Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 200 | Saturday, November 6, 2021

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KEEPING WATCH CTTMO monitors PUVs to ensure load capacity followed

STORY ON PAGE 2

A young boy sits comfortably on a metal wire basket while pillion riding on a bicycle that is being driven by his mother in Kawayan Drive, Matina, Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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Even if the 70 percent herd immunity is achieved, the city government of Davao will continue its vaccination campaign until it reaches 100 percent or its total population of 1.2 million. Edge Davao

KEEPING WATCH A

NPA leader, 7 members give up in Sultan Kudarat

CTTMO monitors PUVs to ensure required load capacity followed

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) is closely monitoring all public utility vehicles (PUVs) to ensure allowable load capacity of 70 percent is complied.

“We are closely monitoring ang mga PUVs to ensure na ma-comply ang allowed passenger load capacity,” said Dionisio C. Abude, head of CTTMO in a text message.

The CTTMO now ensures that physical dis-

tancing is still being observe despite the lifting of the plastic barriers inside the PUVs. Abude said that drivers must ensure social distancing inside their vehicle because traffic enforcers will enforce the

rule and will issue traffic tickets for violation.

He also said that drivers will be stopped, apprehended, and will be issued with tickets. He said enforcers will see them as they will pass through loading bays and the yellow box. Once the drivers violated the required capacity, will be issued with tickets.

Abude added that operators should also ensure that their drivers follow the passenger ca-

pacity.

Under Executive No. 63 Series of 2021, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio lifted the use of motorcycle barriers, jeepney, and other public utility vehicle barriers effective November 2, 2021, however, the order stated that while barriers will no longer be required the drivers and operators must still implement the mandatory wearing of face masks and physical distancing inside their units.

high ranking leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and seven other members surrendered to the government in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday (November 3).

Lt. Col. Romel Valencia, commander of 7th Infantry Battalion, said that the surrenderers led by alias Simon, platoon commander of the NPA’s Central Musa Guerilla Front, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) also yielded an 7.62mm M14 rifle, two caliber .30 Garand rifles, a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), caliber .45 pistol, and two homemade 12 gauge shotgun.

“With the close coordination and sustained operations of both the military and the police forces of Bagumbayan and Senator Ninoy Aquino Municipal Police Stations, the former rebels were convinced to trust

the government and to go back to the folds of the law,” Valencia added.

A total of 110 NPA have already surrendered to JTF Central in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, North and South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani this year.

The series of surrenders was realized through the full support of the local government units, government agencies, non-government organizations, and members of the community thereby significantly weakening the Communist Terrorist Group within JTF Central Joint Area of Operation.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division, commended LGUs of Sultan Kudarat for their unwavering support in maintaining the peace and order situation of their municipalities.

to end local communist armed conflict”, having cited a number of campaign methodologies tried by the armed forces to end communist insurgency in the Philippines.

“Let’s just hope that the next commander-in-chief and President would be supportive of this particular campaign of ending local communist armed conflict otherwise, there is the risk of going back to square one which all of us peace-lov-

ing Filipinos would feel bad about,” he said during such special episode of Kapihan sa DavNor that banners the theme, “Peace Culture and Peace Consciousness.”

In a separate press conference, Torres expressed the same hope while lauding President Rodrigo Duterte for being “passionate” about putting an end to local communist armed conflict through setting up a

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Fully vaccinated Filipinos Phils. Army’s 10th ID chief hopes next president to support E.O. 70 can now visit the holy land

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or the first time in more than eighteen months, vaccinated individual and group travelers from the Philippines are now welcome to enter Israel and explore the country’s rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism announced that fully vaccinated tourists from the Philippines can resume all travel to Israel.

After kicking off the pilot reopening program in May of 2021, which initially allowed a select number of tour groups to enter the country, all vaccinated travelers may now visit Israel after the extended closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“To say we are excited that Israel is reopening to travellers is an understatement,” said Sammy Yahia, Tourism Director for Phil-

ippines and India. “Israel has taken incredible steps to protect its people and visitors and we pride ourselves on ensuring a COVID-safe and unforgettable trip to those who will be entering our beautiful country. With leading vaccination rates and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, we are eager to welcome visitors back with open arms -- of course,

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gila Division commander has expressed hope for the next Presidential administration to support Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes the whole of government approach on ending local communist armed conflict.

Guesting at Kapihan sa DavNor, Major General Ernesto C. Torres of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division viewed E.O. 70 as “the right mechanism

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NEWS

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Workers assemble traditional lanterns on November 4, 2021 as part of the preparation for the annual Pasko Fiesta celebration of the City Government of Davao. MindaNews Photo

PUJ drivers/operators to be penalized P5K for overloading Davao City to push for 100% herd immunity

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espite having achieved 70 percent herd immunity, the city government of Davao will continue its vaccination drive until it reaches 100 percent herd immunity according to Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force.

“Kahit na ma-achieve nato ang herd immunity which is 70 percent of the total population, dili nato i-stop ang pagbakuna sa tanan, even if the minimum goal nato is 70 percent, ang tumong gyud nato as much as 100 percent gyud. Kahit na -achieve na nato ang 70 percent na herd immunity, we would still push up to 100 percent vaccination,” she said.

The city aims to hit the 1.2 million population protection target by the end of the month.

Davao city has now reached 882,818 individuals for the first dose and 788,001 individuals for the second dose.

Meanwhile, the vaccination drive in the barangays

led by Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) City Council members and the Office of Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte is still ongoing.

As of October 30, the SPled vaccinations catered a total of 72,591 for the first dose while 40,649 are fully vaccinated.

On the other hand, a total of 29,576 public utility vehicle drivers has received anti-Covid vaccines through the city government’s vaccination drive in three sites at Agro Compound, Calinan, and Panacan.

Of the number, 15,701 drivers received their first doses and 13,875 the second doses.

The PUJ drivers are part of the Priority A4 (Essential Workers) who were able to avail doses of anti-Covid vaccines.

As of October 29, 2021 report of the vaccination cluster for the A4 priority group, the city already vaccinated 445,162 for the first dose and 422, 268 for the second dose. By Maya M. Padillo

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he regional office of the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB 11) reminded drivers and operators of the Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) to keep the limited passenger seating capacity or be fined P5,000.

The reminder came in the aftermath of the lifting of required plastic barriers.

“Magbabayad ang mga drivers/operators ng P5,000. Physical distancing is a must,” said Nonito “Dondon” Llanos III, regional director of LTFRB

said in a text message.

Based on Section 2 of the Circular No. 11 series of 2021 posted by LTFRB 11 on physical distancing inside the PUJs, it stated that notwithstanding the non-requirement of the use of barriers in PUVs, the 0.30-METER distance

between each passenger as required under LTFRB MC No. 2020-047 inside the PUVs shall continue to be observed.

The maximum seating capacity per public utility vehicle under MC 2020047, the number of passengers allowed (with a front-seat passenger) for PUJs is 13 from the original seating capacity of 23 and 22.

On November 2, 2021, the city government of Davao announced that it will no longer require the

mandatory use of motorcycle barriers and installation of plastic barriers on the jeepneys and other public utility vehicles to separate passengers effective immediately.

Under Executive Order No. 63 Series of 2021, or an order providing for the lifting of the use of motorcycle barriers, jeepney, and other public utility vehicle barriers, these barriers will no longer be required, however, the use of these safety measures are still encouraged.

he already directed the regional police director of Region 12 to immediately relieve Calipjo from his position while the investigation is being conducted against him.

The incident happened at around 1:30 a.m last Sunday (October 31) when Calipjo arrived allegedly drunk at the police precinct.

The complainant claimed that Calipjo ordered his men to be at formation in front of the precinct and, holding an

M-16 rifle, started castigating and threatening to kill them.

Calipjo allegedly punched and slapped his subordinates while castigating them for about an hour and the rifle he was wielding even accidentally went off when he set it down.

It was claimed that Calipjo was angry at his men for their alleged inaction on the concern brought to them by a resident close to him.

“All police command-

ers should set good leadership examples to their men and what Police Capt. Calipjo, based on the initial report I received, was clearly a breach of discipline and violation of PNP rules and regulations,” Eleazar said.

“Hindi ko hahayaan na ganitong uri ng pulis ang mamumuno sa mga komunidad dahil kung hindi niya kayang sundin ang aming patakaran at irespeto ang kanyang kapwa pulis, malamang ay hindi

GenSan cop chief sacked over assault complaint

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eneral Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered the relief of a chief of police in General Santos City who allegedly assaulted his men.

Reports showed that Captain Nemecio Calipjo Jr., Chief of the Police (COP) Precinct 8 in Barangay Tinagacan, allegedly punched and slapped four police Non-Commissioned Officers assigned in his precinct.

According to Eleazar,

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Vendors repack assorted vegetables that will be sold for P150 per pack in a subdivision in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

Teduray farmers in Maguindanao get banana livelihood from BARMM

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wo regional lawmakers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the region’s investment office have pooled resources for the establishment of a banana plantation to provide livelihood for Teduray farmers in the mountains of Maguindanao.

On Thursday, the BARMM government started the construction of the banana plantation following the groundbreaking ceremony at Barangay Labungan, Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

A joint project of the BARMM’s Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) and the offices of

Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Members of Parliament Suharto Ambolodoto and Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs (MIPA) represented

by Deputy MIPA Minister Guialel Abdurahman, an initial five-hectare land area at the Datucampong plantation will be planted with the Cardava banana

variety.

In the coming months, it is expected that planting of the Cardava variety will expand within the total 50-hectare plantation area of the firm.

The BBOI has earlier established the link between the Datucampong firm, a new banana investor, and the Usman banana plantation in Matanog, Maguindanao, for banana plants supplies.

The BBOI also will provide the firms with technical assistance or skills on the proper method of planting, as well as help them link their banana products to the market.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura,

BBOI chair, said this project will encourage more people to go into Cardava planting. “(For the reason that) there is also available market and good income for Cardava,” Mastura added.

“We are also eyeing future ventures to develop 150 hectares of Cavendish banana plantation here in the area that will generate at least 250 jobs, mostly for the resident farmers,” Mastura added.

Abdurahman, for his part, acknowledged the BBOI, with assistance from Ambolodto, for its efforts in providing an investment initiative for the indigenous people. (PNA)

Fin lit, demographics to boost insurance penetration growth

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overnment efforts to increase Filipinos’ financial literacy, along with demographics, tech-savvy young people, and the low insurance penetration rate in the country are seen to boost the people’s desire to get health and investment products.

In a virtual briefing on Thursday, Pru Life UK president and chief executive officer Eng Teng Wong said the less-than-2-percent insurance product penetration rate in the country, which has a population of

more than 109 million, is a “huge opportunity.”

“We do not want to actually miss out on this,” Wong said.

He also said the increasing focus on financial literacy is seen as a big help that would boost PruLife UK’s business.

“This is very important.

For me, the current generation and the size of the population and the demographics of the Philippines, which tend to be younger, more tech-savvy, I think,

round 20 percent of the PHP55 billion arrears by employers and employees in the private sector are projected to be covered under the latest round of Social Security System (SSS) condonation program.

“Total amount of delinquencies is about PHP55 billion and at least 20 percent of that PHP55 billion are penalties to be condoned,” SSS senior vice president Mario Sibucao said in a virtual briefing on Thursday.

He, however, pointed

out that the final amount to be condoned would depend on whether the more than 700,000 employers are qualified under the condonation program.

Employers who are qualified to apply for the condonation program are those whose businesses are affected by the pandemic and calamity.

Employees whose livelihood are affected by the crisis are also qualified to apply for the program.

The latest condonation

Advocacy group urges PRRD to certify EdCom Bill as urgent A T he Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) has called on President Rodrigo Duterte to certify House Bill No. 10308 or the Education Commission (EdCom) Bill as urgent.

The advocacy group also urged the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass the bill during the 18th Congress.

The EdCom Bill seeks

to create a non-permanent body composed of academicians, private sector, teachers, school leaders, and education experts that will review the current condition of the education sector and recommend reforms.

“Proper representation in EdCom ensures that practical and theoretical expertise from the ground are heard. It also facilitates the

implementation of reforms because the recipients are involved not just in the discussions, but in the outcomes,” PBEd chair Ramon del Rosario Jr. said in a press conference Thursday.

Del Rosario added that the EdCom Bill will also provide a blueprint on education for the country to help improve the welfare and learning outcomes of students.

The advocacy group also pushed for higher allocation of resources for education, the same investments that Southeast Asian countries do for their education sector.

“Let us prioritize our educators and encourage them to be the best and the brightest in their profession,” he added.

As the bill is facing time

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SSS eyes to condone 20% of P55-B delinquencies

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ECONOMY

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A market goer buys dressed chicken at the meat section of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s inflation slowed down to 4.6 percent in October. Edge Davao

PayMaya’s Maya Bank to launch in Q1 of 2022

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ayMaya’s digital bank, called Maya Bank, will launch in the first quarter of 2022 after securing its license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in September, PLDT Inc said Thursday.

PayMaya is operated by PLDT’s fintech arm Voyager Innovations.

“Through its strong affiliation with PLDT and Smart, Maya Bank will also promote a seamless digital banking experience among customers. Maya Bank will launch by the first quarter of 2022,” PLDT said.

When asked if the digital bank would offer loans, PLDT chairman Manny Pangilinan said it would likely focus on important

credit-worthy consumers such as customers of Meralco, Maynilad and its tollways group.

“Those are very important creditworthy customer base to start off with. We will have significant credit provision required moving forward,” Pangilinan said.

PLDT said Maya Bank would leverage PayMaya’s track record and user base which now has over 41 million registered users as of end of September.

Usage of the e-wallet surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, the telco said.

Expanding its digital ecosystem will help secure the future of the business,

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Inflation slows down to 4.6% in October

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he average prices of basic goods and services saw a deceleration in October amid slower increase in food prices during the month, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

At a virtual press briefing, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa announced that inflation — or the rate of increase in commodity prices — clocked in at 4.6% last month.

October’s inflation

‘Friendship bus route’ seen to spur economic development in Marawi

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he so-called “friendship bus route” between Davao City and Marawi City is expected to spur economic development in the country’s lone Islamic City after it was destroyed by a war between government forces and Islamic State-inspired groups in 2017, according to an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Davao.

LTFRB-Davao director Nonito Llanos III told Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) that the launch of this new bus route set for the

third week of this month would make travel between the two cities much easier.

He added the bus operator that will serve this route will be known by next week.

Llanos said Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra lauded the opening of this new route.

He said Gandamra was optimistic this would help his city recover economically four years after the siege happened, as it would encourage freer movement of people between Marawi and Davao, touted as the center of commerce in Min-

danao.

Llanos added there are several Meranaws from Marawi residing in Davao.

“He (Mayor Gandamra) said this is really a welcome development for his city because there are a lot of people from Marawi living in Davao for business and, at the same time, own businesses in Marawi… we have several Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters who are traveling through this route,” he said.

He said the peace and order situation had been discussed during a recent

F’FRIENDSHIP, P10

print is slower than September’s 4.8%.

Last month’s figures also brought the year-todate average at 4.5%, still above the government’s target ceiling of 2% to 4%.

“Ang dahilan ng pag-

bagal ng antas ng inflation nitong Oktubre 2021 ay ang mas mabagal na paggalaw ng presyo ng Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages na may 5.3% inflation at 89.0% share sa pagbaba ng pangkalahatang inflation sa bansa,” Mapa said.

“Ito ay dahil sa mas mabagal na pagtaas ng presyo ng karne, gaya ng manok, na may inflation na 11.9%; gulay, tulad ng sibuyas, na may 11.4% inflation; at isda, partikular

ang tilapia, na may inflation na 9.5%,” he added.

(The reason for the eased inflation this October 2021 is slow increase in the prices of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages with 5.3% inflation and 89.0% share in the decrease in overall inflation of the country. This is due to slower increase in the prices of meat, which has an inflation of 11.9%; vegetables, with 11.4%; and fish, particularly tilapia, with 9.5%.)

outcome of the RTL. Now, we have a dedicated fund to assist our farmers so they continue their role of feeding the country),” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said on Thursday during the kick-off of the distribution of the PHP5,000 cash aid to rice farmers of the 1st District of Ilocos Sur. More than PHP105 million cash assistance will be extended to 21,184 rice farmers in Ilocos Sur. The RFFA fund, sourced from the excess tariff collected from rice imported

in 2019 and 2020, will be distributed nationwide until December 31.

The DA said this would benefit 1.6 million farmers tilling farmlands measuring two hectares or less and are registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

Dar said contrary to RTL critics, the law is not a failure but a game-changer that has continuously supported local rice farmers to increase production and profit.

DA says 1.6M rice farmers to be assisted under RTL

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) will provide cash assistance to about 1.6 million farmers nationwide under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA).

“Ito ay isa sa magandang outcome ng Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), dahil ngayon, mayroong dedicated fund na pagkukunan ng ayuda para sa mga magsasaka na patuloy na kumikilos para mapakain ang buong bansa (This is a good

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On being grateful the Philippines could still apply for loans despite the economic situation in the country amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic:

Mabuti naman ‘yung mga loan natin (It’s good to know that we can still apply for loans).

Until now, the international financial world continues to have a support [for us]).”

President Rodrigo Duterte

EDITORIAL Losing Yuka The Philippines is about to lose another sporting gem in the person of lady golfer Yuka Saso.

Saso, it was reported, has decided to choose Japanese for her citizenship when she turns 22 next year. The reigning US Open women’s golf champion is born in the Philippines to a Filipino mother and a Japanese father.

Saso becomes the second elite natural born athlete to relinquish Filipino citizenship in favor of another country. Chess Super Grandmaster Wesley So earlier left the Philippines when he was starting to move up in chess rankings to become a US citizen.

So, the first World Fischer Random Chess Champion, received his citizenship documents on Feb. 26, 2021. The US Chess Federation announced So’s naturalization last March 4, 2021. The 27-year-old originally represented the Philippines in international competitions until

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The case of So was one of dismay of how the affairs of sports was run in the country. So needed the money to compete overseas and without much support, the only way for him to go was become a citizen of a rich country.

The case of Saso is entirely different.

In the golfer’s case, it was more of convenience as a touring golf professional to be able to travel around the world to compete without the trouble of getting a visa. As a Japanese citizen, she would not need to. That’s making things a whole lot easier for her to compete.

We can only wish Saso good luck in her sporting journey as a citizen of Japan and once our source of national pride. She will always be a Filipino in our hearts.

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

he immigrated to the U.S. in 2014.

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)

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK Michael is only 16 and he looks as if nothing is wrong with him. He was supposed to be in college this year but opted not to enroll since his father wanted the son to join him in the United Kingdom. “That’s where I will take my college course,” he said.

Michael wants to become a medical doctor just like his father, who is now a respiratory therapist in another country. “I want to help other people,” he said.

He seemed to be a very young determined man. But what most people don’t know is that he is an illegitimate son. He was only two weeks old when his mother left him to his father.

“I had not seen my mother and no one really told me the reason why she left me,” he said.

Fortunately, he was loved by his grandmother who took care of him. His father got married and has two children. His two aunts, however, brought him up into a fine young man. “I treat both of them as my mother,” he said.

According to the National Statistics Office, four of every 10 babies born in the country are illegitimate and one of them came from a teenage mother. The nationwide data on births are based on certificates of live birth transmitted by city, municipal and civil

registrars.

The law says that “children conceived or born during the marriage of the parents are legitimate.”

What about those conceived or born outside of marriage? The law says it bluntly: “Children conceived and born outside a valid marriage are illegitimate, unless otherwise provided in this Code.”

The “Code” refers to the Family Code of the Philippines.

The following are considered illegitimate children: children born to couples who are not legally married or of common-law marriages; children born of incestuous marriages; children born of bigamous marriages; and children born of adulterous relations between parents.

Children are also considered illegitimate when they are born of marriages void for reason of public policy under Art 38 of the Family Code; born of couples below 18, whether they are married (in which case the marriage is void) or not; and born of other void marriages under Art. 15 unless otherwise provided.

“The general rule is that an illegitimate child shall use the surname of the mother. An illegitimate child is a child born out of wedlock,” explained Laws for

Life, authored by Gianna Reyes Montinola and Maria Victoria Rotor-Hilado.

But the illegitimate child can use the father’s surname “provided the father recognizes or acknowledges the child and executes and submits, among others, an Affidavit of Acknowledgement or Affidavit of Admission of Paternity, and the Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father” (Republic Act No. 9255).

If the father acknowledges the illegitimate child, the son or daughter can carry the mother’s surname as his or her middle name.

But if the illegitimate child is not acknowledged by the father, he or she will never carry a middle name and will only have the surname of the mother as the last name and with no middle name.

“If your child has been recognized by his father, he shall have the right to receive financial support from him,” Atty. Persida Acosta wrote in her column for Manila Times, “However, if the father of your child unjustly refuses to recognize your child, you may seek redress from the court by filing a petition for compulsory recognition and support.”

In Laws for Life, the authors said that an illegitimate child

should be supported by his or her parents. “Support comprises everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education and transportation” (Article 105 of the Family Code).

Meanwhile, the Family Code does not provide a specific percentage of the monthly salary for the support. In a blog posted by Atty. Gerry T. Galacio, this explanation was given: “(The Code) only provides that the amount of support is balanced between the necessities of the person asking for support and the financial capability of the person from whom support is being asked. Support can be reduced or increased proportionately, according to the reduction or increase of the necessities of the recipient and the resources or means of the person obliged to furnish the same.”

Being an illegitimate child should not serve as a hindrance to success. Mental Floss, an American publication which I used to write for, listed some famous men and women who were born out of wedlock.

Thomas Paine and Alexander Hamilton, two of the best-known fathers of the American republic, were the results of extramarital affairs. Lawrence of Arabia was

the illegitimate son of a knight and his children’s nanny. Evita Person was the daughter of an adulterous relationship between two villagers in an impoverished part of Argentina.

In Hollywood, some of the famous actors have fathered children out of wedlock. For one, it is now common knowledge on how Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a child with housekeeper Mildred Baena while still married to Maria Shriver. In 2009, American model Samantha Burke and Jude Law met for the first time in a New York nightclub. That meeting ended up with a love child which was born in 2009.

Singer Tom Jones’ short-lived romance with Katherine Berkery, a model, resulted in the birth of his son Jonathan Jones-Berkery in 1987. Liv Tyler, the daughter of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, was the product of his brief romance with fashion model Bebe Buell.

And yes, three-time Oscar-winning Jack Nicholson (twice for Best Actor and another one for Best Supporting Actor) was an illegitimate child, too. “I would never want to vilify somebody who considered abortion murder,’ he once pointed out. “I was an illegitimate child myself. I may not have existed today.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

MEDIA IN TIME OF COVID-19 Don’t look now but over the past nineteen (19) months (April 2020-October 2012), the time when life was made miserable by the Covid-19 pandemic, more than two dozen media personalities and an iconic print institution bade adieu. Oddly, each year (i.e., 2020 and 2021) registered more than a dozen ‘person’ deaths.

More than the twelve months there are in a year.

Those who’ve gone to the Great Beyond in 2020 were Lucio Graciosa ‘Bagsoy’ Gutierrez, Jr., of DXUM Radyo Ukay, who died on April 9, 2020; Wilfredo Dalman ‘Fred’ Alonzo, past president of the Davao Press Club and once upon a time correspondent of Philippine Star, in April 2020; Charlie ‘Cha’ Monforte of Mindanao Sun Chronicle, on June 28, 2020; Roberto ‘Bobby’ Diamante of Wild 92.3 WT FM, in July 2020; Gaudencio ‘Gaudy’ delos Reyes of Mindanao Examiner, also in July 2020; Antonio Harada ‘Tony’ Vergara of DXUL (now dxMF) and DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM, on August 28, 2020; Marissa Te Eng Fo, past lifestyle columnist of Sunstar Davao on August 29, 2020; En-

rique ‘Ricky’ Cayudong, Jr. of 98.7 Home Radio FM, also in August 2020; Romulo ‘Loloy’ Capa of DXUM Radyo Ukay, on September 29, 2020; Mario Maximo ‘Dodong’ Solis of Radyo ni Juan, on October 13, 2020; Reybaldo ‘Rey’ Indig of DXUM Radyo Ukay, on November 14, 2020; Rose B. Palacio of Philippine Information Agency, on November 16, 2020; Jose A. Jison, publisher-editor of Mindanao Herald and former president of the Davao Press Club, and photojournalist Boy Lim of Mindanao Times, in December 2020. Two of the deceased also served as Davao City councilors – Jison and Vergara.

On July 3, 2020, the 70-yearold Mindanao Daily Mirror, the second oldest postwar daily publication in Davao City, folded due to lack of advertisers resulting from the pandemic. Less than a year later (i.e., June 2021), the non-operational People’s Daily Forum was revived, this time as an online publication. Both are publications of the Flaviano family.

In 2021, over a ten-month period, another dozen media persons made their final trip to meet

their Creator. First to go was Jasmin Malolot of Radyo ng Bayan.

Jasmin died dof breast cancer in San Jose, California, USA. Jison like Malolot died in Calaifornia, USA. Ricardo Rubia of DXPM 91.9 FM, Digos City, died on February 20, 2021; Edgar Fuentes of 90.7 Love Radio, Panabo City, on March 3, 2021; Epifanio ‘Fanny’ Cacayan of ABS-CBN TV4, on April 30, 2021; Lito ‘King’ Camahalan of DXRD, DXOW, and DXGO, on June 18, 2021; Muhaimin Mohammad Sapie and Atty. Sitti Gilda Mahinay Sapie of Radio 76.1 FM DXLL, assassinated on July 14, 2021; Reynante Sanchez ‘Romnick’ Sabanal of DXIP & DXUM, on August 11, 2021; Pepe Bucao of MBC-DXGO, on August 20, 2021; Phil Peralta of Philippine Post, on September 10, 2021; Edgar Delivo “Doktor Alternatibo” of DXAB ABS-CBN, on September 21, 2021; Elpidio ‘Ped’ Velasco of Manila Bulletin, in October 2021; and Orlando ‘Dondon’ Dinoy of Newsline Philippines Online, who was murdered inside his rented room in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, on October 30, 2021.

In 2019, the ‘Dead Journal-

ists Online Mausoleum’ managed by grizzled media practitioner Roger Balanza of the online Durian Post, partially lists the journalists who wrote ‘30’ that year as Jun ‘Tira ‘To’ Cabales of DXUM Radyo Ukay, Danila ‘Dannypacs’ Paclipan of DXRA and DXIP, Dominador ‘Bobong’ Calamba of DXDC and Radyo ni Juan, photojournalist Rene Lumawag of Mindanao Times, Bobby Mahinay of DXGO and DXUM-Radyo Ukay, and Efren Elbanbuena, regional director of Philippine Information Agency, Region XI. In the last decade (2009-19) prior to the pandemic, the highestdeath toll among active press members was recorded in 2014, Although the list is incomplete, it still consists some of the most popular figures who died with their journalistic boots on, namely Ramon M. ‘Ram’ Maxey of Edge Davao, Samuel ‘Sammy’ Oliverio of DXDX-Digos City, Ramon Teodoro Yuvienco ’Sonny’ Garcia of Mindanao Times, Rogelio Jacela ‘Roger’ Flaviano, publisher of People’s Daily Forum, Rogelio ‘Roger’ Israel of DXDN-Tagum City, Renato Espeleta ‘Rene’ Bartolo, Sr. of Min-

danao Times, and Rodrigo ‘Ody’ Gajitos of Mindanao Daily Mirror and Philippine Daily Fiscalizer.

In the national scene, a number of popular media personalities also succumbed to various diseases. Former senator Heherson “Sonny” Alvarez, who was maintaining a radio program on environment while his equally popular wife, Cecile Guidote, was having another program on culture, was the first to go, reportedly a victim of COVID-19 at the age of 84.

Another former senator Eddie Ilarde, who was a famous newscaster and co-host of the iconic Student Canteen, died on August 4, 2020 of natural causes not related to COVID-19.

Robert “Bobby” Capco, who chaired the Journal Group of sequestered publications during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s time, also succumbed on December 4, 2020.

Earlier, Valeriano “Bobit” Avila, Philippine Star columnist who served as Cebu City’s traffic czar of former mayor Tomas Osmeña died of cancer on July 24, 2021 at the young age of 70.

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EDGEDAVAO

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UP AND ABOUT

FORD Philippines sustained its strong retail performance during the first nine months of the year, with sales rising by 57 percent from last year to 14,704 vehicles led by the Ford Ranger and Ford Territory.

Year-to-date sales for the Ford Ranger reached 6,695 units, with the Ranger Raptor driving sales and helping sustain Ford’s leadership in the 4x4 pickup segment with 38 percent market share.

The Ford Territory also remained as one of the topselling vehicles for Ford Philippines, with year-to-date sales reaching 4,993 units. The Ford Territory retained its leadership in the small SUV segment in the market with a commanding 58 percent share.

“The popularity of the Ford Ranger and the Ford Territory among Filipino customers continued to reflect in our overall vehicle sales, and with that, we are thankful to our dealers and customers for their trust to the Ford brand,” says Michael Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines.

On a quarterly performance, vehicle sales rose by 21 percent in the third quarter of the year from a year ago to 4,849 ve-

FORD PHL SUSTAINS SOLID RETAIL PERFORMANCE hicles. The robust sales performance in the recent quarter was also driven by the Ford Ranger with 2,180 vehicles sold and the Ford Territory with 1,669 vehicles sold.

September was also a month of milestones for Ford’s retail performance, as it posted its best retail month in 2021 with 1,783 vehicles sold, a 15 percent lift from last year. The Ford Territory also achieved its best retail month in September since it was launched in 2021 with 742 units sold.

“We are optimistic that we will end the year on a high note as we commit to creating must-have products and services and finding ways to enhance the Ford ownership experience by treating our customers like family,” adds Breen.

Keeping its momentum

towards the last quarter of the year, Ford Philippines forged a partnership with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to

expand its network of banking partners for customers to make the purchase and ownership experience easier and

hassle-free through BPI’s wide array of flexible auto loans and financing options.

This October, customers can also get bigger cash discounts when they purchase a Ford Ranger or a Ford Everest. A cash discount of P100,000 is extended to customers getting a Ranger 2.0L FX4 MAX 4x4 A/T or a Ranger 2.2L XLT 4x2 A/T. Those getting a Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 M/T can avail of a special financing offer of P9,888 low monthly fee or P48,000 all-in low downpayment.

Meanwhile, customers getting a Ford Everest 2.0L Sport 4x2 A/T can also avail of a cash discount of P100,000, or take advantage of a financing offer of P18,088 low monthly fee or P158,000 all-in low downpayment.

GTV KEEPS IT GOOD ONLINE VIA GTV.PH! GMA Network’s second free-to-air channel GTV likewise keeps it good online as it unveils www.gtv.ph – the viewers’ go-to source for the hottest updates on everything GTV. Airing a variety of programs produced by GMA News and Public Affairs, Entertainment Group, Regional TV and Synergy, as well as foreign dramas, GTV surely caters to the young and young at heart.

And through its own website, netizens can access all the latest news about their favorite GTV shows, videos, program schedules, as well

as online exclusives.

Viewers can also watch or rewatch the latest episodes of My Fantastic Pag-ibig, La Doña, Playful Kiss, and When Duty Calls on the website anytime and even on the go.

Catch program highlights or bite-sized clips of GTV lifestyle shows where Kapuso celebrities and personalities share tips and how-to’s about fashion and beauty, travel and food, family and relationships, and other hobbies and interests.

Go on different kinds of adventure with Biyahe ni Drew, Pinas Sarap,

Taste Buddies, Farm To Table, Pera Paraan, and new show Dapat Alam Mo. Continue watching the news you trust and the new shows you love on GTV via free-to-air or on digital broadcast using GMA Affordabox and GMA Now or on other digital TV receivers. Netizens may also follow GTV’s official social media accounts @GTVPhilippines on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok.

To find out more, log on to www. gtv.ph.

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“B

y destroying forests, we are harming biodiversity and our lives. Forests provide fresh water, clean the air we breathe, inspire spiritual value, and provide us with food. Our challenge now must be to halt deforestation and begin to restore forests. It is a huge undertaking, and every country will need their own table approach.”

That was what British broadcaster, natural historian and author Sir David Attenborough said in a film that was shown during the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) at Glasgow, Scotland.

His call to action was heard. “Protecting our forest is not only a course of action for tackling climate change but also for a more prosperous future,” said UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson after announcing that at least 110 countries representing 85% of the planet’s forests had signed the pivotal COP26 Glasgow Leaders Declaration on

Forests and Land Use, committing to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

In the Philippines, environmentalists, non-government organizations and civil societies are hoping the government will listen to the call. After all, the country is on the verge of total destruction as it continues to pay lip service to the natural resources that support life and make the country as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas.”

“A log ban and a number of laws have been in place for decades to restore the forests, but the absence of coherent policy on forest

ENVIRONMENT

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WHERE HAVE ALL OUR FORESTS GONE? Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

management has resulted in various forms of land conversion that continue to drive deforestation at an alarming rate,” deplores Karol Ilagan of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.

It is impossible to exaggerate the ecological crisis that is now happening in the country. A case in point was what happened to Ormoc City on November 5, 1991. The flash flood took about 8,000 lives in one

sweep. Damages to crops and properties were altogether estimated to be worth P500 million.

What happened? A report from Dr. Rogelio C. Serrano, then program coordinator of the Environment Research and Development Program of a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), stated: “Data showed that the total land area of Ormoc is 46,430 hectares, of which 55% or 26,611 hectares are agricultural land.

“The upper mountainous slopes consist its watershed with a total area of 4,5000 hectares, of which 85% of the 3,841 hectares have been cultivated for agriculture,” Dr. Serrano continued. “Cultivated area reached as far as 600 meters elevation. Shrubs cover only 14% or about 607 hectares of the whole watershed area.”

More than 90 years ago, the Philippines was almost totally covered with forest resources distributed throughout its 30 million hectares.

“From the late 1950s through 1973, deforestation in the Philippines

reached 172,000 hectares per year. Virgin forests have been especially hard hit, declining by 1.7 million hectares from 1971 to 1980 alone,” wrote Robert Repetto in his book, The Forest for the Trees? Government Policies and the Misuse of Forest Resources.

Logging This happened during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos. James K. Boyce, author of the book, The Political Economy of Growth and Impoverishment in the Marcos Era, wrote that the country saw rapid deforestation as the president changed the rules on logging leases, from one year to 10-year and even 25-year terms.

Timber concessionaires were allowed to cut trees in rainforests with naturally-grown trees. According to Colin Kahl, the author behind States, Scarcity, and Civil Strife in the Developing World, granting timber concessionaires was a way for Marcos to secure continued loyalty of allies and supporters.

“As the timber boom gained momentum, the government was unable to

supervise concessions effectively or enforce logging regulations,” Repetto wrote.

“Links between timber companies and politicians further eroded government control.”

A few years before his death, national scientist Dr. Dioscoro Umali deplored: “Over the last 25 years, we sold over 101.6 million cubic meters of prime logs abroad. We subsidized developed countries with cheap timber. Rough estimates indicate that exports reached over US$6 billion.

Much of that income was salted abroad. It never benefitted those who live in forest communities.”

Oftentimes, logging companies passed the blame on shifting cultivation done by kaingineros, or slash-and-burn farmers, for the rapid disappearance of forests. They claimed kaingineros log without restraint and unlike them which have so-called corporate responsibility.

Some 80,000 to 120,000 families cleared an estimated 2.3 million hectares of forest land from 1971 to 1980s alone. “As elsewhere,

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at a safe social distance.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett along with several other Ministers within the country (Tourism, Health, Transportation, etc.), have come together and formed the following plan which has been approved by the COVID cabinet with developments and new COVID variants being monitored closely.

“We have been awaiting this moment, to bring back international travellers into our country, for a very long time now,” said Yoel Razvozov, Israel’s Minister of Tourism. “We’re ecstatic to share our country with everyone once again and I’m proud to be working closely with our Prime Minister Naftali Bennett among other Ministers within the country to ensure a thoughtful, safe return to tourism.”

The guidelines for entry include: Taking a PCR test 72 hours before an outbound flight, filling out a passenger declaration, and a taking a PCR test upon arrival in Israel (needing to quarantine in hotel until results return or 24 hours pass – the lesser of the two).

To enter the country, one must: • Have been vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazenica, Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccine at least

14 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (14 days must have passed since receival of second dose upon arrival into Israel, but no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel - i.e., if it has been six months since the second dose, you will need the booster shot to enter). o Those that have received the booster vaccine dose, and at least 14 days have passed since received, can enter Israel.

• Have been inoculated with one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 14 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (14 days must have passed since second dose receival upon their arrival into Israel, but no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel - i.e., if it has been six months since your second dose, you will need the booster shot to enter). o Those that have received the booster vaccine dose, and at least 14 days have passed since received, can enter Israel.

• Have recovered from COVID-19 and who present proof of the results of a positive NAAT test at least 11 days prior to the day of entry into Israel (no more than 180 days upon leaving Israel).

• Have recovered from COVID-19 and have received at least one dose of the WHO-approved vaccines.

this is an opportunity for us to overcome the challenges that we are actually facing today,” he said.

Meanwhile, the insurance firm launched on Thursday its peso-denominated PRUlink Gen Fund, which is invested in equities around the globe.

During the same virtual briefing, Pru Life UK vice president for investment marketing Mark Anthony Valino said he remains optimistic about their latest offering amid the pandemic because “(we have) factored both the opportu-

nity and the potential risks that may come possibly to the Fund.”

“On top of the global economic recovery outlook, the Fund’s multifactor investment strategy actually addresses that inherent volatility that is coming in investing stocks or equity funds,” he said.

The Fund is invested in equities being traded in the United States, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia, among others. (PNA)

constraints as campaign period is nearing, PBEd president Chito Salazar said the government should find ways to get students back to school as soon as possible, address malnutrition, formation of an assessment agency, and continued support for the test and

Senior High School vouchers.

Salazar added that these measures do not require bills but could help improve the education system.

“However, in long term, EdCom is vital because many of our problems are systemic in nature,” he said. (PNA)

PLDT and Smart president and CEO Al Panlilio told reporters in a virtual briefing.

Panlilio said PayMaya and Maya Bank would also “drive financial inclusion” in the country.

Digital banks are financial institutions without physical branches and are focused on streamlining the process of opening accounts especially for the unbanked.

The BSP earlier approved 6 digital banking licenses in the first phase of the implementation of its digital banking framework.

Land Bank’s OF Bank, Tonik

Bank, Union Digital, Uno Bank and GoTyme have also secured digital banking licenses from the BSP before it closed the application stage last August.

When asked If PayMaya is eyeing a potential initial public offering (IPO) after rival GCash operator Myntannounced it achieved double unicorn status with a valuation of $2 billion, PayMaya president Shailesh Baidwan said they are also focused on growth.

Maya Bank “will add greater credibility and set us up for better valuation when we go outside potentially for an IPO,” Baidwan said.

coordination meeting attended by LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra, Minister Dickson Hermoso of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and other officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He said the route would help promote tourism in Marawi.

The siege began on May 23,

2017 and lasted five months.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana terminated combat operations on October 23, six days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared the city “liberated from the terrorist influence.”

Llanos added that BARMM has vowed to protect the route to ensure “security and safety of the riding public, including the operator.” (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

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“The surrender of the high ranking official of the terrorist group and its members manifests that

there is no future in joining the NPA as more of their members continue to return to the mainstream society,” Uy said.

mechanism that targets to bring together government services to influenced areas.

“I hope really that the

cacyandcampaign,”hesaid duringthesameKapihansa DavNoredition.“Yonpoang aming(Thatisour)contributionrelatedtotheupcoming elections,” he added.

Torreswasmostlikely surethatcandidatesinthe 2022electionssupportive ofAFP’sadvocacyandcampaignwouldgetthevotesof the soldiers.

Ontheotherhand,Torresappealedtolawmakers oftheCongressandtheSenatetoupgradethepolicystatusofE.O.70intoalaw,“so thatwhoeverwillsitasthe newPresident,maycontinuitypoangatingprogram (ourprogramwouldhave continuity)”.(PIAXI/Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

they have now realized

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nextcommander-in-chief wouldhavethesamepassion,”hesaidinapressconin Octoberthatwasorganized topresentrescuedminors fromcommunistterrorist group (CTG).

Meanwhile,TorresrevealedthattheArmedForcesofthePhilippines“includingtheAgilatroopersare registered to vote”.

“Itisnotenoughthatwe areunmaskingtheCPP-NPANDF.Wehavetobemoreaggressive;wehavetobemore pro-active by voting the rightpeoplewethinkwould besupportiveofouradvo-

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viceisexpectedtoconduct itsowninvestigationofthe incidenttodeterminethe administrativecasesthat Eleazar said if proven wouldbefiledagainstCaliptrue,Calipjo’sactionswill jo. notbetoleratedbythePNP “Mahigpitangatingtaguleadership,addingthatthe bilintungkolsapagkakaroon police official would face ngdisiplinangatingkapuserioussanctionsoverhis lisan.Hindiganitongklaseng actions. pulisangnaisnatingiwanan TheInternalAffairsSer- saatinghanay,”Eleazarsaid. rin niya kayang irespeto ang mga karapatan ng ating mga sibilyang kababayan,” he added.

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program aims to help both the employers and employees who are affected by the pandemic, SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said.

She said the pandemic has burdened SSS members’ ability to pay their contributions and loans.

Amid this development, SSS EVP Rizaldy Capulong said SSS’ fund life remains strong even as expenditures as of August have surpassed contributions collections.

He said total contributions collected by the stateowned insurance agency for the private sector have reached PHP155.59 billion as of August.

On the other hand, spending has reached PHP159.6 billion, of which PHP154 billion was accounted for by benefits extended to members while PHP4 billion is for expenses, he said.

“However, because we have investment income of about PHP20 billion, that PHP4 billion difference has been provided for,” he said.

Capulong said SSS also has reserves that can be used if the contributions collections and investment income are not enough for its total expenses.

“So far, if we add our contributions and our investment income, that is still higher than our expenditures. So, we have not used our reserves yet,” he said.

SSS officials expect the agency’s investment income to reach PHP22.2 billion

by September and this will come from earnings from government securities, salary loans, equities, corporate and bond loans, and properties.

Citing a 2019 report on the agency’s actuarial life, Capulong said SSS has a fund life of until 2054.

“Hopefully the impact of the pandemic will not be too long,” he added.

The agency’s benefits disbursement increased during the pandemic to address the needs of its members. (PNA)

to do is step on the ground, walk barefoot, and feel the earth under their feet to help release muscle tension and stress.” Kiram said adding they advocate fitness and wellness for everyone.

Commissioner Kiram will also discuss the history

of grounding or earthing in “K-Isport” segment.

The episode will also announce the 25 winners of each of the four categories of the Zumbarangay Pilipinas: Solo on Cam Exercise Challenge wherein each winner will receive a cash prize of Php 1,000.

Pesticide residue testing facility He also signed a memorandum of agreement with Sta. Catalina Mayor Edgar Rapanut and DA Region 1 Director Nestor Domenden for the establishment of a pesticide residue testing facility in Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur. The facility, valued at PHP6.7 million, aims to ensure that all agricultural produce to be sold in the public markets in Sta. Catalina and nearby municipalities and cities are safe from pesticides and other harmful

chemicals.

This is in line with the food safety program of the government, which seeks to provide consumers access to quality, nutritious, and safe food.

The signing of the agreement was one of the highlights during the distribution of the cash assistance to the rice farmers of the 1st District of Ilocos Sur. Republic Act 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013 mandates the strengthening of the food safety regulatory system in the country. (PNA)

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the spread of shifting cultivation largely reflects population growth and the economy’s failure to provide employment alternatives for the country’s rural poor,” Repetto wrote.

Mining Mining also threatens the country’s forest cover. “Through the Mining Act of 1995, mining companies are given timber rights, which allow them to cut trees inside their concessions,” said Marjorie Pamintuan, the spokesperson of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment.

In 1982, the discovery of gold on Mount Diwalwal in Compostela Valley triggered a gold rush to an area of 729 hectares.

It has “the largest gold deposit in the world,” said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Blacksmith Institute believed that “an estimated $1.8 billion worth of gold reserves remain untapped in the 5,000-hectare mountain where some 30,000 small-scale miners operate, many illegally.”

Mining, along with stripping the mountain of its forest cover, had been cited as the culprit why there was high casualty count from Typhoon Pablo in this part of Davao Region. “If you abuse nature, nature will get back at us,” commented Benito Ramos, executive director of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. “This is due to decades of mining and logging. Our forests are already deserted and there are tunnels left by small-time miners.”

Almost 30 years since the Catholic Church leaders warned against an ecological debacle in the country, the disappearance of forests remains. Today, “the Philippines is among the countries that are losing their forest cover fast, ranking fourth in the world’s top 10 most threatened forest hotspots,” deplored Pamintuan. “If the deforestation rate of 157,400 hectares per year continues, the country’s remaining forest cover will be wiped out in less than 40 years.

The area lost to deforestation every year is twice the land area of Metro Manila.”

In 2010, the Forest Management Bureau (FMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) released the data of the remaining forest cover of all the provinces in the country. With 693,931 hectares forest cover of its total land area of 1,489,626 hectares, ranked first.

Lists from Mindanao Three provinces from Mindanao made it to the top 10: Agusan del Sur (fourth, with 34,994 hectares of forest cover of its 896,550 hectares land area), Surigao del Sur (fifth, with226,805 hectares out of 455,216 hectares land area), and Bukidnon (ninth, with 202,322 hectares out of 829,378 hectares land area).

Of the provinces with least forest cover, only one province from Mindanao was listed: Camiguin. It was ranked seventh as it had only a forest cover of 5,718 hectares out of its 25,286 hectares of land area. On the bottom is Guimaras with only 776 hectares of forest cover of its total land area of 60,457.

Davao Region Just recently, the FMB released its Philippine Forestry Statistics 2020. It says Davao Region has a total land area of 400,613 hectares. With 156,496 hectares, Davao Oriental occupied most of the land area, followed by Davao de Oro (123,525 hectares), Davao del Norte (53,636 hectares), Davao Occidental (34,455 hectares), and Davao del Sur (32,502 hectares).

When it comes to closed forest cover, Davao Oriental also topped: 68,958 hectares. Davao de Oro trailed with 50,886 hectares. The remaining provinces have the following data: Davao Occidental, 14,518 hectares; Davao del Norte, 11,422 hectares; and Davao del Sur, 6,037

hectares.

Davao Oriental also holds the record of having the most open forest cover: 85,218 hectares. Davao de Oro again followed with 72,468 hectares.

Davao del Norte has 41,651 hectares, Davao del Sur, 26,244 hectares, and Davao Occidental, 19,710 hectares.

Catastrophic results The extensive loss of forest means catastrophic for a country with a population of more than 111 million, according to UN data. “Failure to protect our remaining forest would mean a great loss of the country’s rich repository of biodiversity of all time,” said former Environment Secretary Fulgencio Factoran.

A pair of Philippine eagles, for instance, needs at least 7,000 to 13,000 hectares of forest as nesting territory. “The Philippine eagle has become a critically endangered species because the loss of the forest had made it lose its natural habitat,” deplored Dennis Salvador, the executive director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

More than 400 plant and animal species in the Philippines are currently threatened with extinction, including the Philippine eagle and the tamaraw,” the Washington, DC-based Population Reference Bureau reported.

A recent study by Conservation International said only about four percent of the Philippines’ forests remain as natural habitat for many endemic species.

Soil erosion and water crisis Aside from biodiversity loss, the country is also losing its primary resource for food production, the topsoil. With no trees left to anchor it, the exposed soil is swept away by winds and torrential rain.

“Forty-five percent or around 13 million hectares of arable land in the Philippines are either moderately or severely eroded,” said Senator Loren Legarda, quoting a 2010 report released by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management. “This led to soil degradation and lower agricultural output despite application of modern farming practices.”

Another consequence of soil erosion: siltation of waterbeds, reservoirs and dams. The Magat reservoir, for instance, has been reported to cut its probable life span of 100 years to 25 years.

The Ambuklao Dam reservoir has had its life halved from 60 to 32 years as a result of siltation.

Deforestation also means less water. Without vegetative cover, especially the trees, the land’s water absorption capacity is greatly reduced. “Deforestation has left upper watersheds unprotected, destabilizing river flows, with significant effects,” Repetto wrote.

The vanishing forests have also altered the climatic condition in the country. Periods of drought have become more common and extensive in the dry season while floods have prevailed in the rainy months.

Reforestation It’s high time to reforest the Philippines. “Reforestation always mitigates flooding and landslides,” Dr. Kelvin S. Rodolfo, a geological scientist and awardee of the Department of Science and Technology Balik Scientist Program, was quoted by Inquirer.

According to Rodolfo, “trees absorb much of the runoff and transpire it back to the atmosphere, and their roots hold the soil.” But during extreme events, landslides will still occur, carrying down everything – trees, as well as soils – even in an area that has been reforested for only two years.

Even at the end of the world, so goes a saying, we need to plant trees. “A person without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless,” American President Theodore Roosevelt reminded.

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LeBron James moves in for a basket against the Rockets on November 2. Sports/Reuters

Lebron out for a week Grounding Fitness on PSC’s Rise Up Shape Up episode

T

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) takes a break from featuring active sports and competitive events and gives spotlight to a calm, serene way to fitness—grounding or earthing in the upcoming webisode of Rise Up Shape Up this Saturday, November 6.

Grounding or earthing is a science-backed therapeutic technique that reconnects you to nature as you step and feel the

earth or ground. As explained by earth science, when the feet get direct contact with the ground, one’s body is electrically charged by the earth and has positive effects on the body. It is said to help reduce physical and mental stress as well as prevent and treat inflammation and immune diseases.

Book Author and devout practitioner of the holistic life Grace Eleazar will talk more about grounding and earthing

on the special episode which will start at 10:30 am.

PSC Women in Sports oversight commissioner Celia Kiram said that they thought of the pregnant and elderly women when they came up with the idea of featuring grounding to fitness.

“Pregnant women and the elderly might be too intimidated with high-impact exercises. But with grounding, all they need

against the Detroit Pistons 109-98.

The Sixers were without Ben Simmons (personal),

Danny Green (hamstrong), Tobias Harris and Isaiah Joe (both health and safety protocols), but it mattered not against the young Pistons Embiid continues to play below his best form as he battles a knee niggle, putting up 19 points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes.

Seth Curry maintained his hot shooting to start the season with 23 points on a 9-of-14 clip including four triples, while Tyrese Maxey added 20 points.

While still not shooting the ball magnificently in a 4-of-17 effort, Pistons No.

FGROUNDING, P10

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os Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss one week with an abdominal strain, according to multiple reports, with the injury not considered serious.

James aggravated an existing abdominal strain during a 119-117 victory over the Houston Rockets, ESPN reported. The team is said to be taking a cautious approach with the injury.

Thursday’s Lakers game at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder will be the third one James has missed already this season. Los Angeles has opened with a 5-3 record.

James, who turns 37 on Dec. 30, has averaged 24.8 points, 7.0 assists and 5.5 rebounds in six

games this season. He scored 30 points against the Rockets on Tuesday with 10 assists.

In 19 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers,

James has averaged 27.0 points with 7.4 assists and 7.4 rebounds.

After Thursday, the Lakers are scheduled to play at Portland on Saturday, then return home to face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, the Miami Heat on Wednesday and the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 12.

Short-handed Sixers cruise past Pistons

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n undermanned Philadelphia 76ers team missing several stars has cruised to victory

Joel Embiid continues to play below his best form as he battles a knee niggle, putting up 19 points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes.

1 draft pick Cade Cunningham had 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in his best game at NBA level.

And it was an improvement on Cunningham’s 3-of-22 shooting effort over his first two games where he hadn’t mate a single three-pointer.

Elsewhere for the Pistons, Jeremi Grant put up a game-high 27 points to go with six rebounds and four assists.

The result saw the Sixers improve to 7-2 on the season, while Detroit has just one win through eight games.

PDP LABAN Presidential bet Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa works with the ropes at the Arcadia Fitness Gym in Escandor Street, Quimpo Blvd, Davao City during a break in his recent visit.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 200 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2021

The Philippines lost a gem after reigning US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso announced on Wednesday her decision to choose Japanese citizenship when she turns 22 on June 20, 2023.

THANKS, YUKA POC thanks ‘Japanese-bound’ golfer Saso for representing PH

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hilippine Olympic Committee (POC) president, Representative Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, on Thursday thanked Yuka Saso for having represented the country in major global competitions with a flourish and expressed belief that despite her decision to embrace Japanese citizenship, “she remains a Filipino by heart”.

“Still, she was born here in the Philippines so by heart she represents both,” said Tolentino the day after Saso told Japanese media that she will opt for her father’s nationality when she turns 22 in two years.

“I would like to thank her personally for representing our country for the past years,” Tolentino said. “Her personal business decision will help her develop more as a person and athlete … carrying a Japanese passport for every international tournament helps a lot, imagine no visa needed.”

Tolentino added: “Health care and social benefits, too, plus the big sponsorships from Japan.”

The Philippines lost a gem after reigning US Women’s Open champion Saso announced on Wednesday her decision to choose Japanese citizenship when she turns 22 on

June 20, 2023.

Japanese laws allow its people with dual citizenship to choose their nationality when they turn 22.

Saso was born to a Japanese father and a Filipino mother in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

“I chose Japan because of its nationality law,” Saso told Japanese media on Wednesday. “I have in my heart that I am both Japanese and Filipino no matter which one I choose.”

“I am full of gratitude for being able to play in Japan again,” said Saso, a two-time winner in the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour.

Saso won individual and team gold medals at the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games and represented the Philippines at the Tokyo Olympics along with Bianca Pagdanganan and Juvic Pagunsan. (PR)