Edge Davap Volume 14 Issue 223 | Friday, December 3, 2021

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

SURGING KARATEKAS SPORTS P 8

MOVING ON

VOL.14 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

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After Go’s withdrawal, Sara tells supporters: ‘Tuloy tuloy na tayo’ STORY ON PAGE 2

A health worker prepares a dose of vaccine against Covid-19 during ‘Bayanihan, Bakunahan’ National Vaccination Days at People’s Park in Davao City. The National Task Force against Covid-19 has extended the National Vaccination Days until today, December 3. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by his partner Honeylet Avanceña, Senator Christopher Lawrence“Bong”Go, and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, presses the button to light up the Christmas Tree during a ceremony of the Office of the President at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace on Wednesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MOVING ON pagkakaisa kasama ang BBM-SARA Uniteam upang tayo ay magtagumpay sa ating hangarin para sa bansa,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara also said that after she launched her candidacy as vice president of the Philippines, she called on all supporters of the Duterte administration to unite in the goal to continue

and expand the good beginnings of her father.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyong pagdinig sa aking hiling,” she said.

Currently, Mayor Sara continues to visit various places to push for the BBMSara tandem for next year’s elections.

Meanwhile, Go has appealed to his supporters for unity and understanding following his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, adding that the decision was in the best interest of President Rodrigo Duterte and his family.

“Higit pa po sa tatay ang turing ko kay Pangulong Duterte. Marami na po si-

yang nagawa para sa ating bayan. Ang dami na po niyang sakripisyong ginawa para sa ating bayan. And it’s time for me to sacrifice, gagawin ko po ‘yan dahil mahal ko po si Pangulo, mahal ko po ang ating mga kababayan. Sana po’y maintindihan niyo rin po ako, may pamilya rin po ako tulad ninyo na inuuwian niyo po. ‘Pag masama at kontra ang pamilya ninyo hindi ba nahihirapan rin po kayong makatulog? Ganoon rin po ang aking nararamdaman,” Go said.

Go vowed to continue serving the Filipino people in his capacity as a senator.

(PDP-Laban) presidential candidate may file his statement of withdrawal until May 9, 2022.

“Until election day he can withdraw,” he told reporters.

On Tuesday, Go announced that he is backing out from the presidential race.

Jimenez added that Go’s

name will be placed in the ballot if he would not file his statement of withdrawal before the printing of the ballots in January 2022.

“Unless he withdraws, he will continue to be considered a candidate,” he said.

“He has yet to file. He will become an official when the campaign period starts, in

case he did not file his withdrawal.”

He said if Go’s name will be included in the ballot and would decide to formally withdraw on the day of the elections, the votes he received will not be counted.

“If his name was included in the ballot and he was not able to withdraw, he will

not be disqualified. But if he withdraws on election day and was able to pullout from the race, then the votes received by that name on the ballot would be considered stray,” he said.

Jimenez said the votes will be read but will not be counted.

“It will be counted for re-

By MAYA M. PADILLO

he BBM-Sara Uniteam of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and running mate Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is moving ahead following the withdrawal of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go in the presidential race in the 2022 national elections.

In a statement, Mayor Sara urged her supporters to continue forging unity “until they succeed in their aspirations for the country.”

“Now that Sen. Bong Go has declared his withdrawal from the Presidential race and to quote him, “for the sake of unity among our supporters and leaders”, tuloy-tuloy na po tayo sa ating

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he Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), together with Davao City’s other security clusters, will conduct a Simulation Excercise (SIMEX) on Saturday, December 4 at SM Lanang Premier to strengthen the counter-terrorism strategy and further propagate the Culture of Security.

PSSCC head Angel Sumagaysay said on Wednesday that the activity is part of the city’s routine exercise to identify areas of improvement and test the readiness against terror threats. It will be participated in by the various security agencies and offices, including the Task Force Davao and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) “This is all about our integrated (security and safety) response on terrorism plan.

We are expecting that all units will participate during the SIMEX,” Sumagaysay said. “This [activity aims] to test their operational readiness and interoperability response.”

During the SIMEX, Sumagaysay said that the security team will be responding to a mock improvised explosive device (IED) attack. The drill will gauge the interoperability of the members of the security

After Go’s withdrawal, Sara tells supporters: ‘Tuloy tuloy na tayo’

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Davao City to stage SIMEX on Dec. 4 cluster in addressing the threat.

The exercise is also timely as the Christmas holiday draws near, which is expected to attract a crowd, especially inside malls.

Although there is no direct threat to the city, he, however, said that they will not be complacent, hence, the SIMEX. With this, the public is advised not to panic because this is only part of the city’s counter-terrorism exercises.

“This is just a simulation exercise and hopefully they would understand if there are inconveniences sa traffic,” the PSSCC chief added.

Capt. John Louie Dema-ala, the spokesperson of Task Force Davao, said that preparations have been done for the upcoming drill. He added that the activity is part of the TFD’s effort to raise the security awareness of Dabawenyos.

Task Force Davao has been actively advocating the culture of security in the city, which encourages the public to volunteer themselves for inspection and help in the implementation of security measures in the city, and reporting of all suspicious persons and activity in the community.

cord purposes, but it will not be included in the final tally of votes,” he said.

On Tuesday, Jimenez said Go has to “personally” submit his statement of withdrawal.

Jimenez also said substitution would no longer be allowed since the withdrawal is voluntary. (PNA)

Sen. Go has until election day to file withdrawal: Comelec

S

enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has until election day to file his statement of withdrawal from the presidential race, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

NEWS

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An elderly resident pleas to Senator Christopher Lawrence“Bong”Go not withdraw his candidacy for president during the senator’s visit to the fire victims in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday. Handout

Israel wants to share expertise in technology, tourism: envoy I

By MAYA M. PADILLO

sraeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss of the Embassy of Israel in Manila cited technology and tourism as his main mission in his recent visit to Davao City.

“Davao is the first destination of my mission. In going out it is important to understand the challenges like poverty, security, the challenges and issues that the country has to deal with. This is my main reason of visit here to interact, to speak to people, to learn and see which way we can enhance the relationship between Israel and the Philippines,” said Fluss in an interview with Davao media last November 24, 2021, at Seda Abreeza Hotel.

According to him, his

visit to Davao City had few components including technology.

“This is something that Israel presented to the world, as you know in Israel we have innovations and technology, a lot of research and development.

Israel is known for innovation and my mission in the Philippines is to create partnership and links with the Philippines in the area of technology,” he said.

The ambassador also got a chance to visit and was

2 Gensan fishermen rescued by Mati CDRRMO in boat explosion

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wo fishermen from General Santos City were rescued by the Mati City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office personnel on Thursday, December 2, after their boat engine exploded.

The Gensan fishermen were identified as 25-year old John Mark Mamintong and 40-year old Ceasar Alterado.

A report was received by the Mati CDRRMO around 11:39 in the morning of December 2 about a boat engine explosion in Barangay Macambol. It was learned that the victims were loading supplies into

their boat along the shore of Macambol when the accident occurred.

Mamintong reportedly suffered second degree burn in many parts of his body and face and has difficulty of breathing. He was readily given a thermal blanket and administered with oxygen.

Alterado meanwhile suffered first degree burn on the right side of his body with blisters noted on his face, right arm, and in the right chest.

Both patients were rushed to the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center. (CIO MATI)

impressed with the city’s Central 911 and its adjacent facility, the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC).

“I visited the Davao City Central 911, which I think is very impressive. I went to PSSCC. It is impressive because you can coordinate with relevant emergencies, this is the same with Israel.

In case of emergencies or natural disasters, there is coordination between different agencies, which is very important,” Fluss said.

It is the vision of Fluss to see Israel and the Philippines partnering in innovation and working together to introduce relevant technologies which can benefit the development process in the Philippines.

“After the pandemic, we realize how important technology can be in all sectors from working and studying from home, telemedicine, ICT, so many aspects that you need technology and we have to use them smartly. Israel has a lot of technologies to offer,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fluss also met with the stakeholders and leaders of the tourism sector in Davao City. He said they talked about possible cooperation to help revive the tourism industry, particularly in the city.

“If I think about it, also in Israel, I think the most affected sector is tourism because when I say Israel opening up tourism, it took us 18 or 19 months to open up to tourists. I think the

tourism industry is an important sector,” he said.

According to him, Israel has opened up to tourists since November this year, however, only for foreign tourists who have been fully vaccinated.

“Fully vaccinated means either you have taken the vaccines in the last six months or more than six months, you have to have a booster and with a negative test, tourists can visit Israel, the Holy Land, and do business,” he said.

Fluss also said that in April next year, there will be a direct flight from Manila to Tel-Aviv via Philippine Airlines (PAL).

He said Israel does not require a visa for Filipinos.

“You don’t need a visa to

go to Israel. I especially started with historical relations with the Philippines take haven for Jews and you opened up your borders, Filipinos don’t need a visa,” he said.

Fluss said there were more than 20,000 Filipinos in Israel in 2019, and he is hopeful to regain those numbers next year.

“At the end of the day, it’s up to the government to decide how to operate and allow foreign travels and foreign visitors,” he said.

During the ambassador’s stay in Davao City, the team of the Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) took his delegation to some of the city’s top tourists destinations such as the Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden Resort.

and health cluster to constantly remind the people that we still have Covid, although, naa ta sa pinakababa na positivity rate, we still have Covid cases, so therefore magpadayon gihapon na magbalantayon ug follow the minimum health standards ug padayon sa mga strategies to combat Covid-19,” Schlosser said.

Under alert level 2, the operational capacity of several businesses has been increased to accommodate more customers and quarantine restrictions were relaxed in various indoor

establishments and recreational venues including movie houses and cinemas.

Under the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) guidelines, cinemas can accommodate up to 50 percent of their maximum venue capacity, but only those who are fully vaccinated will be allowed entry into the cinemas.

Meanwhile, NCCC Mall Buhangin, has recently reopened its cinemas after the city was placed under alert level 2 due to the declining number of Covid-19 cases and the ongoing vaccination

rollout.

NCCC Cinemas ensured safety protocols were in place as they welcomed Dabawenyos back for a cinematic experience. The NCCC Safety Team conducted inspections of the cinemas before receiving movie patrons on November 29, 2021.

The management encouraged everyone to continue following the health and safety protocols issued by the government for a safe and worry-free cinema experience. By Maya M. Padillo

Moviegoers reminded to follow minimum public health protocols

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ith cinemas resuming operations, Dabawenyo moviegoers are reminded to strictly follow the minimum public health standards (MPHS).

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said as cinemas are now allowed to operate under alert level 2, people need to protect themselves.

“We cannot stop them from doing so because it is under the provisions of alert level 2. What we can do in our part sa Covid Task Force

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

In the aftermath of Sen. Bong Go’s withdrawal from the presidential race:

Now that Sen. Bong Go has declared his withdrawal from the Presidential race and to quote him, “for the sake of unity among our supporters and leaders”, tuloy-tuloy na po tayo sa ating pagkakaisa kasama ang BBM-SARA Uniteam upang tayo ay magtagumpay sa ating hangarin para sa bansa.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL Let’s not be complacent Some movie theaters are now open in Davao City. This is because under Alert Level 2, cinema houses are now allowed to resume operations.

Under the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) guidelines, cinemas can accommodate up to 50 percent of their maximum venue capacity but only those who are fully vaccinated will be allowed entry.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City COVID-19 Task Force, has a sobering take on this development.

“We cannot stop them (cinema house operators) from doing so because it is under the provisions of Alert Level 2. What we can do in our part sa COVID-Task and health cluster (is) to constantly remind the people that we still have COVID, although naa ta sa pinakababa na positivity rate, we still have COVID cases, so

EDGEDAVAO

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Once Omicron is detected in our country it could mean another spike in cases, more restriction and our return to higher alert level, and still more restrictions.

Let’s not wait for this to happen and suffer the debilitating consequences. Let’s act as if the danger is still there rather than be complacent.

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

therefore magpadayon ug follow the minimum health standards ug padayon sa mga strategies to combat COVID-19.”

Yes, siree, the dangers of the pandemic are very much still there. Although the numbers are now down, they can still go up. Omicron, the new more infectious variant, has already been detected in many countries. Its coming to our shores is just a matter of time. Our borders are now open to most countries.

We have eased up the restrictions for our economy’s sake.

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

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

GET VACCINATED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON Soon, it will be Christmas, the most anticipated festivity in the Philippines. Even in the midst of a pandemic, Filipinos are still celebrating it. After all, it is supposedly observing the birth of Jesus Christ, mankind’s savior.

One of the traditions that goes along with Christmas is the gift. Jesus was God’s gift to mankind. As John 3:16 puts it: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Since we are still in pandemic mode – in fact, another variant, Omicron, is soon to come, which we hope won’t happen – the best gift you can give to your loved ones are not material things but to be protected from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“As we near towards Christmas and New Year, the season

for gatherings, the best gift we can give to get vaccinated; the best resolution we can make is to be protected,” said Dr. Roy B. Ferrer, assistant secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) for field implementation and coordination team (Visayas and Mindanao).

Dr. Ferrer said those words during the National COVID-19 Vaccination Days from November 31 to December 1. Dubbed “Bayanihan, Bakunahan,” it was launched to vaccinate around 9 million individuals in 8,000 sites across 16 regional departments nationwide.

“The faster we vaccinate Filipinos at the earliest, the better and safer for all of us,” said Dr. Ferrer, who is from Davao City.

He also urged children (from 12 to 17 years old) to have themselves vaccinated against COVID-19.

“To vaccinate is to protect,” Dr. Ferrer pointed out. “As we pursue to protect the children, we are also protecting their loved ones. We assure everyone

that vaccines are safe and effective.”

To be vaccinated is the only way out of the pandemic the world is now experiencing. That was what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed in a meeting in New York of Foreign Ministers of the Group of 77 developing nations and China.

Guterres said that the UN stands behind the vaccination strategy set out by the World Health Organization (WHO), with the goal of getting vaccines into the arms of 40% of people in all countries by the end of this year, and 70% by the middle of 2022.

For its part, the Philippine government is committed to fully vaccinate at least 54 million people within this year and up to 70 million early next year to achieve population protection.

In its website, the health department explains how vaccines prevent diseases like COVID-19. “Vaccines mimic the virus that causes disease and

triggers the body’s creation of antibodies,” it says. “These antibodies will provide protection once a person is infected with the actual disease-causing virus.”

Vaccines have helped prevent more diseases than all antibiotics put together. “Vaccines differ in their composition and how they trigger the immune response to create antibodies,” DOH says. “These antibodies protect the body from microorganisms and serve as protection once a person gets infected with disease.”

Vaccines can be inactivated, weakened or killed copies of the whole or part of the virus, or genetic products (like mRNA vaccines) that create protein copies without causing disease.

“Vaccines are one of our most important tools for preventing outbreaks and keeping the world safe,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said in a statement.

But like all medicines, side

effects can occur after getting a vaccine. “However, these (side effects) are usually very minor and of short duration,” the WHO says. “More serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare.”

As for the COVID-19 vaccines, the possible side effects include pain, redness, itchiness or swelling at the injection site (which may last a few hours); fever; feeling of weakness or fatigue; headache; dizziness; diarrhea; or nausea. “Consult the nearest healthcare professional if you experience any of these,” the DOH urges.

Vaccines protect people throughout life and at different ages, from birth to childhood, as teenagers and into old age. “If we delay vaccination, we are at risk of getting seriously sick,” the WHO warned. “If we wait until we think we may be exposed to a serious illness – like during a disease outbreak – there may not be enough time for the vaccine to work and to receive all the recommended doses.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO LAND ISSUE AS ‘U.S. HANGOVER’ One of the difficult challenges hounding the Commonwealth government after its inauguration on November 15, 1935 was the Davao problem, which is the contentious Japanese land leases devoted to the cultivation of hemp in Davao region.

The conundrum, described as an ‘American hangover,’ was blamed for the travails the officials of the new government faced; it was also described as a ‘political and economic controversy.’

Larry Tajiri, in his May 10, 1936 column ‘Village Vagaries,’ published in The Japanese American News of San Francisco, California, USA, portrayed the issue as a conflict between the Commonwealth and the foreigners, depicting Davao area as ‘swiftly becoming a new battleground to test the rights of a nation to deny landholding

privileges to aliens.’

For its part, the Japanese foreign office in Manila through Eiji Amau, the official spokesperson, reminded the Philippines that for years the Japanese had invested in Davao by sacrificing ‘several thousands of lives,’ benefitting both the natives and the Commonwealth. He added the ‘vested interests and rights’ of Japanese residents in Davao, hopefully, would be recognized.

As a newly constituted nation, there was hesitancy on the part of the Philippine government to adopt hasty measures that would create complications; every decision made should adhere and cohere to the 1935 Constitution. To address the issue, President Manuel L. Quezon had to visit Davao and assess the actual developments on the ground.

The New York Times, in its

May 24, 1936 edition (‘JAPANESE FORGE AHEAD IN PHILIPPINES; The Question Raised by the Spread of Their Influence Is Brought to the Fore by the Land-Lease Issue’) penned: ‘The question of Japanese penetration, brought sharply to a head by President Quezon’s personal investigation of Japanese landholdings in the Province of Davao, now looms as the possibly deciding factor in the economic and political future of the Philippines.’

Tajiri, moreover, expounded: ‘The Davao question, long hanging fire, manifested the first break in [an] otherwise normal and amicable relations between [Japan] and the new Manila government. Intent on reaching a definite settlement of the issue, [Japanese] and Philippine officials were conferring at Davao… [and] inspected Japanese subleases which were

pronounced illegal by Philippine authorities. The Japanese… had offered to pay full costs oi the leases on the condition they would be permitted to remain on the land until the expiration of the holding dates.’

To Quezon’s credit, he made an effort that the problem would not turn toxic as to affect the country’s diplomatic initiatives during its infancy; he called the problem ‘not serious.’

In his June 23, 1936 speech before the National Assembly, he discussed the Davao matter as follows: ‘Much has been printed… regarding the ownership of large tracts of land by Japanese subjects in Davao. There is an impression that Davao is actually owned by the Japanese. Such is not the case... It is true that Japanese investments in Davao are considerable, and that there are doubts expressed as to the

legality of some of the transactions entered into between Filipinos and Japanese… In these cases, the Government will act in accordance with law and equity… There is nothing in the so-called Davao problem that should cause serious concern.’

Grant K. Goodman, in ‘Davao: A Case Study in Japanese-Philippine Relations’ (1967), wrote: ‘Unfortunately, the questions raised by the Davao land problem were not capable of simple solutions. For example, no one was really sure that the Japanese arrangements for working the land in Mindanao were in fact illegal. Th e Japanese had employed the best legal talent available from the beginning of their settlement in the Philippines in order to try to avoid exactly the kind of situation with which they were now confronted.’

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

A pedestrian walks by a pile of 11-kilogram cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in front of an establishment along R. Castillo Street in Davao City. Oil firms have implemented a P4.75 per kilogram reduction on their LPG price while P2.66 per liter cut on AutoLPG. Edge Davao

Privacy watchdog A probes SMS spam

AirAsia PH to resume flights to HK despite Omicron threat

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he National Privacy Commission said it has formally launched an investigation on the proliferating SMS scams or smishing.

In a statement dated Nov. 29, the agency said it would look into whether telcos exercised “due diligence” and accountability in transacting with data aggregators.

The NPC said data aggregators were linked to sending of text messages offering fraudulent jobs and investment schemes to millions.

Globe Telecom, Smart Communications Inc and DITO Telecommunity were

ordered Monday to submit within 5 days documents and information to provide the commission data flows and transactions involving aggregators.

Aside from telcos, the NPC said orders were also sent to Union Bank and GCash (Mynt) or the main payment channels where the victims were directed to deposit investments in the scam.

Thousands of Filipinos earlier reported having re-

ceived SMS spam offering jobs and other promos that cybersecurity experts said were too good to be true.

A global organized syndicate is likely behind the scheme, the NPC said.

The NPC is also pushing for “call and text attestation” to prevent a “privacy disaster.” Attestation will help the agency trace the owner of numbers used in calling or sending texts as it would be listed in a registry, it said.

Globe and Smart said they have been blocking numbers, messages and IP addresses linked to the scam.

In a meeting last Nov. 24, telcos said they traced the

smishing and text spams to China and India-web-hosted companies.

The NPC said Globe identified a data broker, Macrokiosk, tapped by a firm called China Skyline Telecom “as the primary source of messages that share the theme of job hiring and contain a Whatsapp contact link.”

Globe said some 1.55 million SMS spam were sent through its network from Nov. 11 to 21 alone.

The NPC also said an inter-agency group was formed to amplify the campaign against cybercrime.

The group includes the NPC, the Cybercrime Inves-

FPRIVACY, A3

irAsia Philippines is pushing through with the resumption of its flights going to and from Hong Kong later this week despite the threat posed by the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

In a statement, the budget carrier reassured passengers with “the highest standards of safety in place and strict observance of established health protocols” amid the emergence of Omicron —a new variant of concern according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

AirAsia said it would launch bi-weekly flights beginning December 5 via Z2 1264, which is scheduled to depart at the NAIA Terminal 3 at 8:35 a.m. and is expected to arrive in Hong Kong at 10:55 a.m.

Its return flight to Manila, Z2 1265, will depart at 11:45 a.m. and is expected to land at the NAIA Terminal 3 at 2 p.m.

“Almost two years into the pandemic, AirAsia believes that our guests have already developed the culture of readiness and safety that is strictly observed across all touchpoints of the customer journey. We will closely monitor the situation and will continue to abide by the guidelines set by the government,” said AirAsia Philippines spokesperson Steve Dailisan.

“Our return to Hong Kong signifies our commitment to service our business travelers and overseas Filipino workers who have been wanting to come home to the Philippines for the upcoming

n time for the Christmas season, consumers were greeted with lower prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the start of December with a big-time rollback for the commodity this month.

The reduction halted the five consecutive months of price increase on LPG products.

Petron said it implemented a PHP4.75 reduction per kilogram of LPG,

and PHP2.66 per liter cut on AutoLPG effective 1 a.m.

Wednesday.

“These reflect the international contract price of LPG for the month of December,” Petron added.

Solane-branded LPG also cut prices by PHP4.37 per kilogram starting Wednesday.

The price rollback resulted in a reduction of PHP48.07 to PHP52.25 for a regular 11-kilogram LPG tank. (PNA)

Big-time LPG price rollback takes effect

Global trade seen to rise 23% to $28T in 2021: UN report I G lobal trade is expected to reach USD28 trillion in 2021, up 23 percent from last year, according to a report issued Tuesday by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Global goods trade set a new record by reaching USD5.6 trillion in the third quarter of this year, the Global Trade Update re-

port said.

While this was a 24-percent increase from the same period of 2020, it was a 13-percent gain compared to the third quarter of 2019, it added.

“Trade in goods is expected to remain constant at about USD5.6 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2021, while the trade in services will likely continue to

slowly recover,” it said.

Services trade stood at about USD1.5 trillion in the July-September period of this year, according to the report.

“The value of global trade in goods continued to increase during each quarter of 2021. The recovery has been more muted for trade in services, which remains be-

low its levels of 2019,” the report said.

“Trade in goods is projected to reach a record level of USD22 trillion in 2021. Trade in services should be valued at about USD6 trillion in 2021, still slightly below its pre-pandemic level,” it added.

UNCTAD warned that the global trade outlook

FGLOBAL, A3

FAIRASIA, A3

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ECONOMY A2

A fish vendor readies to butcher a tuna at Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

32% of German biz in PH in ‘good situation’

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here is an increase in the number of German companies operating in the Philippines saying their businesses are in a“good situation”, the German-Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GPCCI) World Business Outlooks (WBO) Fall 2021 Survey said.

With a total of 74 respondents, the GPCCI conducted the WBO Fall 2021 Survey from September 21 to October 15 when restrictions due to threats of the Delta variant started to ease.

The survey said 32 percent of German firms were in “good situation” during the said period, 47 percent said their situation is “satisfactory”, and 20 percent are in “bad situation”.

This was an improvement from the Spring 2021 result, which was conducted between March 18 and April 19 when the government reimposed the restrictive enhanced community quarantine to manage the cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Alpha variant.

In the Spring 2021 survey, 21 percent of firms said they were in a “good situation”, 47 answered “satisfactory”, and 29 percent considered that they were in “bad situation”.

“The lesser numbers in the daily active cases of Covid-19 and the graduation of major areas to

a more liberal alert level presents a promising outlook for our survey respondents,” GPCCI executive director Christopher Zimmer said.

The number of companies with an optimistic outlook for the next 12 months was also higher in the latest survey.

Fifty-seven percent of the respondents said they expect business conditions to be better for the next 12 months from only 29 percent with an optimistic business outlook during the Spring 2021 survey.

About 40 percent said business conditions would remain the same in the Fall Survey from 62 percent in the previous survey.

A lesser number of businesses expected worse business conditions in the next 12 months at 3 percent in the Fall 2021 survey from 9 percent in the Spring 2021 survey.

However, potential issues arising from travel restrictions and supply chain concerns hold back business sentiments.

“We still observe that key foreign nationals of both incoming and existing companies in the Philippines still experience problems coming in as entry measures and requirements remain rigorous, time-consuming, and burdensome,” Zimmer said.

Zimmer added the

FGERMAN, A3

22 farm coops get aid from BARMM F

armers’ cooperatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are seen to improve their productivity and revenue after receiving interventions from the region’s agriculture office.

On Wednesday, 22 different farmers’ cooperatives in the BARMM areas of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City, and 63 villages in North Cotabato have received organic inputs and chemical supplies from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) during ceremonies at the MAFAR covered court here.

F

ood manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has ramped up its community support specifically in the areas of livelihood, sustainable farming, food availability and security, as the country grapples with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Our company is building its sustainabili-

Other BARMM component areas set to receive the same farm inputs soon are the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The activity marked the culmination of the 7th Organic Agriculture Month in November this year.

The celebration, with the theme “Organikong

Pagsasaka, Sagot sa Pandemiya,” is an annual activity that aims to promote the practice of organic agriculture nationwide, as a farm system, being considered as an effective tool for development, environmental conservation, and health protection of farmers, consumers, and the general public.

Tong Abas, MAFAR chief of operation for agriculture services, said the distributed inputs, amounting to PHP846,374, were funded through the 2021 General Appropriations Act for the Bangsamoro (GAAB), and included organic fertiliz-

ers, sweet potato cuttings, ginger, molasses, and foliar fertilizers.

Abas said distributing organic inputs to the farmer cooperatives is part of MAFAR’s strategy to promote and encourage organic farming in the region.

“To help promote environmental protection, we want our farmers to practice organic farming in their respective areas using high-value crops, especially during this time of pandemic because they could earn income from it,” Abas said.

“Several farmers saved their livelihood using or-

ty roadmap alongside the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This includes responsible sourcing, production, consumption and developing the capabilities of communities for better livelihood,” said Laurent Levan, URC’s senior vice president for corporate development and external affairs.

URC’s Agro-Industrial

Group has rolled out its Kabalikat Village Hub, wherein anyone can start their own business by running a “hub” that a neighborhood can turn to for their food needs.

URC supplies these hubs with its wide range of premium-quality products, including fresh meats and eggs, processed meats, and even pet care needs.

These hubs, in turn, become a source of livelihood for households. They likewise provide communities around them access to products that can be ordered online and delivered quickly. This lessens health risks to everyone.

Late last year, the company’s Flour Division partnered with GMA Kapuso

F22 FARM, A3

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

EastMinCom retrieves more highpowered firearms thru tip-offs PRIVACY...

E M16 rifles from the CTG in the hinterland of Sitio Kaunlaran, Barangay Tagbongabong, Agusan del Norte on November 27 following a tip-off from a former rebel.

Troops acted upon the information shared

by Jonel Pasco alias Joel/ Gong-gong, a former member of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 21C, Guerrilla Front 21, Sub-Regional Committee Westland, NEMRC, which led to the recovery of the high-powered firearms.

Pasco shared that he decided to surrender to the troops on November 26 after realizing that it was pointless to continue fighting against the government especially after their guerrilla unit suffered major blows in

several encounters with government forces.

Pasco added that seeing his former comrades enjoying a peaceful life under the care of the government was also another reason that pushed him to surrender.

In a statement, LtGen. Almerol said that the recent recoveries of CTG firearms all over Eastern Mindanao were part of the series of operations launched by EastMinCom units in response to the various crucial information shared by CTG members and leaders who already capitulated.

These accomplishments are also coupled with the skyrocketing number of CTG members and leaders who surrendered recently after suffering major defeats in several encounters with government forces.

“These former CTG leaders and members expressed willingness to cooperate with our troops in locating more CTG arms caches and pursuing the remaining communist terrorists as a show of gratitude for the support they have received

from the government as they embark on a new life under the law,” LtGen. Almerol said.

The EastMinCom Commander also added that the former CTG leaders and members pledged to support the government’s campaign to end the local communist armed conflict by 2022.

LtGen. Almerol said that a series of arms cache discoveries, surrender of CTG members, and recovery of CTG firearms in Eastern Mindanao are expected in the coming days as former CTG members and government troops work closely to put an end to communist armed conflict.

One of EastMinCom’s breakthroughs this year was the seizure of 30 high-powered firearms following the discovery of an arms cache during intel operations launched at Sitio Bagyang, Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani from November 11 to 16, 2021. It was the largest arms cache discovered by the troops in the whole history of EastMinCom. (PR-EMC PA)

lighting of the Christmas tree, saying it would bring joy to the residents amid the current pandemic.

“This might be unnecessary for some, but the joy this event brings to the people gives hope that we are slowly going back to the normal,” he said.

Rellon also assured the public that marshalls have been deployed to ensure that the health

protocols are being observed in the area.

Promenaders can take pictures of the holiday tree from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“I also asked the Tagumenyos to remain disciplined even though we’ve already achieved the 70 percent population protection,” he added.

The Christmas tree was adorned with 6,255 multi-colored bulbs

and has a design that advocates for simplicity, durability, and resiliency despite the battle against the pandemic.

The tree features five colors that emphasize different meanings - blue for inspiration, green for growth and harmony, yellow for positivity and hope, white for purity and simplicity, and red for courage.

(PNA)

Foundation for its Bike for Good campaign.

Bicycles, as well as Baker John bread business start-up packages, were awarded to several families who were nominated to be new community sellers.

Under its Sugar and Renewables Division (SURE), URC’s Project Salig aims to help address needs and challenges faced by sugar cane farmers in Negros Oc-

cidental, Negros Oriental, Batangas, Iloilo, and Cagayan Valley.

The program offers farming assistance and support to planters –from land preparation, to planting, to harvesting.

These include providing fertilizer assistance, cane hauling trucks, tractor services, and other farm equipment needs; conducting seminars on good farming

practices; distributing highyield variety cane points in the dispersal program; and setting up sugar cane nurseries in mill sites.

In partnership with the government, URC provides potato farmers with quality seeds, training and research access to increase their yields. That has helped tide them over amid disruptions in food supply chains and guaran-

teed a stable supply of potatoes for consumers.

In addition, it has been supporting initiatives that promote health and conservation. URC had repurposed parts of its production line to manufacture some 100,000 reusable face shields, which the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) donated to frontline health workers.

(PR)

ganic farming as their alternative or main source of income such as planting upland rice, vegetables, and spices, among others during this time of difficulties,” he added.

Talapas Integrated Organic Farmers Association

in Datu Montawal, and Malony Tulawi of Greenland Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Upi, both in Maguindanao, have thanked MAFAR and vowed to take care of the intervention and ensure improved productivity in the coming days. (PNA)

for 2022 remains “very uncertain” due to several factors, such as a slowing economic recovery, disruptions of logistic networks and increases in shipping costs.

Other factors include

global semiconductor shortages, geopolitical factors, and the regionalization of trade flows, governmental policies affecting international trade, and debt burdens.

(Anadolu)

astern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) units, through the guidance of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, retrieved more high-powered firearms from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) through tip-offs from former communist terrorists on separate incidents on November 27 and 29.

EastMinCom’s 1003rd Brigade (1003rd Bde) along with 89th Infantry Battalion (89th IB), 72nd IB and Intelligence units recovered an M16 rifle in stashed at Sitio Rancho, Barangay Kulaman Valley, Arakan, North Cotabato during a joint intelligence operation launched on November 29, 2021.

A former CTG member identified as Mubo Mansumoy-at alias Ram of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee disclosed the location of the weapon, prompting the 1003rd Bde troops to respond to the information.

Meanwhile, EastMinCom’s 4th Infantry Division together with the 65th Infantry Battalion also recovered two more

PH’s tallest Christmas tree lights up in Tagum City T he tallest Christmas tree in the Philippines was illuminated on Wednesday night in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

In a statement Thursday, the City Government of Tagum said the Christmas tree, which stands at 195 feet, is still the tallest in the whole country.

Mayor Allan L. Rellon explained the importance of the ceremonial

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tigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Telecommunications Commission, Department of Justice, Department

of Trade and Industry, the Department of Labor and Employment, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Security Council and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

holiday season. However, there should be no room for complacency,” he added.

AirAsia said Hong Kong has only banned non-residents from Japan, Portugal, Sweden, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Israel and Italy where the Omicron variant has been detected.

The Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau has also confirmed that the three imported Omicron cases were already contained.

The airline noted that experts and scientific research suggest that COVID-19 transmission onboard an aircraft is zero to none.

“All AirAsia aircraft are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters which kill up to 99.9% of viruses including COVID-19,” Dailisan said.

“On top of that, our flying crew are also 100% fully vaccinated against the virus. We also conduct thorough aircraft cabin cleaning and sanitation after each flight,” he added.

To date, the Philippines remains safe from the Omicron variant and has logged less than 600 average daily infections in a seven-day period.

Arriving fully vaccinated guests from countries under the “green and yellow list” must present a proof of vaccination and a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure.

Unvaccinated guests will be required to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day and should monitor themselves for symptoms until the 14th day of their arrival.

Lillard will be evaluated again in 10 days. He will miss at least four upcoming games.

Damian LillardThe Blazers suffer a huge blow with Damian Lillard out 10 days.

The six-time All-Star is averaging 21.5 points and 7.8 assists through 20

games this season.

Portland forward Nassir Little is also out for at least one week with a left ankle sprain. Little was injured on Monday against Utah.

Little has played in 21 games, including two starts this season, and has averaged 8.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.

James has missed 12 of the first 23 games this season for the Lakers because of injuries, a suspension and now this latest setback that should sideline him for multiple games. The team is 7-4 with James and 5-7 without him after the win

over the Kings.

“We’re different now than we were three weeks ago or when that first time he went out was,” Vogel said before the game.

“Hopefully we’ll have more success this time around.”

GPCCI has urged the Philippine government to immediately resolve the concerns on travel restrictions, which was also aired by other foreign businessmen, as this affects their operations and investment plans here.

Based on the survey, 51 percent of companies said they have canceled or postponed their investments.

“An interesting amount of potential to ramp up the Philippine economy can be ob-

served in the coming days as certain economic reform measures such as the Amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and Foreign Investments Act are seen to be signed into law.

Therefore, we ask the Philippine government to immediately look at how we can resolve existing concerns of companies so they will be able to help the recovery of the country’s economy even before 2022,” GPCCI president Stefan Schimtz said. (PNA)

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VOL.14 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

A4

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

Kai Sotto will miss the road game against Perth Wildcats on Friday night due to‘knee soreness.’

Kai to miss NBL game vs Perth Wildcats Lillard out at least 10 days with abdominal injury

P

ORTLAND, Oregon — Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard is out for at least 10 days because of lower abdominal tendinopathy.

Lillard missed Tues-

day night’s victory over the Detroit Pistons with the condition. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis, the Blazers announced on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).

FLILLARD, A3

Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 25 points.

K

ai Sotto’s debut in the National Basketball League (NBL) of Australia will have to wait.

The Adelaide 36ers on Thursday ruled out the Filipino teenager and three other players from their NBL season debut away to the Perth Wildcats on Fri-

day night due to ‘knee soreness.’ Bruton explanation That would stretch his streak of missed games to five, with coach CJ Bruton explaining that he is ‘man-

aging’ the prodigy’s minutes.

Aside from Sotto, also sitting out the season-opener are Emmanuel Malou (knee soreness), Sunday Dech (quadricep), and Hyrum Harris (travel restrictions).

Adelaide will now rely on NBL Blitz MVP Mitch

McCarron, Daniel Johnson, Dusty Hannahs, and Cameron Bairstow for its season bow against Perth at RAC Arena.

Sotto has not been ruled out for the 36ers’ home opener against the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Lebron-less Lakers get back at Kings

S

ACRAMENTO, California — Anthony Davis scored 25 points, Russell Westbrook added 23 and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame the absence of LeBron James to beat the Sacramento Kings 117-92 on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

The Lakers sent James home earlier in the day after he was placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocol.

But they got more than enough from their other two big stars and took over with a dominant third quarter to win back-to-back games for the first time since Nov. 8-10.

The Kings took a 6652 lead early in the third before the Lakers outscored them by 27 points over the final 9:15 of the quarter to take a 13-point lead heading into the fourth. Westbrook scored 11 points and Davis had

eight during the stretch, including back-to-back baskets that gave Los Angeles the lead for good.

Sacramento missed 17 of 18 shots from the field during a stretch that lasted into the fourth quarter.

The Kings fell to 2-3 under interim coach Alvin Gentry.

Richaun Holmes scored 27 points on 12for-13 shooting in his first game back after missing three with an illness.

De’Aaron Fox added 17.

MISSING LEBRON Lakers coach Frank Vogel said the team learned James had entered the health and safety protocol earlier on Tuesday and arranged for him to return to Los Angeles safely.

“Obviously, it’s a huge loss,” Vogel said. “It’s disappointing. We just want the best for him now. That’s where our thoughts are.”

FLEBRON, A3

6

EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 222223 • THURSDAY, 2, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3,

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.

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

222• FRIDAY, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE 223 DECEMBER 3, 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

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

SURGING KARATEKAS

Dayanan, So lead AAK Davao to 17-medal haul

BY NEIL BRAVO

R

obert Dayanan Jr. clinched two gold medals to lead seven AAK Davao karatekas with gold medals in the E-Fantom International Karate Championship 15th ASKA Open on November 2728.

Heleina So and Robert Bryan Dayanan Jr. led the AAK Davao gold medalists

The 9-gold harvest highlighted a 17-medal romp for the Davao City karate club mentored by veteran sheehan Rommel “Kung Fu Panda” Tan. The Dabawenyos also won 5 silver medals and 3 bronzes.

Dayanan took home the golds in 8-9 boys Intermediate kata and 9-11 boys Open while Heleina So bagged a gold medal in the 9-11 girls kata event before plucking the silver in the 8-9 girls intermediate kata.

Also winning gold medals were Adrian Paul Ilaya in the 18+ Open kata, Sofia Agullo in

the 18+ girls Open kata, Eaia Ching in the 10-11 girls intermediate kata, Aldren Solon in the 16-17 boys advance kata and Raven Ryan Camins in the 18+ boys intermediate kata.

The silver medalists are Leandra Raquel Pascua (7 under boys kata), Harsimar Singh Toor (14-15 boys int kata), Adrian Paul Ilaya (18+ int kata and Craig James Infiesto (18+ int kata).

Sofia Agullo (18+ girls adv kata), Ian Carlos Pascual (18+ boys adv kata) and Tarnpeet Singh Gill (12-13 boys int kata) bagged the bronze medals.