Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 211 | Friday, November 19, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 211 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

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NEW LEADER Sara accepts chairmanship of Lakas-CMD STORY ON PAGE 2

Even though the government already eased the restriction on the use of face shield, some still use it for added layer of protection like this elderly woman who is attending a community gathering but failed to wear it correctly defeating its purpose as a shield against airborne particles of Covid-19. Edge Davao

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VOL.14 ISSUE 211 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio visits tribal leaders of various Indigenous Tribes of Marilog District, Wednesday afternoon. The mayor had a dialogue with the tribal leaders on matters of peace and order, health, preservation of the ancestral domain, and the showcasing of their beautiful and unique culture through cultural toursim. CIO

NEW LEADER Sara accepts chairmanship of Lakas-CMD

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ice Presidential candidate Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is honored to accept the chairmanship of LakasChristian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) and thanked the party for its confidence and trust in her.

“Isa pong karangalan para sa akin ang makasama ang mga masisipag at magagaling na mga opisyal at kasapi ng Lakas-CMD Party sa National Council Meeting ngayon araw. Kasabay po ng ating pagtanggap sa posisyon bilang chairperson ng partido, taus-puso

akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong kompyansa at tiwala sa akin,” the mayor said in her message during her installation at the party’s virtual National Council Meeting held on Thursday.

In her message shared

by Mayor Sara’s political spokesperson Liloan May-

or Christina Frasco to Edge Davao, the mayor said accepting the post means she can no longer say no to the Filipinos who are urging her to run in the national elections.

“Malaki at mahalaga ang ibinigay na suporta ng partido sa akin upang matugunan ko ang hamon ng ating mga kababayan na sumabak sa pambansang pulitika. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko kailanman inakala na darating ang araw na ito.

Masaya po ako sa Davao City. Marami pa sana akong gustong gawin bilang may-

or ng aming siyudad. Pero alam po natin ang nangyari.

Hindi ko na po mahindian ang mga Pilipino. Hindi ko na po mahindian ang Pilipinas,” she said.

The mayor also said she accepted the challenge with the thoughts of Filipinos facing extraordinary challenges in the times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Covid-19 did not only bring deaths, anxiety, and uncertainty to us. It also proved to be an enormous burden to our economy, education, health, and oth-

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Davao Region economy remains robust amidst the pandemic

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avao Region remains to have a robust economy in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic according to an official of Davao Investment Conference 2021 (Davao ICon 2021).

Nicole Bian-Ledesma, co-chair of Davao ICon 2021, said this is based on the discussion, sharing of innovations, and success stories shared by the keynoted speakers and participants of the recently concluded conference.

“The recently concluded Davao ICon have gathered the top industry leaders, the game-changers, both in the private and public sectors and local, national and global investors and businessmen. From the discussion, sharing of innovations and success stories, what is apparent is that Davao Region remains to have a robust economy amidst the pandemic - Davao still remains to be the 5th biggest economy in Mindanao as of last year,”

Ledesma told Edge Davao.

The conference highlighted Davao Region’s diversified economy with existing major investments in the real estate, manufacturing, tourism and agribusiness industries.

The hybrid conference featured Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez who talked about Agro-Processing and Manufacturing Opportunities in Davao Region; Aboitiz Equity Ventures president and chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz highlighted 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.

Ayala Land Inc. chair-

wo doctors who are also members of the regional lawmaking body Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) have filed a bill seeking the establishment of big drug abuse rehabilitation centers across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In an interview by reporters Wednesday, Members of Parliament (MPs) Dr. Bashary Latiph and Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas, minister and deputy minister, respectively, of the BARMM’s Ministry of Health (MOH) said their

sponsored measure seeks to provide a comprehensive abuse treatment and rehabilitation services to drug dependents suffering from the effects of harmful substances in the region.

They filed the bill on Tuesday before the BTA plenary.

Latiph said the proposed measure, docketed as Parliament Bill 152, pursues the formation of government residential and non-residential drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers with the primary goal of giving

Marilog vax sked for lumad T a positive sign: Mayor Sara T he Vaccine Cluster of Davao COVID-19 Task Force has scheduled a vaccination rollout for the indigenous people (IP) population of Marilog District on November 19, 2021, as part of the Davao City government’s efforts to achieve herd immunity before the year ends.

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte bared this on November 15 during the

87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

“Dunay undercurrents of kahadlok ang mga tawo kani sa dili pag sinabtanay sa mga tribo, problema sa mga yuta diha sa Marilog involved myembro sa tribo (There are undercurrents of fear among residents there due to a misunderstanding of tribes, land conflict in Marilog involving tribe members),” she said

of some reasons behind the lumad’s hesitance to get vaccinated.

The Vaccine Cluster has earlier observed a low turnout of vaccinees from the IP community.

Mayor Duterte said the security cluster of the Davao COVID-19 Task Force, led by the Public Safety Security Command Center (PSSCC), made some interventions in the area.

She said, “Ang desisyon man gud sa pagpabakuna (The decision to get vaccinated) is made in the moment nga mulingkod ngadto (that they sit there at the vaccination site). At least they agreed to set a schedule, that’s a positive sign.”

The mayor said a similar vaccination rollout will also be set in Paquibato District to cater to more lumad.

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BARMM doctors file bill to create huge drug rehabilitation centers

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NEWS

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Presidential aspirant Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go poses in front of a Malasakit Center logo with Willie Revillame during the launching of 149th Malasakit Center at San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital in Malabon City. A local political bloc in Cebu City expressed its support for and endorsed Senator Go for president in the 2022 elections. Handout

TF warns parents: Kids 11 yo and below vulnerable to Covid-19 Transport leader shot dead in Davao del Sur

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n unidentified gunman killed a transport leader while the latter was walking on his way back to his residence in Purok 9-A Bonifacio, Super Highway, Barangay Aplaya, Digos City, Davao del Sur at around 7p.m Wednesday (November 17).

Police Lt. Col. Hamlet Lerios, Digos City chief of police, said the victim, Ronald Batukael Sabandal, 50, was chairman of

Digos-Padada Transport Cooperative.

Lerios said the victim had sustained a gunshot wound in the back of his head causing his death.

There was no fired cartridge and fired bullet recovered by the authorities in the area, according to Lerios.

Police said they were still investigating the incident and continued to conduct hot pursuit operations against the suspects.

LANDBANK: No ‘ayuda’ in PhilSys registration centers

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he Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) wishes to clarify that the LANDBANK cards being provided for free to unbanked national ID registrants, with no initial deposit required, are not pre-loaded with government subsidy or ‘ayuda’.

The statement comes after crowds expecting for financial assistance turned up at various Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration centers due to false information circulating online.

LANDBANK is co-locating with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the PhilSys rollouts nationwide to provide unbanked registrants with their own transaction accounts to bring more Filipinos into the formal banking system in support of the National Government’s financial inclusion agenda.

PhilSys registrants without a bank account are encouraged to open a LANDBANK transaction account. The LANDBANK

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Davao City Covid-19 Task Force reminded those parents who bring their 11-year-old and below children to the malls to ensure they have an extra layer of protection as they are still unvaccinated and still vulnerable to Covid-19.

Davao City is currently under Alert Level 2, which means more relaxed restrictions following the continuous decline of Covid-19 cases.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Covid-19

Task Force, said with the easing of restrictions for minors in public establishments, parents and guardians are reminded to take extra precautions in bringing their children to crowded places like malls.

“Gentle reminder lang sa mga parents because sa Alert Level 2, dili na restricted ang paggawas sa mga kabatan-onan pero reminder lang gyud sa atoang mga parents labi na gyud tong mga 11 years old below, kay wala man tay mga bakuna para sa ilaha, so they do not have an extra layer of protection,” Schlosser said.

Schlosser said parents should be more careful and vigilant in going to crowded

and high-risk places with their 11 years old children.

“Atong mga minors wala na silay sense of responsibility. Dili kaayo ta maka-assure sa ilaha nga constantly ma-wear nila ilang face mask properly, mag-social distancing sila.

Dili sila ing-ana ka responsible towards following of minimum public health standard,” she said.

Under the Alert Level 2

en proclaimed economic zones, one IT center, five IT parks, four manufacturing special ecozones, and three agro-industrial ecozones.

“For the benefit of our manufacturing industry it is also worth noting that 24 economic zones are located in the Davao Region,” he said.

Davao Region also hosts three major seaports: the international port of Davao, Sasa Wharf, and Davao International Container Ter-

minal (DICT), which can accommodate post Panamax vessels that are large vessels with a carrying capacity generally above 15,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit).

“Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan of 2017 to 2022, the rural agro-industrial enterprise partnership for inclusive development popularly known as RAPID Growth Project used to trigger agro enterprise development in the rural

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Davao Region thrives with various investment opportunities: DTI

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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Davao Region is thriving with various investment opportunities in the sectors of agri-production and processing, food and non-food, export-oriented, and manufacturing.

“Davao Region is known as the fruit basket of the Philippines and the region’s economy predominantly anchored at trade and agro-industry,” Lopez said during the recent Davao Investment Conference 2021 (Davao

ICon 2021).

Other investment opportunities in Davao Region are also found in tourism development, tourism services, transportation and logistics, support industries, technical laboratory, packaging, mineral processing, and IT-BPO (Information Te c h n o l o g y- B u s i n e s s Process Outsourcing).

He also mentioned the 24 economic zones located in the Davao Region of which 17 are operating economic zones, sev-

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The “liba-liba” or Danish seine fishing method – which has been banned because it is destructive to coral reefs, seagrass beds and other marine habitat – is back, spotted between the municipality of Del Carmen in Siargao Island and Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte on Tuesday (16 November 2021). MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

Corn-based cluster farms pushed in Soccsksargen

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for the development of corn-based cluster farms in parts of Region 12 (Soccsksargen) to improve production and the income of local farmers.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar disclosed the move on Wednesday as he vowed to work on the replication in the region of the newly launched agro-industrial development program of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) in Lanao del Sur. He led on Tuesday morning the grand launching of the project, which is under the Mindanao Special Economic Zone, in Amai Manabilang and Wao, Lanao del Sur.

Proponents Lanao Del Sur Corn Development Corporation and its partner, American company Asia Pacific Precision Agriculture Group (ASPAC AG), formally started the implementation of the project’s “mechanized and precision in agriculture technology.”

Dar said the initiative mainly focuses on the production of yellow corn and silage for Halal through modern methods.

He said some 2,000 hectares of corn farms in

the area are targeted for the initial rollout out of SPDA’s 26,000 hectares of contiguous parcels of lands in both municipalities.

The corn harvests will be absorbed by feed company Lamsan, Inc., which has a plant in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao, while the Halal corn silage will be marketed to Arab countries, he said.

“It’s a good setup, ASPAC AG is funding everything.

They bring their own capital, machinery, technology, and anything that has something to do with the project, including the construction of warehouses for production,” Dar said in a press conference here.

The official said they

PH remains key market for smart grid technology

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ith the push for grid modernization, the Philippines remains an important market for smart grid technology, G&W Electric Company regional sales manager for Asia Pacific North Enriko Camacho said.

“We have been doing business with the different (distribution) utilities here and I can say that the

large chunk of our Asia Pacific market is coming from the Philippines,” Camacho said in a press conference Wednesday.

He said the country comprises 60 percent of G&W Electric’s Asian market.

Camacho said G&W Electric has been partnering with major distribution utilities and electric cooperatives in the coun-

try to provide products and solutions for grid technology.

The firm’s regional vice president Giin Sia said there are still opportunities in the Philippine market for smart grid technology with the government’s effort to energize the entire nation and asset modernization to prevent power outages

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are hoping to also bring the same investor, ASPAC AG, to Soccsksargen, “which has also some good areas devoted to corn production.”

The region is among the biggest producers of yellow corn in the country at 1.2 million metric tons (MT) annually and a production area of over 400,000 hectares.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the region produced 342,811.98 MT, the second biggest in the country, with a harvested area of 120,950 hectares. The average production was at 2.83 MT per hectare.

Dar said Soccsksargen farmers could learn from the farm clustering and consolidation system adopted

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LANDBANK: Cards given to nat’l ID registrants not loaded with ‘ayuda’

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and Bank of the Philippines clarified on Wednesday that the ATM cards it issues to registrants of the National ID are not preloaded with government subsidy or “ayuda.”

LANDBANK said it is issuing this clarification “after crowds expecting for financial assistance turned up at various Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration centers due to false information circulating online.”

The govern-

ment-owned bank has been issuing ATM cards to people who registered for the PhilSys ID who are unbanked or do not yet have a bank account. These LANDBANK cards are provided for free and do not require an initial deposit, the bank said.

“As of 31 October 2021, LANDBANK has onboarded 6.14 million unbanked PhilSys registrants for their own transaction accounts from 1,296 registration sites in 62 provinces nationwide,” the bank said.

made the statement amid “emerging concern on the active participation of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the said games.”

“Offshore betting, or bets coming from players abroad, even if from Filipinos, are not allowed in e-sabong,” it said.

The gaming regulator added that its regulatory framework provides, in part, that the e-sabong platform shall not accept bets emanating from outside the

Philippines and shall not be accessible in any way whatsoever outside the Philippines.

“To ensure that this standard is met, applicants for e-sabong operations are required to submit a certification from a gaming laboratory attesting that the gaming websites are not accessible outside the Philippines and that Internet Protocol (IP) addresses emanating from other countries are blocked

PAGCOR urges public to report e-sabong websites accessible for betting overseas

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he Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) on Wednesday called on the public to bring to the gaming regulator’s attention online cockfighting or e-sabong websites accessible for betting overseas.

“We request the public to report to PAGCOR those websites which are accessible abroad for our proper disposition,” PAGCOR said in a statement.

The gaming regulator

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ECONOMY

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Davao Investment Conference 2021 (Davao ICon 2021) co-chair Nicole Bian-Ledesma says Davao Region remains to have a robust economy in the middle of Covid-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

DTI 11, FTEB enforce product standards in Davao Region

Biz told to uphold minimum health protocols to avoid another surge

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residential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion has reminded business establishments to uphold minimum public health standards to further control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) despite the easing of alert level systems in some parts of the country, including Metro Manila.

“Business establishments like restaurants, spas and salons should ensure high compliance by allowing only fully vaccinated persons in their indoor spaces... Let us not lose the trust that the government has given us. We all want to move NCR (National Capital Region) to Alert Level 1 in December,” Concepcion said in a statement Wednesday.

Concepcion, who is also the Go Negosyo founder, made the statement as the positivity rate last November 12 rose to 5.5 percent, which is higher than the World Health Organization-recommended positivity level of 5 percent.

He added that although the slight uptick is expected due to more mobility of

people, complacency will be the country’s enemy as it moves toward overcoming the pandemic.

“If we want to keep the economy open, we must do as we promised and enforce these safety measures,” he said.

Meanwhile, starting on Friday, Go Negosyo is premiering “Kandidatalks” that will host presidential candidates and other aspirants for national posts to bare their platforms for the upcoming election.

“Kandidatalks” is a special series of Go Negoshow that will be streamed live on Go Negosyo’s Facebook page.

“Kandidatalks will focus on what the 2022 election holds for the country’s small, medium, and micro entrepreneurs,” the office of the presidential adviser said in a statement.

The online talk aims to know the presidential candidates’ platforms especially on economy and enterprises.

“There are so many MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) in the

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 and the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) conducted extensive monitoring and enforcement of Fair Trade Laws (FTLs), particularly on products under mandatory certification.

Trade Assistant Secretary Ronnel O. Abrenica and the technical experts from the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) led the team in visiting several establishments selling construction materials across

Davao Region last November 8 to 12.

The said activity was done to ensure that the products available in the market are of high quality and safe to use, and in accordance with the stan-

dards and technical regulations.

Fifty-seven hardware stores were monitored in the region. Nine were in Davao Oriental, 17 in Davao del Norte, 11 in Davao de Oro, seven in Davao City, and 13 in Davao del Sur. Out of the total establishments monitored, 24 of them were found to have violative products. Thus, DTI11 and FTEB issued them notices of violation (NOVs), while the products in question were sealed

inside the respective establishments.

DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi explained that the sealed products shall not be sold to the public, pending the result of the investigation.

“Based on the report from the team, among the common violations found during the monitoring and enforcement were the absence of the required standard markings and

data management to help MSMEs monitor their sales and cash inflows, among others, without buying expensive software intended for these tasks.

“That is already something we are working on.

We are creating a special dashboard for our merchants, which will combine the sales, the collections, (and) the projected sales.

If the merchant is creating payment links, which will be used in the future, it will

be there,” he said.

Soliman said these tasks can easily be done by software being sold by international database management companies like Oracle.

However, he said software for this purpose is expensive and cannot be easily purchased by MSMEs. “But from the mobile app perspective, you can see if there are going to be gaps in funding, if there are any surpluses, and you act

immediately. If there may be gaps, you might need to borrow money for a special payment you need to do,” he added.

Unionbank has launched its UPay system for MSMEs, an inward payment platform that is built within the bank’s MSME banking app.

Soliman said MSMEs using such banking app need not check all their other mobile apps if their cus-

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Bank forms special dashboard to allow traders to monitor ops

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icro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are set to benefit from a special dashboard being created by a local bank within its mobile app that will allow business owners to monitor their sales and cashflows.

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, Union Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank) vice president and customer segment management head Jaypee Soliman said they are “big” on

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In saying that Davao Region is thriving with various investment opportunities in the sectors of agri-production and processing, food and non-food, export-oriented, and manufacturing:

Davao Region is known as the fruit basket of the Philippines and the region’s economy predominantly anchored at trade and agro-industry.”

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez

EDITORIAL Kids are not Covid-proof Throughput the pandemic, parents have been able to draw some comfort in the fact that there is only a small proportion of children among COVID-19 cases worldwide.

COVID-19 than adults. In most cases the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, which can include fever and cough, but also milder cases of pneumonia sometimes requiring hospitalization, according to a report.

However, things changed when the world met a new foe -- the Delta strain, which has become the dominant strain in many countries.

Because of this, Covid-19 has increasingly infected children and young people in numbers that may challenge the idea that the youngest members of society face minimal risk from COVID-19.

Hence, the city government must continue its advocacy to get everyone vaccinated including young children. Now, if they have not received their jabs just yet, it is prudent to keep them safely tucked at home or when outdoors, that they are educated with the proper health practice.

This fact has prompted most of us to believe that children are less vulnerable to the virus that causes Covid-19.

According to reports, while children do catch the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19, the data internationally has consistently reported the lowest rates are in children. Pre-school and primary school age children in particular appear less likely to acquire the infection. Data also suggests that children tend to have less severe cases of

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Children need to be taught to be fully aware that they need to get themselves protected at all times. It starts with parents and adults educating them or teaching them to be wary at all times that they have their protective gear on where necessary.

Again, that responsibility begins with parents and adults.

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

Still, it leads us to the conclusion that children are Covid-proof. They are not.

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!

ECSTATIC ON ECSTASY A drug is defined as “any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, relief, treatment or prevention of disease or intended to affect the structure or function of the body.” A simpler but workable definition of a drug is any chemical substance that affects the body and its processes.

“By law, drugs are divided into two categories: prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

“Prescription drugs – those considered safe for use only under medical supervision – may be dispensed only with a prescription from a licensed professional with governmental privileges to prescribe.”

Non-prescription drugs, on the other hand, are those considered safe for use without any medical supervision (like aspirin, for instance). Oftentimes, these drugs are sold over-the counter.

To some people, the word “drug” means a substance that alters the brain’s function in ways considered pleasurable – a mind-altering substance. These are what the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) as “dangerous drugs” or “illegal drugs.”

Now, you may wonder why I am writing about drugs. It’s be-

cause I am just curious about the report of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) which said that “Philippines remains an attractive (illegal) drug market” and described the country as “a transshipment point for the region.”

This is the reason, said a CNN news report, why banned substances are easy to find. “Street value of drugs in the country is among the cheapest in the region,” referring to Southeast Asia.

The street price of ecstasy, for instance, ranges from P1,000 to P1,500 per tablet, the CNN said.

In the first week of April this year, the Bureau of Customs seized various illegal drugs worth over P3 million in air parcels at different warehouses in Pasay City, according to a news report circulated by Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Among the confiscated drugs was 1,681 tablets of ecstasy which were concealed inside a microwave oven. “Records showed the seized ecstasy was shipped from the Netherlands and consigned to a recipient in Quezon City,” PNA said.

In a recent buy-bust operation conducted by PDEA at Sea Eagle Beach Resort in Purok Manaklay, Barangay Pindasan of Mabini, Davao Oriental, among the illegal

drugs that were obtained by the enforcers were nine plastic bots of liquid ecstasy.

“Ecstasy goes by the names E, Snackies, New Yorkers and Molly.

“The drug, usually made in illegal laboratories, consists of a range of substances that make it dangerous to consume,” said a primer of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). “It comes in the form of tablet, powder or capsule and is usually swallowed, but could also be snorted or injected.”

It is a synthetic drug – known as 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamne (MDMA) – that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions). “Ecstasy is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception,” explains the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Initially, it was popular in the nightclub scene and at all-night dance parties. The popular nickname Molly (slang for “molecular”) often refers to the supposedly “pure” crystalline powder form of MDMA usually sold in capsules.

“However, people who purchase powder or capsules sold

as Molly often actually get other drugs such as synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”) instead,” NIDA says. Some people take MDMA in combination with other drugs such as alcohol or marijuana.

Ecstasy is popular among young professionals as it increases the activity of three brain chemicals: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Dopamine, NIDA says, produces increased energy/activity and acts in the reward system to reinforce behaviors. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, increases heart rate and blood pressure, which are particularly risky for people with heart and blood vessel problems.

As for serotonin, it affects mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. “It also triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust,” NIDA says. “The release of large amounts of serotonin likely causes the emotional closeness, elevated mood, and empathy felt by those who use MDMA.” Other health effects of ecstasy include nausea, muscle cramping, involuntary teeth clenching, blurred vision, chills and sweating.

According to UNODC, ecstasy clouds a user’s judgment, mak-

ing him/her take more risks, for instance having unsafe sex that could lead a person to contact sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).

The effects last about three to six hours. Many users take a second dose as the effects of the first dose begin to fade.

Over the course of the week following moderate use of the drug, a person may experience the following: irritability, impulsiveness and aggression, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, memory and attention problems, decreased appetite, and decreased interest in and pleasure from sex.

Until now, research results vary on whether ecstasy is addictive. But some people report signs of addiction, including the following withdrawal symptoms: fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, and trouble concentrating.

There are also no specific medical treatments for ecstasy addiction. “Some people seeking treatment for MDMA addiction have found behavioral therapy to be helpful,” NIDA says. “Scientists need more research to determine how effective this treatment option is for addiction to MDMA.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

OF DAVAO BUGS AND WEEVILS History is not exclusive to persons, events, and places; it also involves the ecosystem. Outside the activism behind issues like Climate Change, single-used plastics, and non-biodegradable matters that often create headlines, the health of the environment defines nature’s health.

In the academe, the discovery of new animals provides a general appreciation on how nature’s survival affects the habitat of denizens that populate it. One of the academic institutions that has made inroads in entomology, i.e., the study of insects, is the Coleoptera Research Center (CRC) of the University of Mindanao (UM) in alliance with other educational institutes.

The CRC, which calls itself as ‘the premier center in the Philippines devoted to the study and conservation of Philippine beetles,’ has, come up with an ex-

panded list of beetles.

It also prides of a collection of 43 ground beetles, five are endemic to the archipelago, namely Pericalus levifrons (Heller, 1916), Mimocolliuris (Mimocolliuris) bakeri (Liebke, 1933), Catascopus elegans philippinus (Baehr, 2012), Lesticus (Triplogenius) cupreatus (Heller, 1923), and Pheropsophus (Stenaptinus) nigerrimus (Jedlicka, 1935). The set also includes the Mimocolliuris (Mimocolliuris) bakeri, discovered in the town of New Bataan, Davao de Oro, and Catascopus elegans philippinus and Lesticus (Triplogenius) cupreatus, found in Mindanao.

The CRC roster, among others, includes the Metapocyrtus (Orthocyrtus) mansaka sp.n., discovered in Davao de Oro and named after the Mansaka tribe; the Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) zamboanganus

(in honor of Western Mindanao State University, UM’s team ally), discovered in La Paz, Zamboanga; and Thopeutica (Thopeutica) barsevskisi, a tiger beetle species found in Antiquera, Bohol and christened after Dr. Arvids Barsevskis, a coleopterologist from Daugavpils University in Latvia, Europe.

A rare beetle uncovered in Calinan, Davao City was named Metapocyrtus (Orthocyrtus) davaoensis, named in honor of the region while another species, the Metapocyrtus willietorresi, was discovered in 2016 and named after UM’s president Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr. Two other species the Center has documented are Metapocyrtus khueli sp. nov., named after Dr. Yannick Khuel for helping promote research and conservation of Philippine biodiversity through the National Geographic

Society, and Metapocyrtus salesi sp. nov., named after Dr. Anthony Sales, Department of Science and Technology regional director of Region XI for his contribution to the advancement of beetle research.

The National History Collection of the University of Edinburgh (Scotland), with its over 300-year-old corpus of zoological and biological specimens, highlights the value of beetles, saying: ‘Many beetles are serious pests: bark beetles can cause great harm to trees; some other species can infest foodstuffs whilst chafers and leaf beetles can cause serious harm to crops. In contrast to this, many beetles are beneficial and play an important role as nutrient recyclers returning organic matter through multitrophic interactions, which contribute

to soil fertility. This great diversity and ability to adapt, along with being a key component in the workings of the biosphere, make beetles one of the most abundant and successful of all insects.’

Meanwhile, a flower species identified in scientific journals of Hoya indaysarae is named after Davao city mayor Sara ‘Inday’ Duterte-Carpio.

Outside the center’s initiatives, a snout beetle, a flightless weevil named Metapocyrtus bronsi sp. nov. was discovered in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary of Davao Oriental in a collaborative effort of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Central Mindanao University (CMU).

Through its discoveries and breakthroughs, the CRC has revived interest in beetle-mania.

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EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO ARTS AND CULTURE

FLIGHT OF FRUITS FOR THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE

The original artworks are reprinted on gift cards & sold as a set.

While the city’s fruit trade is flourishing, the Philippine Eagle is still facing challenges in the light of environmental degradation and climate change.

Good thing, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) is taking up the fight to preserve our living national treasure.

Fighting for the Philippine Eagle is not an easy thing to do and with the almost two-yearlong pandemic, finding funds for the upkeep of the Philippine Eagle Foundation Center has been a challenge. Thankfully, assistance came through the wings of artists last year, with the first edition of ArtFund/ PEF: Flowers for Feathers.

Participated in by 11 Davao artists who donated paintings of Davao flowers and organized by follow lifestyle writer Jinggoy Salvador. The art sale was able to raise a generous amount for the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

With the pandemic’s end not yet in sight, another fund-

“Marang” by Rodney Yap.

Durianburg is known for its natural beauty and bounty. Top of mind is the city’s markets flowing with local flowers and fruits, Mt. Apo which dominates the city’s skyline, and the Philippine Eagle which calls the city and the island of Mindanao its home.

Artists participating featured on ArtFund/PEF: Fruits for Flowers. Anthony Serafin, Mary anne Guinoo, Lito Pepito Rodney Yap & Saldy Mascardo II.

raising project through art is in the works with five artists, namely Lito Pepito, Rodney Yap, Anthony Serafin, Saldy Mascardo and Mary Anne Guinoo, coming together to hold a “Kaymito” by Lito Pepito. second edition of ArtFund/PEF tion serves to help our national titled Fruits for Flowers. bird thrive” shared Mary Anne “The plight of the PhilipGuinoo. pine Eagle is close to my heart Pepito said “it’s a longand every bit of help I can give ing for us artists where we can to the Philippine Eagle Founda- be of help in our little way that

is truly meaningful, and can be counted as a little legacy we can be a model to our budding artist. We want to help save and protect our endangered Philippine Eagle in captivity nourished and bring back to its natural habitat.”

Making art more accessible for everyone, ArtFund/ PEF: Fruits for Flowers features 10 postcard-sized art cards and sold as a limited set featuring all ten works featuring local fruits by the participating artists.

Also included in the bundle is a cover card, a note from the Philippine Eagle Foundation thanking each and every donor for their contribution on the preservation of the country’s National Bird and communities

“Rambutan” by Mary Anne Guinoo.

who help guard the forest, and ten white envelopes for the art cards.

I would say that each bundle is the perfect gift or giveaway that, not only helps our national bird, but also gives a glimpse of the Dabawenyo lifestyle and what we cherish, enjoy, and share.

The ArtFunf/Fruits for Feathers limited edition art card sets are now pre-selling at Php 500 per set. To order, message Jinggoy Salvador on FB Messenger. For pick-up or delivery via rider to buyer’s account.

Aside from the featured artists, the second edition of ArtFund/Philippine Eagle Foundation extended its gratitude to Cortess Printing Press; Maricris Brias-Floirendo of T’nalak Home; Joji Ilagan-Bian and Nicole B. Ledesma; and Milvene Mineses of Simply Gray who made the project possible.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 211 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

A biker’s haven

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ycling has suddenly become cool in a big way as we navigate the pandemic. A healthy, and low impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, biking has emerged as a favorite way of transportation especially during the community quarantine days, when major transportations are not allowed to operate. Many communities have also allocated bike lanes for those who prefer to pedal their way around the city.

The good news is that The SM Store now has cool gear for bike enthusiasts in its Men’s Accessories Department. These include bikes, as well as safety helmets, multi-purpose masks, gloves, repair kits, lights, bags, and cargo nets to keep us safe and stylish on the road.

There are Mountain Bikes designed for off-road cycling mountain trails, single track, fire roads, and other unpaved surfaces; as well as lightweight and sportive Road Bikes built for traveling at speed on paved roads. Bike enthusiasts will also enjoy trying out Gravel/ Adventure bikes, Utility bikes, E-bikes, Triathlon bikes, Tandem bikes, Park bikes and Kids bikes.

Urban planner, cycling advocate, and founder of active transport advocacy group MNL Moves, Aldrin Pelicano shares with us tips to anyone before going on a ride or who wants to give biking a start.

Here are his must-haves: • Helmets. “Investing in a good helmet is always worth it,” says Aldrin. “When choosing a helmet, always look for the Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) sticker inside. This ensures you’ll be offered a high level of protection if you do end up in a crash.”

• Bike Lights. It is import-

Be the coolest cycling buddy with this multi-purpose bicycle top tube bag. Features a phone holder, an insulated side pocket, a reflectorized strip for safety precaution, and a transparent PVC cellphone compartment.

ant to see and be seen when you’re out on the road, and Aldrin advises us to “choose a white bike light in front and red bike light for the back.

High visibility (hi-viz) clothes or vest and straps can also help for you to be visible especially in low-light conditions or at night.”

• Repair Kits. “Don’t go out on a ride, whether short or long, without your tool kit,” says Aldrin. “A good kit should include spare tube/s and/or patch kit, pump, tire levers and cycling multi-tool.”

• A Bike bag – “It’s a good idea to bring essentials like IDs, money, mask, face shield (if you will go to an indoor place, closed venue), food and water,” says Aldrin. And find yourself a good bag for all your stuff.

• A Water bottle – “If your bike has eyelets,” says Aldrin.” it would be good to get a bottle cage so you can bring water bottles for hydration.”

• Wear as you ride – How do you dress the part? Some advice from Aldrin: “You don’t have to wear cycling jerseys to make trips on a bicycle. As long as it’s comfortable and will help you ride safely, any clothes should do it. Also, “don’t underestimate the sun so it’s also good to wear some protection like arm sleeves

This Bicycle Handle Bar Bag with cellphone pouch creates an easy access to tools, maps, snacks, camera or cell-

Make cycling viable every day for travel, work, and for fun with Zonixx’s space saver and steel framed compact foldable bikes with adjustable seatpost, suspension fork, mechanical disc brakes, 26” wheels and 21 in speed, that can be easily kept and stored.

Available at the Men’s Accessories Department at The SM Store.

AT THE SM STORE

Stay digital and connected while biking with these soft, durable, and flexible touch screen gloves . Available at Men’s Accessories Department at The SM Store.

Cycling advocate, Aldrin Pelicano shares that it is important to“Wear as you ride”when you bike.

Urban planner, cycling advocate, and founder of active transport advocacy group MNL Moves, Aldrin Pelicano. and sunglasses.”

Bike lovers and enthusiasts, like Aldrin, can visit The SM Store Men’s Accessories Department to check out their latest bike collections, as well as accessories, safety kits and gears, and other must-haves that can be used while going on a ride.

Go faster but stop harder when needed with Gausit’s Hydraulic Mountain Bike with aluminum alloy frame, lock out fork, 27.5 wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and has a 24 speed and adjustable seatpost.

Available at the Men’s Accessories Department at The SM Store.

You can also check out these collection and other more fashion finds online at https://bit.ly/3Eyi50K and chat and shop at m.me/SMFashionMen These bike collection is all available at The SM Store Men’s Fashion Accessories Department.

Durable, large wheels, powerful suspension brakes, and straight handle bars are what make the Hiland Mountain Bike XT275 so popular when it comes to performance.

Available at Men’s Accessories Department at The SM Store.

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Illuminate your night rides with this all-purpose and easy to install Plastic Bike LED Head and Tail Light Each set features headlight, taillight, front lamp stand, and a rear lamp stand that serves as warning lights.

This halfdome bike helmet with an aerodynamic design, Keep your smoothly curves around arms dry, cool, your head for great fit and protection as and protected well as the detachable mask and gogwhile cycling gle with HD lenses with high density on a hot and sponge and anti-slip band. humid day with these breathable, compressive, anti-UV, and quick drying cycling arm sleeves. Available at Men’s Accessories Department at The SM Store.

This Hiland Mountain Bike XT290 is a great companion especially for those who live in a place with great biking trails because of its durability and powerful suspension brakes.

The Zonixx Mountain Bike 29er is made up of an alloy frame with Shimano front and rear derailleur.

Lightweight Zonixx Road Bike with alloy frame and Shimano Tourney TZ50 front and rear Derailleur provides comfort while on the ride with 21 speed and 700 x 23c tires.

Bike in style with this multi-purpose and washable cotton Bandana Camouflage Mask with an ear loop.

This Balaclava in tribal and fire print keeps the wearer warm and dry as it covers the head and lower part of the face and prevents fogging on goggles.

Be on the safe side with this stylish reflectorized vest with a reflective strap, high impact buckle, and fully adjustable size that fits all body types.

Available in different colors at the Men’s Accessories Department at The SM Store.

phones for bikers.

AXCS Outdoor’s battery operated Bicycle LED Torch set keeps you safe during night time. It includes 5 pcs white LED, 5 pcs red LED, a flashlight, and a battery.

It’s a beautiful ride with comfort and ease with Zonixx’s Infinity Mountain Bike, the great all-around bike. Available at the Men’s Accessories Department at The SM Store.

Be equipped with safety and protection with this AXCS Outdoor bicycle repair kit bag that includes a bicycle pump, tire patches, lever, and file, combination tool, a glue, rubber tubes, and a pin.

Ride in style with this Zonixx 29er, 24 speed, alloy with suspension lockout and 19” hydraulic frames. Available at Men’s Accessories Department at The SM Store.

Get your items secured with this light, stretchable and transparent Cargo net.

Made up of heavy-duty material and can accommodate loads of different sizes.

SEC clears offerings by Citicore Energy Reit, Figaro Coffee Group, Arthland

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has considered favorably the initial public offerings (IPO) by Citicore Energy REIT Corp. (CREIT) and Figaro Coffee Group, Inc., as well as the preferred share offer by Arthaland Corporation.

In its meeting on November 16, the Commission En Banc resolved to render effective the registration statements of CREIT covering 6,545,454,004 common shares; Figaro Coffee Group of 5,011,005,003 common shares; and Arthaland covering up to 6 million series D preferred shares, subject to certain remaining requirements.

CREIT CREIT is a real estate investment trust (REIT) sponsored by Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC) and Citicore Solar Tarlac 1, Inc. The IPO will include up to 1,047,272,000 primary shares priced at up to P3.15 per share, plus 1,741,660,000 secondary

shares to be offered by selling shareholder CREC, that has an oversubscription option of up to 418,339,000 shares. The shares will be listed and traded on the Main Board of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

CREIT expects to net up to P3.17 billion from the primary offer, which will be used for the acquisition of properties in Bulacan and South Cotabato.

Meanwhile, CREC will receive the entire proceeds from the secondary offer, which could amount to P6.61 billion, assuming the overallotment option is fully exercised. This shall be reinvested in the Philippines, pursuant to the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9856, or the Real Estate Investment Trust Act of 2009.

New investors will corner 49% of CREIT’s issued and outstanding shares, while existing shareholders will retain 51%, assuming the full exercise of the overallotment option.

As mandated by law, CREIT shall redistribute to shareholders at least 90% of its annual distributable income as dividends. The distributable income refers to the company’s net income as adjusted for unrealized gains and losses/expenses and impairment losses, and other items in accordance with internationally accepted accounting standards. It excludes proceeds from the sale of the REIT’s assets that are reinvested in the REIT within one year from the date of sale.

The offering will run from November 26 to December 3, in time for the shares to be listed on the PSE on December 13, according to the latest timetable submitted to the SEC. Formerly Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources, Inc., CREIT aims to focus on income-generating renewable energy real estate properties, including land and properties used for harnessing power.

The company owns the Clark

Solar Power Plant operating on land leased from the Clark Development Corporation, pursuant to a 25-year lease which will expire in September 2039.

CREIT tapped Unicapital Inc. and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation as joint global coordinators for the offer. Unicapital will likewise serve as lead underwriter and issue manager. BDO Capital will serve as lead local underwriter alongside PNB Capital and Investment Corporation, while Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines will act as participating underwriter.

The company also engaged CIMB Investment Bank Bhd and CLSA Limited as international bookrunners.

FIGARO COFFEE GROUP Figaro will offer to the public up to 1,260,000,000 common shares priced at up to P1.28 per share, with an overallotment option of up to 126,000,000 shares. The

shares will be listed and traded on the Main Board of the PSE. The company expects to net up to P1.69 billion from the offer, assuming the overallotment option is fully subscribed. Proceeds will be used for store openings and renovations, commissary expansion, debt repayment, IT infrastructure developments, and potential acquisitions.

The Liu-led company primarily operates restaurants, coffee shops, and refreshment parlors under the brands Angel’s Pizza, Figaro Coffee, Tien Ma’s, TFG Express, and Café Portofino. It currently owns a total of 90 stores across the five brands.

Figaro’s IPO is expected to run from December 16 to 22, with listing on the PSE scheduled for December 31, based on the latest timetable sent to the Commission.

Figaro engaged Abacus Capital & Investment Corporation, China Bank Capital Corporation and PNB Capital

as joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters, and joint bookrunners for the offer.

ARTHALAND Arthaland will offer to the public up to 4 million series D preferred shares with an offer price of P500 per preferred share, plus an oversubscription option of up to 2 million preferred shares.

The listed property developer expects to net up to P2.96 billion from the offer, assuming the oversubscription option is fully exercised. Proceeds from the follow-on offering will be used for the company’s redemption of its series B preferred shares, as well as to fund additional investments in its subsidiaries.

The preferred shares are expected to be listed on the PSE on November 29, based on the latest timetable submitted to the SEC. Arthaland engaged BDO Capital as the sole issue manager, lead bookrunner, and lead underwriter for the offer.

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EDGEDAVAO

NEW... FROM 2

er sectors and institutions.

Maybe the road to recovery will be a long highway.

And maybe it will be harder than it seems,” she said.

Mayor Sara is optimistic that Lakas-CMD and its party members across the country will never abandon their commitment to the people.

“I am confident that we will continue to be guided by the principles that the party has been built on — good governance, economic development, people empowerment, sustainable development, and social justice,” she said.

The mayor said it is their mission not only to

win the campaign but to win the aspirations of the Filipinos especially the needy, unemployed, farmers, youth, senior citizens, LGBTQs, workers, women, and other sectors that need their help as government officials.

Meanwhile, Lakas-CMD is also reportedly eyeing President Rodrigo Duterte, who is running for Senator under Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), in the party’s senatorial slate in the 2022 national elections.

President Duterte is supporting Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go’s presidential bid under PDDS.

man Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Cebu Landmasters Inc. chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III discussed about real estate by highlighting mixed-use developments.

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

The roundtable discussion was concentrated on Halal Tourism, Agri-Tourism, Medical Tourism, and

Investing in Hotels and Resorts.

Bian said with the success of this year’s Davao ICon and with the gradual but safe reopening of businesses and industries, Davao region will bounce back faster than expected.

“This is expected because of the strong confidence of local entrepreneurs, businessmen and investors and a good partnership between private and public sectors. So Davao will even emerge stronger in the years to come,” she said. By Maya M. Padillo

She also said that the city is rushing to reach herd immunity for the first doses on December 31, 2021, as mandated by the national government.

“Atoang strategy gyud karon (Our strategy now) is making the vaccines mobile, pagpangita gyud sa mga tawo nga duna pay hesitancy sa pagpabakuna (looking for those who are still hesitant to get vaccinated). Abri naman ang mga vaccination centers. Naa gihapon sa data ang portion sa mga tawo nga dili magpabakuna. Kining mga tawo dili muadto og vaccination center (The vaccination centers are already open. Our data shows a portion of people who do not want to be vaccinated. They are those who do not want to go to vaccination cen-

ters),” Mayor Duterte said.

Aside from the lumad, the Vaccine Cluster is also looking for other unvaccinated seniors who do not want to go to vaccination centers, who fear vaccination, or those being prevented from going by their family members.

“Why seniors? Sila pinakamataas og deaths, higher risk mamatay sa COVID-19 (They post higher deaths, higher risk to die due to COVID-19) as well as persons with comorbidities, mga naga dialysis ug dunay sakit nga diabetes (those undergoing dialysis and have diabetes),” she added.

As of November 14, Davao City has administered 951,686 first doses or 73.71 percent and 875,080-second jabs or 67.31 percent.CIO

guidelines set by the national pandemic response task force, some establishments or activities are allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those below 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70 percent outdoor venue capacity.

This is provided that all workers/employees of these establishments are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and minimum public health standards (MPSH) shall be strictly observed.

Schlosser reminded the public to continue ob-

serving the minimum public health standard such as wearing masks, frequent hand hygiene, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding mass gathering in 3C settings – crowded places, close contact, and confined and enclosed spaces.

“We cannot be lenient because even though we don’t have severe and critical cases among our minors, naa gihapon tay cases and naa gihapon tay cases of death so dili kaayo ta maging kampanate. Dili ta pwede magpabaya just because nibaba na ang cases because wala pa totally na eradicate ang Covid,” she said.

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drug dependents efficient, effective, highly accessible, and affordable care and services.

“Once approved and established, the centers will provide medical diagnosis, treatment, and management for drug dependents; provide temporary shelter for patients in crisis for not more than 24 hours; provide consultation and counseling, and provide assistance to other rehabilitation services,” he said.

For his part, Abas noted that under the proposed measure, two centers would initially be built in the region, one in Maguindanao and the other in Sulu.

“The MOH-BARMM will examine and recommend the establishment of other centers in other areas shortly thereafter,” he said.

The drug rehabilitation

center in Maguindanao will primarily serve, but not be limited to, the patients from various parts of the mainland provinces and cities of BARMM, including the 63 barangays in North Cotabato, while the center in Sulu will serve patients from the island provinces.

A total of PHP200 million will be appropriated for the establishment of the two centers, including the construction, land development, procurement of equipment, pre-operating expenses, personnel services, maintenance, and other operating expenses.

The BARMM comprises the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi; the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao de Sur, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi, and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato province. (PNA)

card can be used to conveniently manage funds and make financial transactions such as withdraw and send money, shop and pay bills online, among others.

As of 31 October 2021,

LANDBANK has onboarded 6.14 million unbanked PhilSys registrants for their own transaction accounts from 1,296 registration sites in 62 provinces nationwide.

areas. The RAPID Growth Project is almost a P5 billion project that hopes to build commercial partnerships with the micro SMEs corporations, cooperatives, and farming households that will drive agro enterprise development,” Lopez said.

He also said aside from this project one of the proposed projects to be implemented in the Mindanao Region is a Mindanao Agro-enter-

prise Development Project, which is a 100 million dollar project for a sixyear implement starting the year 2023 that aims to enhance economic job opportunities in Mindanao through market-oriented agriculture value chain development.

“DTI is committed to doing agribusiness and the manufacturing sector to reboot and boost the economy,” he said. By Maya M. Padillo

or restricted from accessing such websites,” PAGCOR said.

It said that to bolster the need to uphold the welfare of people who may succumb to the ills of irresponsible gaming, the framework on online betting further provides for the imposition of administrative penalties on operators who fail to comply with set standards and requirements.

“With the institution of these controls, PAGCOR is able to ensure that the interests and welfare of our OFWs and their families are upheld and protected,” it added.

PAGCOR said it was not oblivious to the fact that certain websites are accessible abroad.

“These, if any, are illegal websites operating outside the regulatory authority of PAGCOR,” it said.

country, and they contribute so much to the economy. We would like to know the plans of these national candidates for helping our entrepreneurs,” Concepcion said.

He said the next election will be crucial as there

are several issues that the country is facing amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Leadership will be crucial in ushering the Philippines out of the pandemic and into the path of recovery and growth,” he added.

tomers used one of these to pay for a merchandise or a service since this can be seen through the Unionbank’s MSME mobile app.

“That is the pain point and that is what we’re trying to solve here, all-in-one platform,” he said.

During the same briefing, Unionbank Merchant Acquiring and Payment Gateway head Gerry Austria said Unionbank has put in

place several layers of protection on the data of their mobile app users, both the merchants and buyers.

One of these protections is the security notification that asks users about the accuracy of the information they have typed in for a certain transaction.

Another layer of protection is a one-time password for any payment, he added.

(PNA)

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ro-Guillermo Rigondeaux title match in Carson, California.

Inoue will take on the IBF No. 6 contender Aran Dipaen of Thailand, on December14 in Tokyo, Japan. The bout will be held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, the venue of the Olympics boxing competition.

It is part of a world title doubleheader, and will be Inoue’s first fight in Japan since November 2019 when he defeated Nonito Donaire by unanimous decision in the final of the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight

division.

“Monster” Inoue successfully defended his IBF and WBA bantamweight titles against No. 1 IBF and No. 8 WBA contender Michael “Hot and Spicy” Dasmariñas at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas defense by knocking out Dasmarinas in three rounds to improve his record to 21-0 with 18 KOs. Dipaen is 12-2 with 11 KOs. On the same card, Japan’s Masataka Taniguchi, the WBO’s top-ranked minimumweight, will fight WBO champion Wilfredo Mendez of Puerto Rico.

The game was tight throughout, though the Mavericks usually had a slight advantage. Booker gave the Suns their first lead of the fourth quarter at 87-86 when he made a driving layup with 5:32 left.

Dallas took a 73-68 lead

into the fourth quarter after Trey Burke hit a shot just before the third-quarter buzzer.

The Mavericks held a 46-45 lead at halftime.

Booker had 15 points for the Suns, and Ayton added 10 points and eight rebounds. Porzingis had 14.

by the involved farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in the Lanao del Sur project.

“Cluster farming for corn production will be a shoo-in as a major industry for Region 12,” he said.

The agency has been helping organize farmers into cooperatives or initially as associations to optimize the interventions and assistance that it provides and

those from other government agencies.

This way, he said more support services would be directly rolled out to the FCAs and the local government units.

“We are turning them into cooperatives over time.

So institutional development is necessary now so there will be more collective action,” Dar said. (MindaNews)

due to faults in the grid.

G&W Electric launched its Teros recloser Wednesday that mitigates power disruption and manages reliable electrical service through its high-speed fault isolation.

As a smart grid technology, this does not require the use of oil or gas insulation.

“Teros comes at an

opportune time when countries like the Philippines set their sights on post-pandemic recovery.

Reliable energy is the lifeblood of any economy so the Philippines needs to ensure that utilities of every size have automated equipment to protect infrastructure and minimize long power outages,” Sia said. (PNA)

the non-compliance to the prescribed weight of the products. Most were underweight,” the regional trade official shared.

The monitoring and enforcement team focused on the markings of the products that included the sanitary wares, conduit pipes, steel wires, angle bars, steel bars, cement, and some electrical products. Also, to further ensure the quality of the steel bars, a few physical tests such as weighing and measuring were conducted. The team also gathered samples for further testing in the BPS laboratory.

Products under mandatory certification must have the necessary marks on them, apart from the certification they possess.

The Philippine Standard mark is issued to locally produced products, while the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark is

for the foreign-sources products. The BPS-approved logo is likewise required.

Ambi said that amid the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy, the DTI11 and FTEB have continued to protect consumers by preventing the proliferation of substandard and uncertified products in the market.

“While the latest monitoring activity aimed to ensure that only quality products reach the market, it was also done to increase the level of awareness on the rights and responsibilities among the consumers. We want to educate the retailers on the existing standards and technical regulations being implemented for the products under mandatory certification,” Ambi said, adding that the agency will remain true to its commitment to champion consumers. DTI11/ RBA/jmm

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Tennis star Roger Federer will miss the 2022 Australian Open.

Suns stretch streak to 10

P

HOENIX — Devin Booker scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton had 19 points and 13 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns ran their winning streak to 10 games, beating the Dallas Mavericks, 10598, on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time).

Chris Paul drove to the basket and was about to fall out of bounds before finding Ayton for the dunk and a 100-96 lead with 1:27 left. Paul had seven assists in the fourth quarter and finished with 14.

Booker hit a long 3-pointer with the shotclock expiring with 50 sec-

onds left to seal it. The Suns scored 37 points during a stellar fourth quarter.

Dallas lost for the second time in the last seven games. The Mavericks were playing their first game this season without star guard Luka Doncic, who suffered sprains to his left knee and ankle in the waning moments of a victory over Denver on Monday.

Even without their best player, the balanced Mavericks nearly won. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 22 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 21, and Jalen Bruson had 18.

FSUNS, P10

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11

Federer to miss Australian Open

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The 40-year-old told Swiss daily Le Matin on Wednesday that his knee needs time to recover, and would be “extremely surprised” if he can play in next Wimbledon.

The 2022 Australian Open will be played from January 17-30 in

Melbourne, while Wimbledon – also called the Championships – will be held between June 27 and July 10.

Federer, who increased his rehabilitation sessions after a right knee injury, said he can restart running in January and

expects to return to training on the court in March or April at the earliest.

“My ambition is to see what I’m capable of one last time. I also wish I could say goodbye in my own way and on a tennis court. That’s why I’m giving my all in my rehabilitation,” the 20-time Grand Slam champion said.

“My life is not going to fall apart if I don’t play a Grand Slam final again.

ing victory over the Brooklyn Nets and a 121-111 triumph at San Antonio on Oct. 23.

Bucks center Brook Lopez hasn’t played since that Nets game due to a back issue and guard Donte DiVincenzo still hasn’t made his season debut. DiVincenzo tore a ligament in his left ankle during the first round of the 2020-21 playoffs.

TIP-INS Lakers: Coach Frank Vogel spoke pragmatically about the name change to the Lakers’ home arena. The building known as Staples Center since its October 1999 opening will become the Crypto.com Arena starting on Christmas Day. “It’s tough, you know what I mean?” Vogel said. “Lakers fans and really sports fans in general I guess would know that building as Staples Center. I understand the disappointment the fans will have, but

that’s just the way of the world. This is the business we’re in. Almost universally around the country, there’s a business element to nam-

ing rights with arenas. It’s really out of our control.”

Bucks: This victory started a five-game home stand for the Bucks after

wiss tennis veteran Roger Federer will miss the 2022 Australian Open, next year’s first grand slam.

But it would be the ultimate dream to go back.

And in fact, I still believe in it. I believe in these kinds of miracles.”

In July, the injury forced Federer to withdraw from Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The legend dropped out of the ATP world ranking Top 10 for the first time in nearly five years in October. (Anadolu)

they returned from a fivegame road trip. The Bucks went 2-3 on the trip and ended it with losses at Boston and Atlanta.

Giannis scores 47 as Bucks deal Lakers second straight loss

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ILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 47 points and Khris Middleton tied Milwaukee’s franchise record for career 3-pointers as the Bucks beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 109102, on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time).

Middleton returned after missing eight games due to COVID-19 and made consecutive 3-pointers 30 seconds apart early in the fourth quarter to put the Bucks ahead for good. The second of those 3s was his 1,051st with the Bucks to match Ray Allen for first place on the team’s all-time list.

Allen holds the NBA record with 2,973 3-pointers in a career that also included stints with the Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.

LeBron James missed an eighth straight game for the Lakers due to an ab-

dominal strain. The Lakers have gone 3-5 during that stretch.

Talen Horton-Tucker scored 25 points for the Lakers two nights after getting a career-high 28 in a 121-103 loss to Chicago.

Russell Westbrook had 19 points, Anthony Davis 18, Malik Monk 11 and Carmelo Anthony 10.

Antetokounmpo posted his highest point total since scoring 50 in a Game 6 Finals victory over the Phoenix Suns that clinched Milwaukee’s first title since 1971.

Bobby Portis added 17 points for the Bucks. Middleton and Pat Connaughton had 16 each.

This marked just the third game this season in which the Bucks had their three top players – Antetokounmpo, Middleton and Jrue Holiday – all available.

The only other times were in a 127-104 season-open-

Anthony Davis scored 18 points for the Lakers.

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THREE-WAY RIVALRY Sultan joins Casimero, Donaire in hunt vs Inoue

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nother Filipibo fighter is eyeing Japanese star Naoya Inoue.

Jonas Sultan joins two fellow Filipino fighters Johnriel Casimero and Nonito Donaire who are targeting at undefeated Japanese world bantamweight champion Inoue.

The Tampilisan, Zamboanga Del Norte native did not hesitate to announce that he also aims at challenging Inoue’s IBF and WBA title belts.

“The No. 1 in my list is Naoya Inoue because I always dream of fighting him,” said Sultan as told to Spin.ph. “If there’s an opportunity, I want really to fight Inoue.” Sultan is rated No. 10 contender by the WBA. Sultan is fresh from an impressive upset decision victory over previously undefeated Carlos Caraballo of Puerto Rico on October 30 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The 29-year-old Sultan is the third Filipino boxer to declare his intention to face the 28-year-old Japanese after WBO champion Casimero and WBC titlist Donaire, previously aired over media their interest in unifying their bantamweight belts with Inoue.

Casimero is scheduled to defend his WBO title against Paul Butler on December 11. On the same date but on a different venue, Donaire will try to preserve his WBC belt against another Filipino in Reymart Garballo.

But Sultan instantly joined the jumble to the Inoue fight following his great upset of Caraballo when he knocked down the Puerto Rican knockout specialist four times in their 10-round non-title bout en route to winning a unanimous decision.

Sultan (18-5, 11 KOs) is also contemplating on challenging either Casimero and Donaire.

Fighting a Filipino world champion is not strange to him because he fought the IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas on May 26, 2018 at the Savemart Center, Fresno, California where he lost by unanimous decision.

“It is possible that Filipino versus Filipino happens, if we can’t avoid it,” said Sultan, who’s being managed by Junnie Navarro and Mike Venezuela.

Sultan surprised the boxing world when he defeated huge favorite Caraballo in the main undercard in the Jose Zepeda-Josue Vargas super-light-

Jonas Sultan of the Philippines.

Ring photo

weight fight.

He was not intimidated by Caraballo’s perfect record of 14-0 and 14 knockouts, as he showed that experience, and skills resilience offset the devastating punching power of the Puerto Rican ward of former world champion Miguel Cotto.

Sultan (17-5, 11 KOs) never tasted a knockout defeat in his eight-year professional career, and owns a unanimous decision win against reigning WBO bantamweight champion and fellow Filipino Johnriel Casimero on September 16, 2017 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City.

Longest reigning current IBF superflyweight champion Ancajas and trainer Joven Jimenez, worked in his corner against Caraballo. Sultan and Ancajas has became good friends after their fight.

Sultan was Ancajas’ sparring mate in his last fight in April against Mexican Jonathan Rodriguez, and in return the IBF champion helped his close friend in his training against Caraballo.

Before the Caraballo upset, the Filipino bantamweight contender is coming off a seventh round stoppage of American Sharone Carter at the Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, whom he stopped in the seventh round in August 14 undercard of the Johnriel Casime-

FTHREE-WAY, P10