Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 234 | Thursday, December 16, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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UNHAPPY Duterte supporters saddened, disappointed with turn of events

STORY ON PAGE 2

Pedestrians walk pass colorful Christmas lanterns decoration of Aldevinco building along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

UNHAPPY

President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval rating rises to 65 percent in December from its 60 percent in the third quarter, according to the fourth quarter survey results released by PUBLiCUS Asia. His trust rating also rose to 55 percent, 2 percentage points higher than his 53 percent trust rating from the previous quarter. Presidential Photo

Duterte supporters saddened, disappointed with turn of events

By MAYA M. PADILLO

M

this year expecting that Mayor Sara will run for President, then settled even though she was just VP. “Pero sa mga actions niya lately, I was really disapponited. Hindi na lang ako boboto. My wife and daughter, a new voter, ayaw na rin nila. Kay PRRD lang talaga kami. Sara practically guaranteeing the loopholes in a person’s history.

Pasensya na pero Sara is not the kind of Duterte my family supported in 2016.

My wife who was politically

apathetic dragged me and my kids to Luneta in that historic miting de avance.

PRRD is truly one of a kind,” he posted.

Mischa’s O’ Shop posted “For some reason, I lost all interest in the upcoming 2022 election. No President and VP for me this time around, and PRRD was the only President I voted in my lifetime. Not like during 2016, I fought for that old man until now. I can feel I won’t feel the same passion supporting someone again.

My standard has already been set high. My heart is sad but I am glad PRRD is retiring from politics, he deserves that.”

Scruffie Yu described Go as a very loyal assistant

to the President and posted “thank you for willing to take in all the bashings para ma achieve lang mga strategy ni PDu30.. the ultimate wing man. Thanks!”

“One in a Million na may taong ganun katapat at pagmamahal sa Presidente.

We will always remember you Sir,” Lemoncito Marivic posted.

On Tuesday morning, Go formally withdrew his candidacy at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila.

“Mayroon po akong isang salita. Desidido na ako. Matagal na po akong desidido. Talagang nagre-resist ang akong puso’t isipan. Nandito po ako

Dabawenyos, particularly those living along the rivers, low-lying, and coastal areas, have been reminded to prepare for “impending hazards” due to the weather disturbances this week.

According to Tropical Cyclone Advisory issued at 11:00 a.m. by Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the center of the severe tropical storm was still outside the Philippine area of

responsibility (PAR), estimated at 1,165 kilometers east of Mindanao.

The state weather bureau said the storm is forecast to move west northwestward while gradually intensifying and enter PAR as a severe tropical storm on Wednesday afternoon or evening and make landfall in the vicinity of Caraga region or Eastern Visayas

by Thursday afternoon or evening.

“This tropical cyclone is

forecast to reach typhoon category on Wednesday. A pre-landfall peak intensity of around 155 km/h may be reached by Thursday morning or afternoon,” it said.

Although the city will not be directly hit by the storm, Baloran said the city needs to prepare because it will experience thunderstorms.

Authorities are monitoring the major rivers – in-

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio simple gave a cold shoulder on the withdrawal of candidacies by her father President Rodriigo Duterte and the latter’s top aide Senator Bong Go from the 2022 elections.

“The filing of candidacy and withdrawal is a personal decision. We can only support that decision,” Mayor Sara said in a statement.

The cold reaction elicited a cold response.

If this was a drama in real life, not everyone was happy.

Netizens and allies of the President and Go were saddened by the sudden turn of events.

Eduardo Castillo posted that the last time he voted was in 1998. He registered

FUNHAPPY, P6

Davao residents told to brace for ‘Odette’

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esidents in coastal barangays, including those residing in areas prone to flooding and landslide, have been alerted to brace for heavy rains due to Tropical Storm “Odette” (international name “Rai”), an official of the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) said.

CDRRMC head Alfredo Baloran told Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Tuesday that the

FDAVAO, P6

PRRD’s trust, approval ratings climb in Q4

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resident Rodrigo Duterte’s trust and approval ratings rose in December 2021, according to the fourth quarter survey results released by a political consultancy firm.

In PUBLiCUS Asia’s Pahayag Quarter 4 survey conducted from Dec. 6 to 10, Duterte had an approval rating of 65 percent, up by 5 percentage points from its 60 percent approval rating in the third quarter.

His trust rating also rose to 55 percent, 2 percentage points higher than his 53 percent trust rating in the last quarter.

Duterte was tagged by at least 50 percent of respondents in all but one of the traits namely “religiosity.”

He notched the highest share for “bravery” with 80 percent, “love for the Philippines” with 72 percent, “decisiveness” with 72 percent, and “concern for Filipinos” with 71 percent.

On the other hand, the approval rating of Vice President Leni Robredo dipped by 1 percentage point to 30 percent from 31 percent in the third quarter.

However, her trust rating rose from 23 percent from 22 percent.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s approval rating rose 2 percentage points to 36 percent from 34 percent in the third quarter.

Sotto’s trust rating also jumped by 1 percentage point to 21 percent from 20 percent in the last quarter.

The approval ratings of House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo remained at 24 percent.

Velasco’s trust rating rose to 13 percent from 12 percent in the last quarter while Gesmundo’s trust rating dipped by 1 percentage

point to 14 percent from 15 percent.

As for institutions, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had the highest total approval with 70 percent and the highest total trust with 53 percent.

The AFP is followed by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) with a 68 percent approval rating and a 46 percent trust rating and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with a 65 percent approval rating and 46 percent trust rating.

Election preferences Meanwhile, the survey also showed that Duterte was the second preferred senatorial aspirant in the 2022 national elections with 56 percent.

Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero kept his post as the top preferred senatorial aspirant with 57 percent.

Also in the top five spots were Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano with 45 percent, television personality Raffy Tulfo with 42 percent, and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian with 42 percent.

Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda (38 percent), Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri (37 percent), former Public Works Secretary Mark Villar (35 percent), Senator Joel Villanueva (33 percent), and Senator Risa Hontiveros (33 percent) made the top 10.

Presidential daughter and Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Duterte was the preferred choice for vice president in the 2022 polls with 55 percent.

Sara is followed by Dr. Willie Ong (11 percent) and Sotto (11 percent).

Ferdinand “Bongbong”

FPRRD’S, P6

VOL.14 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

3

Gov. Jubahib appeals to DANECO: Allow other provider’s takeover D

avao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib has appealed to the management of Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (Daneco) to allow the province to seek other power service providers due to the cooperative’s high cost and poor service.

Vehicles from various parts of Siargao Island, but mostly owned by resort owners in the municipality of General Luna, are being parked at the Siargao Sports Complex in Dapa town on Tuesday (14 December 2021) for safety with the expected onslaught of Typhoon “Odette.”MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

City releases list of top 30 barangays with highest vaccination percentage

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he city government of Davao has released the list of top 30 barangays with the highest percentage of fully vaccinated individuals as of December 3, 2021 based on the Safe Davao DQR data.

The top 30 barangays are the following: Barangay 3-A, 235 percent of fully vaccinated individuals; Agdao with 208 percent; Ilang with 182 percent; Brgy. 13-B with 150 percent; Brgy. 11-B with 133 percent; Wilfredo Aquino with 130 percent; Brgy. 17-B with 116 percent; Mulig, 116 percent; Brgy. 12-B, 112 percent; Brgy. 33-D, 106 percent; Matina Crossing, 104 percent; Brgy. 18-B, 101 percent; Brgy.

34-D, 100 percent; Brgy.7-A, 99 percent; Mintal, 97 percent; Brgy. 35-D, 96 percent; Brgy. 9-A, 93 percent; Brgy.

38-D, 92 percent; Brgy. 14B, 92 percent; Brgy. 16-B, 91 percent; Brgy. 32-D, 90 per-

cent; Brgy. 20-B, 89 percent; Acacia, 88 percent; Talomo River, 88 percent; Indangan, 87 percent; Brgy. 27-C, 86 percent; Calinan, 86 percent; Alfonso Angliongto Sr., 86 percent; Toril, 83 percent; and Tacunan, 83 percent.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said the list was already validated by the city’s vaccination cluster with the help of the city councilors to determine how many barangays are is still lacking in terms of individuals being vaccinated.

“Gihimay-himay ang data kung unsa na mga barangay na daghan na ug nabakunahan ug unsa tong kulang pa aron matagaan ug focus and then kinhanglan nato i-extend ang atoang mga education dissemination campaign to those na naa’y doubt pa sa vaccine ug sa

FCITY, P6

NCCC eyes completion of new Ma-a mall in 2024

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omegrown retail chain New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) has commenced construction of its four-story NCCC Mall in Ma-a and is targeting 2024 for its completion.

Rodolfo Saturos, assistant vice president for operations of NCCC Malls, said the ground breaking was in January 2020 and construction started early June 2020, however, construction was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the official day one of the construction was on November 5, 2020 but ground works started early as June, and the company is looking at the fourth quarter of 2024 for the completion of the mall.

Saturos assured that the mall is compliant in the latest structural code and the structural component is made of concrete pile and pile caps

as for the installations of fire protection, he said the company took advantage of the latest technology in terms of fire suppressions.

“As you see in the designs there is presentations of the availability of fire ducts, hydrants, automatic fire alarm detectors-these are the latest technology as of the moment.

These are the additional features that designer put into consideration for this mall,” he said.

Althea Lucas, vice president for NCCC Malls, said NCCC is investing P4 billion to build the four-story NCCC Mall Ma-a in its 3-hectare property in Ma-a.

“We have been very transparent on our building permit and we initially applied P4 billion capex for this project. We cannot share the exact ratio as to what is internally sourced but we have been working

FNCCC, P6

“We hope Daneco will respect the decision of the people of Davao del Norte. Our people can no longer pay 2 to 3 pesos more per KWH while having more brownouts and bad service and having no representation in the board. We have given Daneco 40 years to improve, my administration even tried to dialogue with them, but they refused to recognize us,” Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib said.

“They can continue serving Davao de Oro and the other LGUs who chose to stay. The people of Davao del Norte have decided, our leaders have decided. We are appealing to Daneco, please let us go.”

The issue has crossed political lines with local government

units in Davao del Norte, along with the municipality of Maco in Davao de Oro have asked Congress that they join the frranchsie area of Davao Light and Power citing the expsneive power, frequent interrutpions and bad service of Daneco are hampering the economic growth of their areas.

The provincial government of Davao del Norte, along with the city councils of Tagum and Island Garden City of Samal, as well as the municipal councils of Kapalong, Talaingod, San Isidro and New Corella passed unanimous resolutions supporting their exit from Daneco.

Despite many of the councils split politically, the resolutions were passed unanimously.

FJUBAHIB, P6

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

On Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s withdrawal from the 2022 presidential race:

The call for a unified nation is getting stronger by the day. The withdrawal of Sen. Bong Go from the presidential race reinforces this current and signals the consolidation of administration forces to the BBM-Sara UniTeam.”

Presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos

EDITORIAL Listening factor After President Rodrigo Duterte and his closest aide Senator Bong Go withdrew their election documents for the 2022 elections, there was more sadness than relief.

The emotional reaction transcended beyond politics. It was more personal. And rather than being a political matter, it was more of a fragmented family.

President Duterte is well-loved by millions of Filipinos who found in him the fresh hopes of people who felt their very welfare have been abandoned for many administrations past. In him, they found refuge and a new lease of life. That’s what separated him from the rest. Davao’s very own Digong was different and people loved it. is.

That explains the phenomenon that the elder Duterte

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That hope died on Tuesday.

President Duterte is out of the Senatorial race and his aide de camp Go is out of the presidential derby. What is left is Mayor Sara who will run for Vice President.

In the months leading up to the elections in 2016, PRRD went on a “listening tour” before he made the decision to run.

The difference between 2016 and 2022 could boil down to the absence of one crucial element--and that’s listening.

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

That is why everyone clung on to the hopes that his legacy will continue in the same shape and form by another leader with the Duterte surname or if not, by the man he trusts or any of that combination.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

5

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

RANDOM NOTES In the past, I generally went to Davao City on weekends. But when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic happened, I had a hard time going to the city. The reason: I feared I might be infected with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and distant cousin of severe acute respiratory syndrome virus.

The instance I went to Davao City was when I had a physical health check-up. I also went to the city when I accompanied my sister Marilou in going to the Davao International Airport. Other than those reasons, I don’t go to Davao City at all.

But last Sunday (December 12), I came to Davao for one reason: to attend the second birthday of my kinugos, Zahra Ysabelle, who turns two years old!

She is the daughter of the former Ronalyn Lagumbay, of barangay Bangkal in Matan-ao, Davao del Sur. Some years back, when I met her the first time – that was when she and her husband (more of him later!) – I was totally stunned.

Ronalyn was a total charmer, a beauty who should be on the cover of some magazines.

She could even be a better ac-

tress – in terms of gorgeousness – than most of the actresses I know. As for acting, however, I cannot say anything because I have not seen her doing some acting.

So, it’s not surprising that her daughter, Zahra Ysabelle, is a stunning beauty, too. I could only imagine how many men will be knocking at her parents’ door once she has blossomed into her own being.

Not to be outdone, however, is my kumpare, kababayan and friend, Atty. Israelito P. Torreon. When it comes to law, he is an extraordinary lawyer extra-ordinaire. As a brilliant lawyer, he started young and in fact, he became the Governor of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Eastern Mindanao Region and IBP Davao del Sur chapter.

Atty. Israelito was the former dean of the College of Law of Cor Jesus College in Digos City (from 2011 up to 2016).

Right now, he is the dean of the Law School Department at Jose Maria College.

This coming election, he is running for Governor of Davao del Sur. I think he is very capable of running the province – with his expertise as a lawyer and his being a teacher and

farmer, too. Coming from a middle-class family in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, he knows what hardship and determination are all about.

The birthday party was a blast. It was intimate, so to speak, since only close friends and family members were invited to the natal party.

Most of the ninongs and ninangs were not present, although there were a few who came. One of them was my friend, Lanier Cadungog, who is a provincial board member (district 2) of Davao del Sur. I was supposed to ride with him on the way back to our province but I had other plans the following day.

The food served during the birthday was great. But since I had some health problems, I had to pick the “right” food for my stomach. Less fats, sugar, and salt for me. Even eating lots of rice – as it is rich in carbohydrates – is a no-no.

Since the party was to start at 6 in the evening and I came to Davao early, I had some time to visit a mall somewhere in Bajada. I thought people are still scared of COVID-19, but I was totally wrong!

It seems it was already back to normal. People were

shopping, selecting clothes and pants, buying gifts and accessories, and dining in restaurants.

Yes, they were still wearing face masks but there was no physical distancing.

Christmas is fast approaching and no one can stop Filipinos from celebrating the biggest event of the country. It’s not only for children but adults as well. These people have money to spend as some of them may have already received their bonus and 13th-month pay.

To avoid crowding, I went to my favorite place – the bookstore. I had been to the bookstore several times already and I was not expecting to find something new.

But what caught my attention were those books that were already discounted: at least P300 or less. I went over with some of the books; some were not even opened yet – as they have plastic covers on them.

Most of the books are fiction and they don’t interest me at all – even if they are best-selling books. I was about to leave when I saw a pocket book. The title: Empire Move Miscellany: Hundreds of Amazing Filmic Facts.

I scanned some pages of the book, and I found it very

interesting. The information reminded me of my features I used to write for Tempo, Mod Magazine, Woman’s Home Companion, Focus Philippines and Special People (except for Tempo, all the magazines are now defunct).

Among the contents of the book are: real names of your favorite stars, ridiculously long (and ridiculous) film titles, movie couples who got married after meeting at work, and stars and their phobias.

I will write a full-length feature about the book. There is lots of fascinating information which most of you have not heard about Hollywood movies and stars.

The following day (December 13), I had the opportunity to go to Pantukan, Davao de Oro. Thanks to Christine Dompor, the provincial tourism officer, I was able to come to Magnaga Waters Beach Resort and enjoyed the beauty of its stunning infinity pool.

I will be writing an extensive report on Magnaga Waters Beach Resort in a forthcoming feature. So, read it in the next few days.

In the meantime, enjoy the holiday season. It’s getting cooler and colder each day!

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

A PANDEMIC CHRISTMAS “If you would take, you must first give; this is the beginning of intelligence.” - LAO TZU *******

I am sorry but the title of this piece cannot be helped.

The reality has to be described in such an ugly term the season we are in today.

However, it does not mean we have waved the white flag.

On the contrary, everyone must put up a brave front.

Otherwise, we - you and I won’t be able to recover and get going.

Yes, we need to get going move forward because the sun hasn’t set upon us.

What should the Pinoy do?

We have learned, though rather painfully, that being always ready - and prepared - for any eventuality gives us the ability to “roll with the punches.”

Whatever we are undergoing today we may not be able to understand in the language of

the intelligentsia and the economists but we surely comprehend that times are hard.

In fact, times are getting more difficult by the day.

Is there a forthcoming recession, an economic global meltdown that stares us in the face?

Well, as you can see, the Philippines is not the only country whose economy is on its knees.

Undeniably, every country on the face of the earth has been hit hard by the viral infection from Wuhan.

Although what surprises me (and other critical thinkers around the world) is that China, from where the Covid19 pathogen originated, has recovered much earlier than the rest of the world, including the highly advanced Western economies.

I may be digressing a bit but the continued probe on the true historical origins of the virus - the who, the why and the wherefore - is slowly but surely

showing that the reported leaks may have to be blamed on the mishandling by people inside the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Anyway…

I want to share with you a biblical proverb to help lighten the load on our shoulders.

Like a Chinese wise man said, “it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

In the Book of Proverbs, the 9th verse from chapter 15 says: “The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.”

There. FIgure this one out how it plays in our lives.

I know - I hope you will agree - that being a Christian nation, our lives as a people are intertwined with our spiritual well-being and lifestyle.

We cannot venture out from this concept and characterization.

We have been typecast since the time the Spanish colonizers Christianized us. Have we forgotten this, that we still look up to

Spain as our mother country.

Would we have been “civilized” without Spain declaring herself as our territorial discoverer?

Unfortunately, the onslaught of the high tech consciousness and the mindset of the cyberspace creators have overtaken us.

Look, the country has lagged behind its ASEAN counterparts in many aspects of governance.

We are trailing them now after priding ourselves as the best literate country in Asia for many years even if we rose from the ashes and ruins of World War II. Didn’t you know that the Philippines, among the nations invaded and colonized by the brute Japanese imperial forces, was the worst hit and tallied the worst number of casualties in terms of lives and properties destroyed?

Now, as we retrace our steps - from our infantile de-

mocracy to our present state of (discombobulated) affairs - can we with confidence say that we can truly stand on our own two feet?

Politically, we are in a mess.

That you have to agree boisterously.

So many are densely masquerading as fit for the job that leaves us - the electorate - befuddled and bewitched.

I am astounded, for sure.

The pandemic is not only a health hazard.

It has spawned a political pandemic without even trying to.

But these masqueraders don’t even care.

They flatter the Pinoy masa with rhetoric that can put to shame the Gettysburg speech so eloquently written and verbalized by the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln.

Indeed, we have a pandemic Christmas. (Email your feedback to fredlmba@yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

A Philippine Eagle inspired design of NCCC Mall Ma-a is seen from the design perspective placed on the fence at the construction site of the four-storey mall, which is being targeted to be completed in 2024. Edge Davao

Joblessness falls slightly to 24.8% in Q3 ‘21: SWS

F

rom 13.5 million in June 2021, the number of jobless Filipinos dropped slightly to 11.9 million in September, based on recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The survey showed that adult joblessness is at 24.8% of the adult labor force, which is 2.8 points lower than the 27.6% recorded in June.

However, the SWS said joblessness in the third quarter of 2021 is still 5 points higher than the 19.8% average in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the SWS, Filipinos are unemployed because they left their old jobs, are seeking their

first job, or lost their jobs due to “economic circumstances beyond their control.”

Only Visayas recorded an increase in joblessness, from 21.3% in June 2021 to 22.6% in September. Joblessness fell in Metro Manila, which has the highest number of unemployed at 34%; Balance Luzon at 27%; and Mindanao, which has the lowest joblessness at 16%.

Among women, job-

lessness dropped from 38.3% in June to 32.3 in September, according to the survey. Among men, unemployment slightly decreased from 19.8% in June to 19.3% in September.

Joblessness fell among the 35-year-olds-andabove age group. Among the 35-to-44-year-olds, the number dipped from 23.8% to 16.0% while among 45 years old and above, the numberdropped from 22.4% to 15.6%.

Unemployment rose among those under 35 like the 18-to-24-year-olds from 49.3% to 51.5%, and 25-to-34-year-olds from 31.0% to 33.9%.

“As in past surveys, the joblessness rate remains highest among the 18-24-year-olds among all age groups,” the survey said.

In rural areas, joblessness fell from 25.3% in June to 20.0% in September. The survey also showed that joblessness dropped sharply among elementary graduates, from 31.5% to 18.7%.

However, it rose among junior high school graduates from 28.7% to 31.1% and also slightly increased among college graduates from 23.8% to 24.8%.

The survey was conducted from September

loans Dennis Fronda said fees and charges, which account for about 3 percent of total loan amount, will be included in the monthly amortization and will be spread throughout the loan term.

“For the many Filipinos, this will go a long way in helping them manage their budget,” he said.

Fronda said the maximum tenor of loans that this program can be availed of is 20 years.

He added now is a good time to take out loans because of the low interest rate environment, lower prior to the pandemic.

Fronda said borrowers who currently have

an existing housing loan with BPI or BPI Family Bank can tap up or get additional loans for the existing property they are paying or buy another property.

Asked why the loan program is initially for housing loans, Fronda said they have plans to expand this to auto loans. (PNA)

FJOBLESSNESS, A3

Housing loan takers to benefit from all-in financing program

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oting the impact of the pandemic on borrowers’ capacity to pay amid the desire to have their own house, a local bank introduced an allin financing loan payment program aimed to help manage their cash flows.

In a briefing on Tuesday, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) head of retail

ADB raises 2021, 2022 growth forecasts for PH

T

he Philippine economy is forecast to remain on a steady growth path in 2021 and 2022, supported by an acceleration in the government’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination program and a sharp drop in Covid-19 cases, according to a report released Tuesday by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The supplement to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021 said the Philippine economy will grow 5.1 percent in 2021 and 6.0 percent in 2022, up from the bank’s September forecast of 4.5 percent in 2021 and 5.5 percent in 2022.

“The Philippine economy has shown impressive resilience,” ADB Philippines Country Director Kelly Bird said. “Growth momentum has clearly picked up on the back of the government’s vigorous drive to vaccinate Filipinos against the Covid-19 virus. Public spending on infrastructure and continued vaccination of the population will help the country further accelerate its recovery in 2022.”

The inflation outlook for 2021 and 2022 is 4.4 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively, mainly due to rising fuel prices. These are up from ADB’s September forecast of 4.1 percent in 2021 and 3.5 percent for 2022.

Vaccination has allowed the economy to slowly reopen, boosting consumer and business confidence. More than 57 million Filipinos, or nearly 65 percent of the target for vaccination, had received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose as of 8 December 2021.

In addition to the government’s purchases of Covid-19 vaccines, the World Health Organization-supported Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility also donated supplies for the country’s nationwide vaccination program.

ADB has been assisting the government in procuring Covid-19 vaccines.

It provided USD425 million in total financing through the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit Covid-19 under the Asia Pacific Vaccine

FADB, A3

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A BDO Unibank Inc. branch along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City. The bank said its nearly 700 clients affected by the recent fraudulent online transactions will be refunded for their affected funds. Edge Davao

BDO reimbursing funds of latest cybercrime-affected accounts

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early 700 clients of Syled BDO Unibank Inc. affected by the recent fraudulent online transactions will be refunded for their affected funds.

In a statement on Tuesday, BDO said the bank “has been processing the reimbursement” for its clients.

“We have requested our clients to go to their branch of account and submit documentation to get the refund. The bank will shoulder the losses perpetuated by this cybercrime incident,” it said.

The bank added it “has been working closely with the appropriate authorities and the Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas (BSP) to prevent further occurrence.”

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said they are in close coordination with BDO and the Union Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank) to address the issues.

“BSP will do everything to ensure the safety and integrity of the financial system as well as the protection of financial consumers,” he added.

Over the weekend, some of the affected clients took to social media to disclose the incidents and said funds taken from their accounts were either transferred to several Unionbank and e-wallet accounts. (PNA)

PH keeps inflation target range of 2 to 4 percent

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he Philippines is retaining its 2 to 4 percent inflation range target until 2024, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said on Tuesday.

The BSP said Philippine economic managers decided to maintain the inflation target range for 2022 up to 2024 after consulting with the central bank.

The inflation target range of 3 percent (plus or minus 1 percent) continues to be an appropriate quantitative representation of the medium-term goal of price stability given

the current structure of the economy and outlook for macroeconomic conditions over the next few years, the BSP said.

“Under the inflation targeting framework for monetary policy, the target is defined in terms of the average year-on-year change in the consumer price index (CPI) over the calendar year.”

The BSP said the economic recovery continues to be robust but the economy is likely to operate below its full capacity in the near term. But domestic recovery is expected to gain traction over the medium term, as the government hastens its vaccination program and the easing of mobility restrictions, the central bank said.

“Low and stable inflation—as represented by the inflation target—remains supportive of the ongoing recovery process and

the attainment of the goal of sustainable and balanced growth.”

Global prices of oil, food and other commodities are expected to ease after the spikes in 2021, the BSP said, but added that considerable risks continue to surround the prospects for global commodity prices.

Inflation expectations likewise remain well anchored to the target, the central bank said.

“Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor

said.

The domestic economy ended its five-quarter contraction in the second quarter of this year when it posted a 12-percent expansion. This continued in the next three months with a growth of 7.1 percent.

The DBCC said the government’s accelerated vaccination program against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) “has enabled the safe and targeted reopening of the economy.”

It said around 41.5 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated and the country has registered a drop in Covid-19 cases and deaths since movement restrictions were relaxed in the last quarter of 2020.

This resulted in the 1.3 million increase in employment compared to the pre-pandemic level, as well as the above-target revenue collections and a strong economic recovery.

The DBCC said the Economic Development Cluster has crafted the 10-point policy agenda to “shift the country from a pandemic to an endemic paradigm.”

These 10-point agenda cover metrics, vaccination, healthcare capacity, economy and mobility, schooling, domestic travel, international travel, digital transformation, pandemic flexibility bill, and medium-term preparation for pandemic resilience.

“Through these strat-

egies, we will sustain our recovery and restore our path to a rapid and inclusive growth,” the DBCC said.

Aside from the growth target, the Committee also adjusted the macroeconomic targets for this year.

Inflation is now expected to stay between 4.3 percent to 4.5 percent; Dubai crude oil price at USD6870 per barrel; foreign exchange rate, 49-50; growth of goods exports, 16 percent; and growth of goods imports, 30 percent.

These were previously at 2 percent to 4 percent for inflation; USD50-70 per barrel for Dubai crude oil; foreign exchange, 48-53;

FPH, A3 Cash remittances up 2.4% in October: BSP DBCC hikes 2021 growth target to 5-5.5 percent

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ash remittances from overseas Filipinos coursed through banks rose in October, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday.

Cash remittances increased by 2.4 percent in October to $2.812 billion from $2.747 billion in the same month last year, the BSP said in a statement.

“The expansion in cash remittances was due to the increase in receipts from land-based and sea-based workers,” the central bank said.

Personal remittance from overseas Filipinos reached $3.117 billion in October or higher by 2.4 percent than the $3.044 billion in the same comparative period, the BSP said.

This brought the cumulative remittance for the first 10 months to $28.816 billion up 5.4 percent from $27.346 billion in the same period last year, data showed.

The United States, Taiwan and Malaysia largely contributed to the growth in cash remittances for January to October period.

In terms of country sources, the US posted the highest share of overall remittances at 40.9 percent for the first 10 months, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the UK, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Taiwan, Qatar and South Korea, the BSP said.

Remittances remained resilient in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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conomic managers on Tuesday revised upwards the government’s 2021 growth target to between 5 percent to 5.5 percent as economic recovery continues to strengthen.

In a statement, the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) said it kept the 7 percent to 9-percent growth target, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), for 2022 and the 6 percent to 7-percent target for 2023-2024.

“With our strong economic performance in 2021, the DBCC is optimistic that the country’s GDP will return to its pre-pandemic level by 2022,” it

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PEZA invites Dubai biz to invest in PH

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he Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has invited businesses in Dubai to consider locating their next investments in the Philippines.

PEZA deputy director general Tereso Panga said in his social media post Monday night that PEZA director general Charito Plaza met with businesses from sectors of Islamic banking, transport, logistics, and energy in Dubai last week to present investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Panga said multinational logistics firm, DP World, plans to develop

a 50 to 100-hectare economic zone with integrated seaport for their latest logistics facilities and solutions.

He added that Plaza invited DP World to bring their DP World Cargospeed, which is a venture in partnership with Virgin Hyperloop, providing a hyperloop-enabled transport system for passengers and cargoes.

The Hyperloop is fully powered by solar and

can move people and cargoes “at the speed of flight and closer to the cost of trucking”.

Panga said the Hyperloop can cut down travel time from Manila to Mindanao to one hour.

“As for Emirates, they will explore airport development/facility management and increase the number of weekly flights (of) Manila-Dubai for the benefit particularly of the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in the Middle East,” he said.

For the energy sector, Lootah BC Gas eyes liquefied natural gas (LNG)

generation and biofuel production, while the Global Business Forum (GBF) Asean in Dubai is pushing for a renewable energy transition and adopting alternative energy sources such as hydrogen, ammonia, and battery storage.

Plaza also met with Islamic Dubai Bank and AlHuda-Center of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) to promote Islamic banking and finance in the Philippines.

Earlier, PEZA and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas signed an agreement to promote Shariah-com-

19 village chiefs receive motorcycles to beef up monitoring system in their barangays

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ineteen barangay captains in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte received brandnew Honda XRM150 motorcycles from the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte in a bid to beef up the monitoring system to maintain the peace and order in their barangays.

The motorcycles were personally received by the village chiefs and some barangay councilors. Aside from the vehicles, they also received jackets and helmets as part of the package given by the provincial government.

According to Mayor Ernesto Evangelista of Sto. Tomas, the motorcycles will intensify the

peace and security program in the various barangays since the Punong Barangays now have greater mobility in conducting monitoring and surveillance in their jurisdictions.

“Kailangan nato na ma-maintain ang peace and order sa matag barangay kay para mapakusgan nato ang seguridad especially karon sa panahon sa pasko. Importante na secured ang feeling sa katawhan. Kini makuha nato, pinaagi sa leadership sa atong mga Punong Barangays na sila mismo ang mangunay og monitor sa mga kalihukan sa ilang barangay,” Evangelista said.

Evangelista thanked the leadership of Gov-

12 to 16, 2021, using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

According to the SWS, the sampling error margins are ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

(HEAL) and HEAL2 programs. These loans helped fund nearly half of the country’s vaccine supply purchases for 2021.

On Dec. 13, 2021, ADB approved USD250 million in additional financing under HEAL 2 to help the government procure more Covid-19 vaccines for minors and booster shots for adults.

Public spending on major infrastructure projects will support the country’s economic growth.

ADB has been supporting the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure development

program, which seeks to boost investments on roads, bridges, and railways to fuel faster growth, especially in areas outside the capital Metro Manila.

ADB’s current investments in the country’s flagship projects include the Malolos Clark Railway Project, EDSA Greenways Project, and the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project.

The bank is preparing a USD175-million loan to assist the government in building climate- and disaster-resilient bridges to improve road traffic flow in Metro Manila. (PR)

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ernor Edwin Jubahib for taking the initiative to provide the logistical needs of the village chiefs to strengthen further the peace and development agenda of his administration.

“First time kini nahitabo. Si Governor Ju-

bahib lang ang gobernador ang nakahuna-huna ani na hatagan ang mga Punong Barangay og motorsiklo para ma-monitor ug maadtuan ang mga remote na area sa ilang barangay para masigurado nato ang kahapsay ug kalinaw,” he said.

closely price developments and stands ready to adjust its policy settings as needed to keep inflation within target.”

While the BSP said at the start of the year that

inflation was the least of its worries, inflation stayed above the BSP target for most of the year as food costs went up in the earlier months, followed by fuel prices in the later months.

growth of goods export, 8 percent; and growth of goods import, 12 percent.

For 2022-2024, projections for inflation, foreign trade, and foreign exchange rate were kept but assumption for Dubai crude oil was hiked to USD60-80 per barrel for the three-year period.

“This is mainly due to the optimistic demand outlook for oil as the global economy gradually rebounds in the medium term,” the DBCC said.

In terms of the fiscal program, revenue projection for this year is expected to hit PHP3.027 trillion because of “increased economic activity and improved services of our revenue agencies arising from their digitization projects.”

Revenue collections are seen to return to pre-pandemic levels in the next three years at PHP3.304 trillion in 2022, PHP3.624 trillion in 2023, and PHP4.049 trillion in 2024.

Budget disbursement is expected to hit PHP4.633 trillion this year, up by 9.6 percent year-on-year, to be driven by higher spending on infrastructure and other capital outlays, personnel

services, transfers to local government units, and equity and interest payments.

The 2022 disbursement program was kept at PHP4.955 trillion but those for 2023 and 2024 was hiked to PHP5.059 trillion and PHP5.347 trillion, respectively.

With the higher-than-expected revenues for this year, the budget gap is seen to be lower at 8.2 percent of domestic output.

This is expected to further go down to 7.7 percent of GDP in 2022, 6.1 percent of GDP in 2023, and 5.1 percent of GDP in 2024 “as the government continues to pursue a fiscal consolidation strategy over the medium term.”

“While the threat of new Covid-19 variants may persist in the shortterm, we are now in a much stronger position to manage possible spikes in cases and safely reopen the economy to alert level 1 in January 2022. Our effective management of Covid-19 will solidify our recovery and sustain our growth beyond this pandemic,” the statement added. (PNA)

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pliant funds and investments to attract Arab or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investors into the country to become an alternative source of funding for ecozone projects.

“In response to this, the Islamic Dubai Bank is determined with its plan to acquire a universal bank status in the Philippines and to help the government access the GCC sovereign wealth fund and the USD2.9 trillion global Islamic finance industry as of 2019,” Panga added.

So far, there are only 21 Arab locators in PEZA

WHEN... FROMA4 plastic bags, or along roadside ditches and highways.

Without access to clean water, it may mean death to some people. In 2005, a report published by the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs, showed around 25 Filipinos die every day from diarrhea caused by poor water sanitation.

Unsafe water kills more people than violence and wars each year, the United Nations deplored. Combined with poor sanitation, it is the world’s “second biggest killer of children.”

The international non-profit organization Water.org said that a child dies globally from water-related illnesses every 21 seconds.

This is mostly due to water contaminated by fecal matter – because many families still lack toilets.

In some parts of the world, water shortages stem from various reasons – from inefficient use to degradation of the available water by pollution, from unsustainable use of underground water in aquifers to population explosion. Those reasons are also the culprits of water shortage in the Philippines.

Water problems are best dealt with at both macro and micro levels, according to Patrick Durst, a retired United Nations official. “Some of the biggest water users (industry, agriculture, tourism) are the biggest wasters of water,” he explained. “To the extent, we can influence water policies, we as individuals should work to ensure the really huge water consumers are using water judiciously.”

But one of the most effective ways of reducing excessive water consumption (and waste) is pricing the water it deserves, Durst contends.

“Pricing water is a highly emotional issue,” he said. “In some countries, people consider water as ‘God-given’ right and that it should be free to all. But the thing is, whenever something is free, it is usually undervalued and wasted.

“When people (and companies) have to pay for water, they quickly start to use it more efficiently,” Durst

zones across the country with total investments amounting to PHP1.75 billion.

Seven of these Arab firms came to the Philippines during the Duterte administration.

“PEZA’s aggressive investment promotions through its regular Global Biz and participation in key missions are instrumental in attracting FDI (foreign direct investment) to generate more jobs, exports and other economic opportunities that will hasten our recovery,” Panga said.

(PNA) explained. “This is true for households and for big companies and agriculture. Unfortunately, political pressure often means that water is highly subsidized, not only at the household level, but also for big companies and for agricultural irrigation.”

Water covers 75% of the earth’s surface and the amount that exists is already fixed: some 1,400 million cubic kilometers. Most of this, that is, 97.4%, is saltwater; another 2% is locked away in ice caps and glaciers.

This leaves only 0.6%, or 8.4 million cubic kilometers, of which some 8 million cubic kilometers are stored underground.

Put it another way, if all the earth’s water were to fit in a gallon jug (4 liters), the available fresh water would be just over one tablespoon.

“Although water is a renewable resource, it is also a finite one,” writes Sandra Postel, author of Last Oasis: Facing Water Scarcity.

“Water is the most precious asset on Earth. It is the basis of life.” Postel believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to humans in the near future.

“Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she explains. “We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.

But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

Water is more important than precious metals like gold and diamonds. “World demand for water doubles every 21 years, but the volume available is the same as it was in the Roman times,” observes Sir Crispin Tickell, former British ambassador to the United Nations and one of the organizers of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. “Something has got to give.”

Unlike in the past, it’s not oil that people will go into war with. “Water is not like oil: there is no substitute,” Dr. Rosegrant said. “If we continue to take it for granted, much of the earth is going to run short of water or food – or both.”

In either case, he added, “the poor will suffer most.”

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ot everyone experiences water shortage, but sooner or later, everyone will.

There may not be enough water for all the people.

“Water tables are falling from over-pumping of groundwater… Many streams and rivers now run dry for portions of the year.

Large inland lakes have shrunk to shadows of their former dimensions. Worldwide, freshwater wetlands – ecosystems that do a remarkable job of purifying water – have diminished in area by about half.”

That was what Sandra Postel and Amy Vickers wrote in a chapter for the annual report of Worldwatch Institute.

“Unlike copper, oil, and most other commodities, fresh water is not just a resource that acquires value only when it is extracted and put to human use. Most

fundamentally, fresh water is a life support,” pointed out Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project, and Vickers, author of “Handbook of Water Use and Conservation: Homes, Landscapes, Businesses, Industries, Farms.”

Water is indeed the world’s most important resource. “We’re surrounded by a hidden world of water,” pointed out Stephen Leahy, a Canadian journalist and author. “Liters and liters of it are consumed by everything we eat, and everything we use and buy.”

Less than one percent of the world’s fresh water (or about 0.007% of all water on earth) is readily acces-

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WHEN THERE IS WATER SHORTAGE Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

sible for direct human use.

“Between 20-40 liters per head per day is the minimum needed for drinking, bathing, cooking and sanitation,” the Pacific Institute for Development Studies estimates.

It’s lack of water, not shortage of land, that will

be the primary cause of the looming food crisis in the Philippines and in other parts of the world, according to most experts.

The Philippines, with a total land area of 30 million hectares, is considered an agricultural country. After all, two-thirds of its more than 110 million people are involved directly and indirectly in agriculture.

“The link between water and food is strong,” explains Lester R. Brown, president of Earth Policy Institute, also based in Washington, D.C. “Water for agriculture is critical for food security,” says Dr. Mark W. Rosegrant, a senior research fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based International Food Policy Research Institute.

In the Philippines, agriculture has the highest demand of all water use with 85%; other sectors – industry and domestic – have a combined demand of the remaining 15%. “With the demand for water growing in all three categories, competition among sectors is intensifying with agriculture almost always losing,” Brown assumes.

Today, an estimated 40% of agricultural products and 60% of the world’s

grain are grown on irrigated land. Take the case of rice, the staple food of Filipinos. It takes about 3,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of rice, reports the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

In his book, Food Revolution, author John Robbins said that 23 gallons of water is needed to produce one pound of lettuce, 23 gallons for one pound of tomatoes, 24 gallons for one pound of potatoes, 33 gallons for one pound of carrots, and 49 gallons for one pound of apples.

Meat production also consumes a lot of water. According to the Worldwatch Institute, one third of the freshwater used in agriculture is used to grow the grain fed to livestock like cattle, chickens and swine.

It’s not only livestock but fish, too, that require water. “Animals, including fish, consume a relatively small volume of water in comparison to crop consumption and can produce a very high value of output,” says Dr. Ruth Meinzen-Dick, a development sociologist who has done extensive research on water management. “As worldwide

demand for animal products increases, the importance of supplying water for aquaculture and livestock is also likely to increase.”

A person can live for weeks without food, but only days without water.

Unfortunately, one in six people on this planet lack access to an improved water supply. And poor people living in the slums often pay 5-10 times more per liter of water than wealthy people living in the same city.

Most people, particularly those living in industrialized countries like the United States and United Kingdom, may not experience the problem. But for 40% of the world’s population, lack of access to proper sanitation is a dilemma.

In the Philippines alone, 24 million Filipinos, roughly 26% of the population, face this problem. A national nutrition survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute found that Filipino households without toilets went up from 8.1% in 2008 to 9.6% in 2011.

As an alternative, nearly eight million Filipinos, most living in the poorest regions of the country, still defecate behind bushes, on fields, into

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EDGE EDGE DAVAO DAVAO

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

GCash and PayMongo let you shop and pay later with GCredit

100% Pure Cow’s Milk at Breakfast O Supports Their Daily Nutritional Needs The creamy and refreshing new Alaska Fresh Milk and Alaska Low Fat Milk are high in calcium, good sources of protein, and contain 20+ essential nutrients from grass to glass.

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reakfast is an important meal for most Filipinos, and it’s for a good reason. A healthy and nutritious breakfast has many benefits on the human body, including improved mental alertness, better brain health, mass muscle maintenance, and improved digestion, among many others. While some choose to skip breakfast, others opt for nutritionally inadequate options due to lack of time and other obstacles.

The good news is that there’s a simple and refreshing way to ensure that your family gets the essential nutrients they need every day. Simply add a glass of the new Alaska Fresh Milk or Alaska Low Fat Milk to the household’s breakfast staples.

Drinking milk with breakfast helps prepare you and your family for the day’s challenges. This is supported by a recent study published in the International Dairy Journal. Researchers found that drinking at least one glass of milk with breakfast could boost your family’s intake of crucial nutrients as well as positively impact brain health and mental performance.

Furthermore, studies show that getting the optimal amount of vitamins and nutrients from food alone is often unattainable², so getting help from sources such as ready-to-drink fresh milk is a great way to fill in the nutritional gaps. The new Alaska Fresh Milk and Alaska Low Fat Milk are both high in calcium, contain 20+ essential nutrients, and are good sources of protein—an essential nutrient that is the building block for the body tissues, such as the muscles and bones. This makes sufficient daily intake of protein a vital part of our diet.

But where does Alaska’s ready-todrink fresh milk line get its nutrients?

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Nutritious, high-quality 100% pure cow’s milk from grass to glass Alaska Fresh, which is under Alaska Milk, a FrieslandCampina company, ensures that the quality of

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the milk begins with the quality of the grass the cows eat. This is crucial because if the grass lacks the proper nutrients, the milk produced by the cows is affected.

Besides the quality of the grass, the company’s farmer partners also ensure that the cows live in a safe and healthy environment, where the optimal temperature is maintained.

Living conditions play an important role in the quality of the fresh milk, so the cows get a lot of exercise, eat a diverse and well-balanced feed ration, and drink only clean water. The milk is then collected from the cows every three days to ensure freshness.

“The milk in the new Alaska Fresh Milk and its Low-Fat variant is 100% pure cow’s milk from Europe. It has undergone Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) processing, which means the milk has been heated to allow you to keep it fresh for a longer time. And nothing is added to the fresh milk because it already contains everything good about milk,” said Joanne Angeles, Marketing Manager, Alaska Milk Corporation.

The products are also strictly inspected by a government organization called the Dutch Controlling Authority for Milk and Milk Products.

They ensure microbiological quality, hygiene, and composition, so you and your family only get the best quality ready-to-drink fresh milk.

“High quality 100% pure cow’s milk with essential nutrients from grass to glass—this is our commitment to our customers. Alaska continues to be dedicated to giving Filipino families only high-quality food products that provide much-needed nutrients along with a well-balanced diet. All these production stages work together so you can give your family a glass of nutritious fresh milk. This is important to us at Alaska because milk is one of nature’s contributions to a well-balanced diet,” Angeles said.

Give your family a glass of the creamy and refreshing new Alaska

para magserbisyo, mahal na mahal ko po ang kapwa ko Pilipino,” Go was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

On the same day, the President went to the Comelec to withdraw his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator.

Both the President and Go filed their COC’s under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS). Both were also nominated by the ruling PDP-Laban party as standard bearers for the upcoming elections.

cluding Davao, Lasang, and Bunawan – in the city.

“Just like what we experienced in the past years, we experienced flooding in Davao because of the heavy rainfall in Caraga region,” Baloran said.

He said barangay officials are expected to convene on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the local government’s disaster response efforts when “Odette” enters Mindanao.

PAGASA said there “is a high likelihood that Tropical Cyclone

Wind Signals will be hoisted for Visayas, large portions of Mindanao, and several provinces in Southern Luzon due to the threat of strong to typhoon-force winds associated with the passage of ‘Rai’.”

It said that the highest possible wind signal that may be hoisted is tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS No. 3) and localities in the eastern portions of Visayas and Mindanao may be placed under TCWS No. 1 as early as afternoon or evening on Wednesday.

Marcos Jr. topped the survey as respondents’ preferred choice for president with 52 percent followed by Robredo with 20 percent.

Eight percent of the respondents were undecided on who to elect in the country’s highest elected post.

The PUBLiCUS Asia’s Pahayag Quarter 4 survey is a nation-

wide purposive sampling survey comprised of 1,500 respondents that were randomly drawn from a market research panel by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum, a US-based firm.

The sampling was guided by statistics generated from official data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). (PNA)

kaayo nga benepisyo sa vaccine, we will do that,” she said.

Meanwhile, Schlosser said that despite the cancellation of part 2 of the “Bayanihan Bakunahan”, vaccination will still continue at the vaccination sites in the city.

The city government of Davao has postponed the rollout

of the second “Bayanihan Bakunahan” from December 15-17 to December 20 to 22, 2021 due to Tropical Storm (TS) Odette which is expected to affect most parts of Mindanao and Visayas this week.

TS Odette has been reported to make landfall in Caraga and Eastern Visayas on December 16, 2021. By Maya M. Padillo

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Fresh Milk every morning The new Alaska Fresh Milk and Alaska Low Fat Milk contains only high-quality essential nutrients from grass to glass. So, make sure to include it in your family’s breakfast to help keep them 100% strong and get through the day’s challenges.

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Close to 120 barangay councils, or close to 90% of the barangays, from the affected areas also signified support for the move, which is also baked by unanimous resolutions from local business chambers and tourism organziations.

Davao del Norte first district Representative Pantaleon Alvarez also supports the move of the LGUs citing the electric cooperative’s “lousy service.”

“I am in favor of the cancellation of franchise of the NORDECO because of its lousy service. The power utility, for long years, was standing in the way of Davao del Norte’s development,” Alvarez said earlier.

Jubahib belied claims by Daneco that there was no due process accorded to the electric cooperative. In 2020 Governor Jubahib along with the mayors of Davao del Norte sent a letter to the Daneco board requesting that the province be allowed to leave the electric cooperative. Attached to the letter are thousands of signatures from residents.

A copy of the petition was sent to the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Instead of replying to the petition, Daneco held a press conference in April 2021 and called the petition and the signature campaign as “fake.”

Davao Light is currently serving Davao City and Davao del Norte localities of Panabo City, Carmen, Sto. Tomas, as well as Dujali.

The local government leaders complained that they are paying close to P3/kwh more than Davao Light, yet they experience more frequent brownouts, poor power quality, bad customer service, and lack of power infrastructure which is making the province un-attractive to business and preventing the economic growth of their localities as well as negatively affecting the lives of the people.

Local government units also allocate millions of pesos every year to donate electric poles, transformers and other equipment to Daneco just

to energize areas in their localities.

Davao del Norte in particular also complained that they used to have only two seats in the 7-man board of directors in Daneco, despite the province having close to 70% of the energy demand of the electric cooperative.

The electric cooperative has not had an election for its board of directors since 2012. All the board of directors have been appointed ever since.

Meanwhile, Davao Light, despite having cheaper power and better service, also pays more than P150-million annually in franchise taxes, local business taxes, and real property taxes to its local government units. Daneco, being a cooperative, does not pay taxes.

Samal Island in particular, has also been complaining of poor quality of power in the island, affecting the tourism industry.

Instead of upgrading the existing 1.5-kilometer submarine cable connecting the island with mainland Davao, or invest on a long term connection solution through the ongoing 4-kilometer Davao-Samal bridge project, Daneco announced they are instead building a massive 25-kilometer, P1.5 billion submarine cable connecting the island with far-away Pantukan municipality.

However, the Energy Regulatory Commission, which approves investments of distribution utilities and electric cooperatives as a means to regulate power rates, formally said they have not approved such multi-billion project.

The ERC also said during the Congressional hearing the franchise that they have issued several show cause orders to Daneco for the cooperative’s failure to submit required reports on their technical and financial performance to the regulating body.

For Reference Atty. Charina Cabrera Davao del Norte Provincial Legal Officer 09258180608

nline shopping has become the new norm for more people – from buying essentials, ordering food, to indulging in good old online retail therapy. GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet, and PayMongo, an online payment processing platform for merchants, have teamed up to let users shop safely and conveniently with just a few taps on their phones!

With the GCash app feature called GCredit, you can now shop and pay later for your orders. This definitely eliminates the stress of checking out your online purchase just to find out that you don’t have enough funds, especially if it’s an essential item you need right away.

Fully verified GCash users can benefit from this in-app feature powered by CIMB Bank as it provides up to PHP10,000 personal credit line and an interest rate as low as 1%. All you have to do is choose GCash as your payment option when you buy from PayMongo, input your GCash Mobile Number and type your One-Time-Pin or OTP sent to you via SMS and input 4-digit MPIN. Lastly, opt for GCredit as your preferred payment option, wait for the SMS confirmation as proof of transaction, and you’re good to go!

Here are just some of the amazing items that you can add to your cart using GCredit on the GCash app or through GCredit via the merchants’ online checkouts through PayMongo: Home dining treats.

Treat yourself to delicious pizza from Shakey’s or Casa Amici! You can also add some tasty desserts from Bebang Halo-Halo Snack House to satisfy your sweet tooth. For yummy dishes to share with family and friends, there’s also plenty of options like Kenny Rogers Roasters and Wildflour Café + Bakery. If you’re aiming for a fit body, you can try the various high-protein offerings of The Six Packed Chef, such as Shrimp Tacos and Coconut Pork and Squash Stew.

NCCC... FROM3

with banks to fund for this project and internally sourced yung iba,” Lucas said during the online launch of the NCCC Mall Ma-a on Wednesday.

The area development includes a business complex that will give a complete mall experience to its customers from homegrown, national and international brands. Poised to be the mall’s unique attraction is “The Nest” where shoppers can relax and enjoy Davao’s skyline view. Also available are four sports courts and multi-purpose halls for various events.

The building will house a complete mix of shops including supermarket, department store, pharmacy, hardware, restaurants, among others.

NCCC commissioned a topnotch design team Asya Design, the same company that designed NCCC Mall Buhangin, for the architectural design of the mall.

Melanie Bacala, assistant vice president for marketing of NCCC Malls, said NCCC collaborated with Asya back in 2018 and drew inspiration from the Philippine Eagle for the design of the mall. NCCC Mall Ma-a is shaped to embody the habitat and way of life of Davao City’s icon, the Philippine Eagle.

“Ito naman ang symbol of Davao City. The Haribon symbolizes a new beginning and courage in overcoming difficulties. Pag conceptualize nung shopping center visualizing the limits from the architectural design perspec-

Fun with hobbies and new OOTDs. Are you into writing and drawing lately?

You can do some journaling with VIVIAMO’s Quest Journal Collection, or channel that inner artist in you with their Sketchbook Journal.

For your workout needs, you can browse through Toby’s Sports and Certified Calm’s selection of athleisure, yoga mats, tumblers, and more. What’s more, for those who want to upgrade their OOTDs for online classes or Zoom meetings, they can shop for fashionable pieces from Harlan+Holden or comfortable and trendy tees from DBTK. To complete your look, check out the latest eyeglasses from Sunnies Studios and stylish footwear from Havaianas on the app.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? You can also try checking Rustan’s – for everything from sleepwear and footwear to skincare products and home décor.

For wellness and selfcare. After working for hours, running errands, and completing house chores, you deserve some pampering, too. Maximize your “me time” with beauty and hair products from BeautyMNL and HairMNL for glowing skin and a good hair day. To continue your health and fitness journey during the pandemic – and get your loved ones involved – avail of medical check-ups by experts at Manila Heath-Tek. Feeling anxious and isolated because of the lockdown? You can always call and book an appointment with a Prescription Psychiatrist if you need someone to talk to and share your struggles with during these trying times. Keep in mind that our mental health is as important as our physical health.

With all these merchants and retail brands made available by GCash and PayMongo, you can do your shopping safely and conveniently and pay later by using GCredit.

For more information about GCredit on the GCash app, visit https://www. gcash.com/how-to-usegcredit.

tive. Ini-embody natin ang habitat nung eagle so we use earthly pallets on top of greenery. Marami tayong natural lights which resemble to the appearance of the Philippine Eagle,” she said.

Bacala said NCCC will recognize the aspirational market because the company wants to stay true to the affordability that it is best known for.

The mall will also feature several entertainment options such as cinema, arcade and bowling.

‘We will still continue to give you the best cinema experience in Ma-a,” Lucas said.

The mall will center on providing shoppers with convenience and accessibility where shopping, dining, and entertainment options are made available.

The basement of the building will serve as a parking area, providing 800 slots.

NCCC Mall Ma-a also aims to be an environment-friendly establishment advocating no to single use, non-recyclable plastics.

In terms of mitigating traffic, Lucas said with the new approved traffic impact study, NCCC will be using some part of the mall as access road for the vehicles going to and from the south.

Lucas said that hiring of applicants who were formerly employed by NCCC Mall Ma-a is also being considered.

“But of course, they would have gone through the hiring process again,” she said. By Maya M. Padillo

VOL.14 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

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Giannis Antetokounmpo joins the list of players placed under the NBA’s health and safety protocols. PHOTO: AP

Giannis also placed in NBA COVID-19 protocols

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ILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo is the latest NBA star to be sidelined by COVID-19.

The league’s injury report on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time) listed the two-time MVP as out for the Milwaukee Bucks’ game against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday because he’s in the health and safety protocols.

Milwaukee’s Wesley Matthews also has entered the COVID-19

protocols and won’t play Wednesday.

Antetokounmpo played Sunday at New York and Monday at Boston. He had a triple-double in the victory over the Knicks and scored 20 points in the loss to the Celtics.

He’s averaging 27 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season.

Earlier this season, Bucks forward Khris Middleton missed eight games after testing positive for COVID-19. Last season, Milwaukee’s Jrue Holiday missed 10 games for the same reason.

The Bucks went 3-5 in the games Middleton missed after his positive test. Middleton is questionable for Wednesday’s game after leaving the Celtics game early with a hyperextended left knee.

About a half-hour after he had finished — and an hour before the opening tip — the team announced Harden and Brown had been placed into COVID-19 protocols.

“First we concern ourselves with their health and safety. Fortunately for us, they’re predominantly asymptomatic but there will be a period of time required for them to test negative (before we can) have our full group available again.”

Several staff members have also been placed under the health and safety protocols, according to coach Steve Nash.

Nash also said “a couple coaches (and) a couple staff (members)” had been

placed in protocols.

“We’re not naive enough to not have concerns about more people contracting the virus, but that’s out of our hands,” Nash said.

“Overall, we can’t do a lot right now except wait for results to come in and control what’s in our hands.”

The Nets have been playing short-handed all season after Kyrie Irving refused to get vaccinated, which ruled him out for home games because of a New York City vaccine mandate. The team decided not to let him play solely in road games.

The NBA postponed two Chicago Bulls games this week because 10 of their players were in health and safety protocols.

7 Nets players out, Harden in COVID-19 protocol

N

EW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets were without seven players, including James Harden, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time) because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

The Nets only had enough remaining players to take the court against the Toronto Raptors because Kevin Durant was upgraded from questionable. He started the game.

Aside from Harden, the Nets were missing starter LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre’ Bembry along with reserves Jevon Carter, James Johnson, Bruce Brown and Paul Millsap.

“It’s unfortunate for sure,” Brooklyn coach Steve Nash said before the game.

Curry breaks NBA’s record for 3-pointers S tephen Curry made two 3-pointers in the first quarter of the Golden State Warriors - New York Knicks game Tuesday at Madison Square Garden to become the NBA's all-time record holder for 3-pointers made in the regular season.

With 7:33 to go in the first quarter of the game,

Curry managed to hit his 2,974th 3-pointer of his regular season career, surpassing Ray Allen.

Former Boston Celtics and Miami Heat shooting guard Allen made 2,973 3-pointers in 1,300 games.

The 2008 and 2013 NBA champion, Allen, 46, officially retired in 2016.

Curry, a three-time NBA champion, is dubbed the greatest shooter in NBA history by players and analysts.

Curry hit three more from the arc to extend his career total to 2,977 as the Warriors defeated the Knicks, 105-96, to improve their win-loss record at 235.

Already playing shorthanded early in the season, the Nets take a hit with players and team staff members entering the league’s virus protocols. PHOTO: AP

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

NO BARK Patrick Reichelt’s celebration was short-lived. PHOTO: PFF | SUZUKI CUP

Azkals bow out of Suzuki Cup after losing to Thailand

T

he Philippine Azkals are home-bound.

The men’s national football team was ousted from semifinal contention in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020, losing to Thailand, 2-1, on Tuesday at the Singapore National Stadium.

Teerasil Dangda scored two goals including a penalty in the 78th minute after an equalizer from the Azkals, who were eliminated with the loss to the War Elephants.

Patrick Reichelt equalized after a strike from a failed clearance

by Thailand in the 57th minute to stay in contention for the next round, but it was still not enough.

Thailand drew a foul, a contentious call at least for the side of the Philippines, after Amani Aguinaldo brought down Thitiphan Puangjan inside the box. Azkals coach Stewart Hall later described the foul as “dubious.”

Terrasil, who in the 26th minute became the most prolific scorer in the history of AFF Suzuki Cup with his 18th goal of his career, knocked in the spot kick over Azkals keeper Kevin Hansen.

“Obviously, it was the deciding

factor,” Hall said. “I’d like to see it a few times. My players are not happy at the decision.”

The Azkals conceded the first goal after a strike by Teerasil on a cross by Teerathon Bunmathan, but Reichelt’s equalizer was the first given up by Thailand in the tournament.

“We gave away the ball away in the corner, we were a bit sloppy and loose on possession. We gave the ball away and they got the cross in to the goal. That could have been avoided. But having said that, they are a good team. They play some good football. They attack together. They defend together. Credit to Thailand,” said Hall.

Thailand climbed nine points in Group A, while the Philippines stayed in third place with three points (1-0-2 win-draw-loss). Singapore and Timor Leste are playing as of posting time.