Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 202 | Tuesday, November 9, 2021

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A craftsman makes a design on a bamboo tube using a blue torch at a makeshift shop in front of his house in Toril, Davao City over the weekend. Edge Davao

LET’S GET IT DONE

Sara asks vaccination cluster to come up with new strategies to hit daily vaccination target STORY ON PAGE 2

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VOL.14 ISSUE 202 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, conducts a brief inspection of the facilities of the Siargao Island Sports and Tourism Complex before the inauguration ceremony at Brgy. Osmeña, Dapa Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte on Saturday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

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EastMinCom receives 4 Black Hawk choppers

Sara asks vaccination cluster to come up with new strategies to hit daily vaccination target

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is asking the vaccination cluster to come up with new strategies to hit daily vaccination target.

This is after the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) told the mayors of various local government units (LGUs) to comply with the daily target to complete the rollout of vaccination during a meeting last week.

“Last week, gipatawag tanan mayors sa DILG

and gipakita didto sa mga LGUs ang vaccination and we were reminded to get it done before the year end.

Ang mga mayors giingnan na kinahanglan we are able to hit the target herd immunity. Otherwise, kung sige lang ta ug extend extend sa atoang deadline dili ta mahuman sa atoang target na

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is calling on Filipinos to become investor champions by securing their future through smart and sustainable investments, as it leads the celebration of the 2021 Investor Protection Week.

From November 8 to 12, the Commission will celebrate the Investor Protection Week with webinars and other activities aimed at raising the level of financial literacy among

Filipinos and thereby empowering them to invest for and to scam-proof their future.

The SEC will highlight the variety of legitimate and accessible investment options, where Filipinos can place their hard-earned money, such as stocks, bonds, government securities, and mutual funds. At the same time, the Commission will continue educating Filipinos on how they could spot and avoid investment

herd immunity. We asked them (vaccination cluster) to come up with strategies again unsaon paghit sa mga targets nato,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara said per the DILG meeting Davao City should be at 16,690 daily vaccination target, however, the city only averaged 10,000 to 12,000 vaccination daily depending on certain days.

The mayor added that the city targeted the 1.2 million for first doses on Octo-

ber 15, 2021, however, the city didn’t hit the said target and extended it to November 15, 2021.

“According to the vaccine cluster ganina, it is unlikely that we will be able to hit the 1.2 million until next week, so I reminded them again to come up with strategies for us to be able to hit the target,” she said.

To date, the city is already at 909,149 for the first dose and 836,123 for the second dose.

he Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has received four new S-70i Blackhawk helicopters to amplify its air capabilities especially in conducting intensified military combat operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response during calamities.

The helicopters, which are manufactured by PZL Mielec, are the latest in the family of Black Hawk multi-mission aircraft which had also previously acquired Sikorsky, the original manufacturer of the Black Hawk.

The choppers were received Thursday (November 4) by BGen. Maurito L. Licudine, the Deputy Commander of EastMinCom, and LtCol. Omar FridzKhan S. Alpa, the Of-

ficer-in-Charge of TOWEM/Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group 11.

These new air assets of EastMinCom came a week after the death of Jorge Madlos alias “Ka Oris,” a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader, in an encounter with the security forces of EastMinCom in the hinterland of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on October 30, 2021.

These air assets can be configured according to specific missions including troops transport and air assault, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, disaster response, cargo lift, and VIP transport.

LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the EastMinCom chief said that these new air assets will enhance the

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SEC champions smart, Drug war’s only aim is sustainable investing to protect PH: Duterte T P scams.

“In this year’s Investor Protection Week, we invite Filipinos to join our advocacy for a secure future through smart and sustainable investments, and become investor champions themselves,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said.

“Being an investor champion means being able to realize the benefits of investing, to spot and avoid fraudulent invest-

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday defended his anti-narcotics drive, saying it was meant to protect the country from the scourge of illegal drugs.

Duterte, in a speech delivered in Dapa, Siargao during the inauguration of a sports complex and bridge system, said he is merely keeping his promise to halt the drug menace to protect Filipinos, especially the youth.

“I did it because I want to protect your children and their future. Hindi akin iyan. Kayong lahat ng taong Pilipino ang nakinabang diyan (It’s not for my benefit. It’s the Filipino people who benefitted from it),” Duterte said.

He added that his anti-drug campaign was not even giving him pleasure.

“But ito (this [drug war]), everything, I did it for my country. Hindi ako nakinabang diyan. Wala

akongsatisfaction diyan.

Hindi ako nagkaroon ng pera ni sentimos diyan (I did not benefit from that.

I do not have any satisfaction with that. I did not get a single centavo from that),” Duterte said.

Duterte also took a swipe anew at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for carrying out a full-blown investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity associat-

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Workers of Southern Philippined Medical Center (SPMC) wait for patients at the entrance of the hospital’s emergency section along Dumanlas Road in Davao City. SPMC said it may not renew the services of its workers who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Edge Davao

155 MILF combatants get skills livelihood training in Davao Oriental

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p to 155 decommissioned members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Davao Oriental have graduated from various skills training courses offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The participants received their training completion certificates in a simple ceremony held in Mati City recently and are set to become productive members of mainstream society.

The training includes Bread and Pastry Production courses, driving, carpentry, cookery, motorcycle/small engine repair, dressmaking/tailoring, automotive servicing, electrical installation and maintenance, welding and entrepreneurship.

TESDA Provincial Director Leah D. Braga said

these decommissioned combatants play significant roles in implementing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Vice Chairman Ednar G. Dayanghirang, meanwhile said the partnership with TESDA also contributes to the government’s bid to realize its peace and development agenda.

Dayanghirang said he hopes “that these former combatants will use their newly acquired skills to benefit their children, families, and communities and be active participants in the peace process.”

The training activities are components of the socio-economic programs under the Normalization Annex of the CAB – the

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Nordeco explains electricity tariff hike

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco), Inc., formerly Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative or Daneco, released last month an advisory on its electricity tariff hike due to the increase in generation charge by 0.7042 per kilowatt hour (kwh) and to the increase in fuel cost per kwh of its power suppliers where it imports electricity.

Nordeco explained that the rate hike is also due to the rising price of crude oil abroad which has affected the price of

imported coal used to run the plants of Nordeco’s generation companies. As a result of this increase, VAT on such

covery from the pandemic.

“As the holiday season is fast approaching and as we safely reopen the economy in adherence to the minimum public health standards and ensuring to have an added protection from the Covid-19 vaccine, we can go to work and be with our family and love one’s safely and can mitigate the potential increase of cases,”

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charges also increased by 0.1167/kwh.

The electric cooperative reminded consumers to keep in mind that on their electricity bill, approximately 71 percent of it is generation and transmission charges going to generation and transmission companies, while approximately 15 percent is for government fee, and approximately 14 percent only goes to Nordeco, which costs less than P1.3194/

kwh, which has not changed since 2012.

The consumption rate, which can be seen in the high bill of the item “KWH Used” if increased or decreased, refers to the consumed electricity during the day that will also reflect on the bill, which will affect the total amount of the electricity bill.

Nordeco is appealing for the understanding of the members-consumers-owners (MCOs).

DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau and DTI 11 (Regional and Davao City offices), will conduct a surprise inspection and monitoring within Buhangin area on November 11, 2021.

The activity aims to inspect 87 products covered under the mandatory certification scheme, with a primary focus on

construction materials.

This is in line with the upcoming consumer protection activity, the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) - Regional Operations Group (ROG) joint monitoring, enforcement, and media campaign.

In May 2016, DTI released the list of products

Public urged to get vaxxed DTI to conduct surprise as holiday season gets near inspection in Davao City

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he Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) urged the public to get vaccinated in time for the holidays and to achieve population protection before the month ends.

The regional health office is targeting around 3.7 million individuals to get inoculated in the whole region by November 30.

As of November 7, a to-

tal of 1.5 million individuals have been fully vaccinated with the life-saving shots or about 40.28 percent.

DOH-11 Assistant Director Lenny Joy Rivera urged vaccinated individuals to encourage their family members, co-workers, friends and neighbors to get protected against the disease by getting the shot, saying it is the only road to a safer new normal and re-

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that it will conduct a surprise inspection in Davao City.

In an advisory issued by the regional office of DTI (DTI 11), Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Ronnel O. Abrenica, together with the monitoring team from the

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Coconut broom (walis tingting) vendors tread on a muddy portion of a road in Barangay Tipanoy in Iligan City Sunday morning (7 November 2021). MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

DTI-DavOro holds hybrid investment confab, job fair on November 9 to 10

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n collaboration with the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao de Oro Provincial Office leads the Davao de Oro Hybrid Investment Conference (DDOiCon) plus Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan, which open tomorrow,November 9 and will run until November 10, at the D’ Fortees Nature Park and Inland Resort, San Jose (Poblacion), Montevista, Davao de Oro.

Carrying the theme “Reigniting Investments in the New Normal,” the conference aims to discuss the present and future trends,

as well as, the investment outlook for the province.

Furthermore, the two-day event will assess the effects of the pandemic in

the investments and business environment in the localities,create a strategic clustering of investment priority areas in the province, consolidate strategies amongst business sector, industry players in fighting against the threat of Covid 19 to their business operation,and present new investment trends in this time of crisis.

“We are highlighting industries that are promising and providing good returns for our investors most especially in this time of crisis,” said DTI-Davao de Oro Provincial Director lawyer

Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque.

“These industries refer to Adlai rice production, poulty farming, free range chicken, sorghum and cassava production and coco syrup production,” he added.

The DDO iCon 2021 is a hybrid conference, which means that it will be conducted both in a physical venue and through a virtual platform. A maximum of 80 participants will attend the physical event, while 200 more are expected to be part of the Zoom cloud meeting.

PH backs new climate-smart agri, food innovation initiative he Philippines assured supporting the goals of Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C), a United Arab Emirates-United States (UAE-US) initiative in which this primarily agricultural but climate change-threatened country is participating in.

Launched at the ongoing 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Scotland’s city of Glasgow, AIM4C urges

increasing and accelerating investments in and partnerships on climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation worldwide during the 2021-2025 period to help promote food security, climate health and farmers’ well-being.

“The Philippines fully supports goals of AIM4C,” Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar said in his message aired during the conference’s

nited Kingdom continues its unlockdown phase during the pandemic, with the recently-concluded World Travel Market (WTM) from November 1-3, held in Excel London.

The WTM London is the leading global event for the travel industry, where industry professionals meet, explore and close business deals.

In her first overseas trip since the pandemic began, Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat attended high-level ministerial meet-

ings and sat as one of the panelists in the ministerial discussion on “Investing in Tourism’s Sustainable Future.”

Romulo-Puyat shared that the Philippines will fully open “when it’s safe for everybody to accept tourists.”

PH TO HOST WTTC IN 2022 Romulo-Puyat is bringing home exciting news: the Philippines will be hosting the the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Summit in Manila next year.

Julia Simpson, president of the WTTC headquartered

in London, announced last Wednesday that the summit is set on March 14-16, 2022.

WTTC is a forum for the travel and tourism industry composed of members from the global business community, and works with governments to raise awareness about the travel and tourism industry.

“I cannot tell you how wonderful that is,” said Simpson in a press conference.

“The Philippine summit is our first fully, comingout-of-COVID summit. It is

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Ramon Ang open to sell PH joins WTM in London Petron back to gov’t U

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etron president and CEO Ramon Ang on Monday expressed willingness to sell the oil company back to the national government.

This was mentioned by Ang during the briefing of the House ways and means committee about the price monitoring of petroleum products and the proposals to suspend or reduce the excise tax on fuel.

According to Ang, he could sell the corporation to the government anytime

and the latter could pay for it “at market valuation” in the next five years. “’Yung sina-suggest na bilhin ng gobyerno ‘yung Petron, privatization, anytime po puwede ko pa ipautang sa Philippine government, bilhin ninyo ito ng over five years to pay, ano ho ‘yan, I swear kung gusto ng gobyerno bilhin handa niyo na, sabihin niyo na, bebenta ko kaagad sa inyo. Pagawaan niyo na ng valuation immediately, walang arte-arte,” Ang told

lawmakers.

“Kung sa tingin ninyo jackpot ‘yung negosyong ‘yan, let the government buy it, market valuation ‘yan di ko kailangan tubuan ang gobyerno,” Ang added.

The Petron Corp. was formerly state-owned and controlled. A bill filed by Bayan Muna lawmakers Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia Cullamat called for the re-nationalization of the oil company.

House Bill 244 noted

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Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go appeals to President Rodrigo Duterte to grant the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the authority to release the shares of local government units (LGUs) from the collection of excise tax on locally manufactured Virginia-type cigarettes for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

Go seeks release of excise tax proceeds to tobacco farmers PH retains preferential tariff status under EAEU

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he Philippines continues to enjoy lower tariffs when exporting certain products to member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The EAEU, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz and Armenia, retained the Philippines among the developing beneficiary countries subject to preferential tariffs under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) since October 12.

This, even after the EAEU Council decided to reduce the number of developing countries subject to preferential tariffs, which are applied to 75 percent of the basic tariff rate, from 103 countries/regions to just 29.

Countries/regions that have transitioned from preferential tariffs to basic tariffs include Brazil, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and South Africa.

In an earlier statement, the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau said products

covered by the EAEU GSP are eligible to a 25-percent discount on customs duties.

These include food, furniture, and industrial goods and food products that include meat, fish, fruits, coffee, cacao, coconut products, sauces, and condiments.

Furniture, gifts, and houseware in the list are articles of wood, basket ware, artificial flowers, statuettes, ceramics, and imitation jewelry.

Also included are industrial goods like natural rubber.

Meanwhile, the least developed countries that apply preferential tariffs or are exempt from paying have also been reduced from 50 to 48.

Vanuatu has moved to a regular favored country and Equatorial Guinea was removed.

The EAEU includes high-income countries with gross national income per capita of over USD12,535 and high- and middle-income countries (USD4,046 to USD12,535), classified by the World Bank as criteria for preferential countries/ regions.

S

enator Christopher “Bong” Go has appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to grant the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the authority to release the shares of local government units (LGUs) from the collection of excise tax on locally manufactured Virginia-type cigarettes for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

Go said the tobacco excise tax shares received by the beneficiary LGUs will encourage required economic activity in the agricultural sector, specifically in the tobacco industry in light of recent natural disasters that hit tobacco-producing provinces.

“Dahil po sa mga nakaraang kalamidad, naa-

pektuhan ang produksyon ng ating mga magsasaka, kabilang na ang mga tobacco farmers. Marami sa kanilang mga pananim ang hindi napakinabangan(Due to recent calamities, the production of our farmers, including tobacco farmers, was affected. Many of their crops were rendered useless),” Go said in a news re-

lease on Sunday.

“Sa tulong po nito, mabibigyan natin ng suporta ang mga LGUs upang matulungan ang kanilang mga magsasaka na makabangon mula sa mga problemang kanilang kinaharap (With the help of excise tax shares, we can provide support to LGUs to help their farmers recover from the problems they face,” he added.

Section 3 of Republic Act 7171 provides that the financial support given by the national government for the beneficiary provinces will be constituted and collected from the proceeds of 15 percent of the excise taxes on locally manufactured Virginia-type cigarettes.

The funds allotted will be divided among the beneficiary provinces pro rata according to the volume of Virginia tobacco production.

On the other hand, RA 8240, as amended by RA 10351, provides that 15 percent of the incremental revenue collected from the excise tax on tobacco products will be allocated and divided among the provinces producing burley and native tobacco in accordance with the volume of tobacco leaf production.

Notably, the shares of LGUs from fiscal years 2018 and 2019 for collection of excise taxes on locally manufactured Virginia-type cig-

toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit.

“To avoid PSP, the public is advised to refrain from eating, gathering or harvesting, transporting or marketing shellfish from Baroy until such time that toxicity level has gone down below the regulato-

ry limit of 60 STX eq/100 gm of shellfish meat,” said Eduardo Gongona, BFAR National Director.

Red tide toxin level in samples collected from the area is presently at 188.60 STX eq/100 gm of shellfish meat.

But Gongona stressed

that fish harvested from Baroy is safe for human consumption provided that the harvested fish is fresh and washed thoroughly and its gills and internal organs and intestines are removed before cooking.

Noel Saldajeno BFAR

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BFAR warns public to refrain from eating, gathering, selling shellfish from Baroy

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ureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) wants the public to refrain from gathering, selling and eating shellfish from the coastal waters of Baroy, Lanao del Norte as it has been found to be positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or

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In response to claims that the government’s campaign against illegal drugs is a failure:

Let the people judge the war on drugs.”

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL Incentives for the vaccinated The Department of Health is now considering mandatory vaccination. This, in effect, was the screaming headline of a national daily last Friday.

The news story is culled from a virtual press briefing wherein Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the Philippines may have to resort to mandatory vaccination in order to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.

Usec Vergeire agreed with vaccination czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., who stated that a vaccine mandate in the form of an executive order may be necessary to ensure protection of vaccinated families.

Ms. Vergeire said the government is looking at this option because “we will never achieve the immunity needed by our population if there are still sectors of society that remain unvaccinated.”

She contradicted her own statement last April that it is “the right

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Now remaining holdouts among anti-vaccination sectors may of course disagree with Vergeire.

Still, some sectors such as business establishments would prefer to dangle incentives before their workers in order to convince them to be inoculated. These include companies which are grateful for having survived the financial misery that befell them during the pandemic.

Our twin business ventures Edge Davao-Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc. humbly agree with this option. We are now determining how much we really can afford to give as incentives to the vaccinated employees. Yes, in time for Christmas a few days from now.

We submit that mandatory vaccination should be the last recourse in our effort to achieve herd immunity.

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

of a person to decide on his own if he shall receive the vaccine” citing the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) that vaccination should be voluntary.

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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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

DON’T DIE FROM DRINKING LAMBANOG Social drinking – tagayan or inuman in Tagalog and Visayan languages – are almost always a part of Filipino culture during celebrations. Whether it is a birthday party, a fiesta, a wedding, or just a simple get-together, Filipinos have a reason to gather together around a table, buy some alcoholic drinks and just chat the night away.

While in the cities, cases and cases of beer are being served during the celebration, it is a different story in the rural areas. Usually, tuba and lambanog are common drinks as these are readily available.

Tuba, made from coconut sap, is being served in most rural areas in the country. But lambanog is a specialty of those from Quezon and Laguna provinces. Some people called lambanog as the “poor man’s drink” because of its inexpensive production process.

Because of its popularity, there are now some companies marketing it with different flavors like apple, blueberry, bubblegum, cherry, cinnamon, mint, mango and pineapple in an effort to appeal to all age groups.

As liquor ban is already

lifted and the Christmas season is fast approaching, Filipinos will again be drinking to their heart’s content. But they need to be reminded that drinking may be hazardous to their health, especially if they drink lambanog.

It must be recalled that during the Christmas celebrations in 2019, at least 23 people died and hundreds more were being treated for methanol poisoning after drinking locally-made lambanog in Laguna and Quezon provinces.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found high levels of methanol mixed into lambanog, commonly bootlegged by unregulated makers for cheaper costs.

The levels found in the lambanog samples were found to exceed the safety levels of 0.5%.

“Ingestion of 30 mL is considered to be potentially fatal,” said a statement released by the FDA to the media.

“Lambanog poisoning is caused by residual methanol, which in high levels becomes highly toxic for humans,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque was quoted as saying. “Methanol is

a naturally occurring substance present during the distilling process that should be separated and removed thereafter.”

Lambanog is derived from tuba that has been aged for at least 48 hours. Commonly described as “coconut vodka” due to its clear to milky white color and high alcohol content, its smoothness has been compared to that of Japanese sake and European schnapps.

The traditional Filipino distilled palm liquor is particularly potent, having a typical alcohol content of 80 to 90 proof (40% to 45% abv or alcohol by volume) after a single distillation; this may go as high as 166 proof (83% abv) after the second distillation.

The tragedy that happened in 2019 was not the first time.

In 2018, a group of people in Calamba, Laguna drank lambanog in November and had symptoms; they were brought to the hospital where they subsequently died thereafter. A few days later, four tricycle drivers died after they consumed lambanog; thirteen others were hospitalized in Quezon City.

In order to avoid such trag-

edies to happen again, the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology of CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), in partnership with Cavite State University (CvSU), is currently developing a field-test kits for business owners that can be used for internal quality control to ensure food quality and safety.

“By taking samples and treating them, the observable change in its hue can help local brewers determine whether or not their products are safe for human consumption,” the science department said in a press statement.

Prototypes are very simple to use and affordable, but developers stressed that it needs more tests to prove its technical and economic feasibility. The initiative is led by its project leader, CvSU’s Dr. Hosea Matel of CvSu and DOST–Science Education Institute Science Research Specialist, Jon Uriel Layos.

To develop a low-cost field test kit (that is, microfluidic paper-based colorimetric sensor) for detection of methanol contamination in alcoholic bever-

ages, such as lambanog, and to help the producers establish food quality and safety standards, are the goal benefits of the technology.

“The field-test kit for methanol is helpful in testing for food safety of lambanog; when deployed it can be integrated in the quality control procedures of distillers. This might be helpful in bringing back public trust on an age-old traditional product,” explained Dr. Matel.

This is good news for the Southern Tagalog region, the traditional center of lambanog production. Among the current main producing areas are Quezon, Laguna, and Batangas, where coconuts are a dominant agricultural crop.

“Most lambanog producers are small-scale cottage industries with only around 4 to 25 employees,” Wikipedia states.

“Unregistered lambanog production is illegal in the country under regulations by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture.”

Consumers are warned to only buy lambanog that is properly sealed and made by companies registered with the FDA.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

REVISIONISM AND REDACTION Abused and often distorted, History is arguably one of the most sullied disciplines of studies. Given the value it carries, the lessons it conveys, and the impact it imposes during turbulent and discordant political times, pseudo-historians clothed as propagandists, specialists, social critics, and forecasters usually take the extra effort in distorting facts and embellish their commentaries with arguments that are at best superfluous and presumptuous.

In recent times, the domain of textual analysis which has been the area of Christian polemicists and apologists has been borrowed by creative minds who introduce spins and twists in political annotations as a way of impressing patrons and getting better monetary deals. Even publicly known and twice-over confirmed lies get their own rebranding from po-

litical publicists.

Davao history has had its share also of revisionism and redaction, often innocently introduced into mainstream research by opportunists for lack of credible oral and written chronicles. This practice, sad to say, does not have anything to do with academia’s multidisciplinary approach to better understanding of historical evidence.

Revisionism, often described as derogatory, is described as ‘the theory or practice of revising one’s attitude to a previously accepted situation or point of view.’ Under the concept, events that have been decisively confirmed are rotated and given a new interpretation that strongly opposes the affirmed version. This practice is strictly revision and, at the least, a form of modification.

For instance, Datu Bago’s her-

oism is overstated even in the absence of a substantial body of literature to affirm or confirm the Moro chief’s epic achievements as a great pirate.

On the other hand, redaction, which is the editing of unwanted entries for publication, is defined as ‘the censoring or obscuring of part of a text for legal or security purposes.’ This is a common and an accepted practice in the world of national security when confidential memos, before they are reclassified as available for public disclosure, are blackened with permanent markers.

Another form of redaction is using an event that happened in the future is presented like it took place earlier. A case in point is the Islamic city of Mecca which the Muslims believe outside historical factuality to have existed years before Muhammad died in 632 A.D. But

this is entirely false given that the standard Islamic narratives were written two centuries after his death.

Applying redaction almost always distorts the factual flow of historical narratives. In Davao history, for instance, the widely broadcast claim that Generoso Bridge was named after a soldier who died defending the span during World War II is off target. In truth, the bridge was inaugurated in 1930 in honor of then incumbent governor Sebastian Generoso.

Revisionism, moreover, is a practice that ‘usually involves challenging the orthodox (established, accepted or traditional) views held by professional scholars about a historical event or time-span or phenomenon, introducing contrary evidence, or reinterpreting the motivations and

decisions of the people involved.’

Revising historical analysis based on newfound documents is not associated with what is described as revisionism. Reinterpreting events based on first-hand accounts is an accurate way of appreciating happenings as they occurred. If the accounts were written in the same generation the events happened, the value of the elucidations carry the same weight as the primary sources.

For nearly three decades, we have been afforded a better appreciation of how past events have shaped, rightly or wrongly, in influencing the region’s progress during colonial times. With new materials shedding new light in understanding events from yesteryears, the historical local narratives are presented in a much more critical and factual presentation.

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A morning walk around the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao’s garden is a nice The La Parilla’s alfresco set up gives diners a view of the hotel’s vast gardens and nearby Davao Gulf and Samal islad. way to start the day.

If there was one thing that I rarely did these past few months, it is eating out. But thanks to the uptick in fully vaccinated Dabawenyos and with the positivity rates coming down these past few weeks, I now feel more confident in going out more, albeit, still conscious with the proper health protocols.

Just recently, I was able to visit the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao’s alfresco restaurant, La Parilla to try its Eat-AllYou-Can Breakfast. The All You Can Eat Breakfast at La Parilla offers classic Filipino and International breakfast treats and is priced at Php650 per person.

The assisted buffet is open from 6:00AM to 10:00AM, Mondays to Sundays.

With the hotel’s lush seaside garden setting and the fresh breeze coming from the Davao Gulf, it was a joy to be finally out and enjoying a splendid breakfast in the open air. With an assisted buffet format, where the diner points out the dishes he or she wants and have them served to the diner’s table, there is also less crowding around the buffet table.

It was also a joy catchingup with the Waterfront’s OIC for Hotel Operations, Jennifer Romero, Mar-Com Officer Paolo Rosello, and Davao Tourism Association’s Gatchi Gatchalian over some piping-hot arroz caldo and juicy beef tapa.

60 Years and Standing Strong One of the topics our group

FROM BREAKFAST

BY THE SEA TO ANYTIME TREATS talked about was how the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao is celebrating its 60th year of operations and the hotel’s programs that serve to benefit Durianburg’s tourism and hospitality sector. Most notable is the partnership involving the iconic hotel and the City Government of Davao, Davao Tourism Association, and other private sector volunteers to roll out “Bakuna

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao’s newly-opened Grab & Go Kiosk is open 24/7.

by the Sea”, a special vaccination program which, to date, has already inoculated over 15,000 individuals from the tourism sector. With more and more Dabawenyos getting their protective shots, there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

Grab & Go 24/7 While I am starting to go out more, I am still aware that we are still in a pandemic. We still have to take care and be aware of health protocols, making eating at home in my own bubble still the best and safest

Crispy-fried Danggit. way to dine. Thankfully, the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao heard the needs of people and launched their Grab & Go Drive Thru and Pick-up Kiosk.

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Grab & Go Drive Thru and Pick-up Kiosk located right beside the main gate of the hotel features many of the Waterfront’s signature food items.

From fluffy bread to decadent cakes and pastries, satisfying sandwiches or healthy salads, the innovative kiosk is a quick and safe way to grab whatever you are craving for, anytime of

Filipino-style breakfast of Beef Tapa, Bacon, Longganiza, Fried Eggs and Garlic Rice. the day and without leaving the safety and comfort of one’s car.

The Grab & Go Drive Thru and Pick-up Kiosk also offers freshly brewed coffee and refreshing buko juice which comes straight from the coconuts trees found around the hotel’s grounds.

Guests can also pre-order the items from Pizzaiolo or any other food outlet at the Waterfront, arrange their desired pick-up time during the day and conveniently pay thru contactless payment options like GCash, and any debit or credit cards.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

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LIVING THE LOUNGE LIFE WITH SURPLUS

A

fter a more than a year of living in house clothes – sweats, pajamas, and whatever makes us comfortable – this is the best time to elevate our stay at home style with cozy, chill, and cool loungewear from Surplus!

Here, hoodies are hot. . . track pants are right on the fashion track. . . knits and button down shirts are great top stories . . . and shorts stories are everywhere. There are also flowy lounge dresses in soft fabrics for girls, and tees and muscle shirts for guys.

Living the lounge life also means having wellness essentials that can help you relax and unwind in the comfort of your homes. Surplus has cozy and soft Japanese Tatami Chairs, Wooden Aroma Humidifiers, Rest Easy Massagers, and Re-

chargeable Hot Compress packs. There are stay-athome must-haves like foldable laptop tables, telescopic fans, mason jars, and stainless tumblers are also available in different colors.

Lounge in style with the loungewear collection and self-care home essentials from Surplus.

These versatile, fashionable pieces and more are available in Surplus stores located in most SM Supermalls nationwide.

For a more convenient shopping experience, you may check out Surplus at Lazada, Shopee, SM Malls Online, and ShopSM. Surplus Order to Deliver is also now available; join their Viber community and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @SurplusPH and @Surplus_ph for more details.

Take it easy with Surplus’ shirt and pajama set, comfy Japanese tatami chair and telescopic fan.

Binge watch and chill with this strappy lounge set, cozy Japanese tatami chair, foldable laptop table, and mason jar from Surplus.

Fun, feminine, and flowy lounge dress from Surplus.

Hoodies are hot in the new Surplus loungewear collection, especially when worn with shorts

Chill at home with this cozy pajama and tank top from Surplus.

A striped sando, easy shorts, and rechargeable hot compress to relieve your stress.

Stay-at-home essentials: muscles tee + pajama and a stainless tumbler.

Stay cozy with this dark blue monochromatic lounge set.

Binge watch and chill with this strappy lounge set, cozy Japanese tatami chair, foldable laptop table, and mason jar from Surplus.

A striped sando, easy shorts, and rechargeable hot compress to relieve your stress.

16th Israeli Film Festival highlights

Israel-PH Cultural connection with ‘Kuya Noy’ T he Embassy of Israel in the Philippines kicked-off its 16th Israeli Film Festival with a documentary film entitled: “Kuya Noy.” The film shows Mike “Noy” Pillora’s journey from a Pinoy rock icon to an overseas Filipino worker in Tel Aviv.

In a virtual press conference, Kuya Noy, the founding member of folk rock band Asin, and Daniel Binsted, director of “Kuya Noy”, talked about how the documentary came to be – how music found and connected an Israeli director and a Filipino rock icon.

According to Binsted, he first heard about Pillora through his friend at Tel-Aviv University, who met Pillora at a bar.

They recommended the musician’s story to Binsted, who was a graduating film student at that time. The creation of the documentary film took 5 years before it was released in 2019.

“The first time I met Noy, he was very interesting. He wore this very interesting clothes that I’ve never seen before.

He had all these very interesting instruments in his room. The first thing that caught my eye was his persona,” Binsted said. “It is important to tell the story of Kuya Noy not only to the Filipino community but as well as to Israelis living with Filipinos,” he added.

Ambassador Ilan Fluss said in his opening remarks that Overseas Filipino Workers in Israel are essential part of the Israeli society; they became part of the family. Ambassador Fluss also took the opportunity to thank the 30,000 Filipinos working in Israel for their dedicated service.

The “Kuya Noy” film is extended for virtual screening on November 8 midnight. Interested viewers may visit the Facebook page of the Is-

Q&A session with“Kuya Noy”(3rd photo) and Director Daniel Binsted (2nd photo) hosted by Ms. Gladys Baniqued-Turiano of the Israeli Embassy raeli embassy to access the film for free.

Meanwhile, other films featured at the

16th Israeli Film Festival are the following: And Then She Arrived (Nov 11), Ben Gurion: Epi-

logue (Nov. 19), and The Unorthodox (Nov. 25).

Follow the social media pages of the embassy for

the free online screening: Israel in the Philippines (Facebook) and @ IsraelinPH (Twitter).

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155 MILF... FROM 3 peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF after more than 17 years of negotiations.

All decommissioned combatants will also receive

the same socio-economic packages and training opportunities that would enable them to transition to productivity and to live a normal life.

Rivera said in an interview Monday with the Philippine News Agency.

Safe and effective She allayed fears of getting vaccinated, reiterating that all Covid-19 vaccines issued with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration are safe and effective.

“All vaccines are safe, effective, and would reduce the risk of severe illness and prevent death should they infected with the virus,” Rivera said.

While vaccination is not mandatory, government and health officials encourage the public to register with their local government units and get inoculated.

Last November 4, the Philippines administered over one million Covid-19 vaccine doses in a single day since the start of vaccination rollout last March.

The country’s vaccination program continues to accelerate with over 29.2 million Filipinos fully protected against Covid-19 as of November 6.

The latest data from the National Covid-19 vaccination dashboard showed a total of 63,412,955 doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered nationwide.

Of the total jabs, 34,202,563 were given as first doses and 29,210,392 were second doses. (PNA)

ed with his drug war.

Duterte said it was “stupid” for ICC to probe his anti-narcotics drive.

“Ginawa ko lang ang trabaho ko kasi ayoko ngang masira ang bayan ko (I just did my job because I do not want my country to be destroyed [because of illegal drugs]). That is the long and short of the story about the ICC. Kalokohan iyan (That’s stupid),” he said.

“For as long as I am a worker of government, I will do everything to protect my country.”

Duterte reiterated that he would not allow the “white people” at the ICC to have jurisdiction over him.

He maintained that he would only face a Filipino judge in the country and be detained in a Philippine prison.

“May nagsabi na may kaso ako sa (They said I have a case before the) ICC. I will not allow myself to be judged by white people in another place, outside of my country,” Duterte said. “If I go to prison, I go to Muntinlupa. If I am tried, I should be tried by a Filipino judge in a Philippine tribunal and I should be prosecuted by a Filipino prosecutor.”

In October, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan promised that the investigation into Duterte’s drug war would “uncover the truth and aim to ensure accountability.”

Khan added that the ICC is “willing to constructively engage” with Philippine authorities, in accordance with the principle of complementarity and the court’s obligation under the Statute.

Malacañang, however, said it would be difficult for ICC to uncover the truth in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign sans the Philippine government’s cooperation.

ICC withdrawal Duterte in March 2018 ordered the Philippines’ revocation of the Rome Statute that created the ICC after former prosecutor Fatou Bensouda continued with the preliminary examination into his drug in February of the same year.

The Philippines formally severed ties with the ICC on March 17, 2019, or exactly a year after the scrapping of the Rome Statute.

Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal, Khan said his office “retains jurisdiction” with respect to alleged crimes that happened in the Philippines while it was a state party from Nov. 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019.

The ICC’s investigation will cover the conduct of the drug war under Duterte’s watch, as well as alleged killings in Davao City between 2011 and 2016 when the President was still the mayor. (PNA)

Lanao del Norte Provincial Director on Saturday said BFAR and the local government of Baroy are conducting foot patrol to determine if there are people gathering or selling shells, to safeguard public health and protect the shellfish industry.

“We are also monitoring the adjacent coastal villages of Camalan, Pacita, Darumawang Ilaya and Darumawang Buka-

na all of Lala if there are indicators of red tide but so far there is no validated information,” Saldajeno said.

Based on BFAR shellfish Bulletin No. 29 issued on November 5, 14 areas in the country have tested positive of red tide, three of them in Mindanao: in Baroy, Dumanquilas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur. (Richel V. Umel / MindaNews)

This conference has also packaged job creation through the integration of the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan Virtual Job Fair on the second day.

“As of November 5, 2021, we have nine confirmed employers that invludebig companies within and outside of Davao de Oro). They offer more than a hundred vacancies, and around 300 or more applicants have already been recorded and registered in the said job fair event,” said Balleque.

The TNK Virtual Job Fair

is in partnership with the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

With these combined activities, the organizers are optimistic to generate at least Php500 million worth of investments for new and expansion projects, assist 50 investors and more than 200 existing and potentials micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and create more than a thousand jobs.DTI11

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troops’ mobility in the fight against the communist terrorist group (CTG) including the ability to conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations especially that troops in Eastern Mindanao have always been on the frontlines during natural calamities and disasters.

Almerol said that it will also help the troops attain its goal of ending the local communist armed conflict by 2022 as it will advance its intensified focused military operations against the CTG. “The arrival of these Black Hawk choppers happened at a very opportune

time to aid our hardworking troops in the pursuit of genuine peace and development in Eastern Mindanao,” Almerol said.

He said, there is no doubt that these air capabilities will improve the conduct of military operations against the CTG and other threat groups both on land and sea.

Almerol thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his continued support in improving military capabilities, adding that the president has always been responsive to the needs of the military in order to protect the interest of the country and the people.

ment schemes, and to champion others by passing on your knowledge about legitimate investment options and the modus operandi of scammers to keep them from falling into the trap.”

The 2020 Stock Market Investor Profile released by the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. shows that there were only around 1.4 million accounts in the stock market last year.

These account for only 2% of the Philippines’ adult population and point to a widely untapped potential for the equities market.

The 2019 Financial Inclusion Survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also revealed lack of awareness, alongside work instability and perception of high cost, among the top reasons why Filipino adults did not have investments.

Meanwhile, a number of Filipinos fall prey to unauthorized investment schemes that offer low investment costs; fast, high, and guaranteed returns; and fake celebrity testimonials and endorsements, based on reports and inquiries received by the SEC. “The SEC believes that Filipinos recognize the importance of investing in securing a better future for themselves and their families, especially after seeing the impact of unprecedented economic setbacks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance,” Mr. Aquino said.

“Unfortunately, fraudsters have taken advantage of Filipinos’ eagerness to invest and earn more by luring them into schemes that require only small amounts of investments in exchange for returns that are too good to be true.

It is therefore crucial that the investing public is guided toward the legitimate investment options and away from

investment scams.”

The SEC first celebrated the Investor Protection Week last year, following President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s issuance on November 15, 2019 of Proclamation No. 846 declaring the second week of November of every year as Investor Protection Week.

The Investor Protection Week takes off the World Investor Week, a global campaign promoted by the International Organization of Securities Commissions. It also coincides with the anniversary of the SEC. This year’s Investor Protection Week will formally open on November 8 by welcoming more partners into the SEC Campaign Network, composed of organizations from both the public and private sectors which share the Commission’s mission of boosting investor education in the Philippines.

On November 11, the SEC will present a free webinar on When and Where to Invest, to be live-streamed on its official Facebook page. Speakers from capital market institutions will discuss how Filipinos can start their journey into investing in stocks, bonds, government securities and mutual funds, among others.

The SEC will close the Investor Protection Week with the celebration of its 85th Anniversary on November 12, where it will also recognize champions of ease of doing business, capital market development, investor protection and good corporate governance.

The Commission, however, has lined up more webinars and investor education activities throughout the rest of the year. See the activities and register here: https://www. sec.gov.ph/2021-world-investor-week/.

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virtual session about this initiative.

He acknowledged climate change is adversely affecting Earth.

“Our planet is in peril but there is still hope,” he said.

Science-based interventions and innovations are essential in helping agriculture cope with and build resilience to the changing climate, he noted.

“We in the agriculture sector believe that science and innovation is our hope for survival and progress in a changing climate,” he said.

AIM4C also believes technology and innovation can help reduce or mitigate agriculture’s estimated 25 percent contribution to total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are driving

climate change which, in turn, is adversely affecting this sector.

“It’s important for us to accelerate significantly the innovations necessary for agriculture to be, I think, an early leader in this effort to reduce emissions and sort of control the temperature,” US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack said at the session.

To lead such effort, he said agriculture must be engaged.

“For agriculture to be engaged, it has to be through innovation and technology,” he continued.

According to experts, GHG emissions from agriculture and other sources accumulate in the atmosphere and trap heat so Earth is warming, changing climate.

that the privatization, liberalization, and deregulation of the oil industry have allowed oil price increases to go unchecked. The proposed measure will assure the public of reasonable and justified prices of petroleum products.

“This bill requires, as an imperative for an urgent and long-term response to the looming crisis, the renationalization of Petron Corporation, so that the valuable government asset can truly fulfill the responsibility of the State to ensure public welfare through fair and regulated prices,” the bill, filed in 2019, stated.

Meanwhile, there have

been bills and resolutions passed calling for the suspension or reduction of the excise tax on fuel products as a response to their increasing prices.

For one, Salceda’s House Bill 10438 is pushing for the reduction on the excise tax of fuel products from December 1, 2021 to June 1 of 2022 as the rise of prices of petroleum products could be a “serious dampener to economic recovery and price stabilization.”

After several consecutive rounds of price hikes, pump prices of petroleum products are expected to decrease this week.

going to be highly significant

I think for the Asia Pacific and the Philippines themselves, as they emerge from what has been a truly difficult path,” added Simpson.

Simpson also projected that by end of 2022, the global travel will be back at 88 percent, and “Asia Pacific will be coming back faster than a lot of areas in the world.”

For Simpson, with the summit theme “Rediscover-

ing Travel,” the Philippines is the best choice to host because of the aim to connect with nature and because of the people.

“The standout factor is that warm welcome. It’s very, very special. It’s unique and another thing--it is Asia. Asia is where the world is happening,” said Simpson.

“The other magic ingredient is the loveliness of the people,” she added.

arettes and Burley and native tobacco amount to PHP24.8 billion and PHP21.27 billion, respectively.

Earlier, Go thanked the agricultural workforce for working hard to help ensure the nation’s economic recovery amid the ongoing pandemic.

He urged the government to further promote their welfare and safeguard their well-being, particularly small-

scale farmers.

Go also assured agricultural workers that they may reach out to his office should they need any form of support or assistance.

He told them that the Duterte administration is committed to ending the ongoing crisis and helping communities attain population protection through its vaccination efforts.

29th and 30th points of the night, gave the Wizards an eight-point lead, 96-88 with 3:57 left in the fourth quarter.

After Allen missed, Beal and Harrell connected for an alley-oop to push the lead to 10.

Antetokounmpo answered with a dunk and then added two free throws to pull the Bucks within 98-92 with 2:26 to play. Beal turned the

ball over and Jrue Holiday’s basket on a goaltending call appeared to make it 98-94, but the call was overturned after a video review.

Antetokounmpo’s dunk did make it 98-94. The teams exchanged misses and then turnovers before Spencer Dinwiddie’s three-pointer off a pass from Beal iced it with 20.3 seconds remaining.

that are required to undergo mandatory certification to ensure their performance quality in conformity with the Philippine National Standards (PNS) before they become available in the market.

These are the products that affect the life, safety, and

health of people and the environment.

The list included household appliances, lamps and related products, wiring devices, wires and cables, mechanical/ building and construction materials, chemicals, and other consumer products. By Maya M. Padillo

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Kaya FC earned full points with a 2-0 win over the Azkals Development Team. Photo courtesy of the Philippines Football League.

Wizards send Bucks to fifth loss in six games

B

radley Beal scored 30 points and the Washington Wizards defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 101-94 on Sunday night.

Beal made 14-of-22 shots and added eight assists as Washington won its second straight game.

Kyle Kuzma had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Montrezl Harrell also scored 15 points.

The Wizards shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 (40.7 percent) from 3-point range.

Giannis Antetokoun-

mpo led the Bucks with 29 points and 18 rebounds.

Grayson Allen added 19 points for the Bucks, who opened a five-game road trip with their fifth loss in their past six games. Bobby Portis had 13 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bucks shot 39.4 percent from the field and 10-of-36 (27.8 percent) from 3-point range.

Washington won despite being outrebounded 49-42 and committing 19 turnovers to just 13 for the Bucks.

Beal’s driving layup, his

FWIZARDS, P10

Kaya FC jumpstarts at Copa Paulino Alcantara

K

aya FC-Iloilo’s bid to regain the Copa Paulino Alcantara got off to a promising start after a 2-0 victory over the Azkals Development Team (ADT), Sunday at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

Kaya FC broke through in the second half with goals from Daizo Horikoshi and Simone Rota to take full points in the first game of

the cup, surging to the top of Group B. Kaya FC won the inaugural Copa Paulino Alcantara in 2018 before losing

to United City FC (then Ceres Negros) in 2019. The Copa was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ADT staved off the Kaya FC attack in the first half but Horikoshi finally found the back of the net in the 54th minute when he converted a cross from Audie Menzi. It was Horikoshi’s first goal for his club.

Rota doubled the lead in the 71st minute to ensure the victory for Kaya, before helping anchor their defense to prevent the ADT from scoring a consolation goal.

Kaya FC return to action on Wednesday against Mendiola FC 1991.

The ADT will play again on Saturday, also against Mendiola FC 1991.

humbling,” Lizares posted on her social media accounts.

“I feel so lucky to have been one of the very few players across the country to have had the chance to experience the BVR bubble.

Not only did I get to see old friends from the beach volleyball community again, it was simply amazing to be back in the sand court and see everyone fight their hearts out,” she added.

Lizares said she was blessed to once again play the sport she loves -- and represent her hometown as well.

“Obviously, this pandemic has given BVR countless obstacles to try and prevent the bubble from pushing through.

But the burning passion and resilience of the people behind this event that ensured everything went right and everyone was safe is amazing to bear wit-

ness,” said Lizares.

“The BVR bubble may be over, but the friendships built and the memories made will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Here’s to more beach volleyball action,” she added.

Lizares previously played for the Sta. Lucia and Creamline beach volleyball teams before signing with the Delimondo-backed club.

She earned a thirdplace finish together with Jennifer Cosas in the 2019 Philippine Superliga, and placed second in the BVR on Tour Bantayan Island leg in 2018.

Ebro, who had a stint with Cignal HD beach volleyball team, became part of the highly-successful University of Santo Tomas program.

It was a gallant stand for Ronquillo, who bucked an injury during the knockout stage to help De Pedro claim a spot in the top four.

Negros Occidental belles impressive in BVR debut

T

Delimondo’s Bianca Lizares in action. BVR

he Negros Occidental Beach Volleyball Club made a good first impression in its maiden campaign in the Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) in Santa Ana, Cagayan recently.

Delimondo’s Bianca Lizares and MJ Ebro made it to the second leg quarterfinals, as the hard-fighting Negrense duo pushed Creamline 2’s Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriguez to a deciding third set before falling short of pulling off a major upset.

The men’s team of Eljhay Ronquillo and Deanne Neil de Pedro, on the other hand, was able to finish in the top four in the second leg.

“A few days have gone since Beach Volleyball Republic concluded its momentous comeback after an almost two-year hiatus. Taking part in such an event was not only challenging, but also extremely

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ONLINE GAMES The panel of speakers will include Dabawenyo National Master James Infiesto.

Para-chessers on PSC’s online edition of Pilipinas Para Games

O

ver 150 para-athletes across the country will compete in the 2021 Philippine Sport Commission – Pilipinas Para Games (PPG) Online Chess Competition which starts on November 19.

“We are launching this project in our effort to continue efforts to address our need for a truly comprehensive grassroots sports development program for our para-athletes, and continuously harness their full potential,” said PSC Oversight Commissioner for para-athletes Arnold Agustin.

Originally staged in three regional legs, the online chess competition will now be held in one nation-wide event, on six categories namely, Visually Impaired B1 Completely Blind Men, Visually Impaired B1 Completely Blind Women, Visually Impaired B2 Partially Blind Men, Visually Impaired B2 Partially Blind Women, and Physically Impaired Men and Physically Impaired Women.

The PPG is also held in partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee and the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists on the classification of registered para-athletes.

Competition starts on November 19 via Zoom, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will conclude on November 21.

Winners will receive medals, certificates of excellence and cash incentives.

To prepare the national para coaches and technical officials for this competition, a Para-Chess Online Technical Workshop started November 7. Six of our chess legends in GM Eugene Torre, GM Thomas Luther, GM Jayson Gonzales, IA/IO Casto Abundo, and IA/NM James Infiesto served as resource speakers.

“In a pandemic, we are focusing on chess as it appears to be one of the best solutions for our para-athletes to get themselves going again in sports,” expressed Agustin.

Registered para-athletes can complete and send their requirements to pilipinasparagames@ gmail.com and its official Facebook page. Official list of participants will be announced on November 12.