Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 248 | Thursday, February 4, 2021

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ECONOMY P5 VOL.13 I SSUE 248 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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HALFWAY Davao coastal project more than 36 percent complete STORY ON PAGE 2

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VOL.13 ISSUE 248 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

NEWS

TABLETS FOR LAST MILE SCHOOLS. Secretary of Education Leonor Briones receives 2,000 tablets from Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian. The tablets will be used for DepEd’s blended distance learning program and will benefit Last Mile Schools in far-flung areas. Also present during the ceremonial turnover were Presidential Assistant for

Foreign Affairs Robert E.A. Borje and representatives from the Chinese Embassy and the Department of Education.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS

NEARING HALFWAY Davao coastal project more than 36 percent complete

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) announced that the Davao City coastal bypass road project is now 36.8 percent complete based on the total expenditure of P26.3 billion.

Rey Peter Gille, regional director of DPWH 11, said once completed the road will serve as an alternate road to the already congested roads of the city.

“This will reduce travel time from Toril to Poblacion from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes,” he said.

The construction of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road project started at the junction of Bago Aplaya South, Talomo, Matina Aplaya, Roxas Avenue, Sta. Ana Wharf towards Alcantara R. Castillo North.

The project is divided into four segments: Seg-

ment A-Bago Aplaya-Times Beach with total length of 7.7 kilometers; Segment B- Times Beach-Roxas Avenue with total length of 4.2 kilometers; Segment C-Roxas Avenue-Sta. Ana Wharf Road with total length of 1.96 kilometers; and Segment D- Sta.Ana Wharf Road to Alcantara R.Castillo with total length of 4.5 kms.

On the other hand, Gille assured that high impact priority projects in Davao Region will be completed under the term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The high priority projects are the Davao Coastal

China donates 2K tablets to help Filipino students

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he Chinese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday donated 2,000 Huawei tablets to the Department of Education (DepEd) to assist Filipino students and support the blended distance learning system in the country.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian turned over the tablets to Education Secretary Leonor Briones, who was joined by Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs

and Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Eric Borje and DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan in Malacañang.

Huang said the donation is “intended to help the Philippine students to overcome difficulties and to get better access to distance learning resources amid the pandemic.”

He said the embassy would continue supporting “the education endeavor of

the Philippines to the best of its ability, and further implement the Chinese Government Scholarship and Chinese Ambassador Scholarship projects.”

The tablets will be distributed to schools located in geographically isolated, disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas, according to the embassy.

Aside from support in the education sector, China has previously provid-

ed livelihood and medical supplies to the Philippines, including 150 sets of highflow humidifiers, 130 ventilators, 252,000 test kits, and over 1.8 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Some Chinese local government agencies as well as enterprises and civil groups also donated nearly 10 million pieces of PPE and other medical supplies to the country, the embassy said.

(PNA)

Regional Medical Center (DRMC) which would take 24 to 48 hours before the results are available.

He added that at present, Mati is using rapid antigen test for a faster result.

As of February 3, 2021, the city recorded 83 active cases with one new confirmed case and 14 recoveries.

Tesiorna assured that the people of Mati is cooperative when it comes to fol-

lowing the minimum health standards.

“Pero di maiwasan na meron talagang ibang di sumusunod,” he said.

He said the city of Mati has been giving citation tickets to violators and imposing fines and penalties for not following the minimum health standards.

According to Tesiorna, Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat recently issued Executive Order No. 12 Series of

2021 extending until February 28, 2021 the Covid measures that were implemented in December last year to control the spread of the virus.

Section 1 of the EO required returning residents and visiting individuals of accomplished health declaration, undergo health screening and observe City ordinance No.427, series of 2020, known as "City of Mati

With rising cases, Mati City to set up own Covid laboratory

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he city of Mati is preparing to set up its own Covid-19 laboratory aimed at speeding up the processing of swab samples and detection of positive cases.

According to Ben Jason Tesiorna, City Information Officer, the establishment of the laboratory would mean there is no need to send swab samples to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and to Davao

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Task Force Davao deploys more personnel not only at the checkpoints but also in all 15 city bus stops as it strengthened Davao City’s security following the bombing incident in Tulunan, North Cotabato. CIO

Tourist arrivals in Davao Region declines by 72%, tourist receipts down by 90%

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ational Economic and Development Authority 11 (NEDA 11) regional director Maria Lourdes Lim announced that tourist arrivals in Davao Region declined by 72 percent for the first three quarters of 2020 compared to 1.09 million tourist arrivals recorded in 2019 of the same period.

Tourism is considered the most vulnerable sector from the effects of the pandemic due to the cancella-

tion of flights, restrictions and closure orders to control the spread of the virus.

Lim said with the lesser

number of tourists, the value of tourist receipts in the region also decreased by 90 percent amounting to P2.9 million compared to P30.1 million during the first three quarters of 2019.

She said domestic tourists that comprised majority of tourist arrivals in 2020 in Davao Region were foreign tourists and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

She added that majority of the foreign visitors are from

USA, China, Japan, South Korea and India.

On the other hand, Lim said the tourism industry in the country is expected to recover by year 2022 after the vaccination program has been fully rolled out.

She said domestic tourism is expected to fully recover to lead the country’s tourism industry with Filipino travelers expecting to go to destinations closer to home and spending less

amid lingering health concerns caused by Covid-19 pandemic.

Yet, she said domestic and tourist arrivals’ receipts will remain low for the fiscal year 2021 since some of the destinations have yet to open and would have to be readied to accept tourist with the observance of the public health standards.

“Domestic travel will be the main priority as fewer people are likely to travel

internationally in the near future and this is due to reduced income and travel budget in view of the pandemic impacts on the economy,” she said.

Lim said the DOT and LGUs will ensure the gradual and re-opening of tourism related establishments this year and this will be complemented by the private sector through innovative measures utilizing available

very reason why everyone is needed to participate in the city's fight against terrorism.

"We request passengers/vendors and others in bus stop areas to report unattended baggage and for them not to leave their baggage unattended to avoid panic. We request everyone to practice the Culture of Security while TF Davao commits itself towards ensuring the security of Dabawenyos even amid this Covid-19 pandemic," he said. CIO

total of six former rebels (FR) received P390,000 worth of financial aid from the national government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) during a simple ceremony on Tuesday morning, February 2, 2021 at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Office.

Each recipient received a total of P65,000 composed of immediate assistance worth P15,000 and P50,000 livelihood assistance.

The former rebels recently surrendered to 1003rd Brigade unit through 3rd Infantry Bat-

talion and 89 Infantry Battalion.

Brigadier General Nolasco Mempin, Commander of 1003rd Brigade said the government, both national and local is giving these former rebels a chance to restart their lives with dignity and peace.

"It is since the ECLIP program is designed to provide an avenue and option for the rebels who already opt to lay down their arms and go back to the mainstream society and live a normal life with their families," the commander said.

The said activity was graced by DILG Davao city

More security deployment A in Davao City bus stops

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ask Force Davao has strengthened Davao City's security following the bombing incident in Tulunan, North Cotabato by deploying more personnel not only at the checkpoints but also in all 15 city bus stops.

TF Davao Commander Consolito Yecla said that he has deployed one team to secure each bus stop at the Matina junction, crossing NCCC Ma-a, Buhangin Gym, Panacan, Matina Crossing,

Roxas Boulevard, Almendras Gym, Magsaysay Park, Agdao overpass, crossing Ulas, Bangkal junction, Mintal Police Station, Calinan Public Market, Crossing Bayabas, Toril and the Davao City Overland and Transport Terminal (DCOTT).

TF Davao has also reminded bus companies about the Culture of Security, the community-based campaign of the city government against terrorism, to be mindful of their sur-

roundings for suspicious individuals or things around and immediately report to the authorities.

In addition to the troops deployed and coordination with various agencies, TF Davao has also put up “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita!” anti-terror campaign posters and reminded the travellers of the "No Unattended Baggage Policy” at the bus stops.

The TF Davao commander said that this is the

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Former rebels receive ECLIP cash assistance from DILG Davao City

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VOL.13 ISSUE 248 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

PAL retrenches 30% of workforce

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lag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced Tuesday the retrenchment of 30 percent of its workforce or about 2,300 employees.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) announces the retrenchment of 30 percent of its workforce or about 2,300 employees as part of the company’s overall recovery initiatives from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

The affected workers, combined voluntary separations and involuntary retrenchment, will remain employed until mid-March 2021, the carrier said.

“This has been an extremely difficult and painful decision. For our colleagues who are leaving, rest assured that we are committed to support you through this transition. We extend to you our deepest gratitude for your years of hard work and dedicated service and we will always cherish the ties you have established with the PAL family,” PAL president Gilbert Santa Maria said in a statement.

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic hit hard the global aviation industry, the retrenchment is part of the carrier's overall recovery

initiatives, PAL said.

The current number of flights being flown by PAL is still far from what it had pre-pandemic, with operations less than 30 percent of its normal weekly flights due to travel restrictions and low travel demand.

"Since March 2020, PAL has suspended capital expenditures, reduced management salaries, deferred lease payments, and slashed non-essential expenses," it said.

Flexible working arrangements were implemented during the height of the pandemic.

The retrenchment program was communicated to employees in October 2020.

Affected employees will continue to receive their salaries and medical bene-

hilippine Airlines (PAL) has yet to officially file its notice to retrenchment, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) head said Tuesday evening, as dismissal looms for thousands of its workers.

"They have not officially informed us of their plan to terminate or go into a retrenchment program," Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III said, adding he yet has to meet with the flag carrier's officials on Wednesday.

Bello clarified his office yet has to receive any notice regarding PAL's retrenchment plans, since DOLE's regional offices could obtain it first before it gets sent to

the agency's central office.

The labor chief said PAL will have to explain its reason to reduce its workforce, although the flag carrier has already pinpointed the losses it has incurred due to COVID-19 pandemic. "'Yung pandemic itself is a valid reason," Bello said.

The flag carrier last October said it may let go of up to 35 percent of its over 7,000 workers as air travel continues to suffer worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It said it has began to call on employees to apply for voluntary separation, which is the first stage of the company's manpower reduction initiative.

PAL yet to file notice of retrenchment to DOLE

BOI targets to lure P1.25-T investment approvals in ‘21 P T o help the economy bounce back in a V-shape recovery, the Board of Investments (BOI) targets to attract more investments this year as it eyes PHP1.25-trillion investment approvals at end2021.

The BOI originally targeted the PHP1.25 trillion worth of investment pledges last year, but was recalibrated due to impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“We are working hard for a V-shape Philippine economic recovery in 2021 and hence targeting the original 2020 pre-pandemic goal for investments,” DTI

Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a statement.

Lopez, who is also the BOI chair, added the agency expects to see more investments in road, ports, and telecommunications infrastructure as well as investment commitments in water and power sectors.

He said investors anticipate the passage and enactment of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Reform (CREATE) bill, adding the legislation will be a game changer in the country’s investment environment.

“It will definitely remove uncertainties in the incentives regime and give a big boost in attracting in-

vestments for the country,” the trade chief said.

Last week, Senator Ralph Recto said the bicameral conference committee is expected to pass the CREATE bill in the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, the BOI still recorded in 2020 its second highest investment approvals for the past 53 years.

Approved projects in 2020 reached PHP1.02 trillion, however 11-percent lower than the pre-pandemic approvals amounting to PHP1.14 trillion in 2019.

The BOI said the investment promotion agency breached the PHP1-trillion target last year as the De-

partment of Energy (DOE) endorsed two power projects, while a water supply and distribution project also got BOI’s nod towards the end of December 2020.

Overall, BOI approved 331 projects last year. These projects are expected to generate 55,124 jobs once they are fully operational.

Investments from local sources amounted to PHP968.45 billion, while foreign investors registered PHP47.7 billion worth of projects.

Recently, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported the Philip-

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In a report Tuesday, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed these outturns partly to proceeds of the government’s foreign borrowings, both to boost regular funding needs and the requirements to finance coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) programs; narrower trade deficit due to lower net imports because of the pandemic; increased net income from abroad; continued inflows of foreign direct investments (FDIs); and revenue inflows of the

business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

He said the surplus in the country’s BOP, which is the record of a country’s total transactions with the rest of the world, is expected to be sustained amid dollar inflows from these factors.

Ricafort said the reopening of the economy and availability and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines are projected to also enhance investors’ sentiments and attract more foreign investments into the county.

The upgrade of the

country’s investment grade rating to A-level by Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCRA) last year and affirmations by Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings, and S&P of their respective investment grade ratings on the country also back the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors, he said. “(These factors) could also further help boost the country’s BOP, and, in turn, GIR to new record highs, going forward,” he added.

Ricafort, however, cited that risks remain given the

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Gov’t still has leeway on debt-to-GDP ratio

Economist eyes further rise of A PH BOP surplus, USD reserves he improvement of the country’s fundamentals is expected to further boost balance of payment (BOP) position and foreign reserves, which both posted record highs in 2020.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Monday the 2020 balance of payment (BOP) surplus rose to USD16.02 billion, more than twice the USD7.84-billion surplus in the previous year while gross international reserves (GIR) increased to USD110.12 billion from end-November’s USD104.82 billion.

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n economist said the Philippine government continues to have leeway on the proportion of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) despite hitting a 14-year high in 2020 on account of pandemic-related borrowings.

In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the rise of government debt-toGDP ratio to 54.5 percent last year from 39.6 percent in end-2019 remains below the international acceptance threshold of 60 percent of domestic output.

The current ratio, he said, gives the government “greater leeway to increase spending, budget deficits, and increase

the

overall debt stock.”

Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) Tuesday showed that the government’s outstanding debt as of end-2020 amounted to PHP9.795 trillion, higher than the PHP7.73 trillion in end2019.

The bulk of the liabilities is accounted for by domestic borrowings at PHP6.694 trillion, while the balance of PHP3.1 trillion is accounted for by foreign currency-denominated loans.

The BTr attributed the rise in the government’s outstanding debt to higher requirements for programs related to programs that will address the impact of the coronavirus disease

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

Coffee stakeholders revisit PH Coffee Industry Roadmap V

arious coffee industry stakeholders from the Davao Region joined the others in revisiting the Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap on January 14 and 15 and came up with relevant recommendations.

Various coffee sector stakeholders from the Davao Region revisit the Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap and came up with relevant recommendations for the industry. Edge Davao

Price ceiling on meat products to take effect February 8: DA

T

he Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said the new Executive Order (EO) that imposes a price ceiling on pork and chicken products in the National Capital Region (NCR) is likely to take effect on February 8.

“The price ceiling will effectively be enforced by Feb. 8 this year by all the institutions involved,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar told the House committees on Agriculture and Food as well as Trade and Industry.

The DA and livestock stakeholders will meet to discuss the repercussions of EO 124 to the industry. The new EO stated that prices of kasim/pigue should be at PHP270 per kilo, liempo at PHP300 per kilo, and dressed chicken at PHP160 per kilo for 60 days.

In the afternoon briefing, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes mentioned that the Secre-

tary said it will likely occur on February 8.

DA's Assistant Secretary for agribusiness Kristine Evangelista also shared that they are taking into consideration to give producers and traders the grace period to earn back their capital.

"Upon our monitoring yesterday, in Commonwealth market, meat dealers said the prices of carcass went down to PHP285 from PHP310, that was without government intervention. Now that the EO is announced, we told them that their concerns are taken into consideration i.e. grace period, some of them requested for that.

We wanted to give them the reassurance that they will recover their capital investments, ang mga negosyante (the businessmen) are legitimate part of the value chain (the businessmen are a legitimate part of our value chain). At the same time,

they have given us their word that they would adjust the prices for the consumers' benefit," Evangelista said.

She added that the gap from the announcement to the implementation can also serve as a grace period for traders and other stakeholders.

After the Congress hearing, the DA is doing attendant arrangements to coordinate with the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Interior And Local Government (DILG), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Metro Manila Council member-cities, as well as municipalities to ensure the efficient implementation of the EO. DA has so far implemented the following measures to address the concern: provision of financial assistance to hog raisers affected by the ASF; the de-

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A total of seven representatives from the government agencies, non-government organization, coffee establishments, and coffee farmers’ groups of the region participated in the two-day convergence to get updates and share their insights.

Davao Region Coffee Council chairperson Joji Pantoja stressed on the need to institutionalize the cupping competition during the virtual Focus Group Discussion for the review of the 2017-2022 Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap. Pantoja, who is the founder and chief executive officer of the Davao-grown enterprise Coffee for Peace, also cited the importance of focusing government’s interventions on the production of quality coffee beans The activity, which the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) jointly organized, served as an avenue for coffee farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to discuss about several sound recommendations that could be adopted to sustain the industry’s growth.

“An awareness on the standards set by the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition will benefit both the Robusta and Arabica-producing areas, whether the market is industrial, specialty coffee roaster or coffee shop,” she said.

To recall, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol approved and signed the Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap in the presence of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte four years ago. The roadmap is considered as the blueprint to optimize the realization of the industry’s objectives, especially the attainment of inclusive growth through the value chain approach. As such, a regular review is necessary, which the region’s coffee industry leaders and movers strongly believe.

DTI-Davao Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the review will ensure that the commitments of the government agencies and industry organizations are effectively carried out. Likewise, the activity was done to recalibrate the goals and strategies

stipulated in the roadmap.

Taking off from the updates and recommendations, the coffee industry stakeholders came up with several recommended goals for the next two years, to wit: 1) to increase growth in the domestic market by 5 percent annually for Arabica coffee and 10 percent for Robusta coffee; 2) to improve the competitiveness of the farmers; 3) to achieve a return of investment (ROI) of at least 35 percent for coffee and intercropping; and, 4) to increase the yield to at least 0.6 metric tons per hectare.

To achieve these goals amid the new realities and challenges faced by the industry, priority strategies were set for implementation from 2021 until 2022.

These include the re-activation and strengthening of the Regional and Provincial Coffee Councils, strengthening of investment promotion, expansion of coffee plantation, and institutionalization of the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC), among others.

With the reviewed roadmap and the renewed commitment of the government agencies and private sector, the stakeholders are optimistic about the achievement of substantial results toward the inclusive development and growth of the coffee industry. DTI11/ RAF/jmm

Farm workers harvest corn with a mechanical harvester in Barangay San Jose, Malaybalay City on Tuesday(2 February 2021). MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On the status of the high priority projects such as the Davao Coastal Bypass project, Tagum City flyover along Agusan-Davao Road in Davao del Norte, and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCOS) Circumferential Road: We can do it. We can complete the projects under the term of President Duterte despite the pandemic. It is the instruction of the DPWH Secretary to continue the implementation of our projects. In fact, we are working 24/7 taking initial precatuions because of the pandemic. The necessary protocols are always followed.”

Rey Peter Gille

Regional Director, DPWH 11

EDITORIAL

Ode to the bamboo

A veteran local lawmaker has come up with a sensible proposal worth seriously considering.

Nilo D. Abellera, who has been a member of Davao City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod since the 80s, is urging the city government to lead its constituents in planting bamboo as a long-term solution to address flooding and soil erosion, if not landslides, which are climatic disruptions that have become more frequent and destructive these last few decades.

Abellera, who heads the SP’s committee on trade, commerce and industry, has reportedly asked the City Tourism and Operations Office (CTOO) and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to craft a sustainable bamboo planting program. Knowledgeable citizens attest to the fact that Davao City areas are suited to bamboo propagation.

For starters, Abellera proposes that quarry operators be required to plant bamboos in at least 20 percent of their quarry areas to make sure that the environment is protected. By quarry areas, we mean either in river beds or dryland where quarrying has become very profitable as a result of the construction boom that the city continues

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

to experience even amid the Covid 19 pandemic. Some of Abellera’s colleagues who are known to be in this lucrative business can attest to this.

But of course, maintaining a bamboo plantation is not as easy as ABC. In this world, nothing is.

The bamboo, which has more than 30 most popular varieties in this country, is a lofty, beautiful and special plant that has grown for a couple of centuries, according to a writer. No wonder, bamboo is a multi-billion industry in places like China.

The Buddha Bamboo (Bambusa venticosa) is native to China and is widely popular. The other varieties are umbrella bamboo, Guadua, Japanese Arrow, Hedge, Dwarf Green Stripe, Green-Glaucous, Chilean, Moso, Black, Timber and Painted. Painted bamboo has excellent root system that aids in controlling erosion.

Abellera’s proposal is only focused at mitigating two natural calamities – floods and landslides. We will soon realize that such a move can unlock other life-changing potentials of this humble creation of God. This, certainly, bears watching.

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VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

LET’S DRINK TO THAT! “I would not put a thief in my mouth to steal my brains.” ― William Shakespeare in Othello *** It came to pass that the Queen of Death called an emergency meeting.

She wanted to assign a new prime minister, one who would be able to kill the most people.

Various kinds of evil and vice came. They competed and stated their qualifications. There were all sorts of sin, diseases, hunger, gambling, fighting, wars, pride, anger, payback and revenge. All had their say.

Finally, a very beautiful girl stood up and said, “It’s true, all these others bring times of disaster such as war and famine and disease. But we have to have something which can kill off many people in times of peace and prosperity.

“I have something,” she continued. “I have something that kills off people when they are wealthy, when they are having a good time, when they are relaxing and taking it easy.

If you elect me prime minister, I can assure you I will be the greatest cause of death in all countries.”

The Queen of Death then asked the young girl her name. She said, “My name is Drunkenness.”

She won; and to this day she is still prime minister. No one has come close to unseating her.

“Do you drink?” someone asked Stephen King, the American author of contemporary horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy.

“Of course,” replied King (of The Shawshank Redemption, Stand by Me, and The Shining distinction), “I just said I was a writer.”

“I drink to make other people more interesting,” commented Ernest Hemingway, whose economical and understated style of writing had a strong influence on 20th-century fiction and whose life of adventure and his public image influenced later generations.

When it comes to humor, Benjamin Franklin seemed to have it all. “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria,” he wrote.

British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill shared this anecdote: “A lady came up to me one day and said ‘Sir! You are drunk,’ to which I replied, ‘‘I am drunk today madam, and tomorrow I shall be sober but you will still be ugly.’”

Edgar Allan Poe, another American writer, editor, and literary critic

who is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre, once said: “I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom.”

“If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink,” goes an old saying.

Had Henri Paul, the Ritz Hotel security guard who drove the limousine in which Princess Diana died, taken the above advice, the England’s Rose and her companion, Dodi AlFayed as well as Paul himself would still be alive today.

Three sets of tests on the body of Paul showed he was three times over the legal drink-drive limit and had taken an antidepressant and a sedative inhibiting agitated or aggressive behavior. The drugs reportedly can impair judgement, and doctors in fact caution patients against driving or drinking when using them.

“Obviously, Mr. Paul should not have been at the wheel,” Bernard Dartevelle, a lawyer for the Al-Fayed

family, told France 3 television.

“Drunkenness has killed more men than all of the history’s wars,” commented American military general John Joseph Pershing, who had been to several wars -- and even came to the Philippines in 1899.

American President Abraham Lincoln added: ‘Drink is a cancer in human society; eating out its vital and threatening its destruction.”

James R. Stuart deplored, “I would rather own stock in hell than in a brewery. He’ll receive the poor fellow after he’s debauched. The brewery takes aim in his innocence, debauches him and prepares him for hell.”

Oscar Wilde said on what happened when a person drinks: “After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world.”

Historically, people drank alcohol when they could get it: as food, in place of fetid water; as relief from the misery of life; to chase after pleasure -- at births, weddings and festivals.

Wine poured down the pagan hatch, Dionysian and Bacchanalian. Alcohol

was not only acceptable, it was esteemed and revered.

Jesus Christ used wine as a miracle by transforming it from water; at the Last Supper, imbued it with the symbol of his blood. Wine in early history was often vinegary and drunk diluted with water.

As stated earlier, drinking and driving don’t mix. In the United States, a fatal accident, involving the lives of four young people, took place upon one of the country’s highways.

The evidence that the liquor was the culprit was found in the broken whisky bottles among the debris and the mangled bodies of the four youthful victims.

The father of one of the girls was in deep anguish over the untimely death of his daughter. He threatened to kill the one who had provided the four young people with liquor, but upon going to the cupboard where he kept his supply of choice beverages, he found a note in his daughter’s handwriting: “Dad, we’re taking along some of your good liquor -- I know you won’t mind.”

“Alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the Bible says love your enemy,” so said American singer and Oscar-winning actor Frank Sinatra.

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

MALE SEAFARERS AS VICTIMS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT Male seafarers can be the subject of sexual harassment while working on board the vessel entitling them to moral damages.

Sexual harassment can happen to anyone and everyone.

The Supreme Court stressed in the case of Toliongco vs. Anglo-Eastern Crew Mgt. (G.R. No. 231748, July 8, 2020) that sexual harassment must be recognized as a risk faced by our seafarers and which should not be merely seen as a gender issue, rather it is a power issue.

The seafarer was employed as messman.

The seafarer claimed that when he served dinner to the Chief Officer, the latter demanded that he masturbate and perform oral sex on him. He resisted and left the room.

That same night, the chief officer called for him again, and, repeated the sexual advances. On the second attempt, he also resisted and managed to escape.

He filed a complaint the following day for physical abuse and sexual abuse under alcohol intake against the Chief Officer before the Captain.

The chief officer threatened to kill him upon learning of the complaint.

The seafarer was later repatriated to the Philippines.

Several months later, he filed a complaint for constructive dismissal, sexual harassment and maltreatment with prayer for the payment of disability benefits, damages and attorney’s fees claiming that he is rendered permanently and totally disabled due to his post-traumatic stress disorder caused by his unfortunate experience onboard the vessel.

The court, however, denied the claim for disability benefits because the pieces of evidence submitted are not sufficient to convince the Court that he has been rendered permanently and totally disabled.

Nevertheless, the Court ruled that since a wrongful act was committed against the seafarer due to the sexual harassment he suffered at the hands of the chief officer , he is entitled to the income for the unexpired portion of the contract, moral damages of P100,000,00, exemplary damages, and attorney’s fees

The Supreme Court underscored that victims of sexual abuse usually take time before reporting to the proper authorities, more so if they are male as society has made it hard for male victims of sexual harassment to come out and report.

“Our society has often depicted women as being the weaker sex, and the only victims of sexual harassment. It is high-time that this notion is corrected. To consider women as the weaker sex is discriminatory. To think that only women can be victims of sexual harassment is discriminatory against men who have suffered the same plight; men who have been victimized by sexual predators,” the Court said.

Seafarers are exposed to various forms of discrimination, exploitation, sexual harassment, and violence, which may partly be attributed to the confined space on board vessels.

The isolated nature of the ship can increase opportunities for sexual harassment and violence, and can also amplify their negative consequences.

Sexual harassment may take the

form of sexist remarks, sexual advances or sex-related behavior.

It is a reflection of the power relations between individuals involved where, in most instances, the harasser is an officer occupying a higher rank than the seafarer.

The Court cited a separate opinion in Garcia v. Drilon, (712 Phil 44, 2013) which recognized the existence of violence against men and the underreporting of such incidents.

The Court said that “social and cultural expectations on masculinity and male dominance urge men to keep quiet about being a victim, adding to the unique experience of male victims of domestic abuse. This leads to latent depression among boys and men. In a sense, patriarchy while privileging men, also victimizes them” “There is now more space to believe that portraying only women as victims will not always promote gender equality before the law. It sometimes aggravates the gap by conceding that women have always been dominated by men. In doing so, it renders empowered women invisible;

or, in some cases, that men as human beings can also become victims”, the Court added.

The Court further stressed that “it may be said that violence in the context of intimate relationships should not be seen and encrusted as a gender issue, rather it is a power issue. Thus, when laws are not gender-neutral, male victims of domestic violence may also suffer from double victimization first by their abusers and second by the judicial system.

Incidentally, focusing on women was the victims entrenches some level of heteronormativity. It is blind to the possibility that, whatever moral positions are taken by those who are dominant, in reality intimate relationships can also happen between men.”

At its core, sexual harassment is not an issue of gender but an issue of power.

Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 248 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Subaru PH introduces the FORESTER GT Lite Edition

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otor Image Pilipinas, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, introduces the latest variant in the Forester line-up – the GT Lite Edition.

Aimed at drivers who find thrill and excitement in driving a stylish extraordinary SUV, the Forester GT Lite Edition offers add-ons such as the GT Full Body Kit and GT Exhaust Cutter, adding that sporty look to the extraordinary SUV. Below is the pricing for the Forester GT Lite edition Forester GT Edition - Php 2,170,000 Forester i-S EyeSight - Php 2,068,000 Forester GT Lite Edition Php 1,980,000 Forester i-L EyeSight - Php 1,938,000 This February 2021, Subaru PH is extending a discount of up to Php 50,000 for all Forester GT Lite Edition purchases.

Customers who set for Test Drives and Ap-

pointments for the GT Lite edition will also be entitled to a pick-aprize and can win exclusive Subaru merchandise worth up to Php 1,000. So visit your nearest Subaru showroom today and experience the thrill of the Forester GT Lite Edition.

February sales and after sales exclusive offers

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otor Image Pilipinas, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, welcomes February by extending worry-free ownership on purchases of the Forester and XV On top of the cash discounts available for all variants of the Subaru Forester and all variants of the Sub-

aru XV, Subaru is extending the additional service voucher promo to purchases of the said models for this month Subaru Forester and XV FREEBIE CAN BE USED FOR SERVICE VOUCHER worth Php 50,000 (Forester i-S ES, Forester i-L ES, all XV variants) - PMS - Parts

- Other outlet-based Services and Labor SERVICE VOUCHER worth Php 20,000 (Forester GT Edition, Forester GT Lite Edition) These special deals also come on top of the standard 5-year warranty for purchases of new Subaru vehicles. Special deals for other Subaru models such as the BRZ and WRX will

also be available.

Moreover, just by visiting any Subaru showroom and signing up for a test drive, customers are entitled to a pick-a-prize, giving them a chance to win official Subaru merchandise worth up to Php 1,000.** Subaru PH is also introducing the special Aftersales Lunar New Year

Promo at all outlets – with Oil Change Packages, Parts Replacement, Labor and Accessories offers. Setting an appointment in advance (via https://www.subaru. asia/ph/en/owners/subaru-service.php ) is recommended to ensure your safety and convenience.

The aftersales promo is slated for a two-week run

from February 8 to 21, 2021.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s all welcome the Love Month by visiting your nearest Subaru showroom and test driving your next Subaru vehicle! ** on selected outlets, additional offers await once customer reserves for a Subaru vehicle.

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ENVIRONMENT

9

Water reservoir wetlands must be managed wisely

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO If managed property, inland wetlands can serve as natural water reservoirs,” said Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, executive director of the Laguna-based ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACD). “Most especially during rainy seasons, these ecosystems recharge groundwater and provide sustainable surface water supply.

The water coming from these natural reservoirs serve various purposes at individual and societal levels.”

“

She said those words during the World Wetlands Day, which is celebrated every second day of February. It was on this day the Ramsar Convention Center on Wetlands, a treaty ratified by 170 countries to protect wetlands and promote their wise use, was adopted.

This year’s theme is “Water and Wetlands,” thus putting a spotlight on the vital role of wetlands ecosystems “in our everyday lives and well-being, particularly in meeting our water needs,” Lim said, adding that “access to clean water has always been a concern across the globe.”

Among the Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines ranks second the lowest in terms of per capita water availability per year with only 1,907 cubic meters, according to the Washington, D.C.-based World Resources Institute.

In a study done by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, nine major cities were identified as “water critical areas.” These were Angeles, Bacolod, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iloilo, Metro Cebu, Metro Manila and Zamboanga. “All these major cities, except Angeles and Iloilo, show a water supply deficit until 2025,” the study said.

In this time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, “this issue is even more timely as clean water is necessary for ensuring proper hygiene, public health, and safety,” Lim pointed out.

A report released by the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) in December

last year said that 1.8 billion people in the world lacked basic water services in health care facilities.

Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are “keeping up with the global aim of providing access to drinking water to all, with the average reaching 83.8% of the population in 2018.” This was stated in the ASEAN Sustainable Development Goals Indicators Baseline Report 2020.

“It remains concerning, however, that millions of people are still without access to clean and safe water, and the threat of water insecurity still looms,” Lim said in a statement. “This is worsened by extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change, such as prolonged dry season resulting in drought and water shortage.”

Lim urged that the role of wetland ecosystems as natural solutions to the crisis “to be widely recognized.”

She said that in the ASEAN region, inland waters and wetlands occupy close to 2 million square kilometers and comprise 60% and 42% of the world’s tropical peatlands and mangrove forests, respectively.

“Now more than ever, we need a whole-of-community and integrated approach in sustainably managing and conserving our remaining wetlands, with recognition of the relationship between water security, public health, and well-being,” Lim said.

Paul A. Keddy, author of Wetland Ecology: Principles and Conservation, defines

wetland as “an ecosystem that arises when inundation by water produces soil dominated by anaerobic processes which, in turn, forces the biota, particularly rooted plants, to adapt to flooding.”

A patch of land that develops pools of water after a rain storm would not be considered a “wetland,” even though the land is wet. Specifically, wetlands are characterized as having a water table that stands at or near the land surface for a long period each year to support aquatic plants.

Under the Ramsar Treaty, wetlands are defined as follows: Article 1.1: “… wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.”

Article 2.2: “(Wetlands) may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six meters at low tide lying within the wetlands.”

In simpler terms, wetlands occur where water meets land.

They include mangroves, peatlands and marshes, rivers and lakes, deltas, floodplains and flooded forests, rice-fields, and even coral reefs.

In the Philippines, there are six wetlands of international importance; these are Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Mindanao, Naujan Lake National Park in Oriental Mindoro, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu, Puerto Princesa

Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Sulu Sea, and the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area.

Peatlands, also known as mires, have been confirmed in Sab-a basin in Leyte and Agusan March in Mindanao. There are also some reports that peatlands also exist in Ligawasan Marsh in Mindanao, Dolongan area in Basey, Samar, Southern Leyte, Mount Pulag in Northern Luzon, Surigao del Norte, Northeastern Mindanao, and Naujan Lake Marshland.

The Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) states the first basic function of wetlands is that they ensure freshwater for all people. “Wetlands provide us with drinking water,” it points out.

Wetlands also filter harmful waste from water. “Eighty percent of wastewater is discharged into the natural environment without any form of treatment,” says BMB, a lune agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “The abundant plant life in wetlands absorbs waste, which helps purify water.”

Unknown to many, wetlands are nature’s shock absorbers. “Wetlands are a natural buffer during extreme weather.

They store heavy rainfall during storms, which reduces flooding and delays the onset of droughts,” BMB states.

Take the case of mangroves.

“Mangroves act as natural barriers in coastal areas, protecting communities from storm surges, waves, tidal currents,

and typhoons,” said Dr. Alice Joan G. Ferrer, a professor of the Division of Social Sciences at the University of the Philippines in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Some scientific studies have shown that “a barrier of mangroves over 100 meters wide can reduce wave height by between 13% and 66%.” In addition, “a per kilometer width of mangroves can weaken storm surge by 5-50 centimeters and surface wind waves by more than 75%.”

The wetlands are very important when it comes to biodiversity. “Wetlands are home to more than 100,000 freshwater species,” BMB says. “They are essential for many amphibians, reptiles and migratory birds.”

Ornithologist Arne Jensen, who heads the records committee of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), told Philippine Daily Inquirer: “Birds that live in wetlands, or spend some time of their life in wetlands, are about 150 species or 22 percent of the Philippine avifauna. Most waterbird species have adapted to the drastically changing conditions of wetlands through their migratory behavior.”

Wetlands also guarantee food supply. “Wetlands provide important food products like fish and rice,” BMB says. Fish and rice are the country’s staple food.

Wetlands may also be important sources of renewable energy. “Lake Lanao, the second largest lake in the country and one of the 15 ancient lakes in the world, helps generate 70% of the electricity for domestic use in Mindanao,” Lim reported.

The role of wetlands when it comes to the problem of climate change cannot be ignored as they store carbon. “Peatlands alone hold 30% of all carbon stored on land,” it says. “This is twice the amount stored in the world’s forests, providing resilience against climate change.”

Despite their myriad uses, wetlands are not given much prominence. They are neglected and not given importance.

“Encroachment on, or loss of, wetlands can cause serious environmental damage to the ecosystem, so they should be restored and rehabilitated when possible,” the environment department suggested.

Wetlands should be conserved through “wise use,” which Ramsar Convention defines as “the maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development.”

In the Philippines, the government is doing something to save vanishing wetlands.

“There are efforts to recover degraded wetlands, such as the ones in Boracay Island, which are joint activities of the government and the private sector,” Lim said.

“We are happy to see important progress in our efforts,” the ACD head stressed. “But if we continue to take our wetlands for granted and lose crucial biodiversity in the process, it will certainly affect our ability to effectively respond to an impending global water crisis.

“Amid these difficult times, we need not look elsewhere for solutions; they are right in nature,” Lim concluded.

10 EDGEDAVAO WITH... FROM2

disiplina Panahon sa Pandemya Ordinance", stay in residence for a maximum of five days only in order not to be quarantined, movement shall be restricted within the vicinity of the residence and no engagements with family members for those placed under home quarantine, avoid densely populated areas such as markets, malls, and the like unless the quarantine has been complied and completed; present an RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen test (RAT) negative result upon entry to Mati if the stay will exceed for more than five days.

Meanwhile, requirements for tourists and visiting businessmen include presentation of RT-PCR or RAT negative result upon entry to Mati if the stay will exceed for more than five days, prior booking with

the resorts and hotels. They are also advised to follow the "no booking, no entry policy", which is strictly enforced in the city.

For transient workers or those persons coming to Mati for business and work purposes may stay in hotels or areas provided by their company or employer and must also present work order upon entry to the city.

Section 3 of EO required returning residents of Mati to present ID and travel manifest at border checkpoints upon entry back to Mati. Travel authority issued from the city of Mati may also be presented and if travel to other places will exceed for more than three days, residents are required for home quarantine for 14 days upon return. Maya Padillo

fits until the effective date of separation, according to PAL. The airline, meanwhile, assured its customers and partners that current operations would continue without disruptions.

As demand recovers, it assured to continue increas-

ing international and domestic flights.

To recall, local carriers last year sought PHP8.6 billion in monthly subsidy from the government in anticipation of declining revenues as a result of the pandemic. (PNA)

pines was able to buck the global trend of declining foreign direct investments (FDIs) amid the pandemic after FDI inflows rose 29 percent last year.

“BOI —working with other government agencies— is committed to ex-

tending support so existing businesses stay afloat and operating; and guiding new investors to facilitate their entry,” DTI Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said.

(PNA).

"The retrenchment is part of a larger restructuring and recovery plan as the flag carrier rebuilds its domestic and international network amid the global pandemic," PAL said.

According to the airlines, since the onset of pandemic last year, it has suspended capital expenditures, adopted a skeletal work force, reduced management salaries, and slashed non-essential expenses to control costs while shareholders

infuse capital and provide funding to keep the company afloat.

Bello said affected PAL workers can avail of DOLE's financial assistance and livelihood program once they are retrenched.

The labor chief meanwhile said he would also meet with cigarette maker Philip Morris over its own retrenchment program. According to Bello, around 300 may be dismissed from the company.

(Covid-19) pandemic.

Citing economic managers’ target, Ricafort said the government’s debt-toGDP ratio target for this year is 58.1 percent or total outstanding liabilities of around PHP11.982 trillion, while it is targeted to rise further to 59.9 percent in 2022 with the liabilities seen to increase to PHP13.6 trillion.

The government’s borrowing plan this year amounts to PHP3.025 trillion, while it is PHP2.32 tril-

lion next year.

Amidst the programmed increase in government borrowings this year, he said “gross international reserves (GIR) provide more than enough buffers for managing external/foreign debt.”

As of end-2020, the government’s foreign reserves reached USD110.12 billion, which is equivalent to 11.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

(PNA)

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She added that Department of Tourism (DOT) together with other national government agencies, local government units, and the private sectors are implementing the tourism and recovery plans as well as the Tourism Development Plans with the end-view of gradually reviving the country’s tourism industry.

Danny urges inclusion of Waan in Apo-Agua C OUNCILOR Danilo C. Dayanghirang has urged the Davao City Water District to include Waan among the barangays to be serviced by the bulk water system being built by Apo-Agua Infrastructura, Inc. Dayanghirang who heads the Davao City Council committees on finance, ways and means, pressed his proposal through a resolution he authored during last Monday's regular session.

The bulk water system is now being constructed by Apo Agua at the cost of P10 billion tapping the surface of the Tamugan River to be distributed throughout the city through a 56-kilometer network of pipes set for

completion next year.

To receive the potable water, the DCWD is also constructing its own network of sumps reservoir and distribution mains at the cost of P2 billion.

Once completed, the new waterworks system will enable the water district to provide close to 75 percent of the potable water needs of the city now with a population of 1.6 million people.

As part of his decades-long advocacy, Dayanghirang continues to monitor the progress of the multi-billion peso water system by regularly visiting the project sites and conferring with Apo Agua executives headed by the young Shake Aboitiz.

Despite the limitations in movement amid the Covid 19 pandemic, the pace of construction work of the system has remained impressively brisk and nonstop, the local lawmaker said.

On the other hand, Waan residents headed by barangay captain Genor Macadawan thanked Councilor Dayanghirang for his never-ending efforts for the inclusion of Second District in the water service.

Waan has a population of 4,000 people, many of whom are involved in the business of providing sand, gravel and other aggregates needed by the city's burgeoning construction industry. (With reports from Dayanghirang Media Team)

ore or less 263 vehicles turned out in different areas north of Manila over the weekend to prod Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Z. Duterte to run for president in the 2022 national elections.

Joining the simultaneous motorcades in Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union on Jan. 31 were members of a volunteer support group

called “Inday Sara Duterte Ako (ISDA)" on board private vehicles, public utility vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles.

Despite Mayor Sara’s earlier statements that she has no intention of running for president nor would be a late entry as his father, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, was in 2015, the group urged the former to heed their call and run for presi-

dent in 2022.

Motorcade organizers vowed to continue their advocacy to convince the latter to accept the challenge.

Report on Jan. 30 said calendars urging Mayor Sara to run for president were distributed to several vendors in Banawe Street, Quezon City.

The calendar reportedly has Mayor Sara’s photo cap-

tioned, “Run Sara, Run for President 2022.”

In December 2020, the Presidential daughter led an early preference poll for the 2022 presidency.

Results of the Pulse Asia survey conducted from November 23 to December 2 showed that one of four Filipinos would support a probable presidential bid by Mayor Sara. (PNA)

he Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has started conducting drive-thru real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) sa-

liva test for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in two SM Supermalls on Tuesday.

The PRC, through its chairman and CEO, Senator Richard Gordon, and the management of SM Supermalls headed by its president Steven Tan, held a ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement at the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center.

“This is something that will bring back people to the malls safely”, Gordon said.

He said currently, they have the first two collection sites in SM Megamall at the Mega A bus bay in Edsa, Mandaluyong; and at the 5 Ecom Open Parking in SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

The locations will serve as specimen collection sites while the samples will be forwarded to the PRC laboratories for testing.

Meanwhile, PRC biomolecular laboratories chief Paulyn Ubial said the pro-

cess is fast and convenient.

“Ang magada rito hindi na lalabas sa sasakyan yung mga tinetesting inaabot na lang sa kanila yung tube and dun sila mag co-collect sa loob ng sasakyan, ilalagay nila yung barcode at ia-abot sa sample collector, so mabilis lang, 5 to 10 minutes (The good thing about this is that they do not need to go out of their vehicles.

They will be given a tube and they will collect their own specimen inside their vehicles. They will place the barcode and give it back to the sample collector. It will take them only about 5 to 10 minutes),” Ubial said.

Results may be out within three to five hours and the cost is PHP2,000, way cheaper than the current prices of the RT-PCR swab test.

Gordon said PRC would send the results via e-mail or by text message.

He said while the

country is waiting for the Covid-19 vaccines, testing should be intensified.

Even if vaccines become available, he said testing should continue.

“Kahit dumating na ang bakuna, importante pa rin ang pag-te-test para labanan ang Covid-19 kaya gumagawa ng paraan ang PRC upang mapadali at mapabilis ang pagtetest sa ating mga kababayan (Even if vaccines arrive, it is still important to test to fight Covid-19, that is why the PRC continues to find ways to make it easier and faster),” he said.

Gordon added that aside from SM Supermalls, other mall owners and businesses have already expressed their intention to partner with PRC in conducting Covid-19 testing.

He said those who want to book an appointment for the RT-PCR Saliva test may do so via book.redcross1158.com. (PNA)

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possible lockdowns if more Covid-19 infections are registered vis-à-vis the new variants, which will dampen growth opportunities.

(PNA)

Motorcade of 263 vehicles urges Mayor Sara to run for president

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PRC, SM Supermalls partner for drive-thru saliva tests T FORMER ... FROM3

director Vicky Sarcena, and Major Harold Ho, representative from the 1003rd Brigade.

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population of affected hogs; surveillance activities and border control; heightened implementation of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABAY ASF) program; and stakeholder engagement and consultation.

Additionally, the DA also proposed increasing the minimum access volume of its meat import allocation from 54,000 metric tons (MT) to 162,000 MT. (PNA)

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11

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 27 points.

Celtics hold off Warriors

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AN FRANCISCO — Jayson Tatum had 27 points in picking up the offensive slack for Boston without injured Marcus Smart, and the Celtics withstood another scoring outburst by Stephen Curry to beat the Golden State Warriors, 111-107, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Curry scored 38 points with seven 3-pointers and joined late Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain as the only Warriors to score 17,000 points for the franchise.

Andrew Wiggins' layup with a minute to go for Golden State made it a threepoint game, but Tatum converted a pair of free throws with 49.6 seconds left and Curry missed a contested 3

moments later.

Jaylen Brown, back in the Bay Area where he starred as a college player at California in Berkeley, drove through the lane for an emphatic, one-handed slam that put the Celtics up 106-96 with 4 minutes left.

Curry's three-point play at the 3:17 mark made it a seven-point game.

Brown wound up with 18 points and 10 rebounds as Boston snapped a twogame skid with its fourth straight victory against

“The teams placed first and second in each group, and the two best thirdplaced teams in the Group Phase qualify for the Final Phase,” FIBA said in a statement.

Eight men’s teams -- Nigeria, Argentina, the USA, Iran, Japan, France, Spain, and Australia -- have already advanced to the Tokyo 2020 Men’s Olympic Basketball through the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The remaining four places will be filled by the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQT) winners scheduled for June 29July 4, in Canada's Victoria, Croatia's Split, Lithuania's Kaunas, Serbia's Belgrade.

Twelve women’s teams qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Men’s Olympic Basketball last year through the four FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

The men's tournament will run from July 25 to Aug. 7, with women's taking place on July 26-Aug. 8.

Initially scheduled for last July, the Games were

among a host of sporting events postponed worldwide due to Covid-19.

The Olympic Games rescheduled from July 23 Aug. 8. *Men's tournament draws: --Group A. Iran, France, USA and OQT Victoria winner (Canada, China, Czech Republic, Greece, Turkey, Uruguay) --Group B. Australia, Nigeria, OQT Split winner (Brazil, Croatia, Germany, Mexico, Russia, Tunisia) and OQT Belgrade winner (Dominican Republic, Italy, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal, Serbia) --Group C. Argentina, Japan, Spain and OQT Kaunas winner (Angola, Korea, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Venezuela) * Women's tournament draws: --Group A. Korea, Serbia, Canada and Spain --Group B. Nigeria, Japan, France and USA --Group C. Australia, Puerto Rico, China and Belgium. (Anadolu)

Tokyo 2020 Olympics basketball draw unveiled

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he Tokyo 2020 Olympic Basketball Tournaments draw ceremony for both women's and men's competitions took place on Tuesday in Mies, Switzerland.

"We are looking forward to enjoying the world's best basketball players performing this coming July in the capital of Japan," FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis said in the ceremony.

He said FIBA (International Basketball Federation) is confident for the smooth delivery of the Olympic Basketball Tournaments based on the close partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (TOCOG) “as well as on its own, proven operational capacity during the last seven months.”

A new competition system has been put in place for the tournament and the nations were split into three groups of four teams each.

Golden State, ending the Warriors' three-game home winning streak.

Curry, who upped his NBA-best 3-point total to 96, has 17,011 points in his 12 seasons. Chamberlain scored 17,783 in six seasons with the franchise.

Curry's 3-pointer with 1:03 to go in the third quarter got his team within 81-80. He also had 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. The two-time MVP counted on his lesser-known supporting cast of

Juan Toscano-Anderson and Kent Bazemore in a matchup of teams each missing a key player.

The Warriors' already-depleted frontcourt rotation took another hit Tuesday. Rookie No. 2 draft pick James Wiseman is sidelined with a sprained left wrist he hurt during a rout of Detroit on Saturday night.

Golden State then lost starting center Kevon Looney to a sprained left ankle that kept him out during the second half.

Boston outscored Golden State 28-17 in the second quarter for a 52-all tie at halftime.

To s c a n o - A n d e r s o n hit a 3-pointer with 4:07 left in the third to keep the Warriors within 72-66. He finished with 16 points to match his career high with his first double-digit scoring outing this season and third of his career.

"Okayyy Juan!" tweeted Sydel Curry-Lee, Curry's sister and the wife of Warriors guard Damion Lee.

Brooklyn Big 3 combine for 90 in win vs Clippers

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EW YORK — Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 39 points, including eight straight in the fourth-quarter run that sent Brooklyn into the lead for good, and the Nets beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 124-120, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Kevin Durant added 28 points, James Harden had 23 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds, and the three stars scored all the points in the decisive 13-0 spurt. The Nets held on from there to snap the Clippers' three-game winning streak.

Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points and Paul George had 26 for the Clippers, who entered with the NBA's best record and lost for just the second time in 12 games.

They had a five-point lead midway through the fourth before Durant hit a 3-pointer, Irving followed with one of his own, then made a basket and another 3. Harden finished off the spurt with a 3, making it 110-102 with 4:10 to play.

The Clippers got it down to one in the final seconds before Irving's free throws closed it out.

The Nets were trying to bounce back from an embarrassing defensive performance, when they gave up 48 points in the fourth quarter Sunday in a 149-146 loss to Washington, which has the fewest Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 39 points. wins in the league.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 248 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

DAVNOR MODEL

PSC presents a model system for LGU sports in National Summit session

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he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) provides a model system for sports in local governments as session two of the National Sports Summit 2021 gets underway Thursday.

After the successful launch of its first virtual session last week, PSC continues its weekly sessions by presenting a lecture-forum on ‘Sports in Local Governments (A Model System)’ on February 4. Davao del Norte Sports and Youth Development Head Giovanni Gulanes comes in as the resource speaker.

“We are excited to showcase DavNor as a model. Hopefully, it could inspire other leaders and coordinators from different LGUs to pursue their own sports development programs” said PSC chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez.

Gulanes talks about the secret to DavNor’s success in hosting local multisport festivals like the Palarong Pambansa (National Games), Batang

Pinoy (Philippine Youth Games), as well as share how their province has successfully and effectively implemented their sports program.

Last January 27, no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte opened the virtual gathering, with Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports Senator Bong Go, head of House Committee on Youth and Sports Representative John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, and Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones also giving their encouragements to the almost 600 participants from all parts of the country.

“We are very grateful for the strong support the sports sector has been receiving from the President and members of both houses,” Ramirez said.

The Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

FPANDEMIC, P10