Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 227 | Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

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OMICRON WATCH 29 travelers from ‘red list’ countries closely monitored amid Omicron scare STORY ON PAGE 2

A welder is seen from a hole of a wall working on a metal structure of a three-storey building along Chavez Street in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III while presiding over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

OMICRON WATCH T

3 more public schools in GenSan offer limited face-to-face classes

concerned at kung saan ang mga repatriates na ito or mga travelers sila ang magko-kontak trace and make sure they are quarantined and have negative results,” she said.

The IATF earlier reported nations with local Omicron cases are placed under the “red list”. The national government has imposed an entry ban on travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy from November 28, 2021 until December 15, 2021 amid Omicron threat.

“Mas intensified ang ating quarantining and surveillance doon sa mga nakapasok coming from the red areas,” Pasion said.

Meanwhile, the IATF-EID has approved new testing and quarantine protocols for arriving international pas-

sengers from countries, territories, and jurisdictions in the “green” and “yellow” list that took effect on December 3, 2021.

The green list is composed of countries, territories, and jurisdictions with a low risk of Covid-19 infection while the yellow list is composed of destinations with a moderate risk of Covid-19 infection.

For fully vaccinated individuals, they shall be required to have a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours before departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival in the Philippines, they shall undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day, with the date of arrival being the first day.

Regardless of a negative result, they shall be required to undergo home quarantine up to the 14th day from the date of arrival.

hree more public schools here opened limited face-to-face classes on Monday while more are undergoing assessment for their possible inclusion in the in-person learning mode in the coming weeks.

Romelito Flores, Department of Education (DepEd) city division superintendent, said the three schools are situated in barangays San Jose and Olympog, which have posted low incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) since its onset last year.

These are the Klolang Elementary School and Datu Balunto High School in San Jose and Balakayo Elementary School in Olympog.

“We now have four public schools that have limited faceto-face classes and the feedback has been very positive,” he told reporters.

The initial classroom-based classes opened last Nov. 15 in Aspang Elementary School in Barangay San Jose as part of its pilot rollout nationwide.

Flores said they expect that more schools within the city’s 26 barangays will also get approval from the local government and concerned stakeholders to hold face-toface classes.

He said the assessment is ongoing for the targeted expansion schools based on

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embarking from a seacraft at the Balisawan Seaside here, authorities said.

In a phone interview, Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman condemned the attack against the two mayors as he urged authorities to conduct a thorough investi-

gation to bring the suspects behind the bars of justice the soonest time possible.

The governor called for the creation of a special investigating team to focus on the immediate resolution of the case.

Salliman said in a state-

29 travelers from ‘red list’ countries closely monitored amid Omicron scare

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the regional Department of Health (DOH 11) office reported that there are 29 repatriates or travelers who arrived in Davao International Airport (DIA) from the “red list” countries with addresses in Davao Region are currently monitored amid threat of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant.

Dr. Rachel Joy Pasion, head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of DOH-Davao, said on Monday based on the list provided by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) two weeks ago, of the 29 repatriates, 13 are from Davao City; two from Davao del Sur; one from Davao Oriental; two from Davao de Oro; and 11 from Davao del Norte.

Omicron, which was first detected on November 11, 2021 in Botswana and on November 14, 2021 in South Africa, reportedly will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus or Covid-19 and easily spreads compared to Delta. Experts said that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) defined “red list” as countries, jurisdictions, and territories classified as “high risk” countries, jurisdictions, and territories.

As to the number of the repatriates who are in the region right now, Pasion said based on the data, for Davao del Sur, one patient is for ver-

ification and the other upon contact with the patient, was still in Makati in Manila.

For Davao Oriental, Pasion said there is one patient but is being tagged to another region since the patient did not arrive here. For Davao de Oro, she said the patient was already traced with negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result and still ongoing 14-day home quarantine isolation and completion.

For Davao del Norte patients, she said all are being traced and ongoing home quarantine while for Davao City patients are still for verification.

“Lahat negative so far ang kanilang mga results doon sa mga na contact trace, negative lahat ang kanilang mga swabs and doon sa hindi pa na contact trace and still for verification, yun pa ang pina-follow up sa different RESUs,” Pasion said.

Pasion added that contact tracing is ongoing and there are others that upon contract tracing are not yet here in Davao City or the region. She said DOH 11 reported this to DOH central office.

“Kung sino yung region

the DepEd’s school safety assessment tool, which mainly determines the school’s readiness to conduct limited faceto-face classes.

Two private schools here are also processing the necessary requirements for the holding of the traditional classroom classes, he said.

The DepEd central office and the Department of Health have set at least four requirements for a school’s eligibility to hold the limited in-person classes.

These are the concurrence and approval from the local Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19 as well as from the city, municipal and barangay governments; permit or consent from parents; fully vaccinated participating teachers; and the schools’ readiness in terms of compliance with the DOH protocols.

The city, currently under Alert Level 2, remained under the low-risk status to COVID-19 infections since early October.

As of Sunday night, the active COVID-19 cases in the area further dropped to 60, one of the lowest since March.

The confirmed infections in the area since last year have reached a total of 14,213, with 558 related deaths and 13,595 recoveries.(MindaNews with a report from Richelyn Gubalani)

Basilan mayor killed, another mayor wounded in gun attack in Zambo

ayor Darussalam Lajid of Al-Barka, Basilan was killed while Mayor Alih Salih of Akbar town from the same province was wounded after still unidentified gunmen attacked them Monday morning shortly after dis-

ment that two security escorts of Salih were also wounded in the attack.

However, one of his aides, Barad Nuruddin, was declared dead upon arrival by attending physicians at the Ciudad Medical Zamboanga, MindaNews learned.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

NEWS

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Motorists, like this motorcycle rider, are forced to use the bike lane due to the traffic congestion in most main thoroughfares in Davao City. An official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that they are just waiting for the budget for the proposed expansion of the 56.7-kilometer bike lane in the city. Edge Davao

Davao City residents to get Christmas hampers

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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his is indeed a piece of very good news for the Dabawenyos as residents of Davao City will receive a “Pahalipay” Christmas package from the city government of Davao starting December 8, 2021 until January 31, 2022.

We pray to God that Omicron won’t reach PH, PRRD says

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte said he is praying that the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 will not reach the Philippines.

In a pre-recorded public address aired Monday night, Duterte said he is happy that the Philippines is handling the pandemic better than other countries.

“I am very happy na bumababa na talaga. Duma-dive na yung ano (I am very happy that cases are going down.

There’s a dive). That’s a miracle because other countries are still reeling from the effect.Parang nagkaroon sila ng problema sa Omicron (It seems like they’re having problems about Omicron),” he said.

Duterte expressed hope that the Philippines would not have to handle the Omicron variant, but will also be able to manage should it enter the country.

“Tayo (We), we are not hoping for the best but we pray to God that it will not come to our shores. But if ever dumating (it comes), we can cope up with it just as we did with Covid-19,” he added.

With Christmas just around the corner, he is

hopeful that the country and people would get through the health crisis together.

“I’ve always invoked the intervention of God to pull us out of this misery. Christmas na (It’s Christmas season). I hope that everything will be for the good of everybody,” he said.

To date, the Philippines has placed 14 countries on its red list or list of countries at high risk of Covid-19 to control the spread of the Omicron variant.

In addition to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique, the government included in the red list Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy effective until December 15.

Testing and quarantine protocols for travelers have also been updated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Omicron a “variant of concern”.

Reports showed that Omicron cases have been identified in dozens of countries on every continent except Antarctica. (PNA)

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio shared the good news on Monday that all Dabawenyos will receive the “Pahalipay” of grocery packs through their DQR. “For this year ang tanan nga pahalipay is naa sa Safedavao QR (DQR). We are expecting since dugay na ta nagagamit og DQR - more than one year na, ang mga tao kabalo na sila mogamit. So everyone will

receive their grocery packs through their DQR,” Mayor Sara said.

Dabawenyos are advised to log in to their DQR Profile through the website profiles.safe-davao. com, for them to know where they can get their grocery packs.

The following are the suppliers and branches where to avail the Christmas package: supplier-Gaisano Mall with branches in Azuela, Bajada, Toril, and Quirino; NCCC-Uyanguren, Victoria Plaza, Centerpoint Matina, and Cata-

lunan Grande; NCCC-Toril Binugao, Buhangin, Panacan, and Calinan; and Felcris-Magsaysay, Sales, Quirino, Calinan, and Toril.

All city government employees are exempted or excluded from the Christmas package.

It can be recalled that Mayor Sara 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.

Last year, Mayor Sara canceled the activity due to the surge of Covid-19 cases in Davao City.

The distribution of the grocery packs is 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.

ues for social events such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers.

However, the mayor still prohibits gatherings and activities sponsored or organized by the city government of Davao.

“But if the activity is initiated by private sector wala ta’y problema ana. It is the same with gatherings or events. There will no gatherings that will be sponsored or organized by the city government of Davao, but if it is from the private sector we will not have a problem with

that because it is allowed under Alert Level 2,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara also explained why until now the Roxas Night Market has not yet reopened.

“The reason why wala ta nag Roxas Night Market is because it is under the control of the city government of Davao. I will not allow mass gatherings in non-essential areas or parks under the control of city government of Davao for the residents of Davao City,” the mayor said.

It can be recalled that Mayor Sara extended the ban on the conduct of faceto-face non-essential events in villages, local and national

government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) based in Davao City until December 31, 2021.

Through Executive Order (EO) 43, Mayor Sara said the prohibition on government-organized activities such as inauguration, anniversary, thanksgiving, ribbon-cutting, blessing, turnover, launching programs, oath-taking, photo opportunity, retirement honors, welcome honors, testimonial programs, summer outing, birthday, press conference and team building would be banned from September 1, 2021 until December 31, 2021. By Maya M. Padillo

Sara allows private-sector gatherings but prohibits LGU-sponsored events

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio clarified that gatherings or social events organized by the private sector are allowed in Davao City based on the guidelines under the Alert Level 2 classification.

Davao City was placed under Alert Level 2 beginning November 15, 2021 until November 30, 2021 and was extended until December 15, 2021. Among activities allowed under Alert Level 2 include gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household; venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE); and permitted ven-

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

On the report that there are 29 travelers who arrived in Davao International Airport (DIA) from “red list” countries:

Mas intensified ang ating quarantining and surveillance doon sa mga nakapasok coming from the red areas.”

Dr. Rachel Joy Pasion

Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of DOH-Davao, Head

EDITORIAL The pandemic as of December 5 For the sake of Filipinos who want to know where our country stands in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, Edge Davao has endeavored to look into the situation based on records.

As of Sunday, December 5, 2021, a total of 222 countries and territories around the world have a total of 266,127,241 confirmed cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 that originated from Wuhan, China and toll of 5,270,938 deaths.

With 49,969,856 cases and 808,763 deaths, United States of America topped them all, followed by India (34.6 million cases and 4733,537 deaths), Brazil (22.1 million cases and 615,674 deaths), United Kingdom (10.4 million and 145,605), Russia (9.8 million and 281,278), Turrkey (8.9 million and 77,830), France (7.9 million and 119,8535), Germany (6.1 million and 103,604), Iran (6.1 million and 130,300), and Argentina (5.3 million and 116,646 deaths).

Take note that seven of the 10 top countries in COVID-19 cases are developed countries. They are the USA, United Kingdom, Russia, Turkey, France, Germany and Argentina.

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So, where is the Philippines, a Developing Country? The Philippines is in No. 19 in number of COVID-19 cases (2,824,775) and No. 20 in number of deaths (49,836). This means that we performed better than 18 countries, 11 of them classified as developed countries.

In comparison, our country fared better than France, for instance.

As of last week, France reported more than 50,000 new COVID-19 cases a day while the Philippines logged in only a little over 500 new cases daily in the same period in review.

As in Philippines versus the US, it is no-contest situation.

All the above should make Filipinos feel good.

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

A country having an effective rate of industrialization and individual income is known as Developed Country. Developing Country is a country which has a slow rate of industrialization and low per capita income. Infant mortality rate, death rate and birth rate is low while the life expectancy rate is high.

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)

VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO TACIO SERAFICA D. J. WEIS THINK ON CORNER THESE! IBP DAVAO

SEA LEVEL RISE: FORTHCOMING DANGER FOR DAVAO CITY When the Pangi River in Davao City swelled to new heights in June 2011, 29 people lost their lives and 50,000 residents had to flee their homes. In an editorial, the local daily Sun Star Davao commented: ‘‘The rapid urban development has caused encroachment into the city drainage, preventing the water from seeping into the soil with all the construction in the heart of downtown Davao.”

But those are only part of the problem. Former Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza believes that the constant flooding happening in Davao City is due to sea level rise.

“My calculation is that (the sea level) has risen by one foot over a period of 20 years,” he wrote in his column, Advocacy Mindanao.

“Hence, rain waters and floods no longer easily flow or empty out into the sea. They are clogged in the waterways and spill out into the riverbanks.”

The rise of sea levels is just one of the most certain outcomes of climate change. “Sea level rise occurs as a result of thermal expansion in the oceans and from melting glaciers, ice caps, and the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets,” explained Tufts University.

The accelerating rise of sea levels will affect a larger percentage of the Philippine coastline compared with that of other de-

veloping countries of Asia and the Pacific region, according to a World Bank report.

“The Philippines is expected to experience more frequent and severe flooding as a result of sea level rise and more frequent cyclones,” the Tufts University observed. Each year, about 20 tropical cyclones enter our area of responsibility.

Sea level rise has several costs for the country. “In the Philippines, the impacts of storm surges, associated with sea level rise and more intense storms, are particularly significant in terms of the percentage of affected coastal land area, population, and gross domestic product,” said the World Bank report.

Many people think global warming and climate change are synonyms but scientists prefer to use climate change when describing the complex shifts now affecting our planet’s weather and climate systems.

The Philippines, whose coastline stretches 18,000 kilometers, is very vulnerable to sea level rise. The country ranks fourth in the Global Climate Risk Index. Fifteen of the 16 regions of the Philippines are vulnerable to sea level rise.

Davao City is most likely to be affected by sea level rise. In a conference on strengthening river basin organizations in Davao

City in 2015, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) executive director Lorenzo Tan said: “If you see rising sea levels, Mindanao is at ground zero.”

Tan cited Davao City as a case in point. “Let’s look at Davao City and when we look at Davao City, we look at the Davao River, and at other rivers surrounding it,” he told Philippine Daily Inquirer. “Has Davao City looked at the areas around it to make itself ready?”

Tan knew what he was talking about. Davao City was among the 12 key cities in the country that was included in the Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts study done by WWF along with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation Inc. Tan noted that Davao runs a close second to Cebu in terms of tonnage shopped through its ports. “Located along the relatively shallow channel between the city and Samal Island, these port facilities are a nerve center for Davao City’s economy, and serve a variety of ships handling both cargo and passengers,” the risk assessment noted.

But sea level rise may create some havoc in the near future.

“Davao should take a close look at the city’s shipping fleet and port facilities and take the necessary steps to ensure that they

are upgraded to deal with the impacts of climate change,” Tan suggested.

During the 21st Meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea last June, the Philippines highlighted the urgent need to address sea level rise.

Dr. Fernando Siringan of the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute said that sea level rise in the country is three to four times faster than the global average rate. “Sea level rise is one of the consequences of global warming that is a present danger for the Philippines.”

In his presentation, Department of Foreign Affairs’ John Francis – who is the director of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office – noted the country has already felt the effects of sea level rise. “Our future survival is at risk if sea level rise is allowed to go on unabated,” he pointed out.

An in-depth study conducted by the University of the Philippines showed that more than 167,000 hectares of coastland – about 0.6% of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares – are projected to go underwater, especially those in low-lying communities.

One geographic feature that makes the Philippines vulnerable

to rising sea levels is that most of the islands are flat and the bays reach far inland. It’s no wonder why Metro Manila, Legazpi, Cagayan de Oro and Davao are susceptible to the effects of sea level rise.

Human activities that emit additional greenhouse gases to the atmosphere increase the amount of heat that gets absorbed before escaping to space, thus enhancing the greenhouse effect and amplifying the warming of the earth.

Although the Earth’s climate has changed many times throughout its history, the rapid warming seen today cannot be explained by natural processes alone.

“Climate change is very simple,” noted Dr. Robert Watson of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. “We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up.

As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.”

These greenhouse gases, as they are called, trap heat from the sun, making the earth warmer. Manifestations of a warmer world include rising mean temperatures, sea level rise and increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts and greater rainfall.

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

THE TOOTH SHALL SET YOU FREE “The Tooth Shall Set You Free” is a variation of the biblical quote “The truth will set you free” that became the mantra of senatorial candidate Atty. Chel Diokno.

“Vēritās vōs līberābit” in Latin, it is a statement derived from verse John 8:32 where Jesus Christ addresses to a group of Jews who believed in him. The truth is meant to represent Christianity, God or Jesus which will set you free from worldly impediments such as sin, misery, or ignorance.

Diokno became popular because of his teeth. Every time pressing issues arise, Duterte and his followers throw ad hominem attacks against him by criticizing his teeth.

President Duterte insulted Diokno for for his teeth after he accused the human rights lawyer of resorting to black propaganda amid the government’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Kaya hindi ka nanalo kasi kalaki ng ngipin mo. Magsalita kalahati ng panga mo lumalabas. ( You did not win because your teeth is big. Whenever you speak,

half of your mouth shows).

But Diokno embraced it by saying that “dapat may ngipin ang batas” (The law must have teeth) as part of his advocacy for a better judicial system.

After earning a degree in Philosophy at the UP Diliman, he studied at the UP College of Law for a year until 1983 and then went to Northern Illinois University (NIU) where he graduated Juris Doctor, magna cum laude and passed the Illinois Bar. He went back to the Philippines where he passed the 1988 Bar Examinations.

He was the founding dean of the De La Salle University College of Law. As part of his platform, Diokno said that the justice system should be reformed to ensure that the rights of every individual are protected and to promote social justice.

Diokno pointed out that although the Supreme Court has released circulars to speed up the justice system, the problem in its implementation is primarily attributable to the lack of prosecutors and judges to handle the

cases.

He also noted that certainty of punishment and speedy and efficient disposition of justice are key to stop corruption and criminality.

I had the chance to be trained on alternative lawyering as a student volunteer of Diokno’s Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) which is a nationwide organization of lawyers who provide free legal aid to victims of abuse and indigent Filipinos who could not afford to avail themselves of legal services.

FLAG was founded in 1974

by Senators Jose Diokno, Lorenzo Tañada and Joker Arroyo during the martial law era under former President Ferdinand Marcos.

I was then a member of the UP Paralegal Volunteers’ Organization (UP PVO) which is devoted to the formation of law students equipped with the necessary skills to empower communities and basic sectors through paralegal training education.

His father, former Senator Jose “Pepe” Diokno once said “a lawyer must work in freedom; and there is no freedom when

conformity is extracted by fear, and criticism silenced by force.”

Passing the bar is not enough.

Ultimately, being a good lawyer is a different thing.

There will be those who will join the law offices for private practice while others will go to government, judiciary, politics or the academe.

And there’s alternative lawyering.

It is a legal practice either individually or through legal resource organizations that work with the poor and marginalized groups, identities and communities towards their empowerment, greater access to justice, and building peace.

Alternative lawyers do often take on careers outside of the mainstream, but what differentiates their work is their commitment to a different route to, and conception of, justice.

Many alternative lawyers are guided by the words of former President Ramon Magsaysay: ”Those who have less in life should have more in law.”

The poor who have less resources in relation to the rich will

often have to bank on the law to safeguard their rights.

In building a more accessible, inclusive and dynamic justice system, all remedies allowed by law should be completely exhausted for their protection. The semblance of being given “more” in law is imperative to equip them the chance of equality which they do not enjoy.

Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela are seasoned lawyers among others who passed their whole life in pursuit of emancipation of the human beings.

Lawyers, as professionals, are expected to uphold the ethical and moral values that are said to be essential to the fabric that holds society together.

Let us hope that Chel’s mantra “The tooth shall set you free” reverberates in the legislative halls.

(Peyups is the monicker of University of the Philippines. 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).

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi files a cyberlibel complaint against various media outlets over a story detailing the graft complaint filed against him and businessman Dennis Uy over the Malampaya deals. Edge Davao

Office demand higher than expected on strong fundamentals: LPC’s study

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hilippine office demand surged in the last quarter of the year registering yearto-date at 539,000 square meters (sqm), or already 38 percent higher than the 2020 figure of 389,000 sqm, supported by strong fundamentals, according to the latest study

by Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC).

Take-up at year-end will surpass projections despite the peaks and dips in demand that characterized the 2021 office arena, it said.

LPC chief executive officer David Leechiu said office demand levels driven by sustained take-ups

from information technology-business process management (IT-BPMs) firms would have been higher had it not been for mobility issues brought about by the third-quarter lockdowns.

“Even at the height of the pandemic in 2020, IT-

BPMs took up space. We foresee that they will remain a catalyst of the office segment for as long as outsourcing remains a viable solution for recovering firms in the West,” he said.

The Leechiu study projected that in the fourth quarter this year, IT-BPMs will take up at least 54,000 sqm. of office space.

It also projected that total 2021 demand from this category by year-end would register at 229,000 sqm.

“We are pleased to be seeing new brands from among the captives looking to offshore and outsource to

the country,” Leechiu said.

Other than BPOs, online retail companies or e-commerce will continue to drive growth and expand both office and industrial requirements.

The study also cited surging demand for industrial and warehousing to meet logistics requirements.

Most companies will slowly ease back to the business districts while maintaining a portion of their operations on a workfrom-home basis. This will give rise to hybrid operations, the study added. (PR)

from SBCorp for their working capital requirements.

SBCorp, led by executive vice president and chief operating officer, Santiago Lim, recently signed a memorandum of agreement with officials of partner firm Alaska Milk Corp.

“This partnership with SBCorp could not have come at a better time and we are very positive that it will impact the MSME players in the food sup-

ply chain affected by the pandemic,” DTI Undersecretary for regional operations and acting chair of SBCorp, Blesila Lantayona, said in a statement.

STAPLES aims to prevent closure of business operations of MSME retail outlets, especially small community retailers (sari-sari stores), and enable target MSME stores to retain or rehire their employees.

“We envision our MSMEs to become an even

stronger force as the economy recovers from the slowdown in the past months, by way of increased access to retrofitted financing that is meant to give them the needed boost to buy more business inventories and to reabsorb their personnel,” SBCorp chief executive officer and president, Ma. Luna Cacanando, said.

In October, another FMCG company, Monde Nissin, signed up as a partner of STAPLES. (PNA)

DTI financing arm expands loan program for MSMEs

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mall Business Corporation (SBCorp), the financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industy (DTI), has expanded its Sustaining Trade and Access to Primary Food and Link to Enterprises (STAPLES) program.

Under STAPLES, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies can have access to collateral and interest-free loans

Malampaya productive life can be extended: Udenna

U

denna Corp believes it can extend the years of productivity of the Malampaya gas field project beyond the original estimate that its reserves will be depleted by 2027, a company official said Monday.

Udenna purchased the majority of shares in the Malampaya gas field to further develop it, Udenna Corp president Marty Escalona told ANC. “The intention is to be able to develop this well further, to maximize the reserves that are there.

And continue the drilling process that will enable Malampaya to survive in the years to come. We can prolong this project even further,” Escalona said.

“There’s still a lot of years to come that the well can still be productive,” he added.

Malampaya supplies fuel to 3 power plants in Batangas, which together generate up to 30 percent of Luzon’s energy needs.

Udenna Corp’s acquisition of the majority of Malampaya shares from gas giants Chevron and Shell meanwhile is being questioned by various

groups.

Some allege that it lacked proper bidding, and that it was a crony deal.

Uy is a major supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016 campaign.

Escalona however reiterated that the government did not favor Udenna and that bidding took place.

In fact, there were about 30 bidders in the Shell deal but Udenna emerged as the one with the “most compelling” offer, Escalona said.

“These deals were awarded for having the most compelling tender demonstrating robust financial, technical and legal capabilities and crucially the commitment to retain Chevron and Shell staff.

The bidding process alone took several months. It’s not true, the bidding was there,” said.

Keeping former Chevron and Shell staff also gave the firm the expertise it needed, he said.

Escalona concluded by saying that the accusations were affecting their ability to close financial transactions. It also has an impact on the company’s network of employees and their families, he said.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

ECONOMY A2

Boneless milkfish locally known as bangus in different sizes are on display at a stall at Bangkerohan Public Market in Davao City. The Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) said inflation for the month of November decelerated further to a 4-month low of 4.2 percent as some food prices stabilized. Edge Davao

CebPac: Domestic capacity back to 60% in December

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ebu Pacific said Tuesday its domestic flight capacity is now back to 60 percent this month compared to the pre-pandemic levels as passengers regain the confidence to fly again.

In fact, the capacity of some destinations has exceeded the 2019 level including Boracay, Cagayan de Oro and Tacloban, Cebu Pacific Chief Strategy Officer Alex Reyes said in a virtual briefing.

While the aviation industry has yet to fully recover, there is a “healthy spike” in demand, he said.

“Policy environment today is more conducive to travel which means we are seeing a very healthy restoration of travel demand,” he added.

By 2022, the carrier expects domestic capacity to reach 84 percent while the international operation is seen to hit 34 percent compared to the pre-pandemic levels.

Domestic recovery is also likely to outpace the global rebound, he said.

The rising demand for local travel is “a sign of optimism from the traveling public,” Cebu Pacific vice president for Marketing and Customer Experience Candice Iyog.

Cebu Pacific’s sale events, especially the Piso sale (P1 sale), are seen to significantly spur tourism and economic activities in various parts of the country, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in the same forum.

Despite the consistent improvement in domestic travel, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal reminded the public to still observe minimum health protocols and to get vaccinated to aid in travel and economic recovery.

Unemployed Filipinos up to 3.5M in October

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he number of unemployed persons grew to 3.5 million in October, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday.

The figure is higher compared to the 3.07 million recorded in July 2021 but lower than the 3.81 million reported in October 2020, the PSA said.

“Sa populasyon ng 15 taong gulang pataas, ang bilang ng nasa labor force o mga indibidwal na employed o unemployed ay naitala sa 47.33

million nitong Oktubre 2021,” the PSA said on Twitter.

(For the 15 year old and above population, the number of those in labor force or individuals who are either employed or unemployed is at 47.33 million this October 2021.)

A total of 43,181 households participated in the October 2021 Labor Force Survey, while 121,990 participated in the July 2021 survey and 43,503 in the October 2020 survey.

Inflation eases to 4.2% in Nov.

I

The consumer price index rose 4.2 percent or at a slower pace compared to the 4.6 percent the previous month, the Philippine Statistics Authority said in a virtual briefing.

The figure still breached the upper band of the government target of 2 to 4 percent. The BSP expected inflation for the

month to settle at 3.7 percent.

Although inflation for the month is slightly higher than anticipated, it is still projected to fall within target in 2022 and 2023 as supply-side pressures moderate, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a statement.

Upside risks are linked

to weather disturbances and prolonged recovery of domestic food supply as well as strong global demand and persistent supply chain bottlenecks, the central bank said.

Meanwhile, potential delays in the lifting of local lockdown measures as well as new COVID-19 variants could “dampen” prospects for global and domestic demand and “temper” inflationary pressures, it said.

“The risks to the inflation outlook are on the upside for 2022 but remain broadly balanced

G

plete the process, it said in a statement.

Migration jumped 250 percent as of October, surpassing its 2021 target, Globe said. It aims to install 1.4 million fiber-to-thehome lines this year.

“By 2022, all of our customers will be able to

enjoy fast fiber technology capable of handling the present and future needs of the household. We will continue to guide them for an easy and smooth transition,” Globe At Home Vice President for Marketing Barbie Dapul,.

Fiber users can access

nflation for the month of November decelerated further to a 4-month low of 4.2 percent as some food prices stabilized, the state statistics bureau said Tuesday.

for 2023,” the BSP said.

Despite inflation hovering above the target for several months, Diokno has said that the trend remains “transitory” and does not warrant a tightening of monetary policy.

The BSP has kept its benchmark interest rate at a record-low 2 percent for a year now with only 1 monetary policy-setting meeting left for the year.

Economic managers have said inflation could settle back within the mid-range of the government target by next year.

up to 1 Gbps maximum speeds, Globe said.

Broadband rivals PLDT Inc and pure fiber provider Converge have also been ramping up upgrades and expansion as demand soared due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Globe Telecom eyes migrating all broadband users to fiber by 2022

lobe Telecom said it expects to migrate all of its broadband users to fiber technology by 2022.

The Ayala-led telco has been migrating its broadband users from DSL and LTE to fiber for over a year and is “on track” to com-

A3

DAVAO EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Toy Kingdom’s TOP TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS

Wizarding World adventures await you with this Magical Minis Ron and Ginny Weasley Friendship Set.

Sing-along with this Cocomelon Yellow Musical School Bus.

VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk for toddlers

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ring the magic of Christmas to your home with toys your kids will wish for, love, and hug. Thinking of what will bring so much joy to the little ones? Toy Kingdom, the amazing toy store, lists its Top Toys for the holidays.

There are the gift sets from well- loved brands – Barbie, Peppa Pig and LOL – that will bring a big smile to both big and little girls; as well as DIY toys for Pretend Play like GO Glam U-nique Nail Salon. Other great stocking stuffers: surprise toys from Itty Bitty Pretty Tea Party, LOL and Present Pet pup that will be in any child’s wish list.

Toys inspired by your kids’ favorite TV shows such as Cocomelon, and Blippi and blockbuster movies such as Harry Potter Wizarding World and

Jurassic World will transport them to the world of make believe.

Have fun playing Santa as you complete the list and visit Toy Kingdom in SM City Davao or SM Lanang Premier or register your wish list via Toy Kingdom’s Call to Deliver services at 0917.5578797 and have personal shopper assist your kids to select virtually their favorite toys. Check out the Toy Kingdom’s Christmas Toysgether Catalog at www.toykingdom.com.ph.

Follow ToyKingdomPH in Facebook and Instagram.

LOL Surprise Deluxe Present Surprise Series 2 has fun surprises for your Slumber Party

Develop your preschooler’s fine motor skills with CAT Junior Crew Fix-It Phillip truck.

Motorized Range Rover

Foodpanda introduces its newest pandapro rewards F

ood, shopping, and great deals should come hand in hand.

And what better time of the year to enjoy all the rewards, discounts, and deals other than the Holiday Season? That’s why before the year ends, foodpanda is introducing its latest lineup of perks that will enhance both new and existing subscribers’ experience that goes beyond food and groceries through pandapro.

What is pandapro?

Pandapro is foodpanda’s rewards program that allows customers to enjoy exclusive access to discounts, perks, and deals!

For only a Php 399 yearly or Php50 monthly subscription, ‘tis the season to order tasty treats, pantry favorites, toys and tech, and self-care goodies for your

family or friends! With its 40% off discount on restaurants plus other exclusive member benefits on pandamart, shops, and pick up, subscribers are bound to enjoy bountiful benefits the moment they sign up.

What is its latest crop of rewards and benefits?

If you’re someone who values style on top of comfort and convenience, pandapro is precisely what you need to elevate your experience for life! Check out these latest offerings and get a head start on your holiday shopping and memorable experiences from pandapro’s partner brands: Zalora With Zalora’s 20% + 5% cashback benefit for every P1,500 worth of shopping, enjoy as much as Php1,000 worth of discount with

maximum cashback worth Php 200, valid for 30 days.

Klook Itching to travel again and on the lookout for thrilling adventures? Take advantage of the 10% off with a maximum Php 500 worth of discount on various Klook Philippines activities until December 31, 2021.

Viu Binge-watch your favorite K-dramas and catch up on the hottest variety shows with a 1-month free subscription only from the best online source of Asian entertainment, Viu! KonsultaMD Avail of a 1 month-free subscription from Konsulta MD, the country’s leading 24/7 telehealth service. Offer is available for both new and existing pandapro subscribers.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

SPORTS A4

Lebron James with Lakers coach Frank Vogel.

Jokic moves past Bird in all-time triple-doubles

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eigning MVP Nikola Jokic continues to assert himself as one of the best playmaking big men in NBA history, recording a milestone triple-double against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.

With 17 points, 12 rebounds and season-high 15 assists, Jokic notched his third triple-double of the season and the 60th of his career, passing Larry Bird for eighth all-time.

Four of the top 10 players on the list are currently in the league, with Lakers guard Russell Westbrook sitting at No. 1, while Jokic is the only non-guard on the list alongside Wilt Chamberlain.

It was a tough night

shooting the ball for Jokic, who connected on just 6-of-17 from the field and 1-of-5 from beyond the arc in the 109-97 loss to the Bulls, dropping the Nuggets to 11-11 on the season.

Denver has now lost eight of their past 10 games and sits at seventh in the Western Conference standings.

WIthout the injured duo of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets have struggled this season, but they’ll look to string a run of wins together over their next five games, taking on the New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs (twice), Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Lebron defends Vogel over Lakers’ slow start S itting at just .500 through the first 24 games of the season, the spotlight has grown mighty bright on the Lakers and, specifically, head coach Frank Vogel.

As is the nature of being a head coach in any professional league, much of the blame and little of the credit — fair or foul — falls at the feet of the head coach.

For the Lakers, Vogel has been criticized despite a distinct lack of available options throughout much of the opening quarter of the regular season due to injury. At the same time, he has not remained blameless

Nikola Jokic notched his third triple-double of the season and the 60th of his career, passing Larry Bird for eighth all-time.

with an insistence of playing multiple big men has drawn criticism, if perhaps a bit too much at times, this season.

All this has transpired with LeBron James, one of the most powerful players in the league, looming in the background. Capable of changing public opinion positively or negatively, James’ words carry weight, especially when it comes to his head coach.

For the first time this season, James was asked on Monday after the Lakers practice about the criticism lobbed Vogel’s way this season, whether it’s fair or foul and to evaluate how his coach had done so far this season. It was a question reserved for a player of James’ stature, of which there are few of in the league, and one that James answered in a uniquely LeBron type of way...by basically not answering it.

“I think criticism comes with the job,” James said.

“Frank is a strong-minded guy. He has a great coaching

staff. We as players have to do a better job of going out and producing on the floor.

We’re a team and an organization that don’t mind some adversity, that don’t mind people saying things about us, obviously, because it comes with the territory.

We have a lot of guys on this team that’s been bulletin board material for quite a long time. It don’t quite bother us. Everything that we do stays in-house when comes to our preparation and how we prepare for our next opponent and how we prepare to get better. Frank doesn’t care and we don’t either about what people are saying.”

If you’re searching for a vote of confidence, or a vote of non-confidence, or a vote of anything, you’ll have to keep searching. Fully aware of the weight of his words, James’ decision to not directly answer the question was as intentional as it is noteworthy.

His answer, on its own, is a fair one, though. Criticism is the nature of the job when coaching an NBA team and when playing for the Lakers. And the Lakers have made a habit of internalizing many things throughout the Vogel-James era.

When asked about it himself, Vogel spoke about the criticism of coaching in Los Angeles relative to his

previous stops in Indiana and Orlando, saying it isn’t any worse in Los Angeles, just on a bigger stage.

“Not really,” Vogel said.

“There’s going to be criticism with this job. That’s something that we’re all accustomed to. I’ve been a head coach for 10 years. I’ve seen it all. Is it more national? Yes, it’s more national. Is there a bigger fanbase in this market in LA? Yes there is. But it’s been there for every head coach and something I’m not unfamiliar with. Just comes with the job.”

Nothing James or Vogel said on Monday will stem the tide on the criticism aimed the latter’s way. Realistically, the most likely way for the spotlight to dim is for the Lakers to win games.

But James’ not outright backing Vogel, dancing around the question instead only a couple of days removed from praising Ty Lue’s late-game adjustments in the Clippers-Lakers game on Friday, isn’t nothing. On the court, there haven’t been any signs of James mailing it in to get Vogel fired, which he has done in the past and typically serves as the final nail in the coffin. And while James’ quote on Monday did group him with Vogel and the rest of the team and franchise, it’s what he didn’t say that might be the biggest thing to monitor moving forward.

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EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

VOL.14 ISSUE 224 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, 8, 2021

and private schools, universities, private offices and enterprises and other business establishments operating in the City of Davao, who are at least twelve (12) years of age, are encouraged to plant and support at least one (1) tree every year. d) Planting of native or endemic trees, including fruit bearing trees and Mangroves are encouraged. For purposes of this Ordinance, the planting of bamboo shall be considered as compliance to the provisions hereof and the planting thereof is encouraged along riverbanks.

19TH CITY COUNCIL 31ST REGULAR SESSION SERIES OF 2021 PRESENT: COUNCILOR EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. - TEMPORARY PRESIDING OFFICER COUNCILOR RALPH O. ABELLA COUNCILOR NILO D. ABELLERA COUNCILOR MARIA BELEN S. ACOSTA COUNCILOR WILBERTO E. AL-AG COUNCILOR DANTE L. APOSTOL SR. COUNCILOR CONRADO C. BALURAN COUNCILOR JESSICA M. BONGUYAN COUNCILOR LOUIE JOHN J. BONGUYAN COUNCILOR PILAR C. BRAGA COUNCILOR AUGUSTO JAVIER G. CAMPOS III COUNCILOR DANILO C. DAYANGHIRANG COUNCILOR JONARD C. DAYAP COUNCILOR EDGAR R. IBUYAN SR. COUNCILOR RICHLYN N. JUSTOL-BAGUILOD COUNCILOR DIOSDADO ANGELO JUNIOR R. MAHIPUS COUNCILOR MYRNA G. L’DALODO-ORTIZ COUNCILOR ANTOINETTE G. PRINCIPE-CASTRODES COUNCILOR J. MELCHOR B. QUITAIN JR. COUNCILOR ALBERTO T. UNGAB COUNCILOR JESUS JOSEPH P. ZOZOBRADO III ABSENT: VICE MAYOR SEBASTIAN Z. DUTERTE - ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS COUNCILOR BAI HUNDRA CASSANDRA DOMINIQUE N. ADVINCULA

- ON DOMESTIC EMERGENCY LEAVE COUNCILOR PAMELA A. LIBRADO-MORATA - ON SICK LEAVE COUNCILOR JAFFAR U. MAROHOMSALIC - ON SICK LEAVE COUNCILOR BONIFACIO E. MILITAR - ON SICK LEAVE COUNCILOR MARY JOSELLE D. VILLAFUERTE - ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS

ORDINANCE NO. 0680-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE INSTITUTIONALIZING ARBOR DAY AND THE TREE PLANTING PROGRAM OF THE CITY OF DAVAO Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as the “TREE PLANTING ORDINANCE OF 2021”.

SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS.-

e. Tree planting activity shall be done preferably in: a) Public lands, forestparks, and watershed areas; b) Public parks in urban and rural areas; c) Riverbanks (preferably for bamboo); d) Public school grounds, gardens or other available areas within the school premises; e) Private schools, parks and lands with the consent of the owner thereof; f) Protection Water Use Sub-Zone; Mangrove Sub-Zone; Rivers, Creeks and Lakes Sub-Zone; Wetlands Sub-Zone; Marine Protected Area Sub-Zone; Production Water Sub-Zone; Aquaculture Sub-Zone; Municipal Fishing Sub Zone, for Mangrove tree planting.

SECTION 5. CITY ARBOR DAY COMMITTEE. A Committee is hereby created which shall be composed of the following: 4 City Mayor or an authorized representative as Chairperson 4 City Environment and Natural Resources Office – Secretariat 4 Representative from the City Planning and Development Office 4 Representative from the Sangguniang Panlungsod – (Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources) 4 President of Liga ng mga Barangay 4 Sanggunian Kabataan Federation President 4 Representative from the Department of Education (DepEd)- Davao City Division 4 Representative from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 4 Representative from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 4 Representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 4 Representative from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) 4 Representative from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 4 Representative from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 4 Representative from the Philippine National Police (PNP) 4 Representative from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 4 Accredited Non-Government Organization and People’s Organization 4 Davao City Press Office 4 And others, as may be provided under existing laws.

SECTION 6. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CITY ARBOR DAY COMMITTEE. a. Plan activities for the annual celebration of Arbor Day in the City;

ARBOR DAY refers to a one-day activity of tree planting and other forms of relevant activities held annually.

b. Delegate, as may be necessary, the implementation of activities for the annual celebration of Arbor Day in the City;

GREENING PLAN refers to the City’s contribution to the National Greening Program whereby specific activities relative, but not limited to, seedling production and tree planting are conducted.

c. Determine and declare the suitable day for the actual tree planting activity in celebration of the Arbor Day considering the suitable planting season, unpredictable changes of the weather, and availability of participants, or otherwise assign separate dates within a year for tree planting activity in case of impracticability of having a same day tree planting activity for all the offices of the Local Government Unit;

PLANTING OF TREE refers to the planting of perennial plant, either fruit bearing tree or forest tree that grows to a height of several feet including mangrove.

MAINTENANCE OF TREE refers to nurturing of the seedlings after the planting until they are stabilized in the field.

SECTION 3. DECLARATION OF DAVAO CITY ARBOR DAY. The celebration of Arbor Day in the City of Davao shall be on the 25th day of June of every year. The City Mayor is hereby granted authority to issue the necessary proclamations in accordance with Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10176. The City, however, may allow a separate day for the actual date of tree planting, whenever necessary, considering the suitable planting season, unpredictable changes of the weather, and availability of participants.

SECTION 4. GENERAL PROVISIONS. a. The City Government of Davao, all its departments and offices, together with all the Barangays of the City, shall initiate tree planting activities every year in celebration of the Arbor Day of the City of Davao. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Agriculturist’s Office, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, may identify the areas for the Tree Planting Activity and the trees to be planted. b. The foregoing notwithstanding, all able-bodied officials and employees of the City Government of Davao are required to plant and nurture one (1) tree every year as part of their duty and responsibility, whether it be planted in a common public tree planting site or in a private estate. c. All employees of National Government Agencies with office in the City of Davao, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and People’s Organizations, public and private schools, universities, private offices and enterprises and other business establishments operating in the City of Davao may set a different day within the year to celebrate Arbor Day to conduct tree planting activities whether it be in a common public tree planting site or in a private estate. All able-bodied employees of National Government Agencies with office in the City of Davao and able-bodied individuals from Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and People’s Organizations, public

d. Formulate plans to achieve the intent of this Ordinance and introduce specific greening plans, programs, and activities to be enforced and accomplished within each and every year; e. Declare common public tree planting sites and special areas within the city to be planted with trees and/or areas where greening may be required, including center islands, walkways/sidewalks, promenades, open spaces, wetlands; f. Monitor and record the activities and projects undertaken under the Ordinance. g. Monitor and evaluate the different sectors on their tree planting activities; h. Recommend legislative measures to the Sangguniang Panlungsod relative to the grant of incentives, award, or recognition to active participating entities; SECTION 7. MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION OF TREES. The maintenance and protection of the planted seedlings shall be the responsibility of the respective department, office, or other participating entity in the tree planting activity in close coordination with the barangay which exercises jurisdiction over the tree planting site. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and People’s Organizations, public and private schools, universities, private offices and enterprises and other business establishments operating in the City of Davao shall be responsible for seedlings planted in their respective planting sites.

SECTION 8. FOREST AND MANGROVE PARKS. Subject to the provisions of the Watershed Code of the City and other existing laws and ordinances, public lands identified as common public tree planting sites are declared protected areas under the care of the City of Davao and are hereby declared as FOREST PARKS.

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Identified common public tree planting sites for Mangroves are declared protected areas under the care of the City of Davao and are hereby declared as MANGROVE PARKS. Unless otherwise provided in the Watershed Code of the City and other existing laws and ordinances, the management of Forest Parks and Mangrove Parks established under Section 8 of this Ordinance shall be under the Parks System Board of the City of Davao. For this purpose, Section 6 of Ordinance No. 0218-09, Series of 2009, is hereby amended to include the Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the City Council as member of the Parks System Board.

SECTION 9. PROHIBITED ACTS. - Subject to the provisions of the Watershed Code of the City and other existing laws and ordinances, the following acts within lands of public domain identified as FOREST PARK or MANGROVE PARK under Section 8 hereof are prohibited: a. Hunting, destroying, disturbing, or mere possession of any plants or animals or products derived therefrom without a permit from the Parks System Board; b. Dumping of any waste products; c. Use of any motorized equipment without a permit from the Parks System Board; d. Mutilating, defacing or destroying objects of natural beauty, or objects of interest to cultural communities (of scenic value); e. Damaging and leaving roads and trails in a damaged condition; f. Squatting, mineral locating; g. Constructing or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or enclosures, and conducting any business enterprise without a permit; h. Leaving in exposed or unsanitary conditions refuse or debris, or depositing in ground or in bodies of water; i. Altering, removing, destroying or defacing boundary marks or signs; j. Burning or setting a fire in any part of the area as a mode of clearing or otherwise; k. Wood gatherer in the area shall not sell and distribute firewood or its derivative without the Barangay’s Certification that the wood materials were secured and taken from non-forest areas, which certification must be issued prior to such sale or distribution. For this purpose, no person shall deal with firewood and its derivatives for commercial purpose without a copy of the certification as required herein; l. No person shall, by act of or omission, let loose their farm and/or domesticated animals within areas identified as planting areas within the established park; m. Cutting of trees, and any form of excavation within the area of the park without prior clearance from the Parks System Board is prohibited.

SECTION 10. ENFORCEMENT. The Barangay which exercises jurisdiction over the tree planting site may utilize their respective barangay tanod or volunteers in the enforcement of this Ordinance. As such, their respective enforcers shall receive either a monthly honorarium from the barangay or additional honoraria from the city, as may be allowed under existing laws.

SECTION 11. PENALTIES. Subject to Section 13 hereof, violations of the prohibited acts under Section 9 hereof shall be penalized with: P2,500 fine for the first offense; P3,500 for the second offense and/or imprisonment not exceeding six months for the second offense; P5,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding one year for the third offense.

SECTION 12. ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT/CITATION TICKET.- An Ordinance Violation Receipt, otherwise known as “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 13 hereof on the “No Contest Provision”.

If the violation of this Ordinance be deemed to have been committed by a corporation, partnership, or other juridical entity duly recognized in accordance with law, the chief executive officer, president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer-in-charge, if known, shall be cited for the commission of the offense.

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from the issuance of the Ordinance Violation Receipt or “Citation Ticket” within which to voluntarily pay the fine or to voluntarily render community service.

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.

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 clean-up activity, greening and tree planting activity, solid waste management activity, wastewater management activity, or Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) service.

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. 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 15. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NURSERY. – The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the City Agriculturist’s Office shall establish a seedling nursery for the effective implementation of this Ordinance. All participating entities may coordinate and request for assistance from relevant local and national government agencies for the provision of seedlings for the conduct of tree planting activities.

SECTION 16. MONITORING AND EVALUATION. – All tree planting activities shall be recorded, monitored and evaluated by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) shall adopt an appropriate monitoring system and shall submit a regular report to the PARKS SYSTEM BOARD. SECTION 17. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR). - The City Mayor or any designated committee or body duly authorized by the City Mayor may formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Ordinance.

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

SECTION 18. FUNDING. – The City shall appropriate sufficient funds for the implementation of this Ordinance.

SECTION 19. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provision hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 20. EFFECTIVITY. – The provisions of this Ordinance shall take effect upon approval.

ENACTED, August 17, 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

SECTION 13. 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 prior to the filing of formal complaint with the Office of the City Prosecutor, 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 for violation of Section 9 of this Ordinance.

SECTION 14. PROCEDURE IN THE AVAILMENT OF THE NO CONTEST PROVISION. – The person cited for violation of this Ordinance shall be given five (5) working days

AN ORDINANCE INSTITUTIONALIZING ARBOR DAY AND THE TREE PLANTING PROGRAM OF THE CITY OF DAVAO

8 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE 227 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

SAD AND TRAGIC PSC recently donated basketball goals to MSU Tawi Tawi College of Technology.

PSC strongly condemns Marawi shooting incident

T

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has expressed its dismay over a shooting incident that took place in the middle of a youth sports event in Marawi on Dec. 2.

While the motive is still unknown at the moment, a group of men ganged up on 21-year-old Mindanao State University student Aripodin Mamacuna at the school’s grandstand and even-

tually fired at some people who tried to help the student, hampering the sports event.

A cop who was off-duty that time helped save the day after injuring one of the people who

attacked Mamacuna even as the Marawi police later arrested Macaraya Aramama, Banji Saripada, and Karim Saripada.

“The shooting incident in a sports event awarding ceremony in the Mindanao State University last December 2 was sad and tragic. It is something that we at the Philippine Sports Commission condemn, in the strongest possible terms,” the PSC said in a

statement on Monday.

The agency added, “PSC Chairman William Ramirez will coordinate with the council of elders in Marawi to avoid this type of incident from happening again, considering Marawi is one of the proposed areas for sports development.”

Marawi is still in the middle of a massive rebuild following a grueling war between terrorist

groups and the military that took place in 2017 and is among the cities within the primary focus of the PSC’s Sports for Peace program which especially caters to the youngsters of Mindanao.

“Sports events should be a gathering of sportsmen whose love for equality and peace are fostered through physical exercise and movement. We have been advocating Sports for Peace, in our programs and have held countless events in the area of Mindanao, recognizing the positive impact of sports in our quest for peace,” the PSC continued.

“We have been advocating Sports for Peace, in our programs and have held countless events in the area of Mindanao, recognizing the positive impact of sports in our quest for peace,” it added.

(PNA)