Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 164 | Friday, September 24, 2021

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

A RESORT WITH TWO VIEWS OF MOUNTAINS BIGGER PICTURE P 9 edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

VOLUNTARY Learners in Davao Region not forced to attend pilot face-to-face classes STORY ON PAGE 2

A small fishing boat sails through the Davao River from the Davao Gulf near the location of the proposed Bucana Bridge in Brgy. Bucana, Davao City on Thursday. The Department of Public Works and Highways 11 (DPWH 11) said the construction of Bucana Bridge, which is part of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Project, is targeted to start early next year.

Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on Wednesday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

VOLUNTARY

Learners in Davao Region not forced to attend pilot face-to-face classes

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

bata or ang ginikanan that will be of their choice.

Even if the school is being declared as an implementer of the pilot face-to-face pero kung naa’y bata dinha na dili gusto iyang

ginikanan nga paapilon ang iyahang anak, walay problema, we will not actually be forcing them,” said Jenielito “Dodong” Atillo, spokesperson of DepEd 11.

Atillo explained that alongside these face-toface classes are the continued implementation of the other distance modalities nga anaa sa eskwelahan,” he said in a virtual presser.

There are 18 public schools in Davao Region

that have already been identified (first batch) and included in the 100 schools identified nationwide for pilot face-to-face classes.

Atillo said the 18 schools come from two provinces and one city in Davao Region which were assessed as low-risk on Covid-19.

“We are utilizing a safety assessment tool, pag isa lang ka indicator

He said their personnel are currently studying various crematorium models and researching online for the project.

The CEO had planned to conduct benchmarking activities on existing crematoriums, including the city’s lone facility operated

by Monte Cielo Eternal Garden, but they were shelved due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“The planning process is ongoing and we will start the project’s construction once we complete the necessary details and other requirements,” Signar said in an interview.

The crematorium is among the priority projects being pushed by the city government in line with the continuing expansion of the Antonio C. Acharon Memorial Parkin Barangay Fatima.

The facility will be established within the 5.9-hectare memorial park, which is managed by the City Housing and Land Management Office (CHLMO).

Mary Ann Calonzo Tan, CHLMO head, said they pushed for the construction of the crematorium as early as 2014 to provide a more affordable burial alternative for deceased res-

he regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd 11) clarified that learners in Davao Region are not forced to attend the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes of the School Year 2021-2022.

“Diri pa lang daan gusto nako klarohon nga walay estudyante, walay learner nga pugson patambungon sa pilot implementation sa face-to-face class. Kung dili gusto ang

FVOLUNTARY, P10

GenSan gears up for dev’t of P25-M crematorium

T

he city government has started the preparatory phase for the construction of its PHP25-million crematorium.

Engr. Emerald Signar, head of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), said Thursday they are already in the planning stage of the project, which is targeted to start before the end of the year or in the first quarter of 2022.

FGENSAN, P10

7 ‘disgruntled’ NPA rebels surrender in Davao del Norte

S

even more combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), including two minors, surrendered to government forces on September 21 (Tuesday).

According to Capt.

Mark Anthony Tito, chief of the Division of Public Affairs Office of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Davao de Oro, the rebel returnees are members of the NPA’s Weakened Guerilla Front (WGF) 3, Sub Regional Committee 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

He said the group had voluntarily surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion based at Sitio Tawinian, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte with the help of their tribal leader, Datu Muloy Malasag who facilitated their surrender.

The returnees, who turned over a four high-powered firearms, were identified as Toto Morgades Tumagsa, 21; Rene Tumagsa Tiklonay, 19; Lyka Casal Velis, 23; Ronafe Catarata Adregado, 19; and Monding Tilocan Balanban, 48. Tumagsa and Tiklonay are team leaders of WGF 3.

Also surrendered were the two minor combatants, Jeboy Manlahag Lahindao, 16, a supply officer of WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC; and Myrna Lang-

garon Mantog, 15.

Tito said the surrenderers decided to leave the armed struggle due to hunger, fear, and stress brought about by the relentless focused military operations of the soldiers in La Paz, Agusan del Sur. Tito said they will enlist the surrenderers in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which will provide them with financial and livelihood assistance as well as other support interventions from the government.

He said the military is currently coordinating with their police counterparts in the filing of appropriate charges against the WGF 3 personalities for their recruitment of minors, which Tito said is a clear violation under the Violence Against Women and Children Law. Maj. Gen. Ernesto C Torres Jr., commander of the PA 10th Infantry Division, meanwhile congratulated the troops for their developmental effort that led to the surrender of the group.

“Without firing a single bullet, we were able to persuade our enemies to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law. Truly, developmental effort is one of the contributors for a just and lasting peace in our community,” Torres said.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

NEWS

3

Department of Education 11 (DepEd 11) spokesperson Jenielito“Dodong”Atillo clarifies that learners in Davao Region are not forced to attend the pilot implementation of the face-to-face classes of the School Year 2021-2022. Edge Davao

DPWH 11 to commence China-funded Bucana Bridge project early 2022 PRRD limits use of face shields to ‘closed, crowded’ spaces

F

ilipinos are no longer required to wear face shields outdoors, President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Wednesday.

Duterte made the pronouncement, as he approved the recommendation of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to limit the use of face shields to the so-called “3Cs,” which refers to “closed and crowded” spaces, and activities that “promote close contact.”

“I was informed of the recommendation from the Technical Advisory Group and medical groups that the use of face shields, on top of face mask, may be limited to high-risk activities under the three Cs – closed, crowded pati (and) close contact,” Duterte said in his prerecorded Talk to the People.

Duterte also ordered that the implementation and guidelines on the latest policy on use of face shield be done “immediately.”

“Puwede na tanggalin sa labas (You no longer need to use that outside).

No more face shields outside. Ang limitasyon, ang face shield gamitin mo

[sa] three ‘Cs’ (The limitation is use face shield in three ‘Cs’),” he said.

“Iyang tatlo na iyan, face shield is a must pa rin.

Iyan ang recommendation (Face shield is still a must in three [‘Cs]. That’s the recommendation).”

On September 10, Duterte told the public that while wearing a face shield could not provide “complete” protection,” it could still control the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Dec. 14, 2020 issued Resolution 88, mandating all persons to wear full-coverage face shields on top of face masks in all public spaces to reduce Covid-19 transmission.

However, Duterte in June this year ordered the public to wear face shields only in hospitals.

Duterte later decided to keep the IATF-EID’s policy on the mandatory use of face shields in public spaces, given the presence of the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant.

FPRRD, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

he Department of Public Works and Highways 11 (DPWH 11) bared on Thursday that the construction of Bucana Bridge, which is part of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Project, is targeted to start first quarter of next year.

Engineer Almario Monton, project manager of the Regional Management Office of DPWH 11, said in a virtual presser that this is likely as the final terms of reference for the consulting services have already been approved by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and the cost of the project is now ready for the signature of Undersecretary for technical services

Maximo Carvajal.

“By the first quarter of next year, this project will start its detailed Design and construction because these terms of reference refer to the consulting services that will supervise the implementation of the project,” Monton said.

Monton said the bridge is targeted to be completed in 2025 from the original timeline of 2020 to 2023.

“The delay may be brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic that we are now facing. The original schedule is no longer feasible perhaps by the first quarter of next year we can start the project because Bucana is very important while the coastal road is almost completed,” he said.

The Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Project, with a total length of 18.21-km including the 540 linear meters and four-lanes Bucana Bridge will traverse from the area of Bago Aplaya, Brgy. Talomo, Punta Dumalag, Tulip Drive, Manuel Roxas Avenue to

Sta. Ana Wharf Road and R. Castillo Street as the endpoint of the project alignment.

The project will function as diversion and bypass road and roadway grade separators or flyover for the existing road network that is already experiencing heavy traffic congestion problem and would also have broader or indirect road influence areas as they also function and caters to inter-provincial and regional transport movements and vehicular flows.

With a project cost of P28.265 billion wherein

“Dugay dugay na hinaing sa ubang sector nga dili gyud sila makahigayon ug adto sa atong mga vaccination sites during buntag nga vaccination rollout. One of the ways forward nga nakit-an sa atong vaccination cluster is of course, with the help of the COVID-19 Task Force, naga propose ta karon ug ginatawag nato og Bakuna Nights,” Schlosser said on Wednesday via Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

She added that the city is targeting to inoculate around 800 to 1,000 Dabawenyos for the dry

run. She also said that the proposed time for “Bakuna Nights” will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. However, they will have a cut-off time of 8 p.m. so vaccinees should be at the vaccination hub before that time.

“We will be conducting night shift vaccination solely for those maglisod ug adto sa mga vaccination sites during the day labin na sa mga sectoral population,” she said.

Initially, the “Bakuna Nights” will be rolled out at the San Roque Elementary School in Obrero and Al-

mendras Gym. Schlosser advised vaccinees to bring their Safe DQR card, a pen, and IDs in attending the “Bakuna Nights.”

Based on the weekly report of Covid-19 cases from September 12 to 18, 2021, the city recorded a total of 3,632 positive patients wherein 91.85 percent of this is unvaccinated.

Schlosser said that of the vaccinated infected patients only manifested mild symptoms while some are asymptomatic. By Maya M. Padillo

FDPWH, P10

City holds dry run for ‘Bakuna Nights’

T

he city government of Davao staged a dry run for “Bakuna Nights” from September 23 to 24, 2021.

The city opened the twoday dry run for the “Bakuna Nights,” which is an evening vaccination program, to cater to Dabawenyos who cannot go to vaccination sites during the day.

Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said that the dry run will only be limited to individuals who missed their second dose of the Sinovac vaccine.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

A young girl bides her time by browsing the internet using her mobile phone while vending face shields and face masks at the sidewalk outside a shopping center along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Thursday. The market demand for face shields decreased dramatically after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of

the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to limit the use of face shields to the so-called “3Cs,” which refers to “closed and crowded”spaces, and activities that“promote close contact”. Edge Davao

Banks’ NPL ratio to remain in single digit until 2022: Diokno

B

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno is confident that the proportion of non-performing loans (NPLs) of Philippine banks to total loans will remain in single-digit until next year despite the rising soured loans due to the pandemic.

In a briefing streamed through the central bank’s Facebook page on Wednesday, Diokno attributed the projected single-digit NPL ratio to “banks prudent credit risk management standards, and the operationalization of the Financial

Institutions Strategic Transfer or FIST Act.” “We estimate that the NPL ratio is likely to pick at 8.2 percent in 2022, which is twice the current NPL ratio, but it will decline in the years thereafter,” he said.

Diokno said the pro-

jected level of NPLs until next year “is significantly lower than that experienced by the banking system during the Asian financial crisis.”

BSP data show that as of end-July this year, NPL ratio increased to 4.5 percent year-on-year, and the NPL coverage ratio stood at 82.4 percent.

“We believe that loan quality will remain manageable as both BSP and the banks project the banking sector’s non-performing loan ratio to settle between 5 percent and 6 percent by end-Decem-

Phoenix leads as independents continue market share expansion in H1 of 2021

H

omegrown oil company Phoenix Petroleum is leading the pack of independent oil companies whose combined market share has now reached 61% of the total domestic petroleum market amidst market conditions that have shifted demand in favor of smaller retailers. According to the Department of Energy, the cumulative market share of smaller firms, excluding end-users, has increased from 48.8% to 52.5% in the first half of 2021, while the market share of majors has shrunk

from 43.9% at the end of 2020 to less than 40%. The share of end-users, meanwhile, rose from 7.3% to 8.5%. Leading the charge among the Independents is Phoenix Petroleum with an 8.3% market share, which was up from 7.1% at the end of 2020.

“As a Filipino company that started much smaller 19 years ago, we at Phoenix are glad and proud that the market is showing more appreciation and support for what we have to offer.

Not only does it show how far we’ve come as a brand, but is also very telling of

the capability of newer and smaller Filipino businesses to compete with well-established, global brands,” said Phoenix Petroleum President Henry Albert “Bong” Fadullon.

Phoenix’s fuel market share has more than doubled in the last decade.

In 2011, the company accounted for only 3.3% of the domestic market, but has since increased to over 8% in 2021, effectively cementing its position as the third largest oil player in the country, and inching closer to the top two

FPHOENIX, P10

ber 2021,” Diokno said in his presentation.

He said the operationalization of the FIST Act “will provide banks with a stand-by facility to offload their non-performing assets in case these post a sharp increase.”

FIST Act, or Republic Act 11523, was signed into law on Feb. 16, 2021.

It is aimed to help financial institutions manage their non-performing assets (NPAs) by encouraging the private sector to manage, collect, and dispose of these assets and

FBANKS’, P10

M

otorcycle taxi company, Move It, has partnered with service delivery company, Grab Philippines (Grab), allowing users of the Grab mobile application (app) to book motorcycle taxis from the two companies.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, Move It president and CEO Francis Juan said Move It and Grab will collaborate on three areas—provide access to Move It motor-taxis on the

DTI eyes hiking biz op capacity in October

D

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agency is considering increasing the allowed operation capacity of businesses in areas that will be under Alert Level 4 next month.

This, as the pilot week of the alert level system in Metro Manila has been

a “good start” and “safe”, Lopez said in an interview with CNN Philippines Wednesday.

“We consider bringing operation capacity up from 10 percent to 20 percent because it is deemed safe, and customers are highly complying (with the protocols). It makes

Grab app, widen the market access and availability of Move It, and supporting the motor-taxi pilot study by providing the Motor-Taxi Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with more statistics.

“Our customers and our riders will always be our top priority, and we are blessed to have an equal partner in Grab who will work with us to provide more Filipinos with greater access to mo-

torcycle taxi services,” Juan said.

Move It motor-taxi services will be available on the Grab app through the Move It tile beginning Thursday and will follow the pricing matrix for the motorcycle taxi pilot with no additional fees.

“Through this landmark partnership, we are confident that many Filipinos will experience and enjoy its many benefits,

FDTI, P10

FMOVE, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

ECONOMY

5

Workers collect and put the mixed garden soil on sacks at a sidewalk store selling flowers and plants in Toril, Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

ADB maintains 2021 forecast for PH economy; vax key to growth

T

he Philippines’ economic growth in 2021 and 2022 will be supported by sustained growth in public infrastructure spending, improving consumer confidence, and progress in the national coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination program, according to a report released Wednesday by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The ADB maintained its forecast for the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 4.5 percent in 2021 and 5.5 percent in 2022 in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021 Update.

The report noted signs of a gradual recovery in the country’s economy, with the upturn in domestic demand and favorable external trends aligned with the ADO’s projections announced in April.

The main risk to the outlook is the spread of newer, contagious Covid-19 variants, which may result in the return of stricter containment measures and stall economic activity.

“The economy has regained its footing and is on the right growth path. But the recovery remains fragile due to the threat posed by more infectious Covid-19 variants,” ADB Philippines Country Director Kelly Bird said. “Vaccination remains key to the economy’s safe reopening. We are active-

ly supporting the government’s efforts to achieve its national vaccination targets through our health-related assistance.”

The government has focused on vaccinating Filipinos living in main urban areas such as Metro Manila, which records the highest incidences of Covid-19 cases.

As of Sept. 15, 84 percent of Metro Manila residents aged 18 and older, or 8.2 million people, have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 63 percent have been fully vaccinated.

Overall, as of mid-September, 22 million people nationwide had received a first jab and 17.7 million were fully vaccinated.

Public infrastructure disbursements rose 39.1 percent year-on-year in July, and the government is on track to achieve its target of raising infrastructure spending to at least 5 percent of GDP in 2021 and 2022, up from 4.8 percent in 2020.

The economic recovery will be boosted by the government’s policy reforms and expansionary fiscal program, with a fiscal deficit of 7.5 percent of GDP expected in 2022, the report said.

The National Employment Recovery Strategy adopted by the government in June 2021 focuses on re-

FADB, P10

Local production of medicine to lower prices in PH, DTI says

T

he government is pushing for policies that will attract pharmaceutical firms to set up their facilities here that will boost the country’s capacity to manufacture generic medicines, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

In a webinar Wednesday, Lopez said the administration is pushing for measures to provide greater access to affordable medicines, especially for the poor.

“One of the ways in which the DTI is working toward this goal is through the strengthen-

ing of the country’s capacity to manufacture and supply generic medicines.

This is meant to ensure their adequate, equitable, affordable, and efficient supply especially at this crucial time when the health of the majority of Filipinos is at stake,” he said.

He added the Philippines is a viable location for pharmaceutical firms, as the country is a good source of natural ingredients and herbs used in making medicines worldwide.

With this, the country could be a manufacturing hub for pharmaceutical companies in the region, the DTI chief said.

“These companies can benefit from our country’s young and technologically-skilled manpower, strong government support, good policy environment, and regulatory incentives,” Lopez said.

Through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, the government gives tax perks to pharmaceutical firms establishing their facilities here.

Aside from medicines, the government encourages vaccine manufacturers, particularly those manufacturing jabs against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), to produce the much-needed vaccines in the country.

Meanwhile, Medicines Transparency Alliance (MeTA) chair Roberto

facilitate about 1.2 million jobseekers. They have been placed for employment, the data is from January to August of this year,” she said in a virtual forum.

Tutay said the figure before the pandemic is higher.

“This is not much compared to the more than 2 million that we are facilitating pre-pandemic. So you would see the impact of Covid-19 when it comes to employment facilitation,” she said.

The PESO aims to en-

sure prompt and efficient delivery of employment facilitation services as well as to provide timely information on labor market and DOLE programs.

Tutay said while the granular lockdown is a welcome development, it would be better if more establishments will be allowed to operate.

“So, it would be better if we open up our economy. I think that 50 to 75 percent is a big thing for us to boost our state of employment,”

she said.

“We are looking at the sectors in terms of our one million jobs project with the National Employment Recovery Strategy task force and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines. These sectors are construction, manufacturing and then also included hotel accommodation under the Tourism related sector and of course, Information Technology-Business Process Management,” she

FLOCAL, P10

DOLE PESO facilitates over 1.2M jobseekers since Jan.

T

he Public Employment Service Office (PESO) has assisted over 1.2 million job applicants in different local government units (LGUs) nationwide amid the pandemic, an official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Wednesday.

DOLE Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay said PESO has made it easier for the 1.2 million Filipinos find employment from January to August this year.

“Our PESO was able to

FDOLE, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

On wearing of face shields as non-mandatory especially for fully vaccinated individuals:

Ang pangunahing proteksyon naman natin ay ang mask at ang bakuna.

Dagdag proteksyon ang face shield pero pwede nang hindi gawing mandatory yan kung mababa naman ang risk ayon sa mga eksperto.”

Sen. Bong Go

EDITORIAL 2022 Election: What are the odds?

As of today, three personas have launched and declared officially their candidacy for President of the Philippines. They are Sen. Manny Pacquiao of the Pimentel wing of the ruling Partidong Demokratiko ng Pilipinas–Laban, Sen. Panfilo Lacson of the Partido Reporma and Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso, or Isko Moreno, of Aksyon Demokratiko.

On the other hand, three personalities have also officially announced their candidacy for Vice President. They are President Rodrigo R. Duterte who has accepted the nomination of the Alfredo Cusi wing of PDP-Laban, Senate President Vicente Sotto III pairing with Lacson and Dr. Willy Ong, as VP tandem of Isko.

Senator Pacquiao still has to pick his vice presidential candidate. Sen. Cristopher Lawrence T. Go has repeatedly declined the nomination for President by the PDP-Laban Cusi wing.

On the other hand, Vice President Leni Robredo has not decided whether to run for President or for a lower position, particularly for representative of her province, Camarines Sur. Among those who said they were interested to run for the highest position of the land are former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., former senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Sen. Richard Gordon, who said he was qualified to run for President. But nothing concrete has come out of these lady and gentlemen as of this writing, meaning they have not launched their candidacies officially.

Ironically, but not surprisingly, Presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio is be-

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

If all the above (excepting Inday Sara) will run, who are likely to win? Who are likely to lose? Nobody could say with certainty at this juncture. But there are parameters and factors to be considered in an electoral contest. One is credible pre-election surveys whose result indicates the level of popularity or public/voters’ acceptance of the candidate. Another is the candidate’s war chest or his capability to spend on what is needed to wage a winning election campaign. This means money to be spent in the billions of pesos during the grueling campaign.

Still another is probability based on history. If a candidate has lost a past election for president once or more than once the probability is that he will again lose this time around. The election records of this country show a lot of historicity that makes it easy to predict who’ll likely not make it.

For example, it is a historical fact that in all elections under both the 1935 Constitution and the 1987 Revolutionary Constitution, or Cory Constitution, no losing candidate for Vice President in a past election, has won for President. This was true to Sergio “Serging” Osmeña Jr., his son, Emilio “Lito” Osmeña, Salvador “Doy” Laurel and lately. Mar Roxas. Also, no Presidential candidate has won an election after losing a past one. This happened to Raul Roco, Miriam Defensor and Eddie Villanueva, not to include the perennial also-runs or nuisance candidates who used to run in almost every presidential election.

Check your election history and be shocked by your “discoveries.”

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

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

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

ing urged to run for President and has topped all surveys so far. However, she has declared she was running for reelection as Davao City mayor in obedience to a family covenant that only one Duterte should run for a high national office.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO TO SERVE OTHERS “Helping, fixing, and serving represent three different ways of seeing life,” wrote American author Rachel Naomi Remen. “When you help, you see life as weak. When you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole.

Fixing and helping may be the work of the ego, and service the work of the soul.”

And in some instances, the service you render to others may bring you to a higher position in life. Such was the story related by Fulton Oursler: One stormy night, an elderly man and his wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia. The couple had no baggage.

“We know that all the places are filled up,” said the man.

“But can you possibly give us a room here?”

The clerk replied that there were three conventions in town, and there are no more accommodations anywhere.

“Every guest room is taken,” he explained. “But still I simply can’t send a nice couple like you out into the rain at one o’clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room? Oh, I’ll make out just fine; don’t worry about me.”

The next morning, as he paid his bill, the elderly man

said to the clerk: “You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. Maybe someday I’ll build one for you!”

The clerk laughed. And he laughed again when, after two years had passed, he received a letter containing a roundtrip ticket to New York and a request that he called upon his guest of that rainy night.

In the metropolis, the old man led the young clerk to the corner of Fifth Avenue and Thirty-Fourth Street and pointed to a vast new building there, a palace of reddish stone, with turrets and watchtowers, like a castle from fairyland cleaving the New York sky. “That,” he declared, “is the hotel I have just built for you to manage.”

As if hit by lightning, the young man, George C. Boldt, stood fixed to the ground. His benefactor was William Waldorf Astor and the hotel, the most famous of its day, the original Waldorf-Astoria.

A lot of famous people have said something about service.

India’s Mahatma Gandhi once said: “Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered

in a spirit of joy.”

In Compassion and Meditation: The Spiritual Dynamic between Buddhism and Christianity, author Jean-Yves Leloup wrote: “If you are a Buddhist, inspire yourself by thinking of the bodhisattva. If you are a Christian, think of Christ, who came not to be served by others but to serve them in joy, in peace, and in generosity.

For these things, these are not mere words, but acts, which go all the way, right up to their last breath. Even their death is a gift, and resurrection is born from this kind of death.”

Richelle E. Goodrich, author of Smile Anyway: Quotes, Verse, & Grumblings for Every Day of the Year, says service is more than just a smile. “(Service) is an acknowledging wave, a reaching handshake, a friendly wink, and a warm hug. It’s these simple acts that matter most, because the greatest service to a human soul has always been the kindness of recognition.”

Nobel Peace Prize winner Mother Teresa said it best: “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, and how many great things we have done. We will be judged

by ‘I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.’”

Hannah More, an English religious writer and philanthropist, says that even the smallest act you do is a great service to the person who receives it. “One kernel is felt in a hogshead; one drop of water helps to swell the ocean; a spark of fire helps to give light to the world. None are too small, too feeble, too poor to be of service. Think of this and act,” she points out.

There was this doctor who had never refused a call either for rich or for poor. But now, he is tired and retired. Then, one midnight, he received a call.

“Have you any money,” the doctor inquired. “Certainly,” the man from the other end replied.

“Then to go the new doctor,” the retired physician said very politely. “I’m too old to get out of bed for anyone who can pay for it.”

“Service is the measure of greatness; it always has been true; it is true today, and it always will be true, that he is the greatest who does the most of good,” said American orator and politician William Jennings Bryan.

Criss Jami, author of Killos-

ophy, once wrote: “A man who goes into a restaurant and blatantly disrespects the servers shows a strong discontent with his own being. Deep down he knows that restaurant service is the closest thing he will ever experience to being served like a king.”

That’s why when you serve others, do it with open heart and gladness. A businesswoman stopped at a coffee shop and ordered a cup of coffee. The waitress grudgingly delivered it and asked, “Anything else?”

“Yes,” said the businesswoman. “I’d like some sugar, cream, a spoon, a napkin, and a saucer for the cup.”

“Well, aren’t you the demanding one,” snapped the waitress.

“Look at it from my point of view,” said the businesswoman.

“You served a cup of coffee and made five mistakes.”

American minister Marion G. Romney reiterated: “We lose our life by serving and lifting others. By doing so, we experience the only true and lasting happiness. Service is not something we endure on this earth so we can earn the right to live in the celestial kingdom. Service is the very fiber of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

FROM INSULAR TO DOVER Introduced in 1983, Dover Bowling Lanes (short for Domingo Vergara, the founder’s name) is arguably the longest surviving investor in the ‘ball, pin, and alley’ business in Davao region. Today, it manages a mechanically operated bowling alley along Bonifacio Street, Davao City.

Vergara, who made his fortune from repacked monosodium glutamate (vetsin) in the city, initially joined the bowling green industry by opening the eight-lane Insular Bowling Lanes in a leased structure at corner Artiaga Ext. (now Pagasa) and Jacinto streets. When it was launched, it competed with the likes of CYO Gym (back of Santa Ana Church), Guino-o (Bonifacio Street), Fair Lanes Bowling Center (Florentino Torres Street) and Mason (Monteverde Street).

The popularity of bowling as a sport and pastime augured

well for Vergara’s new business.

Seeing promise in his new venture, he negotiated the lease of the second floor of Tiongko building at corner Duterte and Ilustre streets. Because of this, he shut down Insular Bowling Lanes and focused his energy in managing Dover Mega Lanes I, which he turned into a premier sports center and the heart of competitive bowling tournaments throughout southern Mindanao.

As his success grew, Vergara opened Dover Mega Lanes II along Claveria (C.M. Recto) street in a property owned by Dr. Jose Ebro. With good fortune still thriving, he decided to expand his bowling investment by opening a branch in Gen. Santos City.

But Vergara found these lease arrangements essentially unstable for business. He wanted a permanent home for the enterprise, and this meant

acquiring a property. With help from Regina Dalisay Tirol (wife of 1971 Constitutional Convention delegate Ramon Tirol), a 3,000-square-meter property along Bonifacio owned by a Chinese was acquired at P3,200 per square meter, or for a princely sum of P9.6 million.

A three-story edifice built on the estate that now houses the bowling lanes, a dormitory, and an assortment of offices and establishments, stands proud as a testament to the legacy of the Vergara couple who pursued their passion for business with conscientiousness.

In private life, Domingo’s marriage bore four children, three of them girls. He also fathered a child outside of wedlock. He died on August 7, 2006, on the birthday of his son.

Vergara’s legacy in the bowling industry is expected to survive the test of time.

The permanent home of Dover Lanes does not only symbolize his success as an entrepreneur and foresight as an investor; it has in recent decades become the home of national keglers from Davao region and dynamic bowling clubs such as Davao City Bowlers Association (DACIBA), Davao Tenpin Bowlers Association (DATBA), and Metro Davao Tenpin Bowlers Association (METBA).

Historically, the oldest prewar bowling alley in Davao City was first introduced at the defunct American Club, which hosted transient travelers, chiefly foreigners. The iconic lanes did not survive the ravages of World War II. In the postwar period, the oldest bowling alley in town was the one on the ground floor of the old CYO Gym, within the Holy Cross of Davao College campus. Tradition claims

former Filipino world boxing champ Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde was employed there as pin boy while honing his boxing skills in an area situated on the other side of the sports center.

In the 1980s, new competitors joined the bowling industry. The high-end Astrobowl was opened at Insular Village, in Lanang, Davao City, while the Laingo family launched the Double R Bowling Lanes at Quimpo Blvd., Matina, so named after the initials of the owners’ children.

In later years, three more bowling hubs surfaced. These are the 3B Entertainment Centrum at NCCC Mall, launched in 2003 but burned down on Dec. 23, 2017; the eight-lane tenpin bowling alley at Rancho Palos Verdes Country Club in Mandug that opened in 2009; and the SM Bowling Center at SM Premier Lanang, launched on Sept. 28, 2012.’

8

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY WITH TEACHER CELINE

Teacher Celine with her kids.

Celine Cornejo, fondly called as Teacher Celine.

DISCOVER EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINING YOUTUBE VIDEOS FOR KIDS CREATED BY A FILIPINA PRESCHOOL TEACHER. WITH families cooped up at home during the pandemic, parents have constantly been looking for creative ways to keep the little ones occupied. Aside from engaging with them through indoor activities, exercise, reading, play, arts, games, and practical tasks, moms and dads have taken a more active role in their kids’ learning and growth. Those who opted to homeschool their kids also turn to YouTube as an added resource for education and instruction, exploring shows and channels that offer basic lessons and tutorials.

Considering there are billions of videos on YouTube, it is every parent’s responsibility to select content appropriate for the kid’s age and developmental stage. As much as possible, we steer them towards content that is both educational and entertaining.

If you’re on the lookout for educational media for your toddlers, you might want to search for Teacher Celine on YouTube. Created by Celine Cornejo, a preschool teacher and mom of two, this channel features videos that encourage

children to sing, play, and learn everything from numbers, colors, animals, time, ABCs, and more. The themes and lineup are centered around Teacher Celine’s two advocacies⁠—promoting love for reading and learning through play.

From on-site to online “I am a passionate educator for over two decades now,” says Teacher Celine. “Back when I was still teaching in a classroom, I realized how much I wanted to teach more kids, especially those who don’t have ready access to preschool education. It has always been my dream to reach out to underserved kids. Going online seemed to be the best way forward.”

She decided to make YouTube her hub, where she would build her online preschool. “Its reach and accessibility make for a great platform where I can share my advocacies.”

She went ahead with publishing content on her YouTube channel. Over time, her “class size” or following increased, which eventually included learners from different locations. At the onset of the pandemic, she already had a good library of content. The views went up exponentially as more families subscribed to

her channel.

Aside from teaching primary subjects, Teacher Celine infuses life lessons and social action into her narratives. She also highlights the importance of knowing what’s happening around and how children can be part of the community’s efforts toward change and progress. One of her most notable videos is a musical episode on how we can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Personal advocacy “Since the start of the lock-

Teacher Celine on her YouTube channel. down, I have been using all my free time to create videos. My vision is to provide preschool content. The videos will serve as supplemental or core lessons for underserved and eager learners across Asia.”

Asked on how parents can support their children’s learning development, Teacher Celine suggests, “We need to recognize our children’s smarts or strengths. From there, you can build your learning approach around the child’s interests. From books to movies, sports, outdoor activities,

and even gadgets—there is a purpose and place for all of these. Learning becomes more fun and easy when it’s relatable.”

“I design my lessons around the concept of Learning Through Play. You see, learning can be done through arts, dance, math, music, nature and outdoor activities, sports, socialization, and stories. Whatever appeals to your preschooler, that’s how I approach learning—I make it seem like play. If you check my YouTube content, you’ll find lessons taught in different ways. I incorporate art activities, storytelling, music, and numbers.”

“I encourage nurturing children by making learning fun.

Apart from videos, I provide free worksheets to keep the lessons interactive for my online learners. I hope that my digital platform will inspire kids and parents alike to cultivate a love for learning.”

Get free access to educational videos and worksheets by subscribing to Teacher Celine’s channel on YouTube. You can also get information on her latest uploads by following @ teachercelineph on Facebook and Instagram.

All images courtesy of Celine Cornejo.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

BIGGER PICTURE

9

A RESORT WITH TWO VIEWS OF MOUNTAINS Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

f you ask someone in Davao Region where Balutakay is, it seems no one knows. If you google it, you will be directed to Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association (BACOFA). It’s a group of coffee farmers who banded together and produce the award-winning coffee, now known all over the country.

Purok Pluto, where these farmers are living, is located at an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level, an ideal location for growing coffee, particularly the Arabica (the most dominant cultivar of coffee around the world).

Below this place is Purok Mercury, where Twin Mountain View Resort can be found. The newest among the ecotourism destinations in Balutakay, it is about 200 meters from the main

road of Managa-Kapagatan Highway.

There’s an interesting story on how the resort got its name. “On your left side, you can see Mount Matutum on a clear day.

On your right side, you

can clearly see Mount Apo,” explains Armand Mortejo, the marketing and resort consultant.

Mount Matutum is an active volcano situated 30 kilometers north-northwest of General Santos City. Mount Apo – with an elevation of 2,954 meters above sea level – is the country’s highest peak.

Mount Apo is the 24th highest peak of an island on earth. Like the Yellowstone National Park of the United States, it is a national park (through proclamation No. 59 by President Manuel L. Quezon).

Actually, the mountains are not twins; one is located in South

Cotabato while the other is in Davao Region. But it could still be called twins, just like the twin cities of Minnesota: Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Just like my trip to Yellowstone National Park, the 30-minute drive from the town proper of Bansalan, Davao del Sur to Twin Mountain View Resort was scenic, enthralling and appealing. But unlike those of Yellowstone’s trip, there are no more verdant trees along the cemented highway.

What you can see however are some farms planted to various crops like banana, coffee, vegetables and root crops.

FA RESORT, P10

10

EDGEDAVAO

VOLUNTARY... FROM 2

nga dili ma-meet sa isa ka eskwelahan then automatically dili gyud siya.

Kaning atong napili sa pagka-karon have met the criteria for this particular endeavor and we really would like to be assured of shared repsonsibility of the level sa atoang mga ginikanan usab that they are willing nga mu-submit sa ingon aning matang pamaagi issuing also a written consent alloweing their children to be a part of this pilot face-to-face,” he said.

Atillo also explained that the pilot face-toface will only run for two months and it is going to be blended learning along with distance learning and modular. He added that not all students from all

grade levels will be included for the face-to-face and only students in kindergarten, Grades 1 to 3 and senior high school.

He said only a maximum of three hours is allowed for Kindergarten to Grade 3 and a maximum of four hours for senior high school alternating both face-to-face and blended learning.

He said the pilot implementation of limited faceto-face classes aims to give the government a ground experience on the operationalization and effectiveness of the protocols and contingency measures should there be cases of exposure or infection.

The implementation of the pilot face-to-face is targeted to start this year.

idents.

She said the proposed project initially gained positive feedback from city officials, especially Mayor Ronnel Rivera, and some local residents.

But a survey conducted by their office showed that most residents were not yet ready to adopt cremation as a burial alternative.

“Some people believed then that cremation is more expensive than our traditional burial practices,” she said.

Tan said they proposed

anew last year the establishment of the city crematorium that was eventually approved as part of the local government’s pandemic response.

Acceptance to cremation among residents has increased since last year as it turned out to be a cheaper burial alternative in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Monte Cielo, the city’s first crematorium, currently offers cremation services starting at PHP25,000.

(PNA)

P3.11 billion is for Bucana Bridge through a China government grant, Davao Coastal Bypass Project is among the three projects that were approved by the

National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) last December 20, 2019.

A recent study by the Lancet, a leading international medical journal, found that wearing a mask can decrease the risk of catching Covid-19 by 78 percent.

The result of the study also showed that the risk of transmission is cut by 85 percent if a face shield is worn in addition to the mask. (PNA)

help rehabDiokno said some banks have indicated an interest in disposing of their NPAs under this law.

“They are just awaiting

advice from the Securities and Exchange Commission as regards to FIST corporations, which SEC has (a) rule for establishment,” he added. (PNA)

sense to give a little more support on this protocol,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

He added this could start by October, after the last day of Alert Level 4 status in Metro Manila.

Metro Manila is currently under the new alert level system, in which outdoor dine-in operation is allowed up to 30 percent, and 10 percent for indoor dine-in services.

Same operation capacity was also applied for personal care services.

Aside from increasing the allowed capacity in stores, Lopez said the

agency is also considering reopening the gyms under Alert Level 4.

Protocols under Alert Level 4 are equivalent to the current modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) protocol.

Meanwhile, due to the stricter community quarantine protocol to curb the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Delta variant infection, Lopez said 16 percent of businesses in Metro Manila were closed in its September survey.

This increased from 10 percent in the June 2021 survey. (PNA)

GENSAN... FROM 2

DPWH... FROM 3 PRRD... FROM 3

BANKS’... FROM 4 DTI... FROM 4

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

PHOENIX... FROM 4

majors. The company’s commercial business was the initial driver of growth, but its retail business has likewise expanded tremendously in the last few years. Phoenix is on track to opening 700 stations nationwide this year.

Additionally, the second quarter of the year saw Phoenix strengthen its hold of the market, experiencing a 70% volume increase compared to the same period last year, and leading to a 25% year-onyear growth for the first half of 2021.

“We remain optimistic for the remainder of the

year as nationwide vaccinations continue and more economic activities are restored,” added Fadullon.

Established in 2002 in Davao City, Phoenix is the first independent oil firm that was listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

From only five stations in Mindanao by 2005, it now has 686 retail outlets nationwide, and has expanded to other businesses including terminaling and hauling services, convenience store retailing, asphalt, car repair and maintenance, and digital transactions.

and we are hopeful that the bike-hailing industry will continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic,” Juan said.

Grab country head Grace Vera Cruz said the partnership is a “hallmark expression of how transport stakeholders can come

together for the common good.”

“We hope that many of our kababayans (compatriots) will continue to experience the many unique benefits of this partnership so that we can all recover together,” Vera Cruz said.

(PNA)

covery in quality jobs, upskilling workers, expanding social protection, and active labor market programs.

Among the government’s priority policy reforms are proposed legislation to improve the investment climate.

Inflation forecasts are unchanged at 4.1 percent in 2021 and 3.5 percent next year, according to the ADO Update.

With inflation expected to fall back within the central bank’s 2 percent to 4-percent target range and a gradual recovery in domestic demand, the gov-

ernment’s monetary policy stance is expected to stay accommodative.

The report said the country’s current account surplus will narrow to a revised 1 percent of GDP this year and 0.8 percent in 2022, with a stronger-than-expected rebound in imports, including for capital goods and raw materials.

A pickup in merchandise exports, as well as receipts from business process outsourcing and higher remittances from Filipinos overseas, will help lift the current account. (PR)

added.

Assistance for workers Meanwhile, the DOLE said assistance in the form of bicycle units, livelihood, and cash-for-work totaling PHP59.2 million were given to beneficiaries in the cities of Pasay, Marikina, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, and Manila and the municipality of Pateros.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III witnessed the awarding ceremony in Pasay City together with DOLE-NCR Regional Director Sarah Buena Mirasol and Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, where bicycle units, livelihood grants, and emergency employment wages were distributed to the workers on Tuesday.

Under the DOLE’s BikeCination Project, beneficiaries from the 16 cities and one municipality in NCR received bicycle units and mobile phones with load cards for their food delivery startup amounting to a total of PHP21.2 million.

“Through these bicycle units, we aim to provide an alternative source of income to informal sector workers or their next of kin under the A4 category who have completed their vaccine against Covid-19. This is one incentive to encourage our

workers to get vaccinated and to help in the country’s fight against this pandemic,” he said in a statement.

A total of 330 beneficiaries also received livelihood grants amounting to PHP2.6 million under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.

Among the beneficiaries are 250 members of Alyansa ng mga Nakakatanda sa Komunidad, Inc. for their food bank project amounting to PHP970,000; 60 women OFW returnees who are members of Development Action for Women Network Inc. for their sewing and pattern making project amounting to PHP999,570; and 20 beneficiaries of the Negosyo sa Kariton (NegoKart) amounting to PHP600,000.

Bello reminded the grantees to use the DOLE assistance wisely.

Meanwhile, a totally 3,551 informal sector workers from Marikina, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, and Manila were given temporary employment and subsequently received their wages amounting to PHP35.5 The beneficiaries were provided jobs under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. (PNA)

MOVE... FROM 4

ADB... FROM 5

DOLE... FROM 5

A RESORT... FROM 9

Most of the developments around Mount Apo are concentrated in Kapatagan, which is part of Digos City. Most of the areas in Balutakay are planted to vegetable crops like cabbage, carrots, and green onions. A few sites are planted for coffee.

“Where are the trees,” asked Rex Cagas, the chief executive officer of Twin Mountain. “I am an environmentalist and I want to plant trees in this part of the country. But I also want to help people improve their standard of living.”

So, the man who works in Canada as a certified public accountant, decided to put up the resort. “We travel a lot,” he admitted. “Mount Alberta can be comparable to Mount Apo. It is an hourdrive from our home and you will see camping sites along the river.

“We are thinking of having the same here in Mount Apo,” he said, adding the idea came to him in 2015. “We want to promote ecotourism in this part of the country. This is in line with the government’s program. We believe this is the way we can promote tourism in Davao del Sur.” Aside from helping the economy in the area, he also wants to do his social responsibility by planting trees in the national park.

“We want to plant trees in another area. If we cut the trees here in the resort, we need to plant trees somewhere.”

Right now, only about 1,000-square-meters is used for the resort. “We will be expanding the place later on,” he said.

“We will build more solid structures. We will also plant trees below, where our visitors can walk under the trees.”

The resort is a corporation composed of seven owners. Leila Cagas serves as resort manager while Liza M. Cagas is the assistant resort manager.

The promotional entrance fee is P100 per adult person. For children (ages 4 to 11), the entrance fee is P50 while

those below 3 years old are free of charge. Only 100 people can be accommodated per day since the country is still in a pandemic.

A discount of 20% is given to people with disabilities and senior citizens; the discount, however, is not applicable for promo rate). “We required booking to all our guests and visitors before their arrival,” Mortejo said.

If visitors want to use the swimming pool, an additional P100 is needed. Only 20 persons can be accommodated in the pool. Right now, the pool is offered only to in-house guests.

There are only three rooms available for staying guests. One room can accommodate two persons. From Mondays to Thursdays, the rate is P2,800; on weekends (Fridays to Sundays), the rate is P3,000. Inclusions include room amenities, free plated breakfast, pool access and hot/cold shower. Check-in time is 2 pm and check-out time is 12 noon.

If non-staying guests want to use the swimming pool, an additional P100 is needed. Only 20 persons can be accommodated in the pool. Right now, the pool is offered only to in-house guests.

The Gemelo Restaurant serves Filipino dishes and international cuisines (Chinese and Americans, among others). For staying guests, it is open at 6 am. For others, it opens at 2 pm until 7 pm. There’s also a coffee bar named Vista Café, where you can taste the award-winning coffee of BACOFA. Open at 10 am until 7 pm.

The resort can also be rented for photo shoots and pre-nuptials for P6,000 for six persons. Inclusions include free room for changing clothes, and snacks and welcome drinks. Shooting must be done from 8 am until 12 noon only (Mondays to Fridays).

Excess person will be charged P500 per person with a welcome drink.

Pagdanganan said the group supports measures that boost supply of generic medicine and lower their prices in the local market.

Pagdanganan said the Philippines has the highest out-of-pocket expenses as a percentage of total health care expenditure in the region at 54 percent in 2018.

This is relatively higher than Vietnam at 44.9 percent, Malaysia at 35.1 percent, Indonesia at 34.8 percent, Singapore at 31 percent, and Thailand at 11 percent.

“This is aggravated with the onset of Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pagdanganan highlighted milestones in the country in promoting generic medi-

cine. These include the Generic Act, National Health Insurance Act, Cheaper Medicines Act, Universal Health Care Act, founding of the Philippine Pharma Procurement, Inc. (PPPI), and the launching of the Botika ng Bayan Program.

To give better access to cheaper medicines for the poor, he said the government should expand its Botika ng Bayan in all hospitals and pool the procurement of medicines through PPPI for distribution in Botika ng Bayan outlets in government-run rural health units and hospitals.

He added medicines for tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes, and other ailments should also be available in Botika ng Bayan outlets. (PNA)

LOCAL... FROM 5

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

DAVAO... FROM 12

Councilor Leo “Happy L.A.” Avila, who years ago, were already talking about having bike lanes in Davao City.

Paholio, sadly I learned, lost his life in an accident. He was hit by a driver while enjoying his regular biking in one of the streets in Davao. I told myself, had the bike lanes been in placed in the first place, probably, Jun will still be around. But you see, even with or without bike lanes, you’ll just never know. That’s what life is all about and death comes like a thief in the night.

So I reached out to Ed Leuenberger, one of Davao’s enduring cycling sports leaders, for his reaction on that welcome development.

Ed said he is so happy that the Davao City Bicycle Ordinance authored by Councilors Peter Lavina and Leo “Happy L.A.” Avila has became a reality.

“Akala ko I would never see a bike lane in Davao City in my lifetime and it

took a pandemic to finally push the implementation of the bike lanes. It’s not perfect but it’s more than we dreamed of. Much safer than the time that cyclist was not considered to be on the road. Now, we are considered as non-motorized road users,” Ed said.

Ed added that the car owners and drivers are now being educated that bicycles and other forms of micro mobility transport have also rights to safe mobility. “Good thing that government realized that. Alternative transport is part of the solution in moving people (not cars) in the traffic, pollution, parking probles in our city plus bonus pa na happier and healthier bike commuters”.

“Eversince na implement ang bike lanes, I ride to work and errands six days a week. Magamit ko lang ang car kung may heavy load,” Ed said.

Isn’t that wonderful?

Dominic Carpio, a

EDGEDAVAO

Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in cycling, said that finally after a decade, ordinance was finally implemented by City Hall.

“Leo Avila must be smiling in heaven,” Dominic said.

“Wala pa kaayo naanad ang mga cyclists ug drivers sa saktong paggamit ini, wa mi nagdahom taas taas man di ay ang learning curve sa proper use ani. Foreign pa kaayo ang signages and lane markings, daghan pa wala kasabot pero give it more time para finally mahan-ay na gyud ang bike lane system sa tibook nasud,” he said.

“Time will come, it will be safe for children to bike to school and workers to bike to work, then we will realize the impact of all of this to our environment, economy and health,” Carpio added.

“Kudos to the incumbent city council’s transportation committee and the bikers working group who helped in crafting the necessary amendments to the ordinance”.

What a lovely development for the cycling community. Hinay hinay, ma parehas na ang Davao City sa mga siyudad sa Europa where bikers are protected and respected.

By the way, just like the late Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas regional director Regino “Boy” Cua, Jun Paholio’s birthday month is also a September.

So, happy birthday ninyo diha sa Langit mga higala.

For sure, duna puy bike lanes diha gipa implement nila Happy L.A. while listening to the song of “Bicycle Race” by the Queen.

SPORTS

11

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 164 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Davao City’s bike lane network and my not so sketchy memories of cycling leaders’ work

W

hen Salvador “Jun” Paholio Jr. made “sumbong sumbong” to me that his request for financial assistance contained in a folder was just simply placed inside a drawer and was told “mag usap muna kami sa Boss mo”. He was taken aback. Thus, the “sumbong sumbong”. The good thing with Jun, he is not hot headed. Dili ba pala away ba.

My tendency has always been to side with athletes and local sports leaders, who majority of

them are from the private sector.

But I must admit, I tend to start hating them when they treat athletes and legitimate sports leaders like that.

That kind of arrogance is a big No when it comes to serving the public.

For some reasons, I was holding my punches, so to speak. And was thinking on what to do with it.

Probably, it was fate that government official was “booted out” and replaced by a well-mannered and humble sports leader in an OIC capacity. That was the day that Jun Paholio was celebrating.

Slowly but surely, we started working out some sports projects for Jun. Luckily, our friends at dxDC-Radio Mindanao Network led

by Dodong Solis found a sponsor and Jun was able to hold a BMX competition in partnership with the Sports Development Division-City Mayor’s Office and the Philippine Amateur Cycling Association-XI that year.

And from there, the ball started rolling for Jun and for the cycling community. From a simple BMX competition, he was already organizing cycling tour around the Davao Region.

Jun has become unstoppable.

If you look at Jun, you see a bulging stomach, sun-baked, not so tall and not really short guy, and who speaks in a low-tone voice, which I find sometimes funny. Cyclists call him “coach”,

others call him “engineer” that’s because he is an electrical engineer by profession and to many friends specially in the Davao City Sports Council, we simply call him “Jun”, unlike manong Ferdie “Batman” Lintuan, our Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) president, who prefers to call him Lio Ho Pa, a reverse of his family name Pa Ho Lio. He shared one story of his “ligaw ligaw” of a lady and I never doubted him that he can make that lady say “yes” to him. You see, Jun is a very charming guy.

Jun is one of the hard-working sports leaders you can find.

And he is very friendly too. He normally approached you with a cute smile and makes “sumbong sumbong”, his way of sharing his concern and making suggestions on what should be done to improve cycling development in Davao.

I don’t know why I haven’t apologized to him because everytime the sports staff would go out for beer, normally on a Friday night, and Jun is with us, I started shaking by San Miguel Beer pilsen bottle and started showering my friends and usually, usually, Jun Paholio gets showered a lot.

“Pare, hubog na ka ato ba.

Gipa siritan nimo si Paholio ug beer,” compadre RD Ramirez would tell me days later.

But each time, there’s a drinking session with the boys, Jun would just show up. And the same incident happens. Yet when RD notices that I am in good drinking condition, nothing happens to Jun. Walay masayang nga bugnaw nga beer.

When the recent news about the bike lane inauguration was published, thanks to the efforts of all government agencies, that reminded me of Jun Paholio and

FDAVAO, P11