Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 192 | Wednesday, October 27, 2021

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PSC APPROVES SPECIAL INCENTIVES FOR YULO SPORTS P 11

THREE ‘C’S

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

edgedavao@gmail.com

City provides guidelines for face shield use STORY ON PAGE 2

Vehicles wade through a flooded street along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Lanang, Davao City on Tuesday. Street floodings were experienced in some parts of Davao City, which was brought by Monday night’s heavy downpour, that has caused monstrous traffic congestions in majority of the main thoroughfares in the northern side of the city. Edge Davao

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

THREE ‘C’S

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

City provides guidelines for face shield use

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

he city government of Davao set forth its guidelines on the use of face shields known as “3 Cs.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said that the city has collated all the pronouncements made by President Rodrigo Duterte and reports in drafting the guide through Executive Order (EO) No. 51 Series of 2021, allowing the use of face shield in the 3Cs: crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined

and enclosed spaces. “Atoa na lang ning giusa ang tanan na makita nato sa mga balita ug tanang nadungog nato na pronouncement atoang Pangulo para mabuhatan ug guide ang mga tao,” the mayor said.

The EO also known as “An Order Providing For The Guidelines On The Use of Face Shields” which was

released earlier this month, cited President Duterte’s announcement on September 22, 2021, to limit the use of face shields to the 3Cs as recommended by the Technical Advisory Group.

Crowded places are areas where there is a mass gathering of individuals, which include but are not limited to swab testing sites, vaccination sites, evacuation centers, assistance distribution centers,

and voter registration hubs of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Close contact settings are defined as contact between individuals within six feet of each other for a total of 15 minutes or more.

“Kung nagduol mo within 15 minutes angay na siya suotan ug face shield,” the mayor said.

Confined and enclosed spaces are defined as indoor structures with roofs

jabs,” Duterte said in his regular Talk to the People aired on Monday night.

Duterte said a non-stop vaccination program at the local levels can greatly contribute to expediting the Covid-19 vaccination program nationwide.

He said the vaccination program should also scale up even in the far-flung communities.

“At ‘yung mga bakuna

na nasa umabot na doon sa pinakamalayong lugar (The vaccines may reach those farthest areas) and the provincial, city and municipal health officials will take over,” Duterte said. “Ang concern ko lang naman (my only concern) is that--they will be able to preserve the integrity of the vaccines.”

The vaccines, which will be deployed in these farflung areas, must not expire

and be free from contamination, he said.

Duterte called on the LGUs to scale up their respective vaccination program.

“I urged LGUs to come up with a more systematic and efficient way of finding out of who among your constituents have not yet been vaccinated. Please do everything to convince them to get vaccinated,” he said,

FTHREE, P10

DOH 11 reminds to strictly practice MPHS despite modified liquor ban

F

ollowing the issuance of EO 59 or the modified liquor ban and lifting of curfew within Davao City, the Department of Health 11 still reminded Dabawenyos to strictly follow the minimum public health standards (MPHS) especially with the upcoming Christmas season.

“The Davao City LGU may have based the EO on their local data which is a negative COVID19 growth rate and hospital bed capacity which is no longer under critical level. Kelangan pa rin nating i-strengthen ang MPHS and further increase vaccination,” said Dr. Raquel Montejo of the Department of Health Davao Region in a virtual presser earlier today.

The EO 59 cites the ban in selling liquor from 1:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. every day.

No person or entity shall sell liquor or any alcoholic beverages within this time period.

The serving of liquor for consumption in bars, restaurants, sari-sari stores, palengke videoke, and other business establishments as well as drinking liquor in all

public places including but not limited to streets, alleys, pathways, and outside of gates are not allowed.

The EO highlights that alcohol may only be served and consumed inside private properties.

The curfew time in all public places is also lifted.

Davao City has been placed under Alert Level 3 starting October 20 until October 31.

Under Alert Level 3, intrazonal and interzonal travel is allowed subject to reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities.

What remains not allowed are face to face or in-person classes for basic education, contact sports, funfairs/peryas and kid amusement industries, venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences, casinos, cockfighting, lottery and betting shops, and gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household.

In her radio program today, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said that she re-

as he noted a stable vaccine supply in the country.

Duterte also commended the successful pilot run of the pediatric vaccination.

He also mentioned the students in the medical fields could be a help in ramping vaccination.

“I’ve heard somewhere that itong mga (these) nursing students, mga (those) seniors, I think--they will be mobilized para magtulong

sa pagbabakuna (to help in vaccination),” he said.

The Philippines has received a total of 97,678,340 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, as of October 24.

Of the total vaccines, 55,715,693 doses were already administered, with 30,003,713 given as first doses and 25,711,980 as second doses, including the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. (PNA)

FDOH, P10

Duterte cites need to ramp up vaccination program in LGUs

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte emphasized the need to ramp up the vaccination rate in various local government units (LGUs) to meet the country’s target to fully vaccinate at least 50 million Filipinos to achieve population protection by December this year.

“We cannot reach this target if we will plateau at 400 or 500 [thousand] daily

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

NEWS

3

Employees of an establishment along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City conduct an unscheduled general cleaning on Tuesday morning after floodwaters brought by Monday night’s heavy downpour entered their office. Edge Davao

More effort needed to solve flooding woes: IDIS Royal Cargo starts Davao-US West Coast shipping operation

M

anila-based company Royal Cargo has recently commenced shipping from Davao City to the US West Coast and this is expected to spur more trade for Mindanao.

Tony Peralta, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Business Council (ECCP-SMBC), told Edge Davao that Royal Cargo, which is one of the members of ECCP, is shipping agricultural and industrial products to the West Coast.

“Hopefully, this kind of development can spur more trade for Mindanao,” Peralta said.

Bolstering Mindanao as the logistics hub of the Philippines alongside the biggest names in mobility, delivery, and logistics is among the goals of this year’s Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICon).

Peralta said the positioning of Mindanao as a logistics hub in ASEAN can happen, however, current issues on the logistics front must first be addressed such as the unavailability of shipping containers, high shipping costs, and ensur-

ing that the ease of doing business with port authorities must consistently be followed.

“If we are to be taken as a serious destination for trade,” he said.

On the other hand, in celebration of inclusivity and diversity, women leaders in logistics are convening for the final installment of the Davao ICon 2021 Innovation Series entitled “Mindanao as a Logistics Hub of ASEAN: First and Last Mile Logistics”.

The virtual event will be held on October 27, 2021, and will cover the opportunities present in Mindanao as it becomes the next logistics hub of the Philippines.

It also aims to explore innovative solutions to speed up development led by female changemakers in the industry.

Meanwhile, Peralta announced that ECCP-SMBC and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Mindanao are spearheading the second leg of the East ASEAN Business Conference to highlight Mindanao as an investment and trade destination on October 28, 2021.

By Maya M. Padillo

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

address the problem,” Atty.

Mark Peñalver, executive director of IDIS, told Edge Davao.

In a statement, IDIS is urging the city to take more steps in mitigating and reducing of impacts of floods such as fast-tracking the implementation of the “No to Single-use Plastic” Ordinance and the strict implementation and monitoring of the Ecological Sol-

id Waste Management Act. IDIS also pressed for the strict implementation of the Local Zoning Ordinance, prohibiting residential developments at identified Floodway Mitigation Zones; as well as increase urban greenery and protect blue spaces such as wetlands and creeks; strengthen the implementation and monitoring of rainwater harvesting and permeable pavement ordinance; and promote and integrate nature-based solutions in all development projects.

The group stated that

Davao City also needs a programmatic combination of “grey” and “green” infrastructure or Low-Impact Developments (LID) for construction projects for both government and private sectors.

The group also recommended for the prioritization of the Drainage Master Plan integrating a network of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), providing flood detention/retention areas, trenches, bioswales, built wetlands, rehabilitation of creeks, and waterways.

the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) to conduct a probe into the blast that happened just as a convoy of some 20 to 30 vehicles of Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and his group passed by the military detachment in Guindulungan, Maguindanao.

According to Eleazar, the police investigators should not leave any stone unturned in determining the motive and identifying the perpetrator of the grenade

blast.

“Lahat ng anggulo ay ating titingnan sa insidenteng ito,” Eleazar said.

Investigation revealed that the grenade was thrown in the direction of the Philippine Army detachment.

Mangudadatu’s convoy was passing nearby when the blast happened.

“Isa lang sa maraming posibleng motibo sa insidente ang sinasabing pagtarget kay Maguindanao Rep Esmael Mangudadatu ng pagpapasabog. Maaari

rin kasing nagkataon lang na dumaan ang convoy ni Rep. Mangudadatu nang naganap ang insidente,” Eleazar pointed out.

“Pero agad makikipag-ugnayan ang ating mga imbestigador sa kongresista pati na rin sa mga sundalong nakatalaga sa Army detachment para kumuha pa ng ibang detalye,” Eleazar added.

Mangudadatu is running for governor of the province, a position he held for three terms in the past.

he city government of Davao still has a long way to go to address the flooding problem and other climate hazards in the city.

Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) made the assessment of the massive flood that affected many areas of Davao City and swept away tons of garbage on Monday night.

“We acknowledge naman the efforts of the city, but the flooding incidents, dili lang man sad siya gabii lang nahitabo, is a testament to how we

FMORE, P10

PNP told to be vigilant after Maguindanao blast

P

hilippine National Police (PNP) chief General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar directed all police units and offices across the country to remain vigilant and to work with the military to prevent any attacks from lawless elements, especially during this election season.

Eleazar’s order came after the grenade explosion near an Army detachment in Maguindanao on Saturday (October 23).

The PNP chief ordered

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

A foodpanda rider braves the floodwater on his way to deliver an order in Lanang, Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

178K PUV drivers to benefit from P1 billion fuel subsidy

S

ome 178,000 bonafide public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers are set to benefit from the PHP1-billion fuel subsidies that will be released through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

This, as global oil prices continue to rise to over USD80 per barrel and have affected domestic fuel prices.

In a statement on Monday, the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) said the cash aid will be disbursed to the drivers in the remaining months of 2021 using the LTFRB’s Pantawid Pasada Program.

“The funds will be

charged against the FY (fiscal year) 2021 Unprogrammed Appropriations under the Support for Infrastructure Projects and Social Programs,” the DBCC statement said.

The economic managers said they are “committed to support our transportation sector amidst the increasing oil prices.”

Oil companies have announced another round of fuel price hikes

for this week, the eighth consecutive week of price increases.

Effective Oct. 26, 2021, gasoline prices will jump by around PHP1.15 per liter and diesel by around PHP0.45 per liter.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB assured that “qualified and bonafide” drivers and operators of PUVs will receive a cash grant from the PHP1 billion fuel subsidy for the remaining months of this year.

In a statement, the LTFRB welcomed the release of the budget meant to support the transportation sector amid increasing prices of fuel and oil products.

“We assure the Devel-

opment Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) that the released amount pursuant to Section 82 of the TRAIN law, will be distributed as cash grants to qualified and bonafide PUV drivers for the remaining months of this year. The Landbank of the Philippines shall disburse money straight to the cash cards issued to drivers,” the agency said.

It added that the release of funds for the fuel subsidies is “timely”, as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will also defend its proposal for a “significant” increase in the passenger capacity of PUVs as the National

FPUV, P10

BSP eyes P1K polymer banknotes pilot-testing in 1st half of 2022

T

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to pilot-test starting in the first half of 2022 the use of PHP1,000 polymer notes that are deemed to be cleaner, cheaper, stronger, and smarter than using paper bills.

In a virtual briefing on Monday, BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan said they will start with “a few hundred million pieces” of PHP1,000 notes which is the most withdrawn denomination to be distributed around the country.

“It has to be circulated nationwide. It has to be

used by the public so we can see how it behaves so that we can test the banknotes itself and we can also get feedback on how our people, our public would handle them.

Because at the end of the test, we would like to see (whether) those benefits I mentioned to you earlier that have been actually experienced and reported by other central banks could hold or could be true for the Philippines under our local conditions,” Tangonan said.

The volume of polymer notes that would be issued

ebu Pacific on Monday said Bohol, Roxas and Cebu City join the list of destinations in its network that no longer require RTPCR or Antigen testing for entry.

The airline said fully-vaccinated travelers bound for Bohol may just present a Vaccination Certificate from the website vaxcert.doh.gov. ph in lieu of a negative RTPCR test result.

They must also present a government-issued ID and secure an S-Pass approval,

the airline said.

Cebu City meanwhile will accept fully-vaccinated persons who present their vaccination card with QR code and a valid ID bearing their picture and signature.

If their vaccination card does not have a QR Code, they may present the official vaccination certificate issued by the Local health officer of the LGU concerned or Vaccination certification issued by the Department of Health.

DBM: Bayanihan 2 still has CebPac says swab test no longer required in 14 local destinations P10.05B remaining balance C

T

here is still a balance of P10.05 billion under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 yet to be utilized as of end-September, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported Monday.

Data released by the DBM showed that agencies have obligated P204.07 billion out of the P214.12 billion allotment released, equivalent to an obligation

rate of 95.3%.

There is still a balance of P10.05 billion under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 yet to be utilized as of end-September, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported Monday.

Data released by the DBM showed that agencies have obligated P204.07 billion out of the P214.12 billion allotment released, equivalent to an obligation

rate of 95.3%.

Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or Bayanihan 1, the DBM said, agencies have obligated a total of P369.08 billion from the P387.93 billion allotment released to them.

A total of P10.10 billion charged against the 2020 budget are still valid for disbursement until the end of the year.

Other releases outside the Bayanihan laws are re-

corded at P88.21 billion, largely coming from the 2021 budget with P81.75 billion. The DBM said there are still some P23.38 billion that need to be obligated and P42.84 billion that need to be disbursed by the end of the year.

“The DBM commits to continuously support all implementing agencies as they respond to the pandemic to ensure that all Filipinos are

FDBM, P10

FBSP, P10

FCEBPAC, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

ECONOMY

5

A man unloads a block of ice near a stall that sells ice to fish and other vendors at Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

DOF orders BIR to study other countries’ tax practices on digital transactions Positive impact of increase in gov’t spending on GDP cited

T

he improvement of government spending will greatly benefit domestic growth but further reopening the economy can boost tax revenue collections which could help narrow the country’s budget deficit, according to economists.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on Monday reported the 17.5-percent yearon-year jump in government expenditures last September to PHP412.4 billion, higher than the 8.96-percent rise in revenues to PHP231.4 billion.

This resulted in the 30.6-percent jump in the budget gap to PHP180.9 billion, bringing the first nine month’s budget deficit to PHP1.139 billion, lower than the PHP1.425-trillion programmed for the period.

As of end-September this year, government revenues totaled to PHP2.237 trillion, 4.71 percent higher than the PHP2.136-trillion program for the period, while expenditures amounted to PHP3.376 trillion, 5.22 percent lower than the PHP3.562-trillion program.

Attributing the year-onyear jump of both the expenditures and revenues last September to base effects, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa

said rising revenues shows that economic activity has improved compared to the same period last year.

“Meanwhile, government spending has sustained its momentum, which will likely continue to close out the year. This will be a positive in terms of GDP (gross domestic product) as government spending will need to compensate for consumption and capital formation, which may yet to revert to pre covid pace of expansion,” he said in a note.

He, however, said that the widening deficit suggests that the overall debt of the country “continues to pile on.”

“Currently, the debt-toGDP ratio is at roughly 63 percent, beyond the threshold that credit ratings agencies may view as sustainable,” he added, referring to the 60-percent level that is considered to be sustainable.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort forecasts further rise in budget gap in the coming months due in part to the need to pump-prime the economy and the need to accelerate infrastructure project implementation ahead of the May 2022 national polls.

FPOSITIVE, P10

F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has directed the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to form a unit dedicated to track sales of goods done online and to coordinate with their counterparts in other countries to determine how to properly tax digital transactions.

In a statement, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Dominguez told the BIR they should consult with their counterparts in Russia or Korea, to find out how to properly and effectively tax digital transactions.

A

group of recyclers in the Philippines is trying to ease the country’s worsening plastic waste crisis by turning bottles, single-use sachets and snack food wrappers that clog rivers and spoil beaches into building materials.

The Plastic Flamingo, or “The Plaf”, as they are commonly known, collect the waste, shred it and then mould it into posts and planks called “eco-lumber” that can be used for fencing, decking or even to make disas-

“We have to catch up with these guys,” Dominguez said, referring to the surge in online sellers as most consumers have turned to buying goods through digital platforms amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DOF said BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay has already discussed with the taxman’s National Investigation Division (NID) how this can be done, initially through a task force that will monitor the sales of goods and services done through the Internet.

Similarly, a proposed measure imposing a 12% value-added tax (VAT) on digital transactions was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading.

The proposed House

bill seeks to amend Section 105-A of the National Internal Revenue Code with a provision making a non-resident digital service provider, such as Netflix, Spotify, and Lazada, liable for assessing, collecting, and remitting the VAT on the transactions that go through its platform.

The measure defines a digital service provider as “a service provider of a digital service or goods to a buyer, through operating an online platform for pur-

ter-relief shelters. “(It) is 100% upcycled material, 100% made from plastic waste materials, we also include some additives and colorants and it is rot-free, maintenance-free, and splinter-free,” said Erica Reyes, The Plaf’s chief operating officer.

Having collected over 100 tonnes of plastic waste to date, the social enterprise is doing its bit to address a local problem that has global ramifications.

Approximately 80% of

global ocean plastic comes from Asian rivers, and the Philippines alone contributes a third of that total, according to a 2021 report

by Oxford University’s Our World in Data.

The Philippines does not have a clear strategy on tackling its plastics problem and its environment department has said it has been in contact with manufacturers to identify ways to manage waste.

COVID-19, though, has made the battle against plastic waste harder to win.

Some 300 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually, according to the United Nations Environment Program, a problem that has been exacerbated by the pandemic which sparked a rush for plastic face shields, gloves, takeaway food containers and bubble wrap as online shopping surged.

“People are unaware of how to dispose of these plastics,” said Allison Tan, The Plaf’s marketing associate.

FDOF, P10

FGROUP, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

In saying the city government of Davao still has a long way to go to address the flooding problem and other climate hazards in the city:

We acknowledge naman the efforts of the city, but the flooding incidents, dili lang man sad siya gabii lang nahitabo, is a testament to how we address the problem.”

Atty. Mark Peñalver

Executive director, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS)

EDITORIAL Return to normalcy Davao City is slowly returning to a life closer to what it used to be.

Although the pandemic is far from over, Dabawenyos can at least enjoy a life without curfew and a relaxed alcohol restriction.

Executive Order (EO) No. 59 Series of 2021 took effect on Tuesday. EO 59 provides for a “modified guidelines on liquor ban and the lifting of curfew within the city.” The order stipulates that selling liquor shall be allowed only from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. every day.

Within that period, no person or entity shall sell li-

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

Given that the situation has improved for Davao City, the relaxed measures cannot be taken for granted. We have to remind ourselves that Covid-19 is still a threat and cannot be disregarded.

Relaxing the hard stance should be matched with the same intensity to get more people vaccinated.

There is no way we can let our guards down.

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

quor or any alcoholic beverages. The order will take effect from 12:01 a.m. on October 26, 2021, to 11:59 p.m. on January 15, 2022.

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 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

THE ART OF GIFTING WITH THE

SM STORE’s SM GIFT REGISTRY W

Baby registry must-haves range and cribs to everyday essentials from baby furniture such as strollers such as diapers, and wash cloths.

Celebrate your child’s Dedication or Baptism with practical gift ideas from SM Gift Registry.

Registrants can have their gift be delivered in their home or pick up in the store on their preferred date.

Let The SM Store Gift Registry App be your ultimate destination for all your celebrations and gift-giving needs!

T

hile most festivities today have been rather low key or even virtual, there’s nothing like a gift to make a milestone memorable. It is one way of joining in celebrations, as well as expressing love and appreciation to friends and family - a great way of nurturing relationships especially during these times.

Rediscover the art of manage and track the gifting with the new The gifts purchased by their SM Store Gift Registry guests. Also, registrants App and Online Website. can share the event and The SM Store Gift link of their wish list Registry App, is your with their family and one stop gift registry for friends thru Facebook, all your celebrations. It Instagram and Viber. offers a wide range of • Convenient and seproducts with over a cure payment options hundred brands for ev- are also available in the ery occasion - birthdays, App. Online payment weddings, anniversaries, options such as debit or baptisms, housewarm- credit cards, mobile payings and any other oc- ment services and digital casion in between. And wallets like GrabPay and today, The SM Store Gift GCash are also available.

Registry App can provide Gift-giving is also you with a convenient, rewarding as both regefficient, and fun gift-giv- istrants and guests can ing experience. earn SMAC points, avail Shopping for your of free gift-wrapping and perfect presents is now free delivery of gifts to so easy: the celebrants right at • Download THE SM their doorstep.

STORE GIFT REGISTRY The SM Store’s Gift App on your mobile Registry is now on mophone. Sign up, create or bile. Download the App view an event for your and register your event celebration. or visit The SM Store’s • Manage the event SM Gift Registry section page on the app and per- at The SM Store branch sonalize it with your own near you and have a Gift event invite.

Registry Associate assist • Add items to your you. For more info, visit wish list from the The The SM Store Gift RegSM Store Gift Registry’s istry website https:// catalog that guests can thesmstoregiftregistry. now select from and buy com or The SM Store online. website https://www.

• Registrants can now thesmstore.com

Sony’s WF-1000XM4 is your newest favorite soundtrip buddy

he WF-1000XM4 comes in a small, rounded case designed to be carried easily, it can even fit inside your pocket! So, whether you’re out for a quick grocery run or bound for a long drive with your friends or family, you can bring these earbuds without any hassle.

Even now that majority of activities are done home and virtually, the Sony WF-1000XM4 will still be your soundtrip buddy. You won’t be limited in using it merely just to listen to music because there are a lot more activities that you can enhance when you pair it with the earbuds.

You can enjoy your fa-

vorite TV shows, movies, and K-dramas even more when you pair and connect your smartphones or tablets with the WF1000XM4 because it now supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless, thanks to Sony’s industry-adopted audio, LDAC that provides an exceptional sound quality so you can also hear the voices of the characters and background music clearly for more feels while watching.

On top of that, with the WF-1000XM4’s industry-leading active noise cancellation, your binge-watch session will be as immersive as ever because you will not be disrupted by background

noises!

And if you’re the physical and athletic type, the ANC feature lets you focus better during your workout sessions and other wellness activities such as high intensity workouts, slow yoga flow, and even meditations. You won’t hear unnecessary noises, only the songs in your playlist or whatever you’re listening to while working out.

When you break a sweat, you don’t have to worry that the earbuds will easily get damaged because it already has an IPX4 water-resistance rating. Or when you’re outside and it suddenly drizzled, your listening experience continues.

Even with your virtual meetings or e-numans with your friends and officemates, Sony’s WF1000XM4 is still there for you. Its Precise Voice Pickup Technology picks up your voice clearly and accurately, topped with the active noise-cancellation, you hear the voice on the other end clearly as well, even in noisy situations.

Enjoy these features and more when you purchase the Sony WF1000XM4.

Experience the premium quality and hear #YourSoundNothingElse. For movie/ show consumption, casual usage, exercise, work, study, name it! The WF1000XM4 is built to suit

every type of your activity.

Get yours for P13,999 available in all Sony Centres and Sony Authorized Dealers nationwide. Click here to locate the stores near you or you may also opt to checkout our official Sony Flagship stores

in Lazada and Shopee For full product information, visit: https:// www.sony.com.ph/electronics/truly-wireless/ wf-1000xm4 Don’t miss out on any updates, follow Sony Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

8

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Double Chocolate Berry Ice Blended is an indulgent, dark chocolate drink blended with berry sauce, coffee, and milk, topped with berry flavored whip and drizzle.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s 2021 Limited Edition Holiday Tumblers.

CBTL LAUNCHES NEW HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN

TIME flies fast with the holiday season is just around the corner.

While we are still dealing with challenges brought upon by the global pandemic, it feels good to look forward to celebrating Christmas. As a company that celebrates Christmas in a meaningful way, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is ushering in the holiday season with the recent launch of their campaign “Make the Holiday Yours” last October 23.

As a way for you to “Make the Holiday Yours”, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is offering four Limited Edition Holiday Tumblers that are available in

L-R: Fall Mug, Happiness Notebook, Imagination Notebook, Kalipay Swirl Rewards Card, Manyaman Swirl Rewards Card, Summer Mug, Winter Mug, Breeze Tumbler, Spring Mug, Universe Tumbler, Ligaya Swirl Rewards Card, Pagmaya Swirl Rewards Card, Gratitude Notebook. four gorgeous designs: Butter, Cloud, Ocean, and Ash. Each tumbler has a matte finish and stainless steel body. With up to 12 hours of insulation, your drinks will stay toasty hot or icy cold.

“Each tumbler in the collection is locally designed and features striking Art Deco designs and bright trendy colors” shared Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Brand Manager Kim Cruz during the virtual launch.

“You can redeem any of

the four Philippines-exclusive tumblers by collecting 18 stamps through in-store or delivery orders. Similar to last year, all redeemed tumblers come with 12 exciting coupons that you can use all throughout 2022!”

Every redemption of the Limited Edition Holiday Tumbler also helps the Real LIFE Foundation—CBTL’s partner in empowering the underprivileged youth through educational assistance, character formation, and leadership

development.

Another holiday fixture at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, is featured holiday beverage.

This year CBTL introduces the Double Chocolate Berry Ice Blended – an indulgent, dark chocolate drink blended with berry sauce, coffee, and milk, topped with berry flavored whip and drizzle, perfect for this holiday season! The special Ice Blended drink is available in regular size for only Php 195, and in large size for Php 215.

Aside from these, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is also launching a series of exciting Holiday merchandise that can serve as ideal Christmas gifts.

Swirl Rewards Cards In celebration of the upcoming holiday season, the Swirl Rewards Cards come with a new set of designs! You can get Ligaya, Manyaman, Kalipay, and Pagmaya for only Php 195 each.

Notebooks & Drinkware While CBTL’s iconic Giving Journal is taking a break for 2021, the coffee roaster is rolling out its CBTL Notebooks with the themes of Imagination, Happiness, and Gratitude! These Idea Brewers are perfect for manifesting your 2022. One can use these compact but spacious notebooks to jot down what makes one happy, grateful, and inspired.

Starting November for Luzon stores and December for Visayas and Mindanao, you can get them for only Php 495 each, and every purchase comes with four exciting coupons!

And since no one can have too many mugs and tumblers, enjoy the taste of your drink with CBTL’s Seasonal Drinkware. Starting October 23, you can cop the Seasonal Mugs in four different colors: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, at Php499 each and the Seasonal Tumblers: Breeze at Php1,399 and Universe at Php799.

CBTL’s holiday offerings are definitely exciting and the company promises that these aren’t the only things they have in store for the season as they have more exciting, limitedtime offers waiting to be rolledout.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

9

CLIMATE CHANGE THREATENS ENDANGERED CORAL REEFS

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

by Darrell Blatchley

lthough corals look more like plants or rocks, they are actually animals that are essential for the planet. But here in the Philippines – which is composed of more than 6,000 islands – they are on the verge of extinction.

In the late 1970s, a study conducted by the East-West Center in Hawaii showed that more than half of the coral reefs in the country were “in advanced states of destruction.” Only about 25% of live coral reef cover were in “good condition,” while only 5% were in “excellent condition.”

Reefs are considered in “excellent condition” if live hard and soft coral cover over 75% of the area. It is considered “fair” if the cover is from 25% to 50% and “poor” if cover is 0% to 25%.

In 2014, a nationwide assessment was initiated to update the information status of the country’s coral reefs by the biology department of the De La Salle University. The 93-million study was funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Dr. Wilfredo Y. Licuanan, leader of the study, and his team surveyed randomly selected 206 reef stations from 2014 to 2017 and

another 101 stations were monitored from 2015 to 2018.

No excellent category reefs were found in the recent surveys around the country, the findings of the study showed, which was published in Marine Pollution Bulletin. But what is alarming is that about a third of the reef corals were lost over the last decade, the study found out.

“We lost roughly a third of the coral in 20 years and we lost our ‘excellent’ category corals in the last 40 years,” Dr. Licuanan was quoted as saying by Business World.

“Nowhere else in the world are coral reefs abused as much as the reefs in the Philippines,” deplores Don C. McAllister of the Ocean Voice International who has conducted studies on the status of the country’s coral reefs in the past.

The country’s coral reefs are the second-largest in Southeast Asia, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). They cover 26,000 square kilometers and support extraordinary biodiversity: more than 400 species of hard coral – 12

of which are unique to the area – and more than 900 species of reef fish.

Most Filipinos live near the seas. These residents depend on the tremendous natural resources for fishing, tourism and storm protection, valued at more than US$2 billion annually.

And yet coral reefs are hardly protected. Among the threats that made coral reefs in perilous state include destructive fishing techniques, coastal development, forest denudation, and aquaculture.

Today, they are further threatened by climate change. “(The reefs) cannot afford two additional major stresses posed by climate change,” the UCS deplores.

“These include further increase in ocean temperature, which can trigger coral bleaching and ocean acidification, which at critical thresholds makes it difficult for corals to build shells and

skeletons.”

Rising temperatures, scientists say, increase the risk of coral bleaching.

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.

Coral bleaching A sudden or abrupt change in temperatures is bad for corals as it leads to stress that causes coral bleaching, and eventually, death of corals. “Bleaching is not a good thing,” explained Dr. Terry Hughes, a distinguished professor at James Cook University in Australia.

“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,” said the Sixth Status of Corals of the World:

2020 Report.

“Even small increases in water temperature can cause coral bleaching,” the UCS said, adding that since 1950, global mean sea temperatures have risen roughly 1°F (0.6°C).

The Philippines had its first mass coral bleaching at the end of the twentieth century.

Ocean acidification But what concerns most marine scientists around the world is ocean acidification, climate change’s evil twin. “Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere eventually finds its way to and dissolves in the oceans, causing the water to become ‘acidic’… reducing the ability of the coral reefs to deposit calcium carbonate or calcify,” explained Dr. Edgardo Gomez, the founding director of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.

Scientists say not all of

the carbon dioxide emitted by human industrial activities remains in the atmosphere. Between 25% and 50% of these emissions over the industrial period have been absorbed by the world’s oceans, preventing atmospheric carbon dioxide build-up from becoming worse.

But this atmospheric benefit comes at a considerable price. “As a result, the sea water becomes more acidic and the concentration of carbonate ions decreases,” explains Forest Rohwer, author of Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas. “Carbonate ions are required by corals, crustose coralline algae, and other marine organisms for building their skeletons and shells. The increasing ocean acidification that lies ahead will affect even the most remote coral reef ecosystems.”

FCLIMATE, P10

10

EDGEDAVAO

THREE... FROM 2

and walls and without open windows.

“Ang imong gisudlan na structure is naa siya atop, bungbong, unya wala nakaabli ang mga bintana, kinahanglan ta mag faceshiled. Kabaliktaran ani kung musulod ka ug simbahan naa siya’s atop pero open man siya ug dili naka aircon ang simbahan, kinahanglan pa ba ang face shield?

Dili na,” Mayor Sara said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara affirmed that positive cases of Covid-19 are now declining in Davao City.

“Baba na kaayo ang naga positive sa atoang testing and we hope it will continue on na ingon ana na siya.

In a pandemic we should always expect the worst so naa gihapon tay expectation na nga naay umabaot na surge especially sa panahon sa merrymaking and

celebration which is part na sa kultura sa mga Pilipino,” the mayor said.

Based on the Regional Situation Update on Covid-19 in Davao Region as of October 25, 2021, the Department of HealthDavao Center for Health Development reported 83 new cases of Covid-19 in Davao Region bringing the total number of active cases to 9,023.

Of these new cases, 19 were from Davao City, 39 from Davao de Oro, 18 from Davao del Norte, three from Davao del Sur, and four from Davao Occidental.

There were 872 recoveries reported and among these, 488 were from Davao City, 62 from Davao de Oro, 134 from Davao del Norte, 163 from Davao del Sur, one from Davao Occidental, and 24 from Davao Oriental

minded the security cluster and COVID19 task force to follow provisions and guide in the Alert Level 3.

“Dili ta molayo dinha.

Dili ta molihis dinha para dili

malibog and mga tao sa ilang sundon,” the mayor said when asked on policy not allowing minors and seniors to go out. (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)

The group called on project developers and contractors to observe the laws of the city, especially those that involve urban environment protection and the mitigation of hazards.

“These policies are in place to protect you and, most especially, the people from any untoward climate or disaster-related incidents that proposed projects may contribute,” the statement said.

IDIS added that the most doable practice that a Dabawenyo can help is

to act responsibly and ensure that plastic wastes are managed and not thrown indiscriminately in the canals, creeks, waterways, and open spaces.

On October 22, 2021, some parts of Davao City were flooded due to moderate to heavy rains that caused 179 families to evacuate for safety.

Last April 26, 2021, Davao City was also flooded wherein 3,280 people were affected, and 162 families or 419 people evacuated to the evacuation centers.

Mandaue City will also accept guests who can present their official Vaccine Card and/or vaccine certificate, Cebu Pacific said.

Roxas City also accepts fully-vaccinated individuals with their valid or verified Vaccination Certificate and approved Travel Coordination Permit (TCP) from S-Pass. Travelers must ensure that the date of TCP should match the actual date of travel.

“More LGUs are simplifying their travel requirements as we see more of the country open up,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience at Cebu Pacific.

Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu province, Iloilo, Guimaras, Pagadian, Maguindanao, Negros Oriental, Bacolod, and Tacloban also earlier announced waiving swab test requirements for entry.

He cited the decision of the national government to implement the Alert Level system in the National Capital Region (NCR) as a granular lockdown method, which has been adopted by other areas, to further reopen the economy.

Ricafort said this move could help increase government tax revenue collections, reduce risks of lockdowns that entail more government spending on various coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) programs.

This in turn could help narrow the country’s budget deficit and could also reduce the need for additional government

borrowings and debt, he added.

“An important development being anticipated for the country’s fiscal and economic performance would be the timely approval of the 2022 national budget by lawmakers before the Christmas holidays/break to avert the risk of a re-enacted budget for next year, especially for funding various Covid-19 programs and to continue help pump-prime/stimulate the economy through increased infrastructure spending and other government projects as important pillars of the country’s economic recovery program for 2022,” he added. (PNA)

DOH... FROM 2

MORE... FROM 3

CEBPAC... FROM 4

POSITIVE... FROM 5

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

PUV... FROM 4

Capital Region (NCR) and other parts of the country are placed under more relaxed quarantine restrictions.

“The DOTr is one with the other government agencies to find

means and measures that will help sustain the livelihood of affected drivers and operators in the transport sector especially during this time of the pandemic,” the LTFRB said. (PNA)

given the assistance and services they need, especially during these challenging times,” the DBM said.

The same data showed that the DBM has released a total of P690.26 billion as of end-September to support the COVID-19 response programs of various government agencies.

Out of the funds, P637.97 billion or 92.4% has been obligated while P570.04 billion or 89.4% has been disbursed.

Releases in the July to September period were charged from the 2021 budget, as the funds under the Bayanihan laws expired in June. These include the payment of the COVID-19 special risk allowance of health workers.

The releases also cover the purchase of COVID-19 vaccine ancillaries, the procurement of RT-PCR testing kits, and the renewal of contracts for hiring of healthcare professionals, among others.

during the pilot-testing will be deducted from the total supply of PHP1,000 banknotes that will be circulated during that period, he said.

“We have to issue the right amount of currency in circulation so it has to be right. We cannot issue too much, we cannot issue too little. That will be in the basket of currencies that we will issue,” he added.

Polymer banknotes are made from synthetic polymer like biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) thus, this is more hygienic than the paper bills, can have more security features, are more cost-effective because its more durable, and environmentally friendly because it is a recyclable material and has small ecological footprints than paper bills.

The BSP has studied the experience of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, among others, in its bid to use polymer banknotes, Tangonan said.

He said polymer banknotes have around 2.5 to four times longer lifespan

than paper bills because it is water and dirt-resistant and can be safely sanitized, which is the norm now because of the pandemic, without damage unlike the paper bills.

The BSP has been studying the use of polymer banknotes since the late 2000s and monetary authorities see the need to pilot-test it now not only because of the issue on sanitizing money but also for economic and environmental factors, he added.

Tangonan said the initial batch of polymer banknotes will be sourced overseas but they also plan to produce it here eventually.

The use of polymer banknotes has been opposed in the past because of its impact on the country’s abaca sector, which will have lesser demand for its products.

The current banknotes are made from 20 percent abaca pulp and 80 percent cotton, a mix required by the BSP from its specialty paper supplier overseas.

“We give that avenue that instead of putting it in landfills or oceans...you give it to recycling centers like us and we would upcycle them into better products.”

As well as tackling

waste problems, the group says it is in talks with other non-government organizations to help rebuild houses destroyed by typhoons using their sustainable building materials.

gara.

Completing the roster are Nathan Rilloraza and Miguel Mendoza.

The team will be in Group H with host Singapore, powerhouse South Korea, and Timor Leste.

The top team in the group after the single-round event will join the 10 other group winners in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup proper next year in Uzbekistan, which is assured of a spot in the main tournament regardless of its finish in the qualifying stages.

If Uzbekistan tops Group D that also has Saudi

Arabia, Bangladesh, and Kuwait, the runner-up will get the Asian Cup berth.

The Azkals could also sneak into the AFC U-23 Asian Cup even if they fail to top Group H, but they must be among the four teams with the best second-place finish to qualify.

The Filipinos begin their quest at Jalan Besar Stadium against the South Koreans on October 25 at 5 p.m., meet the hosts on October 28 at 8 p.m., and will wind up their bid against the Timor Leste booters on October 31 also at 5 p.m.

(PNA)

DBM... FROM 4

BSP... FROM 4

GROUP... FROM 5

AZKALS... FROM 5

CLIMATE... FROM 9

Marine scientists claim the average pH (the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution) of the ocean has already decreased about 0.1 pH unit from pre-industrial values, a shift that corresponds to a 30% increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions and a decrease in carbonate ions. “This has decreased the rate at which reef-building corals build their skeletons (their rate of calcification) by 20%,” Rohwer writes.

Ocean pH is projected to decrease another 0.3 to 0.4 pH units by the end of this century. This much change in pH is predicted to reduce coral calcification rates to 40-60 percent of normal. “This is a momentous change,” Rohwer notes.

“Imagine dripping hydrochloric acid onto chalk,” says André Freiwald of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, one of the authors of a study that appeared in the professional journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. “The chalk would disintegrate immediately; the corals could face a similar fate.”

The acidification, Dr. Gomez added, may be gradual but would happen simultaneously all over the world.

He warned that it would be worse than the acidification of agricultural lands due to the use of chemical fertilizers. “Land is more manageable. With the use of organic fertilizer and chemicals, land can easily recover. But once the ocean becomes acidic, it would take millions of years to bring back their natural (state).”

Sea level rise Another effect of climate change to coral reefs is sea level rise. As the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration puts it: “Sea level rise may lead to increases in sedimentation for reefs located near landbased sources of sediment.

Sedimentation can lead to the smothering of corals.”

Sea level rise has fluctuated through the course of the earth’s history. The Nobel laureate Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimated a sea level rise somewhere in the magnitude of 10-30 centimeters by about 2030 and 21-71 centimeters by the year 2070, and about one meter in the twenty-second century.

Human activities Climate change and its aftermaths (coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and sea level rise) are just recent threats to coral reefs. All the threats have one thing in common: 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 utilizes 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 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.

Oldest ecosystem 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 (DENR) urges every Filipino to help save the country’s remaining coral reefs. “We must act now to save our remaining coral reefs, before it’s too late,” the DENR said in a statement published on its website

poses of buying and selling of goods or services or by making transactions for the provision of digital services on behalf of any person.”

Meanwhile, apart from online sellers, the BIR is also keeping tabs on the tax compliance of social media “influencers” in the country.

The BIR earlier said it is investigating an initial list of 250 “influencers” to check on their tax compliance.

The taxman said that Letters of Authority (LOAs) for the conduct of investigation were already issued to certain social media influencers found to be “top earners” in their field.

According to the BIR, socmed influencers who earn money from their posts on digital media are classified as self-employed individuals or persons engaged in trade or business as sole proprietors.

DOF... FROM 5

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

11

Carlos Edriel Yulo will receive P750,000 for his double-medal performance at the 2021 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships held in Kitakyushu General Gymnasium, Kitakyushu, Japan.

Azkals gear up for AFC U23 Qualifiers

T

he Philippine Azkals’ under-23 team is looking to make it to the AFC U-23 Asian Cup through the qualifying stage next month in Singapore.

Making up the core of the national team are members of the Azkals Development Team (ADT), led by midfielder and team captain Oliver Bias.

Also joining in from the ADT are goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad, defender Christian Rontini, midfielders Jethro Borlongan, Yrick Gallantes, Mandy Ignacio, Oskari Kekkonen, Sandro Reyes, Mark Swainston, Mark Winhoffer, and Dennis Chung, and striker Ivan Ouano.

In 2012, the then nine-

year-old Reyes made it to FCB Escola, the Barcelona football school.

Two players from reigning Philippines Football League (PFL) champion United Clark have also been called for Azkals duty -- defender Justin Baas and forward Kieran Hayes.

The other PFL player who made it to the national team is Mendiola keeper Jessie Semblante.

Some players from the pro ranks overseas will likewise see action, Calcio Lecco’s Paolo Lopez, Portsmouth’s David Setters, and Randers’ Jens Rasmussen, and so will two collegiate players, La Salle’s Enrico Mangaoang, and Lincoln Memorial’s Shanden Ver-

NDIANAPOLIS — Giannis Antetokounmpo finshed with 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, and Khris Middleton added 27 points on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time) as the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers, 119-109.

Coach Mike Budenholzer held out two injured starters — center Brook Lopez and guard Jrue Holiday — as well as key backup Bobby Portis. Yet they still had enough scoring punch to pull away from the Pacers, who have lost three of their first four games under new coach Rick Carlisle.

The Pacers were led by Malcolm Borgdon with 25 points and seven assists.

Domantas Sabonis had 21

points, 13 rebounds and five assists It was Middleton’s four-point play to close the first-quarter scoring that changed the game. It broke a 30-30 tie, and Milwaukee never trailed again.

The Bucks extended the lead to as much as 57-46 midway through the second quarter, then saw Sabonis lead the Pacers back, cutting the margin to 60-57 with a spinning layup. But Milwaukee scored the final six points of the first half and used a 12-5 third-quarter run to take an 83-66 lead.

Indiana cut the deficit to 107-102 on Justin Holiday’s 3-pointe with 6:21 left in the fourth but never got any closer.

FAZKALS, P10

PSC approves special incentives for Yulo T he Philippine Sports Commission Board on Tuesday approved the granting of P750,000 (P500,000 for gold and P250,000 for silver) worth of special incentives for Carlos Edriel Yulo for his double-medal performance at the 2021 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships held in Kitakyushu General Gymnasium, Kitakyushu, Japan.

Yulo is the first Filipino multi-medaled gymnast in the said tournament after claiming the gold medal in the men’s vault with a score of 14.916 points, ahead of Japanese Yoneku-

ra Hidenobu with 14.866 points. Yulo also won a silver medal in the men’s parallel bars.

PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez explained that the provi-

Bucks drop Pacers 119-109 I

Giannis Antetokounmpo goes 10 for 18 in 36 minutes of action. AP

sions and technical conditions of Republic Act no. 10699 also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act does not cover the annually-held world tilt of gymnastics. Despite this, the sports agency recognizes the special significance of Yulo’s win and approved the incentives.

Ramirez congratulated and thanked Yulo for this historic win saying, “he has bounced back and showed us all that he is still our world champion in gymnastics.” Yulo wasn’t able to defend his title in the men’s

floor exercise finals but went on to claim two medals in other events.

In 2019, the PSC also granted Caloy Php 500,000 as incentives for winning multiple medals in the Southeast Asian Games and another Php 500,000 as qualifying incentives to the Tokyo Olympics.

“Every incentive that he receives is well-deserved.

By sheer will and determination, Caloy has created his own niche in the halls of Philippine Sports history.

Caloy is truly an inspiration to our youth and Filipino athletes.” Ramirez added.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 192 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

Altitude Obstacle Course Race (OCR) men’s division gold medalist Elias Tabac is welcomed at Aeon Towers by Aeon Luxe Vice President for Sales & Marketing Almira Mariano.

KILIMANJARO KING

Aeon Towers treats Kilimanjaro conqueror Elias Tabac to staycation

A

fter hosting Olympic silver medalist Nesthy Petecio, Aeon Towers opened its doors again to Altitude Obstacle Course Race (OCR) men’s division gold medalist Elias Tabac.

Tabac is the first-ever gold medalist in the race to Africa’s highest peak Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Local developer Aeon Luxe Properties extended the invitation to Tabac in recognition of the Davao del Norte athlete’s breakthrough triumph.

According to the event website World’s Highest OCR, Elias completed the 10 iconic obstacles spread over 100 meters in the crater of Mt. Kilimanjaro and earned such recognition for this World Breaking Challenge.

Tabac was treated to a oneof-a-kind staycation in one of the luxurious furnished units in Aeon Towers—the first tallest and iconic mixed-use development in Southern Philippines.

“It would be an honor for us to extend our congratulations

to athletes like Elias by rewarding him with the relaxation he deserves here at Aeon Towers Staycation units,” ALPI President and CEO Ian Cruz said.

Elias enjoyed his stay in Aeon Towers’ VIP room which is a furnished Studio Executive unit automated with smarthome buddy Alexa. This is inclusive of an access to Club Aeon amenities (fitness gym, co-working spaces & swimming pool at 6th floor), complimentary breakfast for two and one-time minibar consumption.

“I had the best experience at Aeon Towers. The room is so comfortable. I enjoyed watching Netflix and the Amazon voice command inside my room. The amenities at the Club are amazing too,” Elias said.