Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 204, Thursday, November 10, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 204 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

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HEAVY FLOODING Davao River swells, forces Jade Valley residents to evacuate STORY ON PAGE 2

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Various emergency responders in Davao City conduct search and rescue operation at Jade Valley, Buhangin, Davao City on Wednesday to assist stranded residents affected by the high flood level. CIO

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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President Rodrigo Duterte and Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov affix a “Resbakuna”sticker on the vaccine crate during the arrival of more than 2.8 million doses of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine procured by the national government at the Bulwagang Kalayaan in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on Monday night. Joining them are Senator Christopher

Lawrence Go, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Robert Borje. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

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Pulong, DOLE, DSWD give aid to displaced workers

Davao River swells, forces Jade Valley residents to evacuate

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ome areas in Davao City were submerged when the Davao River overflowed due to heavy rains in the hinterlands night of November 9, 2021.

Photos of flooded areas and affected residents in Davao City continue to be shared in social media as of this writing.

RNG Davao posted images of residents in Jade Valley, Tigatto, Davao City wading through floodwaters as they evacuate after the Davao River over-

flowed early morning of November 10, 2021. The DMMA College of Southern Philippines opened its gym as temporary shelter to the affected residents.

Due to the flooding, residents of Sangilangan, Ma-a, Davao City evacuated a coffin of a departed relative.

Netizens like Sitti Nor Janah of San Rafael, Maa, Davao City shared her footage of the overflowing Davao River and Neil Valdos posted a video on his Facebook account on the situation in their community in Jade Valley, Barangay Tigatto.

Jade Valley, El Rio, Maa, Gravahan, and Lasang areas were the most affected areas.

Meanwhile, Paul Bermejo, head of the Davao City Ancillary Services Unit

(ASU), told Edge Davao that clogged sewerage and manholes filled with trash may have caused the heavy flooding in some areas of the city.

Bermejo said that in Barangay 3-A, the water cannot flow because of road construction and a manhole was filled with hardened cement while in R. Magsaysay Avenue a manhole was filled with asphalt.

“So dili maka-flow ang

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or the nth time, Presidential son and Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), rolled out on Tuesday, November 9, cash aid to marginalized and displaced workers affected by the pandemic.

Among the beneficiaries, who received their payout in line with the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), are manicurists, inland resorts workers, caddies, event organizers, photographers, bakers, gas station staff, “kristo”, waiters, hotel staff, and janitors.

TUPAD is a community–based package of assistance that offers emergency service for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers, for a min-

imum period of 10 days, not more than 30 days, depending on the nature of work. For this payout, the beneficiaries worked for 15 days.

Those who received cash assistance through the DSWD are solo parents, single motorcycle and tricycle drivers, public utility jeepney drivers, persons with disability (PWD) workers, and indigents. All the beneficiaries are residents of the city, particularly in First Congressional District.

A 29-year-old single dad, Magallen Anter, a resident of Catalunan Grande, said that being a single parent is not easy, especially after he lost his job due to COVID-19 pandemic. He added that he has to take on-call jobs and other side jobs for their living, and to earn for his 3 year old child.

“Isip usa sa informal settlers, kaingon ko lisod ning pandemic, hilabi na

the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace agreement signed between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on March 27, 2014, 155 former members of the MILF surrendered in the Province of Davao Oriental and availed of the financial and livelihood assistance projects of the various government agencies. One of those projects is the skills

training offered by TESDA. The former MILF members received their completion certificates from TESDA represented by Provincial Director Leah D. Braga.

Few of the training offered was driving, bread and pastry production courses, electrical installation and maintenance, entrepreneurship, carpentry, motorcycle/small engine repair, cookery, dressmak-

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former MILF combatants in 29.8M Pinoys complete 155 DavOr completes TESDA course Covid-19 vaccine doses M

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he Philippines has already administered 64,947,366 doses of coronavirus vaccines, with 29,809,085 Filipinos fully protected against severe infection as of Tuesday.

The country’s average daily vaccination rate recorded in the past seven days has increased to 781,958 doses, compared to 459,876 doses the pre-

vious week.

National Task Force Against Covid chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., welcomed the arrival of 793,900 AstraZeneca doses donated by the German government, which brought the country’s total received vaccines to 114,245,400 doses.

In an interview at the

Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Galvez reiterated the need to address vaccine hesitancy among senior citizens.

“We need to concentrate our vaccination on the elderly. Right now, we have 59 percent of the coverage of the elderly. This month of November, we will try to push for 70 per-

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ore than a hundred former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the Province of Davao Oriental graduated from the short courses in skills training of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The graduation ceremony was held at Honey’s Hotel in Mati City on November 4, 2021.

As a manifestation of

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NEWS

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Residents of Brgy. Lupiagan in Sumilao, Bukidnon always enjoy cool weather due to its proximity to Mt. Kitanglad Range, part of which is shown in the background. Photo taken Tuesday, 09 November 2021 by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

Business leaders ready for Davao ICOn 2021 Gov’t closes 82 NPA-influenced schools in Region 11, says Torres

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he Philippine Government, through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of Education (DepEd), dissolved 82 schools used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for their underground mass recruitment in Davao Region, said Major General Ernesto C. Torres Jr, 10th Infantry Agila Division commander.

In his recent interview, Torres explained how the CPP-NPA-NDF used the schools in the far-flung areas of Davao Region as their recruitment grounds.

He also thanked the Department of Education (DepEd) for replacing these latched schools with real ones.

“During the past years, we supported the efforts of the government para maipasara po ang (to close the) 82 CPP-NPA-NDF affiliated schools,” Torres said.

He also pointed out the importance of dissolving these schools and provided some of their names.

“Just imagine ano, eto yung Salugpongan, ALCADEV, MISFI, but the most ano yung Salugpongan diba? Just imagine, if we have and elementary graduates from this school who was molded into thinking na magalit sa gobyerno, kahit 20 lang po Maam, every year times 82, so that’s roughly 1,600 potential NPA (If we have graduates who were molded to think badly and hate the government. At least 20 multiplied by 82 schools so that’s 1,600 potential NPAs),” he explained.

“Dahil naipasara napo ng DepEd po yan, we were able to present pieces of evidence that would warrant their closure, hindi na nae-exploit yung mga kababayan natin lalong-lalo na po yung mga kabataan who were promised of an education, pero yun pala ang tinuturo, yes they were taught how to read and write pero ang karamihan po sa itinuturo sa kanila is developing hate to the government, humawak ng baril, magrally at amagcomplain endlessly

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ll is set for the opening of the Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICon 2021) slated on November 11 to 12, 2021.

Dubbed the first worldclass international virtual conference in the region, Davao ICon 2021 aims to bring together potential buyers and investors as well as industry experts to discuss and present Davao Region’s business opportunities to build a strong relationship.

The two-day hybrid conference, which will be

participated in by high caliber keynote speakers, will also showcase investment opportunities in the real estate, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture industries.

The gathering will highlight Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez who will be speaking about Agro-Processing and Manufacturing Opportunities in Davao

Region; Aboitiz Equity Ventures president and chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz to discuss Aboitiz as a development partner of Davao and Mindanao; Manila Water Philippine Ventures head of technical operations Joe Costales on Investing in a Sustainable Future through Responsible Water Management; and Cargill Philippines managing director Sonny Catacutan on Investment Opportunities for Agro-Processing in Davao Region.

The conference will feature speakers Ayala Land Inc Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Cebu Landmasters Inc chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III who will speak on real estate and will be highlighting mixed-use developments.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla will be speaking about CREATE Act.

passengers are now arriving at DIA. On Monday, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio maintained that the “test before travel” requirement for air travelers stays despite the current downtrend of Covid-19 cases, however, the lifting of the mandatory RT-PCR negative result requirement for air passengers is still being discussed.

“Nahisgutan napud na sya and nadiscuss na namo na sa airport team. That will come also. Kana tanan

mubalik na na sya tanan, shifting into the new normal nato samtang naa pay pandemic,” Mayor Sara said.

Mayor Sara assured that the city is getting there on lifting the mandatory RTPCR negative result.

“Padulong na ta dinha because wala naman gud tay ginahulat. As I said before nga nag radio ta, ani nga pandemic wala napo tay ginahulat. Ingon sa mga scientists, we need the vaccines and medicines nga naa na ang Merck and Pfiz-

er. It’s just a matter of time muabot mga medisina diri sa atoa og mahatagan sila og EUA (emergency use authorization) diri sa atoang nasud,” the mayor said.

Based on the City Ordinance 0477-21, Series of 2021 air passengers entering Davao City via DIA are required to submit a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure from the airport of origin and a Safe Davao QR Code. By Maya M. Padillo

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Timeline for the lifting of the mandatory RT-PCR at Davao Int’l Airport pending at City Mayor’s Office

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he timeline for the lifting of the mandatory reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) negative result requirement for air passengers at the Davao International Airport (DIA) is still pending at the City Mayor’s Office (CMO).

“No timeline. Waiting lang ako from CMO,” said Generose Tecson, Davao City Tourism Office chief, and Airport Monitoring head.

Tecson said quite a few

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Senator Cynthia Villar says during the virtual 13th Philippine Shrimp Congress that the shrimp aquaculture industry of the Philippines is continuously growing and provides huge income to the country, provide jobs to the people, and secures food supply to the people. Edge Davao

Q3 economic growth, feat for PH: FINEX T he Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) has dubbed as “a feat” the economy’s third-quarter performance.

“It was truly a feat considering the reimposition of ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) and the typhoons in several parts of the country,” FINEX president Francis Lim said in a statement Tuesday.

The economy expanded by 7.1 percent, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), from July to September --the second consecutive three-month period

of expansion after posting negative prints since the first quarter of 2020.

This is higher than yearago’s -11.6 percent print but lower than the upwardly revised 12 percent in the previous quarter.

However, GDP surpassed expectations despite the implementation of the strictest movement restriction, the ECQ, from August 6 to 20 and the

modified ECQ until September 7.

This was boosted by the expansion in almost all sectors like the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; manufacturing; construction; industry; services; and manufacturing.

To date, GDP averaged at 4.9 percent, near the upper-end of the government’s 4 percent to 5 percent growth assumption for the year.

Lim said the rise in household spending, which grew 7.1 percent, “points to increasing consumer

confidence, critical in an economy which is over 70 percent driven by domestic consumption, and bodes well for recovery.”

He thus called on the public to continue heeding the health protocols “as we go out to enjoy our newfound freedom of mobility.”

Metro Manila’s quarantine level has been eased to Alert Level 2 starting November 5.

Under the current level, establishments are now allowed to have up to 70 percent capacity and minors can now go out but accompanied by their parents.

Normalized growth of at least 5.5% seen in fourth quarter

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n economist forecasts a gross domestic product (GDP) of at least 5.5 percent next quarter, citing the lower figure to growth normalization.

This, after the Philippine economy surpassed expectations posting a 7.1-percent expansion in the third quarter.

“Easing of low base/ denominator effects would lead to a more normalized pace of GDP (gross domestic product) growth of at least +5.5 percent by 4Q (fourth quarter) 2021, for a full year GDP growth of about +5 percent or even higher for both, in view of further measures to reopen the economy with the adoption of smaller scale/ granular lockdowns or Alert Level System nationwide possibly by December 2021,” Rizal Commer-

cial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said in a report.

Growth in the first three quarters this year averaged 4.9 percent, the higher-end of the government’s 4 percent to 5 percent growth assumption for the year.

Ricafort said further easing of quarantine restrictions, due largely to strengthened vaccination program against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), would allow more robust economic activities, which will result in stronger output for the domestic economy.

“Any additional measures to reopen the economy as justified by increased vaccination towards population and eventually herd immunity would be the

solidated revenues from its Philippine and Malaysian operations rose 35 percent to P291.57 billion from P216.43 billion a year ago,” the oil company said.

Petron president and CEO Ramon Ang said the company’s strategic investments helped Petron be more financially resilient despite external challenges.

“We are looking forward to ending 2021 in a much stronger and stable position than last year,” said Ang. Petron listed P18 billion in fixed-rate, peso-denom-

inated bonds last month, to refinance the company’s existing debts, and fund the construction of a new power plant in Bataan set to be completed and operational next year.

Ang recently said that he was willing to sell Petron back to the government for a “fair price” if this would help cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.

He warned though that Petron lost P18 billion in 2020 as the pandemic weighed down fuel demand.

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Gov’t reiterates support Petron posts P4.99-billion to PH shrimp industry net income in Jan-Sept

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ey government officials reiterated their support for the growth of the shrimp industry, one of the major aquaculture commodities in the country, during the virtual 13th Philippine Shrimp Congress.

Senator Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, and Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, in her keynote speech during the opening ceremony of the event on Tuesday, rec-

ognized that the shrimp aquaculture industry of the Philippines is continuously growing and provides huge income to the country, provide jobs to the people, and secures food supply to the people.

“The Philippine shrimp industry has been successfully exporting to the strict Japanese market. The Philippines is an archipelagic country and it can go a long way in developing its municipal waters and aquaculture farms,” she said.

“There might be a lot

of challenges in the industry during the pandemic but the government, the research institution, and the industry players, and local fishermen and shrimp farmers must focus on establishing a partnership and support system for the industry to thrive,” she added.

Villar also emphasized the importance of collaboration and being competitive. “The government policy should be supportive of the shrimp industry for it

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etron Corporation posted a net income of P4.99 billion in the January to September period, reversing the P12.6 billion net loss it incurred in the same period last year.

The company said that despite the lockdowns and mobility restrictions in the second and third quarters, its volume and revenues remained on the uptrend.

“As international oil prices continued to rally with Dubai crude breaching the $75 per barrel-mark in the third quarter, Petron’s con-

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ECONOMY

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Market goers troop to the bagsakan area of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City where prices of fish are lower than inside the public market’s wet section. Edge Davao

Farmers’ coop in DavNor receives projects worth P5 million from DA T

Technological adoption helps boost PH economic recovery

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yala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) forecasts sustained growth of the domestic economy in the last quarter of 2021 on strong adoption of technology both in production and other economic activities.

In a report on Tuesday, the bank said the domestic economy expanded by 7.1 percent in the third quarter despite the lockdowns last August and September.

“Adjustments from both consumers and businesses have mitigated the economic impact of the pandemic.

The increasing adoption of technology in production and other economic activities has contributed to the recovery,” it said.

The gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the third quarter this year is slower than the upwardly revised 12 percent in the previous quarter.

However, GDP surpassed expectations despite the strictest movement restriction, the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), from August 6 to 20 and the modified ECQ until September 7.

To date, GDP averaged at 4.9 percent, near the upper-end of the government’s 4 percent to 5 percent growth assumption for the year.

The report said the domestic economy’s output is currently at 94 percent of its pre-pandemic level. “(The economy is) on its way to full recovery by 2H (second half) 2022,” it said.

Authorities attributed the economy’s third quarter 2021 growth partly to the 7.1 percent rise of household consumption.

The BPI report said growth in household consumption was “partly driven by the expansion of e-commerce.”

“Consumers continue to prioritize essential items in their spending, with food, housing, and utilities accounting for 52 percent of total consumer spending in 2021 vs. 45.5 percent in 2019,” it said.

Meanwhile, the report said expenditures related to transport, recreation, restaurants, and hotels are still about 40 percent lower than its pre-pandemic level.

he Sitio San Isidro Farmers Marketing Cooperative (SSIFAMCO) of the Municipality of San Isidro in Davao Del Norte received P5M worth of farming machinery and building from the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Center for Postharvest Development & Mechanization (DA-PhilMech).

In partnership with the Regional Field Office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-RFO) XI, the Municipal Government of San Isidro held the blessing ceremony and inauguration of the farming equipment and the

new building on October 27, 2021, in Purok 7, Kipalili, San Isidro, Davao del Norte.

As part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (Mechanization Program) of the

DA-PhilMech, the SSIFAMCO received one (1) unit of four-wheeled tractor, (2) units of hand tractor, one (1) unit of riding-type transplanter, and (1) unit of rice combine harvester.

The cooperative also received funding for its new building, which will serve as its meeting hall and parking area for its new farming equipment.

The establishment of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), or the Rice Fund, aims to improve the in-

(GDP), in the third quarter of the year is higher than the central bank’s forecast, among others.

“This stronger than expected growth —vs BSP’s forecast of 6.2 percent, for example— increases the likelihood that the revised growth projection of 4 to 5 percent in 2021 would be exceeded,” he said.

Citing data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Diokno said “growth was broad based,

except agriculture which contracted largely due to severe weather disturbances.”

PSA reported that agriculture, forestry, and fishing contracted by -1.7 percent from July to September this year, but the industry sector jumped by 7.9 percent and the services by 8.2 percent.

The construction sector expanded by 16.8 percent followed by the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicle and motorcy-

come and competitiveness of the rice farmers amid the reforms in the Philippine rice trade policies. One of the reforms was the removal of quantitative restrictions on rice imports, replaced with tariffs.

Present in the ceremony was Municipal Mayor Arnel H. Sitoy and her wife, Municipal Councilor Nancy R. Sitoy. (PIA XI Davao del Norte/jmda/ Ezri M. Coda, Jr. with reports from MIO San Isidro)

Diokno eyes exceeding economic growth goal of country for 2021

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he government’s 4 percent to 5 percent growth assumption for this year may likely be surpassed following the higher-than-expected domestic output in the third quarter of the year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

In a Viber message to journalists on Tuesday, Diokno said the 7.1-percent growth, as measured by gross domestic product

cles, 6.4 percent; and manufacturing, 6.3 percent.

Gross capital formation rose by 22 percent, government spending expanded by 13.6 percent, and household spending increased by 7.1 percent.

Imports posted higher expansion at 13.2 percent compared to the 9-percent jump in exports.

However, Diokno said this “should be seen in a positive light as a leading

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On clogged sewerage and manholes:

So dili maka-flow ang tubig kay nabarahan ug construction debris.

Tingala ko ngano masulod nga bug-at man ng cover sa manhole.

Diri pud sa Uyanguren Monteverde amo giabrihan ang manhole naay binakbak na aspalto. Katong sa La Verna ang basura lampas na ug natabunan na ang outfall.”

Paul Bermejo

Head, Davao City Ancillary Services Unit

GUEST EDITORIAL Substitution brouhaha There is an uproar on the issue of substitution of candidates in the 2022 national elections with some people, mostly politicians, proposing that there ought to be a law against substitution. The hubbub erupted apparently as a result of the non-filing by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio of a certificate of candidacy (COC) for President or any other national position. This, despite Sara’s topping several times presidential surveys by Social Weather Stations and Pulse-Asia earlier. Despite the nationwide clamor of supporters urging Sara to run for President, the presidential daughter filed a COC for reelection of Davao City mayor with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Her filing of COC for mayor is viewed by many opposition personalities and so called pundits as a political strategic move of the Duterte’s camp.

It did not help that Sara’s supporters are speculating up to this writing that the “eagle from Davao City” would eventually spring a surprise and replace Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. or Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as candidate for President on or before November 15.

Such a law whose proposal seems to be just a spur of the moment as a move to “frustrate” an imagined strategy should be given more time for debate.

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It maybe be recalled that substitution happened when President Rodrigo Duterte ran for President in 2016. He substituted for PDP-Laban’s presidential bet Martin Diño, who withdrew his candidacy and named Duterte as his substitute.

With barely a week left before the deadline set by the Comelec for substitution, the clamor for Mayor Sara to substitute and run for president is admittedly still strong.

Still, the passage of a law outlawing substitution, is pointless. There is no more time for it, to begin with.

By Maya M. Padillo

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

The current law allows candidates for elective offices to be substituted. Under Section 77 of Batas Pambansa Bilang 881, otherwise known as the Omnibus Election Code, the substitution of candidates is allowed in cases of death, withdrawal, or disqualification of the original candidate.

In cases of death or disqualification, the substitute may file his COC up to mid-day of election day. A candidate can withdraw his participation in the elections on before November 15, 2021.

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!

THE POWER OF PRAISE “The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticisms.” – Norman Vincent Peale ***

When was the last time you praised someone? The truth is, you cannot remember it anymore. “Giving praise is much like giving love,” says American poet and English professor Irving Feldman. “The giver is usually the most benefited. He casts bread upon the waters and often gets back cake.”

And so, it came to pass that a married couple came to a counselor for advice. Once they were seated, they immediately started speaking simultaneously in a duel of criticisms. When they finally stopped for lack of breath, the counselor suggested that now they tell each other all the good they see in the other person.

There was a total silence from both.

The counselor gave each a pen and a sheet of paper. They were told to write down something praiseworthy about the other person. Neither of them wrote. They both sat and stared at the paper.

But after what seemed like

a long time, the husband started to write something. At once, the wife also began to write – fast and furiously.

Finally, the writing stopped.

There was silence again. The wife pushed her paper over to the watching counselor. He pushed it back signaling that she was to give it directly to her husband. She reluctantly shoved the paper half way across the table. He took it and in turn, slid his paper towards his wife.

Each began to read. The counselor watched. Soon a tear slid down the cheek of the wife.

She crumpled the paper in her fist and held it tight. That proved that she treasured the sudden revelation of good things her husband had expressed about her. The whole atmosphere of the room changed. There was no need for anything to be said.

Praise had healed a thousand wounds.

The husband and wife left the room arm in arm.

“The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated,” reminds American philosopher and psychologist William James. “In the best, the friendliest and simplest relations flattery or praise is necessary, just as grease is necessary to keep wheels turning,”

wrote Leo Tolstoy in War and Peace.

“So long as men praise you, you can only be sure that you are not yet on your own true path but on someone else’s,” penned German philosopher and cultural critic Friedrich Nietzsche.

The story below illustrates: One day, a field marshal requested an audience with Napoleon, and Napoleon knew what was coming. But as every good leader must, Napoleon agreed to hear him out. The field marshal brought news of a great victory he had achieved. He talked for a long time about his accomplishment, piling detail upon detail.

Napoleon listened closely throughout the entire narration but said nothing. The officer was disappointed. He had hoped for a more enthusiastic reception, as well as Napoleon’s congratulations. Neither was forthcoming.

Summing up, the field marshal repeated much of what he had already stated. As the officer rambled on, Napoleon continued to listen politely, and the marshal interpreted this as encouragement. Surely, he thought, Napoleon will now give me the praise I so richly deserve.

When the field marshal finally stopped talking, Napoleon asked him one question, “What did you do the next day?”

The field marshal was speechless. But the lesson was not lost on him. From then on, the officer understood that he should never rest on his laurels.

So, he left it to others to bestow the praise.

In some instances, what people actually want is not praise but flattery. As American inspirational speaker Dale Carnegie pointed out, “Flattery is telling the other person precisely what he thinks about himself.”

Nancy Golden tries to explain the difference between flattery and praise. “Flattery is underserved praise,” she said, “and is usually general in nature. For example, when Grandma comes over and says, ‘Son, you are so handsome and smart, too,’ that is flattery. Praise, on the other hand, is specific and well-deserved positive reinforcement. When a mother says to her son, ‘Mark, I really like the way you kept your room clean all day today.’ That’s praise.

“Respect and praise support children’s growing sense of themselves,” Golden continues, “and encourages positive be-

haviors.”

Give praise to someone who really deserves it and not for the sake of praising someone. Say those words that further will further encourage him to do what is best not only for himself but also for others. “Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise,” said Sam Walton.

But don’t overdo it or it may lose its true value. Samuel Johnson, in The Works of Samuel Johnson: The Rambler, reminds: “Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity. It becomes cheap as it becomes vulgar, and will no longer raise expectations or animate enterprise.”

Here’s what Emily Post also said, “An overdose of praise is like 10 lumps of sugar in coffee; only a very few people can swallow it.”

Finally, here’s a word of wisdom from David Brandt Berg: “Most people are not really conceited, but feel a certain amount of inferiority and tend to get a little discouraged with themselves, therefore encouragement is a very important thing. I do it all the time! I praise everybody for everything they do that I see is good.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

MORO-CHINESE LINK IN THE GULF A subject with very few indepth studies to refer to is the alliance that for centuries exists between the ethnic Chinese and the Moros of Mindanao. Off the top, the reasons foisted are related diplomatic and commercial links. Paduka Pahala, a king from eastern Sulu, died in 1417 in China while on a trade mission. His remains and descendants still live in China.

Another subjective matter is the recurring visit of Chinese traders to Sulu, which eventually led to permanent settlement and intermarriage. Scholars date the political dealings and collaboration to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), which succeeded the Mongol Empire under the leadership of Kublai Khan, or Emperor Shizu of Yuan, which was his temple name.

(Interestingly, the name originally came from the central and eastern steppes of

Mongolia and China; it was, during the medieval period, spread by dynasties throughout Asia through the Turkic peoples, referred to as ‘a collection of ethnic groups of central, east, north and west Asia as well as parts of Europe and North Africa, who speak Turkic languages.’)

Moro-Chinese links, especially in the sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao, are copiously detailed in Moro tarsilas and Chinese accounts. For instance, the Tans of Sulu still carry the familiar surname. In Maguindanao, the most famous Chinese scion was Datu Piang Tan, known as the grand man of Cotabato who was born to a Chinese merchant and a Maguindanaoan.

Though not strongly on the political aspects, the accounts of Moro-Chinese trade alliance in the gulf of Davao found in

Jesuit records (1852-98) do not reflect strongly the more ordered links existing during the halcyon days of the two sultanates. Most of the Chinese merchants in the gulf during Spanish rule, chiefly residents in littorals, were focused more on commerce and retail trade and, as a matter of convenience, were married to native and Moro women.

Chinese engagements in the gulf mainly on trade to the point the chronicles called them ‘exploiters.’ There were those, however, who were friendly to the missionaries. Fr. Domingo Bove, in a December 30, 1879, wrote about a Chinese in Cape San Agustin who gave him a paten acquired from a Manobo who owed the trader money. In one occasion, Fr. Antonio Benaiges, according to his January 28, 1894 letter, was allowed by a Chinese based in Malalag

to join him in his boat that was then bound for Davao without making a stopover at Sigaboy.

Chinese generosity is also recorded in Jesuit chronicles. In his June 24, 1894 letter, Fr. Saturnino Urios, a Chinese in Samal ‘donated finished clothes and material’ for use in sewing the official attire of village leaders according to their ranks. The following year, he also reported that the Chinese residing in Santa Cruz and Arapiles, in today’s Davao del Sur, extended help to the priests, ‘proving their goodwill in their desire to be on our side.’

Some of the Chinese merchants, though, according to Fr. Mateo Gisbert’s June 21, 1885 letter, also became victims of Moro atrocities. Antoco, a Chinaman from Malita, was savagely killed by the Maguindanaoan collectors after he refused to pay the tribute to the

sultanate.

While there are accounts of Chinese merchants opening business in chiefly Moro-populated villages around the gulf, only a handful converted to Islam or married a Mohammedan. It could be that the Chinese found the docile tribesmen and Christians easy to deal with.

Plus, the fact that the Spaniards were more responsive to the indigenous peoples also was a consideration.

Though cursorily studied, Chinese influence in commerce and trade became more robust during the American occupation, particularly with the rise of abaca plantations and the boom in hemp business. Extant accounts during period point to a flourishing, scattered Chinese merchant population generously spread throughout most of the settlements along the gulf.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

SKY Fiber extends free airconsole hero access of subscribers via Sky Fiber Freemiums (With over 180 premium games to choose from)

S

KY Fiber announced on November 7, 2021 that their subscribers can continue to get free access to AirConsole Hero until April 7,

2022 only. New SKY Fiber subscribers will also be entitled to this SKY Fiber Freemiums offering upon installation.

AirConsole Hero is a

casual gaming platform where users would only need their smartphones to act as their controller and a computer web browser, Android TV, or

tablet to use as their main screen. During the past few months, the gaming platform increased its selection of games to over 180 premium games from

its previous offering of over 160 games.

With the holiday season approaching, families with a SKY Fiber subscription can have a unique bonding activity exploring AirConsole Hero’s various multiplayer games. The newly added cooking game “Let’s Cook Together” can spark a fun collaboration between two family members as they play quirky chefs preparing dishes.

Another game, “Drawing Evolution,” is one of the holiday-featured games that the whole family can enjoy together. It simulates a visual “Telephone” game where the drawings can turn into something wacky or hilarious by the end.

SKY Fiber subscribers that will play using their

AirConsole Hero access today until Nov. 30, 2021 may also enter the survey raffle promo of SKY Fiber Freemiums where they get a chance to win an iPad Mini, JBL Wave In-Ear headphones, or P2,500 worth of Sodexo gift certificates. To join, users must log onto the gaming platform using their SKY Fiber subscription and answer the popup survey that appears after playing a game. More information about the survey promo is available at www.mysky.com.ph/ fiberfreemiumsurveypromo.

Visit www.mysky.com. ph/fiberfreemiums to know more about the free AirConsole Hero access, which is worth P249/ month for non-SKY Fiber subscribers.

Use GCash to shop conveniently G

at SM Markets Online!

Cash, the country’s most widely used financial app, is now available as a payment option at SM Markets, the country’s leading food retailer and mother brand of SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore Market.

With 48 million active users, the largest financial app in the country will provide greater convenience for millions of SM Markets custom-

ers in the greater Manila area and nearby provinces.

“The new normal brought about a lot of new and unique challenges Filipinos were only able to solve through digital payments, and we are happy that leading institutions in the Philippines, like the SM Group, were very quick to adapt to the needs of the country.

We are thrilled to partner with and enable digital

payments for SM Markets”, said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

GCash is so huge in the Philippines it has surpassed global social media and entertainment apps such as Instagram, Viber and Netflix. GCash had 46 million users as of July 2021, accounting for 60 percent of all Filipinos over 15 years old.

GCash has 15 million logins and 10 million transactions per day and is expected to hit P3-trillion in gross transactions this year, or three times its value in 2020.

SM Markets, the supermarket business of SM, is “Happy to Serve” more communities around the country as it expands its presence online.

SM Markets Online, via https://smmarkets. ph/ is currently available in 70 branches in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and key cities in Luzon and Visayas. It is targeting to be available in 100 locations covering most of the key

areas in the country by the end of 2021. SM Markets is the mother brand of SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore Market.

“To serve our customers safely and conveniently, we continue to innovate and broaden our digital presence to offer more touchpoints for our customers and communities in synergy with our brick and mortar stores.

Our main focus is improving our service all the time to give customers the best shopping experience,” SM Supermarket President Jojo Tagbo said.

With an option for pick-up or delivery and multiple payment options such as GCash, SM Markets Online is a one-stop

shopping platform for those who prefer to do their shopping online and want value for their hardearned money.

SM Markets Online showcases all basic necessities as well as select premium or specialty items. The assortment ranges from fresh meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables to canned goods, bread, condiments, snacks, and beverages.

One can also order for baby needs, personal care items, household products, pet food, international favorites and of course, the house brand SM Bonus.

The GCash payment facility of SM Markets was designed and built by Paynamics Technologies,

a leading payment solutions provider.

“Paynamics solves the payment acceptance and payout pain points of all businesses—from small, medium to large enterprises, especially during this extraordinary pandemic that has rendered some SMEs cash-strapped and inefficient in their operations,” said Paynamics CEO Mylene Chua-Magleo. “Our promise has always been to deliver secure, efficient and reliable electronic payment solutions.”

The turn-key, secure ePayment solution of Paynamics connects multiple acquiring banks and financial institutions to a vendor’s e-commerce portal.

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ENVIRONMENT

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FARMING SYSTEMS THAT CAN OFFSET METHANE EMISSIONS FROM RICE FIELDS

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Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

f the world is serious about avoiding the worst effects of climate change, we need to cut methane emissions from the fossil fuel industry,” said United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) chief Inger Andersen at the launching of the International Methane Emissions Observatory during the United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

As the fossil fuel industry is responsible for one-third of anthropogenic emissions, it is the sector with the highest potential for reductions, Andersen said, adding that a 30-country-strong effort to slash these emissions by 30% must be accomplished by 2030.

Methane is a greenhouse gas. When released directly into the atmosphere, it is more than 80 times as potent as carbon

dioxide over a 20-year period, UNEP explains.

However, the atmospheric lifespan of methane is a relatively short 10 to 12 years, thus emission-cutting actions can reduce the rate of world’s warming.

But it’s not only in the fuel industry that methane emissions must be cut extensively; it also needs to cut those emitted methane coming from producing food for the masses.

Methane is created nat-

urally as a waste product of anaerobic bacteria (living with little or no oxygen).

These bacteria produce methane gas in waterlogged soil and wetland, but also in human-produced environments such as rice paddies.

“An estimated 19 percent of the world’s methane production comes from rice paddies,” admits Dr. Alan Teramura, a botany professor at the University of Maryland. “As populations increase in rice-growing areas, more rice – and more methane – are produced.”

Now, Filipino farmers can help minimize methane emissions by adopting sustainable – yet profitable – farming systems. This is particularly true among farmers who grow rice in their farms. Rice is the leading source of sustenance for all Filipinos.

“Rice is a plant that grows best in wet soil, with its roots flooded,” explains L. Hartwell Allen, an American soil scientist at the Crops Genetics and Environmental Research Unit in Gainesville, Florida. “But flooded rice crops emit substantial amounts of methane to the atmosphere.”

Estimates of global methane emission rates from rice fields range from 20 to 100 Tg per year (1 Tg is equal to 1 million tons), according to Dr. Heinz-Ulrich Neue in a paper published in BioScience.

Rice-duck system Rice farmers can help offset the release of methane from irrigated rice fields by raising ducks. The integrated farming of rice and ducks in irrigated fields has long been practiced in China, Japan, and Korea.

Under the system, ducklings/ducks are released to rice fields to graze and feed.

The paddling movement of the ducklings/ducks stimulates the rice plants to produce massive tillers which, in effect, raises annual yield by as much as 10-15 percent. The constant stirring action of the ducklings/ ducks on the paddy bottom also suppressed methane emission.

There are several other benefits. Besides their paddling, ducks also eat the insects and unwanted weeds in the rice field, thus eliminating the need for pesticides and herbicides.

The elimination of these synthetic inputs improved the farm over time.

The system is also profitable. A 2013 study conducted at the Northern Cagayan Experiment Station of the Department of Agriculture in Cagayan Valley showed that the total cost of production for the rice-duck system (79,507) was 29% higher than that for rice only (P56,614) because of the addition of the ducks. However, the net income from the rice-duck system (P280,492) was 5.2 times more than that from rice alone (P53,886).

Alternate wetting and drying Filipino rice farmers can also help reduce methane emissions released into the atmosphere by adopting controlled irrigation or alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology, which the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has developed.

AWD is a technology that allows rice fields to dry from a certain period before applying irrigation water. “This technology can actually save farmers almost one-third of irrigation water without sacrificing yield,” IRRI explains. “It also saves farm inputs like oil, fuel, and labor being utilized on the operation of water pumps.”

Rice consumes a lot of water to grow. It takes about 3,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of rice, previous IRRI studies found out.

In AWD technology, rice fields are alternately flooded and dried. The number of days of non-flooded soil

can vary from one day to more than 10 days, according to IRRI. It uses an “observation well” that is made of bamboo, plastic pipes, or any hollow indigenous material. Perforations are made in the lower half of the tube.

The AWD technique can be started a few days after transplanting (or with a 10-centimeters tall crop in direct seeding). When many weeds are present, AWD can be postponed for 2-3 weeks until weeds have been suppressed by the ponded water.

Local fertilizer recommendations as for flooded rice can be used, the rice research institute says. Nitrogen fertilizer may be applied preferably on the dry soil just before irrigation.

“A practical way to implement AWD technology is by monitoring the depth of the water table in the field using a simple perforated field water tube,” IRRI says.

“When the water level is 15 centimeters below the surface of the soil, it is time to flood the soil to a depth of around 5 centimeters at the time of flowering, from one week before to one week after. The water in the rice field is kept at five centimeters depth to avoid any water stress that would result in severe loss in rice grain yield.”

Studies conducted at IRRI have shown that AWD technology can reduce methane emissions by about 30% or even up to 70%, depending on water

FFARMING, P10

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EDGEDAVAO

HEAVY... FROM 2

tubig kay nabarahan ug construction debris. Tingala ko ngano masulod nga bug-at man ng cover sa manhole. Diri pud sa Uyanguren Monteverde amo giabrihan ang manhole nay binakbak na aspalto. Katong sa La Verna ang basura lampas na ug natabunan na ang outfall,” he said.

As of the afternoon of November 10, 2021, the Davao River along Brgy.

Tamugan was monitored by the Davao City Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) at Code Yellow (alert level) and slowly subsiding, while along Davao River Bridge monitored at Code Orange (warning level) but also slowly subsiding.

While along Lasang River in Brgy. Lasang, the water level was monitored at Code Yellow (alert level) and subsiding. The rest of the river channels in the city were monitored to be within safe levels.

tong istrikto pa kaayo kay dili ta makagawas-gawas.

Naay trabaho sa barangay pero gamay ra gyud pud ang sweldo usahay kuwangon pa jud. Mao pasalamat kaayo ko na naay sama ani na mga ayuda na maka sapal sa kulang,” 53-year-old Anna Custodio, from Sabroso Village near Coastal Road.

Duterte’s office said that thousands of marginalized and/or displaced beneficiaries are yet to receive cash assistance until December this year. There are 7,200 expected ben-

eficiaries for TUPAD and more or less 14,000 beneficiaries for DSWD cash assistance.

Rep. Duterte hopes that a lot of families will be given assistance during these trying times. His office prioritizes assistance to marginalized and/or displaced workers and frontliners in response to the pandemic’s public health emergency.

He also encouraged people to continually support the government’s efforts in alleviating the impact of the pandemic.

cent,” he said.

Meanwhile, Galvez expressed optimism that the National Capital Region (NCR) will be able to vaccinate 100 percent of its eligible population before this year ends.

“Imagine ang first dose nila is 98 percent then dumagadag pa ‘yung 1.2 million na mga bata na babakunahan nila so nakikita ko ang NCR, ‘yung honest to goodness [opinion] natin is makakaya niya (Imag-

ine, they already administered 98 percent of their first dose with additional 1.2 million children to be vaccinated, so I see that in NCR, in my honest to goodness opinion, I think they will be able to hit it) by end of December,” he said.

The government targets to fully vaccinate at least 50 million and up to 70 million Filipinos by end of this year to achieve population protection against Covid-19. (PNA)

ing/tailoring, automotive servicing, and welding.

Mr. Ednar G. Dayanghirang, the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC) Chairman and representative of Davao Oriental to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), highlighted the contribution of TESDA’s projects to the implementation of peace and development agenda in the province.

He also emphasized

that the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental remains loyal to the provisions of the CAB. “The provincial government, through its different participating line agencies remains committed to delivering what has been agreed upon under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” his statement reads. (PIA XI Davao del Norte/jmda/ Ezri M. Coda, Jr. with reports from PIO Davao Oriental)

(Because DepEd closed these schools, and we are able to rpesent pieces of would warrant their closure, our citizens will not be exploited anymore especially our children who were promised to have an education but what was taught to them, although they were taught how to read and write, buts most of it was developing hatred to the government. They were also taught to use firearms, join rallies and complain endlessly towards the government),” he added.

“We are thankful to our partners in DepEd po because they embark their programs of last mile schools. So meaning, dun po sa mga naipasarado natin na mga eskwelahan, ay narereplace po ito (what it means is that we replaced those schools which were closed) through that program and through the initiative of the different local chief executives,” Torres’ words of gratitude to DepEd and to the local chief executives. (PIA XI Davao del Norte/jmda/Ezri M. Coda, Jr.)

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Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation chief executive officer Tomas Lorenzo and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat will talk about the Tourism Investment Opportunities and Emerging Markets in Davao Region.

There will be a roundtable discussion focusing on Halal Tourism, Agri-Tourism, Medical Tourism, and Investing in Hotels and Resorts that will be participated by Tourism Undersecretary Myrna Paz Valderoza-Abubakar, Asia Pacific Marriot Hotel Director for Hotel Management Shi’ai Liang, Discovery Hospitality Corporation President and COO Jose Parreno Jr., Lanang Premier Doctors Hopsital Inc, Executive Vice President Dr. Edgar Ramiterre, and Malagos Agri-Ventures Inc., chocolate-maker Rex Victor Puentespina.

On the other hand, Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo, chairperson of Davao ICon 2021, said investments in the Davao Region have become so robust and diverse over the year and that sectors from Agri-business,

manufacturing, tourism, real estate, and more have received much attention from both Filipino and foreign investors.

“This has helped the region post consistently strong GRDP growth for the last decade,” he said.

On her end, Nicole Bian-Ledesma, co-chair of Davao ICon 2021, Davao City has proven to have vast economic opportunities over the years and this is evident by the steady increase of both local and foreign investments in the city.

“Truly, the city lives up to its slogan “Life is Here”,” she said.

“The Davao ICon is a one-of-a-kind investment conference in the Davao Region and Mindanao.

This has always been since 2011, when Davao Region first launched its Davao ICon, a great avenue for the business sector to come together and discuss issues that will immensely benefit the local economy,” said Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde, president of the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., (DCCCII).

more sustainable source of better economic recovery prospects in terms of allowing greater capacity for businesses/industries that entail more investments and employment,” he said.

Ricafort identified other “green shoots” for the economy and these include the resilient overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) remittances, the sustained growth of both the exports and imports, recovery of the

manufacturing sector, the foreign direct investments (FDIs), and government infrastructure spending.

“Given the country’s favorable demographics, with a population of about 110 million or the 12th most populous country in the world and a population growth of about +1.5 percent per year would also fundamentally add to the country’s GDP growth,” he added.

to flourish. This can only be achieved when stakeholders talk to each other, draft their suggestions to (the) government and for the people from BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) to listen, analyze, and synthesize these suggestions for the benefit of the industry as a whole.

The Philippines should look at the models of India,

Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia in their successful shrimp industry and learn from them as well,’ she said.

The 13th Philippine Shrimp Congress brought together shrimp producers, hatcheries, feed millers, exporters, suppliers, experts, and institutions promoting and supporting the growth of the shrimp industry in the country.

indicator of more robust economic activity in the near term.”

“The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will continue to be patient with its accommodative monetary policy stance to support the econo-

my’s full recovery,” he added.

Last year, the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) slashed the BSP’s key rates by a total of 200 basis points to help buoy the domestic economy during the pandemic.

their legal council.

“Together with the support of the PFF, all parties are working towards an amicable solution,” it said.

“In the meantime, United City FC decided to pull out of the Copa Paulino Alcantara competition, as our participation would affect the outcome for the 2022 AFC Cup nominations of the other teams involved, among other factors, which had to be considered.”

Withdrawing from the Copa Paulino Alcantara was a difficult decision as the

United City FC players have been preparing for a return to competition.

It would have been their first taste of action since bowing out of the AFC Champions League in July.

“We apologize to our fans that the ongoing Copa is, unfortunately, being played without us,” the team said.

“However, we assure you that UCFC will be stronger and better in 2022 when we aim to defend our PFL title and to go a step further in AFC competitions.”

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usage and management of rice stubble.

There are three products that come from growing rice: grain, husk and straw. Among these three products, the straw and husks are considered wastes. In most places, these wastes have no commercial value and are disposed of in various ways.

“Around 60% of Asia’s rice straw is just burnt in the field,” says Dr. Craig Jamieson, who once worked with the IRRI and the World Agroforestry Center.

Rice stubbles incorporation In the Philippines, a total of 10,680 gigatons (Gg) of rice straw are produced per year. “Much of this is burnt in open fields or incorporated in the soil in wet conditions during ploughing,” says a policy brief paper published by the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA).

In addition, burning rice straw is unhealthy – not only to the environment but to people as well. “Rice straw burning is also known to emit particulate matter and other chemicals such as dioxins and furans that have negative impact on human health,” the paper said.

A study headed by Cheryll C. Launio of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) found out that early incorporation of both stubble and straw into the soil is “the most cost-effective way of disposing rice straw.” More importantly, it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Also involved with the study were Dr. Constancio Asis Jr., Rowena G. Manalili, and Evelyn F. Javier. The result of the study was published by the EEPSEA under the report, “Economic Analysis of Rice Straw Management Alternatives and Understanding Farmers’ Choices.”

The study was done in the rice growing areas of Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Cagayan Valley, and Ilocos regions, where around 30% of farmers burnt their rice straw. The rest of farmers adopted any of the following practices: scattered it in their fields, incorporated it into the soil during land preparation, or just left it in their threshing areas for incorporation in

the next cropping season.

Based on the five-year study (from 2006 to 2010), it was found that incorporating stubble less than 30 days before crop establishment is responsible for the largest contribution of GHG emissions. But incorporating rice stubble more than 30 days before crop establishment and incorporating composted rice straw into the field “yielded the lowest cumulative levels of methane and nitrous oxide.”

However, “simply shifting from the baseline approach of late stubble incorporation and straw burning to early incorporation of both stubble and straw also gave good results and led to reduction in GHG emissions of around 80%. This was mainly due to reductions in methane emissions.”

The researchers’ conclusion: “Shifting from rice straw burning to rice straw incorporation will not necessarily reduce global warming potential if straw is incorporated less than 30 days before cultivation, especially in flooded conditions.”

In terms of monetary benefits, early incorporation of both stubble and rice straw into the soil more than 30 days before cultivation is more profitable.

“This option gave a net benefit of P21 or around $0.50 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent reduction,” the paper said.

The study also found that incorporating rice stubble more than one month before cultivation, and rapidly composting rice straw and applying it back to the field, was also a cost-effective option.

“Because this option significantly mitigates greenhouse gas emissions while improving the soil condition, it is cost-effective despite the additional labor cost of piling and composting the rice straw,” the researchers said.

This is good news, indeed. As Dr. Drew Shindell, a climatologist at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in Columbia University in New York, told reporters: “If we control methane, which is viable, then we are likely to soften global warming more than one would have thought, so that’s a very positive outcome.”

The Briton was far from her most fluent in the second set but made short work of Wang in the tie-break which she took to love.

Wang, however, stayed with her in the decider, breaking to go 5-4 up and serve for the match.

After two further breaks, Wang again served for the match, this time closing it out after two hours and 36 minutes on court.

Wang now faces American eighth seed Alison Riske in the quarter-finals after her 6-4, 6-4 win over Alize Cornet.

It marked another bad day at the office for Raducanu who has been without a coach since

parting company with Andrew Richardson shortly after her triumph in New York.

British media reported Tuesday that Beltz, 44, who previously coached former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber during her successful 2016 Australian Open and 2016 US Open campaigns, was set to take over the role.

The German has also worked with Croatia’s Donna Vekic.

Second seed Simona Halep, who missed this year’s French Open and Wimbledon due to a left calf tear, eased into the last eight with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

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Curry, who took home MVP honors in 2015 and 2016 seasons, connected on 9 3-pointers and was 14-for-28 from the field in the 127-113 win in San Francisco. Reuters

Curry’s MVP odds improve following 50-point explosion Raducanu stumbles to new early defeat in Linz

U

S Open champion Emma Raducanu was knocked out of the WTA event in Linz on Tuesday, losing her second round match 6-1, 6-7 (7), 7-5 to world No. 106 Wang Xinyu.

The 18-year-old top seed Raducanu, who is expected to announce Torben Beltz as her new coach, stunned the tennis world in September when

she became the first qualifier ever to win a major.

Playing in just her third tournament since her Flushing Meadows success, the British teenager, now ranked 20 in the world, struggled from the start against the 20-year-old Chinese who galloped through the first set as Raducanu struggled with her service game.

FRADUCANU, P10

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olden State guard Stephen Curry’s odds of winning the regular season Most Valuable Player award shot up on Tuesday following his 50-point, 10-assist performance in the Warriors’ win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

Three-time champion Curry, who took home MVP honors in 2015 and 2016 seasons, connected on 9 3-pointers and was 14-for-28 from the field in the 127-113 win in San

Francisco.

With the victory, the Warriors improved to an NBA-best 9-1 in the young season. The crowd chanted “MVP” when Curry went to the free-throw

line, where he was a perfect 13-for-13.

Curry is now the favorite to win the trophy for a third time at +200, or 2-1, odds, SportsBetting.ag said on Tuesday.

The next-closest competitors are Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant at 13-2, or +650.

Curry came into the season with 8-1 MVP odds, the website said.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr marveled at Curry’s dazzling play.

“That was just a stunning performance by Steph,” Kerr said, according to ESPN. “He was amazing. I want to say I’ve never seen anything like it but I’ve been watching it for seven years, so I have seen something like it and still it’s just incredible to watch.”

also competed in the AFC Champions League.

However, they announced last week that they won’t compete in the Copa Paulino Alcantara, which will be the lone club competition in the Philippines this year after the PFL season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic In a statement posted on their official Facebook account, United City FC revealed that they are currently embroiled in some legal issues due in part to the failure of the previous club ownership to fulfill their obligations.

“When United City FC took over the licenses from Ceres-Negros to rescue the club in July 2020, the parties signed an agreement outlining particular obligations to be fulfilled

by Ceres-Negros,” the club

said. “However, some have unfortunately not been met by the former club, as of this writing.”

“As the successor of Ceres Negros, United City FC is now being dragged into legal disputes brought forward against Ceres-Negros, for which United City FC is neither responsible nor have caused the circumstances, as all this arose before the takeover of the club, which is undisputed,” the club added.

“Since the legal actions taken against the former Club Ceres-Negros have been registered with FIFA, it has now affected the United City FC Club license application for AFC competitions, which as of writing, is ‘provisional.’”

The club said the matter is now being handled by

United FC explains Copa pullout

Withdrawing from the Copa Paulino Alcantara was a difficult decision as the United City FC players have been preparing for a return to competition.

U

nited City Football Club on Monday explained that they are currently dealing with “legal disputes” brought against the previous owner of the club, which compelled them to withdraw from the Copa Paulino Alcantara.

United City FC are the defending champions, having won the Cup in 2019 when they were still playing as Ceres Negros FC. But Ceres Negros put the club for sale in early July 2020, and they were soon bought by a group of private investors managed

by MMC Sportz Asia. Still featuring the same core of players bannered by Stephan Schrock and Bienvenido Marañón, United City FC dominated the 2020 season of the Philippines Football League (PFL), and

FUNITED, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 204 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Jonas Sultan of Zamboanga City defeated previously unbeaten Carlos Caraballo to win the WBO intercontinental bantamweight title.

MINDANAO BOYS

Zamboanga’s Sultan cites session with Dabawenyo champ Ancajas as key to defeating Caraballo

T

he Mindanao connection is working wonders in boxing.

A thankful Jonas Sultan of Zamboanga City credited a workout with reigning world champion from Panabo City Jerwin Ancajas for helping him overcome previously undefeated Carlos Caraballo and win the WBO intercontinental bantamweight title.

The Filipino former junior bantamweight title contender from Zamboanga City came in as a heavy underdog against the Puerto Rican knockout artist and surprised everyone when he knocked down Caraballo not just once but four times en route to a unanimous decision win.

“Napakalaking tulong sa ‘kin ni Coach Joven (Jimenez) at ni Jerwin Ancajas, kasi dati hindi ko alam maglaro kung ang kalaban ko kaliwete,” Sultan said in an interview referring to Caraballo’s southpaw stance.

Sultan said he sparred with Ancajas who also fights southpaw style. The two trained together in Los Angeles before Sultan’s big fight in New York.

“So talagang tinuruan ako ni coach Joven ng technique, at siyempre si Jerwin Ancajas talaga tinuturan niya ako. Talagang

proud ako sa mga ka training camp ko,” he said.

Ironically, Sultan once challenged Ancajas for the IBF junior bantam title in an all-Filipino title fight in 2018.

Using his ring smarts, Ancajas outpointed Sultan to retain his title. But the two became friends ever since.

Sultan recently returned to the Philippines to spend vacation with his family. But he assured that he will fly back to the US to return the favor to Ancajas.

“Sa Pilipinas muna ako ng two weeks, relax muna tapos mameet ko ang family ko. Pagtapos ng two weeks, balik ako ng US dahil kailangan ni Jerwin ng sparring partner para sa darating na laban,” he siad.

“Importante yung kay Jerwin Ancajas dahil world title fight iyon.”