Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 244 | Tuesday, January 4, 2022

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‘EVENTS BAN’ STAYS

VOL.14 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022

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Workers walk by thousands of grocery packs for the city government of Davao’s “Pahalipay” at a supermarket along Sales Street in Davao City. Almost 100,000 of Dabawenyos chose to donate their “Pahalipay” grocery packs to typhoon Odette victims. Edge Davao

Sara extends ban on non-essential faceto-face gatherings STORY ON PAGE 2

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Davao City extends until September 12, 2022 the prohibition on face-to-face events in Davao City that may likely cause transmission of COVID-19 through Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s Executive Order 69, series of 2021, released on December 29, 2021. Edge Davao

‘EVENTS BAN’ STAYS

Sara extends ban on nonessential face-to-face gatherings

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has extended the ban on non-essential face-to-face events organized by barangays, local, and national government offices until September 12, 2022 to help mitigate Covid-19 transmission in Davao City.

Through Executive Order (EO) No. 69 Series of 2021 released on December 31, 2021, otherwise known as “An Order Extending Until September 12, 2022, The Regulations

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ilot provinces for the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act need greater support from the Department of Health (DOH), including more resources for the improvement of primary health care facilities and the training of health workers.

Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero said not all local government units (LGUs) in the 33 pilot provinces for UHC implementation have sufficient budget for health spending to be able

On All Barangay, Local, And National Government Office Events Including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation Events” on December 28, 2022.

This applies to all baran-

to establish the functional health care provider network (HCPN) required by the UHC law.

“The pandemic response of different LGUs across the country shows the glaring gap in their health capacities and their unpreparedness for UHC implementation.

While all mayors and governors are willing to spend on health, the fact is, there just is not enough money to spend,” said Escudero, whose province Sorsogon is among the pilot provinces.

gay, local, and national government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) prohibiting them to conduct all events such as inauguration, anniversary, thanksgiving, ribbon-cutting, blessing, turnover, groundbreaking activity, launching a program, salo-salo, birthday, press conference, oath-taking program, photo oppor-

While Sorsogon has been laying the foundation for HCPN for the past three years, achieving International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for all its nine public hospitals, most provincial governments are still struggling with the health burden from COVID-19 and have minimal or no resources left to prepare for UHC implementation.

A study by the Asian Development Bank revealed that 51.6% of rural health units across the Philippines are ill-

tunity, retirement honors, welcome honors, testimonial program, summer outing, team building, and all other similar activities.

All face-to-face non-emergency essential government activities including training and seminars are also suspended until September 12, 2022, and only allowed via online platforms.

Mayor Sara stated that

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equipped while many district hospitals are poorly staffed, forcing patients to go to private hospitals or health centers that charge them.

“This beats the whole point of UHC. If we want UHC to work and truly provide health care for all, we must invest in our public health facilities, especially at the first point of service, which are the barangay health stations and rural health units.

While health services have been devolved to

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Delta variant of Covid-19 ‘still around’: Malacañang

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espite studies showing the Omicron variant to be a “milder strain” of Covid-19, Malacañang reminded the public Monday not to be complacent as other more lethal strains of the coronavirus, such as Delta, continue to exist.

Acting presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made this remark after the Philippines saw 4,600 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday -- the highest recorded in over two months.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) ear-

lier raised the alert level status in Metro Manila to Alert Level 3 until January 15 amid an increase in Covid-19 cases and the detection of 14 local Omicron cases.

“We’re focusing so much on Omicron, we’re forgetting that Delta is still around. Right now, nagspe-speculate tayo na ‘Omicron na siguro ‘to, ang taas ang bilang’ (we are speculating that ‘This is probably Omicron since there are high numbers). We have to remember Delta is still around so don’t forget, don’t say ‘Ah, Omicron okay lang ‘yan kasi Omicron sabi

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BBM tops for president, Sara for VP in surveys

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ormer senator Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., also known as Bongbong Marcos (BBM), is the most preferred candidate for President during an online survey conducted by the Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) of the University of Mindanao from December 21 to 28, 2021.

The survey was done among social media users, particularly the Meta (Facebook and Instagram platforms). The respondents were 1,199 at least 18 years

old (at a 95 percent confidence level and plus-minus 3 percent margin of error.)

Bongbong Marcos is preferred by 44.61 percent of the respondents, followed by Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo who is the choice of 25.51 percent. City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso placed third with a preference rating of 14.73 percent, while Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao has 3.17

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NEWS

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Chinese Consul General Li Lin says the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector project is being anticipated to break ground early this year as its loan negotiation is now making concrete progress. Edge Davao

Samal-Davao bridge project to ground break this year Davao City braces for surge in Covid-19 by late January

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he city government of Davao is bracing for a surge of Covid-19 cases which is expected by the third or last week of this month.

“Naga plateau ang atoang cases, wala siya gababa ug wala gataas and continuing ang atoang preparations for the upcoming surge in Davao City which will probably third week or fourth week of January,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday during the Special Hours with Mayor Inday Sara Duterte via Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

Mayor Sara said this is based on the two incubation periods since the people started to gather for Christmas parties and the fast transmission due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

“Two incubation periods gikan sa December 24 naga-assume ta nga December 24 nagasugod ug tapok tapok ang mga tao para sa salo-salo ug Christmas party nila plus ang kapaspas sa takdanay sa Omicron,” she said.

The mayor also said that it is assumed that the surge will be due to Delta plus Omicron variants, although, no cases of Omicron are reported in Davao City.

Mayor Sara said the city is doing an inventorying of the city’s Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs) as part of the preparations for the incoming surge.

The city will still utilize the same strategy amid surge threat which is Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR).

The mayor added that the Covid Cluster Clinic (CCC) is also readying for the surge.

“Ang atoang TTMFs naga inventory sila karon kung unsa ang atong i-activate na TTMFs. Naga ready na pud ta ug coordination with private hospitals for those who will be needing hospitalization and medical attention,” she said.

From December 26, 2021 to January 1, 2022 there are a total of 14 positive cases of Covid-19 in Davao City.

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he long-delayed 3.98-kilometer Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector project is anticipated to break ground early this year as loan negotiations have made significant progress.

“I was a little bit too optimistic for a period hoping that the groundbreaking could start last year, but maybe let’s keep our fingers crossed for (groundbreaking) early this year,” Chinese Consul General Li Lin told Edge Davao.

Lin agreed with what was the National Eco-

nomic and Development Authority 11 (NEDA) reported in October last year that construction for the Samal-Davao bridge project remains uncertain as loan negotiations with the Chinese government are still ongoing and right-of-way acquisition is still in the assessment stage.

“NEDA is right to say that it’s still undergoing negotiation but there is progress and one of the significant progress is that last September or October the Chinese government has already approved the loan request and already notified the Philippine government,” Lin said.

The loan is part of the Chinese government budget that needs to be assessed and passed by Congress.

“All these procedures or formalities have al-

ready been finished on the part of China. I think if the DOF had accepted all the offers the project would have already been started. The loan agreement is still ongoing but already made concrete progress,” Lin said.

In October 2021, Maria Lourdes D. Lim, NEDA 11 director, said the DOF submitted an updated loan application last April 26, reflecting a revised financing ratio of 90% loan and 10% local fund. The application was submit-

Catbagan Jr., the Delta variant remains to be the dominant variant of concern in the city as well as in the entire province of Davao Oriental.

As part of the preparation for the latest variant of concern, the Mati IMT continues with their vaccination campaign to which a total of 86,706 Matinians have already been vaccinated or 80% of the target population of 107,424.

Of the 80%, 65% are fully vaccinated while 15% have received their first dose, as of January 2, 2022 data. Booster vaccination on the high risk population have already started that include senior citizens and those with comorbidities.

Health authorities expect a peak of the Omicron variant surge to happen starting January 15 until February 19 wherein daily cases could reach

to as much as 20,000 to 40,000.

Here in the City of Mati, Dr. Catbagan said that they have already been busy training and preparing the barangay health workers to make them self-sufficient in the fight against Covid-19.

Aside from the construction of the 17 Barangay Isolation Units that could also serve as testing centers for Covid-19, the

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Mati City IMT prepares for Omicron

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he City of Mati Incident Management Team is now preparing for the eventual arrival of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the city. This as the city has only one active case of Covid-19 as of January 3, 2022.

The city logs a total of 2,993 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with 2,890 recoveries and 102 deaths.

According to Mati IMT commander Dr. Ben Hur

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Customers buy fruits at Agdao Public Market in Davao City days after New Year’s Day celebration. As expected, prices of fruits in Davao City went down after the holiday season. Edge Davao

BIR eyes increasing digital payments by 50% in 2022

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he Bureau of Internal Revenue is aiming to increase digital payment transactions to 50 percent in 2022 by accelerating modernization efforts.

“BIR targets to increase ePayment transactions by 50 percent in 2022 as modernization efforts aim to improve voluntary compliance,” it said in a statement.

Expanding epayment channels will allow the agency to save P150 million to about P200 milion in transaction fees, it said.

The BIR has launched epayment channels since

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ith nearly two years of facing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, both public and private sectors have put forward various initiatives to restart businesses and recover jobs.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak in early 2020, the pandemic still has lingering impacts on businesses and jobs caused by the lockdowns as governments around the world try to

2015 including LandBank’s Link.Biz.Portal, DBP Paytax Online as well as GCash and PayMaya.

The tax bureau’s Transformation (DX) Program 2022 is called the Fast, Innovative, Reliable, Secure and Technology-driven (FIST).

During the Phase 1 implementation of the program more epayment

channels will be accessible to taxpayers 24/7, BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay said during the official launching event.

In his keynote speech, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez highlighted how the country’s digitalization helped the country respond faster to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through the difficult months, our two main revenue agencies continued to function effectively, bringing the revenue flows to our government direly needed,” Dominguez said, citing BIR

and the Bureau of Customs.

In 2020, 90 percent of the total annual income tax returns were filed electronically, the official said.

Compared to 2015, epayments grew by 110 percent of about 4 million transactions in 2020, Dominguez said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank’s own digital transformation roadmap supports BIR’s digital program.

The BSP aims to digitalize at least 50 percent of retail payment by 2023.

mitigate the spread of the virus.

In the Philippines, data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) showed that closed businesses at the height of the pandemic in March to April 2020 reached 38 percent.

This resulted in job losses, with the record-high 17.6 percent unemployment rate in April last year.

As what DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and the business community have been

saying, “the virus is here to stay” and “we have to live with the virus”.

In 2021, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) re-imposed twice the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ)—the most stringent restriction—in Metro Manila and nearby provinces amid threats of emerging Covid-19 variants such as the Alpha and Delta.

ECQ was re-imposed in

late March due to the Alpha variant and in early August due to the more transmissible and highly infectious Delta variant.

Unlike the lockdown in 2020, the IATF expanded the definition of essential sectors which allowed more establishments to open and lesser jobs to shed.

Compared to the 38 percent closed establishments during the first ECQ in 2020, the ECQ with more

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World’s biggest trade deal takes effect to boost global economy

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he world’s largest free trade pact forged by 15 Asia-Pacific countries entered into force Saturday to provide a tailwind for the region’s post-pandemic recovery and a catalyst for global economic progress, bringing a ray of hope.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement groups 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries, as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, covering nearly a third of the world’s population and gross domestic product.

Given its size and terms, the RCEP is widely expected to bolster regional trade and investment flows and boost economic integration and prosperity in the region and beyond.

“The golden age of durian trade is coming,” said Edwyn Chiang, secretary general of the Malaysia International Durian Industry Development Association, expecting the RCEP to spur exports of the thorny “king of fruits” by 50 percent by the year 2030.

The RCEP will open a

broader market and development space for Malaysia’s agriculture sector, strengthen the country’s agricultural product trade as well as the sector’s investment and cooperation with other member countries, Chiang said.

“This (RCEP) will not only present new opportunities for Malaysian businesses, but also for regional business communities tapping into RCEP to access Malaysian and Asean markets more broadly,” Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

The free trade bloc is expected to eventually eliminate tariffs on more than 90 percent of goods, expand market access for investment, harmonize rules and regulations, streamline customs procedures, and set common rules concerning the development of e-commerce as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, according to business insiders.

Asean Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi said the pact will “open up opportunities that could catalyze the expansion of re-

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ECONOMY 5

Smokers gather at a Davao City mall’s designated smoking area on Monday. Starting January 1, excise taxes on cigarettes increased to P55 per pack this year, compared to P50 per pack in 2021 based under Republic Act No. 11467, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in January last year. Edge Davao

Rice import duties hit P17.9B in 2021: BOC SME interest in tech grows, so does barriers, WEF says

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he Covid-19 pandemic has increased the interest of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in digital technology, but numerous barriers prevent them from adopting technology needed to overcome pandemic-related challenges, according to a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) report.

A new survey conducted by WEF found that despite increased awareness of the importance of digital technology, many SMEs admitted to either suspending their digitalization plans or having no plans at all to implement them due to financial stress.

Only 23 percent of SMEs said the pandemic accelerated their digitalization goals, indicating that significant barriers continue to hamper the adoption of digital technology, the paper said.

The barriers include limited availability and access to financial resources,

lack of a skilled workforce, and infrastructure barriers to support digitalization.

“In general, SMEs’ interest in digital solutions is growing. Agility and flexibility in operations have emerged as top priorities above raising productivity and minimizing costs, which used to be the primary objective for most businesses. In addition, technologies that enable remote work and collaboration topped the list of priorities for digital technology use cases,” the whitepaper added.

Challenges The survey of 141 SMEs from six countries (Azerbaijan, Brazil, Colombia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and Turkey) showed heightened demand among SMEs to integrate digital technology in business operations, particularly related to the industrial internet of things (IIoT), cloud computing,

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ome P17.9 billion in duties were collected from 2.8 million metric tons (MT) of rice shipments that entered the country from Jan. 1 to Dec. 10, 2021, the Department of Finance said Sunday.

In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said revenues from rice imports during the period came from shipments worth a combined amount of P51.37 billion, a DOF

statement said.

Preliminary data showed that the import duties collected from Jan. 1 to Dec. 10 last year rose by 21.9 percent, from P14.72 billion during the same period in 2020.

From Dec. 1 to 10 last

year, volume of rice imports grew by 487.9 percent, and revenue also increased by 475.8 percent, said Guerrero.

“Cumulatively, it grew by 23.4 percent in volume and 21.9 percent in revenue,” he said.

During the same period, rice import volumes reached 118,656 MT, from 20,181 MT recorded during the same period in 2020.

The volume of rice imports also totaled 2.797

million MT during the first 10 days of December 2021, up from 2.266 million MT during the same period in the previous year.

As a result of the continuous decline of the price of rice in the world market, the average value of rice per MT dropped by 1.7 percent to P18,532 per MT for Jan. 1 to Dec. 10, compared to the P18,854 per MT recorded during the same period in 2020, Guerrero said.

27 government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and 13 state universities and colleges (SUCs) have not submitted their Citizen’s Charters as of December 17.

A Citizen’s Charter lists “pertinent information and services that government agencies provide”.

The list of non-compliant government offices is posted on ARTA’s Face-

book page.

ARTA’s Department Order (DO) 2021-94 requires NGAs, LGUs, GOCCs, water districts, and SUCs to submit their Citizen’s Charters following the release of the Memorandum Order No. 57 of the Office of the President or “Directing the Submission of a Citizen’s Charter and Compliance with the Automation of Business Permitting ad Li-

censing System”.

The DO aims to ensure that public offices adhere to their commitments to the people and provide their service with ease.

“The Filipino public deserves to be informed of the services that they are entitled to in clear and exact terms. In turn, government agencies can also benefit from these as it will

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Public offices have until Jan. 6 to submit Citizen’s Charters

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he Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) reminded public offices nationwide to submit their Citizen’s Charters until January 6 as mandated by the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act. ARTA’s recent data showed 14 national government agencies (NGAs), 573 local government units (LGUs), 571 water districts,

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022

On the extension of the ban on non-essential faceto-face events organized by barangays, local, and national government offices until September 12, 2022:

There is a need to continue implementing existing protocols specifically to prevent mass gatherings following the emergence of new COVID-19 variants, particularly the Delta and Omicron variants.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL Optimism The year 2022 ushers in a ray of hope for all of us.

It begins with the prospects of recovery and the beginning of the road to normalcy. Nevertheless, there is also the continuing threat of Covid-19’s deadly variant Omicron.

Our main weapon remains vaccination.

Boosting the vaccination program against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will help the country in managing the new surge with the presence of the Omicron variant. In a recent briefing, Presidential Adviser for Covid-19 Response Vivencio Dizon said the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) will apply the same strategy it did during the Delta variant surge now that the health department sees a significant increase in daily cases.

Since 2020, the Philippines has had four surges of Covid-19. We

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In the light of the current threats, the government has urged unvaccinated Filipinos to get their Covid-19 jabs as new strains of the virus will target those who have not yet received their vaccines. No need to worry, there is abundant supply of Covid-19 vaccines. Vaccinated individuals are likewise encouraged to get their booster shots.

We need to double up on the efforts as regards vaccination as the country fell short of its target to vaccinate 54 million Filipinos by the end-2021. However, the government remains optimistic that the target might be achieved during the first week of January.

At this point, it is safe to say that our road to recovery hinges on how we progress with our vaccination compliance.

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

have weathered the surges and we should be able to weather what is forthcoming. That is on the premise that we give priority to vaccination.

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)

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VANTAGE POINTS

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA SERAFICA J. WEIS FAST BACKWARD IBP DAVAO CORNER

RENAMING BACACA ROAD Controversies in renaming streets have rarely gained national attention, particularly with backing from Congress, because giving new appellations to existing roads, except in highly publicized instances, mostly affect streets in cities, provinces, and towns.

Decades ago, there was even a move to rename Miguel Carpio Malvar Street, in Davao City, to Felix Manalo Street in honor of the founder of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) sect. It was a proposal that sparked public debates and created religious dissent and division.

For the INC-beholden members of the City Council, the push to pass an ordinance in honor of Manalo expectedly got the needed support from colleagues. But the Roman Catholic faithful, always ready to have their voices heard, did not allow the proposed edict to

prosper without a resistance, fearing that in the end San Pedro Street, named in honor of Catholicism’s first pope and the city’s oldest thoroughfare, would also be retitled. Another reason for the disapproval is the presence of Saint Jude Church, a Catholic place of worship, along the contested street.

To avert a possible political disaster, the pro-INC council bloc eventually yielded to the position of the predominant Catholic Church after the influential clerics worked their way through the backdoor in convincing the councilors to abandon the idea.

But the main stumbling to the eventual execution of the proposed ordinance, if passed, would be the robust opposition by the National Historical Institute (NHI, now commission) towards passing local legislations

that override the names of national heroes.

To skirt this type of imbroglio and to eschew any NHI intervention, running to the Legislature for help in renaming a city road became the best option. This is the case of the erstwhile Bacaca Road which, by an act of Congress, was renamed Francisco Santos Dizon Road.

Under Republic Act 9965, Bacaca Road, which links Jose P. Laurel Street and Carlos P. Garcia Highway, also known as Diversion Road, was rechristened Francisco S. Dizon Road, after one of Davao City’s most illustrious migrants and successful farmer-investors.

The law, which commenced in the lower chamber of Congress, was finally passed by the House on March 5, 2009, and thereafter affirmed by Senate on December 14, 2009. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

approved it on January 15, 2010. At the time of its passage, Juan Ponce Enrile was the Senate President while Rep. Prospero Nograles of Davao City was House speaker.

Eminent historian and Rizal authority Ambeth Ocampo, then the chairman of the NHI when the law was enacted, asked in his December 17, 2021 column (‘Looking Back’) with the Philippine Daily Inquirer: ‘Is [Dizon] that historically significant to bridge two roads named after Philippine presidents?’ Or, what contributions did Dizon make to be accorded a street in his memory?

Dizon, a 2007 Datu Bago awardee, was a prewar banker (with the Agricultural and Industrial Bank, forerunner of the Asian Development Bank, and later with the Philippine National Bank) who migrated to Davao City in 1951 with

his wife Pacita. His initial farming venture was the Mandug-based Dizon Farms which introduced watermelon and is known as the principal source of Dizon pomelo, the country’s most preferred citrus maxima variety.

In later years, happy with the returns earned from his agricultural investments, Dizon branched out to planting bananas and ramie. Later, he founded in the city the famous 64-hectare Crocodile Farm, a wildlife rescue center and tourism spot, and the Rancho Palos Verdes, a popular golf link.

Significantly, unknown to many, Dizon was a philanthropist and socio-civic stalwart who donated the land that eventually became the home of Davao de Oro’s provincial capitol building. Also, in his honor, a city school built in his donated property carries his name.

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

LANTERN PARADE OF HOPE AND LOVE The University of the Philippines (UP) system normally celebrates the Christmas season the best way one can imagine with a parade of lights, floats and every single extravaganza UP students could practically think of.

The Lantern Parade started in 1922, inspired by the folk practice of carrying lanterns of various shapes and sizes to light the way to the early morning December masses or misa de gallo during the Spanish period.

It was institutionalized in 1934 by UP President Jorge C. BOcobo “so that students can have a frolicsome activity before the year ends.”

“From its beginnings as a simple homage to an old Christmas tradition to the elegant, colorful, sometimes controversial creations that strut (or sometimes sputter) around the UPD academic oval each Yuletide, the Lantern Parade has evolved into an event that reflects both the people and milieu of its time, depicting the changing social and political landscape of the University and indeed, the country,” according

to the UP website.

UP is known to be a sanctuary of advocates of civil rights and academic freedom, especially in times of uncertainty and social turmoil.

Lantern parades are held in all UP constituent universities, with administrative offices, academic units, organizations, and community groups getting creative on their lanterns and presentations.

I remember my first lantern parade in 1987 lasted for six to eight hours during my freshman year when six wheeler trucks were still allowed.

Lanterns are basically a light source (candle, wick in a fuel or mantle) enclosed in a container that protects the flame so the wind would not put it out but light can pass through.

It can be made from variety of materials from non-flammable to flammable.

Due to the pandemic, the traditional face-to-face lantern parades were not celebrated in the various UP campuses for two years in a row.

UP launched last December 21 a virtual campus map

that live-streamed the lantern parade via UPD’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

I celebrated my birthday last December 21 by joining the “People’s Lantern Parade” which is an informal lantern parade at the UP Diliman campus.

The two hour parade was organized by Colleges of Social Work and Community Development and Engineering and the School of Economics (my home college as well as that of Vice President Leni Robredo).

The parade, which lasted until six in the evening, began at the CSWCD, went around the Academic Oval and ended at the University Ave fronting the Administration Building.

With the theme “Parada ng Pag-ibig at Pag-asa”, most participants carried pink parols of various sizes as the parade aims to symbolize calls to end corruption and its adherents, and to fight for democracy, human rights, and the welfare of Filipinos.

It also aimed to raise funds for the areas recently affected by typhoon Odette.

Pink is considered “the color of hope and love.”

The pink parol movement coincided with the Christmas season that became not merely initiatives to raise funds but also for voters’ education activities.

Pink parols not only give hope but also enlightenment to voters on who they should vote for in the upcoming 2022 elections.

It was also during my birthday last year when the so called Christmas Star or Star of Bethlehem appeared, which is symbolized by the parol.

On this day, Jupiter and Saturn appeared closer to each other.

It is called a “great conjunction” because Jupiter and Saturn are the two largest planets in the Solar System, and to the naked eye they will look like a single bright star during this “celestial summit meeting.”

One of the more popular theories for the “Christmas Star” was that it was part of a series of conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC wherein these planets met not once but

three times that year (in May, September and December).

In Christian belief, the Christmas star is found within the New Testament only in the Gospel of Matthew.

The Christmas Star led the three wise men (Magi) to Jesus’ home in the town in Bethlehem where they worshiped him and gave him gifts.

The wise men were then given a divine warning not to return to Herod, so they travelled back home by a different route.

“O star of wonder, star of light, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.”

May the pink parol be the country’s guiding Christmas star. “Mas radikal ang magmahal.”

(Peyups is the monicker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

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LIFESTYLE

AN EARTHLY FEAST NAMED CHEW BAKA Lechon Baka is the in thing among foodies in Davao City.

You can slice the reasons piece by piece.

Why? Because instead of buying a whole roasted calf which is pricey and fit only for a big feast, Dabawenyos can now purchase smaller servings of this popular Pinoy delight for various occasions such as birthday parties, baptismal or weddings, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations Chew Baka is the up-and-coming go-to place for your favorite spit-roasted Lechon Baka in Davao City. No one can resist the lip-smacking smoky flavor of Chew Baka’s roast.

It is soft, tender and the meat is flavourful and satisfying.

Chew Baka gave an all-in yumminess during the New Year with their celebratory dish. The owners (who don’t want to be identified yet)

boasts of their sauce which is perfect for their grilled beef.

Now available all the time, anytime, their Lechon Baka is the best substitute for Lechon Manok or Lechon Baboy, both as a viand and as a pulutan. If you want to be the star of the potluck nothing elicits more cheers than a serving of Lechon Baka ready for devouring.

Chew Baka’s Lechon Baka is available at P195, rice bowl at P135; one half kilo tub at P770, and one-kilo tub at P1, 540- all for take-out and delivery.

Chew Baka is located along the junction of Lopez Jaena Street and Circumferential Road (after RMC Gym).

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ENVIRONMENT

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WEATHER: WHAT FILIPINOS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

P

erhaps you – like most Filipinos – are wondering how meteorologists – those experts who conduct scientific study of atmospheric conditions to forecast weather – come up with weather predictions?

“Oftentimes, we make the mistake of interchanging climate and weather, but they are actually two different things,” corrects Dr. Jorge G. de las Alas, of the University of the Philippines at Diliman. “Climate is the statistical average of observed weather in a particular area of interest over a relatively long period of time.

“Climate is not static,” said Dr. de las Alas, the first faculty member of the Department of Meteorology and Oceanography of the College of Science. “It is ever changing like weather but its rate of change is small

and generally imperceptible in periods comparable to man’s lifetime.”

Or, as American author and humorist Mark Twain puts it: “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.”

Here in the Philippines, four types of climates exist.

The Department of Agriculture gives this information as a guide to farmers when to plant and what kind of crops could be planted in their respective areas: · Type 1. This pertains to areas with two pronounced seasons: dry from December to May and wet from June to

November. Maximum rain period is from June to September. Areas characterized by this climate type are Ilocos Norte and Sur, Abra, La Union, Benguet, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan and Bataan. Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro Occidental, Iloilo and the western section of Palawan also have this type. So do parts of Mountain Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Antique and Negros Oriental. · Type 2. These are areas with no dry season with a very pronounced maximum rainfall period from November to January. Places with this type are Northern and Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Sur and del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and parts of Kalinga-Apayao, Quezon, Camarines Sur and Norte, Albay, Catanduanes,

Sorsogon, Agusan del Sur and Davao Oriental. · Type 3. Seasons in areas with this type are not very pronounced. It is relatively dry from November to April, and wet during the rest of the year. These places include Isabela, Quirino, Rizal, Laguna, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Masbate, Aklan, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Lanao, Bukidnon, Maguindanao, North Cotabato and the eastern section of Palawan. · Type 4. Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. Places with this type are Camarines Sur, Leyte, Bohol, Misamis Oriental, the five provinces of Davao, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

While the climate in a particular place has been firmly established, the weather – the state of atmo-

sphere – is a lot more unpredictable because it has to do with the day-to-day changes in atmospheric conditions.

“Weather is driven by air pressure, temperature and moisture differences between one place and another,” Wikipedia explains.

“These differences can occur due to the sun’s angle at any particular spot, which varies with latitude.”

Because the earth’s axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane, sunlight is incident at different angles at different times of the year. “On earth’s surface,” Wikipedia states, “temperatures usually range from -40°F to 100°F annually.”

In the Philippines, the only safe thing to say about weather is that the rainy season starts sometime in May or June and ends around November. This is why the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) was

established and tasked to study data and make appropriate weather forecasts and warnings especially with regard to approaching typhoons.

To do this, the state-run weather bureau which is under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) follows a five-step weather forecasting process: Step 1: Observation. The weather bureau observes, through instruments and through ocular means, all the weather elements on a daily basis. “This gives us a picture of what’s happening up there,” maintained the weather services chief of PAGASA’s Natural Disaster Reduction Branch.

Step 2: Collection and transmission of data. Data on weather observations from around 60 synoptic weather stations scattered throughout the country are then condensed into coded

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‘EVENTS... FROM2 offices may apply for exemption through a letter addressed to the City Mayor’s Office and must include a comprehensive plan on how to execute their non-emergency essential activity without creating a mass gathering situation.

The mayor ordered the extension of the ban until the end of the State Calamity in the country on September 12, 2022, based on the Presidential Proclamation 1218 series of 2021.

“There is a need to continue implementing existing protocols specifically to prevent mass gatherings following the emergence of new COVID-19 variants, particularly the Delta and Omicron variants,” the EO said.

Meanwhile, the order exempts all disaster and emergency activities including the

distribution of financial, food, and non-food items. But the distribution of food and nonfood items that are not related to a disaster or emergency event should be distributed house to house in the form of contactless delivery by the organizer or in a distribution system where no mass gathering is conducted.

These activities include but are not limited to the distribution of livelihood kits, information materials, distribution of government aid, community pantry, food aid, and all other similar activities.

It can be recalled that in September last year, the mayor has extended the ban on the conduct of face-to-face non-essential events in villages, local and national government offices, and GOCCs based in Davao City until December 31, 2021.

LGUs, the truth is most LGUs would not be able to move forward without funding support from the DOH,” Escudero said.

“Bilang dating mambabatas na ngayon ay gubernador, nakikita at nararamdaman ko ang disconnect sa magandang layunin ng ating batas at sa mahirap na realidad sa na kinakaharap ng LGUs para isapatupad ang UHC Act,” the Sorsogon governor, who is running for a Senate seat, said.

Helping LGUs improve their health facilities would also allow these facilities to meet the accreditation requirements of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth), which means more indigents can seek treatment in PhilHealth-accredited hospitals without paying a single centavo.

The Universal Health Care bill was signed into law in February 2019, mandating massive health care reforms particularly in the delivery of primary health care and health insurance coverage. The law aims to provide free and quality health care for all Filipinos.

As of August 2020, 85.4% of the country’s population are registered members of PhilHealth, according to the DOH. The goal is to enroll 100% of Filipinos by 2022.

gional trade and investment.”

“Under the RCEP agreement, the region will become a single production base as well as a market for its products,” he said.

‘Center of gravity for global trade’ The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said the RCEP will create “a center of gravity for global trade,” expecting the agreement’s tariff concessions to boost exports within the region by USD42 billion.

Businesses with global supply chains might face tariffs even within a free trade area (FTA) if their products contain components that are made elsewhere.

Under the RCEP’s rules of origin, parts from any member country would be treated equally, which might give companies in RCEP countries an incentive to look within the region for suppliers, analysts said.

The RCEP’s tariff concessions, unified rules of origin and simplification of customs procedures “will enable our company to purchase raw materials and equipment as well as distribution of products more efficiently and at a lower cost,” said Qiu Jinliang, manag-

ing director of Himile (Thailand) Co., a tire mold supplier.

Li Yanqiang, chairman of Beibu Gulf Port Group in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, expected the RCEP to promote economic and trade cooperation within the region and increase the port’s container throughput.

Of the 44 shipping routes linking the port with overseas ports, 28 are connected to RCEP countries, Li said.

By 2030, the RCEP will increase the member economies’ incomes by 0.6 percent, adding USD245 billion annually and 2.8 million jobs to the regional economy, according to a study by the Asian Development Bank.

‘A shot in the arm’ for global economy The RCEP came into force initially in 10 countries that have submitted instruments of ratification with the Asean Secretariat.

As global economic recovery still moves in fits and starts, the RCEP’s entry into force would definitely be “a shot in the arm” for the world economic and trade development, said Ge Hongliang, deputy director with the College of ASEAN Studies at the Guangxi University for Nationalities.

Import duties collected from rice imports beginning March 5, 2019 go to the annual P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund as provided under the Rice Tariffication Law, the DOF state-

ment said.

The RCEF is used to finance programs intended to sharpen the competitiveness of palay growers by providing them easy access to equipment and skills training, it added.

help them serve the people more efficiently and transparently,” ARTA Director General, Jeremiah Belgica, said in a previous statement.

The anti-red tape body has so far received 8,794 Citizen’s Charters and Certificates of Compliance from

various government agencies.

“As we enter 2022, we will further strengthen our unity to fight red tape and count on us that we will do this for the betterment of every Filipino,” Belgica said in his New Year’s message. (PNA)

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nila is milder (Ah, it’s okay, this is probably Omicron because they say it’s milder),’” he said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.

Citing data from the Department of Health (DOH), he said Covid-19 cases peaked mid-December.

“We’re seeing that many of the symptoms’ onset actually came about mga (around) Dec. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,25, 26…DOH is saying that Dec. 20 onwards, dito na nagkaroon ng pagtaas (this was where we saw an increase). Exposure should have happened earlier -- five to seven days before,” he said.

Nograles enjoined the public “relearn” the restrictions under Alert Level 3 after being used to the more lax protocols under the Alert Level 2 status.

He emphasized the need to adhere to the government’s Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategy.

“Ang panawagan namin sa lahat (Our appeal to all) is when you feel something is not right, huwag ka nang lumabas, isolate ka na (don’t leave your homes, isolate), treat it as if you have Covid…Let’s try to protect everybody in our families, in our communities, in our workplaces, ” he said.

He also encouraged the public to undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing the moment they start to experience symptoms of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Nograles said the IATF is currently in the process of determining whether there may be “adjustments” made to the current Alert Level 3 restrictions amid an uptick in Covid-19 vaccinations.

“May meeting kami ng (We have a meeting with the) IATF tomorrow. But for today, January 3 being Day 1 ng (of) Alert Level 3 natin. Let’s all, as much as possible, take very high, extra precautions,” he said. (PNA)

percent preference rating, and

Sen. Panfilo Lacson with 0.77 percent.

On the other hand, Davao City Mayor Sara is the top pick for Vice President by 52.65 percent of the respondents. She is

followed by Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan by 26.54 percent of respondents, Dr. Willie Ong by 11.13 percent, Sen. Vicente III “Tito” Sotto by 1.8 percent and Congressman Jose “Lito” Atienza (0.17 percent).

ted to the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and China Eximbank.

In January last year, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

signed a P19.32-billion contract with a Chinese firm for the design and construction of the bridge that will connect Samal Island to the Mindanao mainland via Davao City.

Mati IMT have also trained the BHWs on how to test subjects using the rapid antigen test kits.

The granular lockdown system is also in place which would greatly help in the suppression of transmission in the event of a surge in cases. Authorities also appeal

to the public to remain observing the minimum public health standards by continuing to wear mask, avoiding mass gathering, and most importantly getting inoculated against the virus.

The City of Mati remains to be under Alert Level 2.

(CIO MATI)

NBA games in the previous two seasons before signing with the Mavericks last month.

“I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t feel like there was any pressure,” Chriss said. “But at the end of the day, I’m doing what I love and I get to be able to play basketball again. Truthfully, it’s been a really long year, just coming back from an injury. Being able to be back on the court, I’m just thankful for that.

Just trying to make the most out of the opportunity that I can.”

Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey, back after three games in the health and safety protocols, had 17 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds for his first triple-double. He is the youngest NBA player to have a triple-double at 19 years, 2 months, 23 days, beating Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball, who had a triple-double at 19 years 10 months, 17 days.

“It’s cool, as I said earlier in the year. The individual stats are good, you enjoy it for the night,” Giddey said “But a win is always better than individual stats. If I have zero-zero-zero and we win, it’s always better than if I have a triple l-double and lose.”

Kidd, who had 107 triple-doubles during his playing career, was impressed by Giddey’s performance.

“He’s unselfish. As a 19year old, he understands how to play the game,” Kidd said.

“He’s comfortable with the ball, his teammates all know that if he has it, they’re gonna cut, because there’s a chance that they can get it. He’s comfortable shooting the 3. He has the total package. At 19, it’s just a matter of time of understanding how teams are going to play him. He’s as good as advertised.”

mobility in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal or NCR Plus in late March to April this year only registered 16 percent closed businesses.

It improved to 10 percent with the easing of restrictions.

Unemployment rate in April this year was also lower at 8.7 percent compared to a record-high joblessness rate in the same month in 2020. Even with the re-imposition of ECQ in August, unemployment rate settled at 8.1 percent.

As the country was able to bring down Covid-19 cases to less than a thousand a day, the IATF placed the whole nation under Alert Level 2.

Earlier, Lopez said although the economy is yet to operate at a pre-pandemic rate, there have been signs of recovery this year despite the two periods of surges in cases and lockdowns.

The trade chief has been emphasizing the reopening of economic activities to usher the recovery of businesses and jobs.

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figures and symbols for easy transmissions to the Manila head office. “We exchange raw data with other countries,” the weather services chief says. “As a member of the World Meteorological Organization, we have an international agreement to do that. These data come in the form of coded messages.”

Step 3: Plotting of weather data. When the coded data arrives, they are decoded and plotted on maps in symbols or numbers. Observations made over land and sea are plotted into surface maps, while wind observations are plotted into upper air maps. The weather bureau uses an automatic plotting machine for this purpose.

Step 4: Analysis of weather maps. The plotted maps are given to forecasters or analysts, who make the analysis or prognosis based on what’s on the maps. The current weather maps are compared with the weather maps of previous days to establish the movement of weather systems and forecast their development and movement. Then the analysts make their prognosis.

Step 5: Formulation of the forecast. The prognosis is put down into writing, and this is now the forecast. PAGASA makes public weather forecasts, forecasts for aviation, as well as marine forecasts for coastal areas daily.

The Philippines, given the location and the topography of the country, experiences five weather-causing phenomena: thunderstorms, cold front, monsoons, intertropical convergence zone, and tropical cyclones.

Thunderstorms are sometimes called cumulonimbus or local storms. This occurs when towering cumulus clouds reach a height where the temperature is well below the freezing point.

Among the associated hazards of thunder-storms are heavy rain (which may cause flash flood), hail or hailstone (which may destroy crops and some light structures), and lightning (which may cause death, burns or fire).

Cold front is formed when cold air moves over areas of warm air. Since cold air is heavier than warm air, the warm air is pushed aloft by the cold air giving rise to widespread cloudiness. The cold front affects the eastern part of the country from November to late April or early May. There are two types of monsoons: Southwest and Northeast. In the former, the Asiatic continent becomes warmer than the surrounding seas and a low-pressure cell develops over the continent. This causes a flow of moist southwest winds over the Philippine area.

At times when this southwest flow becomes thick in depth, it persists for a long period causing continuous rains, which may last for weeks during the months of June to September.

The Southwest monsoon is responsible for the great portion of rainfall during the country’s wet season.

In the Northeast monsoon, the Asiatic continent is snowbound and the high-pressure cell over China sends northeasterly winds over the Philippines

giving the country cold temperatures, and causing much rainfall over the eastern coasts.

This happens from November to February.

The intertropical convergence zone is an area where the northern hemisphere trades meet the southern hemisphere trades. It is characterized by towering clouds of cumulonimbus accompanied with showers of widespread thunderstorms.

“The axis of convergence, which is usually oriented in an east to west direction, does not remain stationary at the equator but migrates north or south of the equator,” PAGASA explains. In the Philippines, it oscillates during the months of May to October.

Tropical cyclones are low pressure systems characterized by relatively low atmospheric pressure at the center with very strong winds blowing counterclockwise (in the northern hemisphere) towards and around the center. In the Filipino dialect, tropical cyclones are called bagyo in general.

“About 95 percent of the tropical cyclones affecting the Philippines originate in the Pacific Ocean while the rest come from the South China Sea,” says the weather bureau.

The Philippines has the highest occurrences of tropical cyclones around the world. “We are known to have the most number of cyclones: 19-21 cyclones a year,” said Anthony Joseph R. Lucero, PAGASA weather services chief of Mindanao.

In the past, there were only four public storm warning signals (PSWS). The weather bureau added a fifth: Super Typhoon (STY). “Typhoons as strong as Super Typhoons with more than 220 kilometers per hour (kph) of sustained winds in the country are becoming more frequent,” PAGASA Administrator Vicente Malano was quoted as saying.

The complete PSWS of tropical cyclones are: Tropical Depression (TD) with 30-60 kph winds; Tropical Storm (TS) with 61-120 kph winds; Severe Tropical Storm (STS) with 121-170 kph winds; Typhoon (TY) with 171-220 kph winds; and Super Typhoon (STY) with more than 220 kph winds.

“Most Super Typhoons don’t landfall,” Lucero said.

“They just enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility and then exit without even touching the land.”

But when a Super Typhoon does, just like Sendong in 2011, Pablo in 2012, Yolanda in 2013, and Odette this year, the devastation is incomprehensible.

Among the dangers associated with typhoons are heavy rainfalls and floods, strong winds, storm surge, landslides and mudflows. “Landslides can bury people alive and destroy properties,” the weather bureau reminds. “Mudflows, on the other hand, are hazardous to people and properties, too.”

But there is one good thing about tropical cyclones.

The weather bureau says that the rainfall brought about by tropical cyclones increases the groundwater and water levels of dams. In fact, about 50% of the rainfall of the country comes from tropical cyclones.

big data and artificial intelligence.

Most SMEs expressed interest in deploying technology to optimize processes, ensure safety and security, facilitate quality management, and manage workforce training and collaboration.

“SMEs represent more than 90 percent of all companies globally and are the primary drivers of social mobility, creating seven out of 10 jobs. Unfortu-

nately, these companies are struggling to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). Larger businesses (with more than 500 employees) are six times more likely to use the industrial internet of things than SMEs. This risks exacerbating economic inequality, stifling opportunities for social mobility and dragging down global industrial productivity,” the whitepaper released this month said.

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SPORTS 11

Lakers climb back to .500

L

OS ANGELES — LeBron James scored 26 points, Malik Monk added 22 and the Los Angeles Lakers hung on to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 108103, on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time) for the first time in three meetings this season.

A couple of streaks came to an end in the Lakers’ first game of the new year: James’ run of seven straight games with at least 30 points and Russell Westbrook’s stretch of four straight triple-doubles.

Westbrook finished with 20 points, three rebounds and five assists.

Naz Reid led the Wolves with season highs of 23 points, making 10 of 17 from the floor, and 11 rebounds. Jaylen Nowell added 17 points off the bench.

The Lakers (19-19) climbed back to .500, with their veterans carrying them in the fourth quarter.

Carmelo Anthony scored five in a row to help erase a four-point deficit. Clinging to a one-point lead in the final minutes, Anthony hit a 3-pointer, got fouled and made the free throw. He finished with 14 points.

Avery Bradley beat the shot clock to extend the Lakers’ lead to 105-100.

The Lakers closed last year with a 33-point rout of Portland only to start the new year being challenged throughout by the Wolves, who dropped their third in

a row and fifth of six.

The Wolves won the teams’ first two meetings by 24 and 18 points, with James missing the second game.

Anthony Edwards scored 18 points for the Wolves in his return from reconditioning after being in COVID-19 protocols.

The teams traded leads throughout the fourth, with neither leading by more than seven.

Malik Beasley and Patrick Beverley hit back-toback 3-pointers as part of an 8-0 run early in the third that gave Minnesota a sixpoint lead.

The Lakers ran off 10 straight points, including five by Monk, to take a 7672 lead. But the Wolves closed on an 8-2 spurt to lead 80-78 going into the fourth.

The Lakers blew all of a 10-point lead in the second, allowing a 9-0 run by the Wolves that tied it 45all. Reid scored 11 points in the quarter, including back-to-back dunks, and his three-point play left the Wolves trailing 57-54 at the break.

LeBron James goes 7 for 15 in 39 minutes of action. PHOTO: AP

Doncic returns to power Mavericks past Thunder

O

KLAHOMA CITY — Luka Doncic had 14 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in his return from a 10-game absence and Marquese Chriss came off the bench to score a season-high 15 points, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 95-86 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time).

Doncic played with a long brace on his left knee and saw just over 31 min-

utes in his first game in 23 days. He was content with setting up teammates for baskets after missing five games with ankle soreness and five more games due to virus health and safety protocols.

“It was hard. The last time I did five-on-five was like four weeks ago,” Doncic said. “Weird feeling, but I’m just really happy to be back. My chest was burning. I think slowly it’s going to come back. When I shot,

the feeling was weird. I didn’t know if it was going to go in or out. There was one shot that feels amazing, I said ‘You shot it great and it’s going to go in,’ and it was an air ball.”

The 10-game absence was the longest of Doncic’s career. Coach Jason Kidd thought his performance was solid.

“He almost had a triple-double in 30 minutes, so I think he did a great job.

He’s still trying to get the

feel,” Kidd said. “He set the table for his teammates, he got his guys great shots, rebounded the ball for us.

I just kept asking how was his wind and he said he felt great. It was good to see him out there.”

Criss, on his second 10day contract after joining the Mavericks on Dec. 21, shot 6 of 9 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and had seven rebounds.

He had played in just seven

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MOSES BILLACURA CLEAN SLATE

THE 4.8-MILION PESO QUESTION When Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) regional director Regino “Boy” Cua was still very much around, he is the most conscious person, I know, when it comes to money transactions happening in amateur basketball development.

“Mag ingat tayo Mo, kasi nakakahiya, pera lang yan,” he would constantly remind me, and sometimes in the presence of other sportswriters who would enjoy a round of JW Swing Whisky and Hav-A-Tampa cigars at his humble abode in Matina.

Before he was appointed in the Basketball Association of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Chapter (former name of the SBP as a local National Sports Association), the BAP-XI was surrounded by many controversies. All involving the flow of money.

“We need money Mo, but we don’t love it,” Boy Cua would tell us.

These are moments of a sportswriters’ life that we treasure the most because of the lessons we learn from our sports elders. You see, there is so much

temptation when it comes to money, specially when there is so much lack of it, or there is the presence of greed.

The 4.8-million peso saga involving Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena and his supervising Philippine Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Dr.Philip Ella Juico have been hugging the sports pages of this country for days now.

So, the news reports say that amount of money was intended for Obiena’s coach.

But there were accusations hurled that there were alleged discrepancies in the liquidation of that public money (public, because it came from the Philippine Sports Commission, an agency which is actually under the Office of the President) which is a salary for the coach.

The PSC Board of Commissioners offered to be an arbitrator but EJ Obiena’s statement on social media that he has availed of the services of a lawyer to deal with this controversy has prompted the national sports agency to discon-

tinue the offer and hope that the issues will be resolved soon.

There were allegations that Dr.Juico harassed Obiena, even ordering him to return that amount of money. Obiena, on the other hand, said in published reports that his Russian coach was already paid that amount.

Gubot noh? As in gyud.

You see, when Boy Cua was handling any cash flow within the local NSA in Davao, whether that be involving public or private sector funds, there is always a paper trail. All financial transactions, there is always a payroll document, received and signed by the recipient, properly identified, and witnessed that he or she has received the amount of money, from the sports organizers.

Money in, money out. Simple accounting. Walay daghan istorya.

And don’t you ever accuse of Boy Cua that he has mishandled funds during his stint as regional director, or else he will haunt you in your dreams! Kalooy sa Ginoo, no one has done it, and probably just in their stupid brains, because

all members of the basketball community know that Boy has been spending his hard-earned money for amateur basketball development.

That is why I don’t understand PATAFA of not simply doing a simple paperwork.

The PATAFA, being a National Sports Association, normally receives funds from the PSC or corporate backers intended for its coaches or athletes.

That’s why I don’t get it when those funds go through Obiena and then to the Russian coach.

The PATAFA is not a one-man organization, you see. There are officers too that can help handle those funds that could have avoided this controversy.

Reminds me of complaints of sports community members in Davao years ago that they have not received the full amount from the organizers, or it was given to them “tigi tigi” and told to just come back to receive the rest of the money.

Samok gayud!

Now, the Philippine Olympic

Committee (POC) has declared Dr. Juico “persona non grata” because of this controversy.

Should the POC go through that length of punishing Dr. Juico?

Personally, that’s too much. In fact, unnecessary.

A PSC Arbitration could have helped.

But it looks like Obiena is ready to go all-out war against Dr., Juico and the PATAFA. All for that 4.8-million peso.

Since the PSC Arbitration is out, the Commission on Audit (COA) can come in because taxpayers’ money is involved.

For sure the COA has the brightest minds who can handle this and put everything to rest.

It’s just a simple paperwork, you know, that is why I don’t understand why problems like these has never been resolved when all the systems are in place to avoid controversies like this.

Ahhh, money, init gihapon sa sports organizations diha sa Manila.

By the way, Happy Holidays dear readers and stay safe always!

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 244 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022

The Philippine Basketball Association has postponed all scheduled games this week until it hears from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) allowing the league to continue its tournament.

BACK TO THE STORAGE PBA postpones all scheduled games this week

T

he Philippine Basketball Association has postponed all scheduled games this week until it hears from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) allowing the league to continue its tournament.

The league has already sent a letter to GAB on Monday and hopes to get a reply within a few days.

Besides the GAB, the PBA also needs the approval of Local Government Units (LGUs) allowing it to hold the games.

Should the GAB allow the PBA to go ahead, a nod from the LGUs are still needed before it could conduct the games.

Metro Manila has been placed under Alert Level 3 following the sudden surge of COVID-19 cases just after Christmas.

Before the latest surge of COVID-19 cases, the PBA has already been allowed a 50% percent capacity crowd at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Its Christmas Day double header that featured games between NLEX and Phoenix and Ginebra vs. Magnolia drew a crowd of 4,843. (PBA)