Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 169 | Thursday, September 30, 2021

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL.14 ISSUE 169 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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JAMPACKED Registrants pack Magsaysay Park nightly for priority registration numbers STORY ON PAGE 2

A police officer tries to disperse hundreds of registrants as health protocols are no longer being followed while they are queueing early Tuesday evening outside Magsaysay Park in Davao City to secure Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) voter registration priority numbers. The voter registration is extended from October 9 to 31. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 169 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Hundreds of registrants gather outside Magsaysay Park in Davao City early evening of Tuesday to make sure they get priority numbers for Commission on Elections (Comelec) voter registration to beat the September 30 deadline. Comelec on Wednesday announced that the voter registration will be extended from October 9 to 31. Edge Davao

JAMPACKED Registrants pack Magsaysay Park nightly for priority registration numbers

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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extended its registration hours to cater to more applicants in the 2022 nation-

al elections.

Diana Vannessa Dumdum Salutillo commented on Edge Davao’s post highlighting the curfew hours implemented in Davao City.

“Ngano man manghatag og priority number og 1:30 a.m? Di ba naay curfew?” she said.

Sarah Jane Magayano Jardenico, also commented that as of 3:54 a.m. of Sep-

tember 29, 2021, no priority numbers were released yet.

“Hapit na mag alas tres wa gihapoy girelease sa mani?” Grefel Negrido commented.

Meanwhile.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said Comelec-Davao is allowed to distribute numbers even nighttime to beat the dead-

Signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD), E.O. 138 came about with the Supreme Court Mandanas ruling, granting local governments substantial shares from the income of the national government, on top of internal revenues.

E.O. 138 says that “shares of LGUs from the national taxes is expected to significantly increase starting calendar year 2022 in line with the im-

plementation of the Mandanas ruling”.

Roldan explained further that funding resources due for downloading to LGUs will include those allocated to national line agencies which are now required to transfer most functions to LGUs within three-year period, as defined in their respective Devolution Transition Plan (DTP).

With substantial resources given to LGUs

along with the devolution of functions, LGUs are seen capacitated to chart their own course of development.

“Mao kini ang gihandum sa kadaghanan nga ma devolved na ang most functions of the central government ngadto sa local (This is what some have aspired that most functions of the central government be devolved to the local),” Roldan said during the recently held

ith the upcoming deadline of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) voter’s registration, hundreds of registrants flock at Magsaysay Park every night to secure priority numbers in clear disregard of the city’s health protocols.

In August this year, Comelec-Davao opened voter’s registration and

“D

ako ni siya nga trabaho (This is enormous task) but we have to bite the bullet,” Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Alex Roldan said as he pointed out the need to start next year the rollout of Executive Order 138 implementing a “full devolution of certain functions of the executive branch to local governments.”

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2 Mindanao lawmakers seek funding for 4 BARMM colleges

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wo lawmakers from Mindanao want to provide funding for state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that have zero allocations in the 2022 national budget proposal.

Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman of the Lone District of Basilan and Anak Mindanao party-list Representative Amihilda Sangcopan filed House Resolution No. 2251, urging the Development Budget Coordination Committee to fund four BARMM SUCs -- Adiong Memorial Polytechnic State College in Lanao del Sur, Cotabato State University, Sulu State College, and Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College.

“These SUCs which

have existed before the creation of BARMM and their charters provide that their funding requirements shall be provided by the national government,” the resolution filed on Monday stated.

They said non-provision of funds will displace thousands of students, teachers, and personnel in the four higher educational institutions.

“This outright removal of funding by the national government will seriously threaten, not only the operation, but the very existence of these state colleges and universities in the BARMM,” they said.

The lawmakers also sent a letter of appeal to Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

They cited Section

Pamana ng Pagbabago online InForum hosted by Davao de Oro Provincial Governor’s Office.

“Kami sa DILG nagatoo nga ang kalambuan sa nasod dapat manukad gikan sa kanya kanyang localidad. (We in the DILG believe that the progress of nation should emanate from the locality),” he added.

LGUs would then gain a free hand to decide on programs and projects to

pursue that they see fit in their respective localities.

However, Roldan explained that the devolution would also be a challenge to deal with by the new set of local chief executives who are expected to have a grasp on local development management and to observe high degree of “accountability and transparency”.

“Mas nearer sa mga tawo ang pag tan-aw kung

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 169 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

NEWS

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio remains the top choice for president in the 2022 polls of Pulse Asia survey. The survey conducted September 6 to 11 showed Mayor Sara ranked first with 20% rating, down from her 28% score last June. Edge Davao

Sara tops Pulse Asia survey anew, PRRD is second to Sotto for VP Nat’l ID registration in DavOr town until October 11 only

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egistration for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) will be held in Cateel, Davao Oriental until October 11 only.

PhilSys-Davao Oriental, in a Facebook announcement on Sept. 25, enjoined residents of Barangay San Alfonso from age 15 and up to register.

“Registration will run for only 15 days, which started September 24. The registration center is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” the post read.

The site will accommo-

date 80 individuals per day.

Applicants are advised to bring one of the following original documents: - Government-issued identification - Passport - Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificate - PSA marriage certificate - Barangay certification (in the absence of valid IDs) PhilSys-DavOr assured in recurring posts that minimum health standards will be strictly observed

n explosion occurred at one of the 138-KV transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Buadiposo-Buntong town in Lanao del Sur Tuesday morning, injuring seven soldiers and two linemen.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commanding general of the Marawi-based 103rd Infantry Brigade, said two helicopters from the Philippine Air Force base in Lum-

bia, Cagayan de Oro and another chopper from NGCP were deployed to extricate the wounded soldiers and linemen.

He said the transmission tower was not toppled.

The NGCP said in a statement that the explosion occurred 7 a.m. in a forested area in Buadiposo-Buntong.

NGCP said their personnel and military escorts were conducting an inspec-

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NGCP tower in Lanao Sur bombed

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is consistently keeping the number one spot among possible presidential candidates based on the latest survey of Pulse Asia.

The survey, which was conducted on September 6 to 11, 2021 showed Mayor Sara ranked first with 20% rating, down from her 28% score last June this year. Following her was former senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. with 15 percent, followed by Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko

Moreno’ Domagoso with 13 percent and Senator Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao with 12 percent.

Senator Grace Poe, Vice President Leni Robredo, and Senator Panfilo Lacson placed fifth, sixth, and seventh respectively.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte with 14 percent placed second to

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who topped the preferences for the next vice president with 25 percent.

It can be recalled in July this year, Mayor Sara and President Duterte led the list of the top bets for president and vice president in Pulse Asia’s 2022 national elections survey.

However, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) Secretary General Antonio del Rosario said Mayor Sara does not want a Duterte-Duterte tandem in next

year’s elections.

On the other hand, Mayor Sara recently confirmed that she would seek re-election as mayor of Davao City.

In July last year, Mayor Sara announced she is open to run for national position in the 2022 elections. However, the mayor took a 360-degree turn and said she is not running in any national post following President Duterte’s acceptance of the nomination as vice presidential candidate of PDP-Laban.

patients with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) kasi sila ang atong ginatan-aw nga high risk of getting the Covid-19 infection. Sila atong unahon ug katong mga F2 and F3 they are encouraged na magself-monitor kasi dili man pud mandatory ang atong quarantine for F2 and F3 but we encouraged them to self-monitor,” Schlosser said via Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.

Schlosser said if F2 and F3 manifest Covid-19-related symptoms, they will be considered as high-risk

individuals.

The city government of Davao is temporarily limiting Covid-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab testing to close contacts or F1.

Meanwhile, Schlosser said while SPMC molecular laboratory is being repaired, specimens will be processed through the Los Amigos Molecular laboratory which can only run 450 specimens per day, as supposed to 1,500 specimens per day with the combined capacity of the

two (2) molecular laboratories.

She also advised the public to expect a slight delay in the turnaround time of swab results due to the repair of the SPMC extraction machine.

In April this year, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio issued an executive order (EO) for the mandatory swab testing of “all F1, F2, and F3” contacts of Covid-19-infected individuals whose results were confirmed by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain re-

F2, F3 contacts urged to self-monitor

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r. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 task Force, directed F2 and F3 close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases to self-monitor while the city is still facing a limited supply of detection kits.

Making matters worse is the ongoing repair of the molecular laboratory extraction machine to run swab specimens at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

“As of the moment, we are still focusing on the F1 or high-risk individuals ug

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 169 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar urges consumers to be meticulous when buying vegetables from the market as undocumented shipments of agricultural produce are reportedly being sold in the Philippines, which believed to contain harmful chemicals to preserve and make them look shiny. Edge Davao

New registration system for tax incentives to lure investments

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he chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday said the newly-launched unified registration portal for applicants for tax incentives would help fast-track applications, reduce the amount of administrative discretion, and promote more investments.

In a statement, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the Fiscal Incentives Registration and Monitoring System (FIRMS), a unified online registration and incentives application portal for investors or enterprises to submit and monitor applications for incentives in any of the investment promotion

agencies, was created following the effectivity of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law.

“Now that there is a unified registration portal for applicants for tax incentives under CREATE, it should be easier for investors to get tax incentives if they are qualified.

This adopts best practice from countries such as Singapore where the investment promotion framework is already very sophisticated,” he said.

Salceda said the portal would also help keep better track of investment commitments.

“Of course, investors do not get tax incentives from us for free. They have to actually follow through with their investment commitments, create the jobs they say they will generate, and yield the economic benefits they say they can put up,” he added.

Under CREATE, any

material misrepresentation to attain more tax incentives than the applicant is entitled to is punishable with a clawback clause that allows the government to recover the excess tax incentives.

Salceda said the portal has a feature that makes remote applications easier, which would boost small-scale foreign direct investments (FDIs).

“If you’re a foreigner and you are not physically present in the Philippines, this also makes applications much easier, since you no longer have to retain someone in the

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Diokno: Health measures key to economic rebound

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said economic rebound largely depends on health-related measures by the government and the public’s cooperation even as the economy continues to show green shoots of recovery.

In his speech during the virtual Regional Macroeconomic Conference series on Tuesday, Diokno said economic recovery hinges on the speed of the vaccination

rollout, the expansion of the capacity of the healthcare system, and the citizen’s commitment to observing the health protocol.

These measures, Diokno said, will allow the country to safely reopen the economy and resume more economic activities.

“The challenges of the pandemic may stay with us for a while, but we are hopeful that we will get back to

insurance sales traditionally depend on face-to-face interactions.

“We have to conduct our business digitally. It’s a good thing that the Insurance Commission recognized this very quickly and left many things, the conduct of business, digitally. And in the case of Inlife, it’s also fortunate thing that we have made investments in technology, in digitization, way before, way before the pandemic spark,” he said.

Littaua said InLife was the first insurance company in the country that automated underwriting.

“So it was really quick

for us to move to a fully digital platform because we already have made the investments in those places earlier,” he said, underscoring the need for people’s readiness to embrace technology and new ways of doing things.

Littaua said the pandemic has made people realize the importance of life insurance.

He noted that previously, people considered life insurance as “a need that people don’t want to want.”

However, with the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, the insurance sector in general “has

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DA warns of harmful residue Digitization fuels companies’ from cheap, imported goods resilience during pandemic

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) has urged consumers to be meticulous when buying vegetables from the market, as undocumented shipments of agricultural produce are reportedly being sold in the Philippines.

“These products contain harmful chemicals to preserve and make them look shiny,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in an interview with the media on Tuesday.

Dar said investigations have been laid out to identify and press appropriate charges against perpetrators of cheap and imported carrots from

China that were sold in Divisoria, Manila these past few days.

He said an inter-agency task force composed of the DA, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Bureau of Internal Revenue has been formed to accomplish the task.

It was also made clear that the Philippines has not issued any permit to other countries, including China, to ship fresh vegetables.

“The permits issued were only for frozen, mixed, and processed vegetables that are usually imported by restaurants and hotels,” Dar said.

Traces of smuggling In July, the DA and BOC said they were ready to press charges against importers Thousand Sunny Enterprise and Dua Te Mira Non-Specialized Wholesale for misdeclaring 12 reefers of red onions worth PHP42 million as frozen chapati (flat Indian bread).

Cases of violation of Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 will be filed by the BOC against the importers.

The seized items are in the custody of the BOC, which will handle their disposal. (PNA)

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ompanies have cited technological innovations and the shift towards digitization before the pandemic as key to building resilience during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, while noting the importance of government measures towards digitalization.

In a virtual briefing on Tuesday, Insular Life (InLife) president and chief executive officer (CEO) Raoul Littaua said “it was a challenge” for their operations when the government implemented lockdowns to arrest the rise of Covid-19 infections as life

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EDGEDAVAO

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ECONOMY

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The Philippines contact center sector is forecasted to rebound this year as revenues of the local industry us expected to increase by 9 percent, higher than the 7 to 8 percent global growth. Edge Davao

LPG price increases to highest in 5 years

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n industry player said on Tuesday that consumers should brace hefty spike in the cost of cooking gas after the international contract price of LPG rose to its highest level in the last 5 years.

REGASCO President Arnel Ty says based on today’s contract price, the increase is already at $108 per metric ton which translates to an increase of P5.80 per kilo.

LPG prices in the Philippines change once a month, at the beginning of every month.

By Oct. 1, Ty estimates that the increase in contract price will be sustained but gave a range of P5-P6/kilo,

which translates to an increase of P55-P66 for every 11 kg tank.

Ty said the increase is the highest, not only in the entire pandemic period but in the last 5 years.

He added, the projection in prices will remain high for the rest of the winter months until March next year as LPG is also used as heating fuel.

Ty advised households to save on the use of LPG to remain on budget.

From June 2021, the estimated price spike already totals around P11.40 per kilo or P125 per 11-kg tank.

DIESEL, GASOLINE, KERO PRICE SPIKES

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PH contact center sector to outpace global growth

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“The Philippines is rebounding together with the market but because we are highly differentiated, no other country could do contact center better than the Philippines. We are enjoying faster growth than the global market and fueling our business growth is the creation of jobs,” CCAP chair Benedict Hernandez said during the virtual Con-

tact Islands ’21 happening from September 27 to October 1.

Among the growth drivers for the local industry include coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine rollout, positive business sentiment, digital acceleration, pent-up demand, rising cost optimization requirements, and potential fiscal stimulus across demand geographies.

Hernandez said contact center workers continue to work amid the pandemic whether on-site or at home.

During the pandem-

ic, 59 percent of workers choose the work-fromhome arrangement while 49 percent are still reporting to their offices.

The industry has supported employees and provided incentives for onsite contact center workers, including temporary housing, transportation arrangements, and Covid-19 screening.

CCAP president Jojo Uligan said the current situation still presents uncertainties for the industry, however, the increasing de-

used to finance Aboitiz Group’s ambition. More importantly, we welcome JERA’s trust and expertise and commitment to help the Aboitiz Group drive change for a better world by accelerating the Philippine economic growth and promoting the development of clean energy,” Aboitiz said.

Aside from being the largest power generation firm in Japan, JERA is also the largest single buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) worldwide.

top of providing capital for the group, Aboitiz Group’s partnership with JERA will allow technology transfer that would help the company in transforming into a modern business.

The strategic partnership with JERA is also expected to help the Aboitiz Group to take business opportunities arising from the pandemic, he said.

“Let this partnership mark another important milestone in our company’s history and demonstrate the confidence in

and regulation,” he added.

AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio has welcomed the investment of JERA, adding its expertise will help the company in achieving a goal of increasing clean energy share in its portfolio.

This also supports the Philippine government’s vision towards a decarbonized future, Rubio added.

“Our new partnership

iding the pace of the global industry, the Philippines contact center sector is forecasted to rebound this year.

According to the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), revenues of the local industry will increase by 9 percent, higher than the 7 to 8 percent global growth.

Full-time employment of Philippine contact centers will also grow by 8 to 9 percent, outgrowing the global growth of 6 to 7 percent.

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9 applicants vying for last Aboitiz partners with Japan’s JERA, to boost PH power sector digital bank slot, says BSP he investment and of capital that can be Aboitiz said that on our government’s policies

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ine applicants are vying for the last digital bank license, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.

The BSP has said that it will grant only 7 digital licenses in the initial phase to assess the financial service’s contribution to the economy. Six licenses have so far been given.

“The Monetary Board decided to limit it to 7 because we feel we need to closely monitor this new technology, these digital banks,

and we want to find out their contribution to the economy, and how it will impact on the competition of existing banks,” said BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno during a webinar hosted by the Management Association of the Philippines.

Maya Bank, the digital bank of PLDT’s Voyager, was the last to get a digital banking license from the BSP. Landbank’s Overseas Filipino Bank (OF Bank), UnionBank’s Union Digi-

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partnership of Japan’s largest power generation company with AboitizPower Corp. is expected to support the development of the country’s power sector.

In a press conference Tuesday, Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer, Sabin Aboitiz, announced that JERA bought a 27-percent stake of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) in AboitizPower Corp.

“It effectively unlocks (a) significant amount

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 169 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

On his retirement from boxing:

“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I am announcing my retirement.”

Sen. Manny Pacquiao 8-division world boxing champion

EDITORIAL Incentives for reluctance Facing a backlog in first dose vaccination, the city government has come up with an incentives scheme to lure people to get vaccinated.

The proposal, according to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio herself, was discussed during a meeting last week after a backlog of 438,000 for the first dose was reported.

The remaining unvaccinated residents are those who will not go to the vaccine centers, people who do not believe in vaccines, and the people who are daily wage earners whose work is more important to them.

The city will pilot the plan of “incentivizing” in two vaccination centers.

While the plan looks good on paper, it leaves the ques-

EDGEDAVAO

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In several countries, those who get vaccinated receive some sort of incentive or concession from government. It is a positive act of encouraging more people to get vaccinated and leaving those who are not vaccinated with nothing. Hence, more people got vaccinated in the process.

With the city government’s plan, it leaves those who have religiously followed the call for vaccination getting nothing for their readiness to respond to the welfare of everyone. Instead, it provides incentives for reluctance.

The benefit of voluntariness is protection for everyone and that is more worthy of incentive rather than those who refused.

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

tion: why not incentivize instead those who have been vaccinated? Which makes more sense.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

VOL.14 ISSUE 169 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THE GREAT THIRST “It’s simply a question of survival. Thirst for water is an ignition to violence.” -- Meir ben Meir, former Israeli water commissioner ***

Bansalan is a first-class municipality of Davao del Sur. But for two decades, it has still had a problem that is still going on: water. Not that people are having no water but the lack of water, especially when it is needed most.

There are times when people have to use rain water just to wash their clothes, clean their toilets, water their ornamentals, and in some instances use it for bathing. There are also instances where people have to wake up in the middle of the night in order to a pail of water or two knowing that there would be no water gushing at the faucet in the morning.

So many politicians have tried to solve the problem but until now the problem is still around. But there’s good news.

A lawyer, who is running for the council, is giving his attention to the water problem which the municipality is facing.

Atty. Kirby A. Villaraiz, who is running as municipal councilor this coming election, is keen on putting an end to the miseries most Bansaleños are experiencing. He could only do this if he would win.

“I will file a resolution to

conduct an investigation in the aid of legislation for the 20-yearold water problem in Bansalan,” he declared. “That, if in the investigation, there is a necessity to file cases for the management or any stakeholders in the district, I will personally do the same.”

Assuring words, these.

Not only that. “I will undertake measures if there is a need to strengthen the different barangay potable water system, provide technical assistance, revisit the policies and guidelines, and help the management for sustainable water to every concessionaire,” he said.

Bansalan is 75 kilometers away from Davao City, the country’s largest city in terms of land area (2,444 square kilometers).

Right now, Davao City also experiences water shortages from time to time.

One of these days, Davao City residents may wake up without water flowing from their faucets.

From an annual water demand of 50 million cubic meters (MCM) in 1995, this will increase to triple as the demand is forecasted to be 153 MCM. Davao City has been cited in a study conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as among the nine “water critical areas.” The eight other cities were Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Angeles, Bacolod, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Zamboanga.

Current water supplies in

Davao City “fall well short of its population needs with the situation set to worsen in the coming years as the numbers rise,” said the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“Mismatches between supply and demand due to sharply rising populations, environmental pollution and shrinking water sources mean that without remedial action, Davao City could experience a water crisis by 2015,” said Paulus Van Klaveren, water supply and sanitation specialist in ADB’s Southeast Asia Department.

Compounding the problem is the tapping of groundwater by households and businesses which “threatens to cause land subsidence and saltwater intrusion into legitimate supply sources.”

Right now, the water crisis is also a health crisis as the country is still experiencing the threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic highlights the importance and preventive power of water. Good hygiene is the first line of defense against COVID-19.

Doctors and epidemiologists have continually emphasized the importance of handwashing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health experts agree that washing hands with soap and water is the single most efficient measure against COVID-19.

Aside from good hygiene, water is very important for

man’s existence. As a general rule of thumb, a person can survive without water for only about three days.

“Drinking water does more than just quench your thirst – it’s essential to keeping your body functioning properly and feeling healthy,” the Mayo Clinic points out. “Nearly all of your body’s major systems depend on water to function and survive.”

Among the most important ways water works in your body include the following: regulates body temperature, moistens tissues in the eyes, nose and mouth, protects body organs and tissues, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, lubricates joints, lessens burden on kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products, and helps dissolve minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to your body.

“Water isn’t just a commodity. It is a source of life,” said Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project.

Ideally, a person should have at least 50 liters of water each day to meet basic needs – for drinking, food preparation, cooking and cleaning up, washing and personal hygiene, laundry, house cleaning.

Postel believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to the future of human beings. “Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she

told us in an exclusive interview.

“We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

Although water is a renewable resource, it is also a finite one. Although we live in a world surrounded with water, less than 3% of the world’s water is fresh.

More than 75% of the water we could use is frozen – mainly at the North and South Poles.

Of the remaining freshwater, 98% lies underground. People and land-dwelling animals can only access about 0.01% of all the world’s water. And that’s a fact!

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, if all the earth’s water were to fit in a gallon jug (4 liters), the available freshwater would be just over one tablespoon.

“Water is not like oil: there is no substitute,” reminded Mark Rosegrant, a senior research fellow at the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute.

“World demand for water doubles every 21 years, but the volume available is the same as it was in the Roman times,” said Sir Crispin Tickell, former British ambassador to the United Nations and one of the organizers of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “Something has got to give.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

MUSLIM-CHINESE CONNECTION According to Islamic folklore, Islam was pioneered in the country by Makhdum Karim (also known as Karim ul-Makdum), an Arab trader and Sufi Muslim missionary from Arabia (probably Arabia Petrea). He traveled the Indian Ocean in reaching Malacca (Melaka), a state in Malaysia.

From there, he moved to Sulu where he spread Islam and built the first mosque in Bwansa, Jolo. His arrival is chronicled in the original tarsila (genealogy) of the Sulu sultanate.1 Makkdum’s arrival in the islands, almost all scholars agree, has been dated to around 1380 CE (Christian Era), the equal of 758 AH (After the Hijra) in the Islamic calendar. As a merchant, he would have first engaged in trade first, then propagated Islam. At the time, pre-Islamic Tausugs already had a strong political entity but were more animist in their religious practices.

From another perspective, Islam could have come from the northwest (as opposed to the southern origin), by the Chinese, using the trade route known as Silk Road, ‘a network of trade routes connecting the East and West, and was central to the economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions between these regions from the 2nd century BCE to the 18th century.’

An affirmation of this suggestion is the 1989 interview of Wenxuan An, a sixteenth-generation grandson of the East King of Sulu, who said their Islamic tradition in the post-Yuan dynasty: ‘[O]ur ancestors are the Moros of the Philippines and before they came to the Philippines, they were the Moors in Africa.’2 The East King of Sulu refers to Paduka Pahala, ruler of three kingdoms whose scions converted to Islam. He died in 1417 in Denzhou, China, while

on a tributary mission with his family and nobles. He met Zhu Di, the Yongle emperor of Ming Dynasty, but he died from a strange disease while on his way home. His remains are buried in China in a tomb built by the emperor.

It is interesting to note that as early 651 AH, nineteen years after Muhammad’s death, the historical accounts say Islam, now widely accepted in academic circles as originally founded in Iraq, was first brought to China by Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas as head of an embassy in Guangzhou (Canton), which was organized at the instance of Uthman ibn Affan, the third caliph.

Muslim conquest, over the centuries, sooner or later saw the quick spread of Islam to India, China, and the regions of old Arabia in the north via the Silk Road. As a result, many of Muslims held revered posts in

royal courts, appointed as customs collector, and employed as loyal stewards. Intriguingly, both the Chinese and Muslims embrace lunar calendars.

By 1382, Gavin Menzies wrote in his book ‘1434’ (2008), the Chinese emperor gathered all the scholars in his home turf. Those summoned included Hai Da Er, an Islamic observatory official, and Ma Sa Yi Hei, an expert in Islam. They were under orders to select the best astronomy books from the western regions at the Yuan court in Beijing. Even the greatest 15th century Chinese admiral and explorer Zheng He, who traveled the world since 1407, was a Muslim eunuch.

Sulu-China recorded trade ties dates to the Yuan Dynasty (1268-1368), predating the Makhdum story. Accounts show the Chinese regularly visited Sulu (Jolo) chiefly to trade in pearl, which was abundant

there. Muslim-Chinese relations would later prosper. In 1417, the sultanate of Sulu sent a tributary mission, lengthily in the Ming Annals, to the celestial court in China.

The first Islamic house of worship in China is the Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou; it was supposedly erected during the Tang dynasty in 627 CE, five years before Muhammad, the recognized founder of Islam, died.

(Endnotes) 1. Mindanao Muslim History: Documentary Sources from the Advent of Islam to the 1800s. John Harvey D. Gamas et al, eds. Ateneo de Davao University Publications Office (Davao City: 2017), 30.

2. Mansur Xu Xianlong. From Moors to Moros: The North African Heritage of the Hui Chinese.

Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 16, No. 1, 1996.

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Morning walk benefits

H

aving a morning walk and building regular routines around it can do your health some wonders.

Many studies have noted that an hour of walking can instantly increase your life expectancy by two hours! Regular morning walks can also help you lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Walks can also increase your energy and prevent weight gain.

Apart from that, it benefits your immune system!

Walking daily can reduce risks of catching a cold or the flu. Studies have shown that people who walk at

least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, have 43% fewer sick days. And if you get sick, you’re likely to have milder symptoms.

This simple but effective routine also helps you achieve better mental wellness—it helps clear your mind and improve memory and lower risks of dementia. Walking has also been shown to help the brain function better.

Walking gives you a generous amount of time to be creative—especially when solving problems or pursu-

ing hobbies.

Walking gives you a healthier heart! For best benefits, doctors recommend to devote at least 150 minutes a week of walking exercise—this is a great chance to enjoy your neighborhood or your favorite outdoor park and appreciate small joys in life.

The best part about walking, for some, is enjoying a sense of self-expression through athleticism and fashion. You get to put on your favorite sneakers and celebrate movement and a healthy body!

Find your best walking shoe in Sports Central in SM Lanang Premier and

enjoy from range of selections that motivate you to walk and to embrace wellness every morning. Sports Central Inc. is a retail company specializing in athletic footwear, sports apparel, and accessories with 34 branches nationwide. Call 298 7861 or log on to shop. sportscentral.ph to find the many ways to shop.

18 YEARS OF GENERIKA DRUGSTORE:

A commitment to the health of Filipino families continues

G

enerika Drugstore was founded on a compelling need to make medicines more affordable to Filipino families. Its founders, Teodoro L. Ferrer and Julien B. Belo, saw a common struggle among many Filipinos to keep up with the rising cost of medicines and set out on a mission to address this need by providing them access to the more affordable generic medicines. This vision led to the opening of the first Generika Drugstore 18 years ago in Montillano, Alabang, the pioneering generics drugstore in the country.

Over the years, Generika Drugstore has carried on its mission, introducing quality and affordable generic

alternatives to branded medicines through its network of drugstores that has grown to over 700 stores

nationwide. Driven by a strong sense of social purpose, Generika Drugstore also initiated offering value add services to promote overall health and wellness with its PLUS Services such as Libreng Konsulta, which was intuitively transitioned to Libreng Tele-Konsulta at the onset of the CoVid -19 pandemic, basic diagnostic tests through its tie-ups for Mobile Laboratory services, and the Gamot Guide provided to customers for free so they can be given relevant information on the medicines they are buying such as dosage, administra-

Generika Drugstore, a member of the AC Health Group, is a national chain of drugstores in the Philippines that was established to provide access to quality, affordable, generic medicines. It is the recipient of numerous awards, recognizing its positive contribution to the promotion of the health and well-being of Filipinos.

tion and storage - all done with the Filipino family’s best healthcare interest in mind.

Generika Drugstore also recognizes the need to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape in the country and has been at the forefront of introducing innovative healthcare products, services and solutions. It launched its own house brands, Actimed for its line of generic medicines and Nutrawell for its vitamins and food supplements, to assure stable supply of products in its stores and promote affordable pricing. In 2014 it launched MEDPadala, an electronic gift certificate (GC) exclusively used for the purchase of medicines and medical supplies at any Generika Drugstore, which allows the GC buyer to take care of the medicine needs of a loved one even from afar, a facility that addressed a pain point of many Filipinos working abroad at that time and has become more relevant today with the mobility restrictions from the pandemic. Last year, Generika Drugstore also launched its own e-commerce platform providing customers the facility to order online

via its Generika Drugstore App and have their or their loved one’s medicines and other healthcare essentials delivered within the same day in the safety and comfort of their homes or picked up in selected stores at their convenient time.

This mobile app complements the Call and Deliver services already offered by the stores at the onset of the pandemic to enable Filipinos to have continued access to their immediate healthcare needs.

“As Generika Drugstore celebrates its 18th Anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to continue to deliver on the vision that led to its founding. We remain strong in our resolve

to provide the Filipino family access to quality, affordable generic medicines and healthcare services,” said Atty. Yet Abarca, President and CEO of Generika Drugstore.

So as part of the 18th Anniversary celebration, with the theme “Patuloy na Kaagapay sa Kalusugan ng Pamilyang Pilipino”, Generika Drugstore will offer 18% OFF on purchases made via the Generika Drugstore App from September 27 to October 3, 2021 on top of its promo offering of a reduced delivery fee from P90 to P50 for the same period. The Generika Drugstore App is available for download via Google Play Store and Apple Store.

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S

ome years back, a leading television network reported the story of Rev. Magnolia Nova Mendoza who was barred from taking her flight due to her psoriasis. The Pasay City Regional Trial Court ordered Cebu Pacific “to pay P2 million in moral and exemplary damages.”

Pasay court Branch 114 Judge Edwin Ramizo, in a 39-page decision, said the ordained minister and professor at the Silliman University Divinity School, was “put in a situation wherein she was being subjected to a rigid inspection through no fault of her, thus bringing so much embarrassment, humiliation and anxiety on her part…”

Although psoriasis is not a communicable disease, the check-in personnel reportedly asked her to produce a medical certificate before she could be allowed to board the flight. According to the TV report, she would be allowed to fly from Dumaguete to Manila “as long as she can produce a medical certificate that she is safe for travel.”

Unlike tuberculosis, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and other infectious diseases, psoriasis is, as stated earlier, not a communicable disease.

It is a long-lasting, recurring disease often mistaken for leprosy, a chronic infection but not highly contagious.

“Psoriasis occurs when skin cells quickly rise from their origin below the surface of the skin and pile up on the surface before they have a chance to mature,” explains the Portland-based National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) in the United States.

The movement, also called turnover, takes about a month, but in psoriasis it may occur in only a few

days. “In its typical form, psoriasis results in patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales,” notes NPF. “These patches, which are sometimes referred to as plaques, usually itch or feel sore. They most often occur on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms and soles of the feet, but they can occur on skin anywhere on the body.”

The NPF says the disease may also affect the fingernails, the toenails, and the soft tissues of the genitals and inside the mouth.

Several forms There are several forms of psoriasis, according to NPF. Some of these include: plaque psoriasis (skin lesions are red at the base and covered by silvery scales), guttate psoriasis (small, drop-shaped lesions appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalps), and pustular psoriasis (blisters of non-infectious pus appear on the skin).

Inverse psoriasis is smooth, red patches occurring in the folds of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. The symptoms may be worsened by friction and sweating. On the other hand, erythrodermic psoriasis is widespread reddening and scaling of the skin, which may be a reaction to severe sunburn or to taking medications. It can also be caused by a prolonged period of increased activity of psoriasis that is poorly controlled. Then, there’s

PSORIASIS:

WHEN SKIN CELLS RUN AMOK

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO psoriatic arthritis, a joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis in patients who have or will develop psoriasis.

“Although the patches do not cause extreme physical discomfort, they are very obvious and often embarrassing to the person,” points out The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

Jude, who was only 15 when he had psoriasis, could never go swimming in the beach or pools with his friends. When he changed clothes, he usually closed the door of his room so that nobody could see him. “I am afraid they will find out about it.”

Although it is not life-threatening, the psychological distress caused by psoriasis can be severe; it may lead to significant depression and social isolation. Many people with psoriasis also have deformed, thickened, pitted nails.

If there ever was a medical condition that could convince Sherlock Holmes to get out of business, it’s psoriasis. “When it comes to psoriasis, modern medicine is absolutely inadequate,” deplores Dr. Laurence Miller, an adviser to the US National Institutes of Health.

Top 20 diseases

Photo: medicinenet.com

Generally, psoriasis starts most often in people aged 10 to 40, although people in all age groups are susceptible. “Psoriasis has always been on the list of the top 20 diseases in the country,” says Dr. Francisca dela Cruz-Roa, who is with the Philippine Dermatology Society. “It often appears in the late teens to adulthood. It rarely occurs in children.”

Psoriasis persists throughout life but may come and go. “Symptoms are often diminished during the summer when the skin is exposed to bright sunlight,” says the Merck manual.

“Some people may go for years between occurrences.

Psoriasis may flare up for no apparent reason, or as a result of a variety of circumstances.”

Speaking of flare-ups, the Merck manual informs: “Flare-ups often result from conditions that irritate the skin, such as minor injuries and severe sunburn. Sometimes flare-ups follow infections, such as colds and strep throats. Many drugs, such as antimalarial drugs, lithium and beta-blockers, can also cause psoriasis to flare up.”

Causes The cause of psoriasis is still unknown, but a

problem with the immune system is thought to play a leading role. “Psoriasis is a skin disorder driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a T-cell,” explains NPF. “Normally, T-cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T-cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells.”

The disorder often runs in families. “In about one-third of the cases, there is a family history of psoriasis,” the NPF reports. “Researchers have studied a large number of families affected by psoriasis and identified genes linked to the disease.”

(Genes govern every bodily function and determine the inherited traits passed from parent to child.)

Treatment There is still no cure for psoriasis. However, there are many drugs available to treat the disease. Most often, a combination of drugs is used, depending on the severity and extent of the person’s symptoms.

Bathing is often a catch-22 for those with psoriasis. That’s because soaking in warm water

helps soften psoriasis plaques, but it sometimes dries skin and worsens itching. “One way to get the benefits of a batch without the dryness is to add a couple of capfuls of vegetable oil to your batch,” says Dr. Glennis McNeal, NPF’s public information director. “The best way to do it is to get in the tub first, so your body soaks up the water, and then add the oil.”

Watch what you eat.

“Although there are no specific links that have been proven, it appears a diet high in oily fish -- such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, and salmon -- helps reduce the itching and inflammation of psoriasis,” says Dr. Nicolas J. Lowe, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California.

Those are just some suggestions. “Since there is no cure for psoriasis,” NPF states, “people have to manage their disease during their lifetime. It is a major challenge to find a treatment that works, has a favorable track record for safety and can be easily integrated into a patient’s life. Because of its convenience and ease of administration, it may provide patients with a sense of control over their disease.”

10

EDGEDAVAO

JAMPACKED... FROM 2

line of the registration on September 30, 2021.

“Yes, because naay deadline ang atoang Comelec sa rehistro. We already referred to the prevention and enforcement group sa response cluster ang pag maintain ug dis-

tancing sa ilaha,” the mayor said.

On Wednesday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended the voter registration from October 9 to 31, 2021, from the initial deadline of September 30, 2021.

16, Article IX, of Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which states that “any school, college or university existing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region as of the effectivity of this Organic Law, and such other schools and institutions that may be established hereinafter shall be deemed integral components of the educational

system of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and shall be governed by their respective charters”.

They said the provision should not be construed that the budget for the SUCs in BARMM will be funded by the autonomous regional government, arguing that doing so would be “a deviation to the letter and spirit” of the law. (PNA)

MINDANAO... FROM 2

DEVOLUTION... FROM 2

mayo ba ang pagkahimo (looking at how projects are done would now get nearer the public),” Roldan said in explaining people’s participation to local development.

This will consequently make local chief executive more accountable because they can no longer pass on to the national government their project implementation.

“Mea culpa mea culpa na man.. (it would then be my sin, my sin); you cannot blame it on others,”

Roldan said.

Meanwhile, Roldan viewed E.O. 138 as one of the significant legacies of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who has a grasp on local governance.

“Naka realize sya nga ang key ap ag-develop sa mga localidad (he has realized that the key to develop localities) is to give the local authorities the mandate to plot the path of development of his/her jurisdiction,” Roldan said.

(PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

country to do the paperwork for you,” he added.

Salceda said the aim of the law was to attract FDIs regardless of size.

“There are small enterprises that are actually very promising startups.

We want them, too. But they are unable to maintain physical agents processing their applications in the Philippines. This portal makes it easier for them to do business in the country,” he said. (PNA)

where we were before the pandemic by the second half of next year. Now, more than ever, each one of us needs to walk together and watch each other’s back(s) so that no one gets left behind in this continuing journey,” he said.

One of the positive economic developments that Diokno cited is the rebound of the economy in the second quarter of this year which grew by 11.8 percent, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP).

Domestic output from April to June this year ended the five-quarter GDP contraction since the first quarter of 2020 and was a big jump from the decades-low -17 percent in the second quarter of last year.

Diokno also cited the drop of the unemployment rate, improvement of both the consumer and business confidence, credit rating affirmations, and upticks in foreign direct investments (FDIs), remittance inflows, and foreign currency reserves.

Latest central bank data show that gross international reserves (GIR) rose to USD107.96 billion as of end-August this year, inflows from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) grew by 6 percent year-on-year last July to USD19.783 billion, and FDI net inflows last June rose by 60.4 percent yearon-year- to USD833 million.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data also show that the unemployment rate last July posted its lowest since April 2020 at 6.9 percent.

Aside from prioritizing health-related measures to boost economic rebound, Diokno underscored the need to further buoy the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the pandemic’s impact.

“Considering that MSMEs are the backbone of the economy, measures to help MSMEs recover would significantly redound to the resurgence of the entire country,” he added. (PNA)

Meanwhile, fuels like diesel, gasoline and kerosene have also been increasing in the last 5 weeks.

In the last 5 weeks, the total price spikes already reached more than P3/li-

ter especially for diesel and kerosene.

Total Fuel Price Hikes (Aug. 31-Sept. 28, 2021) Gasoline P2.65/litro Diesel P3.60/litro Kerosene P3.25/litro

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due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Parents or guardians should accompany minor-age registrants wishing to have a Philippine Identification card.

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 nation-

al ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall 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 also seeks to boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA)

action (RT-PCR) test.

F1 contacts are “first-generation contacts of an RT-PCR-confirmed Covid-19-positive case; F2 contacts the second-generation contacts of an RT-PCR-con-

firmed Covid-19-positive case (close contacts of F1); F3 contacts are third-generation contacts of an RT-PCR-confirmed Covid-19-positive case (close contacts of F2). By Maya M. Padillo

tion of the Agus 2-Kibawe 138KV lines 1 and 2, which tripped last September 22 and 3, respectively. The Agus 2 hydro plant is situated in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur while Kibawe is a municipality in Bukidnon.

“The company stresses that any incident meant to interrupt the delivery of power transmission services, only serve to increase the burden of the public, which must suffer through power interruptions when lines or towers are affected. Any attempt to hinder line clearing activities is a violation of the provisions under Republic Act 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, and is punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment or fines up to P200,000, or both,” NGCP warned.

Cuerpo said the NGCP linemen, escorted by a security detail of seven Army soldiers, walked for two days to the 138-KV transmission tower in the mountains in Buadiposo-Buntong town.

“It was a regular checkup of the tower and usually the linemen have a squad of soldiers to accompany them for their security,” Cuerpo said.

Cuerpo said the initial report they received was

that one of the soldiers stepped on a pressure-activated landmine planted on the base of the transmission tower.

He said they are conducting an investigation on who is responsible for the landmine.

Cuerpo discounted the possibility that communist rebels or members of the Dawlah Islamiya Maute terror group were responsible.

“Usually the bomb is attached to the tower and exploded to topple it down.

This is different,” he said.

Cuerpo said NGCP transmission towers are always the subject of numerous attacks in the past and those responsible were mostly disgruntled landowners.

NGCP, in its statement, expressed “its appeal to the local and national government, local community leaders, and the public, to help identify the perpetrators, and to negotiate with uncooperative landowners, to prevent longer power interruptions. The public may report suspicious activities in the vicinity of its transmission lines and facilities to the NGCP Tip Hotline at 0917-8476427 or 09188476427.” (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

to rise to the occasion to make sure that the protection needs of Filipino families are met,” he added.

In his presentation, Littaua said the company registered robust sales in the first quarter of 2021, with gross written premiums rising by nearly 53 percent year on year to PHP3.5 billion.

He said the new busi-

ness annual premium equivalent also increased by almost 42 percent to PHP422.2 million.

Littaua said the second-quarter and third-quarter figures are showing “stronger performance.”

“And I think that’s going to be sustained. We’re going to have a very good turnaround this year,” he added. (PNA)

tal, Tonik Bank, UnoBank and the Gokongwei group’s GOTyme have all been approved in 2021.

OF Bank and Tonik bank have been operating while UnoBank, backed by a Singapore-headquartered fintech company, as well as the Gokongwei Group’s GOTyme are set to open in the coming months.

Diokno said the 7th

bank would be announced soon.

Other existing banks do not need to have a digital banking license to offer online services, the governor said.

Digital bank is a new banking category that has no physical branch and is designed for faster onboarding, especially those who are unbanked.

CONTACTS... FROM 3 NGCP... FROM 3

DIGITIZATION... FROM 4

APPLICANTS... FROM 5

PH... FROM 5

livery of Covid-19 vaccines in the country brings optimism to industry players.

“While the number of total Covid-19 cases continues to rise nationwide and is so far at about 2.4 million, the national vaccination

program has administered over 43 million total doses so far. CCAP has entered into partnerships with various local government units to ensure vaccinations for employees,” Uligan said.

(PNA)

with JERA will be a key enabler in this journey,” he said.

AboitizPower eyes

clean energy share in its power portfolio to reach 50 percent or 4,600 megawatts by 2030. (PNA)

and they’ve already begun their bonding with a recent weekend trip to Las Vegas.

They hope to find a groove swiftly with a roster also including newcomers DeAndre Jordan, Rajon Rondo, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza and three-time Lakers center Dwight Howard — along with youngsters Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn.

James isn’t worried about finding a rhythm with Westbrook, the ball-dominating Los Angeles native landed by the Lakers in a blockbuster trade with Washington after averaging a triple-double yet again last season.

The third-leading scorer in NBA history cited his years of experience in playing alongside gifted teammates ranging from Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

“I’m very cerebral about what I need to do in order for our team to be as great as we can be, and also to (complement) what Russ brings to the table,” James said. “I always figure it out. I don’t think it’s going to be like peanut butter and jelly to start the season, but that’s all part of the process and all part of my work. I like to actually put in the work to get to how great it can be.”

The Lakers have also taken a major step toward togetherness and health by getting their roster fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Even Bazemore, an outspoken vaccine skeptic last season in Golden State, has received his first dose and is eager to get his second.

Bazemore said he decided to get the vaccine after a conversation about life and philosophy with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.

“One thing you don’t want to have is regret,” Bazemore said. “And if I go to another team or miss this season because I didn’t do it and I’ve got to watch these guys party with the Larry O’Brien Trophy because I didn’t do it, I’d be pretty hurt.”

James also confirmed he has been vaccinated, putting to rest the rumors around his previous reluctance to disclose his status.

He acknowledged initial “skepticism” about the vaccine, but decided it was the right decision to stay healthy for his teammates and family.

Health undid the Lakers’ title defense last season: Davis, James and several complementary players were limited or unable to play throughout Los Angeles’ first-round loss to Phoenix.

Davis’ absences have been the most crushing for the Lakers over the past two years, and the big man is eager to be more durable. As one of the Lakers’ youngsters heading into only his ninth NBA season, he sees it as a responsibility.

“I didn’t feel comfortable missing that many games,” Davis said. “Not being able to play at full strength in the playoffs against Phoenix ... that didn’t sit well with me. I made an emphasis on taking care of my body, getting my body back to what it was strength-wise my first year here.”

ning.

“When you’re at that point guard spot, playing at the one, is be patient, be poised,” forward Tobias Harris said after practice.

“Tyrese’s greatest skill is that speed out there on the floor and being able to finish at the rim. He’s a young player, but he’s continuing to evolve into his game.

I think throughout this training camp, we’re going to see more and more of him doing different things he feels comfortable with.”

Maxey has repeated his mantra of getting “1% better” every day, on or off the court. Maxey, who averaged eight points in 15.3 minutes last season, dedicated himself this summer to film study and vowed to become a better student of the game.

“I just kind of put my head down and work,” he said.

The Sixers will need it if they expect to stay among the top of the class in the East.

I believe. Whether it’s one thing or another, just going to keep doing it,” he said.

Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar jumped into

the fray and said NBA should remove the staff or players who refused to take the vaccine. (Anadolu)

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LeBron James has his picture taken by Anthony Davis on Lakers media day.

Lakers laugh off ‘old’ tag

E

L SEGUNDO, California — LeBron James has heard the basketball world talking about how the Los Angeles Lakers are too old, and he is laughing — both literally and figuratively.

“Some of the memes and some of the jokes have been extremely funny,” James said with a grin on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).

At 36 years old, James is on a roster of his peers as he enters his 19th NBA season. Nine of the Lakers’ 14 current players are 32 or older, including eight of their 11 new additions — and Anthony Davis is a high-mileage 28. Depending on any late moves, the Lakers’ average age is like-

C

AMDEN, N.J. — Yes, that was Tyrese Maxey wearing Philadelphia 76ers’ first-team grays and running drills with Joel Embiid and three other returning starters.

The three-time All-Star guard Maxey replaced?

Well, Ben Simmons was absent on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) from training camp as expected as he tries to persuade the Sixers to trade him, even with $147 million and four years left on his contract.

The only trace of the former franchise guard was an oversized framed photo of Simmons on the cover of “Slam” magazine with the headline “Kingdom Come.”

In Sixers-land, king-

ly to be nearly 31, which would be two years older than any other NBA roster.

But instead of fixating on his new teammates’ 1980s birthdates, James thinks people should be focusing on the skill, experience and athleticism represented by all those numbers. Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and a supporting cast of accomplished NBA veterans are teaming up with James and Davis, and they are confident they can prove age is

dom come, kingdom go, all at the whim of an unhappy star.

Coach Doc Rivers clings to the belief, however improbable, that Simmons may show up at training camp or at some point this season to try to lead the Sixers back to the top of the Eastern Conference.

“I do believe at some point he will be,” Rivers said. “Right now, I’m going to focus on the guys that are on the floor. I think that’s more important.”

The focus is on getting Maxey first-team reps and ready for an increased workload in his second season with the Sixers. The 20-year-old guard, who played at Kentucky, scored 39 points in 44 minutes on

FPEREZ, P10

not yet a hindrance to their incredible talent.

“We come out and we put the time in, we put the work in,” James said. “We make our own narrative.

One thing that we know (is) who we are. We’ve got a bunch of guys that have been in this league quite a while that understand and know what it takes to win.

The business that we’re in is winning, and doing it all the time.”

The rest of James’ new teammates react to the questions around their ages with the same raised eyebrows. The Lakers all seem to wonder why the skeptics don’t realize these players have outlasted dozens of younger players in the NBA for some very

18-of-33 shooting in his first career start against Denver.

“He’s not a natural point guard,” Rivers said.

But his youthful energy, humor and knack for floaters at the right moment made Maxey an instant fan favorite and has made him a fit for Simmons’ starting spot, even if the Sixers would take a tremendous hit defensively.

Maxey is about nine inches shorter than Simmons, an All-Defensive first-team selection, and needs improvement in the 1-on-1 game. And Maxey could need time to feel at ease trying to lead a unit full of veterans and big-salary players used to win-

FRIVERS, P10

good reasons.

“It’s never bulletin-board material, because it’s somebody else’s narrative,” said Anthony, James’ fellow member of the draft class of 2003. “We don’t get moments like this often where you have a group of guys with this stature on one team who all like each other. That’s hard to find.”

The Lakers got together Tuesday at their training complex for media day exactly three weeks before their regular-season opener against Golden State at Staples Center.

With just three players returning from last season’s team, the Lakers realize they have work to do,

FLAKERS, P10

Some NBA players still unvaxxed vs. Covid-19 ahead of new season

T

he 2021-2022 NBA season, the 75th season of the association, will get underway in three weeks, but some players remain unvaccinated, causing controversy.

A total of 90 percent of players have received at least one dose of the shot, but some players -- including New Jersey Nets’ superstar guard Kyrie Irving -- are reportedly not vaccinated.

Players in the NBA are not currently mandated to receive the vaccine against coronavirus, but in some cities such as New York City and San Francis-

The 76ers have added former Laker Andre Drummond.

co, players must take the vaccine to be on the court at home.

Golden State Warriors player Andrew Wiggins previously applied for a religious exemption from receiving Covid-19 vaccination, but NBA denied his request.

“Wiggins will not be able to play in Warriors home games until he fulfills the city’s vaccination requirements,” NBA said.

Wiggins still defends his decision; “I’m confident in my beliefs and what I think is right, what I think is wrong. I’m just going to keep doing what

FSOME, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 169 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has retired from boxing.

FINAL BELL

8-division world boxing champion Pacquiao announces retirement

M

anny Pacquiao, the only eight-division champion in boxing history, has officially called it a career in boxing after announcing his retirement from the sport on Wednesday.

In a 14-minute video, the 42-year-old Pacquiao said “goodbye boxing,” signaling an end to his illustrious career that lasted for 26 years.

“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I am announcing my retirement,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao last fought in the ring last month in a losing effort to younger Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight super title.

Boxing for the first time in two years, Pacquiao, while still displaying brilliance, looked to be outside his peak shape as Ugas put on a show to successfully defend the belt he actually got after the WBA stripped the former of it due to inactivity, further triggering talks that the match was Pacquiao’s final act.

Pacquiao himself confirmed it.

“I never thought this day would come. As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to

thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao.

Goodbye boxing,” his farewell address continued. “I just heard the final bell. Tapos na ang boxing (The boxing match is over).”

The announcement also confirmed what the concurrent senator told singer-actress Toni Gonzaga in her vlog that he is indeed retiring ahead of his bid for the Philippine presidency next year.

His camp has actually scheduled a press conference regarding his boxing retirement, but the said event has yet to start as of posting.

Pacquiao is retiring with an impressive record of 62 wins, 39 by knockout, eight losses, and two draws and the historic distinction of being the first and so far the only boxer who has won at least one world title in eight different divisions from flyweight to junior middleweight. (PNA)