Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 205 | Saturday, November 13, 2021

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PSC EXEC EMPHASIZES KINDNESS IN SPORTS SPORTS P 12

KID JABS

VOL.14 ISSUE 206 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021

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Most parents want kids vaccinated: TF Report

STORY ON PAGE 2

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio takes her oath as Lakas-CMD member on Thursday afternoon, a move that would allow her to become a substitute for any of the party’s standard bearers for the 2022 elections. Photo courtesy of the office of Lakas-CMD President Martin Romualdez.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 206 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021

KID JABS

Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) spokesperson Anthony del Rosario confirms that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio resigned from the regional party on Thursday morning. Edge Davao

Most parents want kids vaccinated: TF Report

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force disclosed that most parents in Davao City want their children vaccinated.

This is based on the positive turnout on the rollout of the 12 to 17 years old pediatric vaccination that is ongoing in the city.

“Ubay-ubay gyud (par-

ents) ug dako ang among pasalamat sa mga parents nga nakasabot kung unsa aka importante ang bakuna. Because a lot of our kids, the fact na bata sila, dili sila

ingon ana ka responsable when it comes to wearing of masks. Ang uban dili sila kasabot sa importansya of social distancing. Dili pud maayo ilahang practices of hand hygiene. It would really be best to have another layer of protection ang inyohang mga anak,” Schlosser said.

The pediatric vaccina-

tion sites that are open for walk-ins are in GMall Toril, Mabini Elementary School, Calinan Elementary School, Matina Aplaya Elementary School, and F. Dizon Elementary School.

All public and private hospitals also cater to pediatric vaccination but registration is needed.

after the raid.

Roque said Tupas was not a “key personality” in the anti-drug operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“No basis po kasi hindi nga po kasama talaga si Mr. Tupas doon sa raid

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FKID, P10

Do not camp outside the Comelec, says Sara

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio appealed to her supporters, as well as to the members of the media not to camp outside the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office and also begged those in the provinces not to travel to Manila.

“Hindi na kailangan mag-camp-out pa dahil meron pang pandemya at ayoko ko kayong magkasakit. Ulan at init ng araw ang inyong kalaban.

Isipin nyo rin po sana ang kalagayan ng inyong mga pamilya,” the mayor posted in her Facebook Page.

Mayor Sara added that her spokespersons will give an official statement, provide pictures and videos for all.

Supporters of Mayor Sara are expected to camp outside Comelec hoping she will file her certificate of candidacy (COC) for president following her resignation from Hug-

pong ng Pagbabago (HNP) and oath-taking with Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) on November 11, 2021.

“Sa aking mga supporters, humahanga po ako sa tibay ng inyong puso. Sa mga kasapi naman ng media, humahanga rin ako sa inyong dedikasyon sa trabaho.

Patuloy nating mahalin ang ating bansang Pilipinas. Daghang salamat,” the mayor posted.

Mayor Sara also mentioned in her post that she is in Davao City because of the continuous rains and floods.

“Nakikiusap din ako sa mga nasa probinsiya na huwag kayo bumiyahe papunta Manila nandito lang po ako sa Davao City dahil sa sunod-sunod na pag-ulan at pagbaha,” she said.

Meanwhile, Anthony G. Del Rosario, Secretary-General of HNP, said

als and partially vaccinated 14,601. This brings to 54,524 Matinians already vaccinated or 50.75 percent of the 107,442 target population to achieve herd immunity.

The City of Mati has a total population of 153,488 and the target population for vaccination is just 70

percent or 107,442. The National Vaccination Operations Center however recently increased the vaccination target of priority areas that include the City of Mati to 70 percent including 1st dose by November 2021 and 70 percent fully vaccinated by Decem-

FDO NOT, P10

No special treatment for Mati IMT surpasses WHO Sara’s former info officer target for vaccination

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alacañang on Thursday said the former head of Davao City Information Office (CIO), who was dragged into the November 6 drug raid at a beach resort in Davao de Oro, has not received any preferential treatment from the government.

In an online press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said it was baseless to claim that the government had given Jefry Tupas, sacked information officer of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, preferential treatment after being allowed to leave

FNO, P10

he City of Mati Incident Management Team has surpassed the WHO goal target of 40 percent vaccination of the target population by the end of this year.

In its November 11, 2021 data, the City of Mati IMT has already fully vaccinated 39,923 individu-

FMATI, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 206 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021

Lakas-CMD Region 12 chair Maria Alana Samantha Taliño Santos shares a light moment with her mother, Vice Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza during their filing of certificate of candidacy at the Provincial Office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Kidapawan City. Santos welcomed Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who

NEWS

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took her oath as member of Lakas-CMD on Thursday, and expressed enthusiasm to work with co-Mindanaoan in the party. Edge Davao

Opening of South Korea for Phil. bananas ‘big win’ for Davao Region SSS Davao starts accepting loan restructuring application, Nov. 15

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tarting November 15, the Social Security System (SSS) Davao will accept application for the Loan Penalty Condonation Program, one of the five programs under the Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Program of SSS. Guesting at the One Davao Virtual Presser, SSS Davao Regional Communications Officer Greta Fe Quayle discussed the long-awaited Short-term

member loan condonation program recently launched by the SSS to allow members with delinquent loan payments to settle without having to pay the incurred penalties and return to a good standing member of the SSS and continue receiving benefits and loan programs. “ Members who have delinquent payment for more than 6 months in

FSSS, P10

Rep ‘Pulong’ comes to aid of Davao City flood victims

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irst Congressional District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte took rounds on November 10, Wednesday morning, to inspect flooded areas caused by a heavy downpour in the city.

Rep. Duterte’s office responded in the affected areas in the first district and distributed food packs [containing rice, canned goods, milk, bread, biscuits, and water] and other basic needs to all flood victims.

Based on the online

reports from the Davao City Central 911, among the affected areas are Jade Valley, Tigatto, Maa, Matina, and Bacaca. Operatives of the Central 911 earlier conducted search and rescue operations in multiple parts of the city. Many families and animals were rescued.

The Davao City disaster and rescue teams evacuated around 9,000 families to temporary shelters due to flooding after rivers overflowed to residential areas

FREP, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he opening of South Korea for Philippine bananas is a “big win” for Davao Region’s banana industry.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez announced during the second day of Davao Investment Conference 2021 (Davao Icon 2021) that On October 26, 2021, the Philippine government signed the basic agreement between the Philippines and South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and one major point that they fought for is to have better access to

South Korean market for the Philippine banana.

“It is a big win for the banana industry mostly from the Davao Region,” he said.

Lopez said part of the agreement is there shall be a tariff reduction for Philippine banana down from 30 percent to zero percent in five years.

“This is a major win considering that this has

been a long negotiation of about two years so that we can fast track for a very good market access of bananas entering the South Korean market and also preserve our exports to South Korea,” he added.

According to Lopez, with Davao Region known to be the banana and coconut capital in the country, this creates an advantage in the economic opportunity for players in the industry as these two are the top agricultural exports with coconut oil

and fresh bananas as the leading export products.

Apart from bananas, also included in the deal with South Korea is the processed pineapple from Davao Region.

Other products that part of the top exports of Davao Region in 2020 are banana (fresh and dried), coconut (copra or oil), pineapple (fresh or dried), desiccated coconut (fresh or dried), other fruits, nuts, and other edible parts of the plants.

marks an exciting period not only for the party but in the Philippines ’ political history. I admired her excellent track record and exceptional leadership,“ Santos said.

Santos, who will run as representative for the third district of Cotabato, is the daughter of Vice Governor of Cotabato Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza.

Meanwhile, Santos sworn in as Lakas CMD Region 12 member on September 28, 2021, via Zoom along with the following as provincial chairmen: Board Member

Shirlyn Macasarte (Cotabato Province), Glan Mayor Vivien Yap (Sarangani Province), and Koronadal City Vice Mayor Peter B. Miguel (South Cotabato Province).

The Lakas-CMD Party is currently led by former Pres Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president emeritus, former president Fidel V. Ramos as chairman emeritus, House of Representatives Majority Floor Leader Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as national president, and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revil-

la as chairman.

Lakas–CMD focused on economic growth and development, stronger ties with the United States, creation of jobs, and strong cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government.

It is known for its advocacy of a shift from the present presidential system to a parliamentary form of government through constitutional amendments and through establishing peace talks with Muslim separatists and communist rebels.

By Maya M. Padillo

FOPENING, P10

Lakas-CMD Region 12 welcomes Sara

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upporters of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio rejoiced after the presidential daughter took her oath as a new member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party on November 11, 2021, four days before the deadline set by the Commissions on Elections (Comelec) for substitution.

Lakas-CMD Region 12 chair Maria Alana Samantha Taliño Santos welcomed Mayor Sara and expressed enthusiasm to work with co-Mindanaoan in the party.

“Mayor Sara’s entry

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 206 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021

Residents gather around a vehicle carrying assorted items that are being sold for a very low prices near the barangay hall of Megcawayan in Calinan District, Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

DTI chief encourages companies to incentivize vaxxed employees Auto industry expands D 23.8 pct in Jan.-Oct. epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez believes that vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) should not be a requirement in companies, but firms should think of ways to incentivize employees that got the jab.

During the Laging Handa public briefing Thursday, Lopez said employers cannot fire their workers just because they have not yet been vacci-

nated against Covid-19.

He added incentivizing the vaccinated employees will help in encouraging those unvaccinated to get their

Covid-19 jabs.

Instead of a ‘no vaccine, no job’ policy, the DTI chief said firms can have the prerogative to prioritize vaccinated employees for promotions than those unvaccinated workers.

Lopez said companies may also prefer to hire applicants that got their Covid-19 shots.

“Don’t require (the vaccination) but incen-

tivize it,” he said in Filipino.

But the top trade official urged Filipinos to get the much-needed “shot in the arm” to lower risks of contracting Covid-19, and to further decrease severe cases and deaths because of the virus.

He added vaccination is also the key to open up more economic activities and bring back jobs across the country. (PNA)

Trade chief sees encouraging signs of economic recovery T he lower alert level at the start of the fourth quarter of the year and the reopening of more economic activities support the country’s recovery to the pre-pandemic level, the top trade official said.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the economic recovery to the pre-pandemic level might not happen this year but in 2022.

“Year-to-date, our economic growth is at 4.9 percent,” Lopez said in Filipino during the Laging Handa public briefing Thursday. “Very likely

that we will hit 5 percent growth for 2021.”

Based on his estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the fourth quarter should grow by at least 5.3 percent to hit the 5-percent GDP expansion for this year, and a 7.1-percent growth to hit a 5.5-percent economic growth.

“If that happens, by 2022, we only need 4.8-percent growth to reach the GDP level of 2019. That means, we can go back to the pre-pandemic level in 2019 even with only 4.8 percent growth in 2022,” he added.

Lopez said his agency has heard positive feedback from the business sector after the lower alert level in Metro Manila since October.

He said easing the National Capital Region (NCR) to Alert Level 2 has allowed more sectors to increase their operating capacity.

Businesses increased their revenues and more jobs were brought back into the labor market, he added.

The trade chief said the Philippines remains a top destination of foreign direct investments in the region, which in-

flows increased by 43 percent even during a pandemic.

Lopez said exports have rebounded by 20 percent from last year’s level and by almost 10 percent compared to 2019, which is a pre-pandemic year.

“Very good signs (of recovery). These are all inputs to GDP,” Lopez said.

Earlier, the government announced that the economy rose 7.1 percent in the third quarter of the year and revised upward the GDP growth in the second quarter to 12 percent. (PNA)

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he automotive industry in the country continues to grow as sales in the first 10 months of 2021 increased by 23.8 percent compared to the same period last year.

In a joint report Thursday, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers in the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) recorded a total of 214,186 unit sales from January to October this year.

This is higher than the

173,035 units in the same period in 2020.

Both passenger car and commercial vehicle segments continue to recover as year-to-date sales improved by 29.3 percent and 21.3 percent, respectively.

With the easing of restrictions and mobility in October, month-on-month sales of the local automotive industry grew by 5.1 percent to 22,581 units from 21,493 units in September.

FAUTO, P10

Shopee: 11 million items sold in first five minutes of 11.11 sale

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-commerce platform Shopee on Thursday said it sold 11 million items in the first five minutes of its 11.11 Big Christmas Sale.

According to Shopee, visits during the first two hours of its sale reflect 5.5 times the average day, with a significant share looking to purchase essentials.

The platform said the most popular product categories during the sale were health and personal care, home and living, and women’s apparel.

Also among the top bought products were face masks, skin care products, and mobile accessories, with clothing tops hitting 2,000 orders early into the sale.

Shopee also said a number of local sellers saw a boost in their business with an electronics seller earning nearly P70 million in sales in the first two hours.

The platform has continued to roll out sales in the past months, even recording as many as 1.8 mil-

FSHOPEE, P10

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ECONOMY

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Women in Barangay Bawing in General Santos City earn extra money making bags that are very popular among tourists. MindaNews file photo by Jun Ayensa

DTI-12 eyes P10-M sales in week-long trade expo

House panel OKs oil excise tax reduction

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he House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday approved a substitute bill seeking to reduce or suspend the excise taxes on petroleum products.

The panel, chaired

by Albay Representative Joey Salceda, approved the measure that will reduce excise taxes on diesel, kerosene, and liquified petroleum gas to zero.

It proposes that excise taxes on low-octane gasoline, used primarily by tricycle drivers, will be reduced, while taxes on premium gasoline will be retained.

The excise tax suspension on fuel products will be for six months.

“It’s immediate relief for Filipino families, especially affected sectors. The bill will cost the government around PHP45 billion, but what the government loses, the consumer gains,” Salceda said.

Salceda said that there

is a self-correcting mechanism in the bill, noting that it would revert to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law rates if the prices normalize.

“If it goes back to 65 dollars per barrel of crude oil, then the excise tax rates will also normalize,” he said. “The premise of this tax relief bill is that the situation is not normal. If inflation weren’t so high, we would be discussing other matters.

But now, consumers are hurting. Inflation is high.

Incomes are depressed.

So, immediate relief is obviously necessary.”

He expects the House to transmit the bill to the Senate by the third or fourth week of November, since this is a priority measure of Speaker Velasco.

The measure also creates a special fund that will be devoted explicitly towards ayuda (cash assistance) for affected sec-

FHOUSE, P10

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“biggest and grandest” in the region this year.

Dubbed “Yaman Dose Trade Expo: The Best of Soccsksargen,” he said it will feature over 500 new and improved products of MSMEs in the region, especially those assisted by various support programs

of the agency.

Orfrecio said these include the “best of the best” processed food, arts and crafts, furniture, wearable items, and other top-quality products from various localities in the area.

Yaman Dose, which will be held at the SM Mall atrium until November 21, took off from the annual “Treasures of Region 12” trade fair that last held a physical event in 2018.

The scheduled fairs in November 2019 and 2020 were scrapped due to the series of

earthquakes that hit the region and the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Orfrecio said they rebranded this year’s edition to better showcase the region’s MSME sector, which continues to thrive despite the Covid-19 situation.

“This was organized to help MSMEs recover and (cope with) the losses that they incurred due to pandemic,” he said in a press conference in Koronadal City.

cooperation agreement (CA) aimed at facilitating interoperable payments between the two countries, the central bank said in a statement.

“Since Singapore is a key trading partner and major source of remittances, pursuing seamless e-payments is seen to benefit overseas Filipinos

and local export, import and tourism businesses,” the BSP said.

It is also the first step toward linking the domestic payment system with the rest of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, the BSP said.

About 200,000 Filipinos are estimated to live

and work in Singapore, according to data from the Philippine Embassy in Singapore.

The BSP has been pursuing its digitalization goals, aiming to raise digital payments to 50 percent and encourage at least 70 percent of the population to open bank accounts by 2023.

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) is targeting to generate around PHP10 million in sales in the week-long grand trade expo and products showcase here that will open on November 15.

Robert Orfrecio, chief of DTI-Region 12’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development division, said at least 24 MSMEs from parts of Region 12 have confirmed as of Thursday to join the exposition, which is considered the

FDTI-12, P10

PH signs deal with Singapore for seamless cross-border payments

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday said it signed a deal for seamless cross-border payments between the Philippines and Singapore.

Ravi Menon, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno signed the

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 206 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021

On the opening of South Korea market for Philippine bananas from Davao Region:

It is a big win for the banana industry mostly from the Davao Region.”

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez

EDITORIAL Kudos to Tagum City The City of Tagum won the Philippine Heritage award for Historical and Cutlural Programs under the Heritage Education and Interpretation Category for its Kagikan Project established in 2013. The prestigious award was conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Together with the Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines project on Cordillera, the Kagikan Project of Tagum was recognized under the Heritage Education and Interpretation Category while the Palacio de Memoria was awarded under the Adaptive Reuse Category for this year;s Philippine Heritage Awards.

Kagikan focuses on tracing the roots and history of Tagum City. Its published book contains etymology of Tagum, its territorial limits, the prehistoric situation of the area during

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The NCCA panel recommended the Kagikan Project for its commitment and effort in bringing together, sharing and discussing diverse entities’ understanding of Tagum’s history and culture through research.

As a result of the years-long historical research and inquiry of the Kagikan project, the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center rose in Tagum City’s former city hall.

The award is another feather on the cap of this progressive local government unit known for so many accomplishments. Kudos to all those behind the Kagikan project and the LGU leaders headed by Mayor Allan L. Rellon.

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 Spanish, American, and Japanese invasions, the tribes that first settled in the territory and the leaders who strived to form their first government.

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 INUNDATION OF DAVAO CITY Since the pandemic began, I have been to Davao City only four times. The most recent one was last Tuesday. It was late in the afternoon when I went to the malls. There were few jeepneys going to the mall from the hotel where I was staying.

So I had to walk all the way to the mall.

Inside the mall, I roamed around and I found a few people roaming around the mall.

After all, it was already past 6 in the evening. When the items I wanted to buy were not there, I went to another mall. It was good that there were already jeepneys going to the mall where I was heading to.

As in the first mall I went to, I saw few people. In fact, some stores were already closed.

At 8 in the evening, the mall was already closed. I went outside but there was heavy rain.

It was good that I was able to find a taxi immediately, which brought me to the hotel where I was staying.

Checking my Facebook account, I saw some posts which showed some parts of the city flooded. Some people had to evacuate to safe places. But before I went to bed, I prayed to keep the people living near the rivers to be safe.

The deluge wasn’t the first

time. It happened several times already in the past months and in the past years. It happened again last Tuesday night. I am sure that it will happen again – and again. There is no end to all these woes.

Partly to be blamed for this constant flooding are the construction of buildings which used to be waterlogged areas and where the water ran when there was huge rain. But in the name of development, buildings have to be built in these areas.

Partly to be blamed also is the cutting of trees in the upper portions of the city. Without trees that will help stop the rushing of the waters into the low-lying areas of the city, then this flooding will continue to happen no matter what these people will do to stop the water from entering their homes.

Partly to be blamed likewise are the people who are building their establishments and homes in areas where rain water rushes through. No one can stop the rain pouring from heaven.

These rains have become constant and heavier due to climate change. Thus, the residents of Davao City should learn how to live with flooding every now and then. No matter what

interventions the government will do, flooding will always be around.

Now, listen to the woes of one flood victim: “The downpour of rain is unprecedented.

The rain came without much warning. When we woke up in the morning, there was intermittent heavy rain and I thought that it was seasonal – indeed the rainfall throughout this year has been quite heavy, unlike during the last three years. The rain water reached two feet on the main streets. I couldn’t drive, there was water everywhere.”

A flood is defined as “an overflow of water that submerges land which is normally dry.”

“Floods are due to the complex combination of weather, climatic and human activities,” explained Rosalie Pagulayan, weather specialist II of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) during a seminar workshop convened by the Department of Science and Technology in Davao City some years back.

“Most floods occur as a result of moderate-to-large-scale rainfall events.”

Despite being known as a disaster-prone country, most

Filipino households are not prepared for calamities and natural hazards. That was the findings of a survey conducted

by Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Disaster Net. “Only 36% of respondents felt fully prepared in the face of disasters, while 33% reported that they were somewhat prepared when calamities strike,” wrote Inquirer reporter Jhesset O. Enano. “The remaining third claimed that they were only slightly or not at all ready for natural hazards.”

As floods are common throughout the country, the weather bureau has launched the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) capacities. It has five basic elements: prediction, detection, communication, decision-making, and mobilization.

“In any disaster of a given magnitude, the first line of defense is still awareness of the communities at risk,” Pagulayan reminded.

Disasters like floods often recur in the same place – annually or with a gap of some years, according to Bob Hansford, disaster risk management advisor at Tearfund, a Christian relief and development agency.

In his article, “Managing disaster and building safer com-

munities,” Hansford talks about the four things that can happen when a disaster strikes: emergency response, rehabilitation, mitigation, and preparation.

“In the first few days and weeks after a disaster, there is a need for search and rescue, medical care, food, water, sanitation and shelter, as well as emotional support,” explains Hansford on what an emergency response is.

Rehabilitation comes next.

“As the weeks pass, houses need to be repaired, water supplies restored, and livelihoods reinstated,” Hansford says. “Rehabilitation is often called recovery.”

Mitigation is closely linked to rehabilitation. Examples include: stronger or raised houses, water pumps on raised platforms, alternative crops to cope better with flood or drought. “Mitigation activities help to ‘build back better,’ making the community more resistant to future hazards,” he says.

Preparation is getting ready for the next disaster that comes. For a storm or flood, it means establishing a warning system, setting aside food or water stocks, making ready an evacuation center or training volunteers.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

THE PAST AS ‘RIVERINE HISTORY’ One way of understanding history is by linking it with the rivers where villages are started. Access to waterways is an indispensable aspect of convenience and survival, and it is always near riverbanks that potable water sources can be found.

Early migrants, in exploring the interior regions or reconnoitering coastal areas, used the streams in discovering new areas for settlement.

For an archipelagic country, waterways are the ‘liquid highways’ linking islands. In modern times, the watercourses continue to function as vital channels for naval, marine, and maritime activities even with the construction of spans that connect parted lands. It is also the riverbank communities that inspire the adoption of placenames as identified of certain locations.

Many placenames get their

IDs from the denizens that live near waters and source their food from them, the plants that thrive near waterways, the insects and animals found in riverbank settlements, and the phenomena observed while living in these communities.

Three terms best explain the evolution of placenames, namely, etymology, orthography, and onomatopoeia.

Let’s see how these terms are defined: (i) Orthography is ‘the study of spelling and how letters combine to represent sounds and form words’; (ii) Etymology is ‘the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout’; and (iii) Onomatopoeia is ‘the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named.’

Orthographically, Kialeg, which means ‘a pool of water

formed by landslide,’ is a combination of two Tagacaulo terms, ‘kia’ and ‘leg.’ On the other hand, Cuambog, named after a tree, has etymologically evolved to Kolambogan, meaning ‘a place where the cuambog plant thrives.’ You have also Kaputian, derived from potian, a rattan species. The best example of onomatopoeia is Kokak, inspired by the sound produced by a frog.

Outside the strictures, there are placenames that are inspired by geography (i.e., Pantukan, or place for short route; Balut, Maguindanao for island), religious custom (i.e., Badas or Islamic flogging), spices (i.e., Tandag, the Maguindanao laurel), tribe (i.e., Talaingod and Samal), fish (i.e., Baganga and Batuto), water color (i.e., Malalag, Bagobo term for yellowish), activities (i.e., Digos, Bagobo for ‘taking a bath in the

river’), and springs (i.e., Bugac and Tubod), among others.

Names of places also afford a researcher better and deeper understanding of how site identities affect the progress of an area. By knowing the exact origin of a placename, a case buildup can be made in limiting the original settlers of a place and understand why certain monikers have been adopted as appellations of communities and settlements.

Rivers, due to their movements, also lend inspiration to the naming of locales. Places like Mati (‘easily dried up riverbed’), Maragusan (‘washed-out river’), and Lupon (‘inundated area’) are so named after the effect waters make on land, particularly during floods. Some names are derived from the river fishes that populate them or in recognition of the abundance

of certain species thriving in specific watercourses.

Moreover, rivers also carry the nutrients that turn lands into fertile agricultural estates.

Without rivers, survival becomes more difficult given that people have very limited food supply to get and are forced to source drinking water from plants, rain, and precipitation.

Minus the rivulets and streams, people are forced to away with washing, bathing, and rinsing.

Outside etymologies, ancient mariners, in determining their daylight position while out there at sea, look for natural contours and markers and at night measure their location using astronomical bodies. In colonial times, they reasonably depended for lighthouses to keep them on track during starless nights, and on distant terrains to fix their setting.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 206 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Smart Padala brings the SENDali experience to Filipinos

(with its widest and most accessible network of over 60,000 agent touchpoints nationwide!)

W

herever you are, sending and receiving money to and from your friends and family is guaranteed to be quick and easy as Smart Padala by PayMaya brings a “SENDali” remittance experience closer to your home with its widest and most accessible network of touchpoints nationwide.

A play between the words send and dali - SENDali promises customers a hassle-free remittance experience with Smart Padala. With this, the leading digital remittance network offers customers the quickest, most convenient, and most accessible way to send and receive padala to and from their loved ones, wherever they may be.

With Smart Padala’s over 60,000 network touchpoints all over the country, sending and receiving remittances is just as easy as heading to your kapitbahay – no need to commute to the city center and spend time in long lines. Wherever you are, you can easily find a Smart Padala agent 4-6 minutes

away from you to take care of your remittance transaction - giving you a truly SENDali experience.* Completing a Smart Padala transaction is easy and can be done in minutes.

All you have to do is follow these simple steps: Head to the trusted Smart Padala agent in your neighborhood.

Provide the recipient’s name, and mobile number, as well as the funds and transaction fee. Get ready to take a photo as part of the quick registration process. (Available for transactions not exceeding P5,000 per month) Wait to receive a text message confirmation with the claim reference number.

Making this experience so much easier is Smart Padala’s Claim Anywhere service which allows your recipient to claim the remittance from anywhere in the country. With this new and improved process, you no longer need to provide the 16-digit Smart Padala number of the specific agent where your padala will be

received. Just provide the recipient’s name and mobile number, and they can already pick-up the remittance at ANY Smart Padala agent nationwide!

With this, not only is the sending experience so much easier with Smart Padala, receiving funds from their loved ones is also more convenient for the recipients as they only need to go to a Smart Padala agent, minutes away from their home.

There are so many other ways Smart Padala brings a SENDali experience to your remittance transactions! You can also opt to send money to your friends and family from your PayMaya account, to be claimed straight at a Smart Padala agent near them. If you’re abroad, your loved ones can also claim their Western Union remittance at select Smart Padala agents nationwide for a hassle-free transaction.

Smart Padala agents are present in 92% of the cities and municipalities across the country and are

unintended use. However, the best solution to keep germs and bacteria away is simpler and easier than any trick.

Backed by experts, taking a bath is still one of our best health defenses.

Doubling down on proper hygiene helps keep ourselves safe and assures that those around us are

kept safe, too.

The Department of Health in collaboration with Procter & Gamble Philippines, encourages the public to take a bath twice a day — once before leaving the household and again after being outside. By fighting the spread of germs with proper hygiene, everyone

accessible within minutes in your barangay. With this, it’s now easier than ever to send money to your friends and family, and make them feel your love, even miles away from home.

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government.

It provides more than 38 million Filipinos ac-

cess to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 300,000 digital touchpoints nationwide.

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services.

Through its enterprise business, it is the largest

digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including “every day” merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

To know more about PayMaya’s products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on Smart Padala, visit https://smartpadala.ph/

can help save lives like a superhero.

Bathman, Saving Filipinos One Bath at a Time Introducing, Bathman — an extraordinary superhero who fights health threats by taking a bath 2x a day — before leaving the household and when he arrives back. His mission is to make sure every Filipino is also taking a bath twice a day, helping him fight germs and protecting more people from the harm caused by the invisible enemy.

You can be your own Bathman too by equipping yourself with the power of Safeguard. Safeguard has Infinishield Technology that slows down the regrowth of germs, bacteria, and fungi after every wash. This not

only ensures protection against common illnesses but prevents body odor as well. Infinishield is an active ingredient that makes Safeguard uniquely effective at preventing the growth of disease-causing germs on your loved ones long after hand washing.

After using Safeguard, Infinishield+ leaves behind particles that create a protective shield against disease-causing germs with up to 24 hours of protection.

Arm yourself with the power of Head & Shoulders too that cleanses the scalp and fights germs, giving you up to 100% dandruff and itch protection.

Be Your Own Bathman with an Invisible Protective Shield With more people be-

ing vaccinated, people are starting to let their guard down. They start to go outside more, return to old habits, and loosen up on hygiene practices. But the health threat is still out there, and it will only manifest days later. No one is immune from the germs and bacteria that are multiplying as time passes by. Strap yourself with the invisible protection that quality hygiene products like Safeguard, and Head & Shoulders provide against germs, bacteria, and fungi.

Don’t settle for less when it comes to your health. And take a bath, man! Have your health armor delivered straight to your doorstep. Safeguard and Head & Shoulders products are available at Lazada, and Shopee.

Bath 2x a Day: Your best protection from germs and bacteria

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has made Filipinos resort to gimmicky tips and tricks have in hopes of keeping oneself and families safe — mixing alcohol with other cleaning substances, use of natural products with unproven effectiveness, and utilizing cleaning tools for their

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ENVIRONMENT

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AIR POLLUTION: WHEN BREATHING IS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

ir pollution may have dropped from news headlines since the pandemic started but it remains a lethal danger to many. Although health officials are focused more on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the last two years, air pollution precipitates conditions including heart disease, lung disease, lung cancer and strokes.

Around 90% of people go through their daily lives breathing harmful polluted air, which has been described by the United Nations as the most important health issue of our time.

Air pollution is also harming our natural environment. “Air pollution decreases the oxygen supply in our oceans, makes it harder for plants to grow, and contributes to climate change,” states the Nairobi-based United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Yet, despite the damage it causes, there are worrying signs that air pollution is not seen as a priority in most parts of the world, including the Philippines.

In 2000, the World Bank’s annual review reported that in Manila alone more than 4,000 Filipinos die each year because of air pollution.

The mortality figure was the third highest for a city in the East Asian region after Beijing and Jakarta.

Bangkok and Seoul were ranked 4th and 5th, re-

spectively.

Five years later (2005), the problem got worse.

Manila’s skies were among the most polluted in the world, surpassed only by Mexico City, Shanghai and New Delhi, said the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Davao case In Davao City, air pollution may not be a big problem yet. But in 2004, figures recorded in the city showed that the air quality was “even worse than in Metro Manila.” At that time, monitoring stations placed in Agdao showed 335 micrograms while along Quirino and J.P. Laurel streets, the figures were 249 and 185 micrograms, respectively.

In terms of total suspended air particulates, Metro Manila had 132 micrograms per normal cubic meter. The acceptable standard is 90 micrograms, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

A study conducted in 2018 – which was

published in Philippine E-Journals – confirmed the 2004 findings. “The dust density has gone beyond the limit for what is considered acceptable,” said the study whose research sites included 20 selected busy streets in Davao City.

The following year (2019), however, the air quality of Davao City improved, as per the Air Quality Index (AQI). “Even if our AQI still falls within the good and fair level, we could not say that this has no health hazards,” Melvin Dapitanon, Engineer II of the regional office of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), was quoted as saying.

“As a precaution people with respiratory issues must wear masks because whenever there is an increase in pollution, there is more risk for them,” Dapitanon told Davao Today.

More than just oxygen Although most people usually speak of the material they breathe simply as “air,” experts say it is actually a mixture of substances. Clean, dry air is mostly (99%) nitrogen gas and oxygen gas. A person carries approximately two quarts of oxygen in the blood, lungs, and body tissues at any given time.

Brain cells deprived of oxygen for more than four minutes begin to die.

“The life-giving oxygen molecules in fresh

air should be unpolluted,” wrote Dr. Richard G. Mendoza in a column he wrote for Health and Lifestyle.

“Oxygen provides efficient cell function by permitting the metabolism of nutrients and the transfer of energy within cells.”

Like water and natural resources, air can also be polluted. In the Philippines, sources of air pollution include emissions from three sources: mobile like vehicles, stationary such as power plants and factories, and area which comes from garbage burning, road dust and open cooking.

Food production also contributes to air pollution. Agricultural processes and livestock produce methane, an extremely powerful greenhouse gas.

Methane is also a by-product of waste burning, which emits other polluting toxins, which end up entering the food chain.

Common forms of air pollutants The most common forms of air pollutants are suspended particulate matter (SPM), carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (which include benzene, xylene, and ethylene dibromide), sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and residues of the highly toxic tetraethyl lead, a substance added to gasoline to enhance its octane value or “burning quality.”

SPM refers to any tiny solid particle dispersed

from pesticides, asbestos and thousands of other products. The most noticeable type of air pollution (since it is readily visible), it often attracts and carries chemicals through the air such as dust-carrying sulfuric acid. “Smog” – a hybrid word used to describe the mixture of smoke and fog that blankets some cities – is primarily composed of ozone and particulates.

Health hazards Like smoking, air pollution is lethal to human’s health. A study done by the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) says air pollution kills three times more than vehicular accidents.

Air pollution affects health in both short and long term. Short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and infection on the upper respiratory tract such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Other effects are headache, nausea, and allergic reaction. Air pollution can also worsen asthma and emphysema conditions.

An epidemiological study conducted by the University of the Philippines College of Public Health, showed that the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is 32.5 percent among jeepney drivers, 16.4 percent

FPOLLUTION, P10

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KID... FROM 2

The city government reminded the pediatric vaccinees to bring birth certificate or school ID for proof of age, and Safe Davao QR. Minors with comorbidities, however, will have to provide a medical certificate.

A parent or guardian with a valid ID must accompany the child and require

them (guardians) also bring the ID of the parent.

The vaccination of minors is dependent on the availability of Pfizer and Moderna anti-Covid-19 vaccines, which have an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the A3 pediatric population: adolescents aged 12 to 17.

while HNP is saddened by the mayor’s resignation, the party, however, wishes Mayor Sara all the best in her plans.

In a statement, HNP confirmed that the morning of November 11, 2021, Mayor Sara Z. tendered her resignation from HNP. In her letter to the officers and members of HNP, she stated that “It

is with profound sadness that I hereby tender my resignation from our beloved party. My support will always be with you and I will always be grateful for all the things you have taught me.”

On the other hand, Mayor Sara also posted photos of her oath-taking with Lakas-CMD. By Maya M. Padillo

na iyan (It has no basis because Mr. Tupas was not part of the raid),” he said, when asked to react to claims that Tupas received special treatment after PDEA allegedly let him off the hook.

Roque said PDEA had already clarified that no search warrant or arrest warrant was issued for Tupas.

“Correction lang po.

Nagkumpirma po ang PDEA na ‘yung dating information officer ni Mayor Sara ay hindi po kasama doon sa search warrant o di kaya ay sa arrest warrant na in-issue para po dito sa buy-bust operation na ito (Just a correction. The PDEA confirmed that the former information officer of Mayor Sara wasn’t included in the search warrant or arrest warrant issued for the buy-bust operation),” he said.

At least 17 party-goers were arrested when PDEA-11, along with the National Bureau of Investigation and Mabini

Municipal Police Station, conducted a buy-bust operation at a beach resort in Pinsdasan village in Mabini, Davao de Oro on Nov. 6.

Around PHP1.5 million worth of party drugs were seized during the raid.

Sara on Tuesday confirmed that she had fired Tupas following his involvement in the buy-bust operation.

Prior to Sara’s statement, Tupas clarified allegations about his presence at the beach party, saying he was invited as a guest and left the vent “right after dinner with my boyfriend and another friend.”

On Wednesday, PDEA11 regional director Aileen Lovitos denied that there was a “cover-up” in the drug raid.

Lovitos said Tupas was not included in the list of personalities who will be arrested, but stressed that the former Davao CIO will also be investigated. (PNA)

ber 31, 2021.

For the remainder of LGUs, NVOC set its target to 70 percent of the total population with at least one dose by December 31, 2021; and 50 percent of the total population fully vaccinated by December 31, 2021. In the 26 baragays, Dahican has the highest ratio of vaccinated population compared to the number of residents. Dahican — 66.72 percent Matiao — 60.76 percent Central — 58.93 percent DEL — 55.37 percent Bobon — 54.90 percent Lawigan — 53.70 percent Tamisan — 53.61 percent Taguibo — 51.23 percent Dawan — 49.87

percent Sainz — 47.31 percent Danao — 46.25 percent Libudon — 45.14 percent Buso — 43.24 percent Badas — 41.83 percent Culian — 40.73 percent Luban — 39.54 percent Lanca — 36.45 percent DSL — 34.37 percent DMM — 32.93 percent Sanghay - 32.13 percent Tagbinonga — 29.02 percent Tagabakid — 28.87 percent Mayo — 25.64 percent Macambol — 23.29 percent Cabuaya — 22.77 percent Mamali — 22.66 percent.

As of November 11, there are 52,918 remaining Matinians to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity in our community. (CIO MATI)

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DistrictOfficehasalready distributed assistance to barangays 2a, 5a, 8a, 9a, and Maa. The lawmaker assuredthatallvictimswill begivenappropriateassisTheFirstCongressional tance.

caused by torrential rains on November 9. The number was based on the partial list obtained from City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

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The major destinations of export products from Davao Region are Japan, China, USA, Korea,

and Malaysia.

“We will see more of Korea in the years to come,” Lopez said.

the following short-term loan programs such as salary loan, calamity loan, salary loan early renewal program, emergency loan, and restructure loans un-

der the Loan Restructuring Program implemented from 2016 to 2019 may avail of this condonation program”, Quayle said. (PIA XI/FGM)

Monthly growth was led by the passenger car segment, which rose 15.9 percent, while sales growth of commercial vehicle cars was almost flat at 0.3 percent.

“Based on the October 2021 sales performance, the auto industry remains strong and will certainly surpass last year’s overall performance,” CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez said in a statement.

However, industry sales year-on-year declined by 9.8 percent from 25,023

units in October 2020.

“Likewise, we continue to discuss relevant issues with the government aimed at ensuring full recovery of the industry as the country’s economic growth outlook is upgraded,” Gutierrez added.

The entire industry, including importers, aims to end the year with 295,400 unit sales.

The group of vehicle importers reported 43,957 units sold from January to September this year. (PNA)

He said their main goal is to assist the exhibitors, which comprise 16 food processors and eight homestyle and wearable manufacturers, to generate PHP10 million in sales from more than 5,000 buyers, or a target of at least 1,000 daily.

Seven of them are from this city, five each from South Cotabato and North Cotabato, four from Sultan Kudarat, and three from Sarangani.

The products that will be featured include fashion bags and accessories, banana chips, coffee, various processed fruits, processed aquamarine, face masks, face mask holder, embroidered shirts, personal protective equipment, tote bags, Tnalak bags and fashion accessories, mangosteen food supplements, dairy-based food items, and souvenirs and novelty items.

As part of the innovations, Orfrecio said they will hold online live selling events via Facebook to complement the faceto-face fair.

It will be conducted per province through the DTI-12 Facebook page starting 6 p.m. from November 16 to 20, he said.

Aside from the trade fair, he said they will come up with a special setup display for over 50 products made by MSMEs that were sup-

ported by their business development programs.

He cited the OTOP or “One Town, One Product” NextGen, DTI Cart, Great Women Project 2, Rapid Growth Project, Youth Entrepreneurship Program, and the Shared Service Facility.

Under the “Negosyo sa Dose” component, he said there will be various side activities and webinars that are aimed to develop and improve the entrepreneurial mindset, technical capacity and promote the exchange of ideas by the participants.

Jude Constantine Jaugan, director of DTI-Region 12, said they organized Yaman Dose Trade Expo to help sell the region and its products to more buyers as well as investors.

He said it is also aimed to encourage the creation of more MSMEs and the development of more world-class products from the region.

The official said the trade fair will help widen the market base of local products and make them more competitive in the domestic and global markets.

“We hope that this year’s Yaman Dose will be able to achieve its main objective to help make our MSMEs stronger, better, and able to deal with the challenges posed by the pandemic,” he said. (PNA)

tors whenever oil prices go up.

The Social Impact Stabilization Fund will be funded by a charge of PHP2 per liter of diesel and gasoline when global prices reach lower than USD45 per barrel of crude.

“The government

manifested in our hearings that the problem with asking for a subsidy that is larger than their PHP1 billion fund for PUVs (public utility vehicles) is the lack of sources. This one answers it for future oil price problems,” he said. (PNA)

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among air-conditioned bus drivers, and 13.8 percent among commuters.

In March 1999, the British Medical Journal quoted Dr. Miguel Celdran, a pediatrician at the Makati Medical Center, saying: “About 90 percent of my patients have respiratory illness, and we’re seeing babies as young as two months suffering from asthma. Twenty years ago, this was unheard of.”

The Philippine Pediatric Society surveyed doctors and asked them to describe the most common illnesses that they treat.

The doctor’s response was unanimous: diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

One study found urine samples from children living and begging on the polluted streets showed that at least 7% had high lead concentrations.

Many air pollutants – a mix of gases, droplets, and particles – are able to pass through the lungs into the bloodstream and are eventually transported to the heart and the entire body through blood vessels.

“Because the cardiovascular system is dependent on the functioning of the respiratory system, it is also indirectly affected by the deleterious effects of the pollution on the lungs,” the UN health agency explained. “These impacts combined, damage and inflame blood vessels and affect heart function.”

This has been supported by a study published in Lancet. Dutch physician Dr. Gerard Hoek found that those living near a major road have a higher risk of dying than the rest of the population. He concluded that long-term exposure to traffic-released air pollution may shorten life expectancy.

Other studies also revealed that heart attacks, life-threatening heart rhythms, and thickening of the blood can also be traced to exposure to air pollution.

“To make it clear: all these bodily changes spell doom for the Filipinos living in Metro Manila (and other highly-urbanized centers),” warned Dr. Willie T. Ong, a cardiologist and internist. He added that they treat about 400 indigent patients annually in the health center where he sometimes works.

Over four percent of all deaths in the Philippines are attributed to air pollution, according to a World Bank report. The govern-

ment spends about P962 million per year to treat diseases caused by air pollution.

Main culprit Transport continues to be responsible for the premature deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Estimates show that an automobile consumes as much oxygen per month as 1.1235 human beings.

“Although the automobile has done much to improve the life of man, its growing popularity has brought concomitant problems which, ironically, may negate the very benefits that are hoped for,” someone commented.

“The age of the motorcar has also become the age of pollution and energy depletion.”

Stop pollution E nv i ro n m e n t a l i s t s urged everyone to help stop air pollution. In the Philippines, not all people have vehicles but people can contribute something.

They can do it individually.

“At an individual level, a lot can be achieved if we change our behavior,” said a UNEP official.

“Some people may be surprised to hear that households are responsible for around 4.3 million deaths each year. This is because many households burn open fires and use inefficient stoves inside homes, belching out toxic particulate matter, carbon monoxide, lead and mercury.”

Simple actions can also include using public transportation, cycling or walking; reducing household waste and composting; eating less meat by switching to a plant-based diet; and conserving energy.

Every little bit counts in the fight against air pollution. A European study has found that even very small cuts in pollution can benefit health. One research from Harvard University showed that people living in cities where air pollution decreased in recent years saw their life expectancy increase an average of five months as a result of cleaner air.

Fresh air is invigorating.

In his column, Dr. Mendoza wrote: “Good quality clean air may usually be found in abundance in natural outdoor environments, especially around evergreen trees, green plants in mountains and forests, near moving waters such as lakes, oceans, rivers, waterfalls, and after rain.”

Vucevic is averaging 13.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in 11 games this season.

Vucevic was a 2-time All-Star for the Orlando Magic before being dealt to the Bulls at last season’s trading deadline.

The 11-year veteran has career averages of 16.8 points and 10.4 rebounds. He spent his first NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers (2011-12) before spending 8 1/2 seasons the Magic.

lion items sold in a single minute across Southeast Asia.

Shopee is part of global consumer internet firm

Sea Limited, which also has businesses such as digital entertainment through Garena, and digital financial services firm SeaMoney.

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SPORTS

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Raptors top 76ers Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) reacts after his three point score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Reuters

F

red VanVleet scored 32 points, including a clutch 3-pointer with 24.8 seconds remaining, and the Toronto Raptors defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers 115-109 on Thursday.

Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby contributed 20 each and Chris Boucher had 17 for the Raptors, who snapped a threegame losing streak. Scot-

tie Barnes contributed 13 points and nine rebounds.

Pascal Siakam was given the night off by the Raptors to rest his shoul-

der. Siakam has played in only two games after offseason shoulder surgery.

Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 33 points and Tobias Harris returned from a six-game absence due to health and safety protocols to produce 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Seth Curry added 15 points, Shake Milton had 12 and Andre Drummond

grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked four shots.

The Sixers have dropped three in a row immediately following a six-game winning streak.

Philadelphia played without Joel Embiid, Matisse Thybulle and Isaiah Joe all for health and safety protocols. Ben Simmons (personal reasons) has yet to play this season.

Vucevic out after testing positive for Covid-19 C

Vucevic was placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols on Thursday with multiple reports saying he tested positive for COVID-19. Reuters

hicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic was placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols on Thursday with multiple reports saying he tested positive for COVID-19.

The Bulls listed Vucevic as out for Friday’s game against the Golden State Warriors on their injury report.

According to NBC Chicago, Vucevic isn’t traveling for the 5-game Western road trip that starts with the game against the Warriors. He will miss at least 10 days.

Vucevic played 32 minutes during Chicago’s 117-107 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. He had 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The 31-year-old

FVUCEVIC, P10

Pacers topple Jazz

M

alcolm Brogdon scored a gamehigh 30 points and the Indiana Pacers ended a four-game road trip with a 111-100 victory over the Utah Jazz in a wild game Thursday night in Salt Lake City.

A night after losing at Denver against a Nuggets team that was playing without suspended MVP Nikola Jokic, the Pacers seemed at a disadvantage against a Jazz team with all of its starters and a spotless home record entering the night.

Utah, however, finished the game without three of its key players after Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Joe Ingles were ejected following a fracas that also resulted in the Pacers losing starting center Myles Turner for the final four minutes.

With Indiana leading 102-92 -- after taking the lead for good in the second quarter -- Gobert and Turner got involved in a physical tit-for-tat that threatened to devolve into a large brawl at the 4:01 mark of the fourth quarter. The ruckus began when Turner hit a driving Gobert from behind under the basket.

Officials didn’t call a foul, and a frustrated Gobert tugged at Turner’s shorts. Gobert got up

and began running down the court when he was hit from behind by Turner. The two players then grabbed each other and began grappling.

Players from both sides rushed toward the two bigs, with Mitchell and Ingles appearing to be the most agitated and needing to be restrained.

Referees reviewed the brouhaha for several minutes before determining that the Jazz trio and Turner had earned early showers. It’s possible the league will levy fines as it did earlier in the week when Jokic and Markieff Morris had their even-uglier skirmish.

Brogdon hit a pair of the three technical free throws, and the Pacers cruised to their second road win in eight tries.

Wrestling match aside, the Pacers showed from the first quarter that they weren’t just going to lay over despite being on a road back-to-back against one of the best teams in the NBA. Indiana held a 32-30 lead after the first quarter, and then used a Brogdon-sparked 11-2 spurt to regain the edge from the Jazz and take a 60-51 lead to the locker room against a Utah team that didn’t play up to its usual defensive standards.

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The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will celebrate“World Kindness Day”with a special episode in the agency’s Rise Up Shape Up.

PSC exec emphasizes kindness in sports T

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will celebrate “World Kindness Day” with a special episode in the agency’s Rise Up Shape Up web series on Saturday, Nov. 13.

“Sports may be competitive, but there is kindness always present,” PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram said in a news release on Thursday.

The commissioner incharge of the program cited players who help pick up opponents when they tumble and fall or opposing teams cheering on and congratulating each other after a tough match, as good examples.

“Outside of competitive games and playing fields, our athletes exercise kindness by giving back to their communities. Sports build on good characteristics, including kindness,” Kiram said.

Kiram will feature the history of World Kindness Day in “K-Isport” segment.

The special episode will have wellness advocate and book author of The Soul Speaks and A Gift: A Spiritual Journey on Love, Grace Eleazar, to speak about the value of kindness in building better connections. She will be joined by the chief of the Philippine Army’s Operations Research Center Col. Harold Cabunoc who will share insights on how kindness is being practiced in the sports setting.

Also in the webisode are athletes Coline Biron from Muay Thai, Aina Nicole dela Cruz, and Shara Julia Jizmundo of Pencak Silat, along with military personnel Col. Honey Royse Tubino, Sgt. Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Technical Sgt. Usman Anterola. (PR)