Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 239 | Thursday, December 23, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

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Patrolman Roseller Lagulao of Davao City Police Office’s (DCPO’s) Mobile Patrol Group stands guard in front of Abreeza Mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday. The city government of Davao issued a notice to the public on Tuesday concerning the two bomb threats currently investigated by the city’s security cluster. Edge Davao

QUICK ACTION DCPO identifies, arrests bomb threats suspect STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

AGILA RESPONDERS. Disaster Response and Rescue Operations (DRRO) Team of the 10th Infantry “Agila”Division prepares for its deployment to Odette-hit areas during the send-off ceremony at 10ID headquarters in Mawab, Davao De Oro, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 to aid rescue and clearing operations under Joint Task Force Sambisig. 10DPAO

QUICK ACTION T

City of Mati LGU gets P30 million cheque from NHA for IP housing

DCPO identifies, arrests bomb threats suspect

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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cember 20, 2021.

“Yung naglagay ng sulat sa isa sa mga sasakyan sa City Hall, nakunan ng CCTV on December 20, 2021 at 1 pm. Base sa footage nakita natin yung tao mismo na naglagay ng sulat. Hinanap namin siya at nag conduct ng investgation

para ma-identify yung tao at naaresto natin siya kahapon,” Kraft said.

Kraft said they cannot give full details including the name yet as the suspect is undergoing background check.

“Hindi pa niya sinasabi kung ano ang dahilan niya,” Kraft said.

Kraft also confirmed that the suspect is a resident of Davao City.

“Dito lang sa tabi tabi na barangay,” he said On December 21, 2021 the city’s security cluster warned Dabawenyos to be vigilant against terroristic attacks amid two bomb threats.

The city government of Davao reminded that violent extremism is a scourge around the globe and Dabawenyos should, at all times, remain vigilant.

bring a warm embrace and continue to put you to safety. Stay safe everyone,” Mendoza said in a statement.

Super Typhoon Odette caused huge damage in many areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Based on the report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of December 20, 2021, there were nine deaths and two injuries confirmed, and validation of reports of 49 deaths, 199 injured, and 18 missing is ongoing.

NDRRMC also report-

ed that Typhoon Odette destroyed various government facilities, flood control projects, roads, bridges, and other infrastructures, houses were either totally or partially destroyed, road sections and four bridge sections collapsed, along with four airports and seaports were damaged and hectares of crops, and many livestock and poultry areas were completely wiped out in the affected regions.

Such disaster is not new for the vice governor. It can be recalled that a magnitude 6.3 quake hit Mind-

anao on October 16, 2019 with the epicenter in Tulunan, North Cotabato, which destroyed houses made of semi-concrete materials.

Mendoza, who was the governor then, provided financial assistance to families of the victims and owners of damaged houses.

The vice governor also looked for various sponsors who committed to funding an initial 40 temporary shelters under the adopt-a-home program for families displaced by the October earthquakes in Cotabato.

he Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has identified and arrested a suspect for the two bomb threats in Davao City.

DCPO director Colonel Kirby John Kraft, in a phone interview said the suspect, who is currently detained, is responsible for the two letters containing bomb threat. The first letter was left in September this year and the second letter was on De-

VG Lala calls on Cotabateños to offer prayers for all kababayans affected by Odette

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ice Governor Emmylou “Lala” Jacolo Taliño-Mendoza called on Cotabateños to pray for the victims of Super Typhoon Odette.

“As we continue to see the wrath of the Super Typhoon Odette, I call upon all Cotabateños to offer our deep prayers of comfort and safety for all our kababayans affected by the storm. This is the time where our unity as a nation and resiliency as Filipinos must be highlighted as we face the aftermath of this natural disaster. May God

he City of Mati LGU is recipient to a P30 million cheque from the National Housing Authority given on December 22, 2021 to the office of Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat.

The simple turn-over was attended by Mayor Michelle together with Engr.

Sonia J. Bulseco – District Manager of NHA RO XI Davao Oriental/Compostela Valley District Office, Aloma S. Serafin – Mati City Treasurer, and Yza Marie B. Marundan – OIC CHRD. The cheques will fund the 2 IP Village Projects namely Balai Kalipay and Balai Maganahay.

Balai Kalipay is located in Brgy. Luban with 75 housing units while Balai Maganahay is situated at Brgy. Dawan with also 75 housing units.

The project cost for each housing project is 20 million each or a total of P40 million.

The IP Village projects were initiated

by the City Government of Mati under the administration of Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat to provide shelter to qualified members of the indigenous peoples who are informal settlers in the said barangays.

The remaining balance of P10 million for the two IP Village projects will be turned over by NHA to the City of Mati LGU in 2022.

Mayor Michelle Rabat meanwhile expressed gratitude to the Office of the President and the NHA under General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. for granting their funding request for the said projects.

Escalada also attended the groundbreaking of one of the two projects early this year. (CIO MATI/ Mayo Pilar)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

NEWS

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Stranded tourists flock to the Sayak Airport in Del Carmen, Siargao Island to wait for flights that would take them out of the island battered by super typhoon ‘Odette.’MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

Davao awaits DOH guidelines on shorter intervals for boosters Mati Tourist Police has new building

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he City of Mati Tourist Police will now be housed in its own building courtesy of the Philippine National Police that allocated a budget of P6.5 million for its construction.

The Mati City Tourist Police Assistance Center is located in Barangay Dahican, City of Mati.

The turnover was held last December 21, 2021, and was attended by DOT 11 director Tanya Virginia Rabat-Tan, P/Col. Efren Orlina, Davao Oriental Police Provincial Director, P/ Lt. Col. Adolfo Eyan, 2nd DOPMFC Force Commander along with other city and provincial officials.

Mati PNP Chief P/Lt. Col. Ernesto Gregore personally accepted the cer-

emonial key to the new building.

Republic Act No. 9593 or the Philippine Tourism Act of 2009 calls for the Philippine National Police to establish a Tourism Security Force to assist in maintaining peace and order within areas of high tourism traffic like in the City of Mati.

Also highlighted during the turnover ceremony was the presentation of the Tourist Police horse that’s been used by the cops in patrolling the beaches and other tourist spots in the city.

The horse was donated

by City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat. (CIO MATI/ Kristine Garcero) CREDIT PHOTOS TO MATI PCR

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he city government of Davao is currently waiting for the guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH) following its announcement of shorter intervals for Covid-19 vaccine boosters.

In an advisory, DOH informed the public that all adults age 18 years old and above are now eligible to receive a single-dose booster of Covid-19 vaccine at least three months after the second dose of AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac, or Sputnik vaccine, or at least two months after Janssen effective Decem-

ber 22, 2021.

“So far every time na magpagawas sila ug advisory and guidelines that would also mean that they will be providing allocation (vaccines).

Seguro the reason why wala pa ta ka receive kay they are still allocating vaccines for the booster dose. Dungan gyud na if magpagawas sila ug

guidelines they should be giving us allocation also para maapas ug ma-rollout nato ug sakto sa katawhan ang ginapatuman na guidelines,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force on Wednesday during the Covid Alert Program via Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

Last month, DOH announced that booster shots may only be given six months after the second dose of vaccination but shortened the administration of booster doses

following the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Meanwhile, Schlosser said that the city will be requesting more Pfizer vaccines as this is the brand that most of the Dabawenyos preferred.

However, Schlosser reminded the people that regardless of the brand of the vaccines for their booster dose, they are giving the same protection against Covid-19.

“Ipasabot nato sa katawhan, kasi daghan ko na encounter na gusto nila

country were battered by typhoon Odette in the past few days. So the NDRRMC came out with a resolution recommending that a state of calamity be declared over the affected areas and these would include Region IVB, VI, VII, VIII, X, and XIII,” the President said.

The declaration of the state of calamity will hasten the rescue and relief

and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector.

“What I can promise you is that I said on or before Friday the money will be downloaded. It --hindi ito ‘yung ano, hindi ito ‘yung contingent fund, hindi ito calamity. This is the money nakuha ko from my office. Mayroon man ang --- each and

FCITY, P6

PRRD declares state of calamity in provinces battered by Odette

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night declared a state of calamity in areas badly hit by super typhoon Odette.

The areas included are Regions 4B (Mimaropa – Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), and 13

(Caraga).

The President signed the declaration during his televised Talk to the People upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

“I have decided to declare a state of calamity.

Then I’m flying tomorrow (Wednesday) balik ako doon. Many regions in the

FPRRD, P6

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

In declaring a state of calamity in areas affected by typhoon Odette:

I have decided to declare a state of calamity. Then I’m flying tomorrow (Wednesday) balik ako doon. Many regions in the country were battered by typhoon Odette in the past few days. So the NDRRMC came out with a resolution recommending that a state of calamity be declared over the affected areas and these would include Region IV-B, VI, VII, VIII, X, and XIII.”

President Rodrigo Duterte

EDITORIAL Recovery year There is hope in the coming new year.

2022 could be the so-called ‘Recovery Year’ for the country especially in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The prospects are brighter and the way it stands now, 2022 is seen by hotels as a “good recovery” year after observing a rise in the confidence level to travel among Filipinos.

The forecast by the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Inc. (PHOA) is that even if the country continues to

EDGEDAVAO

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PHOA predicts that it will take some Recovery to pre-pandemic levels, however, could still take about three to four years or at least until after global air traffic returns to 2019 levels, according to PHOA President Arthur Lopez.

The inevitable is that there will be a boom in travel.

Once the air travel resumes in full throttle, that is the time recovery can be spoken of.

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

stay at alert level two, 2022 should really be a good recovery year, not quite the pre-pandemic days but definitely much much better than 2021.

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 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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

FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REGENERATION TO ECONOMIC REMUNERATION Climate change and food security – these are the two most serious problems the country is facing. That’s according to Emmanuel Piñol, former head of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

He said the observations after the country was hit by Typhoon Odette. Together with some friends who support his Green Philippines Advocacy (GPA), he will be “bringing truckloads of giant bamboo planting materials and fruit tree seedlings” to affected areas in the second week of January next year. “(We) will not provide immediate relief to those whose lives were affected and properties damaged by the floods but this would certainly prepare them for the biggest challenge that we all face – climate change and food security,” said Piñol, who is running for the Senate this coming election.

In his Facebook account, Piñol urged Filipinos to look beyond Odette and other disasters that are now common in the country. “The problem we have is not how we could bring food and conduct relief operations in the affected areas because these are temporary,” he explained. “What should be given deeper focus is why these floods had been more frequent and devastating than before.”

Generally, typhoons bring with them strong winds and heavy rains. These two “inflicted a lot of damage but the most serious blow came from the floods which caused the loss of lives and properties,” Piñol said.

By looking at the murky and brown flood waters which inundated the town of Loboc, Bohol and Cagayan de Oro City, Piñol surmised that “there is not much vegetation or growing trees in the upstream of the rivers which

flow down to these areas.”

Floodwaters which are murky and brown mean they carry tons and tons of eroded topsoil. “The floods came rushing down from the elevated areas with such devastating force because there is no vegetation or trees to impede the momentum,” Piñol said.

In another Facebook post, he said the country has only “6% forest cover left.” With such remaining forest cover, “there is an impending disaster awaiting the next generation of Filipinos if we do not do something today.”

We need to address this problem now or else “the lives and food security of the next generation would be threatened.”

“There is no force or formula known to humanity to stop natural calamities like typhoons, in spite of the advances in science,” Piñol reminded. “We cannot stop typhoons but we can minimize

the floods.”

The GPA will try to implement some possible solutions.

“Tatlong klaseng pananim ang itutulak naming at ito ay ang giant bamboo, high elevation fruit trees and industries like to be intercropped with either coffee, cacao and others,” he explained.

The giant bamboo planting materials and fruit tree seedlings, he believed, “would contribute to the mitigation of flooding in 3 to 5 years and ensure food security.”

“Let us plant bamboo, trees and fruit trees in the upstreams of the oft-flooded river basins,” Piñol urged.

But the program doesn’t end there. The next step is the introduction of economic enterprises “which could provide the downstream activity to ensure the sustainability of the project.”

One example is the construction of an engineered bamboo processing facility that will

turn the giant bamboo into housing and building materials.

Piñol said he will submit GPA for registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-profit organization aimed at shifting the re-greening program mindset from simply environmental regeneration to economic remuneration as well.

“I would like to clarify that the continuity of the (introduced) program is not dependent on the outcome of the May 2022 national elections,” Piñol emphasized.

“Politics will not define my personal advocacies and commitments, although admittedly the inherent powers and influence of a senator could certainly enhance support for the program.”

The program, he pointed out, “will be my legacy for the next generation of Filipinos which includes my children, grandchildren and those who will come after them.”

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

CLASPED HANDS OR FINGERS CROSSED “The superior man thinks only of virtue; the common man thinks only of comfort.” - CONFUCIUS *******

The Odette indescribable fury left a long swath of destruction - in lives and property - among people expecting a truly “merry Christmas” but are now left with hands clasped or fingers crossed just a few days before the traditional celebration of the best season of the year.

Those of us who were not affected by the weather disturbance are greatly luckier. We can only utter words of thanks and gratitude to our good Lord who spared us from the calamitous onslaught of Odette.

I don’t know if our countrymen realize that we exist on a seasonal basis. That we already know, have been informed and dutifully advised by PAGASA how many tropical storms will arrive and how, we just aren’t

mentally prepared and physically diligent in taking precautionary measures.

Yes, every LGU has its own DRRMC (DIsaster and Risk Reduction Management Council) but the Odette experience exposed it all: LGUs are both unprepared and procrastinate in promptly meeting the exigency before it happens.

In my boyhood days back in the fifties, I do not remember any typhoon that visited us in December this close to the Christmas week. I am talking of a nationwide scale.

I know for a fact that the rainy season begins lightly in June after the summer months, then rains and storms (with winds strong and stronger) pour down heavily from July, August and September.

In October, the typhoons subside a bit until November when the cold winds of winter from up north come oozing down on tropical countries that offer a welcome relief.

Surely, physically affected or not by the Odette trauma, everyone, collectively speaking, is downtrodden and disheartened.

However, the political circus is entertaining us, to a certain degree.

The presidential tandems and their senate tickets and local candidates are employing strategies to capture the hearts of the spectating public.

All are gathering resources rom their patrons and funders - financially - to assist in alleviating the suffering and the emotional torture of the victims in many places in the Visayas and Mindanao areas.

Of course, their names and popular initials are indelibly etched on the exterior spaces of boxes they send to the LGUs. They would not want to be un-remembered. They surely desire that the recipients and beneficiaries recall their names until the election day comes.

These, folks, are the ironies of our times.

Oh, by the way, even as the nation is going through this tragedy, news is that a leftist president has been elected in Chile recently.

His name: Gabriel Bolic. He is just 35 years of age, the youngest president Chile ever had.

Anyway, he appears to be much of an attention-getter. He is good looking plus the fact that the Chileans seem unperturbed about his leftist leanings. I think they like Boric the way celebrations in the streets Boric, though, promised in his acceptance speech a better life for every Chilean in a democratic set-up.

Wow, Boric is really a picture of contradiction. A leftist promising a democratic way of life?

At least, to me, he is an interesting leader, with plenty of guts and gall..

Unlike so many of our politicians posturing as potential national leaders who cannot spell out their advocacies but chatter

in generalities.

What about our local pastoral and church leaders?

Shouldn’t they unite and amass their resources - material and manpower - and go visit the devastated areas, offer hope and encouragement to all the families and households thereat?

It would be heartening to witness such a combination of efforts where the Filipinos see their spiritual leaders jointly catering to the basic needs of typhoon victims.

This is a gesture of Christian charity that has never happened before.

The Catholics do it their own way and the pastors belonging to the Protestant, Baptist, Methodist and other religious and evangelical denominations take their separate actions.

Alleluia! We can only clasped our hands and cross our fingers. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Several clients of BDO asks the bank to reconsider its decision to deny their reimbursement claims. BDO is one of the banks in the country that was hit by a“sophisticated fraud technique,”which affected some clients. Edge Davao

DavSur LGUs bag awards in 9th Reg’l Competitiveness Summit V arious local government units in the province of Davao del Sur bagged awards at the recently concluded 9th Regional Competitiveness Summit hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Following the win of the Digos City LGU as the 1st most improved LGU in the component cities category, the municipal LGU of Sulop also grabbed the most competitive LGU in

infrastructure pillar under the class 3–4 municipalities category.

The 7th overall most competitive LGU under the class 3–4 municipalities category was also be-

stowed to Sulop LGU. The LGU of Padada was awarded the 7th most improved LGU for class 3–4 municipalities category.

The LGU of Magsaysay has also been conferred as the 4th most competitive LGU on the government efficiency pillar for class 3 – 4 municipalities category and the 8th most competitive LGU on resiliency pillar for the same

category.

The 5th most competitive LGU in Government Efficiency Pillar for class 3–4 municipalities category was bestowed to the LGU of Hagonoy.

The LGU officials expressed their gratitude to the united efforts of the LGU employees, stakeholders and the entire community who made the awards possible. (PIA XI/Franchette Delfin)

These were on top of the previous batches of TCCs received by textile firms worth P3.018 billion that the COA had invalidated.

The illegal TCCs were issued between 2008 and 2014 by the One-Stop-Shop Inter-Agency Tax Credit and Duty Drawback Center (OSS) that is attached to the Department of Finance (DOF).

Aside from PMC and TICIRI, the other errant textile firms with invalidated TCCs are Silvertex Weaving Corp.

(SWC), Knitech Manufacturing Inc. (KMI), Capital-Roll Knit Corp. (CRC), Uni-Glory’s Knitting Corp. (UKC), Miskhu Industrial Corp.

(MIC), and Universal Pacific Knitting Mills Inc. (UPKM).

SWC continues to top

the list with the largest amount of illegal TCCs at P906.80 million.

CRC’s illegal TCCs amount to P664.92 million, while MIC’s total P451.98 million.

PMC’s invalidated tax credits now total P526.46 million, while those issued to TICIRI now amount to P374.47 million.

Aside from these textile companies, the COA has so far issued Notices of Disallowance (NDs) to the following firms with their corresponding amounts of illegally issued TCCs: KMI, with P114.20 million; UPKM, P127.81 million; and UKC, P241.68 million.

Several past officials and employees of the DOF, Board of Investments (BOI),

Bureau of Customs (BOC), and OSS who were responsible for processing and approving the illegal TCCs issued over the 2008-2014 period, as well as the recipients and claimants from the six companies, were held liable by COA. Approved applications referred to tax credits on the duties and taxes that exporters supposedly paid, and which they could then use to pay other tax liabilities due to the government.

The practice of these alleged exporters who illegally obtained TCCs was to sell the OSS-issued certificates or tax credits to other companies at a discount, who would then use the TCCs to settle their own tax liabilities.

Invalidated tax credits of textile companies now at P3.4 billion

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he Commission on Audit (COA) has uncovered another set of illegal tax perks worth P390.04 million that were granted to textile companies from 2008 to 2014, bringing the current total of invalidated tax credit certificates (TCCs) received by these unscrupulous firms to P3.41 billion.

A report by the COA Special Audits Office to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III dated Nov. 17 said the new set of disallowed TCCs were worth P214.38 million, which were granted to Primeknit Manufacturing Corp.

(PMC); and P175.66 million, which were given to Tai-Cheng Integrated Resource Inc. (TICIRI).

BDO clients claiming fraud ask bank for reimbursement

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everal clients of BDO who say they lost thousands in unauthorized withdrawals are asking the bank to reconsider its decision to deny their reimbursement claims.

After BDO announced it was processing around 700 claims after a “sophisticated fraud technique” affected some clients, more than 30 BDO depositors whose claims were denied said the bank also owed them.

In response, BDO said: “There’s a bank process for these concerns.”

The country’s largest bank pointed to the terms and conditions for the use of its electronic banking system, which say the bank is not legally liable for such losses.

Way before the December 11 hacking incident acknowledged by BDO, many of the bank’s clients had been victimized by cyberattacks, according to Richard Lo, an IT professional and anti-bank fraud advocate.

The victims of these earlier fraud incidents said money was stolen from their accounts even though they were careful not to click on links to scams.

VICTIMS’ STORIES Overseas Filipino Worker Sallie Panganiban said P102,025 was siphoned

away from her BDO accounts on October 9 this year.

Panganiban said she was supposed to use the money to buy a car for her mother–a senior citizen who had to wait 3 hours for an ambulance when she was diagnosed with COVID-19 in September.

As she is based in Bahrain, Panganiban said it was very difficult for her to coordinate with BDO about unauthorized withdrawals.

Panganiban said she had to go through BDO’s customer service via email and landline. She had to ask her relatives to aid her in claiming the unauthorized withdrawals.

But in the end, she said her request for reimbursement was denied.

In the letter sent to her

by BDO, the bank said there was no system breach nor procedural lapse noted on its online banking facility.

“We have carefully considered your request for a refund, however, we regret to inform you that we are unable to credit back the amount you are claiming as we have no basis to justify this credit given that the transaction was made using a valid/legitimate Online Banking User ID and password,” BDO said in the letter sent to her.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

ECONOMY

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Davao Region’s year-on-year regional inflation increases to 6.2 percent in November 2021, from 5.9percent in October 2021. It was also higher compared from the same month of the previous year at 1.6 percent. Edge Davao

Region 11 inflation increases to 6.2 pct in November 2021 VisMin electric coops suffer at least P300 million damage from “Odette”

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he National Electrification Administration said Tuesday the damage dealt by Typhoon Odette to electric cooperatives across Visayas, Mindanao, and MIMAROPA is at least P300 million.

This figure still doesn’t include other areas where communications are down or are unreachable due to damaged infrastructure, NEA said.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines shared it still has several transmission lines that are down in Leyte-Samar, Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and CARAGA as of 8 a.m. December 21.

Some of these lines will only be repaired by December 25th, including lines in Leyte-Samar and CARAGA. Others will not be repaired until December 31, including three lines servicing Bohol, and lines in Leyte-Samar, and Negros.

NEA said there are areas that definitely won’t have power by the end of the year, including Bohol, Siargao, and the Dinagat Islands, which were among the worst hit by the storm.

Gasoline stations and other supply chain infrastructure were also damaged in typhoon hit areas.

Out of 26 fuel import terminals being monitored by the DOE, 2 import terminals are not operating, and it may take 2 months to assess and repair. Only 24 import terminals remain fully operational.

Out of 49 fuel depots in the affected regions, 46 are operational while 3 are not.

But the DOE said these can be repaired in a shorter period, and can be reassessed by next week.

All of the 24 LPG refilling plants in the areas hit remain operational.

The damage to the gas station network of the regions varied per area.

In MIMAROPA, 131 out of 133 gas stations are operational, with 2 out of commission in Puerto Princessa.

In Western Visayas, 76 out of the 96 gas stations monitored are operational, while 20 remain closed. The closed stations are located in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan.

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he year-on-year regional inflation of Davao Region increased to 6.2 percent in November 2021, from 5.9 percent in October 2021. It was substantially higher compared from the same month of the previous year at 1.6 percent.

On the other hand, the Purchasing Power of the Peso (PPP), which measures the real value of the peso in a given period relative to a chosen reference period, declined to 76 centavos.

The uptrend of inflation in the region was mainly attributed by the higher annual increment in the index of Transport at 9.6 percent in November 2021, from 6.9 percent in October

2021.

Moreover, annual growth rates also increased in the following commodity groups: Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels, at 6.5 percent from 5.7 percent Restaurant and Miscellaneous Goods and services, at 3.7 percent from 3.0 percent Clothing and Footwear, at 2.1 percent from 1.8 per-

cent The indices of the following commodity groups remained constant from the previous month, namely: Recreation and Culture at 1.3 percent, Communication at 1.1 percent, and Education at 0.0 percent.

On the other hand, lower inflation was recorded in the commodity groups of Furnishing, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House, at 4.2 percent from 4.3 percent, and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, at 7.5 percent from 7.8 percent Among selected food items, the commodity group for Fruits was reported with the highest an-

nual increment at 0.8 percent in November 2021, from -3.3 percent in October 2021.

Similarly, other commodity groups with higher annual increments were noted in the indices of Rice, at 5.3 percent from 2.4 percent; Corn, at 23.4 percent from 20.8 percent; Bread and Cereals, at 6.2 percent from 3.9 percent; and Food Products, N.E.C. at 5.0 percent from 3.2 percent. ln contrast, the indices of the following commodity groups went down, to wit: Meat, at 13.3 percent from 19.9 percent, Vegetables, at 13.2 percent from 18.0 percent, and Fish, at 8.5 percent from 9.3percent.

tility in the near term, the global rating agency said in a statement.

“We anticipate demand will continue to improve in 2022, assuming new lockdowns will be shorter and less severe than those in 2020,” it said. “The recovery might reverse if Omicron or other potential new variants

prove significantly more infectious or dangerous, leading to new prolonged synchronized lockdowns.”

The agency said the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, dubbed OPEC+, have been the main stabilizing factor in the global oil market since the

start of the pandemic and are likely to remain so in the near term.

However, the policies of OPEC+ may become less effective over time as some members of the alliance, such as the United Arab Emirates and Russia, boost production to monetize their large reserves, it added. (Anadolu)

Oil market outlook highly uncertain due to Omicron, says Fitch Ratings

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he global oil market outlook remains highly uncertain given the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant, Fitch Ratings said in a statement Monday.

The variant may result in renewed lockdowns and travel restrictions, and this may increase price vola-

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DAVAO EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

New Year, New Ways of shopping with

SM APPLIANCE CENTER

A

s it helps more Filipinos transition to a digital home, SM Appliance Center offers customers a better, faster and easier way of shopping online through its newly revamped website, The New SM Appliance at www.smappliance.com.

The new website layout is more intuitive and allows for easier navigation through various filters. Apart from a zoomin feature on product images, customers can examine the products better through the comprehensive and updated product features and benefits.

There is also a tab dedicated for promos where customers can quickly view special collections. The new website generally loads faster, making shopping online more fun and convenient. New payment option like installments is now also available using BDO and other selected credit cards.

Now is the best time to try the new website and shop online for your favorite appliances with SM Appliance Center’s Libreng Appliances Araw Araw promotion, which is now ongoing until January 15, 2022. Customers are entitled to a raffle entry for every P1000 purchase for the chance to win exciting prizes during the raffle draws.

Planning a new look for your home for the New Year?

There are state-of-the-art home entertainment systems like the amazing Samsung’s TV Frame that will bring not only the cinema experience to your home but also the art gallery with its 4k QLED display and Art Mode features. It has over 1200 pieces of art with a customizable frame of your choice. It’s TV when it’s on. Art when it’s off.

There are also high performance air filtration systems like the LG inverter split type air conditioners with energy saving dual compressors that refresh and renew the air in your room and Sharp innovative purifiers with built-in dust and odor sensors, keeping your family’s safe from any virus.

You’ll be feel like a kitchen queen with LG inverter refrigerators with Hygiene Fresh features to keep your food items fresher and odor free; and the Beko Kitchen Range

Enjoy a cleaner and safer environment at home with the Sharp Air Purifier with Humidifier

TV when it’s on. Art when it’s off. This Samsung 55” The Frame QLED Smart TV can hang like a real frame and display a beautiful artwork with its Art Mode feature to beautify your living space.

Cook your family’s favorite meals with ease with this high performance Beko Kitchen Range. It has 4 gas burners, 2 hot plates, gas oven and electric grill.

Elevate the entertainment experience in your home with this amazing Samsung’sThe Frame QLED TV by Samsung.

Make your laundry chores a breeze with this LG 7kg Front Load Inverter Washing Machine. Its LG Steam technology eliminates 99.9% of allergens, making your clothes more hygienic. with advance precision in cooking your family’s favorite meals.

Check out these new appliances and shop for your digital home anytime at the new SM Appliance at www.smappliance. com. For more updates, like us at facebook.com/smappliance or follow us at instagram.com/smappliance/ or join SM Appliance Center’s Viber community at https://bit.ly/3uNzk8V

Energy saving LG 1.5 HP Inverter Split Type Aircon.

Dabawenyos to experience light PRRD... to moderate rains due to ITCZ

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he Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) is monitoring the possible impact of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which triggered light to moderate - to at times heavy rains with possible lightning and strong winds in the city.

CDRRMO head Alfredo Baloran said in an interview that the city experienced scattered rains on December 21.

“Naay mga isolated rainshower and localized thunderstorm ang ato ma experience (We will experience isolated rainshower and localized thunderstorm),” the CDRRMO chief said.

According to the staterun weather bureau, Department of Science and Technology - Philippine

Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST PAGASA), in its Rainfall Advisory No.3 issued at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21, light to moderate - to at times heavy rains with possible lightning and strong winds are being experienced over Davao City, portions of Davao del Norte, and portions of Davao del Sur and may affect nearby areas due to the ITCZ. “The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to monitor the weather condition and watch for the next advisory,” the advisory said.

As of 01:35 p.m., the CDRRMO reported light to moderate rains in some portions of Agdao, Poblacion, Tugbok, Talomo,

Give your kitchen an elegant new look with this LG 15.4 Cuft Two Door Linear Inverter Refrigerator. Its Hygiene Fresh feature will keep your food longer, fresher and cleaner with energy savings.

Buhangin Districts had stopped, while light rain showers are still being experienced in some portions of Toril District.

Moreover, the CDRRMO said that the rest of Davao City is experiencing cloudy skies.

It added that all river systems are monitored and are within the safe level.

The CDRRMO also monitored slight to calm seas in the city’s coastal areas.

Meanwhile, Baloran said that during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, which wreaked havoc in some parts of Mindanao and Visayas, only minor damage was reported in the city although it is still affected by its trough.

na booster is Pfizer, either unsa man siya ug kunsabagay people are given their choices kung unsa ang ilang gusto na booster, pero pasabot lang gihapon nato na whether its Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, Astra Zeneca, again same effect lang gihapon ug pareha lang gihapon ang protection na gihatag sa

atong kalawasan. Although, napag -usapan na sa Task Force since daghan preferred ug Pfizer for booster, our good mayor actually wanted to request for more Pfizer,” Schlosser said.

DOH reiterated that booster doses are not yet recommended for ages 12 to 17 years old.

CITY... FROMP3

FROM P3

every kagaya ng DSWD mayroon na silang pera para sa mga sitwasyon na ito. Each and every department ng gobyerno mayroon talaga silang component for this kind of emergencies and --well, whatever calamity that might come our way,” said the President.

“Itong akin, nag-skip lang ako para may maibigay ako so that it will be immediately given to the people. The other ano matagalan pa eh. So that’s why I’m hurrying up General Jalad so that by at least the day after tomorrow, we will be able to distribute. Ang akin lang is do it faster. I will be asking the people, both of the national offices or the local, kung ma-download sa inyo na pakibilisan lang,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

(NDRRMC) Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator, Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad reported to the President that as of December 21, 2021 there are 156 dead, 37 missing and 275 injured caused by Typhoon Odette.

He also shared the initial report of more than 6,000 damaged houses; 24 damaged infrastructures, about 6,893 hectares of crops, and as well as related damages to agriculture totaling about P162 million, 304,000 affected families, and 481,000 displaced individuals.

Jalad also reported that the assessment is ongoing on the extent of damages in the area. He said the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported an initial of P33 million worth of agricultural damages.

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EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

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

PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor ABSENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor

Bernard E. Al-ag - Presiding Officer Maria Belen S. Acosta Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Joann M. Bonguyan-Quilos Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Carmelo J. Clarion April Marie C. Dayap Jimmy G. Dureza Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Leah A. Librado-Yap Rene Elias C. Lopez Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Halila Y. Sudagar Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Pilar C. Braga Danilo C. Dayanghirang

- On Official Business - On Domestic Emergency Leave - On Official Business

ORDINANCE NO. 0628-18 Series of 2018 AN ORDINANCE MAINSTREAMING, PROMOTING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING PERMEABLE PAVEMENT SYSTEM IN DAVAO CITY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE MAINSTREAMING, PROMOTING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING PERMEABLE PAVEMENT SYSTEM IN DAVAO CITY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLE AND POLICY –The Local Government of Davao City hereby declares the following as its policies: 1. The Local Government shall protect and advance the right of all Dabawenyos to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature; 2. The Local Government shall promote permeable paving system, in pursuing sustainable urban development, as a crucial component to the aspirations of a livable City for the Dabawenyos and thus must be established and maintained through a participative, empowered, and environmentally conscious community; 3. The Local Government recognizes the important role of permeable pavement system in the recharge of the City’s groundwater and aquifers; 4. The Local Government recognizes the use of permeable pavement system as a climate change mitigation and adaptation scheme as it suspends dust particles and retain sequestered carbon dioxide; and 5. The Local Government recognizes the need for a legislation to ensure the permeability of the City grounds to address large volumes of water runoff in urban area as part of the Revised Comprehensive Development Plan of Davao City.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS – As used in this Ordinance, the following terms shall mean: 1. Infiltration – the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil; 2. Pavement – the durable surface material laid down on an area intended to sustain vehicular or foot traffic, such as a road or walkway; 3. Permeability – the property of a material or solid that determines how easily fluid flows through a material;

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VOL.14 ISSUE 213 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2020

6. Run-off – also known as overland flow of water that occurs when excess storm water, meltwater, or other sources flows over the earth’s surface.

SECTION 4. SCOPE AND APPLICATION – The Permeable Pavement System Ordinance of Davao City shall cover all establishments, whether private or public, including, but not limited to, Residential, Commercial and Institutional establishments.

Further, it shall also cover parks and other government owned or managed areas such as, but not limited to, parking spaces and walk ways.

However, establishments or buildings already constructed prior to the approval of this Ordinance shall not be affected thereby, but may opt to convert their conventional pavement into a permeable pavement should they want to avail of the incentives provided herein.

SECTION 5. TYPES OF PERMEABLE PAVEMENT SYSTEM (PPS) – For purposes of this Ordinance, all establishments proposed for construction or those who opt to convert their conventional pavement shall include in their design the permeable pavement system which shall be classified, but not limited, to the following types: (1)

TYPE 1. PERMEABLE CONCRETE (PC) Permeable concrete shall contain mixture of conventional Portland cement, washed gravel, and water. The water to cementitious material ratio must be 0.35 – 0.45 to 1. This mixture contains little or no sand and forms a system of highly permeable, interconnected voids,

(2)

TYPE 2. PERMEABLE GRID PAVERS (PGP) Permeable grid pavers shall contain open-cells. Cells will be filled with gravel, sand, or a growing compound that can be planted or allows grass and other vegetation growth. This type is usually made from regular or porous concrete, clay and even plastic reinforcement;

(3) TYPE 3. PERVIOUS PAVERS (PP) Pervious and porous pavers shall consist of a wide array of materials such as turfs, rocks, tiles, woods or recycled tires as long as the design has void spaces and gaps in between as runoff drainage; (4)

TYPE 4. SINGLE-SIZED AGGREGATE (SS) Single-sized aggregates shall be constructed by filling loose gravel, crushed stones, recycled materials, pebbles etc. directly after base compaction. This will not contain binding materials;

(5)

TYPE 5. CONCRETE PAVEMENT CUTOUTS (CPC) Regular concrete composition shall have cuts or patches as permeable spaces to be filled by either grass vegetation or single-sized aggregates.

SECTION 6. REQUIREMENTS ON TYPE OF PPS – Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, the City Engineer’s Office shall prescribe standards for each type of permeable pavement system and promulgate rules and regulations therefor.

SECTION 7. SUBSIDIES AND TAX INCENTIVES – The City Treasurer’s Office, with the assistance of the City Engineer’s Office or the Office of the Building Official shall prepare the guidelines on the grant of subsidies or tax rebates to owners of residential, industrial, institutional, and commercial buildings/establishments who shall incorporate PPS in their building design, upon verification of the City Engineer’s Office or the Office of the Building Official that it is in compliance with the provisions of this Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. Provided, however, that the said incentives shall be availed only once in any given time.

The guidelines shall be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval.

SECTION 8. REPEALING CLAUSE – All Ordinances as well as pertinent rules and regulations inconsistent with this Code are hereby repealed and amended accordingly.

SECTION 9. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - In the event that any word, article, sentence, clause or paragraph of this Code is declared invalid for any reason, other provisions thereof shall not be affected by such declaration and shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 10. EFFECTIVITY –This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its publication in a local newspaper of general circulation in Davao City.

ENACTED, December 10, 2018, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED: VICE MAYOR BERNARD E. AL-AG Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

OCT. 25, 2021 APPROVED:______________

4. Permeable Pavement System (PPS) – is a storm water management facility that allows water to move through void spaces within the pavement and eventually infiltrate into underlying soils; 5. Pervious – materials that allow storm water to percolate through the surface, draining it to its gaps or void spaces rather that allowing water to pass inside the material;

AN ORDINANCE MAINSTREAMING, PROMOTING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING PERMEABLE PAVEMENT SYSTEM IN DAVAO CITY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

NO BREAK

VOL.14 ISSUE 239 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

PH Women’s National football team to continue training

The PWNT has been in California since early November, with new head coach Alen Stajcic leading the way in their training.

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he Philippine women’s national football team will spend no Christmas break as they continue their preparations for the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Irvine, California.

The squad has been in California since early November, with new head coach Alen Stajcic leading the way in their training. Aside from working on their skills as well as strength and conditioning, the team has also gotten some much-needed matches, with Stajcic noting that they’ve played at least four matches already.

“We’ve got another four or five before we leave to go to India as well,” he added.

The AFC Cup will be held from January 20 to February 6, with the Philippines drawn in Group B together with powerhouse Australia, and regional rivals Thailand and Indonesia.

At stake in the tournament are five spots in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the Philippines will need to make the top two in their group in order to secure passage into the knockout stage.

Given the tall task ahead of them, the women’s team is ready to continue working through the holidays in order to be as prepared as possible for the Asian Cup. “This is a very special circumstance, it doesn’t come around a lot, and not a lot of people have this opportunity,” said striker Tahnai Annis, who scored two important goals in the Asian Cup qualifiers last September in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“We wish that we could be with our families, but I think that this a time where we all know that sometimes we need to make sacrifices if we want to reach something greater than what we’ve ever been able to,” she added.

“And so I think everyone’s more than willing to maybe miss out on a family Christmas this year. But we still are with each other, and I know it will be really great, too.”