Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 182 | Friday, October 15, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 182 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021

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UP AND ABOUT Sara recovers after contracting ‘mild’ Covid-19 STORY ON PAGE 2

A young resident of a coastal community in Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde spends his morning watching the construction works for a bridge, which is part of the Davao City Coastal Road project, at Sta. Ana Port in Davao City. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 182 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio chats with city government of Davao personnel in this undated photo. The mayor has recovered from her “mild symptoms” after contracting coronavirus disease (COVID-19) last October 9, according to Davao City COVID-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser. Edge Davao

UP AND ABOUT A

Authorities probe how NPA rebels amassed a cache of dynamites

Sara recovers after contracting ‘mild’ Covid-19

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has reportedly recovered after contracting Covid-19 with mild symptoms.

This was bared on Thursday by Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City COVID-19 Task Force.

Schlosser said the mayor’s condition has improved significantly after she and her family were

placed in isolation.

She also said on Tuesday that all the close contacts of Mayor Sara were already contact traced and swabbed. She said none of the mayor’s close contacts have tested positive for Covid-19.

On October 9, 2021, the presidential daughter’s office stated that Mayor Sara has tested positive for Covid-19.

Mayor Sara has received two shots of the China-made Sinopharm vaccine.

A planned medical trip by the presidential daughter to Singapore scheduled on October 5 to 8, 2021 was canceled after one of

her staff who will accompany her on the trip tested positive for Covid-19.

Mayor Sara became the third of the Duterte family to test positive for the Covid-19 virus. First was Vice Mayor Baste Duterte then Congressman Paolo Duterte, who is currently in isolation at a hospital while his family is under quarantine at their residence.

uthorities are investigating construction companies who have road infrastructure contracts in Bukidnon as the possible supplier of the cache of dynamites seized by the military from a hidden pit of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Operatives from the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) under the 403rd Infantry Brigade found 1,026 dynamite sticks on Oct. 8 in a pit in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Kalasungay.

Brig. Gen. Fernando Barandon, 403IB commander, said the dynamites with “Superpower 90” marking are made by

leading Indian explosives and defense manufacturer Solar Industries India Limited.

“It is unlikely that the NPA smuggled them here all the way from India. It is either the NPA pilfered or stole them from the companies,” he pointed out.

A former rebel led Army soldiers to the NPA cache of explosives.

Master Sergeant Gilbert Melendez, of the Bukidnon PNP explosives and ordnance unit, said they have asked the Philippine National Police national headquarters in Camp Crame to provide them with the list of com-

(CFW) today in some barangays of Padada town, Davao del Sur. Each of the identified family assessed to have a totally damage house caused by the earthquake will receive P30,000 as shelter assistance and P2,970 as cash-for-work.

Those with partially damaged housed will receive P10,000 as shelter assistance and P1,485 as cashfor-work.

The DSWD XI just received the downloaded P571 million fund last September following the difficulty faced by the agency in looking for fund

source as the entire country was also hit by a pandemic last year.

Said amount was allocated for the Comprehensive Aid to Repair of Earthquake Damage (CARED) following the series of earthquake that struck Central Mindanao and which caused landslides and destruction to infrastructures in the immediate and nearby regions, including the Province of Davao del Sur. The DSWD highlighted that the series of earthquakes brought the already reeling local com-

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Go urges colleagues to support DavSur quake victims to receive shelter assistance thru DSWD budget for Covid-19 response

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enator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday urged colleagues to support the proposed 2022 national budget, particularly the amount allotted for the country’s Covid-19 pandemic response.

During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing on the proposed PHP157.5-billion budget of the Department of Health (DOH) and its attached agencies for 2022, Go stressed the need to include in the budget the allowances of the healthcare workers.

“Sa ating laban kontra Covid-19, isa sa pinaka-importante na dapat nating masigurado ay ang kapakanan ng ating healthcare workers (In our fight against Covid-19, one of the most important things we need to secure is the welfare of our health care workers),” Go said.

Under the proposed budget, Go said more healthcare workers will receive allowances.

“Hindi na limitado lamang sa mga directly exposed sa Covid-19 patients dahil nga hindi

naman talaga natin alam kung sino ang exposed sa virus na ito. Hindi natin nakikita itong Covid-19, kailangang maisama po natin sa budget para dito (The allowances are not only limited to the healthcare workers who are directly exposed to Covid-19 patients because we do know with certainty who have been exposed),” Go added.

He also asked the committee chaired by Senator Pia Cayetano to ensure that enough funding is available for the

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fter two years since the series of earthquake hit the towns in Davao del Sur in 2019, 36,270 victims of said calamity will finally receive shelter financial assistance and cash-for-work starting today.

Guesting in the One Davao Virtual Presser today, Project Development Officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development XI (DSWD) Engr. Kris Sam Torralba announced that the DSWD XI has started distribution of the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) and Cash-for-work

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 182 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021

NEWS

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City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) head Ivan Cortez discloses that there is a master planning activity commissioned for Barangay Mintal in enhancing its tourism potential. Edge Davao

‘Little Tokyo’ makeover for Barangay Mintal mulled

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avao City Planning and Development Office officer-in-charge Ivan Chin Cortez bared that a master plan has been commissioned for Barangay Mintal designed to enhancce its tourism potential banking on its Japanese influences.

Cortez said the draft has been submitted for comments already and once approved and accepted, future projects are expected to incorporate the” Little Tokyo” concept in the area.

Cortez is referring to the Tourism Master Plan of Barangay Mintal prepared by a leading consulting firm Berkman that was submitted to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The Tourism Master Plan for Barangay Mintal aims to identify all the existing tourism resources and take into consideration the fragility of the existing natural and urban environment of Mintal, to suggest new and additional sustainable tourism products as well as to design and layout appropriate development programs that will help promote Barangay Mintal in its transformation as a major cultural and historical destination.

Moreover, all tourism development proposed shall be designed to be community based in order to raise the standard of living of the residents, be completely environmental, and sustainable through a strong recommendation

to set up the appropriate institutional frameworks required to assure the continuity of the tourism and environmental projects.

The proposed tourism development program is envisioned to attract not only the foreign tourists, particularly the Japanese descendants of the former residents of Mintal, increased arrivals expected in Davao City due to the presence of President Duterte, the Filipino tourists, and, most especially, the local Dabawenyos.

Dubbed as “Little Tokyo,” the present infrastructure of Mintal needs upgrading to compete with the established tourist routes and destinations in Davao that include refurbishing of the Japanese historical landmarks, installing proper signage highlighting potential places of interest, constructing visitor information center, museum, and provide a place to showcase local culture and history, provide infrastructure and facilities to give strong barangay identity as a major tourism stop, provide additional infrastructure attractions catering to local and international markets, improve narrow paved roads, regulate traffic in narrow inner roads, improve local transportation system, establish restaurants and/or catering facilities for tourists, and establish tourist housing and/or accommodation facilities. By Maya M. Padillo

More ‘Bakuna Nights’ sites inaugurated

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he city government of Davao is opening more “Bakuna Nights” venues in its bid to achieve herd immunity.

“Gusto gyud nato maachieve ang herd imunity as fast as we can. Isa sa mga proposal na gihatag sa atoang Vaccination Cluster is that they are going to open dili lang isa kundi several bakuna nights locations,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force on Wednesday.

Schlosser said the city is looking into opening sites at Abreeza Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, SM Lanang Premier, and

Gaisano Mall Toril to cater those who cannot come during the day.

“Para dili na gyud magpalayo o dili na mamasahe or magtake og so much time para mabakunahan lang. As much as possible we will cater to all corners of Davao City,” she said.

Schlosser also said existing vaccination hubs will continue to operate during daytime even if the “Bakuna Nights” will be expanded.

“Objectively, if we do everything, all measures

na naka lineup na, I would want to believe na kaya nato ni i-achieve but ginahangyo gyud pud nato ang katawhan, logistically kaya nato sya, manpower kaya nato sya, kaya nato sya pero ginahangyo nato ang katawhan sa ilang kooperasyon because kung wala tay mga taong magpa vaccine maglisod ta og achieve sa 15,000,” Schlosser said.

Meanwhile, Schlosser reported that as of October 9, 2021, Davao City has reached 66.08 percent herd immunity with a total of 792,932 first doses and 600,070 for the second doses.

She assured that the

city has a sufficient supply of vaccines and human resources to carry out the daily target.

On the other hand, the city government is giving away prizes, such as gift certificates, in a raffle for the “Bakuna Nights”at San Roque Elementary School vaccination hub wherein vaccinees may win any of the raffled items during the vaccination rollout.

Raffling of items is one of the strategies of the city to encourage more individuals to get vaccinated and reduce the backlog, and hit the herd immunity target of 1.2 million for first doses before the year ends.

ble.

A report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 identified the pilot of the aircraft with body number AGVAN RP R4416 as Captain Rotillo Fuentez.

This is the second spray plane accident in Davao de Oro since September when another aircraft crashed in Mabini town in the same prov-

ince.

On September 23, spray plane owned

by South Pacific Aerial Spraying Services crashed in mountainous and grassy portion of Marsman Drysdale Isalon Banana Plantation along the boundary of Purok 6, Lower Maubog, Tibagon, Pantukan and Tagnanan, Mabini, Davao de Oro.

Piloted by Lucas Ceromenes, the plane was then conducting spray sorties over Marsman Banana plantation in Barangay Bongabong, Pantukan town when the aircraft developed engine trouble.

The plane was heavily damaged in the crash landing, but Ceromenes sustained only minor injuries.

Another spraying plane crashes; pilot survives

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nother spraying plane crashed in Davao de Oro, but like in the first accident, the pilot luckily survived.

The second plane crash occurred at 7:15 in the morning of Wednesday (October 13) while spraying over MD Rio Vista, a Marsman affiliate, in Purok Avocado, Pangi, Maco due to engine trou-

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 182 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) bares that the Philippine gross international reserves (GIR) level slips in September due mainly to the payment of the country’s foreign debt. Edge Davao

Mall chain accepts PhilID cards for business center transactions A mall chain is now accepting Philippine Identification (PhilID) or the national ID card in transactions in its business centers.

The SM Supermalls said it will start accepting PhilID cards as proof of identity of its clients when transacting for foreign currency exchange, remittance services, and credit cards.

This, as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), has partnered with the SM Prime Holdings pushing the adoption of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) project for the verification of an individual’s identity.

National Statistician and PSA undersecretary

Dennis Mapa said the partnership aims to promote seamless financial inclusion to all Filipinos.

“The action of SM Groups to accept the PhilID as a valid ID for a financial service they offer is a big leap for PhilSys, as this will achieve our goal of providing easier, safer, and more secure access to services to the public,” Mapa said in a statement on Wednesday.

Mapa said the use of PhilID, which can be acquired by signing to the PhilSys project, will pro-

vide opportunities for the government, and even private, to provide convenient transaction services to the people.

“As we continue to work in solidarity with SM Prime Holdings, we at the PSA, commit to giving Filipinos more convenient access to private and public transactions,” he added.

Meanwhile, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said PhilSys will further improve the mall’s financial transaction services.

“The PhilID will boost the efficiency of transacting inside our Mall and retail partners when availing of services and products.

Since June 2021, individuals who exchange foreign

banknotes through any SM Store branch nationwide have the option to present their PhilID as a single valid identifying document during the transaction,” Tan said.

Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), the government has also opened several PhilSys registration centers allowing for the second phase PhilSys registration process in selected SM malls nationwide.

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

aliens.

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

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

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Postal Corporation, and the Department of Foreign Affairs have already recognized the use of PhilID cards as a valid proof of identity of their

clients in transacting with their services.

Also, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is currently running a pilot test for the use of PhilSys in its various social services such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Pursuant to the law, Mapa earlier urged more national line agencies and the private sector to partner with the PSA in bolstering “speedy transactions and swift provision of public services” in the country.

Acquiring a PhilID card is free for all Filipinos.

(PNA)

lo card, which is a free, real-time, and credit-based digital remittance product.

“It is surprising (that) in more than 20 years, there hasn’t been innovation at all in money transfer,” Frenkiel said.

He added remittances in the Philippines are mainly on cash basis and receivers have to wait for two to three days before getting the money from the remittance center,

which also charges service fee.

Frenkiel said Pomelo is tapping the Philippine market as more than 12 million Filipinos are living and working overseas and are sending money back to the country.

In 2020, remittances to the Philippines reached USD34 billion.

However, Frenkiel said USD1 billion of these remittances went to remit-

13th month pay in ‘2 gives’ must Fintech launches credit-based get companies, employees’ nod digital remittance product

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he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said it does not see any problem with the payment of 13th month pay for private sector employees on an installment basis.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, however, said this arrangement must be mutually agreed upon by employers and their employees.

“The employers will ask Juan dela Cruz, I want to give you your 13th month pay but not in full, maybe two gives. The first half will be paid this year and then the other half next year. If the employee agrees, there is no problem. The law on 13th month pay is a benefit that is intended for the employee. when the employee says, ‘Go ahead I can wait until next

year’, there is no problem then,” Bello said in a virtual forum.

Bello added that while he understands the plight of employers who are still reeling from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, they have to comply with the law.

“This is a statutory obligation. We cannot avoid that, we have to pay

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United States-based financial technology (fintech) is taking advantage of the strong remittance market in the Philippines as it launched a cashless digital remittance service from the US to the Philippines.

In a virtual press briefing Wednesday, Pomelo founder and chief executive officer Eric Frenkiel said the company has chosen the Philippines as its first market for Pome-

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ECONOMY

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NCC Group of Companies president and chief executive officer Lafayette Lim encourages businesses to establish their presence in Mindanao, particularly in Davao City, to tap the huge opportunities in the southern part of the country.

Edge Davao

Mindanao becoming catalyst for growth for PH: executive DTI, DHL tie up to support MSMEs’ overseas e-commerce operations

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ogistics firm DHL Express has strengthened its partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through their phygital program to provide overseas market opportunities to all clients of DTI’s Negosyo Centers.

To support market growth and increased international trade activities, DHL Express offers all customers of DTI Negosyo Centers a special 10-percent discount on published tariff rates through promo codes valid until Aug. 30, 2022.

The promo codes are displayed in all 129 DTI Negosyo Centers nationwide and can be used on shipment bookings via the MyDHL+ website.

The option to connect with DHL Express retail sales desks via chat is also available to assist customers regarding bookings or when using the codes.

“The MSME sector in our country has produced many creative and proudly Filipino products that deserve a place in the global market. Whether through traditional or

online selling, DHL Express is making it easier for MSME businesses to thrive through innovation and digitalization, such as with our phygital program,” Eric Queppet, head of commercial for DHL Express Philippines, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Queppet said the strong partnership with DTI supports the company’s aim to help MSMES harness opportunities presented by the growth of cross-border e-commerce.

“Through our presence in over 220 countries and territories and combined with our logistic expertise, MSMEs can truly leverage our global network to grow their businesses,” he added.

The phygital program combines the strongest aspects of both online and offline settings to enable a far more comprehensive and satisfying customer experience.

The new system requires no contact, service staff, and is an excellent fit for the new norm of

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n executive of the biggest mall chain in Davao has urged businesses to establish their presence in Mindanao to tap the huge opportunities in the southern part of the country.

In a webinar on Davao Investment Conference (ICon) 2021 Wednesday, NCC Group of Companies president and chief executive officer Lafayette Lim said Mindanao, particularly the Davao region, is now a big catalyst for growth for the Philippines.

“Davao 20 years ago

is so much different from Davao today,” he said.

Lim said the infrastructure, coastal roads, and inter-island bridges being built in the southern Philippines have improved the transportation and logistics in the region.

“Investments in power, water, and telecom-

munications have greatly improved the region’s readiness to take on increased development.

Economic zones and modern industrial centers are also rising left and right,” he added.

Lim said many education institutions have established their schools in Mindanao, especially in Davao region, which will translate to additional skilled workers in the region.

He said the Davao region is a strategic location for businesses as the re-

gion positions itself to be a vital gateway not only for local businesses but also for the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

“Saying ‘give Mindanao a chance’ is outdated and is no longer true.

Overlooking Mindanao and taking it for granted is a bad business decision.

If you want to lay your cards right, join us here in Mindanao and let’s grow and prosper together,” he added. (PNA)

the National Economic and Development Authority, Chua said that apart from preventing businesses from operating, quarantines also prevented children from going to school and that this was “also a driver of economic loss.”

“In a country with a very young population, 40 percent studying [but] cannot study face to face, then you will see the economic consequence,” told senators.

The Philippines is the

only country in Asia that has yet to resume face-toface classes. The Department of Education however will implement limited face-to-face classes for select schools starting Nov. 15.

“I think in the past we have been too narrowly focused on COVID and this has led to other consequences,” Chua said, mentioning job losses and diminished incomes.

Economic managers have also “pushed very

hard” to further reopen the economy, he said.

Chua also told senators that the government could only give so much aid to firms affected by the pandemic, as what was needed was to let businesses resume their activities.

“That is why I think the more sustainable way to help businesses is to first open the economy. We have restricted them for more than 18 months already.”

Various business

Lack of face-to-face classes also ‘a driver of economic loss’: NEDA’s Chua

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esides the restrictions on business activities, the lack of face-to-face classes also affected the country’s economy, one of the Philippines’ economic managers said on Wednesday.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua also told senators that the country had been “too narrowly focused” on containing COVID-19, and this led to economic losses.

During Senate deliberations on the budget of

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 182 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021

On opening more “Bakuna Nights” venues in Davao City:

Gusto gyud nato ma-achieve ang herd imunity as fast as we can.

Isa sa mga proposal na gihatag sa atoang Vaccination Cluster is that they are going to open dili lang isa kundi several bakuna nights locations."

Dr. Michelle Schlosser

Spokesperso, Davao City Covid-19 Task Force

EDITORIAL Making progress There is only one way to fight and beat this coronavirus pandemic and it’s good for Dabawenyos to have a local government knowing it too well.

target is 15,000 doses administered.

We have seen how the city government practically move heavens to roll out the vaccination campaign across the population beginning with the frontliners and the vulnerable sector. Now, we are on the way to inoculating the younger members of the communities.

In order to achieve herd immunity, at least 1.2 million Davaoeños must be vaccinated. Achievable? Yes logistics-wise according to the Covid-19 team. However, there is a need for those who are hesitant to get their shots to be convinced to get vaccinated eventually.

Yes, there is no shortcut to get past this medical wrath but to get everyone vaccinated and in the process achieve the so-called herd immunity.

Because of this aggressive campaign, the results show Davao City is now at 66 percent of its target number of inoculations against Covid-19 based on the last report by the city government. That’s a total of 792,932 individuals having received at least their first dose, and 50 percent or 600,070 fully vaccinated with two doses.

Once the show was on the road, the campaign was intense and far reaching. Vaccination went from day to night without let up even as some people remain adamant from getting vaccinated. The daily

The hesitant ones may not be too big a number but still they are not inconsequential. It matters a lot to get them to believe in science more than their unfounded belief.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 182 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO CORAL REEFS ON THE BRINK The Island Garden City of Samal, which is part of Davao Gulf, is not called an island garden because it has several vegetable and ornamental gardens but because of its colorful coral reefs. These reef gardens display colorful underwater vistas with its treasure of tropical marine life.

It’s no wonder why coral reefs are oftentimes called “Eden beneath the waves,” referring to the biblical Paradise described in Genesis.

“If you ever get the chance to dive, do it here; you will see what the best of the Davao Gulf has to offer,” says Darrell Blatchley, an American who has been living in Davao City almost half of his life and has dived Samal waters several times. “Fishing is strictly prohibited so the fish are plentiful and big. The fish are not afraid of you so they come in close as if they want to say hi!”

Coral reefs, the marine equivalent of rainforests, are biodiversity hotspots that contain an immense variety of life.

Although occupying just 0.17 percent of the ocean floor, they are home to perhaps one-quarter of all marine species. “Essential life-support systems” necessary for human survival is how the World Conservation Union describes them.

But these coral reefs are

teetering on the brink as a result of climate change. A new report, funded by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) showed sharp declines in coral cover, corresponding with rapid increases in sea surface temperatures, “indicating their vulnerability to temperature spikes.”

This phenomenon is likely to increase as the planet continues to warm, according to the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network which collected data from more than 300 scientists from 73 countries, over a span of 40 years, including two million individual observations.

The findings for the study were contained in the Sixth Status of Corals of the World: 2020 Report.

“Dynamic underwater coral cities support up to 800 different species of hard coral and are home to more than 25 per cent of all marine life,” the report said. “Soft corals bend and sway amongst the craggy mountains of hard corals providing additional homes for fish, snails and other marine creatures.”

Coral reefs harbor the highest biodiversity of any of the world’s ecosystems, making them one of the most biologically complex and valuable on the planet.

However, when waters get

too warm, corals release their colorful micro-algae, turning a skeletal white color. Some glow, by naturally producing a protective layer of neon pigments, before they bleach.

“Bleaching can be thought of as the ocean’s version of the ‘canary in the coral mine’ since it demonstrates corals’ sensitivity to dangerous and deadly conditions,” the report stated.

Something must be done soon to save coral reefs from the brink.

“If we halt and reverse ocean warming through global cooperation, we give coral reefs a chance to come back from the brink,” the report pointed out.

“It will, however, take nothing less than ambitious, immediate and well-funded climate and ocean action to save the world’s coral reefs.”

The sad this is: the problem is also happening right here in our country, where more than 400 coral reefs are found. “Nowhere else in the world are coral reefs abused as much as the reefs in the Philippines,” deplores Don E. McAllister of the Ocean Voice International.

An analysis of more than 600 data sets showed that “excellent” reefs (live hard and soft coral cover above 75%) has reduced from 5.3% to 4.3% since the late 1970s. If hard corals alone are considered, only 1.9%

of the reefs can be called “excellent,” with average hard coral cover on all reefs at 32.3%, whereas it used to be much higher.

The decline is thought to be due primarily to destructive human activities.

Destructive fishing methods – ranging from dynamite blasts to cyanide poisons – are destroying vast areas of reef.

Fishermen blast reefs with dynamite to stun the fish. When fish float to the surface, fishermen scoop up large quantities at once. Heavily dynamited reefs produce only 2.7 to 5 metric tons per square kilometer per year compared to 30 metric tons for healthy reefs.

In many parts of the world, natural poisons have long been used in fishing without apparent damage. But such is not the case of sodium cyanide. In the Philippines, 80% of the exotic fish destined for pet shops and aquariums throughout Europe and North America are captured using cyanide. There is also a growing demand for live fish at upscale restaurants.

Another equally destructive fishing method is the muro-ami, a drive-in net used for fishing in coral reefs. It consists of a net bag with two long wings into which the schooling fish, like the dalagang bukid, are driven by the divers. The gear utiliz-

es vertical scarelines weighed down by stones or chain links for creating a disturbance that drives out the fish from the coral reef into the net.

Coral mining has also depleted the country’s reefs. In fact, an estimated 1.5 million kilograms of corals are harvested annually as part of the international trade in reef products.

Also contributing to the destruction of coral reefs in the Philippines are sedimentation from erosion of soil from deforestation; the quarrying of coral reefs for construction purposes; pollution from industry, mining, and municipalities; and coastal population growth.

Coral reefs have existed for perhaps 500 million years, making them one of the oldest ecosystems on the planet. The creation of a reef can take centuries. Reefs are constructed by millions of minute animals called coral polyps, each of which lives inside a protective limestone skeleton.

The coral’s skeletons amass to form the foundation of a reef. The stony structures grow slowly, normally at a rate of 0.25 centimeters to 0.5 centimeters a year.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources urges every Filipino to help save the country’s remaining coral reefs. “We must act now

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

ERNEST H. OESCH, PHILATELIST Though associated with Davao’s plantation industry as former manager of Mindanao Estates Co.1 of Padada, Davao del Sur, Ernest H. Oesch is indelibly linked to the region’s archaeological and philatelic (stamp collection) history. Prior to his 13-year Davao stint, he was superintendent of Central Luzon Agricultural School (CLAS, now Central Luzon State University, 192325). Two years later he resigned to move to Mindanao.

Oesch, of Germanic origin, arrived in the country as a teacher of agriculture with the education bureau but went to Fiji, in the South Pacific, where he introduced the educational system adopted at CLAS. His prewar porcelain collection was the most valuable in Davao, the bulk of which were artifacts, mostly broken and assembled from different sites. A few whole pieces were retrieved,

including sherds and porcelains from burial sites near the foot of Mt. Piapi and Padada River, and from an ancient graveyard not too far away from the watercourse.

As of April 23, 1940, the Oesch collection consisted of over 400 pieces of small Ming pieces, 12-15 Sung articles, mostly large and small celadon jars, a few Ming overglazed polychrome wares, and Sawankhalok wares.

Its destruction by war was called

by Henry Otley Beyer, father of Philippine archaeology, as ‘a real loss to Philippine ceramic history.’

As a philatelist, Oesch’s earliest stamp cover bearing his name was from New Zealand, dated Mar. 19, 1926, sent to an earlier address at Isla de Sao Miguel, Tabaco, Albay, while the latest, mailed to the U.S., was dated Mar. 8, 1941, just days before he died. Many of his stamped letters

were addressed to Australia, explaining his wife was from that continent.

Oesch published in 1931 a philatelic paper for The American Chamber of Commerce Journal, describing Philippine history from 1281 to 1898. He described the stamps and overprints issued since 1854, including catalogues and stamp prices and the brief history of Philippine aerophilately.

Oesch’s inadvertent contribution to Australian philately is known, one of which is a registered letter carrying seven postal markings, sent via Manila to Caulfield South, Victoria, a federated state in southeastern Australia, and dated Dec. 14, 1931. At the time, the post office in southern Davao was at Santa Cruz town.

The response to the letter took twenty-six days to reach him from the time it was mailed from Australia.

Another letter cover sent by Oesch was addressed to A.L.V. Jenkins of Tooraweenah, in the central west of New South Wales, Australia. It was registered on Nov. 3, 1931 in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, and reached Manila postal office seven days later.

Oesch extensively used stamps as letter covers and as part of his philatelic avocation.

Some of the correspondences he received came from New Zealand, Samoa, Russia, and USA. The Australian Postal History and Social Philately identified one of his letters, which was addressed to Dr. W.I. Mitchell, a well-known California philatelist. He also used booklet panes to suggest that, indeed, he was into philately. For instance, the letter postmarked Dec. 1, 1930, has ‘a booklet pane of the 2c Rizal green on the 4c carmine McKinley, was sent to the Sydney suburb of Willoughby, the

front having a manuscript reception of December 22, 1930.’

An associate member of the American Chamber of Commerce since September 1921, he died in Manila in March 1941, age 52, due to brain tumor, after taken to a hospital for surgical care. He left behind an Australian wife he met in Fiji, a daughter and two sons. His funeral services were held at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John.

(Endnotes) 1 . Mindanao Estates Co. was principally owned, by 1926,

by Paul Gulick, a lumberjack from Baguio and Laguna; M. L. Miller, Cebu manager of International Banking Corp.; David Walstrom, paying teller in the same Cebu bank; Maj. H. F. Cameron, a military officer detailed in Philadelphia, U.S.A.; and P. C. Round, former land court judge and private lawyer.

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EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

UP AND ABOUT

EXPERIENCE THE GRAND LIFESTYLE AT THE

GRAND SUMMIT HOTEL GENERAL SANTOS

GENERAL SANTOS CITY is now home to Robinsons Hotel and Resorts’ first 4-star hotel with the launch of Grand Summit Hotel on October 15, 2021. Located just 30 minutes from General Santos International Airport and with close proximity to business districts and commercial centers, the hotel is expected to become the top hotel choice in the city.

Creating Meaningful Connections With Robinsons Hotel and Resorts brand of exceptional service, Grand Summit Hotel is the smart choice for travelers who are looking for more than just a place to stay.

More than a destination, Grand Summit Hotel offers an experience. With its distinctly “Filipino” warmth and flair coupled with intuitive and personalized service, the hotel aims to build meaningful connections with its guests.

Every touch point of your stay is as unforgettable as the beauty and warmth of General Santos and its people.

Grand Summit Hotel General Santos puts premium hospitality within reach with luxurious accommodations, elegant dining experience, firstclass amenities and superior customer service.

World Class Facilities and Amenities An exquisite balance of

Grand Summit Hotel General Santos’ Deluxe Room (L) and Lobby (R). are also available upon request.

FROM L-R: GM Jesse Chua, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts SVP & Business Unit General Manager Arthur G. Gindap, GSC Tourism Council Chairperson Jane G. Rivera, General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera, Congresswoman Shirlyn Banas-Nograles, Robinsons Land Corporation President and CEO Mr. Frederick D. Go, & Group General Manager Annalyn D. Yap style and comfort awaits the guests of Grand Summit Hotel. Equipped with world-class facilities and premium amenities, all 102 rooms and suites at the hotel are carefully-designed to meet the evolving needs of its guests.

As one of the best hotels in General Santos City, Grand Summit Hotel also puts conve-

nience and leisure at its priority.

The hotel offers leisure facilities including a spa, gym and a swimming pool. Guests can enjoy the pool and suite facilities

by December 2021 meanwhile the ballroom, spa and other fitness center are scheduled to be open by 2nd half of 2022.

For convenience, airport transfers and car rental services

Grand Summit Hotel General Santos’ Function Room.

Dining In Elegance Dine in style every day at the Grand Summit Hotel’s all day dining restaurant, and enjoy a wide range of cuisines at Café Summit! Café Summit brings the best of the region to give you a dining experience unlike any other.

Situated in the Tuna Capital of the Philippines – General Santos City, Café Summit does not only offer this local favorite but provides a variety of choices from regional delicacies to international cuisines, the restaurant also caters to the different tastes and preferences of its guests. Apart from the exquisite dishes, they also boast of its signature drinks such as Whisper of the Hill, Summit Lady and Mango de Papa.

For intimate gatherings, business luncheons or any exclusive dining, private dining is available for the guests’ convenience.

Event Venues With multiple function rooms and a ballroom, Grand Summit Hotel is the ideal venue for business meetings, exhibits, training and social gatherings. Function rooms are now available and can conveniently accommodate up to 50 guests while the Grand Ballroom can comfortably fit up to 500 guests.

Each room is equipped with top-of-the-line audio-visual and technical facilities to make your event a success.

Meanwhile, the spacious, pillarless and elegantly-designed Grand Ballroom can easily accommodate up to 500 guests in a banquet setting when it opens in 2022.

Experience the New Normal at the Grand Summit Hotel How safe is it to travel in the time of the pandemic? Robinsons Hotel and Resorts and Grand Summit Hotel understand the concerns of its guests when traveling in the new normal. Robinsons Hotel and Resorts implement safety protocols in every touch point from pre-arrival to post-departure to ensure a worry-free and safe experience for all guests.

Grand Summit Hotel General Santos follows the Circle of Clean (COC) protocol, which is modeled after the World Health Organization’s hygiene and cleanliness standards as well as the Department of Health New Normal protocol. Aside from common precautions seen in almost every establishment today, the COC has extra safety measures including a seamless online check-in, luggage disinfection upon check-in and checkout, COC ambassadors stationed in common areas ready to assist, rigorous and effective food handling hygiene, COCO alerts—a unique inhouse SMS notification system that reminds guests to observe proper handwashing hygiene, and more.

You’ll surely enjoy a relaxing stay with these in place!

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A

single mother of a 6-year-old boy, 26-year-old Elizabeth worked as a cashier at a café in Manila. When she learned about her status, she was totally devastated. “I cried all the time, every time I’m reminded of what happened,” she said, adding that she cried even more “because of the discrimination I’m going through.”

Two years after she was diagnosed of having HIV, Elizabeth started to suffer from double vision and frequent headaches.

Her doctor, who could not determine whether she was suffering from an opportunistic infection, suggested that she undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on her eyes.

Because the doctor recommended rest, she needed to file a leave of absence from her company. “I told our human resources about my status so I can have a valid excuse for my leave, which was going to take a long time because the doctor wanted me to rest,” she said.

She was fired as a result. “My supervisor said she understood me and would like to help,” she said. The supervisor then referred Elizabeth to the manager of a manpower company that supplies workers for restaurants.

The manager told her: “Since there may be people who won’t understand what happened to you, I need to pull you out of the coffee shop.”

The manager then asked Elizabeth to fill out forms, one of which turned out to be a resignation letter from the employment agency, not just the coffee shop. “I asked why and he told me it’s because I was exposed to food,” she said. “He was very good at convincing me to resign for my own good, that resigning would reduce my stress,

things like that. But it was painful. I know what he was asking me to do was wrong. It felt wrong.”

At the manager’s urging, she signed the resignation letter.

Elizabeth’s case -from the collection of Human Rights Watch -- is one of the many sob stories of people who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the microorganism that may result later on to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Although being HIV-infected is no longer a death sentence, the disease is still one of the most dreaded and favorite subject matter of gossip. In addition, the stigma and discrimination attached to it is very prevalent.

Despite the fact the Philippines is still under threat by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic doesn’t stop HIV/AIDS from proliferating among those who engage in “risky sexual behaviors.” Among those who are doing such acts are gays, bisexuals, men who have sex with men (MSMs), and others who participate in unprotective sex and with multiple partners.

In General Santos City, for instance, Shine Soccskargen, Inc. is very much worried over the surge of HIV/AIDS confirmed cases in the city.

The infections, said Cris Lopera, could become a major problem for the

HIV/AIDS IN THE TIME

OF PANDEMIC

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO city if not immediately given proper attention by concerned agencies.

Lopera is the executive director of gender rights and reproductive health of Shine Soccskargen, a health advocacy group. He was the source of information for a news report circulated by the Philippine News Agency.

Quoting a report from the City Health Office’s (CHO) HIV/AIDS Core Team, he said the confirmed cases in General Santos City has already increased to 112 as of the end of September. In comparison, there were only 44 cases detected last year.

Lopera urged stakeholders, including the city government, to “take another look at the situation and not just focus on the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As he puts it: “We should not wait for the cases to increase to 100 every month before we act on the problem.”

Speaking of COVID-19 pandemic, those who are HIV-positive are classified under the A3 priority group in the government’s vaccination program. But for their safety, they need to have medical clearance before they can be vaccinated, as required by the health department.

Additional Photo from DOST

Despite limited data, available information suggests current WHO (World Health Organization) recommended COVID-19 vaccines – AstraZeneca/Oxford, Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac – are safe for people living with HIV. During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors saw a similar type of stigma among those infected. In the past, people would fear and shun people who are HIV-positive, the same true happened to those with COVID-19.

“Some medical frontliners who had been working in the COVID-19 wards found themselves similarly ostracized by the people around them, even by many landlords who refuse to shelter them,” wrote one scribe.

“HIV and COVID-19 are considered as similar outbreaks that have captured the attention of the public dramatically. It’s the dread of infection that causes this fear, even with the presence of the HIV Law and better policies,” the scribe added.

HIV was first reported in 1981 in the United States. “(AIDS) is a syndrome because there are a range of different symp-

toms which are not always found in each case,” explains Dr. John Hubley, author of The AIDS Handbook: A guide to the understanding of AIDS and HIV. Dr. Hubley says HIV is acquired “because AIDS is an infectious disease caused by a virus which is spread from person to person through a variety of routes. This makes it different from immune deficiency from other causes such as treatment with anti-cancer drugs or immune system suppressing drugs given to persons receiving transplant operations.”

In the Philippines, the first case of HIV infection was reported in January 1984. As of January 2021, about 29 Filipinos are infected with HIV each day, according to the HIV/ AIDS and Art Registry (HARP) of the Department of Health (DOH).

There were 890 reported cases, of which 172 (19%) had clinical manifestations of advanced HIV infection at the time of testing. Ninety-six percent (852) of the reported cases were male.

Of the total male cases, 24 (3%0 reported their self-identity as female (transgender women) at the time of testing.

At the time of diagnosis, more than half of the cases (53%, 468) were 25-34 years old, 25% (220) were 15-24 years old, 20% (179) were 3549 years old, 2% (21) were 50 years and older, and less than one percent (2) were less than 15 years old. The median age was 28 years old (range: 3-70 years old).

Actually, HIV is a relatively weak virus outside the human body.

But once it is inside, HIV cannot be killed. The virus is spread through the exchange of body fluids with high viral load like cerebral fluid, amniotic fluid, blood, semen, cervical and vaginal secretions and breast milk. The virus is transmitted by sexual intercourse (vaginal, penile, anal and in some instances oral), blood and blood products (through transfusion) and shared needles.

A woman infected with HIV may spread the virus to her child during pregnancy, during birth or shortly after birth, and through breastfeeding.

According to HARP, almost all (97%, 859) of the total reported cases in January 2021 were infected through sexual contact. There were six

FHIV, P10

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Abandoned 83 yo man now at HIV... the care of Dangpanan ni Tomas

A

n abandoned 83-year-old man, who was a familiar face inside the compound of the San Miguel Parish Church, was now at the care of the Dangpanan ni Tomas, the social arm and public working office of Mayor Ernesto Evangelista.

Carlo Jack Pino, executive assistant II and focal of the DNT program, identified the elderly man as Arturo Orpiana, who was found to be staying in a makeshift stage inside the compound of the San Miguel Parish church.

Tomasino netizens on Tuesday, Oct. 12, were abuzz of Orpiana’s situation

and health condition, which prompted Dangpananan Ni Tomas and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) to take immediate action.

“Nag-dispatch dayon kita og nurse ug rescuers gikan sa Responder Ni Tomas para ma-check ug makuha si Mr. Orpiana para makabalo kita unsa iyahang present health conditions,” Pino said.

On Tuesday, medical team and rescuers from Responder Ni Tomas, a pet emergency rescue program under the leadership and guidance of Municipal Administrator Atty. Elisa Evangelista-Lapina quickly

AUTHORITIES... FROM 2 panies permitted to have a supply of explosives for their infrastructure projects.

Melendez said com-

panies are required by law to report theft or pilferage of explosives.

(Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to increase the salary grade of Nurse II from Salary Grade 15 to 16.

“We do not want low morale among the ranks of our nurses. Nagsasakripisyo rin po ang mga ito. (They are sacrificing) We should thus provide them with better pay,” Go said.

Go also pushed for a higher budget of the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) which is “our primary testing center at the start of the pandemic.”

“I distinctly remember that even prior to the pandemic I pushed for the increase of RITM’s proposed 2020 budget. With the support of the Senate, we increased the budget of RITM to PHP223.8 million. For 2021, we further increased the budget of RITM to PHP393.8 million,” he said. “Given its crucial role in addressing the pandemic, I am seeking your support for additional budget for the RITM,” Go said.

He also expressed concern over budget cuts for Epidemiology and Surveillance, and Health Emergency Preparedness and Response programs of the DOH. “The decreases in the budget are lamentable

considering that these programs are directly involved in our response to the pandemic and other infectious diseases. Mainly for these reasons, I urge the increase of funding for these programs,” he said.

He also called for additional funding for the One Hospital Command Center. which traffics patients to the appropriate hospital when needed.

“We should continue to support this program,” he said.

Go also noted the PHP45.4 billion in the Unprogrammed Fund for the procurement of Covid-19 vaccine booster shots.

“Importanteng paghandaan na po natin ito.

Baka kailanganin natin ng booster lalo na dahil sa mga naglalabasang variants. (It is important that we prepare for this. We might need booster shots especially with the new variants). I believe Secretary Galvez and Secretary Duque are already studying the possibility of giving booster shots to our healthcare workers soon,” Go said.

He said the budget of some major hospitals like the Lung Center, Heart Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and Philippine Children’s Medical Center should also be increased. (PNA)

living.

“The Department of Trade and Industry–Regional Operations Group is very much honored of the expressed interest of DHL to partner with DTI through its Negosyo Centers and be one with us in supporting the MSME sector, especially during this most challenging time,” DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary

Blesila Lantayona said.

Lantayona said the program makes it more convenient for MSMEs to expand their business transactions overseas by providing them with special rates in consideration of the current situation.

“This initiative also translates to more opportunities for our 129 full-service Negosyo Centers to assist the MSMEs

GO... FROM 2

DTI... FROM 5

responded to the situation and fetch Orpiana from the church compound.

Orpiana was brought at the Municipal Health Office for a medical check-up to assess his health condition.

Pino said that DNT and MSWDO had assisted the elderly Orpiana in the past but there’s a lingering family issue that is supposed to be sorted out with his family.

At present, Orpiana is staying at Balay Ni Tomas, a residential care facility under the MSWDO, where he is provided temporarily with meals, medicines, and clothing under the care of a social worker.

Home For The Aged Mayor Ernesto Evangelista, a senior citizen himself, has ordered the DNT and MSWDO to process the necessary documents for Orpiana for his admission in the Home For The Aged, a foster home for abandoned elderly Tagum City.

“Para dili na kini mahitabo usab sa iyaha, akong gihatagan og instruction ang Dangpanan ug MSWDO na asikasuhon ang tanang dokumento para mapasulod nato si Mr. Orpiana sa Home For The Aged foster home para didto maatiman siya sa iyahang mahimong ikaduhang pamilya,” Evangelista said.

DAVSUR... FROM 2 munities to devastation and suffering.

“Although evacuation centers were set up from the onset of the disaster to this day, such augmentation is never sufficient to cover up the loss of job, livelihood and shelter for the affected families,” Torralba said.

DSWD coming into for assistance is an initiative pursuant to the guidelines of RA 10121 or Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and DSWD Adminsitrative Order 15, series of 2008 – Guidelines on the Implementation of the Cash-for-Work (CFW) Project.

The DSWD XI

stretched its schedule for payout starting today until December 2021.

Torralba said encouraged beneficiaries to coordinate with their barangay as to the exact payout schedule.

The DSWD ensures that we follow a schedule because we have limited number of disbursement officers, and we need to comply with the COVID19 protocols set by the LGU. Municipalities covered by this assistance are Bansalan, Digos City, Hagonoy, Kiblawan, Magsaysay, Malalag, Matanao, and Padada, all from the Davao del Sur Province.

(PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)

it. If you don’t pay that, the employee will definitely file a case. So I advise our employers that they can talk to their employees. Our employees know the condition of our employers, explain maybe. They have to come up with some creative consensus to address this problem,” he added.

Under Presidential Decree 851, employers are mandated to pay the 13th month pay on or before December 24.

The payment shall not be less than one-twelfth (1/12) of the total basic salary earned by an employee within a calendar year. (PNA)

tance centers as charges for their services.

He said the Pomelo card aims that receivers in the Philippines can use 100 percent of the value of remittance sent by their family and relatives that are currently in the US. The fintech firm has partnered with Mastercard for the Pomelo card.

Users can use their

Pomelo card with credits from remittances in establishments that accept Mastercard credit cards.

Frenkiel added this innovation is also helpful during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic to avoid going out and queuing in remittance centers while also promoting e-commerce and online payment.

(PNA)

to thrive and even scale up their businesses. This collaboration will surely benefit more MSMEs, and we look forward to having the program available in more Negosyo Centers in the future,” she added.

According to DTI’s 2020 data, MSMEs account for 25 percent of overall export revenue in the country. It is also estimated that 60 percent of

all exporters in the country are MSMEs. The government e-commerce roadmap targets that by 2022, 5.5 percent of Philippines’ total gross domestic product (GDP) should be coming from e-commerce as they contribute to exports through subcontracting with larger organizations or by serving as suppliers to exporting companies. (PNA)

13TH... FROM 4

FINTECH... FROM 4

FROM 9

cases that had acquired HIV through sharing of infected needles and one child had been infected through mother-to-child transmission.

Among the newly reported cases whom had acquired HIV through sexual contact, most (89%, 765) were males who have sex with males and followed by male-female sex (11%, 94).

According to the United Nations health agency, HIV targets the immune system and weakens people’s defense against infections and some types of cancer. “As the virus destroys and impairs the function of immune cells, infected individuals gradually become immunodeficient. Immune function is typically measured by CD4 cell count,” the WHO explained.

Immunodeficiency results in increased susceptibility to a wide range of infections, cancers and other diseases that people with healthy immune systems can fight off, the United Nations Health agency pointed out.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. “This can take from 2 to 5 years to develop, depending on the individual,” the WHO said. It defines AIDS as “the development of certain cancers, infections, or other severe clinical manifestations.”

A person with HIV will never know he is positive of the virus unless he or she undergoes an HIV test. “Having an HIV test is the only way to know for sure whether you have HIV,” said the website, www.aidsmap.com.

“If you have HIV, it’s very important that it’s diagnosed. This will give you the best chance of getting the treatment and care you need to stay well.”

Currently, there is no cure known for HIV but the virus can be controlled with proper medications called antiretrovirals. “With healthy lifestyle and if antiretrovirals are taken every day, people with HIV can have an ‘undetectable’ virus in their blood,” says Dr. Lou-

ie Mar Gangcuangco, who has worked as a researcher at the Hawaii Center for AIDS. By “undetectable,” he means that the virus is still in the body but in very low amounts that it cannot be detected by the machine.

According to the boyish-looking physician, HIV is not and should not be treated as a death sentence anymore. “If HIV is detected early and if the patient takes antiretrovirals early,” he says, “the virus can be controlled.

There is still no cure for HIV but the bad effects of the virus can be prevented if medications are taken early.”

His final words: “I urge everyone who has had unprotected sex to please have an HIV test in your nearest HIV treatment hub/social hygiene clinic. People with HIV need to get tested to prevent damage to their immune system that can cause infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, diarrhea that can lead to death.

A total of 48,314 people living with HIV were presently on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) as of January 2021. Most (96%, 46,483) were males. The age of reported cases ranged from 1 to 82 years (median: 32 years old).

Ninety-five percent were on the line regimen, 4% were on the second line, and 1% were on the other line of regimen.

ART is recommended for everyone who has HIV. ART can’t cure HIV, but HIV medicines help people living with HIV live longer, healthier lives.

In addition, ART also reduced the risk of HIV transmission.

Despite this, people living with HIV are still struggling to find jobs.

“It’s difficult to find a job these days with my condition because I have to disclose my status so I can have a schedule that is good for my health, that fits my medical condition,” admits Jomar, an engineer who’s HIV-positive.

“But if I disclose my condition, chances are I won’t get hired.”

stretched to reach the seventh game of the series to produce and hype a rivalry that approximates the Crispa-Toyota of yore?

I don’t know. Maybe,maybe not.

Without fans and the physical presence of spectators, do not expect the PBA contests to produce A-1 results.

The thunderous cheers, booing and catcalls are integral elements that make sports events historic, monumental and legendary.

Won’t the GAB seek IATF to relax its rules and allow even a motley crowd of 500 or 1,000 basketball fans to enjoy the games in physical attendance?

I promised myself not to anymore waste time (and electricity costs) watching PBA games while the pandemic protocols are enforced.

Walang kwenta.

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

groups representing cinema operators, restaurants, gyms, salons and others in the service industry are calling on the government

to lower the quarantine alert level in Metro Manila and let businesses operate again with allowed greater capacity.

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SPORTS

11

Gilas Pilipinas will have the home crowd in the 2023

Philippines to host 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers Jordan’s Hornets suffer worst NBA loss ever

T

he Charlotte Hornets have broken records for suffering the biggest defeat ever seen in the NBA. The Michael Jordan-owned team was just pulverised by 68-points in their final pre-season game in North Carolina on Thursday (AEDT).

The Hornets clearly weren’t in a mood for playing basketball just one week away from their season-opening clash with the Pacers.

Dallas was.

The Mavericks led by 72 points early in the fourth quarter before the Hornets were finally put out of their misery when the final buzzer sounded with the scores at 127-59.

The 68-point loss equals the biggest defeat ever seen in the NBA’s regular season — when Cleveland beat Miami 148-80 in 1991.

NBA commentators could not believe what they were witnessing.

The Mavericks had six players score in the double digits, led by Kristaps Porzingis with 20 points. James Bouknight top-scored for the Hornets with 12 points.

Some of the jokes flying around cyber space after the loss poked fun of Jordan, while others chose to focus on the fact his team is a laughing stock.

T

he Philippines will host another international bubble come February as FIBA adjusted its schedule for the first two windows of the 2023 World Cup Asian qualifiers.

According to FIBA, the Group A games where Gilas Pilipinas is included will be played in the Philippines during the period of the

February 2022 window.

“Due to the travel restrictions related to COVID-19 in several countries in East and South East

Asia, Groups A and B will be played in a ‘bubble’ format in order to ensure the health and safety of all participants,” said FIBA. Gilas was originally slated to play in a home-andaway setting against South Korea, New Zealand and India in November.

But with the new FIBA directive, the schedule was

pushed to February.

FIBA Women’s Asia Cup: Clare Castro, Gilas ready to face taller competition FIBA said it will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis and will communicate further updates in regard to FIBA Competitions when necessary.

ichael Jordan faced criticism during his playing career for his apolitical views, but the NBA legend didn’t hesitate to share a strong stance on the league’s COVID-19 protocols.

During an interview with Craig Melvin on Monday’s edition of the “TODAY” show, Jordan discussed the challenge of teams avoiding COVID-19 cases and staying healthy throughout the 2021-22 season.

When asked by Melvin if he was concerned about the rules for players and personnel, the Hornets owner firmly replied, “Not at all.”

“I am totally in unison with the league,” Jor-

dan said. “I think everybody has been speaking about vaccinations. I’m a firm believer in science, and I’m gonna stick with that. Hopefully everybody abides by whatever the league sets the rules.

I think that, once everybody buys in, we’re gonna be fine.”

While 95 percent of NBA players have reportedly been vaccinated, one of the biggest storylines of the preseason has been the status of Nets star Kyrie Irving, who remains unvaccinated ahead of Brooklyn’s regular-season opener. Knowing that Irving will not be eligible to play at home until he is compliant with the local guidelines in New York

City, the Nets announced Tuesday that Irving will not play or practice with the team at all until he is “eligible to be a full participant.”

Though he didn’t specifically address the Irving situation in Brooklyn, Jordan noted that how organizations handle COVID-19 issues will play a significant role in team success this season.

“Whoever stays healthy, whoever can battle the COVID-19 issues that they may have in the course of the year, it’s gonna give that team the best chance,” Jordan said.

“So, staying healthy is our biggest thing for [the Hornets]. We’ve gotta stay healthy.”

Jordan backs NBA’s vaccination stand M

“I am totally in unison with the league.”— Michael Jordan.

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San Miguel Beermen center Junmar Fajardo drives to the basket.

PBA

Dull, sleepy PBA games

F

rankly speaking, I am wasting my time watching the PBA games.

Although the Philippine Cup (All-Filipino) conference is already in its semi final phase, the results of the series between TNT and SMB in games 4 and 5 did not reflect the quality of championship play that was expected.

Trailing 2-1, the Beermen toyed with Tropang Giga and led by a mile the rest of the way to equalize at 2-all.

Why coach Chot Reyes sat down his frontliners after Erram was injured and left the game for good in the first quarter was a form of surrender.

Of course, you can’t take away the coach’s tactical privilege.

As is often practiced, the philosophy of “one step backward and two steps forward” is embraced by all.

He fielded an entirely raw crew - among them his three (four?) rookies which San Miguel mentor Leo Austria exploited to the hilt, to ensure his boys get to tie the series safely and transform it into a best-ofthree.

Because they enjoyed a 2-1 edge, was TNT entitled to give the game away without giving it a fight?

That dismal performance

by TNT did not speak highly of the coaching staff who treated their supporters and fans as if they did not matter at all.

Yes, PBA fans did not deserve to watch such lopsided results and I think they (the fans, including this scribbler) were somehow betrayed.

In Game 5 held Wednesday, playing in full force including the return to active duty of former MVP Kelly Williams, TNT unleashed its savage and monstrous character by building up 20 plus leads over the Beermen on the way to registering a 3-2 series advantage.

San Miguel Beer is the 5-time Philippine Cup champion, a team you can’t take for granted.

But Tropang Giga ran roughshod over them.

Ang sakit sa mata!

Imagine a squad that has a core of the cream of the crop (creme’ dela creme’).

I had expected the intensity of the matches to heighten after the quarters as was usual during the pre-pandemic PBA conference which were even scheduled and played before out-of-town audiences.

Are the series being

FDULL, P10