Busy, buzzy bee Senator Manny Pacquiao’s libel charges against evangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is just the latest of the famous boxing superstar-turned lawmaker’s “busy” journey in his political life these days.

The charges stemmed from the controversial P3.5-billion fund for the Sarangani Sports Training Center.

Pacquiao filed a P100-million libel and cyber libel cases on Tuesday against Quiboloy, who questioned the boxer’s alleged misuse of the funds.

The 13-page complaint filed before the Makati Prosecutor’s Office calls for Quiboloy to pay and be held accountable for “using his power and influence to spread fake news and false information”.

It is not ripe for any discussion of this legal issue. At this point, the discussion can only be limited to the rights of both parties.

For Senator Pacquiao, it is his right to seek legal remedies. For Pastor Quiboloy, it is his right to ask questions on issues of the

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It is every citizen’s right to inquire, to hear, to speak, and make commentaries about the actions of public officials. It is within this ambit that Pastor Quiboloy founded his actions. As his lawyer would say, “the interest of society and the maintenance of good government demand a full discussion of public affairs. And we shall do all within our power to ensure that this complaint will not curtail what is a constitutionally protected speech and expression.”

Senator Pacquiao has been making noises here and there.

From a legal battle in his boxing promotional contract, to a looming animosity with President Duterte, and now, the spat with Pastor Quiboloy.

Over and above that, he is planning to climb the ring again in January.

So what drives Pacquiao to be very busy and buzzy lately?

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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EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DEMYTHOLOGIZING DATU BAGO (3) An essential aspect of appreciating and understanding history is what the scholars call as textual criticism. The dictionary defines it as ‘the process of attempting to ascertain the original wording of a text,’ a critiquing method popularized in unpacking biblical narratives.

This methodology is can also be applied to Datu Mama Bago, the pre-Hispanic Moro ruler of Davao.

In Moro hierarchy, the customary setup places the sultan at the top of the heap, followed by the datu, also known as rajah. An Arabic term meaning ‘power’ or ‘ruler,’ the honorific sultan was first associated with a Muslim sovereign in the middle of the 16th century (i.e., sultan of Turkey), which makes the title comparatively contemporary than datu, which traces its roots to 7th century Srivijayan (Hindu

and Sanskrit) inscriptions in Malaysia and Indonesia.

In Philippine context, according to Enciclopedia Universal Ilustrada Europea-Americana (Madrid, 1991), datu refers to ‘chiefs, sovereign princes, and monarchs.’ But the term, by adoption, has since been widely also used in indigenous communities as title for a tribal head instead of the traditional bagani (warrior).

While sultan and datu are alternately used to define a person that is overlord of a territory, in Moro hierarchy in Mindanao, sultan strictly refers to the sovereign aristocrat of a sultanate or an individual who heads a royalty or nobility. Following this practice, this makes Datu Mama Bago a second-tier chieftain controlling a vassal fiefdom that is subject to Quranic laws.

Historically, there is no ev-

idence the title of sultan has been appropriated by any ruler that once controlled the gulf of Davao. In the late 17th century, the leader of the gulf was Datu Buissan, whose son, Sultan Buissan, was monarch of Kendahar (Celebes). In Mindanao, the recognized sultans come from the sultanates of Cotabato, Buayan (Maguindanao), and Sulu.

Meanwhile, Datu Bago’s first name, based on tradition and missionary chronicles, is Mama, meaning ‘man.’ Used together with Bago, i.e., which signifies ‘recent’ in Maguindanaoan, the chieftain’s full name, including title, roughly translates as ‘the new male sovereign.’

Just when did Datu Bago become ruler of the gulf is ambiguous. If he was born in the last quarter of the 18th century, likely in the late 1770s when his father, according to tradition, mi-

grated to Davao, he could have been installed as a datu in his early twenties. If we reckon from the 1804 letter received by Caraga governor Salvador Ximenez Rendon from Datu Damuli, his early ascension to power, which was already reported in 1800, can be dated to that age.

Still, there remains numerous holes in the Datu Bago narratives that need to be filled in.

A tradition, for instance, claims his parents, probably related to a nobility, first resided in Maguindanao but later allowed him to move to Davao Gulf to carve his own territory. This assertion is leaky unless somebody, maybe a relative, offered him to take over Davao on a silver platter. What is accepted though is that the gulf, the littorals particularly, were for centuries the domain of Moros until they were dispersed following the conquest of Davao by

Jose Oyanguren.

Datu Bago seems to be a common appellation among Moro overlords. In the 1770s, there was a Sultan Bago in Sulu who fought foreigners and conducted raids in the Visayan islands; he was associated with one of the leaders of Datu Teteng in Sulu. There was also a Datu Bago in Sarangani who was still alive years after the Datu Bago of Davao was reported to have died.

In other accounts, Datu Bago was born in Sarangani, which is likely given the strong link the cluster of islands has towards Maguindanaoan polity.

Tradition also claims he has a Kalagan blood simply because the Maguindanaoans deem the Islamized Kalagan tribe of Davao as part of the sultanate.

What is clear, though, is that his second wife was a Kalagan from Tagum City.

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

LEAN ALEJANDRO AND UP STUDENT ACTIVISM “The struggle for freedom is the next best thing to actually being free, “ said the late UP student leader Leandro Alejandro.

Popularly known as Lean, he was a student leader and later key figure in the national anti-dictatorship movement.

Lean was assassinated on September 19, 1987 after announcing a planned nationwide strike against continued military involvement in government even after Martial Law was lifted and a new administration in power.

Lean was instrumental in setting up the UP Sandigan para sa Mag-aaral at Sambayanan (SAMASA) student political party which was a key force in UP campus politics in the 1980s and 1990s.

SAMASA began as a University-wide alliance of student organizations campaigning for the return of student institutions such as the student councils.

When the University Student Council (USC) was re-established in 1981, SAMASA won landslide victories in that election and in several elections after. Lean became USC chairman in 1983.

SAMASA was established when students’ movement was

at its peak to defend their democratic rights to organize inside and even outside campus grounds.

Though I was in my first semester as a BS Economics freshman in 1987, I had vague memory of Lean at the time of his death.

I was not aware of his popularity perhaps due to my personal struggle or preoccupation to adjust myself with the UP culture.

Apolitical was the right word as I was the typical nerd for my first two years spending most of my time in the library, classrooms and dormitory.

I was warned several times not to participate in rallies and be associated with the activist groups.

Years later, if asked “Bakit ka ba naging aktibista”, I usually answer back by saying that UP is the perfect place to grow in all aspects, whether it be intellectually, politically, socially in different or opposing spectrum.

Students have always been a potent force in social organization and social change in Philippine society.

The UP student politics has taught us the vision of service to the people.

The campus molded us to fight for the causes we believe in; trained us for the skills we need to communicate ideas and rally others to effect changes in society.

In 1979 Lean joined the staff of the Philippine Collegian as features writer while I became part of Kule from 1989 to 1991 as its photographer and later chief photographer. I also became a member of SAMASA. My mother knew that I would sooner or later be part of the student movement which in a way became my justification for using the iconic “sandals” or tsinelas during my UP days.

Of all the rallies I covered, the dispersal of the May 14,1990 anti-US-Bases rally at the Central Bank was the most memorable.

I suffered a head injury when a teargas cannister hit my head causing lacerations that needed seven stitches. While at the hospital, I called my mother and greeted her “Ma, Happy Birthday.

Please pick me up here at PGH. ” One of the SAMASA election campaign poster in the early 1990s featured my photo with the phrase “May panahong magduda’t magtanong, ngayo’y pana-

hon ng pagharap at pagsulong” lifted from one of the progressive songs.

More than his extraordinary height, Lean stood out as an activist because he possessed insight, a unifying approach, speaking and writing skills, and courage and boldness.

Almost three decades after Lean’s death, the Great Lean Run was organized in 2015 by SAMASA using an innovative and historical approach to teach the new generation lessons on martial law The 3.7-kilometer run at the UP Diliman Sunken Garden and Academic Oval is a special distance experiential run that includes an obstacle course, race, and chase production.

Participants crawled through mud under barbed wire, got bombarded by water cannons, and ran away from truncheon-wielding military men or “Metrocom police” and “paramilitary groups” under threats of arrest or torture.

UP SAMASA aimed to “re-introduce” Lean, his ideals, and his works to the current generation of student activists through the fun run.

“I am sure you will agree with me,” Lean said in a letter, “when I say that the greatest adventure on earth today is our struggle for freedom. The pain and the sacrifice are staggering. The battles are historical. And the victory shall be truly glorious indeed.”

The documentary film “Lean – In the Line of Fire is the Place of Honor” premiered live on YouTube on August 30, 2021, while a forum was hosted by Lean’s fellow UP student activist and renowned journalist, Malou Mangahas.

The documentary that took 4 years to finish memorializes Lean so that not only can those who knew him, remember him but more importantly that future generations would come to know him and learn from his life, struggles and contributions.

Let us continue to live by the ideals that bound us together.

Let us celebrate activism.

(Peyups is the monicker of University of the Philippines. Atty.

Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

President Irene Garcia of PSALM (standing from left) hands over the title to the underlying land of the Malaya Power Plant to Belgrove’s Chairperson Sheila Romero and CEO Joseph Omar Castillo. Belgrove Power won the bid for the Malaya Power Plant with an amount of Php3.123B for the 650MW plant located in Pililla, Rizal.

PSALM turns over Malaya Thermal Power Plant to Romero’s subsidiary

T

he Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) turned over operating documents of the 650-megawatt (MW) Malaya Thermal Power Plant (MTPP) to Fort Pilar Energy Inc . subsidiary, Belgrove Power Corporation (Belgrove) on September 13, 2021.

The handover ceremony was led by PSALM President and Chief Executive Officer, Irene Besido-Garcia and Belgrove Chairperson Sheila B. Romero with the virtual presence of the media.

Fort Pilar Energy Inc. submitted the highest bid offer last May— P3,123,500,000.00.

It surpassed the Minimum Offer Price of P1,845,222,000.00 that was set by the PSALM Board of Directors for this negotiated sale process. The other qualified negotiating party, AC Energy Corporation, submitted an offer of P2,220,000,000.00.

Fort Pilar later as-

signed its rights to its subsidiary Belgrove. Aside from the bid, Belgrove paid PSALM an additional Php1.062 Billion for the remaining fuel stock of MTPP. After the hand-over ceremony, Belgrove’s Romero and its Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Omar Castillo briefed the media on its plans for MTPP. Castillo said that Belgrove has informed the Department of Energy about its intent on the MTPP which is to “immediately repair Unit 2 of Malaya with a rated capacity of 350 MW and bring in two new modu-

lar aeroderivative gas engines for an additional capacity of 60 MW” by end of 2021.

Belgrove CEO Joseph Omar Castillo likewise noted that the repairs on Unit 2, being a 1978 vintage plant, “is still undergoing full inspection.”

However, at this time, they have a cost estimate of Php500 Million for repair and purchase of replacement parts. He then committed to complete its feasibility studies soon and embark on a rebuilding program for MTPP to bring back its reliable capacity to 650 MW. “We plan to keep that position of Malaya as the

premier back-up power for the country’s main grid”, Chairperson Sheila Romero confirmed.

Romero also said that they have begun talks with the National Grid Corporation to secure an ancillary services agreement.

With regard to a possible power sales agreement with MERALCO, Romero stated that “We would definitely offer services for Meralco once our plans are firmed up. After all, the Malaya power plant is embedded in the Meralco franchise area.”

For future investments in MTPP, Romero stated that they are still in

the early stages of a feasibility study for the power plant. As such, they do not have an estimate for further investments at the moment.

Belgrove parent, Fort Pilar, has been increasing its power portfolio recently. Last Tuesday, it announced its acquisition of a 28.59 MW solar power plant in Digos, Davao del Norte. It is also in the process of constructing a battery energy storage system in Zamboanga City, which is scheduled for commissioning in February next year. The acquisition of MTPP is the company’s first investment in Luzon.

Go higher with the EU J oin this year’s Virtual European Higher Education Fair 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has given us many challenges but this does not mean that the pursuit of higher education should stop.

The European Union Delegation to the Philippines in collaboration with the EU Member States’ Embassies, education services and Institutes, will hold again this year the “Virtual European Higher Education Fair 2021” from 1 to 2 October.

Since last year, the Fair has embraced the digital transformation by staging the most exciting higher education fair online. This makes the event more accessible to Filipino students, academicians, researchers and university officials from across the country.

This year’s theme, “Go Higher with EU” puts the spotlight into the EU as the Fair becomes the Filipino youth’s gateway to excellence in higher education.

The EU is known as one of the world’s ultimate hubs for cross-fertilization of ideas, cutting-edge technology and innovation coming from its

many outstanding higher education institutions.

The EHEF 2021 provides the best platform to link members of the academe from the Philippines to the best higher education institutions from the European Union.

This year’s online fair will feature webinars on specialised courses and programmes, research and mobility opportunities. Country presentations and live chats with European Higher Education Institutions’ representatives, alumni, and scholars will be available to provide quick and easy information about the higher education systems in the EU. Virtual meeting rooms will be set up for Philippine higher education institutions and their EU counterparts.

As EHEF 2021 goes virtual, it also goes regional for the second time and in real-time.

Regional partner institutions for this year include Wesleyan University (Luzon), Silliman University (Visayas), and Xavier University –Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao), which will host clustered presentations for

students and other members of the academe. University partners for this year are the following: University of the Cordilleras, Lyceum of the Philippines University - Batangas, St Louis University, Rizal Technological University, Trinity University of Asia, Visayas State University, Jose Rizal Memorial State University and Mindanao State University’s (Marawi) College of Public Affairs.

The Fair is supported

by Campus Erasmus and the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities. Media partners this year include: Business World Spark Up, Cebu Daily News, Gadgets Magazine, Inquirer Super, Panay News, Subselfie Online, Philippine Star, Manila Times, Adulting Millenials Podcast and The Philippine Business and News (thePhilBizNews. com).

The Virtual EHEF 2021 is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with EU Member States’ Embassies, education services and Institutes and in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education.

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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT IN THE FOREFRONT OF MEDICAL STUDIES Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO Additional photo by DOST

T cine.

he Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has some good news to offer in the field of medi-

Anti-dengue herbal capsule For one, it is now undergoing the final stage of the clinical testing of herbal capsules that may treat dengue fever, a mosquito-borne tropical disease. It was developed through its Tuklas Lunas program.

The clinical trial, which costs nearly P12 million, is being implemented by Pharmalytics Corporation. The funding comes from DOST through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study – which is being conducted in Cavite – aims to determine the efficacy and safety of an herbal capsule when taken orally by adults with dengue fever showing no warning signs.

Each fixed-dose capsule combines the ability of tawa-tawa (scientific name: Euphorbia hirta) and banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) to increase platelet count with the immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties of luya (Zingiber officinale).

Tawa-tawa was once used by students of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Pharmacy. They wanted to find out the effects of tawa-tawa decoction to a dengue patient showing a symptom of thrombocy-

topenia (low platelet count due to excessive bleeding).

Results of the study showed that platelet count increased by 47%, depending on the drug used to induce thrombocytopenia.

Bleeding time was reduced up to 62% while blood clotting time decreased to 58% compared to the control group.

Banaba, also known as giant crape myrtle, is used to treat diabetes and kidney failure, as well as obesity and high fever. Luya, more popularly known as ginger, is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

“Once proven safe and effective, the herbal capsule will be the first definitive treatment for dengue,” the press statement said. “It could pave the way for use in cases showing warning signs and even in severe types.”

On the economic side, farmers can benefit from cultivating any of the three medicinal plants, the increased demand for which may come from local pharmaceutical companies that could manufacture the treatment for domestic and even overseas markets.

VCO as adjunctive therapy The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has dislodged dengue fever as the

feared disease. There is still no cure against COVID-19 but DOST is exploring the possibility of using virgin coconut oil (VCO) as adjunctive therapy for hospitalized patients with COVID19. It is investing about P8.4-million for the study.

Adjunctive therapy is any therapeutic maneuver therapy ancillary to the care needed short term to stabilize a patient, but which reduces the morbidity and mortality long term.

More than half of the money – about P4.8 million – will be used by the Philippine General Hospital for 74 eligible patients who will participate in a study that will monitor the safety of VCO. “The patients will be randomly assigned either to a standard care or treatment group,” the press statement explained. “The treatment group will receive 15 milliliters or about one tablespoon of VCO every meal, three times a day on top of standard regular care for two weeks.”

During this period, the patients’ lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, creatinine, and efficacy of VCO through recovery from symptoms and virus clearance will be closely monitored. Dr. Marissa M. Alejandria, of the University of the Philippines Manila, supervises this project.

“Results from this study will prove the efficacy of VCO in helping improve the overall health status and recovery of a COVID-19 patient,” the press statement

explained.

Another project – costing P3.6 million will be handled by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, a line agency of the DOST. The VCO is given to suspect and probable cases of COVID-19 who are quarantined in a center or hospital so the cases will not be severe.

Tapped to led this project is FNRI Director Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa. It aims to evaluate VCO’s beneficial effects in terms of CRP level, all hematology tests (CBC differential count), pulmonary function, viral load or CD4+, lipid profile, diminishing/resolution of signs and symptoms, and the number of days in the center.

CRP refers to C-Reactive Protein. An elevated CRP level means there is inflammation somewhere in the body.

“If the results of this study prove to be successful, VCO can be used as a potential supplement of suspect and probable cases of COVID-19 to prevent the worsening of the condition of the patient,” the press statement said.

The VCO used in the study was analyzed by the Laboratory Services Division of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). DOST funding on VCO studies was released through its Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.

“There are still alternative solutions against COVID-19 aside from vaccines,” said Science Secre-

tary Fortunato de la Peña in a statement. “Although further investigation is needed before we develop a possible prevention or treatment option, we aim to give Filipinos hope through our ongoing local research initiatives.”

So, what’s in the VCO that makes it a candidate as adjunctive therapy for COVID-19? VCO reportedly contains lauric acid and monolaurin. Past studies suggest that these chemical compounds can stop the replication of the COVID-19 virus and the binding of the proteins of the virus to the cell membrane of the host.

These chemical properties of VCO are now being used against COVID-19 through adjunctive therapy.

Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit of the Ateneo de Manila University is one of the advocates of using VCO in treating COVID-19. An academician of the DOST-National Academy of Science and Technology, he is also involved in the DOST-FNRI study.

“If proven as an effective adjunctive therapy, VCO can boost the coconut industry in the Philippines,” said the press statement. “Then, if the VCO will indeed be successful in addressing COVID-19, the market for VCO will increase because it will also become affordable and easily accessible to consumers.”

New kind of antibiotic Seventy-one years after the discovery of a new strain of Streptomyces in Iloilo, another bacterium in the soils of the Philippines was dis-

covered, which has potential antibiotic and anti-cancer properties.

Researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) have identified a specific bacterial species from the soils of Mount Mayon that has shown potential antibiotic and anti-colorectal cancer activities.

“This specific bacterial isolate, identified as Streptomyces sp. A1-08, has shown antibiotic activity against numerous potentially pathogenic microorganisms and anti-colorectal cancer potential,” reports David Matthew C. Gopilan, of the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) “We were totally surprised and excited,” replied Kristel Mae P. Oliveros, the project leader and an assistant professor in the UPLB Microbiology Division, when asked how they felt upon finding out the results of their experiments.

“We have high hopes of getting new and novel species because this is a less explored environment, a volcano,” Oliveros said.

The discovery of the new bacteria is discussed in a paper recently accepted by the Philippine Journal of Science (PJS), a peer-reviewed publication of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

According to Rosana, the choice of test organisms was also associated with the United Nation’s health agency’s list of human patho-

FSCIENCE, P10

10

EDGEDAVAO

OVERWHELMED... FROM 3 fixed, according to Audan.

He added that the six generators can produce 903 tanks daily, short of 280 tanks of its daily demand of 1,183.

He said the SPMC needs to outsource additional 470 tanks from three local manufacturers daily to ensure stable supply.

As of Sunday, DOHDavao reported 910 new cases, bringing the total cases to 80,815 with 18,782 active, 59,578 re-

coveries and 2,455 deaths.

Of the total cases, Davao City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mindanao, logged 43,656 cases with 8,992 active, 33,335 recoveries and 1,329 deaths.

Davao de Oro tallied 5,303 cases, Davao del Norte with 14,280, Davao del Sur with 8,644, Davao Occidental with 2,540 and Davao Oriental with 6,392.

(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

ident,” she said.

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the nomination of PDP-Laban to be the ruling political party’s vice-presidential candidate in next year’s elections.

When asked if Mayor Sara finds it objectionable that her father will be running for VP after six year of serving as President of the Republic of the Philippines, Frasco said that the mayor even urged her father as well as Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who was nominated to run as President by the PDP-Laban, to

express to the public their intention to run.

“Mayor Sara greatly respect her father and as far as her political positions are concerned I think she very much respect his independence as much as she would like her father to respect her independence as well,” she said.

When asked also if Mayor Sara will resume her presidential run is the Go-Duterte tandem will not push through, Frasco said “there is nothing to resume because she (Mayor Sara) has not expressed to run to begin with

to continue with the enrolment procedure and we extended it kay nakita nato nga naa pay daghan na wala pa ka enorl that is why hugot ang among panawagn sa mga ginikanan nga katong wala pa nakpalista sa ilahang mga naka kinahnglan magpalista na para dili sila mabitin sa ilang mga klase,” he said.

Meanwhile, Atillo also announced that it was a

smooth opening of classes.

“We have a very smooth opening of classes minus the physical presence of our children but the teachers are there because under our alternative work arrangement obligado ang atoang mga teachers to be present three times a week in the school.

They will be working from home for two days within the week,” he said. By Maya M. Padillo

discourage deals that are potentially anti-competitive. We continue to encourage firms to voluntarily notify the Commission to avoid the taxing possibility of unwinding their transactions after,” he added.

The compulsory merger notification threshold was also increased to P50 billion for 2 years under the Bayanihan 2. Since last year, only 4 transactions breached the threshold, the PCC said.

At least 26 notifications were received in 2020 compared to 46 in 2019.

In 2021, there are only 4 notifications as of this time “indicating a significant decrease in M&A notifications since the pandemic,” the agency said.

Keeping watch on market competition is “critical” especially during the post-pandemic environment to ensure any business consolidation are checked, the PCC said.

A motu proprio review allows for investigations on any mergers and acquisitions that could potentially lessen market competition.

stage for high-value investments to flourish in the country, the prospects for a rapid and strong economic recovery become even clearer,” he said.

Dominguez said the strong performance of REIT listings underscores the thirst of the market for secure and profitable investments.

“It also affirms the REIT as a powerful instrument for capitalizing property development in the country. Most of all, the investments attracted by REIT confirm investor optimism in our economy,” he added.

Dominguez said Rob-

insons Land extended its land leases in RCR for 99 years, making it the longest land lease tenure among Philippine REITs to date, which in turn, provides long-term sustainability and predictability to one’s investments.

“I am sure that Robinsons Land’s REIT listing will help us accelerate our economic resurgence. Its reinvestment plan will further energize the real property industry and the other productive sectors of our economy. This will help create many jobs and attract more economic activity nationwide,” he said.

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compared to the same period in 2019,” he said.

Chua also highlighted the importance of accelerating the implementation of the Philippine Identification System or the national ID program to enhance the government’s ability to deliver various social services.

He said the national ID will enable Filipinos, especially the poor, to open bank accounts where they can directly receive cash transfers.

As of Sept. 10, over 42 million Filipinos have registered for step 1 or the demographic data collection.

Moreover, despite the quarantines, almost 30 million have taken the second step to provide their biometrics in the registration centers.

“The impact of the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is challenging, but the Philippines has a solid foundation to recover at the right time. Reforms such as Rice Tariffication Law and the National ID are helping us

restore our development trajectory and enabling the people, especially the poor, to access affordable food and better social services,” he said.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

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

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

Meanwhile, the Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC) public webinar series is the main and culminating activity of the Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) headed by the PIDS. (PR)

ed by 102.8 percent, mostly contributed by those in areas outside the National Capital Region (NCR).

Real estate constructions in the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (Calabarzon) registered the highest number with 9,773 or 25.5 percent of the total for the period.

Mapa said the rise in residential unit construction in Region 4-A “mirrors the recent developments” noted in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ RREPI report.

Citing the central bank report, he said the RREPI was still in negative “as the overall market was weighed down by the steep drop in condominium prices and prices in NCR in general.”

Mapa said the same report also shows that housing prices outside NCR and for single-detached units have picked up, which is reflected in the permits data.

“This trend suggests that the Philippines is also experiencing the global phenomenon of migration from the urban centers to the areas outside the city with Filipinos in search of more space. After being

locked down in the city for more than a year, it’s no surprise that there is now a natural and healthy demand for property and homes outside the city,” he said.

RREPI measures the average change in the prices of various housing unit types based on real estate loans extended by banks.

It is used to gauge the real estate and credit market conditions in the domestic economy.

Mapa said the trend of increased residential-related constructions in the provinces is expected to boost developments outside of the national capital “as the Philippines hopes to undergo some form of deurbanization.”

However, despite the rise in building permits issuance, he said “signs of a real estate bubble have yet to manifest in a palpable manner.”

“BSP’s RREPI remains negative and previously frothy condominium prices appear to have been deflated by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, rental inflation has continued to slow and settled at 1.1 percent in August,” he added.

used a mobile phone to trigger an improvised explosive device detonation while on Jan. 26, 2011, five people were killed in Manila when a mortar, also triggered by a mobile phone, was detonated in a bus.

“With the swift innovation of technology comes the speed of scam innovation brought about by scammers and perpetrators of online frauds. Nakakalungkot man isipin (It is sad that to think) that there are still those who take advantage of the situation by creating fake accounts or using fake names and hiding behind the anonymity of the prepaid mobile number to carry out these crimes and prohibited acts,” he said.

He underscored that once the prepaid SIM card is disposed of, there is no more way for investigators to identify the perpetrator.

“With the proposed measure, SIM card registration shall now be mandatory as a prerequisite for the sale thereof, including all existing SIM card subscribers with active services who shall likewise be required to register with their respective Public Telecommunications Entity,” he added.

SIM cards acquired prior to the enactment of the law must still be registered or they will be deactivated while minors will not be allowed to purchase one unless accompanied by a legal guardian. (PNA)

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gens that pose an imminent danger to human health by 2050, mainly due to antibiotic resistance.

The research team assumed that since those 30 isolates thrive in a unique environment such as Mt. Mayon’s volcanic soils, they most likely produce unique chemical compounds that may have medical, pharmaceutical, and even cosmeceutical uses.

Moreover, Streptomyces species are generally known to produce medically and pharmaceutically important products.

But Streptomyces sp.

A1-08 stood out because it has shown antagonistic effects on all test microorganisms and the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. “(MRSA) is tougher to treat than most strains of staphylococcus aureus – or staph – because it’s resistant to some commonly-used antibiotics,” explains the website webMD.com.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) has declared antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global threats to public health. Antimicro-

bial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective.

Because Streptomyces sp. A1-08 seems to fight off MRSA, this prompted Oliveros and her team to study Streptomyces sp. A1-08 further using the anti-colorectal cancer test and genomic analysis.

“Future rigorous research in drug chemistry combined with metabolomics are vital to claim that the secondary metabolites produced by our isolate is totally new and hopefully effective as a chemotherapy drug,” Oliveros added.

Metabolomics is the study of the set of metabolites present within an organism, cell, or tissue.

“This is also our dream, to put this project forward in the large-scale cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical pipeline!” Oliveros said.

She finds it honorable to pioneer extending their discovery to industrial applications and “to showcase the known and great potential of the Philippines as a promising land that harbors natural products for drug discovery.”

umangat ngayon. Maraming magandang pieces ngayon. Solid yung performance namin hindi lang sa akin (We’re just playing inspired. We want to improve.

We have good pieces now.

We have solid performance,

not only me),” he said.

Bolick dedicated all of NorthPort’s win to the entire team coaching staff headed by Pido Jarencio, who continues to be under the league’s health and safety protocols. (PR)

he added.

Unlike the first two Wednesdays of the month, only two games will be played on the 15th with Phoenix and Ginebra clashing in the nightcap at 6 p.m.

Survival will be the name of the game as both the Fuel Masters (4-5) and the Gin Kings (3-5) are chasing for possibly the last spot in the quarterfinals.

Back-to-back-to-back For the first time since the games have been moved to Bacolor from Pasig City, all the 12 PBA teams will see action this week after Alaska and Meralco, which both skipped last week due to the league’s health and safety protocols, have been cleared to play.

However, the Aces will be the most hectic among the teams as they will play in three consecutive nights this weekend.

Alaska will first face Ginebra on Friday night, then TNT on Saturday

night, and Terrafirma on Sunday night.

Only playing six games so far this conference, the Aces, currently in 10th place at 2-4, are still in the fight even for a Top 6 spot come the quarterfinals, which would keep them away from a disadvantage in the next round.

On the other hand, Meralco has an outright shot of locking in a once-to-advance edge in the Final 8 this week.

The Bolts, despite not playing last week, somehow got lucky that they stayed in second place as the other teams chasing for the Top 2 finish failed to capitalize on their absence.

Meralco will play Terrafirma on Thursday and Blackwater on Saturday.

The showdown between the Bolts and the Bossing will mark their first meeting since they agreed on a Mac Belo-Baser Amer trade. (PNA)

fied enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), Lopez said.

Outdoor dine-in services will be allowed at 30 percent capacity for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, and indoor dinein at 10 percent only for vaccinated customers.

Same classification and capacity will be applied for personal care services.

Lopez said there are over 2 million workers employed in restaurants and personal care services.

“So it (new policy) is focused on these labor intensive jobs,” he said. (PNA)

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NorthPort’s Robert Bolick (Courtesy of PBA Image)

Jarencio makes return as NorthPort faces TNT

N

orthPort Batang Pier will find out this week if it is a playoff contender or a mere pretender as it will take on three tough teams this week.

Good thing for the Batang Pier, their head coach is back.

Pido Jarencio will once again steer NorthPort after he was given the clearance ahead of a Wednesday showdown against TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

“Ang gandang welcome back sa akin, TNT agad (What a welcome back to me! I will face TNT immediately),” he said in jest.

Despite the Batang Pier

being cleared to play last week, Jarencio was barred due to the coronavirus disease 2019, prompting Team Manager Bonnie Tan to take over on an interim basis.

They went 3-0 in the stretch even with Greg Slaughter ejected early into their Saturday game against the Terrafirma Dyip and absent against the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday night.

Now, Jarencio has been given a tough task to sustain the winning streak that put NorthPort in sixth place at 4-3 against no less than first-place TNT (8-1) at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

“For sure, naka-focus naman mga players and ready kami (the players are focused and we are ready),”

FJARENCIO, P10

Bolick named best player of the week in PBA

T

he Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has unveiled the women’s national team that will vie for a spot in next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup through the qualifying rounds starting this weekend.

A Best Player of the Game on the eve of his birthday. Now, a Player of the Week a day after he turned 26.

Robert Bolick led NorthPort to a sweep of its three games in a week’s span following the team’s return to action in the PBA Philippine Cup. The prolific guard from Ormoc averaged 19.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and

Gordon re-signs with Nuggets

D

ENVER — Forward Aaron Gordon and the Denver Nuggets have agreed on a fouryear, $92 million contract extension.

His agent, Calvin Andrews, confirmed the contract to The Associated Press on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time). The deal contains a player option for Gordon for the ‘25-26 season.

Gordon was acquired by the Nuggets in a trade deadline deal last March

with Orlando to bolster a lineup that included league MVP Nikola Jokic, point guard Jamal Murray and sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. Gordon was counted on even more when Murray suffered a torn ACL on April 12 at Golden State.

Gordon, who turns 26 on Thursday, averaged 10.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in 25 games with Denver. In the postseason, he raised his production to 11.1 points and 5.4 rebounds as the Nuggets

made it to the second round before being swept by the Phoenix Suns.

This will be Gordon’s eighth season in the NBA after being picked No. 4 overall by the Magic in the 2014 NBA draft.

Gordon’s deal was first reported by The Athletic.

Denver locked up Jokic to a five-year deal in ‘18 and Murray in ‘19.

The next big deal could be for Porter, a long-range threat who averaged 19 points last season.

6.7 assists in the Batang Pier’s three straight win that saw them romped past Blackwater, Terrafirma, and NLEX at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym.

Bolick capped the team’s unbeaten run by matching his career high 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting from the field in a 96-94 victory over the Road Warriors where he was named

Best Player of the Game hours before he celebrated his birthday on Sept. 13.

With Bolick leading the charge in NorthPort’s sudden rise in the standings at 4-3 and back in contention for a quarterfinals berth, the 6-foot-1 combo guard out of San Beda is named Cignal Play-PBA Player of the Week for the period Sept. 8 to 12.

TnT Tropang Giga rookie guard Mikey Williams also got a piece of the votes in the weekly citation handed out by the group of men and women regularly covering the PBA beat, but not enough to dislodge Bolick for the individual honor.

Others in contention are Bolick’s fellow NorthPort teammate Jamie Malonzo, the Phoenix duo of Jason Perkins and Matthew Wright, San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo and Marcio Lassiter, and Rain or Shine’s Javee Mocon and rookie Leonard Santillan.

Despite his individual brilliance, Bolick deferred to his teammates and credited them for making possible the Batang Pier’s unbeaten run for a week with team manager and interim coach Bonnie Tan calling the shots.

“Inspired lang kami talaga maglaro. Gusto naming

FBOLICK, P10

Aaron Gordon and the Denver Nuggets have agreed on a four-year, $92 million contract extension.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 157 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Jerwin Ancajas of Panabo City is due to fly to Las Vegas anytime as he prepares for a tenth title defense.

10TH DEFENSE

Ancajas set to leave for US to continue buildup for title defense

D

abawenyo World junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas is due to fly to Las Vegas anytime as he prepares for a tenth title defense.

His coach, Joven Jimenez, said they have fixed their visa requirements for their stay in the US. “Sa September 15 o September 18 ang alis namin.

Manila ang departure tuloy Las Vegas na,” Jimenez said in a recent report.

The reigning IBF junior bantamweight king has been training in Bukidnon for months now for a possible ring return in October or November. The training camp is called Survival Camp 2 and is located in Lourdes, Dangcagan in Bukidnon, Jimenez’s hometown.

The Ancajas team has been angling for a title unification with WBO champion Kazuto Ioka, but the fight could take place in 2022.

The Japanese star, who recently defended his crown against Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr., has already made known his intention to face Ancajas.

“I still have goals to gain more recognition in the world, there is much more to achieve. My goal is to unify the belts,” Ioka said in an interview on RingTV. “I can only control my own destiny. I hope for a unification fight with the IBF champion Ancajas.”

The last time Ancajas fought was in April when he defeated Mexico’s Jonathan Javier Rodriguez by unanimous decision.

The 29-year-old will likely defend his IBF super flyweight world title in November against an opponent who has yet to be named.

MP Promotions is expected to make the announcement soon with regard to Ancajas’ next fight.

Ancajas (33-1-2, 22 KOs) retained his belt for the ninth time last April when he dominated Mexican challenger Jonathan Rodriguez in Connecticut.