Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 222 | Thursday, December 2, 2021

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City falls short to hit target on the second day of ‘Bakunahan’ STORY ON PAGE 2

Despite the threat posed by the Omicron Covid-19 variant, the World Health Organization (WHO) says it is still premature to reintroduce the face shields with the significant public discontent on its mandatory use. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the conferment ceremony on several officials and personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at the Reception Hall in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

City falls short to hit target on the second day of ‘Bakunahan’

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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The vaccination rollout commenced on November 29, 2021. The city government in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) aims to inoculate 49,000 Dabawenyos per day until December 1, 2021.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, announced on Wednesday that as of November 30, 2021, the city has inoculated a total of 51,500 vaccinees since the first day of the said activity.

“Atoang tan-awon ang effort sa city government naa, ang logistics nato para sa atoang bakuna, naa. Naa tay vaccines, naa tay vaccination hubs, naa ta’y human resource to do the jab.

Tanang lakang naa na, naay

mga tao nga nagitnabangay kauban ang mga councilors nato and all the private sectors. This boils down sa cooperation sa bawat isa. Sa mga tao mismo,” she said.

Schlosser said some Dabawenyos are still hesitant to get vaccinated.

“We cannot eradicate the fact na naa gihapon ginatawag na vaccine hesitancy.

Kani siya ang responsible ani mismo ang tao. Ang attribute nato na dili makab-ot ang atong aim 47, 000 a day because of the people themselves,” she said.

She said there is vaccination hesitancy in the areas that do not have access to information such as radio stations and the internet particularly the Geographically

Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) that will help educate the people about the benefits of the vaccines.

“What the city government can do with the vaccination cluster, City Health Office and security cluster are to visit the areas or GIDA areas especially the tribal groups, our Lumad brothers and sisters who have not yet opened their minds. We have conducted a series of dialogues with tribal leaders. With this, we can see some improvement because like Marilog and Paquibato districts, our vaccination rollout is ongoing there and we are getting numbers of Lumad getting vaccinated,” Schlosser said.

Meanwhile, Schlosser appealed to Dabawenyos to expand their knowledge regarding vaccination for the city to achieve 100 percent herd immunity. She added that, although the city al-

olice on Tuesday said they have arrested a former village chairperson linked to the 2011 killing of Italian Catholic priest Fausto “Pops” Tentorio of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) who served as former parish priest here.

Authorities said Ricardo Boryo Dorado alias Nene

Dorado, 65, of Barangay Dallag where he once served as its village chief, was nabbed on Monday by virtue of an arrest warrant for murder issued on April 30, 2019 by Judge Arvin Sadiri Balagot, the presiding judge of the 12th Judicial Region Branch 17 in Kidapawan City.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered as apprehend-

ing officers, together with some barangay officials, arrived at his residence.

On the day of his arrest, Dorado was presented before the court which ordered his detention at the police custodial facility here.

Dorado is one of the suspects being linked to the killing of the missionary on October 17, 2011.

he city government of Davao failed to hit its target number of vaccinees during the second day of the “Bayanihan Bakunahan” due to vaccine hesitancy.

ready achieved the 70 percent mark, it doesn’t hurt if the city will vaccinate 100 percent of the Dabawenyos.

“But this cannot be done without the cooperation of the people. We are hoping na madungagan pa gyud na siya. Pusposan gyud ang city government para atleast madungagan ni siya.

Kung mahimo mahimong 100 percent ni siya. If we are going to look at it sa atoang data dili ingon ana kadaghan ang hesitant magpabakuna diri sa Davao City because we were able to achieve the 70 percent na bakunado,” she said.

She added that the city is currently at more than 80 percent accomplished for the first dose and more than 75 percent accomplished for the second dose.

The three-day “Bayanihan Bakunahan” National Vaccination Days aims to increase vaccine coverage.

At least four other suspects linked to the killing remain at large.

Tentorio was gunned down early dawn that day by assailants outside his parish convent.

Immediately thereafter, the provincial government has set up a local investigating task force to look into the killing.

Cops nab suspect in 2011 murder of Italian missionary

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Face shield use remains voluntary for now: Palace

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earing face shields on top of face masks is voluntary but may be required by commercial establishments and employers, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Acting Presidential Spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, made the remark after President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he recognized face shields would provide an additional layer of protection against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and new variants, such as the Omicron.

However, Duterte said he would leave it to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) to decide on reimposing the policy on the use of face shields.

“Right now, the question is will there be any changes?

I don’t know. Let’s wait. Kasi may (There’s) Omicron, we will have to see where it goes.

We will have to monitor developments. But right now, (the) status quo is voluntary siya (it’s voluntary),” Nograles said in an interview over ANC’s Headstart.

Currently, face shields are voluntary in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 3.

In areas under Alert Level 4, the face shield policy is left to the discretion of local government units (LGUs) and private establishments.

The mandatory face shield policy remains in areas under Alert Level 5 and in areas that are closed, crowded, and where close contact (3Cs) is likely to occur, such as hospitals and other medical facilities.

“Based on our latest IATF resolutions, employers and establishments may require face shields for the protection of customers, or their clientele, or their employees,” Nograles said.

While the IATF-EID has yet to decide on the policy on the use of face shields, he reminded the public that face

masks are still required and will remain the norm.

“Establishments may mandate it (face shields).

But for sure (in) health care settings, it is mandated.Pero ‘yung face mask, mandated ‘yun (But the use of face masks remains mandated),” he added.

The Philippines has yet to detect a case of the new highly-mutated Omicron variant of the coronavirus but has imposed tighter travel restrictions to prevent its entry into the country.

In a meeting with the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 officials and medical experts in Malacañang, Duterte urged the IATF to “sort out” the reimposition of the face shield rule.

“I would suggest to the task force to make a statement – whether or not really to – ‘pag magdating itong Omicron na ‘to (if the Omicron arrives) since we have a depth of data dito sa ano (of this). In the meantime, it(‘s) prudence or just dictate (that) maybe we will restrict again,” Duterte said.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the use of face shields is not mandatory despite the threat posed by the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

“The WHO has right along said that this virus is not airborne. It’s close-contact transmission and that is why we emphasize that what is important is the physical distancing, and face masking, and hand hygiene. If we can ensure that those minimal requirements, those minimal public health measures are complied (with), we can ensure that people don’t congregate in closed settings, the requirement for face shields, probably at this point in time is not mandatory. Because as I said, we are still looking and understanding the transmission dynamics of the Omicron variant,” WHO Country Representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

NEWS

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To avoid infection, volunteer doctors wear powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) as they screen patients for the COVID-19 vaccine at the Iligan City Public Plaza on Monday. MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

Davao City records lowest Covid positivity rate at 0.2% Sara cancels anew Christmas gift-giving at the Duterte residence in Taal this year

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has canceled once again the traditional gift-giving activity at the Duterte residence in Taal, Bangkal this year to avoid mass gathering of people.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Duterte family has been doing a gift-giving every December 25 since then-mayor President Rodrigo Duterte became mayor in 1988 as part of the Christmas tradition and extended in the past years.

“Wala pu’y December 25 na activity didto sa Taal house because we want to avoid mass gathering and we do not want to be the reason kung ngano naay mass gathering,” Mayor Sara said.

Last year, Mayor Sara canceled the activity due to the surge of Covid-19 cases in Davao City. The distribution of the grocery packs was assigned to the barangays from December 17 to 23, 2020, and beneficiaries were selected based on the existing lists from the officials of deserving indigent families.

“Same as last year, days before the event magbutang ta didto ug tao ug tarpaulin explaining kung ngano walay activity or event karong tuiga in rela-

tion to Covid-19 pandemic,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara also reminded that holding Christmas parties is also discouraged. The mayor said Christmas parties are not part of the MICE (meetings incentives conferences exhibitions) allowed by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in areas under alert level 2.

The following are allowed in Alert Level 2 at a maximum of 50-percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those below the age of 18 even if they are unvaccinated; and 70-percent outdoor venue capacity includes venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE); amusement parks or theme parks; recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, skating rinks, archery halls, swimming pools, and similar venues; cinemas and movie houses; limited face-to-face classes for higher education and technical-vocational education and training; in-person religious gatherings; gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, and funerals for Covid-19 non-Covid-19 deaths. By Maya M. Padillo

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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avao City recorded the lowest positivity rate at 0.2 percent as of November 28, 2021, since the start of the pandemic in March last year.

“As of November 28, ang atoang positivity rate nagpabilin ug 0.2 percent and this by far the lowest positivity rate in Davao City.

Padayon gyud ang pagbaba sa atoang cases,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force.

In terms of hospitalization or patients admitted due to Covid-19, Schlosser said as of December 1, 2021, the city has recorded an estimate of 300 active cases, which was accumu-

lated for 14 days.

“When we say active cases, this is for the past 14 days and these patients could have been admitted sa hospital or TTMFs,” she said.

Schlosser also said some Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs) were temporarily closed due to lack of patients.

“Gamay na kaayo na siya (300 cases), in fact, naa na tay’ TTMFs nga temporarily closed because wala’y pasy-

ente. But then again kung kinahanglan siya i-open ug gamiton, we will open them to cater sa mga patients,” she said.

Schlosser is hopeful that there will be no surge of Covid-19 cases this Holiday Season.

“Hopefully, within this Holiday Season dili gyud ta maka-massive spread. I hope magpabilin gihapon ug magtuman sa mga minimum public health standards ang mga tao labi na sa Holiday Season para ma-maintain ang atoang pagbaba sa cases and hopefully, even after holiday wala ta’y surge,” she said.

Based on the region-

al situation update on Covid-19 in Davao Region as of November 30, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH)-Davao Center for Health Development reported 21 new cases of Covid-19 in the region bringing the total number of active cases to 994.

Of these new cases, 15 were from Davao City, two from Davao de Oro, two from Davao del Norte, one from Davao del Sur, and one from Davao Oriental.

There were 34 recoveries reported and among these, 27 were from Davao City, four from Davao de Oro, and three from Davao Oriental.

zales told me when we had a meeting on Tuesday,” BARMM’s Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) Minister Romeo Sema echoed Gonzales in a statement on Wednesday, adding that 65 percent of UN’s development support projects are mostly in the Bangsamoro region.

Gonzales led the team from the UN’s Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) and the UN’s Population Fund (UNFPA) in a meeting with Sema where the welfare of the region’s labor force was among the topics discussed.

Gonzales assured Sema and other BARMM officials that the UN will continue its humanitarian work in the region that has yet to economically rise from decades of violence and armed hostilities.

Sema, meanwhile, told UN officials that MOLEBARMM planners and researchers are in the final stages of drafting a regional labor code to ensure the protection of the region’s labor force as well as to establish a strong industrial sector in the region.

“The meeting with UN officials has inspired us to

continue working hard for the welfare of the labor sector in the Bangsamoro region,” Sema said.

He added that future meetings between his office and that of UN agencies on collaborative efforts and programs are currently in the pipeline.

For years, UN agencies have had various humanitarian and peace-building projects in the BARMM component provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities therein of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi. (PNA)

UN official to support BARMM labor ministry

A

United Nations UN) representative has vowed to support the labor sector of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the fledgling political entity continues to harness its regional resources, including its industries.

Gustavo Gonzales, the UN resident coordinator to the Philippines, gave the assurance as he said more than half of their development projects in the country are in the BARMM as part of its support to the southern Philippines peace process.

“This is what Mr. Gon-

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

On the shortfall of vaccinees on Day 2 of Bakunahan sa Barangay:

This boils down sa cooperation sa bawat isa. Sa mga tao mismo.”

Dr. Michele Schlosser

Spokesperson, Davao City Covid-19 Task Force

EDITORIAL Respect for Sen. Go It must be a very stressful stretch for Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go.

It started with him filing for Vice President in the 2022 elections before everything switched to a different sphere when he withdrew his candidacy for no. 2 only to go for the no. 1 position--the presidency.

It must have been the most eventful two-week stretch in the young lawmaker’s life.

Seventeen days after filing for presidency, he finally came to grips with reality. He felt it is not yet his time and yielded to the enormity of the presidential responsibilities. If people doubted his abilities, that should be out of the question. As President Duterte’s most trusted aide,

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But then, Senator Bong being the accidental politician that he is, he also knows the bounds of his abilities. Sincerity and willingness to serve alone are not enough to make a President.

Unlike many who still push themselves to be.

The burden on his shoulder took its toll on the unassuming Dabawenyo. He loves to serve. He loves the President. But in the end, he also loves himself and his family. He loves the country.

Thus, the supreme sacrifice.

Senator Bong’s withdrawal is a most humbling thing to do.

An act that deserves our respect.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

he was practically on apprenticeship since Day 1 of the presidency. No one has had the same OJT than anyone else running.

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)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

SAVING THE COUNTRY’S BIODIVERSITY In the Bible, the word “create” means to make or begin something new. The book of Genesis tells us that God is the creator of all things. In Genesis 1:11, God said: “Let the land produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.”

He also said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind” (Genesis 1:24). In Genesis 1:20, God was quoted as saying: “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let the birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.”

When God created heaven and earth, He also blessed the Philippines with biological diversity (or biodiversity for short) that are beyond the comprehension of most Filipinos. In fact, “on a per unit area basis, the Philippines probably harbors more diversity of life than any other country on the planet.”

With more than seven thousand islands, the Philippines is considered by respected scientists as one of the countries with the highest degree of biodiversity

in the world. American biological science professor Kent Carpenter touted the Philippines as the world’s hub of marine biodiversity valued at US$67.4 billion.

“The number (of biological resources in the Philippines) compares with other countries like Brazil,” said Philippine fauna specialist Dr. Lawrence Heaney of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. “But compare their sizes. For such a small area, the Philippine rockets ahead.”

Brazil has a total land area of 3,286,488 square kilometers while the Philippines has a total land area of 115,800 square kilometers. Indonesia, another biodiversity-rich country, has a total land area of 741,101 square kilometers.

“There are few places on earth that are richer in biological wonders, and more sorely beleaguered, than the Philippines,” commented David Quammen, author of The Song of the Dodo: Island Biography in an Age of Extinctions.

Biodiversity is made up of all species of plants and animals, their genetic material and the ecosystems of which they are a part. Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a

given area. Genetic diversity, on the other hand, refers to the variation of genes and genotypes between and within species.

About 75% of human nutrition is provided by only seven species of crops: wheat, rice, corn, potato, barley, sweet potato and cassava. Roughly 20% of protein requirements of humans in developing countries is provided by animals, particularly from fish for Filipinos.

Plant and animal species provide genetic materials for improved varieties or breeds. In the Philippines, at least 68 common plants are being used as medicines.

Out of the 500 known coral species worldwide, about 488 coral species in 78 genera can be found in the Philippines. There are only about 50 species of seagrasses in the world and 16 of them are in the country. The country is also home to at least 2,000 fish species.

Indeed, our country is blessed. In fact, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) described this Eden of the Far East as “one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, containing two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% to 80%

of the world’s plant and animal species.”

Not only that. The Philippines ranks fifth in the number of plant species and it maintains 5% of the world’s flora. Unfortunately, most of these are now on the verge of extinction.

Take the case of Philippine Eagle, whose most remaining numbers are now maintained at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Calinan in Davao City.

To raise awareness, the Philippine Eagle was declared by then President Fidel V. Ramos as the country’s bird icon.

The CBD considered the Philippines as “one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots with at least 700 threatened species, thus making it one of the top global conservation areas.”

As a “biodiversity hotspot,” the website of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) explains, “The Philippines continues to experience an alarming rate of destruction of these important resources brought about by overexploitation, land degradation, climate change, and pollution (including biological pollution), among others.”

In 2007, the environment

department issued an administrative order listing the country’s threatened plant species: 99 species were found to be critically endangered, 187 species were endangered, 176 vulnerable and 64 other threatened species.

“What we continue to do is seek to raise awareness of our biodiversity and the threats to it,” Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, then the director of DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, told Philippines Graphic.

Lim cited the case of the vanishing tamaraw. “We need to make sure our people know that the tamaraw is only found here and is endangered – so we need to take steps to preserve them or we will no longer have them,” she pointed out.

Filipinos are urged to protect its natural heritage. National Scientist Angel C. Alcala believed that if we stop caring, we start to lose our biodiversity. “Losing our biodiversity will lead to extinction,” he said. “When it becomes extinct, that resource will never come back.”

The government and the communities can work together to save whatever remains of the country’s biodiversity.

DENNIS R. GORECHO FLOWERS FOR LOLAS

THE SAGA OF THE WW II WOMEN VICTIMS OF SEXUAL SLAVERY AND VIOLENCE Lola Isabelita Viduya died last November 23, 2021 at age of 89 due to pneumonia, the same day the unfortunate event called “Mapanique Siege” happened in 1944.

Lola Isabelita is a leader of the Malaya Lolas who are victims of military sexual violence and slavery by Japanese military forces in the Philippines during the Second World War. Born November 1, 1932, Lola Isabelita was 12 years old when the Imperial Japanese Army attacked on November 23, 1944 their barrio Mapaniqui in Candaba, Pampanga, a suspected bailiwick of Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (HukBaLaHap) Their communities were bombed, houses were looted and burned, and civilians were publicly tortured, mutilated, and slaughtered.

Some 100 women and girls, then ranging from 13 to early 20s, were ordered to walk from Mapaniqui to the Bahay na Pula (Red House) in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, which became the site of a mass sexual assault.

Japanese soldiers forcibly seized the women and were “locked inside” the “comfort stations” where they were repeatedly raped, beaten, and abused by Japanese soldiers as part of the destruction of the village.

As a result of the actions of their Japanese tormentors, the “survivors of the wartime female slavery system” have spent their lives in misery, having endured physical injuries, pain and disability, and mental and emotional suffering.

Lola Isabelita is one of the lead petitioners in the case of Vinuya vs Executive Secretary (G.R. No. 162230 April 28, 2010) filed by Malaya Lolas.

The Malaya Lolas claimed that since 1998, they have approached the Executive Department through the DOJ, DFA, and OSG, requesting assistance in filing a claim against the Japanese officials and military officers who ordered the establishment of the “comfort women” stations in the Philippines.

However, officials of the Executive Department declined to assist the Lolas , and took the position that the individual claims of the comfort women for compensation had already been fully satisfied by Japan’s compliance with the Peace Treaty between the Philippines and Japan.

The Supreme Court dismissed the case noting that it is not within their power to order the Executive Department to take up the Malaya Lolas’ cause. Theirs is only the power to urge and exhort the Executive Department to take up the Lolas’ cause.

The Court affirmed that ‘rape, sexual slavery, torture, and sexual violence are morally reprehensible as well as legally prohibited under contemporary international law’, but stated that ‘the practice of states does not yet support the present existence of an obligation to prosecute international crimes’ “Of course, we greatly sympathize with the cause of petitioners, and we cannot begin to comprehend the unimaginable horror they underwent at the hands of the Japanese soldiers. We are also deeply concerned that, in apparent contravention of fundamental principles of law, the petitioners appear to be without a remedy to challenge those that have offended them before appropriate fora.

Needless to say, our government should take the lead in protecting its citizens against violation of their fundamental human rights,” the Supreme Court said.

It has been 76 years since the war ended on August 15, 1945, and yet the Japanese government refuses to recognize its official accountability to the victims of sex slavery.

About 200,000 women from Korea, China, Burma, New Guinea, and the Philippines. were held in captivity and many thousands more were raped as part of one of the largest operations of sexual violence in modern history.

It was in the late 1990s that the Lolas came out as part of Lila Filipina and Malaya Lolas to tell the world about this inhuman practice of the Japanese during the war.

I personally met Lola Isabelita in July 2019 during the medical mission in Mapaniqui of Flowers for Lolas, an alliance supporting the campaign on the issue of WWII victims of sexual violence and slavery.

“Rape is still rape whether it was done for days, for months or for years. The effect is the same. It destroyed our bodies, our sense of self. We lived in shame for years,” said Isabelita Viduya of Malaya Lolas.

She lamented in an earlier NPR interview that the Malaya Lolas received no compensation from the Asian Women’s Fund as they were not considered as

“comfort women” because they were not held or abused over an extended period.

Another Lola, Remedios Tecson, died March 2021 at the age of 93 The recent deaths of Lola Isabelita and other WWII women victims of sexual slavery and violence are manifestations that the survivors are dying without receiving a formal apology and legal compensation from Japan.

Justice has not been given to women such as Lola Isabelita.

Their fight for unequivocal public apology, accurate historical inclusion, and just compensation continues up to this day. ( Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices.

For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

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EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Zone and Conservation Area is used interchangeably in this Ordinance.

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

4. Solid waste – refers to all discarded household, commercial waste, nonhazardous institutional and industrial waste, street sweepings, construction debris, agricultural waste, and other non-hazardous/non-toxic solid wastes;

19th City Council 30th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Presiding Officer Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr.

-

Temporary

Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte

- On Official Business

5. Private Property – refers to property or properties not owned by the City or any other government instrumentalities. For purposes of this Ordinance, it shall refer to all lands covered

by Original Certificate of Title, Transfer Certificate of Title, including Certificate of Land Ownership Award; and tax-declared alienable and disposable lands with pending application for titling through administrative or judicial process;.

SECTION 4. REGULATIONS. – Persons found within Conservation Zones of the Watershed Areas of the City for recreational activities or those who intend to enter the said conservation zones for recreational activities shall comply with the following regulations: 1. The Barangay should be informed of the activity at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the activity, for information and orientation purposes; 2. Designated trails should be strictly followed. Visitors are not allowed to create their own trails. No one should enter any grass fields or trample on the flowers; 3. Removing any kind of plants or flowers or boundary marks/ signages or any product derived therefrom is prohibited; 4. Catching of insects and hunting of animals are prohibited; 5. Unless there is a predetermined designated safe area for open fire cooking, cooking in any part of the area is prohibited; 6. Visitors to the area must have a list of all items to be brought in the area which will be submitted to the barangay serving as point of entry. All items in the list must be the same items to be brought back upon exit;

ORDINANCE NO. 0675-21 Series of 2021

7. All trash must be carried off the area, including vegetable or fruit peelings;

AN ORDINANCE REGULATING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN WATERSHED CONSERVATION AREAS OF DAVAO CITY FOR THE PROTECTION, CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

8. There shall be no activities that will pollute the streams and other body of water in the area, including human excreta disposal, use of soaps and detergents, and other acts tending to pollute the environment;

Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that:

9. Items such as alcoholic beverages, permanent markers, paints, spray paints, and the like are not allowed within Conservation Zones. These items may be deposited temporarily and returned to the owner after the recreational activity. In case of discovery of illegal drugs and other illegal substances in the possession of the visitor, the Barangay shall directly report the incident to the nearest police station for proper disposition;

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as the “WATERSHED CONSERVATION AREA PROTECTION ORDINANCE OF 2021”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY - It is the policy of the City of Davao to preserve, conserve, and protect the natural environment and its natural resources. Conservation Areas, being environmentally critical areas, must be safeguarded for the benefit of future generations.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS 1. Recreational Activities – refer to activities people do for fun and enjoyment. For purposes of this Ordinance, recreational activities shall refer to trekking or hiking, mountain biking, running, camping, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, for recreational purposes; 2. Watershed Areas - are areas defined under the Watershed Code and its Implementing Rules And Regulations (IRR) referring to lands within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City, in which rainwater drains from a river system to a common outlet such as dam, lake or the sea. It is an area where the rain from the highest level of land flows down to a river or stream then the Davao Gulf, or a topographical delineated area of land from which rainwater can drain as surface run-off via a specific river or stream system to a common outlet point which may be a dam, irrigation system or a municipal water supply take-off point, or where the river or stream discharges water into a larger river, stream or lake.

3. Conservation Zone – are the Conservation Areas defined under the Watershed Code of the City of Davao as referring to Environmentally Critical Areas in Davao City consisting of 34,254 hectares (and those other areas stipulated in Presidential Proclamation 2146 dated December 14, 1981). Conservation

10. Smoking in the area is strictly prohibited; 11. Visitors must have the proper clothing and footwear for the purpose; 12. Visitors are required to always take important medicines and first aid kits with them. Visitors with medications must take their medicines; 13. Creating unnecessary noise is prohibited. Bringing of any sound system that causes disturbance in the area is not allowed; 14. Bringing in of disposable facemasks is discouraged unless for health and medical reasons. Provided that all facemasks shall at all times be strictly accounted for upon entry and exit from the area; 15. Sachets, Single-Use Plastics and other disposable packaging are strictly prohibited within Conservation Zones; Provided that acts in violation of the Watershed Code (Ordinance No. 0310-07, Series of 2007), Anti- Smoking Ordinance of Davao City (Ordinance No. 0367-12, Series of 2012), The Liquor Ban Ordinance (Ordinance No. 004-13, Series of 2013), The Sobriety Ordinance of Davao City (Ordinance No. 0410-18, Series of 2018), and all other pertinent laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, committed within the Conservation Area during recreational activities shall be penalized accordingly under applicable laws and ordinances.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

SECTION 5. ENFORCEMENT – The Barangay Watershed Management Council under the Punong Barangay of the area shall formulate and implement measures in order to establish a security outpost, provide information of the regulations under this Ordinance prior to the recreational activity, and introduce measures for the strict enforcement thereof. The Barangay Watershed Management Council or the Punong Barangay may require a duly designated individual to accompany the visitors during the visit to ensure compliance of this Ordinance.

The Barangay Watershed Management Council concerned shall identify predetermined trails and shall put up necessary signs for the information and safety of visitors to the area. The existing trails and any proposed trails for recreational purposes inside Conservation Zones shall be submitted to the Watershed Management Council of the City for approval.

Any Protest or Non-compliance of Section 5 hereof prior to entry to the Conservation Zone shall be recorded and referred to the Barangay Watershed Management Council for appropriate action.

Provided, that no proposed recreational activity in the said area by the non-compliant visitor shall be permitted.

7

In case the violator opts to pay the fine, the fine shall be One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) or otherwise in case of community service, the voluntary community service shall be sixteen (16) working hours. In either case, the offender shall be given an orientation in relation to this Ordinance.

The violator, who avails of the No Contest Provision and opts to pay the fine imposed, shall secure an Order of Payment from the Office of the City Mayor or the City ENRO, as may be authorized by the City Mayor.

All payments of fines shall be to the City Treasurer’s Office. After payment of the fine, the person cited for violation of this Ordinance shall present the Official Receipt issued by the City Treasurer’s Office to the City ENRO and a copy thereof shall be endorsed to the City Legal Office, which shall consider the case closed.

Subject to the last paragraph of Section 4 hereof, non-compliant recreational activities in Conservation Zones covered by this Ordinance shall be penalized under Section 10 hereof.

The City Treasurer is hereby authorized to collect the fine under this Ordinance.

In case the violator opts to voluntarily render community service, he/she shall secure from the Office of the City Mayor or the City ENRO, as may be authorized by the City Mayor, an assigned environmental protection related community service that will be required of the violator, including, but not limited to, cleanup activity, greening and tree planting activity, solid waste management activity, wastewater management activity, or Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) service.

SECTION 6. NON-ENFORCEMENT – Any public official or employee who, in dereliction of duty, intentionally fails to enforce the provisions of this Ordinance shall be the subject of an administrative investigation and possible liability under existing laws and issuances.

After the completion of the community service, the City Mayor or the City ENRO, as may be authorized by the City Mayor, shall issue a certification of completion of community service and endorse a copy thereof to the City Legal Office, which shall consider the case closed.

SECTION 7. FEES – The Barangay exercising jurisdiction over the point of entry of visitors for recreational purposes in Conservation Zones may enact an Ordinance levying lawful environmental fees.

If the violator had already availed of the No Contest Provision, he/ she can no longer avail of the same and the corresponding complaint for the violation of the Ordinance shall be filed against the offender.

SECTION 8. EXEMPTIONS – Recreational activities within private properties classified as within Conservation Areas under the Watershed Code is allowed and is not covered by this Ordinance provided that there shall be no pollution of the natural environment.

SECTION 14. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS - The City Mayor or any designated committee or body duly authorized by the City Mayor may formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) necessary to carry out the provisions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 9. TEMPORARY CLOSURES/RESTRICTIONS TO CONSERVATION ZONES – Subject to Sec. 8 hereof, the Watershed Management Council of the City may prohibit entry to, or restrict recreational activities in specified areas of the Conservation Zones covered by this Ordinance, temporarily or for an indefinite period of time, for the following reasons:

Provided that, absence of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) shall not prevent the effectivity and enforcement of this Ordinance.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Danger to natural flora and fauna; Rehabilitation; Topographical dangers; Failure of the Barangay to implement the provisions of this Ordinance; 5. Other similar reasons for the preservation, protection, conservation of the natural environment; Subject to the last paragraph of Section 4 hereof, violations of the prohibitions or restrictions imposed under this Section shall be penalized under Section 10 hereof.

SECTION 10. PENALTIES - Subject to the last paragraph of Section 4 and Section 12 hereof, any person who, by act or omission, is found to have violated this Ordinance shall be penalized with not more than P5,000.00 and/or imprisonment of not more than one (1) month at the discretion of the courts.

SECTION 11. ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT/CITATION TICKET – An ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT, otherwise known as a CITATION TICKET, shall be issued to violators of this Ordinance. The Citation Ticket shall state the name and address of the violator, the specific violation committed, and the provisions of Section 12 hereof on the “No Contest Provision”.

SECTION 12. NO CONTEST PROVISION - Any person cited for violation of this Ordinance who does not wish to contest the citation and is willing to pay voluntarily the fine imposed upon him/her, or in case of inability to pay the fine, is willing to voluntarily render community service, such person shall be allowed to pay said fine with the City Treasurer or render community service as settlement for the citation. Any person who qualifies and successfully avails of the “No Contest Provision” shall be exempted from liability under this Ordinance.

SECTION 13. PROCEDURE IN THE AVAILMENT OF THE NO CONTEST PROVISION - The person cited for violation of this Ordinance shall be given five (5) working days from the issuance of the Ordinance Violation Receipt or Citation Ticket within which to voluntarily pay the fine or to voluntarily render community service.

SECTION 15. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 16. REPEALING CLAUSE – All Ordinances, issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 17. EFFECTIVITY - The provisions of this Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least three (3) newspapers of general circulation in Davao City.

ENACTED, on the 10th day of August 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. President Pro Tempore Temporary Presiding Officer cns/ray

SEPT. 24 APPROVED : ________________, 2021

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

A resident buys from a stall selling meat and vegetables in Ulas, Davao City on Wednesday. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas projected that inflation for the month of November likely settled within 3.3 to 4.1 percent range. Edge Davao

PH debt swells to recordhigh, nearing P12T mark

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he Philippine government’s running debt stock swelled to a new record-high and nearing the P12-trillion mark on the back of higher borrowings to boost state coffers amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, data released Wednesday by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) shows.

As of end-October this year, the national government’s outstanding debt reached P11.97 trillion, rising by 19.38% from P10.027 trillion as of end-October 2020.

The end-October 2021 debt level is also 0.46% higher than the end-September 2021 debt stock of

P11.917 trillion.

Year-to-date, the total running debt balance rose by P2.2 trillion or by 22.22%.

The Treasury attributed the debt increase “due to the net issuance of domestic securities.”

The total debt stock is comprised mostly of domes-

tic borrowings at 70.7%, while the remaining 29.3% were sourced externally.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III earlier defended the uptick in the country’s programmed debt, which is expected to hit the internationally recommended threshold of 60% proportion of gross domestic product by 2022.

“I would like to emphasize again that the increase in our debt level is only temporary. It did not stem from profligate public spending, but rather resulted from a universal shock that deteriorated the financial positions of almost all countries around the world,” Domin-

guez told a House budget deliberation on the proposed P5.024 trillion national budget for 2022.

As of end-September this year, the amount of the country’s outstanding debt relative to the size of the economy has already breached the internationally-accepted debt threshold.

Data from the BTr showed that the country’s debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio grew to 63.1% as of end-September 2021 as the national government’s outstanding debt hit P11.917 trillion during the period.

This is the highest debt-

on national government taxes, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

This SC ruling, which refers to the expanded National Tax Allotment (NTA), formerly known as the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for LGUs, will take effect next year.

“Tax revenue losses from the pandemic-induced economic slump, the rise in debt to fund our

Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) response, the looming revenue impact of our economic recovery measures, and lower spending efficiency as a result of the Supreme Court decision to expand the share of LGUs from the NTA must be adequately addressed by the next administration’s economic team,” Dominguez said in a statement Tuesday.

As a result of the pandemic, the national government (NG) incurred hefty tax revenue losses amounting to PHP785.64 billion or 4.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020, according to initial DOF estimates.

Before Covid-19 struck at the onset of last year, tax revenues were expected to increase by 16.2 percent in

FPH, A3

Fiscal consolidation to lessen economic scarring from pandemic: Dominguez

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he Department of Finance (DOF) is reviewing the viability of pursuing a fiscal consolidation plan that will minimize whatever longterm economic scarring may occur as a result of the coronavirus-induced crisis and the budgetary implication of the Supreme Court’s (SC) 2018 ruling that expands the share of local government units (LGUs)

FFISCAL, A3

Manufacturing hits 8-month high in November: IHS Markit

P

hilippine manufacturing improved to an eight-month high in November on the back of new order growth, results of the monthly survey conducted by IHS Markit released on Wednesday showed.

The IHS Markit Philippines Manufacturing PMI posted marginal gains to 51.7 in November, up from 51.0 in October and the highest in eight months.

The growth was driven by the new orders received

by Filipino manufacturers, as new sales increased for the first time in eight months since March. Firms also noted more clients, increased footfall, and higher customer demand.

“Latest PMI data continued to signal a recovery in operating conditions in the Philippines with the headline figure at an eight-month high,” IHS Markit Economist Shreeya Patel said in an accompanying commentary.

“Supporting this was an expansion in new orders, which was the first uptick since the end of the opening quarter of the year. Output meanwhile fell at the softest

pace in eight months and inched closer towards stability during November,” she added.

Manufacturing firms reported an eighth monthly decline in production, as others noted delays in receiving inputs, along with material and staff shortages which hit capacity during the month.

“Stockpiling and efforts to boost production were a key theme in the latest release, but supply-side issues and the lack of availability of raw materials weighed on production,” said Patel.

Companies have increased their buying activity for the second straight month, in line with expectations that demand will continue to improve, bringing input stock level growth at the highest sine February.

Firms also remain confident that output will improve in a year, with the degree of optimism hitting a 21-month high in hopes of a return to normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On the COVID-19 front, low vaccination rates remain one of the sectors larg-

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VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY A2

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno says according to their data the outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP increased faster at 3.5 percent in October. Handout

DTI 11 continues to capacitate local designers through OTOP NEXT Gen BSP eyes digital payments T sans internet connection T

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Tuesday said it is eyeing offline digital payment solutions to enable transactions without the need for internet connection.

The BSP said this is meant to boost financial inclusion in off-grid areas.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said that while an effective and reliable internet connectivity is necessary for digital finance to flour-

ish, the central bank is also pursuing digital solutions to enable ‘offline payments.’

“The BSP is working on this initiative under the Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap (DPTR) which aims to convert 50 percent of the volume of retail payments into digital form and onboard 70 percent of Filipino adults to the formal financial system by 2023,” the central bank said.

he outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas increased faster at 3.5 percent in October, data from the central bank showed.

The total is higher compared to the 2.7 percent increase in Sep-

tember, the BSP said in a statement.

On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, outstanding universal and commercial bank loans, net of RRPs, rose by 0.6 percent, it said.

“The continued recovery in outstanding loans of [universal and commercial banks] reflects the expansion in busi-

FBSP, A3

Course, the agency’s commitment is being carried out. The is aims to support the use and patronage of locally sourced and crafted weaves and materials. For its Batch 1 Phase 2, which started on October 29 and will run until December 10, DTI 11 has sent four of the region’s designers.

Junie Artajo, Benjune Alatraca, Bianca Sabellano and Joseph Daniel Malabar have been under-

going a series of lectures and workshops, which will end on November 24.

Meanwhile, the rest of the schedule will be devoted for the actual application of the learning, wherein they will partner with local OTOPreneurs or micro, small and medium (MSMEs) who need further assistance.

As part of the designers’ final output for the OTOP Next Gen MODA Manlilikha 2021, each of them is required to assist one MSME in product design and development, as well as, in packaging and labeling design. The commencement activity shall be on December 10.

DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi shared that the goal of DTI in intensifying its efforts to assist the participant-designers is for them to hone their craft, display their talents and help OTOpreneurs, especially in these trying times.

“What we want to witness is for our local talents in desiging to continuously grow amid the pandemic. Times have been difficult for us for more than a year now but we consistently strive to meet the challenges with utmost resilience and with the help of innova-

oogle Philippines said Wednesday the tech giant would not accept election advertisements during the 2022 campaign and silence periods.

Official campaign period for candidates for president, vice president, senators and party-lists will be from Feb. 8 to May 7, 2022 as set by the Commission on Elections.

The measure covers election ads purchased through Google Ads, Display, Video 360 and Shopping platforms that advertisers intend to place on Google, YouTube and partner properties, Google said in a statement.

Also included are advertisements that promote or oppose any political party or the candidacy of any person or party for

public office, it said.

“Google is focusing its efforts and resources on upcoming election-related initiatives which aim to help people access useful and accurate information via product features and media literacy programs, encourage participation in the voting process, and help protect the integrity of the elections,” the com-

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 has continued to capacitate local designers through one of its long-running programs, the One Town One Product (OTOP).

Highlighting the Filipino culture, the OTOP Next Gen, the improved and more innovative version of the program, has been advocating for the continued development of fashion and design professionals to make them more competitive while showcasing the locality’s culture and unique attributes.

With MODA Manlilikha 2021 Advanced Designer’s Competency

FDTI, A3

Bank lending expands Google to pause election anew in October: BSP ads for PH 2022 elections G T ness activity amid easing quarantine restrictions, declining COVID-19 cases and increasing vaccinations,” the central bank said.

Growth in loans suffered from the pandemic with reluctant banks and with cautious consumers.

The country’s interest

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A3 EDGEDAVAO NorCot town under state of calamity due to floods

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he local government has placed the town under a state of calamity following flashfloods that have affected more than 2,000 families here.

David Don Saure, Kabacan disaster management action officer, said Wednesday 2,071 families in at least six farming villages in the town have been hit by floods triggered by recurring heavy rains for the past month.

“Some 110 hectares of rice fields have also been damaged by the

floods after the Kabacan River overflowed due to heavy downpour in the Agusan provinces and eastern part of North Cotabato,” Saure said in a radio interview.

Kabacan, situated on the border of North Cotabato and Maguindanao, has been serving as a catch-basin of flood-

waters from Bukidnon, Agusan, and North Cotabato.

Mayor Herlo Guzman, meanwhile, has ordered the distribution of emergency assistance and food packs to the affected to cushion the impact of calamity.

He also ordered the town engineering office to fast-track the establishment of a sustainable flood control project to save farm products from devastation.

Meanwhile, the mu-

nicipal agriculture office has sought intervention for seeds and other farm inputs for farmers whose farm lots have been damaged by the floods.

“We will rise again,” Saure told the farmer-beneficiaries and the families affected by the calamity.

He assured the public that the municipality has prepared interventions for the affected farmers.

Kabacan is a known rice granary in North Cotabato. (PNA)

them.

“Mas mataas ang tsansa ng pandaraya o panghuhuwad sa mga tradisyonal na proseso katulad ng paggamit ng paper forms, photocopy ng ID at handwritten signature (There is higher chance of fraud, falsification of traditional process like the use of paper forms, photocopy of ID and handwritten signature),” the PSA said. The PSA said the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) also employs a

biometric system that allows cardholders who do not have or are incapable of providing handwritten signatures to get authenticated through their thumbmarks.

“This is considered by PhilSys that is why it provided online and offline methods for identity authentication like the PhilID physical security features including the QR code digital verification, biometric verification and SMS onetime password (OTP),” the

PSA said.

The PSA expressed hope that service providers both in the government and private sector would soon adjust and adapt to the security features of the PhilID. Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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split, and FIFA set up its own awards, which have been held since 2016.

The ceremony was held for the first time in

two years tonight after last season’s ceremony was canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

(Anadolu)

recommendation, echoed by the National Basketball Players Association, that coaches and players who are vaccinated receive a booster shot as soon as possible.

The NBA, in a memo obtained by The Associated Press, also told its teams Tuesday that it has documented 34 cases in which a fully vaccinated player, coach or staffer had a breakthrough case of COVID-19. The league has said about 97% of players are fully vaccinated, with Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving — who has not played this

season because of his status — among the exceptions.

Other NBA stars have already missed multiple games this season after testing positive, including Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid — who just missed three weeks while dealing with the virus.

Tuesday’s game marks James’ 12th absence in the Lakers’ first 23 games this season. He missed 10 games because of injuries and another because of the first NBA suspension of his 19-year career.

Brooklyn had the lead up to 16 with four minutes left in the third period, but the Knicks whittled it down to 88-84 heading to the fourth. The lead was never bigger than that in the final 12 minutes.

Harden had 15 points in the first quarter and 13 more in the second, including a 3-pointer with 3.5 seconds left that cut New York’s lead to 61-60.

TIP-INS Knicks: RJ Barrett played only 8 1/2 minutes because of illness. ... Derrick Rose had 16 points and nine assists off the bench.

Nets: Harden surpassed 2,500 3-pointers, joining Ray Allen, Ste-

phen Curry and Reggie Miller. .... With Kyrie Irving absent all season after refusing to get vaccinated as mandated in New York City and Joe Harris recovering from ankle surgery, Durant has had to take on a heavier load than expected.

“It’s not ideal to have him have such a burden, but I don’t know what options we have other than to play him less and lose more,” coach Steve Nash said. “He’s a great player and we’re down a few really, a great player and a really good player and a few others, so I don’t know that we have the luxury right now.”

In October, the BSP said 1 in 5 payments in the Philippines is now done digitally.

The use of digital wallets like GCash and PayMaya skyrocketed last year

as quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic led many businesses to sell goods online, while consumers also welcomes the ease of paying through apps.

rate, used by banks to price loans, was kept at its record low of 2 percent for over a year to support economic recov-

ery.

The central bank will hold its last monetary policy-setting meeting for the year this month.

tion,” Ambi concluded.

Apart from the MODA Manlilikha 2021, the OTOP program has been assisting MSMEs in marketing, too. The establishment of the respective OTOP PH Hub

throughout the region is among the institutionalized strategies to assist them in widening their market reach.The Davao Region already has a total of nine OTOP PH Hubs already. DTI11

pany said.

Google said its efforts to support the elections kicked off earlier this year with the #MagpaRehistroKa campaign of COMELEC, among others.

It also hosted a website on Google Cloud to support voter registration campaigns. Google also launched a magazine

to boost the fight against misinformation.

Meanwhile, several aspirants have started spending on Facebook ads and traditional media ahead of the official campaign period, according to reports published by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.

JAMES... FROM A4

Printed signature on PhilID protects holder from identity theft, PSA says NETS... FROM A4

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he Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday said printing signatures onto the national ID is among the security features that protect its holder from forgery, fraud, or identity theft.

The PSA issued the reiteration after several cardholders complained that some establishments have been refusing to honor their national IDs because they do not bear their handwritten signatures in

PH... FROM A1

to-GDP ratio in 16 years when the outstanding debt as percentage of the economy hit 65.7% in 2005.

Debt-to-GDP ratio Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has raised concerns on the 16-year high debt-to-GDP ratiosince it “already breached the threshold marker that is accepted as [adequate] capacity of the economy to pay off its debts.”

In response, Senate Committee on Finance chairman Senator Sonny Angara, defending the 2022 proposed budget, said that “in normal times, it’s 60% debt as a percentage of GDP...” “…but in abnormal times like now, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) has revised that figure to 70%.

Most countries have now breached their predicted deficit levels.”

In particular, the government’s domestic debt stood at P8.47 trillion, up 0.96% from the end-September 2021 level of P8.4 trillion “as

a result of the net issuance of government securities.”

Since the start of the year, the local debt has grown by P1.77 trillion or 26.49%.

External borrowings, meanwhile, amounted to P3.50 trillion, lower by 0.74% compared to end-September 2021’s level of P3.53 trillion due to the impact of local and foreign currency exchange rate adjustments amounting to P22.68 billion and P8.45 billion, respectively, according to the Treasury.

The BTr noted that the Philippine peso appreciated against the US dollar from P50.879:$1 as of end-September 2021 to P50.552:$1 as of end-October 2021.

It said that the currency rate adjustments more than offset the net availment of external obligations amounting to P4.96 billion.

Since the beginning of the year, the foreign borrowing grew by P402.81 billion or by 12.99%.

est threats. The Philippines government nevertheless remains committed to inoculating the population before the end of 2022,” said Patel.

The latest survey was conducted before the detection of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, which the World Health Organization

(WHO) has designated as a variant of concern.

The Philippines has so far placed several countries under the Red List until December 15, in efforts to prevent the spread of the variant.

Official government data on November manufacturing is scheduled to be released in January.

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FISCAL... FROM A1 2020.

Foregone revenues are expected to be even larger in the coming years as the impact of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) and Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST), which are both crucial to a quick economic recovery, take effect.

From 2021 to 2024, revenue losses are projected to reach around PHP1 trillion on average every year because of tax revenue losses from the pandemic and the foregone revenues from CREATE and FIST. Covid-19 related loans for the pandemic response and budgetary support to finance the deficit have also translated into increased financing costs for the government.

The total financial cost of Covid-19 related loans now amounts to US$28.91 billion or PHP1.47 trillion.

The outstanding balance or the principal value of the loans is US$22.58 billion or PHP1.15 trillion, while the projected amount of interest payments until maturity is US$6.32 billion or PHP320.85 billion.

These loans will mature between 2024 and 2060.

The High Tribunal’s decision in 2018 to affirm that the LGUs’ “just share” of revenues includes all national government

taxes, instead of being limited only to Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collections, will also have implications on the country’s economic growth as it takes effect in 2022.

This SC ruling, which stemmed from the case filed by then-Governors Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas and Enrique Garcia of Bataan, significantly increased the base for computing the NTA, from which the annual allocation for local governments is based.

“Based on our estimates, the implementation of the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling will yield lower economic growth because local governments spend less efficiently,” Dominguez said.

Spending efficiency is defined as the share of productive spending to total spending.

Productive spending is expenditure that goes back to the economy, generates multiplier effects, creates jobs, stimulates demand and improves the quality of life.

DOF estimates found that implementing the High Tribunal’s 2018 decision will yield 3 percent lower economic growth because the higher LGU allocation will be subject to a lower spending efficiency.

NG spending is more than two times as efficient as that of local governments in general. (PR)

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VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

A4

Messi wins Ballon d’Or for 7th time A

rgentine superstar Lionel Messi received the 2021 Ballon d’Or award Monday for a record seventh time.

Messi was given the coveted award during a ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, beating Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, Chelsea’s Jorginho and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.

The Argentine player received the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019, adding one more Ballon d’Or for the Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2021.

This year has been a challenging but successful one for Messi, who has scored 41 goals and 17 assists in 56 appearances.

Messi, who was the winner, top scorer and best player at the 2021 Copa America, lifted the Copa Del Rey and became the Spanish La Liga top scorer.

The 34-year-old Argentine joined Paris Saint-Ger-

main from Barcelona in August.

Lewandowski, who produced 48 goals in 40 appearances for Bayern Munich last season, received the Best Forward award.

PSG goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was crowned UEFA’s Player of the Tournament for EURO 2020 in July, received the Yachine Trophy at Ballon d’Or 2021 for the best men’s goalkeeper in world football.

In addition to them, Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or. Each year, France Football magazine awards its Ballon d’Or trophy to the world’s best football player.

The Ballon d’Or was organized by FIFA and France Football until 2015. They

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

FMESSI, A3

James out anew due to Covid protocols

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ebron James has been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, and was ruled out for the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Such a move almost certainly means one of two things: that James, who said earlier this season that he is vaccinated, either tested positive for COVID-19 or had an inconclusive result.

If James tested positive, he would likely be looking at a minimum of 10 days away from the Lakers un-

less he returns two negative PCR tests in a 24-hour span. The Lakers learned of James’ situation Tuesday morning, coach Frank Vogel said, and arranged for transportation to take him back to Los Angeles from Sacramento.

Vogel would not say if James was exhibiting any symptoms.

LeBron JamesLeBron James will be out for the 12th time in the Lakers’ first 23 games this season.

The news that James is missing time came on the same day the NBA underscored its previous

FJAMES, A3

Nets nip Knicks in thrilling derby to get back on track

N James Harden tries to find a way past Derrick Rose. PHOTO: AP

EW YORK — James Harden and Kevin Durant carried Brooklyn all the way until James Johnson made two free throws with 2.2 seconds left to give the Nets a 112-110 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Harden had 34 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and Durant heated up after a slow start to finish with 27 points and nine assists. He had 11 points in the final 5:45,

but the Knicks sent a second defender to force him to give the ball up on the last possession.

The ball went to Johnson, who was fouled in the lane and made the free throws for the final points of an entertaining, nationally televised undercard to the Warriors-Suns main event.

Alec Burks scored a season-high 25 points in his new role as the Knicks’ starting point guard. Julius Randle added 24 points, nine rebounds and

eight assists.

The teams traded leads throughout the fourth quarter in front of a split crowd of 18,081, the largest in Brooklyn history.

The Nets had highlight plays all over the floor to open the second half, with Harden’s soaring follow slam and DeAndre’ Bembry’s swatted shot into the seats coming during a 14-0 spurt that turned a one-point halftime deficit into a 74-61 lead.

FNETS, A3

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 222 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

The 28-year old George Kambosos sparred 250 rounds with the Filipino boxing icon and it helped a lot for the undefeated Australian.

STEPPING UP

Former Pacquiao sparmate Kambosos is now unified lightweight champ

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ewly-minted unified lightweight champion George Kambosos, Jr. was once hired by eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao as one of his sparring partners against Jeff Horn in 2017 and Adrien Broner in 2019.

The 28-year old Kambosos sparred 250 rounds with the Filipino boxing icon and it helped a lot for the undefeated Australian.

Kambosos was a heavy underdog but overturned the slim chances with tremendous odds by startling Teofimo Lopez by split decision to grab the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and The Ring titles. The judges scored it 115-111, 115-112, 113-114 for the Australian.

“Congratulations to my friend, @georgekambosos on an epic win! You helped me in so many of my past fights, I hope our hundreds of rounds of sparring helped you in some way tonight. I’m proud of you. #LopezKambosos,” Pacquiao posted on Twitter Sunday.

“Thank you for everything @MannyPacquiao the rounds we shared together shaped me to become champion tonight! Thank you brother,” Kambosos replied.

When Kambosos Jr. first sparred with Manny Pacquiao in 2017, the eight division champion boxing

legend was thrilled. They sparred again the next year and Pacquiao predicted that Kambosos would win a world title.

“Manny Pacquiao is a living legend, he’s done more than any boxer ever in the world,” Kambosos told the Sun-Herald. “I know I will be champion and he said it back in 2018. He said ‘You’re ready for a championship right now, you’re a world champion.’”

“I said ‘Manny, my time is coming’. I’ve been patient, I’ve bided my time, made all the right moves and been very sharp and calculated. It gave me that extra bit of confidence in my head, knowing if I’m doing it with this legend, side by side with him for his 12-round championship fights, I know exactly what I have to do.”

Lopez predicted a firstround knockout of Kambosos and almost turned the tide with a thundering overhand right to score a knockdown in the opening stanza at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Lopez floored Kambosos

with a right hand in the 10th round, but it wasn’t enough to convince the two judges in his favor. “I believed in myself,” Kambosos told DAZN. “I’ve got all the jewels. I’m the better fighter.” He further declared that his triumph was the biggest victory in Australian boxing history.

After months of several postponements, the fight pushed through with multitude of fans thinking Lopez would annihilate Kambosos quickly. Lopez was on the right track as he threw heavy bombs on Kambosos in the opening round.

Kambosos dropped Lopez in the first round as the New Yorker quickly recovered and found his rhythm back in the fight. Kambosos attacked and defended well with “The Takeover” in an entertaining nonstop tussle.

Lopez dealt Kambosos a knockdown in the 10th round. But Kambosos (20-0, 10 KOs) showed himself the more durable and energetic fighter as two of the three judges gave him the biggest victory of his unblemished pro career. Lopez got a bloody cut in his left eye..

Kambosos now is the new champion of three (WBA, WBO and IBF) of the four major lightweight titles.

Devin Haney is the WBC lightweight champion.