Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 183 | Saturday, October 16, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 183 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

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A physically challenged person eats his lunch during a distribution of assistance attended by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go at Tagum Eco Park in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Thursday. Edge Davao

GOOD TO GO Bong Go 100% go for vice president

STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 183 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go chats with Dr. Bryan Dalid, chief of Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City, after the former witnessed the turn over of a check worth P25 million on Thursday afternoon to fund the hospital’s high pressure oxygen booster equipment.

GOOD TO GO

Bong Go 100% go for vice president

By MAYA M. PADILLO

S

enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said he is is 100 percent sure in his vice presidential bid in the 2022 national elections.

“Tungkol sa aking candidacy ay 100 percent na po ito. Tuloy tuloy na po ang aking kandidatura bilang vice president at gagawin ko ang lahat ng aking makakaya na maipagpapatuloy ang mga program ana

naumpisahan ni Pangulong Duterte na makakatulong sa mga kababayan natin gaya ng “Build Build Build”, libreng pagpapagamot, libreng edukasyon, kampanya laban sa corruption, krimenalidad, at illegal na

droga,” Go told media on Thursday.

Go vowed to add more programs especially for the poor.

“At dadagdagan ko pa ng mga programa na nagmamalasakit sa aking kapwa Pilipino. Lalong lalo na sa mga mahihirap na nangangailangan ng tulong,” he said.

He also cited priority bills that need to be passed

that includes his Senate Bill 2398, which provides allowances and benefits to healthcare workers.

Go, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, called for the inclusion of additional resources to ensure the continuous provision of allowances for the health care workers.

FGOOD, P10

Soldiers, cops nabbed for gun-running in Maguindanao

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he Philippine National Police (PNP) will coordinate with its Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterpart to strengthen coordination and information-sharing to further intensify the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in the country.

This after five people, including two soldiers and a police officer, were arrested for selling firearms during an entrapment operation in Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (October 12).

The suspects have been identified by PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar as Patrolman Eliver Jay Anggot Soverano, reportedly assigned to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Crime Laboratory Office; Philippine Army Staff

Sergeants Gleen Argones Sangyao and Reynaldo Dichosa II, both are reportedly assigned to the 6th Infantry Division based in Cotabato City.

Also arrested were civilians Datu Morjan Kunakon Tumindig and Adams Tuminding; “I commend the Chief of Police and the personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station for their aggressive campaign against loose firearms which led to the arrest of five people, two of them are soldiers and the other one is a PNP personnel,” Eleazar said.

“This translates to nine less firearms at the hands of criminal elements who may be tapped to sow violence in the May 2022 elections,” he added.

The operation was

he convenors of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) Davao de Oro chapter has called anew for Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte to reconsider running for president in the 2022 polls.

Former Davao de Oro Governor and now Senior Board Member Arturo Uy, lead convenor of the “Run Sara Run” movement, said at a press briefing Thursday that they are still optimistic that she will change her mind.

“Mayor Sara, we have

still November 15, many of our countrymen ask for your reconsideration.

That’s why we are begging you to heed the call of the majority especially the Mindanaoans for you to run,” Uy said.

He added that the presidential daughter has the best qualification because of her strong leadership.

“We are still hoping she will change her mind. The ‘Run Sara Run’ will continue to encourage her. And we vow to campaign hard if

2 NPA leaders, 4 members arrested in Misamis Oriental T S ix members of the communist New People’s Army including their two high-ranking leaders were arrested by the joint military and police at Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental on October 14.

1Lt. Vincent Mark Maddul, chief of Civil Military Operations of 58th Infantry Battalion based in Poblacion Claveria, Misamis

Oriental, identified the apprehended NPA fighters as Jemar Hilogon, alias Ivan/ Siatam, 28, commander of the NPA’s Guerilla Front Huawei, Southern Regional Command 1, and Rubensito Hilogon, alias Mikot/ Saluyan, 50, allegedly the commander of Militia ng Bayan at Barangay Talusan, Balingasag in said province.

Other arrested were Jobert Hilogon, alias Janggo,

member of Militia ng Bayan; Alice Calimhay Hilogon, 31; Jocelyn Hilogon Cabusog, 50; and a 17-year old still unidentified female.

The suspects were arrested by the joint law enforcement operation of police and military following the encounter that transpired between the troops of 58IB and NPA on October 13, where the troops simultaneously conducted sever-

al operations in pursuit of the fleeing Communist NPA Terrorists.

According to the authorities, the suspects belong to the most wanted persons with standing criminal cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Recovered from them were an M14 rifle; Garand rifle; AK47 rifle; two rifle grenades, several ammu-

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FSOLDIERS, P10

Sara supporters ‘beg’ for her to reconsider 2022 prexy bid

FSARA, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 183 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

NEWS

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Senator Ronald“Bato”dela Rosa bares that people should expect a Bato-Go in the 2022 elections if Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will not change her mind of not running for President in the 2022 national elections. Edge Davao

DRMC receives P25M to help boost medical oxygen supply DA puts up P22-M water system project for Region 11 farmers

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he Department of Agriculture Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) has provided P22 million worth of equipment for a water system for farmers in Davao Region.

The project includes a P15 million truck-mounted drilling equipment and P7 million georesistivity equipment to provide irrigation service to local farmers with rainfed areas.

DA 11 Regional Executive Director Ricardo M.

Oñate, Jr. said this aimed to increase the productivity of farmlands through groundwater development.

Oñate along with DABSWM Director Pablo M. Montalla spearheaded the turnover of these equipment in Kapalong, Davao del Norte on Wednesday (Oct. 13).

Oñate said the equipment will provide accurate drilling and reduce the time and resources for chanced drilling, adding that one

FDA, P10

Gov’t, MILF deploy peace, security team in Zamboanga Sibugay town

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he Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) announced Thursday that a Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) has been deployed in Barangay Datu Tumanggong, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The JPST is a peace-keeping force deployed in areas mutually identified by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It is one of the transitional mech-

anisms established under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The JPST, which was activated Tuesday, is composed of 30 members that include seven Army troops, eight policemen, and 15 MILF members.

Col. Antonio John Divinagracia, 102nd Infantry Brigade deputy commander, said the activation and deployment of the JPST is a result of con-

FGOV’T, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) on Thursday received P25 million to fund its high-pressure oxygen booster equipment.

The turnover was witnessed by Senator Christopher Lawrence Go during the distribution of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) at Tagum Eco Park in Tagum City.

The amount will help improve the hospital’s existing oxygen refilling machine by giving its supply under its control. This will also help it not become too dependent on third parties for supplies, especially

when supplies run low.

Last month, DRMC issued an advisory informing the public that the hospital was facing a shortage of oxygen supply. The advisory stated that DRMC’s suppliers can no longer keep up with the hospital’s increasing demand for medical oxygen. Because of the shortage, DRMC advised all patients, Covid or nonCovid referred for admission requiring supplemental oxygen to seek medical

attention at the nearest LGU healthcare facility in their areas.

Meanwhile, Go emphasized the importance of constructing the said station in the province to help address the shortage of oxygen in preparation for another surge of Covid-19.

Go also cited some of the health measures he has filed to improve the country’s healthcare system.

These include SB 2158, which establishes the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention; SB 1803, or the e-Health System and Services Act of 2020, which aims to regu-

late the practice of telemedicine and e-Health, set the standards of practice, and implement a mechanism for individuals and entities providing e-Health services; and SB 1529, which seeks to require the establishment of quarantine facilities in every region in the country.

“The more we should invest ngayon sa ating healthcare. Ito po ang problema natin ngayon. It follows na po ‘yan lahat – ibig kong sabihin, ‘pag naging normal po ang sitwasyon natin sa pangkalusugan ay sunud-sunod na po ‘yan -

tober 8, 2021, the last day for filing of COCs. He admitted that he learned as the Cusi-backed PDP-Laban’s standard-bearer only hours before the deadline.

When asked if PDP Laban was not prepared for the turnout of events especially on the decision of Mayor Sara not to run in next year’s elections, Bato affirmed the party was fully prepared.

“Naka-prepare man mao bitaw nga ako ang gi-

himong standard bearer,” he said in a text message.

Dela Rosa filed his COC wearing a green Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) shirt and a red PDP-Laban jacket.

If given a chance to lead as the next President, Bato said his priority is pandemic response to have the general public vaccinated and allow alternative approaches in dealing with the virus that are proven to have worked domestically or in other countries.

“I come with a clean heart, kaya buo ang loob ko na sumabak dito dahil alam ko wala akong pinapasan na skeletons in my closet. Kung magkakaroon man ng mga gano’ng issues, sigurado ako na imbento lang ‘yan ng mga kalaban. So far, in my whole life, I live my life religiously and mabuti po akong tao.

Kung meron man silang ibabato sa akin, I’m sure, posibleng magiging mga imahenasyon or imbensyon

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There is nothing we can do: Bato

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he people should expect a Bato-Go in the 2022 elections if Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is firm on not running for President in the 2022 national elections.

“Kung dili gyud makumbinsi is Inday, wala na ta’y mahimo,” Senator Ronald dela Rosa told Edge Davao.

Tagged as the “buzzer beater”, Dela Rosa filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president on Oc-

FTHERE, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 183 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

Cebu Pacific says 10 local destinations under its network will no longer require to present negative RT-PCR or antigen tests prior to travel. The airline said the 10 local destinations are Bacolod City, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, Maguindanao, Butuan, Cebu province, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Pagadian and Tacloban. Edge Davao

PEZA tells investors not to worry about politics

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hilippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director-General Charito Plaza has assured investors that their investments in the country remain safe despite the change in administration next year following the national elections.

In its meeting with Malaysian investors Thursday, Plaza said she is hopeful that the next leader will be supportive of PEZA. “Let’s not worry about politics. Pray that the best leader comes out in this

forthcoming election,” she said.

Plaza recalled that despite changes in the incentives regime as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law was passed

during the Duterte administration, the agency and various sectors were able to provide their inputs for the improvement of the law.

Meanwhile, PEZA deputy director general Tereso Panga said the agency will be simplifying the issuance of a PEZA visa among foreign locators.

“This will now remove the Department of Justice (DOJ) from the process,” Panga said.

Currently, foreign nationals in PEZA zones have to secure a visa from the DOJ. Panga added that with the simplified process of issuing a PEZA visa, this would follow the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) rule of releasing documents in three days for simple transactions, within seven days for complex transactions, and 21 days for highly technical transactions. (PNA)

try by liberalizing access to satellite systems.

Expanded access to satellite services is expected to accelerate the rollout of internet connectivity for the unserved, underserved, and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas of the country.

With the issuance of the IRR, banks, fintech companies, and other financial sector entities will be further guided in exploring ways of tapping into satellite technology for their operations, particularly toward expanding presence in underserved communi-

ties.

“With enhanced countryside connectivity, we see previously unserved and underserved areas being reached by digital financial services, especially those designed for the lower income segments, like remittances, bills payments and the opening of transaction accounts,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a statement Thursday.

Internet connectivity is recognized as a critical enabler of financial and economic inclusion as financial transactions and services shift to online platforms.

With expanded internet service, banks, and other financial service providers (FSPs) will be able to better serve rural areas with more access points, such as automated teller machines and cash agent services that rely on internet connectivity.

Meanwhile, with the launch of the Philippine Identification System and its electronic know-your-customer facility, greater internet access will allow more unbanked rural clients and low-income communities to use digital financial services and benefit from dig-

Satellite technology to accelerate financial inclusion, digital finance

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on expanding the provision of internet service through satellite services as further promoting financial inclusion and digital finance in the country.

Issued under Department Circular No. 002, Series of 2021, by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on sept. 28, the IRR aims to promote the development of an inclusive and vibrant satellite indus-

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CebPac: 10 local destinations no longer require swab test

B

udget carrier Cebu Pacific on Thursday said 10 local destinations under its network will no longer require RT-PCR or antigen tests prior to travel.

In a statement, Cebu Pacific said travelers bound for Bacolod City, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, Maguindanao, Butuan, Cebu province, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Pagadian and Tacloban will no longer need to present negative COVID-19 tests.

Passengers bound for Cagayan de Oro need to register to S-Pass, OPCOoorS, and contact tracing QR codes Higala and StaySafe. ph prior to entry.

Meanwhile, travelers going to Cebu province will only need to present a medical certificate issued within 24 hours before arrival in the province, stating that they do not exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms.

Further, Pagadian Citybound passengers are only required to present a valid government-issued ID, which states their address is in Pagadian City, while transiting passengers do not need to present any requirement.

“We are happy that

more LGUs are gradually opening up their borders and have simplified travel requirements. These are positive indicators in the progress of our nation’s fight against COVID, and we look forward to other places following suit,” Candice Iyog, vice president for Marketing and Customer Experience at Cebu Pacific said.

The other destinations – Butuan, Guimaras, Maguindanao, Negros Occidental (including Bacolod City), and Tacloban – accept vaccination cards of fully vaccinated individuals as travel requirement for entry.

Cebu Pacific said Iloilo City on October 16 will start accepting vaccination cards of fully vaccinated persons as a requirement.

These provinces require the following requirements aside from the vaccination card: · Negros Occidental - Travel coordination permit (TCP) from S-Pass and complete registration to StaySafe.ph · Bacolod - online BacTrac registration, online Health Declaration, S-Pass Travel Coordination Permit,

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 183 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

ECONOMY

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Prices of fish slightly up due to the weather disturbances experienced in some parts of the country this month. Edge Davao

Diokno rules out another bridge financing for gov’t

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said Thursday the national government does not need another bridge financing, citing its capacity in handling pandemic-related financing requirements and an untapped provision under Bayanihan 2.

In a virtual briefing, Diokno said there is a provision under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act that authorizes the Department of Finance (DOF) to avail of a bridge financing.

“But (that) was not availed of by the Department of Finance,” he said.

Diokno said the cash advances the central bank has extended to the national government are in line with the amended BSP Charter.

Under the amended BSP Charter, the central bank can extend provision-

al advances to the national government based on the average revenues of the latter in the past three years.

Since the pandemic hit last year, the BSP lent the national government PHP300 billion through a short-term repurchase deal and three PHP540-billion bridge financing.

“And the way I see it, now that we have turned the corner, and I’m positive about this, the number of cases has been cut by half, there is now hope on the economy and maybe there is no more need for the PHP540-billion bridge financing for the Department of Finance. So, I don’t see any need for additional bridge financing other than the PHP540 (billion), which is currently being made available to the Department of Finance,” Diokno said.

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5% GDP growth target attainable with more vaccine deliveries

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he chair of the House Ways and Means Committee said the country’s 5-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth target for this year is still attainable amid more coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine deliveries, particularly in lagging regions.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, who also co-chairs the House’s economic stimulus and recovery cluster, said vaccine equity is necessary to fix interregional supply issues in lagging regions like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Bicol.

“The challenge really

is two-pronged. One is demand, and the other is inflation. Both can be solved by vaccinations in areas where supply and demand bottlenecks exist, like Bicol.

The differences in Covid-19 situation among regions is what’s causing transport bottlenecks. So, you make the situation similar through vaccine equity,” Salceda said.

He said problems would still exist no matter how high the vaccination rate is in Metro Manila if the provinces are still “not out of the woods with Covid-19”.

“We are at a bit of a cliff here when it comes to inflation. You stimulate demand

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BSP eyes more cash agent ops in villages

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nsuring that cash agents are dispersed even in villages in far-flung areas across the country is expected to boost the government’s bid for financial inclusion and increase in electronic financial transactions.

In a virtual briefing on Thursday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) financial inclusion office director Ellen Joyce Suficiencia said the regulator does not consider any ideal ratio of cash agents per capita but aims to expand the penetration of these providers at the barangay (village) level.

“It’s important not to look only at the total number but also to make sure that they are well-dispersed especially at the level of barangay because the value of cash agents is they provide proximity, and they

make cash-in and cash-out more convenient to people.

And by doing so, that’s how we bridge the population that is heavily reliant on cash transactions to move towards digital payments by also promoting ease of converting cash to digital,” she said.

Cash agents are retail outlets like convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and pawnshops that provide basic banking services like cash deposits and withdrawals, balance inquiry, fund transfer, and bills payment.

Some of these entities are tapped by banks to provide financial-related services as a way for the latter to expand their reach in a cost-effective way.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, during the same virtual briefing, said the number of cash agents rose by 242 percent in 2020 to more than 58,000 from around 17,000 in Diokno said banks with cash agent operations increased to 15 in 2020 from 11 in the previous year.

These included seven universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), three thrift banks (TBs), and five rural banks (RBs), he said.

“As low-cost touchpoints, cash agents have significantly helped increase the number of cities and municipalities that are

being served by banks. In addition, the percentage of banked local government units increased from 70 percent to 85 percent because of the presence of bank agents,” he said.

Diokno said there are currently around 58,217 active cash agents around that country that complement around 35,681 automated teller machines (ATMs) and bank branches nationwide.

He said the BSP does not regulate the transaction fees of these cash agents but banks and BSP supervised institutions are “expected to be reasonable and transparent in their pricing scheme, including their cash agent fees.”

“Banks have the responsibility to disclose these

P190.48 million, and garlic amounting to P55 million.

“Data from the Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) of the Legal Service show that 14 criminal cases involving 41 individuals and customs brokers were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the unlawful importation of agricultural products valued at

around Php 85.2 million,” the BOC said. “[Ten] administrative cases before the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) were filed against customs brokers involved in the said unlawful acts,” it added.

Meanwhile, at least two BOC registered importers were revoked their ac-

creditation, while 23 were suspended due to issuance of Warrant of Seizure and Detention against their shipments of agricultural products.

The agency also expressed its commitment to impose stricter measures against smuggling of agricultural products to strengthen the country’s borders.

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BOC reports P545M worth of smuggled agricultural products so far this year

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he Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday reported that it has intercepted at least P545.06 million worth of smuggled agricultural products from January to September 2021.

In a statement, the BOC said the top three commodities seized were rice amounting to P206.80 million, onions amounting to

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 183 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

On his vice presidential bid in the 2022 national elections:

Tungkol sa aking candidacy ay 100 percent na po ito.”

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL Vaccination: Good vibes vs. complacency Davao City has struct gold in launching “Bakuna Nights” as an innovative way of scheduling massive vaccination time. It seems many people were just waiting vaccination to be scheduled at night for them to troop to vaccination centers in droves.

The authorities are happy with the impressive turnout of people wanting their first and second jabs to be protected from the COVID-19 virus.

They are now launching more Bakuna Night sites and their sight is fixed on malls this times around.

Bakuna Nights is obviously tailor-made for working Dabawenyos who didn’t want to go to the regular vaccination centers which were usually open only during daytime, whe most of them are working.

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We congratulate the city authorities, particularly Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and the Davao COVID-19 Task Force Vaccination Cluster for stopping at nothing just to hasten the achievement of herd immunity by making.more people submit.to inoculation as fast as they possibly can.

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go..chair of the Senate committee on health,. has stressed the importance of sustaining of the vaccine rollout.

Go was reacting to the happy development that the country had logged its lowest number of COVID 19 cases in two.months, this week.

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

Bakuna Nights became even more popular when organizers embellished their holding with the novel idea of raffling sundry prizes for the vaccinees.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 183 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO BANGUNGOT: SUDDEN DEATH AT NIGHT You had a heavy meal the night before because it was your father’s birthday. Immediately after the party was over, you went to bed – even though your tummy was still full.

Then, in the middle of the night, you had a nightmare. You were running fast in your dream because a man wanted to kill you with a knife. You stumbled and the killer was nearing you.

You woke up but still cannot move. You were very much aware about what was happening but you were completely immobile.

Welcome to the world of bangungot, which reportedly killed matinee idol Rico Yan. He was on a holiday trip to Dos Palmas in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. He and his five friends were having a blast at a party.

“He was in high spirits,” GMA-7 newscaster Arnold Clavio, who was with the group, recalled.

At 2 am, they returned to the cottage where they were billeted. Yan, who was a snorer, occupied the loft. At 6 am, fellow actor and friend Dominic Ochoa heard Yan groaning but he thought the latter was just snoring.

Three hours later, Ochoa went to Yan’s room to wake him up but to his surprise, Yan was “already stiff and lifeless.” That was on March 29, 2002, Good Friday, and the country was totally shocked with the passing of the actor who was at his prime.

“Bangungot preceding death was first reported in the

Philippines in 1917, with the ‘sudden night death’ attributed to a nightmarish dream, frequently noted after a heavy meal with alcohol,” wrote Dr. Rafael R. Castillo in his weekly column in Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Bangungot is actually a Tagalog term for “nightmare.”

“But it can also refer to a malevolent spirit or elemental in Filipino folklore,” wrote Ambeth R. Ocampo, another Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist. “Also known as batibat, it appears in the shape of an overweight man (bangungot) or overweight Botero-like woman (batibat) who sits on the chest or head of the victim (always male) and suffocates him to death.”

In the 1950s, the owner of Benipayo Press reportedly set up a Foundation for Bangungot Research after his son died of bangungot. “More than six decades later one can find a lot of literature on the subject online, but no real cure or explanation has been found to explain the malady,” Ocampo wrote.

A review of bangungot cases from death certificates filed in Manila during 1948-1982 showed the same characteristics: 96% male, mean age 33 years, modal time of death 3:00 am, according to Dr. Godofredo U. Stuart, Jr. of stuartxchange. org. “The deaths were seasonal, peaking in December-January, and the victims were more likely than diseased controls to have been born outside of the Manila area,” the review found

out.

In 2003, a health survey done on bangungot by the University of the Philippines among young Filipinos reported 43 deaths per 100,000 annually.

“How often bangungot becomes fatal is unknown,” Dr. Stuart wrote in his website.

“Many cases are never reported, especially in the rural areas where dying in your sleep is an accepted event in the folklore of death. Many know others who died in their sleep. Many more are ‘survivors’ of one or more attacks, with descriptive details of bangungot-type nightmares – of sleep paralysis, of falling from a mountain or into a deep abyss, of the creature in the dark standing by the bedside.”

Despite the advancement of modern technology and medical breakthroughs, why people die in their sleep still baffles science. Dr. Alvin Majoska (a forensic pathologist) and Erle Stanley Gardner (a book author) investigated together “the strange deaths by nightmare” in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The study failed to identify the cause of these series of deaths. “There wasn’t any sign of poison and that the vital organs were normal,” Philippine Tales reported of the conclusion of the study. “The victims simply died in their sleep.”

“There are several possible causes (of bangungot),” wrote Dr. Castillo. “One of these is what has been labeled as the Brugada Syndrome, a familial

or genetic disease first reported by the Spanish family of cardiologists Pedro, Josep and Ramon Brugada in 1992, as cause of sudden unexplained death syndrome (SUDS) in young males.

It is characterized by abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings.”

Most of the afflicted individuals are usually young and without any previous symptom, so much so that “they are not diagnosed early enough before they suffer sudden cardiac arrest.”

Dr. Castillo believed bangungot is caused by Brugada Syndrome. “The identification of young males… as at-risk individuals, is also consistent with international scientific reports on the Brugada Syndrome,” he surmised.

His wife, Dr. Rebecca Castillo, thinks “sudden nocturnal death syndrome” (SNDS) – as bangungot is known in medical parlance – is caused by acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis (AHP). “(It) is a severe swelling of the pancreas, a gland that produces digestive enzymes, particularly insulin, to metabolize the carbohydrates that we take in,” explained Dr. Castillo together with Kathy Alcala in an article published in Philippine Star.

AHP affects four out of 10,000 people and mostly it strikes men. “Eighty percent of pancreatitis cases are related to gallbladder stones or alcoholism,” the two authors wrote.

“Other agents or drugs such as

glucocorticoids, thiazide diuretics or acetaminophen, can likewise bring on an acute attack of pancreatitis.”

In AHP, the swelling of the pancreas is so severe that the pancreas literally digests itself.

“Fatal complications may set in fast within a matter of minutes to a few hours,” Castillo and Alcala wrote.

Meanwhile, Dr. Castillo estimated around 180,000 young men, based on available local data, who have the Brugada Syndrome and “who are at risk of dying suddenly.”

“Many of these remain undiagnosed because they usually have no symptoms, and because of their young age, they don’t think it’s necessary to consult physicians and rule out this abnormality,” Dr. Castillo wrote.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, so goes a saying. Dr. Castillo cited the case of a young doctor who has Brugada Syndrome. “When he was a surgical resident, he suffered a cardiac arrest while doing surgery in the operating room. He was resuscitated and has been on an ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator) for more than 10 years now,” Dr. Castillo wrote.

“He can actually feel the ICD firing from time to time,” Dr. Castillo further wrote. “And every time it does, he pauses and whispers a short prayer, thanking God for saving him from the hundred times he could have died all these years.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

BRIEF HISTORY OF DAVAO’S CITY STREETS (PT 1) Spanish colonial rule in Davao region introduced two key developments: Christianity and town planning. Both were inseparable given that conversion to the faith was linked to the opening of organized settlements. The villages were built near waterways, coastlines, and other water sources, and were organized to bring together converts in enclaves that detached them from farms and hunting grounds. Aside from setting up an administration center where political and ecclesial affairs were held, the colonists, built chapels, opened roads, appropriated lots for housing, constructed docks, and secured the community from external threats. The earliest account about the town of Davao was in the 1850 Dictionario geografico: “It has very few houses, all

of very simple construction, the only one of some notes being the parish house and the socalled casa real which also contains the jail. There is a primary school supported by fronds from the community but with few pupils. The church is of very simple materials, served by a priest belonging to [the Recollect] Order. Near the church is the fairly spacious cemetery.

Travel to the neighboring places is by sea when the prevailing winds allow it. Travel by land is over roads that are roads only in name, being merely very bad paths. Mail from other parts of the archipelago takes unpredictable lengths of time. This town was founded only in the last few years by the incumbent governor, who has built a fort as protection against Moro pirates who in the past and even in the present have been the scourge

of region. The territory is quite extensive, mostly covered with forests of various kinds of hard wood… Being a new town the people are still exempt from the tribute.”

Due to its location, Davao’s anchorage prior to the opening of the Sasa wharf was always Santa Ana pier, so named after the icon carried by Luisa Azaola, future wife of Don Jose Oyanguren, during the conquest of Davao. Shielded from the open seas by islands, its depth and location are naturally fit for docking. Jesuit superior Fr. Jose Fernandez Cuevas, in an 1860 letter, described the harbor as ‘worthy of preferred attention.’

After dedicating the town to San Pedro on June 29, 1848, Oyanguren initiated the construction of roads for residential and administrative purposes. The first three thoroughfares were

Calle Magallanes, the Portuguese navigator who rediscovered the Philippines, which is parallel to Calle San Pedro, and Calle Claveria, after a Spanish governor-general who approved the conquest of Davao.

A parcel of land at the junction of Claudio and San Pedro was designated as the town’s first cemetery. Years later, following the arrival of migrants, two new roads, i.e., Calle Legazpi and Calle Anda, starting from Magallanes and traversing San Pedro Street, were opened. These were named after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, first governor general of Spanish East Indies and founder of Manila, and Simon de Anda, Basque governor of the Philippines (1770-76).

Business and demographic growth later led to the opening of more roads. San Pedro Street was extended to accommodate

the headquarters of the tercio civil (police military force) in an area where Camp Domingo Leonor now sits. The short road fronting it was named Calle Pizarro, after Francisco Pizarro y Gonzalez, teh Spanish general who conquered Peru. A road (i.e., Claveria to Legazpi) was also opened, closing the tips of Anda and Legazpi streets. The thoroughfare was named Calle Cortes, after Hernán Cortés de Monroy, conqueror of Mexico, but later changed to Calle Escario, in memory of Federico Escario y Garcia a Spanish general who figured in the defeat of Santiago de Cuba. Another road that was later opened was Calle Nueva, Spanish for ‘new’. Also opened was a new road named Calle Oyanguren, named after Jose Oyanguren, the conqueror of Davao; it links the tip of Calle Claveria to the wharf.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

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Experts from Israel, PH, showcase

innovative solutions for water, sanitation crisis

O

CTOBER 15, 2021, MANILA—Filipino and Israeli water experts gathered together in an online knowledge-sharing session last October 13 to explore potential solutions to address the Philippines’ water supply and sanitation problems.

Over 200 participants from local and international organizations attended the “Diving Deep into the Israel Water Sector: Technology and Solutions for Water Safety and Sanitation” webinar organized by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, and Israel Economic and Commercial Mission to the Philippines. This event was part of the ongoing Philippine Water Challenge (PhlWC), launched by the USAID Safe Water Project, PDRF, Manila Water, and Maynilad to engage different sectors in finding solutions to the coun-

try’s water crisis.

According to the 2021 Sustainable Development Report, the Philippines only ranks 103rd of 193 countries in terms of achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has completed only one out of five Clean Water and Sanitation Goal indicators: 1.9 m³/capita of water consumption embodied in imports. Significant challenges remain for access to essential drinking water and sanitation services, available freshwater resources, and adequate wastewater treatment.

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines believes that there are many opportunities to discover solutions to address water and sanitation supply challenges.

Key innovations from the Israeli Water Sector may serve as a springboard for new ideas.

More than half of Israel is covered in desert

and there is hardly any rain. Due to limited water resources, they developed policies and unconventional solutions to improve the country’s water sufficiency. Thus, Israel has become one of the best in the world in the field of water and sanitation and technologies.

“Once you arrive in Israel, you realize how developed the water sector is, with great achievements in our land, fruitful in agriculture and water-sufficient. From the lack of resources, we developed our most impressive water innovations, including irrigation, filtration, leak detection, and much more. Israel is also a world leader in water recycling as we reuse nearly 90% of our wastewater,” said Israel Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Nir Balzam.

Head of the Water and Security and Emergency Division of the Israel Water Authority Danny

Lacker also emphasized that preparation is key to overcome hurdles and create solutions to any challenge.

“You cannot fall into any challenge in the water system without being prepared in advance, meaning: thinking about it, using technology, drilling, and operating in times of crisis. In Hebrew we have a nice saying that ‘whoever cooks on Friday will eat on Saturday.’ So that’s what you should keep in mind: be prepared in advance,” Lacker said.

Economic Counsellor and Head of the Israel Economic & Commercial Mission to the Philippines Tomer Heyvi encouraged Filipino participants to explore Israeli technologies and solutions to get inspiration to address the Philippine water crisis. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between our countries using Israeli innovation

and application of the best practices of Israel in water management suited for the Philippines.

Guest speakers included Sally Levi (Meniv Rishon Ltd), Ram Weingarten (Bermad Water Control Solutions), Menachem Ghertner (Odis), Anna Chernyavsky (WaterGen), Efrat Kohen (Shafdan), and Eyal Yassky (Hilico).

Panelists who shared their insights and best practices were Anna Victoria Lu (Aboitiz InfraCapital and Apo Agua), Maria Cecilia Alcantara (Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.), Sevillo David, Jr. (National Water Resources Board), Rogelio Singson (Metro Pacific Water), Emmanuel Jimenez (Manila Water Company, Inc.), and Chen Jovany (The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute.

The panel discussions were moderated by Ramon “Dondi” Alikpala of FutureWater Asia.

The Philippine Water Challenge (PhlWC) is an annual competition that serves as a platform for generating water supply and sanitation solutions for water service providers and users. By recognizing promising solutions, the PhlWC will help achieve the objectives of the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan for improving access to water-stressed communities.

“I believe that this competition can generate new solutions and a heightened awareness of how vulnerable we are as a nation to the vagaries of nature. Once and for all, let us make water resources available to all Filipinos,” said PDRF President Butch Meily.

Submission of applications for the Philippine Water Challenge has been extended to October 31, 2021. For more information, visit www. pdrf.org/philippinewaterchallenge/

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“W

e will lose our biodiversity. It will lead to extinction. When it becomes extinct, that resource will never come back.” – Dr. Angel C. Alcala *** This happened a couple of years back: Bernie Apal and his two companions were on their way to the barangay hall of Sibulan in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur to get a residence certificate. They tried to follow the short-cut way instead of the usual road going to the place.

The area was covered with trees as it was located in the foothills of Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak. The three men were talking while walking when Apal saw a bird that was entangled in tree-roots and was wrapped with perennial vine. Even though the bird was on a cliff, Apal decided to rescue it.

Apal, a Bagobo-Tagabawa farmer, thought the bird was dying as it was unresponsive and scrawny.

The bird’s left eye was also injured as a result of trying to escape from the vine. It was assumed the bird was hunting for food when it got itself strapped in the perennial vines that grow near the roots of trees.

Apal had to walk for three hours to reach the barangay hall; he immediately turned over the bird to the authorities. The barangay captain contacted Hedcor, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power which operates a run-of-river hydropower plant in the area, and asked to do something to save the bird.

Hedcor immediately brought the bird – which was identified later on as a Pinsker’s hawk-eagle – to the Malagos Garden Resort, where Dr. Roberto “Bo” Puentespina, Jr. is having a sanctuary for rescued birds.

When Dr. Bo saw the bird, he was adamant at first. The survival was slim as the bird was suffering from dehydration and starvation. “People who want to rescue birds must give

them water every now and then,” he suggested.

In order for the birds not to be restless during the travel, Dr. Puentespina suggested that the eyes be covered perhaps with a clean sock. Also, the birds must be wrapped to avoid their wings from moving.

Dr. Bo nursed the hawk-eagle back to health and provided vitamins and medication. When it was brought in for treatment, the eagle’s weight was only 500 grams. A month later, it gained 300 grams more.

“The only thing I did to help the eagle was to give it my tender loving care,” he said.

After 37 days of intensive care, the hawk-eagle was released in the area where it was rescued.

Among the criteria identified before the hawk-eagle was released were good body condition and the ability to fly. In addition, the injured eye had already fully recovered. When all these considerations were met, the hawk-eagle soared back again to its original habitat.

“I am very happy that the bird will go back to the forest again,” said Apal, adding that other people must do the same to protect the remaining natural species which God has given to Filipinos.

Threatened birds Birdlife International has identified 594 bird species found in the country – this makes the Philippines 58th in the world for bird species richness. A third of the bird species are endemic or can only be found in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, 93 birds (15.6%) are threatened with extinction, ranking the country 8th for globally threatened species. For endemic species, the outlook is even more dire, with 75 (29.1%) of the 258 endemic species considered threatened.

ENVIRONMENT

9

WHERE HAVE ALL OUR

BIRDS GONE? Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

The Pinsker’s hawk-eagle is considered a threatened species or its population has been highly depleted to the minimum, below which the species or subspecies could become extinct.

The Haribon Foundation, an environmental group, is particularly concerned about the Philippine eagle, which has seen a rapid population decline over the last 60 years.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) as an endangered species, which means the bird is in “danger of extinction.”

In the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Philippine eagle is listed under Appendix I: “the trade of species or subspecies of wildlife listed in this category is strictly prohibited except for educational, scientific or search and study purposes.”

The IUCN also listed these two Philippine birds as endangered species: Blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionesis) and Rufous hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax).

Aside from Pinsker’s hawk-eagle, also listed by IUCN as threatened species are Bagobo babbler, black-faced spoonbill, blue-breasted flycatcher, blue-caped kingfisher, Cebu black shama, celestial blue monarch, Chinese

egret, grey imperial pigeon, Japanese bittern, Japanese yellow bunting, longbilled creeper, and Luzon wren-babbler.

The following are likewise threatened bird species: Mindanao parrotfinch, Mindoro bleeding heart pigeon, Negros fruit dove, Negros bleeding heart pigeon, Negros tree babbler, nicobar pigeon, Philippine water redstart, short-crested monarch, spot-billed Pelican, Sulu bleeding heart pigeon, Sulu hornbill and white-throated jungle flycatcher.

In Benguet, a news report said two rare forest birds in the country’s second highest peak, Mount Pulag, are facing extinction.

These are whiskered pitta (Pitta koctri) and Luzon water-redstart (Rhyacomis bicolor).

Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) is another bird that is on the verge of extinction. Most of the remaining birds of this kind can be found on Rasa, a tiny island just off Palawan where a coal power plant is soon to be built.

A species is considered extinct when it is no longer found in the past 50 years.

Endangered species are those that have been reduced in number to a critical level or whose habitats have been damaged or altered or reduced.

Rare species have small world populations. Usually, they are restricted to very few habitats. At present,

rare species are not considered but at risk. Threatened is a general term used to describe bird species which could be in the status of “endangered” and “insufficiently unknown.”

Usual culprits E nv i ro n m e n t a l i s t s blame the habitat loss as the primary factor in the decimation of the bird species in the country. The State of Philippines Birds, published by Haribon Foundation and Birdlife International, said that about 67% of the country’s birds spend their life or part of their life in a tropical forest.

“The lush forests and more than 7,000 islands of the Philippines hold a rich diversity of life, with 258 bird species who live nowhere but the Philippine archipelago,” wrote science writer Paul Gabrielsen of the University of Utah Communications.

Citing a study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, he said that due to deforestation and habitat degradation “more bird species may be endangered than previously thought.”

In Cebu, which has about two percent forest cover (recent reports said it has now about 11 forest cover), one species and several subspecies have joined the dodo into extinction.

The status of the endangered Philippine eagle is another case in point.

It lives in dipterocarp and mild montane forests, particularly in steep areas.

Studies have shown that a pair of Philippine eagles needs at least 7,000 to 13,000 hectares of forest as a nesting territory.

“The forest is its only habitat,” points out Dennis I. Salvador, executive director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. “Without the forest, the species cannot survive over the long term.”

Hunting has also contributed to the decimation of several bird species.

Many birds are consistently caught for meat. A few years ago, there was a news report of seven men who were illegally hunting wild Philippine ducks inside a protected area in Pantabangan town in Nueva Ecija.

Birds are also threatened with climate change.

“Increased temperatures may render habitats unsuitable thus effectively reducing areas for restricted-range birds,” Birdlife International explains.

“Species will move to higher elevations to look for a suitable habitat when it gets hotter in the lowlands,” Birdlife International says.

“Species move at different speeds and rates, which may cause an imbalance in the ecosystem because predator and prey will not be able to move to the new habitat at the same time.”

Facing doom “Diversity of birds in the Philippines is among the highest in the world,” said Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim when she was still the

FWHERE, P10

10

EDGEDAVAO

GOOD... FROM 2

“Napansin ko po na kailangang ibigay natin kaagad ang mga allowances ng ating mga healthcare workers at dapat ay walang pili sa sinasabing expose at hindi expose. Pag pumasok ka sa hospital kahit hindi mo nakikita si Covid, expose ka na talaga. Dapat wala ng pili. Ibigay natin ang mga allowances na dapat nararapat sa mga heathcare workers. Sila ang isinabak natin sa giyerang ito laban sa Covid,” he said.

Go believed the government owes them (health care workers) a debt of gratitude and should give them additional benefits.

He believed people should not be forced to undergo the stress of fighting a fatal infection indefinitely without proper remuneration.

“Ibigay natin ‘yung mga incentives at allowances na dapat, nararapat sa ating

mga health care workers.

Mahirap po maging healthcare worker ngayon, mahirap po maging frontliner sa panahon ngayon. Hindi po basta-basta ang trabaho nila. Napakaliit lang po na halaga ito para sa kanilang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Sila po ang isinabak natin sa giyerang ito. So huwag ho natin silang pabayaan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Go vowed to support whoever becomes president in next year’s elections.

“Isa lang ang hihilingin ko sa kanya kapalit ng aking serbisyo, ipagpatuloy lang ang mga programang nakakatulong sa mga mahihirap,” he said.

The PDP-Laban faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has chosen Senator Ronald dela Rosa as the standard-bearer for the 2022 elections.

launched after a police poseur-buyer was able to transact with the suspects for the sale of assorted firearms.

The raiding team were able to seize a 5.56 mm Bushmaster rifle, two 5.56 rifle, an M4 Carbine, two cal. 45 pistols, and three 9mm pistols.

“Dahil sa insidenteng ito, makikipag-ugnayan ang inyong PNP sa liderato ng Armed Forces of the Philippines upang palakasin ang monitoring at mga operasyon laban sa sinumang nagbebenta at bibili ng mga loose firearms, pulis man, sundalo o sinuman ang sangkot dito. Hindi natin hahayaan ang ganitong kalakaran lalo na at may eleksyon tayong dapat

protektahan,” Eleazar further said.

He said the arrested PNP personnel will be charged with both criminal and administrative charges.

Eleazar had earlier ordered early election security preparations that include aggressive operations against loose firearms and private armed groups.

The PNP chief warned all his personnel not to engage in this kind of illegal activity, adding that the full force of the law will be used against them.

Bilang mga alagad ng batas, hindi dapat tayo maging bantay-salakay at sa halip ay bantay ng bayan upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan,” Eleazar concluded.

production well can irrigate 10 hectares.

The truck-mounted drilling equipment also is capable of drilling a 310 mm diameter borehole to the depth of 150 meters while the georesistivity equipment will support the water drilling operation.

According to him, Kapalong town was the first to avail of the services of the said equipment.

He added that it will change the way of life of the farmers in the community as well as improve and boost agricultural productivity.

tinuing multi-stakeholder peacebuilding efforts.

“This is a great stride towards the attainment of our coveted peace not only in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) but the entire Mindanao region,” he said.

“This is also the time that the government is in dire need of the cooperation, coordination, and collaboration of the communities for the achievement of this goal. Rest assured that the men and women of the 102nd Infantry Brigade will always be your partner towards peace and progress in the region,” he added.

The newly-activated JPST was deployed in Barangay Datu Tumanggong, which is the home of the MILF’s 113th Base Command.

One of the highlights

of the JPST activation was the donning of blue berets and brassards of the members of the JPST-Tungawan.

The Westmincom said alongside the road map toward the establishment of BARMM, a normalization process is being implemented by both the government and MILF. Under the CAB signed between the government and MILF in 2014, the JPSTs have been tasked to support the maintenance of peace and order and stability in areas that will undergo the decommissioning process.

The decommissioning process is under the normalization track of the CAB, which aims to help MILF combatants make the transition toward a peaceful civilian life, while their communities are made progressive, and resilient.

SOLDIERS... FROM 2

DA... FROM 3

GOV’T... FROM 3

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2 NPA... FROM 2

nition; and three cellular phones.

58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy said the capture of their top leaders will be a major setback for the armed group.

“SRC 1 is on the verge of collapse, and we’re looking at completely penetrating all the surviving commanders and destroying their forces,” Canatoy said.

Canatoy urged the re-

maining members of the communist terrorist group to return to the folds of the law, assuring their safety and benefits as well.

“Now is the best time to come down while there is still time and opportunity. It’s simply a matter of time, especially now that we’re doubling down on our efforts to chase down peace breakers through focused military operations,” Canatoy said.

she runs,” he added.

Meanwhile, Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, HNP treasurer, said they were optimistic that there is a “little chance” that Duterte will withdraw her mayoral reelection bid and decide to run for president before the November 15 deadline for substitution.

“We still have until November 15 to wait for her decision. However, we reiterate that we understand her decision [running for mayor]. We will just wait for her to decide,” he added.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque

Jr. said the Davao City mayor will not be a substitute for Senator Ronald dela Rosa in the 2022 presidential derby.

He said that despite mounting calls to succeed her father, Duterte is firm in her reelection bid for the third and final time.

Political parties can replace their candidates for the May 9, 2022 elections until November 15.

On October 2, Mayo Sara filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor at the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.

(PNA)

ekonomiya, pagbukas ng ekonomiya, at pagbalik sa sigla ng ekonomiya, dagdag trabaho na, makabalik na po sa normal, na makapagtrabaho na po ‘yung ating mga kababayan,” he said.

On the other hand, the city government of Davao has allotted P11 million for the construction of an oxygen plant along with accessories and a warehouse.

the plant is being eyed to be constructed in Maa, near the city slaughterhouse where a government property nearby is available.

The city has also separately allotted P12 million to purchase 1,000 oxygen tanks, along with regulators.

Both projects will be funded through Davao City Disaster Fund.

ng mga kalaban,” posted in Bato’s Facebook Page.

Dela Rosa graduated in Bachelor of Science in Public Adminsitration at Mindanao State University (MSU). He also completed his Masters in Public Administration as well as his Doctorate (PhD) in Development Administration at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP). He was also a product of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go assured that PDP Laban’s senatorial slate will be completed soon.

“Maraming gustong sumali noon, eh yung iba

nag-aalanganin dahil hindi nila alam kung sino talaga ang magiging ulo, ulo at pangalawang pangulo.

Ngayon pag dumating yung punto na andiyan na yung final list of presidentiables and vice presidentiables doon natin makikita kung sino rin yung senatoriables.

Hindi nalalayo na magiging kompleto yun (list) soon.

Kung ano ang desisyon ng partido ay suportado ko po ito,” Go said in an interview during his distribution of assistance to various sectors and turnover of check to Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Thursday. By Maya M. Padillo

in NCR (National Capital Region) without fixing the interregional supply issues through vaccine equity, and you will see high inflation, especially in transport and food. So, while you might see high nominal growth, your real growth is in trouble. You have to do both demand stimulus and vaccine equity,” he added.

Salceda suggested to the country’s economic managers to keep the policy rates pro-growth, increase food supply, and food mobility to efficiently allocate and vaccinate in the regions, which are “aching for” new arriv-

als.

SARA... FROM 2

DRMC... FROM 3

THERE... FROM 3

GDP... FROM 5

“Manila is on the road to being okay. The regions are still not. We can’t do this without aggressive catchup efforts on the part of the national government, especially on vaccine arrivals,” he said.

Asked about his inflation projections for 2022, Salceda said it is still possible to stay at 4 percent or below, depending on whether the country experiences a super typhoon in October and November, and whether fuel costs in the world market continue to increase. (PNA)

WHERE... FROM 9

director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

But most of the birds are facing extinction. “The Philippines is in terrible shape environmentally using the bird as an indicator of the health of its natural ecosystems,” observed Prof.

Blas R. Tabaranza, Jr. former Habiron executive director.

Dr. Lim agreed. “Our feathered Philippine icons play important roles in balancing the ecosystem,” she said. “They serve as predators and seed disperses, greatly contributing to the regeneration of natural forests, which ensures continuous supply of basic ecosys-

tem services, such as clean air and water.”

But birds have other uses, too. “Birds can also present a primary focus for economic development through international tourism,” Dr. Lim said. “They hold the potential for huge international visitation rates through the global birding community.”

New bird species The good news is: new bird species are continuously being discovered. “In the past 12 years, there have been several new records of birds in the Philippines,” Birdlife International reports. “These records increased the total count of Philippine birds from 572 (in 2000) to 604 (in 2012).”

and a valid personal ID. · Iloilo City – S-Pass Registration · Guimaras – TCP from S-Pass · Butuan – TCP from S-Pass, and upload a valid, government-issued ID on the system. For a passenger bound for cities or municipalities outside Butuan City, he/she must show approved Travel PassThrough Permit (TPP) from S-Pass. · Maguindanao – valid ID and travel order for APORs

· Tacloban – Passenger must register under the Balik Tacloban Project through www.baliktacloban.tacloban.gov.ph. A passenger bound for Tacloban may also present certification of Quarantine Completion with vaccination status in securing the Acceptance Letter when travelling to Tacloban City Cebu Pacific also urged passengers to regularly check the COVID-19 protocols of their respective local government units before travel.

ital innovations.

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, enrollment in schools, and opening of bank accounts.

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

charges to their clients,” he added.

Suficiencia said results of the 2019 financial inclusion survey showed that financial account ownership among urban and rural populations “are actually almost the same.”

She said while the National Capital Region tends to have the highest number of deposit accounts per capita, it also has the biggest number of issues on security “so that region posted the lowest account per capita.”

Economists said the central bank has the lead in ensuring that the domestic economy remains afloat amid the pandemic given these cash advances and aggressive cuts in the central bank’s key policy rates totaling to 200 basis points, which brought the

BSP’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate to record-low 2 percent.

Diokno, however, said the unprecedented nature of the shock caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) required a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis.

season’s playoffs defeat to Atlanta — the catalyst for the Aussie wanting out of the City of Brotherly Love.

Comments by Rivers and Embiid questioning Simmons in the wake of

that playoffs defeat — when his shooting frailties were in the spotlight — reportedly hurt and played a part in him seeking a trade away from the only NBA team he’s known.

create extra possessions. You erase mistakes with blocks. I take pride in that.”

The international big men also support each other.

“I’ve know Jokic since I

was in high school,” Capela said. “Joel for a long time.

Rudy since I was back in high school as well. We’ve known each other and support each other.”

CEBPAC... FROM 4

SATELLITE... FROM 4

BSP... FROM 5

DIOKNO... FROM 5

SIMMONS... FROM 11

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Will he stay or will he go? Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

Simmons still seeking trade after returning to 76ers

M

ystery remains over Ben Simmons’ status in Philadelphia as the 76ers prepare for another pre-season game — with or without the Aussie.

Another day, another development in the Ben Simmons saga.

The Aussie basketbal-

ler has officially been listed as “doubtful” for Philadelphia’s next pre-season game against Detroit on

Saturday as mystery remains over his status at the franchise.

Despite making it clear he wants to be traded, Simmons surprised everyone this week — including Sixers management — by returning to Philadelphia and reporting for duty.

He returned to the 76ers’ training facilities on Thursday and conducted a workout with team officials separate from teammates.

Coach Doc Rivers confirmed Simmons is available to rejoin his teammates on Saturday but whether he steps on the floor against the Pis-

year award. Atlanta’s Clint Capela from Switzerland was the NBA’s top rebounder.

McMillan says some U.S. players are missing the lessons of the “triple threat” skills of shoot, pass and dribble toward the basket that were learned by the players in other nations.

“I just think they come in with the basic fundamentals, more so than our players do,” McMillan said Tuesday.

“It used to be a lot of that, but now our guys are not spending as much time in those types of programs. ... You don’t spend four years in college anymore where coaches can develop those basic fundamentals of the triple threat.”

McMillan then paused before asking, “You know the triple threat? You say that to one of our guys and it’s like ‘Give me the ball and let me just ...’”

McMillan didn’t have to finish the sentence. He could have said “Let me just dunk” or “let me just score.”

Jokic, who averaged 8.3 assists while also posting big scoring and rebounding numbers, flourished while also making his teammates better.

Jokic isn’t motivated to dominate the spotlight on the court. That’s also the way he lives.

“I don’t want to raise my celebrity status,” Jokic said.

“You can control that in some way. I don’t have social media. ... I would rather nobody knows me than everybody knows me, you know. So, it’s much better if nobody knows me.”

Embiid couldn’t escape the spotlight while averaging 28.5 points last season. He added 2.8 assists per game and wants to be known for his play on the other end of the court.

“I have aspirations to be the defensive player of the year,” Embiid said at the 76ers preseason media day. “I think I have to be more active and it’s hard to do because offensively I’m

also asked to do a lot. I don’t mind. I love it. I love carrying a team on both ends. I think that’s what probably makes me special, because I do it on both ends.”

Capela led the league with 14.3 rebounds while making almost 60% of his shots from the field and adding two blocks per game.

Capela’s rebounding and defense were big reasons the Hawks beat Embiid’s 76ers to reach the Eastern Conference finals.

The wave of international big men also includes such players as Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton from the Bahamas, Chicago’s two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic from Switzerland and Dallas center and power forward Kristaps Porzingis, who is from Latvia.

Capela said international big men “embrace our role.”

Capela said his role is, “Make sure that I do my work. Make sure I finish whenever I get the ball inside. ... You rebound, you

Why international big men are dominating NBA

A

TLANTA Hawks coach Nate McMillan believes big men entering the league from other countries thrive because they were taught the fundamentals of the game at a young age.

That grasp of the allaround game has helped international big men dominate the NBA. Best international big men in NBA Last season’s MVP voting confirmed the return to prominence of big men in the NBA. The voting also highlighted the dominance of big men from other countries.

Denver’s Nikola Jokic of Serbia was the MVP winner, followed by Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid from Cameroon.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece finished fourth in the voting and was the NBA Finals MVP. Golden State’s Stephen Curry was third as the only guard in the top four.

Meanwhile, Utah’s Rudy Gobert from France won his third defensive player of the

FWHY, P10

tons remains to be seen.

Not even Philadelphia stars know whether Simmons will be back for long.

Some NBA pundits suggest the 25-year-old came back because the financial impact of being fined for missing games was starting to set in, while others speculated he will kick stones and force the Sixers to trade him when it becomes clear his attitude is a liability.

NBA insider Shams Charania told Stadium Simmons is still angling for a way out of Philly.

“I’m told there really isn’t any change, as far as where he (Simmons) stands mentally,” he said.

“He’s wanted a trade, I think mentally, that hasn’t changed. It’s still not clear where he stands with the organisation.

“I’ve been told some of those meetings have gone pretty short, the organisation probably feels like it’s gone well. You have two different sides to this.

“I think rival teams still believe he will be moved.

It’s just a matter of time.”

Even Rivers is scratching his head about how the situation plays out from here.

“You know, I don’t know,” he said when asked this week if Simmons still wants to be traded. “I think he’s voiced that, but we’ll see how that works out.

“I’m assuming he’s going to play, but who knows.

I can’t get into anyone’s head.”

Several 76ers players said they’re not expecting — nor do they need — an apology from Simmons for

his holdout. Joel Embiid has been publicly critical of the former No. 1 draft pick and hasn’t spoken to him since last season.

“I personally haven’t talked to him since the season ended,” Embiid said this week.

“I tried, but I wasn’t as successful as a lot of my teammates have been. Like I said, it’s unfortunate the whole situation happened, but, like I said, we’re a better team with him on the floor.

“I think there’s going to be some adjustments, but it doesn’t need to be awkward.

“We’re all professionals.

We want to win. I want to win. He gives me the best chance to win so that’s what I’m gonna go with.”

Simmons has previously made it clear he wants nothing more to do with the team. He has tried his best to force the Sixers’ hand even though he still has four years and $AUD200m remaining on his deal — initially refusing to show up for pre-season camp and Philly’s first pre-season games.

The Sixers have played hardball and kept a disgruntled Simmons on their books because they haven’t been able to agree to adequate trade terms with another team. They want a bona-fide star in return for their three-time All-Star but rivals haven’t been willing to cough up a package that satisfies Philadelphia bosses.

It doesn’t help that Simmons’ trade value was hurt by his offensive woes in last

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Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, De’Andre Hunter and John Collins all logged big minutes in the 127-92 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday.

Hawks starters looking sharp A TLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks closed out the preseason with their starting five looking sharp.

Coach Nate McMillan wanted a dress rehearsal of sorts with Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, De’Andre Hunter and John Collins all logging big minutes in the 127-92 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time).

Center Clint Capela, making his preseason debut, had 10 rebounds and 10 points in 12 minutes. He sat out the second half to rest his left Achilles.

The Heat were without Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Bam Adebayo and eight others as coach Erik Spoelstra decided to keep his stars at home with the team closing out the preseason Friday night in Miami against Boston.

Young had 27 points and 15 assists, and Hunter scored 19 as both players sat out the fourth quarter.

Javonte Smart finished with 20 points, and Max Strus added 18 for the Heat (4-1 preseason). Micah Potter had 16 points and 16 rebounds. Gabe Vincent handed out 10 assists.

Atlanta (2-2) jumped out to an early, big lead with Hunter’s dunk making it 31-12 at the 3:16 mark of the first quarter.

The Hawks pushed the lead

back to 19 when Cam Reddish hit a 21-footer with 7:49 to go in the second.

Young assisted on consecutive baskets — on a 3 by Bogdanovich that made it 53-32 at the 3:34 mark and on Capela’s dunk to put the Hawks up 5735 with 2:26 left.

Young, coming off a calf contusion, followed with a couple of 3s, the second one making it 65-38 in the final minute before halftime. It was 67-43 entering the third.

Collins jammed in a dunk to make it 84-58 midway through the third. Young later assisted on three straight baskets, feeding Collins for a layup, Collins for a dunk and Kevin Huerter for a reverse layup. The Hawks took a 93-62 lead on Young’s 3 with 2:10 left in the third.

The Hawks were up 97-72 entering the fourth. They finished with 33 assists and 10 turnovers, five of them when the starters were out of the game.

Atlanta opens the regular season Oct. 21 at home against the Dallas Mavericks.

Miami’s season opener is Oct. 21 at home against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks.