Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 279 | Tuesday, February 15, 2022

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PEOPLE SPEAK After topping survey anew, Sara says poll shows what the people want STORY ON PAGE 2

A stall owner fixes her display of bouquets of flowers in anticipation for the influx of people that will buy Valentine’s Day gifts for their loved ones at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City early morning of Monday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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Vice presidential aspirant Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio obtains “near to huge majority” voter preferences after her score increased from 46 percent in December 2021 to 50 percent in January 2022, according to the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia. Edge Davao

PEOPLE SPEAK T

Report Reds’ harassment, AFP urges poll candidates

After topping survey anew, Sara says poll shows what the people want

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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In the said survey, which was conducted from January 19 to 24, 2022 Mayor Sara obtained the majority of the voter preferences after her score increased from 46 percent in Decem-

ber 2021 to 50 percent in January 2022 while Marcos expanded his lead as he got 60 percent from 53 percent in the Pulse Asia survey for president held in December last year.

“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan sa inyong patuloy na pagtitiwala. Maliwanag sa survey na ang nais ng ating kapwa Pilipino ay ang pamumunong matatag, maagap, at higit sa lahat, tapat sa layunin ng pagkakaisa sa ating bansa. Ito ang diwa ng Uniteam at kami ni Apo Bongbong Marcos ay patuloy na magsisikap hanggang maabot natin ang

he Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in this province has turned over a PHP10.9-million bridge project in Purok Manga, Barangay San Jose, to provide its farmers and other resi-

dents better, cheaper, and safer access to reach their destinations.

The Manga Bridge project was implemented under the Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-agraryo (TPKP) in

partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 12 (Soccsksargen) and the local government of Norala.

The new bridge has a length of 22.8 linear meters and it connects the baran-

fter she and her runningmate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. topped the latest Pulse Asia Survey, vice presidential aspirant Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the survey results reflect what the Filipinos want.

ating pangarap ng mapayapa at masaganang buhay sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Mayor Sara said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara also commented on the dismissal of the disqualification cases against Marcos saying it is a welcome development for the Uniteam.

The mayor added that the Commission on Elec-

gays of Lapuz, Matagol, and Liberty. More than 6,000 residents of the three villages would directly benefit from the said project.

DAR-Socsksargen As-

FPEOPLE, P10

DAR turns over P11-M bridge for 6,000 residents in SoCot T

FDAR, P10

he Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged all candidates in the May 9 polls to immediately report to them threats by members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“Hindi natin maiwasan na itong communist terorist group ay pwedeng magsamantala, ang appeal natin sa mga kababayan natin lalo na yung mga kandidato kung merong banta sa inyo na mga election-related incident nandito po kami para tulungan kayo (Instances of communist terrorist group taking advantage of the elections (through their various extortion schemes) cannot be avoided. Our appeal to our countrymen, specially our candidates is that if there is threat against them, or any election-related threat, we are here to help them),” said Army Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP spokesperson, in a radio interview late Sunday.

Communist terrorist scams during the election period include the so-called permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win where candidates are being made to pay sums of money for them to be able to carry out their campaign activities in some areas.

To ensure that the May

9 elections will be peaceful, Zagala said all AFP area commands have been tasked to give an assessment on possible trouble or hotspots in their jurisdiction so that appropriate actions can be taken.

Meanwhile, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana condemned the “reckless attack against innocent civilians by the New People’s Army (NPA) that resulted in the deaths of two minors and injuring another civilian in Catubig, Northern Samar on February 8.

“This harrowing and unforgivable incident is a testament to the violence of these terrorists who are only hell-bent on causing destruction wherever they are. The NPA operatives, who ambushed soldiers dispatched to the area, indiscriminately open-fired despite knowing of the presence of civilians. The victims had no chance against the bullets from the NPA that rained down on them,” Lorenzana said in a statement over the weekend.

He called the incident one of the countless murders committed by the NPA against the youth, the vulnerable, and the defense-

FREPORT, P10

NEWS

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The city government of Davao kicks off its vaccination against Covid-19 to 5-11 year-old kids on Monday at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). CIO

City legal office disallows Sara to use city government radio Cops priming charges vs. PAG linked to Maguindanao ambush

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olice authorities are readying charges of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against a local armed group leader believed to be behind the weekend ambush here that left nine dead and three others wounded.

“Investigation is being expedited and immediate filing of charges will be filed against perpetrators as long as pieces of evidence surrounding the crime are obtained,” Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, the newly installed police director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said on Monday.

Capt. Fayeed Cana, the Maguindanao police spokesperson, said the victims and perpetrators were locked in a long-standing family feud involving land conflict.

Police, backed by military forces, are now hunting down Jordan Mama Lintang alias “Commander Jordan,” his son Morsid and several armed followers for the killing of Peges Lintang Mamasainged alias “Commander Black Magic.”

Lintang is leading a private armed group while

the slain Mamasainged belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the military arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The protagonists were feuding cousins,” Cana said, adding that charges for multiple murder and frustrated murder are being prepared against the suspects for filing before the provincial prosecutor’s office.

Aside from Mamasainged, others killed were his sons Johari, Sadam, Sader, cousins Kamar and Tani, and three other armed followers.

Three others in Mamasainged’s two-vehicle convoy - Anwar Dimasingian, Baunal Lumabad, and Sanjen Mamasainged - were critically injured and are fighting for their lives in a hospital.

Von Al Haq, speaking for the BIAF, said Commander Black Magic was an MILF commander while Commander Jordan was not. He refused to elaborate.

Mamasainged, his sons, and followers were on board a Mitsubishi Montero and Ford Ranger heading to Ampatuan, Maguindanao for a “rido” settlement

FCOPS, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he City Legal Office has disallowed Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to use the city government-owned Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 FM and the social media accounts of the city government of Davao for her weekly “Special Hour” during the election period.

In an advisory issued on Monday, the city legal office recommended that Mayor Sara should not use city government radio and social media accounts for her weekly “Special Hour” for the Dabawenyos during the election period.

“In view of this de-

velopment, the “Special Hour” every Monday at 1-3 pm shall stream from her official Facebook Page, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte official, beginning February 14, 2022,” it said.

“Na kick out po ta didto sa Davao City Disaster Radio and sa city govern-

ment accounts. I received a notice from the city legal office not to use our government accounts for our special hour. We will move to this account every Monday from 1 to 3 pm dinhi,” the mayor said on Monday.

Mayor Sara said she will go back to her regular programming with the city government of Davao radio and social accounts after the election period.

DCDR, which went on air on February 3, 2020, is a city government-owned radio station in Davao

he modified liquor ban in Davao City has been lifted by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio effective 12:01a.m. of Tuesday, February 15, 2022, which now allow business establishments, hotels, karaoke bars, bars, and restaurants to serve liquor and alcoholic beverages to the public.

The lifting is covered by EO No. 5 which came out Monday afternoon.

The EO No. 1 Series of 2022 stated that the ban on selling liquor shall be from 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily

and emphasized that the serving of liquor for consumption in bars, restaurants, convenience stores, wet markets, videoke or karaoke bars, and other business establishments are still prohibited.

“Ang liquor ban nato is 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. pero ang pinaka highlight ani na EO is the prohibition in the consumption in establishments that is open to the public. For example bars, videoke bars, hotels, and restaurants are now allowed to serve liquor to the public. Mao na ni ang

final step nato sa liquor ban nato,” the mayor said on Monday.

The mayor reminded the Dabawenyos on the prohibition on drinking or consumption of liquor in parks, roads, streets, pathways, and alleys.

“So let’s not drink in the alley, on the street, on the sidewalk. These are not the places that you are allowed to consume alcohol, even without a pandemic,” she said.

Mayor Sara said the city will use Ordinance No. 004-

City. It’s an established information provider on disaster preparedness and other government programs and activities for Dabawenyos.

DCDR’s Special Hour Program with Mayor Inday Sara Duterte became a venue for the public to interact with her and air their concerns and issues.

It has gone a long way from being a station that was originally designed to bring information on disaster preparedness and other government programs and activities to the people of Davao City.

13 Series of 2013 amending Ordinance No. 1627, which is the ordinance regulating the operation of business establishments selling liquors, coconut wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

The mayor said the lifting is based on the high numbers for the first and second doses of vaccines against Covid-19, which is now at 1.2 million, the availability of the antiviral drug to treat Covid-19 and the continued downtrend of Covid-19 cases in Davao

Sara lifts modified liquor ban T

FSARA, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Two men window shop for flowers and gifts during Valentine’s Day at Bankerohan Public Market on Monday. Edge Davao

More than 7,000 fully vaxxed foreign travelers arrive in PH

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ore than 7,000 fully-vaccinated foreign travelers have arrived in the country after it reopened last Thursday, the Department of Tourism said Monday.

Some 7,051 travelers, of which 45 percent were Filipinos with foreign passports, arrived from Thursday to Sunday, according to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

The foreign tourists came from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, and South Korea among others, she said.

“A lot were to be reunited with their families.

May mga asawa dito na Filipina (they have Filipina spouses here). Some said ‘I haven’t seen my fiancé for 18 months and I’m excited to see her, I came home

because I want to help the typhoon victims,’” she told ANC’s Headstart.

“Meron din nagsabi na (There were some who said) ‘I want to build homes for the typhoon victims.’ I saw a family from Bulgaria, they wanted to vlog...A lot were coming here because they wanted to come here for business.”

Only a new variant of concern could derail the country’s reopening to international travelers, Romulo-Puyat said.

“I hope tuloy-tuloy na ito, wag sana magkaroon ng bagong variant of con-

cern, but of course nobody can predict that. That’s the only thing I can see na (that) will stop everything, if there’s a new variant of concern identified by the WHO (World Health Organization),” she said.

(I hope it will continue and there won’t be a new variant of concern, but of course nobody can predict that.)

“Without it tuloy-tuloy na ito (this will continue).

We’re vaccinated, we’re getting our booster shots.”

The agency has inoculated some 92 percent of tourism workers nationwide against the coronavirus, while some tourist destinations such as Boracay, Baguio City have 100 percent vaccination rate and have begun administering booster shots, Romulo-Puy-

O

of gasoline by P1.20, diesel

by P1.05, and kerosene by P0.65.

Cleanfuel will implement the same adjustments, excluding kerosene which it does not carry.

The changes will take effect at 6 a.m. today, February 15, except for Cleanfuel

which will implement the adjustments at 4:01 p.m. the same day.

Latest data available from the Department of Energy indicate that year-todate adjustments stand at a total net increase of P5.70 per liter for gasoline, P7.95 per liter for diesel, and

at said.

The DOT chief said she wants all tourism workers to be fully vaccinated and boosted before she leaves office.

“Mas masaya sila sa bakuna kesa sa ayuda. This means kasi malapit na kami magbukas, this means we’re safe,” she said.

(They’re happier being given vaccines than assistance. For them this means we’ll reopen soon, this means we’re safe.)

The National Task Force Against COVID-19 has also given doses for children ages 5 to 11, Romulo-Puyat added.

“Even a foreigner can get his booster shot for free.

Now we have so much vaccines we’re ready to be vaccinated,” she said.

P7.20 per liter for kerosene as of February 1, 2022.

Pump prices have only been increased so far this year, following a net increase of P17.65 per liter for gasoline, P14.30 per liter for diesel, and P11.54 per liter for kerosene in 2021.

FMORE, P10

Seventh straight oil price hike set today il firms are set to implement another bigtime hike in the pump prices of petroleum products starting today, marking the seventh straight week of increases.

In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said it will hike prices per liter

Economy could get worse under Marcos Jr., think tank says

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K-based Capital Economics believes the Philippine economy will likely get worse should former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. win as president in Eleksyon 2022, but the camp of the late dictator’s son said the think tank failed to monitor their economic agenda.

According to Capital Economics Emerging Asia economist Alex Holmes, there is not much known about Marcos’ plans to help the economic recovery from the pandemic and fiscal policy to boost the local business sector.

“It is unlikely the situation will improve under Mr. Marcos and could easily get worse,” Holmes said in the think tank’s latest weekly outlook.

“If he is elected, it would only reinforce our view that this underperform will continue,” he added, noting ‘poor governance, an undermining of institutions, lack of policy making experience, corruption, and nepotism’ which have plagued the country over recent de-

cades.

Marcos announced his presidential bid in October 2021, the same day he took his oath as a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) allied with the Duterte administration.

He topped the latest Pulse Asia Research Inc. survey, conducted on January 19 to 24, with 60%. Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo — who has been endorsed by over 100 economists — was a far second with 16%.

“What we do know about him is far from encouraging. Mr. Marcos is currently facing charges of tax evasion, which could yet see him disqualified from the contest,” Holmes said.

“He has no legislative achievements to show for his six years in the Senate, where he was criticised for involvement in a massive corruption scandal,” he elaborated.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division last week dismissed one of the disqual-

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

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A florist makes a bouquet of roses next to hundreds of different varieties of flowers during Valentine’s Day at a makeshift stall in Bankerohan, Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

Dolefil’s P300-M pineapple packing plant in Lanao Sur starts comm’l op M ultinational giant fruit producer Dole Philippines, Inc. (Dolefil) has started the commercial operations of its P306-million state-of-the-art fresh pineapple packing plant in Wao, Lanao del Sur, officials said.

The Wao Development Corp. (WDC), a subsidiary of Dolefil whose main pineapple processing and canning plant is based in Polomolok, South Cotabato, launched the plant’s operation on Thursday.

WDC was registered with the Bangsamoro Board of Investment of

the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOIBARMM) in October 2019.

WDC’s parent company Dolefil is owned by giant Japanese trading company Itochu Corporation.

Francis Babac, WDC president and director of

Dolefil’s agri-operations, said WDC is already operating a 1,200-hectare pineapple plantation in Wao, which is adjacent to their pineapple plantations in Bukidnon province.

“The WDC pineapple packing plant is capable right now of operating at a capacity of 2,000,000 boxes,” he said, adding the plant was designed with a rated capacity of 6,000,000 boxes “We are planning to expand our planted areas for pineapple with addi-

tional 1,400 hectares by investing (at least) P200 million, hopefully in the BARMM and adjacent areas, to address the gap in our packing plant production,” Babac said in a statement from RBOIBARMM. Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI-BARMM chair, and Mohamad Pasigan, a member of the Board of Governors of RBOIBARMM, graced the ceremonial launching of the packing plant.

In his speech, Mastura offered fiscal incentives

to WDC should they find suitable expansion areas for planting pineapples in the BARMM. He also vowed their agency’s help to find consolidated areas for the firm’s planned pineapple plantation expansion.

“WDC is an ideal foreign investor for BARMM. It is now one of the largest employers in Wao with 1,200 direct employees alone in their packing plant,” Mastura said.

He projected that WDC will be adding thousands more employees until the

firm reaches the full capacity of its packing plant.

Aside from direct employment, the new plant will also redound to the economic benefit of the community in the form of indirect employment and businesses generated in the area, Mastura said.

As a registered investment project with RBOIBARMM, the new plant will enjoy fiscal incentives like income tax holidays and reduced duties and tariffs for imported capital equipment. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

NWS) members, and landbased Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) members in the following regions: Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), Region VI (Western Visayas), Region VII (Central Visayas), Region VIII (Eastern Visayas), Region X (Northern Mindanao), and Region XIII (CARAGA).

“We have seen the adverse effects brought by Typhoon Odette to our fellow citizens last December.

Through this extension, we aim to alleviate the worries of our members, employers, and CCPs in the affected areas by helping them to not miss their contribution pay-

ments or avoid the penalties of late payments,” said SSS president and CEO Aurora Ignacio.

For employers with approved installment proposals, their post-dated checks that fall due in December 2021 and January 2022 shall be deposited on or before February 28, 2022, the SSS said.

Meanwhile, no contributions paid retroactively by an SE/V/NWS and landbased OFW member will be used in determining his/ her eligibility to any benefit arising from a contingency wherein the date of payment is within or after the semester of contingency, it added.

For example, if an SE/V/

LGUs support PhilSys-LandBank SSS extends contribution payment partnership for financial inclusion deadline for Odette-affected areas

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ocal government units (LGUs) are all-out in their support for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) which allows marginalized registrants to open bank accounts even without an initial deposit.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently organized a webinar, participated in by about 300 LGU representatives and other PhilSys stakeholders, where financial inclusion was discussed.

The PSA has partnered with the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) to allow unbanked PhilSys registrants to finally have accounts.

So far, there are 1,443 PhilSys registration centers

nationwide, with 181 in Luzon and 303 sites co-located with LandBank.

“As a foundational ID system, PhilSys intends to contribute to increasing financial inclusion by being the intervention in the lack of valid proof of identity experienced by many Filipinos,” PSA Undersecretary Dennis Mapa, also the National Statistician and Civil Registrar, said in a statement over the weekend.

Under PhilSys’ co-location strategy with Landbank, registrants can open bank accounts after completing the Step 2 biometrics registration process.

Mapa added the effort makes Filipinos “less vulnerable to informal lending practices that charge oner-

ous interest rates”.

During the virtual event on February 10, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Director for Financial Inclusion, Ellen Joyce Suficiencia, said financial inclusion does not end with a transaction account.

Instead, members of the poor and the vulnerable sector will be entitled to a broad range of financial services.

“It also means that account owners are able to achieve financial goals, increase productivity for businesses that lead to job creation and inclusive economic growth, and access financial resilience-building tools amid the Covid-19 pandemic and climate

FLGUs, P10

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he Social Security System (SSS) announced the extension of contribution payment deadline for selected months in 2021 to February 28, 2022, in areas declared under a state of calamity following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

In a statement, the pension said it issued SSS Circular No. 2022-004 dated February 9, 2022.

The circular extended the contribution payments deadline until the end of February for the months of November and December 2021 of business and household employers; and October to December 2021 of coverage and collection partners (CCPs), self-employed, voluntary, non-working spouse (SE/V/

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On the prohibition on drinking or consumption of liquor in parks, roads, streets, pathways, and alleys:

So let’s not drink in the alley, on the street, on the sidewalk. These are not the places that you are allowed to consume alcohol, even without a pandemic.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL A cause of concern The 2022 Philippine election campaign is in full blast.

The entire country is on fire in a manner of speaking with mass gatherings and poll caravans. The country will be more active when the campaign by local candidates starts.

This is a call for local government units (LGUs) which are authorized to control these gatherings for the protection of the people. The campaign organizers are likewise responsible for crowd control.

This should be a cause of concern for the entire nation because the virus is still here, the variants are still here and many people are still not protective because they are not fully vaccinated.

All persons involved in the poll campaign should help the national government monitor the mass gatherings and see to it that all will behave and not allow another surge of new infections.

No wonder the Department of Health is worried over the big crowds in campaign sorties. In a recent briefing Health Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stressed that mass gatherings are still prohibited due to the risk of COVID-19 infection.

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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

Usec Vergeire reminded the candidates to do their share likewise. Yes, they should serve as role models instead of getting carried away and forget their responsibility.

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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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

INTERNATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER DAY Right after the Valentine’s Day celebration, it is fitting to observe the International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15. It is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

In her Facebook account, Dr. Mae Concepcion Dolendo wrote: “We were running on fumes, many of us got sick, including me and my family. It has been more than two years standing valiantly against the onslaught of the Covid pandemic being one of the few wards continuing to serve on nonCovid patients.

“The answer is simple – cancer does not wait, it does not stop for a Covid pandemic,” Dr. Dolendo continued. “It will rear its ugly head, breach immune defenses and tear children down whether there is Covid or not.”

According to her, the recent surge “was particularly challenging when significantly more kids, parents and healthcare workers came down with Covid.

“But we got better, we stood up again; as relenting as the foes before us – cancer and Covid.”

Dr. Dolendo said that Feb-

ruary 14 should always be remembered – not because it is the day for lovers but – because it was the day when President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11215. “We will never forget this milestone,” she pointed out.

The National Integrated Cancer Control Act, as RA 11215 is otherwise known, “shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which includes the strengthening of integrative, multidisciplinary, patient, and family centered cancer control policies, programs, systems, interventions and services at all levels of the existing health care delivery system.”

Cancer starts as a single cell and grows into a merciless disease that claims millions of lives year after year. In fact, cancer is one of the leading killers around the world. It accounts for six million or 12% of deaths globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports.

Cancer is the most frequent cause of mortality among children and adolescents across the globe and over 300,000 of these youngsters would be identified with the disease each year, edudwar.com reports. Children are diagnosed with cancer on

average when they are six years old.

In the Philippines, home to an estimated 107 million people, over 4,700 children (aged 0 to 19) are expected to be diagnosed with cancer each year, the WHO reports. “Deaths from childhood cancer are estimated at 1,700 each year,” the United Nations health agency says.

“The types of cancer that we see in children are different from adults,” says Dr. Dolendo, who is the head of the Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Unit of the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), the largest public hospital in Mindanao.

“Childhood cancers are usually embryonal or deep seated and aggressive while adult cancers are epithelial in origin and can be slow growing,” Dr. Dolendo explains. Epithelial tissue, which is made up of cells closely packed and range in one or more layers, covers the whole surface of the human body.

“In contrast to many adult cancers,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information, “cancers in children tend to be much curable. About 75% of children with cancer survive at least 5 years.”

Childhood cancer isn’t just one disease. “There are over a dozen types of childhood can-

cer and countless subtypes, each requiring specific research to develop the best treatment for every child,” says St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

The most common cancers of children are: leukemia, brain and other central nervous system tumors, neuroblastoma (a cancer that grows in parts of the nervous system), Wilms’ tumor (a specific kind of cancer of the kidneys), lymphoma (including both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin), rhabdomyosarcoma (the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children), retinoblastoma (a cancer of the retina, the light-sensing area at the back of the eye), and bone cancer (including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma).

Other types of cancers are rare in children, but they do happen sometimes. “In very rare cases, children may even develop cancers that are much more common in adults,” the American Cancer Society says.

In the Philippines, leukemia accounts for approximately 49% of childhood cancers, the WHO reports. Other cancers affect the brain and nervous system (9.7%), lymph nodes (9%), retina (7.5%), kidney (3.4%), and bone and soft tissues, gonadal, and germ cell sites.

Dr. Dolendo says childhood

cancers are also very aggressive but are very sensitive to treatment. “Overall survival for childhood leukemia is more than 90% in developed countries and almost 80% for all other cancers,” she says.

As in adults, doctors use a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. “Children who survive cancer have more years than adults to develop long-term consequences of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, such as infertility, poor growth, damage to the heart, and even development of second cancers (which occurs in 3% to 12% of children who survive cancer),” the Merck manual notes.

“Because of these significant possible consequences and complexity of treatment, children with cancer are best treated in centers with expertise in childhood cancers,” the Merck manual points out.

“Childhood cancer treatment is complex and longterm,” Dr. Dolendo agrees. “Our solid tumor patients go through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy when necessary.

Standard treatment protocols for solid tumors span 6 months to two years of repeated visits to the hospital.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

ISMAEL VELOSO, ‘FATHER OF DRMTC’ Recognized as the original postwar kingmaker of Davao, Rep. Ismael L. Veloso, a former city police chief, stands out as one of the most colorful figures to grace the political scene. In fact, he is credited for the many legislations he authored that have contributed much to the city’s growth.

In particular, he authored House Bill No. 6121, filed in the 5th Congress which became Republic Act 1859, approved

by President Carlos P. Garcia on June 22, 1957. Co-author of the initiative was Rep. Ricardo Y. Ladrido of Iloilo. Prior to its signing, the only major government health facilitin souhten Mindanao was the Davao General Hospital (DGH).

DGH traces its history to 1917 when it was known as a 25-bed-capacity Davao Public Hospital, originally built along San Pedro Street, in an area

fronting the Davao City Police Office. After the war, it was moved to a donated lot along Plaridel Street (now J.P. Laurel).

The bill paved the way to the opening of the Davao regional medical training center (DRMTC) as part of improving medical facilities and making specialty services available to many. Due to the country’s topography, the regional hospital serves “as training ground for medical personnel of provincial and emergency hospitals as well as personnel of other health agencies. In addition, the center would make available to smaller hospitals and health centers the skill of specialists.”

In its approved form, the Veloso bill, as RA 1859, was titled as “an Act to establish a regional and medical training center in Davao City and appropriating funds therefor.” When

the DRMTC became fully operational under the regional health office, the 300-bed training center was opened to “all patients requiring hospitalization for special medical services in the Mindanao and Sulu areas and who cannot be given such services in their local hospitals.”

DRMTC was later renamed Davao Medical Center in 1986 and its bed capacity expanded to 600-bed and moved to a sprawling 12.8-hectare home at the junction of J.P. Cabaguio Street and J.P. Laurel Avenue as mandated by under RA 1859.

Prior to this, it was the extension of the National Center for Mental Health, now renamed Institute for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. Under DOH Administrative Order 157, it was chosen as medical center for Mindanao and Sulu.

On November 19, 2009, under RA 9792, Davao Medical

Center was retitled Southern Philippines Medical Center with a 1,200-bed capacity; it was later expanded to 1,500, making it the country’s largest public hospital. The renaming was filed on February 12, 2009, in Congress under House Bill 5926, principally authored by Rep. Vincent J. Garcia of Davao City.

Its permanent home near the Department of Health regional office XI was once a Japanese military HQs and training ground. A testament to its wartime history is the bunkers that have been rediscovered recently which the city wants to develop as a memorial and tourist spot.

In honor of the Davao lawmaker’s achievements, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, on June 29, 2021, passed Ordinance 0629-21 renaming the Matina-Aplaya

Road to Ismael Veloso Road.

Two months thereafter, city mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio approved it on August 24, 2021.

The ordinance’s proponents are city councilors Alberto T. Ungab, as temporary presiding officer; Ralph O. Abella, Nilo D. Abellera, Maria Belen S. Acosta, Bai Hundre Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula, Wilberto E. Al-ag, Dante L. Apostol Sr., Conrado C. Baluran, Jessica M. Bonguyan, Louie John J. Bonguyan, Pilar C. Braga, Augusto Javier G. Campos III, Danilo C. Dayanghirang, Jonard C. Dayap, Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr., Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr., Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod, Pamela A. Librado-Morata, Jaffar U. Marohomsalic, Bonifacio E. Militar, Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz, Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes, J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr., Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte, and Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Philippines National Day in EXPO 2020 Dubai, February 12, 2022

Notable government officials participate in the Philippines National Day ceremony in the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government at the Al Wasl Plaza in Dubai on February 12, 2022.

Among the officials present at the Expo were Presidential Communications and Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Senator Koko Pimentel, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Special Envoy and Pres-

idential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert E. A. Borje, and Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana.

Filipino officials watched cultural performances, one of the main highlights of the events and visited Bangkota Philippines Pavilion, a surprising, complex, and stirring self-portrait of a national community, as an ideal platform to promote trade, tourism, and investments, and to enhance the Philippines’ relations with the UAE, and with the rest of the world during the Expo 2020 Dubai. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

GSIS ensures prompt insurance payouts for Odette-hit gov’t properties Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet assured government agencies whose properties were extensively damaged by Super Typhoon Odette that GSIS will expedite the processing of insurance claims.

“I have instructed our Insurance Group to help clear the debris in insured properties of government agencies that sustained Odette-related damages, fast-track processing of insurance claims, and closely coordinate with other government institutions to assess the losses for the subsequent filing of claims,” Macasaet said.

Immediately after the onslaught of ‘Odette,’ the GSIS Insurance Group dispatched third-party adjusters and coordinated with government agencies such as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to assess the damages in their airports and properties. As of December 21, a total of 16 airports in Antique, Kalibo, Roxas, Bacolod, Caticlan, Iloilo, Mactan, Bantayan, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Ubay, Siquijor, Panglao, Tacloban, Siargao, and Surigao were reportedly damaged. Majority of these airports are covered

under the comprehensive policy issued by GSIS worth Php17.69 billion.

“We recognize the pressing need for GSIS’s quick response for the post-disaster recovery of our fellow state agencies.

The necessary assistance to our insured government offices and airports are underway so that their properties can be restored at the soonest possible so they can continue serving our countrymen,” Macasaet added.

Under Republic Act No. 656 (Property Insurance Law), GSIS is mandated to insure government properties, assets, and interests from calamities.

“This calamity has once again put a spotlight on the importance of insurance as a backup plan. This will help government agencies recover from their losses,” Macasaet said.

For more information, interested parties may visit the GSIS website (www. gsis.gov.ph) or Facebook page (@gsis.ph); email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at 88474747 (if in Metro Manila) or 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers) or 1-800-10-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ’N Text subscribers).

Cultivate and celebrate Self-Love with Y.O.U Beauty MANILA, PHILIPPINES – FEBRUARY 2022 – One of the most important relationships in life is the one you have with yourself. While developing a healthy relationship with yourself takes a lot of work and self-reflection, over time, the benefits will manifest in different ways – improving your self-esteem, your health and well-being, as well as your relationships with others.

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Shop the Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream product range online today at the Y.O.U Beauty Lazada and Shopee stores.

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TILAPIA AS SOLUTION TO FISH

SHORTAGE DURING THE PANDEMIC Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

he country’s leading research agency is promoting the raising of tilapia as a possible solution to the problem of fish shortage as the country faces the problem of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“The project is designed to improve the capacities of the poor to develop and implement livelihood activities during the post-lockdown period,” said the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

The project is called “Tilapia para sa Pamayanan,”

a component of the GALING-PCAARRD Kontra COVID-19 Program. It was implemented by the Laguna State Polytechnic University in cooperation with the Batangas State University and local government units. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture served as its main source of tilapia fingerlings.

When COVID-19 hit the Philippines, the government implemented several measures. One of them was to prohibit people from going out from their homes in order for them not to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and a distant relative of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus.

During lockdown, most fishermen were not allowed to go out. As a result, there was a shortage of fish from the open seas being sold in public markets. Most of the fish for sale were those being raised in ponds like bangus and tilapia.

Like rice, fish is the staple food of Filipinos. This gave PCAARRD an idea of setting-up small-scale backyard fishponds for marginalized families to aid them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For its study, the fishponds were built in some areas in Laguna and Batangas. From each province, 10 fisherfolk were selected as cooperators. “By doing so, the project aims to ensure that the poor will be able to address their basic food needs in terms of fish protein requirements,” PCAARRD said.

Among the criteria followed for the selection of beneficiaries were: hav-

ing 100-400 square meter ponds with enough supply of water the whole year round (either coming from a river, stream, deep well or irrigation canal or from rainfall during the wet season) and willing to undergo fish culture and processing training.

Tilapia was a selected fish species as it is considered the “aquatic chicken” in aquaculture. Besides, the source of fingerlings is not a problem as they are readily available anytime of the year.

PCAARRD, in its information bulletin No. 109/2020, said that the project also wanted to promote environment-friendly

culture techniques for tilapia farming, specifically on growing the fish in earthen ponds and on the minimal use of commercial feeds.

The bulletin provides step-by-step methods of tilapia grow-out culture in a fishpond. “Tilapia farming in ponds is a very popular method,” it stated. “A pond is a small area of still, fresh water, and no more than 1.8 meter deep.”

Site preparation: The pond site should be thoroughly cleared of all the trees and bushes, including their roots. No wooden materials should be left because these will rot and cause leaks. The fishpond

FTILAPIA, P10

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tions (Comelec) has rightly upheld and protected the people’s right to choose a President.

“Ang layunin at adhikain ng Uniteam ay ang pagkakaisa ng ating bayan upang ating maiangat ang buhay ng kapwa nating Pilipino. Our campaign for unity, hope, and love of country continues. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas,” she said in a statement also.

On the other hand, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, chief of staff and spokesperson of Marcos, thanked Bro. Mike Elarde of El Shaddai for openly endorsing the BBMSara UniTeam, which is for him is another testament that the call to liberate the

Filipino people from the fetters of disunity gets stronger by the day.

“We extend our brotherly embrace to Bro. Mike Velarde and his congregation.

Truly, the time has come for all to be of one desire, and that is, to hurdle the pandemic, and rise, as one nation, together with other nations, towards the road of recovery, even progress. We welcome everyone in this movement for national unity, even those who have different pollical leanings and beliefs, even our very critics, for only in the act of joining hands we may triumph over all challenges we face today and on the road ahead,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

sistant Regional Director Roldan Ali said this bridge would help the farmers deliver their agricultural products faster, safer, and cheaper to various trade centers and markets.

“I admire the strong partnership of the stakeholders and I believe that the beneficiaries of this bridge would do their part in strictly maintaining the very good condition of the bridge,” he said in a news release on Sunday.

A certificate of turnover and acceptance was ceremonially signed by the recipient and partner agencies, which

serves as proof that the ownership and responsibility of the project have been officially conveyed to the recipients.

Norala Mayor Clemente Fedoc thanked the DAR for the bridge project and committed that he would continually support and help the department in addressing the needs of the farmers and his constituents.

Salvador Floro, Punong Barangay of San Jose, also expressed his gratitude to the government and assured the department that he would lead his people in taking care of the project. (PR)

City.

Mayor Sara reminded the Dabawenyos to always observe wearing of face mask, social distancing, and handwashing.

“Remind lang ta sa tanan because I’m sure manggawas na tanan ugma you keep your distance sa inyong mga kauban kay kung naay mulagpot dinha nga droplets or laway dali ninyo mahanggap na and

you keep your mask on kung dili mo mukaon,” she said.

She also encouraged the public to get vaccinated for protection.

“Bakuna is already available that is why I said sa katong naghunahuna pa lang ug wala pa nagpabakuna, please consider it, bakuna is available for first, second, booster doses sa atoang mga vaccination sites,” she said.

ification cases filed against Marcos, noting that disqualification cannot apply to his tax violations as these were made before the effectivity of Presidential Decree 1994 in January 1986.

Economic agenda Sought for comment, Marcos’ chief of staff and spokesperson Atty. Victor Rodriguez cited the camp’s economic agenda which hinges on “national unity.”

“It is unfortunate, then, if the UK-based think tank Capital Economics failed to monitor or collect some, if not all, details of UniTeam’s economic agenda which are summarized in layman’s terms for the clear understanding of the Filipino audience with whom BBM is calling to rally behind his vision for a unified peo-

ple to confront the challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic,” he said in a separate mobile message sent Monday.

Rodriguez said Marcos and his slate will push through with the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, along with boosting agriculture to drive economic growth.

“National unity is the crucial first step towards economic recovery. Without that very key ingredient, not much can be done,” he said.

“We cannot afford to remain forever as a divided nation. Our people have already suffered so much because of division that did not help, and on the contrary, only contributed so much to our people’s sufferings,” Rodriguez added.

change,” Suficiencia said Through a memorandum in October 2019, the BSP is responsible for the production of 116 million blank Philippine Identification (PhilID) cards with security features for three years.

“We are one with the PSA in this activity. We have been there from the very beginning, and we will not leave this project until the very end, until 110 million Filipinos will have their own PhilID or national ID,” Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said.

Signed into law by Pres-

ident Rodrigo Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrolment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.

It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present the PhilID during transactions. (PNA)

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“We join the nation and the families of the victims in demanding justice from these terrorists. Now more than ever, we are more determined to finally bring the communist terrorists to the ground, and finally, free our people from the destruction and fear of the NPA. We enjoin all Filipinos to help us win this fight and support our efforts for genuine and long-lasting peace for our communities,” Lorenzana

added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front has also been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)

involving them and cousins,

led by Lintang, when they were ambushed in Sitio Dam, Barangay Malumamis here at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

The Guindulungan police said aside from killing the victims, the suspects also carted away their wallets, an undetermined number of pistols and rifles, magazines, mobile phones, and other personal items.

Police investigators found more than 100 empty shells for .45-caliber pistols, M16 and M14 assault rifles at the crime scene.

An MILF official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two families, who are closely related by blood, have been locked in a decades-old clan war over a territorial dispute and land conflict.

Several followers of Commanders Jordan and

Black Magic have died in occasional skirmishes in Guindulungan and Datu Saudi Ampatuan towns in Maguindanao.

Cana, meanwhile, assured the public that the police is on top of the situation and that the major highways in Maguindanao linking Cotabato City and Isulan, Sultan Kudarat remain safe for public commuters.

The site of Saturday’s ambush was about 10 kilometers from the national highway.

In a statement, Colonel Jibin Bongcayao, Maguindanao police director, condemned the ambush and called on all residents of Maguindanao to support the police in renouncing unscrupulous activities of lawless individuals by providing them timely information on their presence in communities. (PNA)

Romulo-Puyat said she does not know yet what she would do when she steps down from office after the May elections.

“I take it a day at a time, ang dami pang problema now. Right now I keep teasing my friends...magiging road manager na lang ako ng BTS,” she said.

(I take it a day at a time,there are still so many problems. Right now I keep teasing my friends...I will just be a road manager for BTS.) “It’s a joke, it just means I really don’t know. I’ve been in government for 32 years already, I really don’t know but nakakapagod no (It’s tiring). I pray at night thinking

God, binigyan mo ko ng closure ng Boracay, binigyan mo ko pandemic (you really gave me Boracay closure, the pandemic).”

The DOT chief said she was happy that she was able to reopen the country’s tourism before she leaves office.

“Akala ko lalakad lang ako by the beach, or promote (tourist destinations) but challenges after challenges.

But ang maganda naman happy ang ending natin,” she said.

(I thought as tourism chief I was only going to walk by the beach or promote but there were challenges after challenges. But the good thing is there was a happy ending.)

NWS or land-based OFW member gets sick in April 2022, his/her semester of contingency will be from January to June 2022, the pension fund explained.

This would mean that contributions paid during this time of extension will not be used to determine the eligibility of the said member for the benefit since the date of payment falls within the semester of contingency, according to the SSS. “Under normal circumstances, the SSS’ contribution payment deadline of business employers is every last day of the month following the applicable month, while for household employers and SE/V/NWS members, the deadline is every last day of

the month following the applicable month or calendar quarter, as the case may be,” it said.

“Moreover, the contribution payment deadline for land-based OFW members for the applicable months of January to September of a given year is every December 31 of the same year, while for the applicable months of October to December of a given year, it is every January 31 of the succeeding year,” it added.

If the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, payments may still be made on the next working day, according to the pension fund.

The SSS also opened a calamity assistance package for its members and pensioners affected by Typhoon Odette.

Indiana opened with a quick scoring flurry, but the Timberwolves cut the deficit to 37-33 at the end of one quarter then took charge in the second. Malik Beasley’s 3-pointer gave the Timberwolves the lead and spurred a 13-0 run that allowed the Timberwolves to build a 56-

44 lead.

They extended the margin to 18 early in the second half — before the Pacers finally charged back. Indiana closed to 96-94 in the final minute of the third quarter and made it a two-point game again when Terry Taylor opened the fourth by

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bottom is sun-dried before the actual start of the culture period.

Pond excavation and dikes construction: The excavation work within the area marked for the pond bottom can be carried out either manually or mechanically.

Pond construction becomes economical if earthen dikes are made around the pond using the excavated soil from the pond bed.

Dikes must be well compacted to make them stable, and the top should be flat to render them accessible to small vehicles when needed.

It is recommended to grow short, creeping grass on the top and sides of the dike.

Trees are not desirable since shade inhibits the productivity of the pond.

Water inlet structure: For small ponds, the best inlet structure is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe of about 10 centimeters in diameter with a control tap and a screen basket. The downstream end of the pipe should be 30-40 centimeters above the water level. A sluice is also suitable for this purpose, especially for larger ponds.

A screen is also fixed to check the entry of undesirable fishes and other aquatic organisms. The pond elevation should be sloped to where the catch basin (a square concrete) is located. This serves as a catch area during pond draining.

Maintenance and repair: Earthen dikes are susceptible to weathering and need a period of inspection. Paying attention to and fixing minor damages regularly helps avoid costly repairs later on.

When repairing gates and screens, check all gates and pipes for broken slabs and parts. Repair screens to prevent predators and pests from entering the pond system. When repairing dikes, check all dikes for leakages and seepages.

Pond preparation: This is the first step towards ensuring better production of tilapias in ponds. The pond bottom should be compacted and leveled.

Pond drying: It is recommended to dry the pond bottom until the soil cracks and until the soil is firm enough to hold one’s weight without sinking. This is to eliminate undesirable species and predators, oxidation of harmful chemical substances, and mineralization of organic matter. It is necessary to remove harmful chemicals, for these will adversely affect tilapia growth and survival.

Pond fertilization: Either inorganic or organic fertilizers such as manure, compost, or even vermicast may be used. The nutrients and organic matter content of manure helps increase the water holding capacity of the soil, decrease the rate of evaporation, and increase enzymatic activity. All of which increase fertility and yield.

Fertilizer application by broadcasting: In applying inorganic fertilizers, it should be dissolved in buckets containing pond water and then splashed over the whole pond surface.

Stocking of fingerlings: The fingerlings are conditioned at least 12-24 hours prior to dispersal. They are placed in hapa-in-concrete holding tanks with no feeding.

Stocking of uniformly sized fingerlings is done before 7 in the morning or after sundown when the water temperature is low. Fingerlings must be properly conditioned or acclimatized for 20 minutes before stocking to minimize stress.

Feeds and feeding: Additional feeds may be needed if plankton growth is not enough and fish growth is slow. Fish growth can be checked by measuring the fishes’ weight during a scheduled sampling. Feeds are broadcast into the pond, usually on the same part of the pond, in order to train the fish to feed. An active feeding response is a good indication of healthy fishes.

Sampling: The increase in the fish’s body weight is used as a basis in determining the amount of feeds required.

Thus, regular fish weight sampling is recommended. To get a representative population, a case net is thrown to a school of fish attracted by feeding.

The bulk weight is recorded, fishes are counted, and the bodyweight is divided by the number of fishes.

Harvesting: The tilapia produce is harvested in about three to four months of culture with supplemental feeding.

“Beyond the pandemic, the project hopes to provide the selected marginalized communities with science and technology (S&T) knowledge that can be passed down from generations and better opportunities and additional income,” said PCAARRD, a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Even when the pandemic is over, people who are raising tilapia in their backyard ponds can still continue as it is a viable venture.

“Farmers can always sell their surplus tilapia to their neighbors or in the public market,” says Jethro P. Adang, the director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), a non-government organization based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. “Fish is the main source of protein for the Filipino,” he adds.

On the average, every Filipino consumes 98.6 grams of fish and fish products each day, a study of the DOST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) showed.

“Raising tilapia is a winwin situation for farmers,” Adang says. “The family can have their free source of protein and they can have additional income when they sell whatever surplus they have.”

The MBRLC is a good source of tilapia fingerlings.

Farmers who want to undergo tilapia culture can also avail the training program it offers. “Our center is open to those who are interested in raising tilapia in their backyards or farms,” Adang says.

But there’s more to tilapia than just providing food.

In the United States, tilapias are stocked in the canals that serve as the drinking water sources for the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, and others. The fish reportedly help purify the water by consuming vegetation and detritus, thus greatly reducing purification costs.

Tilapia also serves as a natural, biological control for most aquatic plant problems.

Tilapia consumes floating aquatic plants, such as duckweed watermeal, the most “undesirable” submerged plants, and most forms of algae.

In Thailand, tilapia is becoming the plant control method of choice in reducing, if not eliminating, the use of toxic chemicals and heavy metal-based algaecides. In Kenya, tilapia helps control malaria-causing mosquitoes.

Tilapia consumes mosquito larvae, which reduces the numbers of adult females, the disease’s vector.

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The Rams won their first NFL title since the 1999 season — and their first representing Los Angeles since 1951.

LA Rams win Super Bowl

I

NGLEWOOD, California — In a venue built for champions, the Los Angeles Rams carried off the crown jewel: a Super Bowl trophy.

It took a precise 79yard drive capped by Cooper Kupp’s 1-yard touchdown reception with 1:25 remaining for a 23-20

victory on Sunday (Monday, Manila time) over the Cincinnati Bengals to give the Rams their first NFL title since the 1999

season — and their first representing Los Angeles since 1951.

They did it in their home, the $5 billion SoFi Stadium, making the Rams the second consecutive host to win the championship after Tampa Bay became the first a year ago.

The winning series,

Edwards 4th youngest behind LBJ, KD, Booker to hit 2500-point mark

I

NDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards celebrated a milestone Sunday (Monday, Manila time) by scoring 37 points and leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 129-120 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Edwards became the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to reach the 2,500-point mark when he made his first basket of the game. The second-year forward is 20 years, 192 days old. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are the only younger players to achieve the feat.

The Timberwolves snapped a two-game losing streak overall and a three-game losing streak

at Indiana as they compete to finish among the top six in the Western Conference and avoid the play-in round.

Edwards made seven 3-pointers and had five rebounds, four assists and four steals on a day Karl Anthony-Towns was in foul trouble.

“When he’s playing that well, we’re a tough team,” guard Patrick Beverley said, referring to Edwards. “I love the way he played tonight, put the pressure on them all night. He’s hard to guard and it can be anybody’s night.”

Oshae Brissett had a season-high 22 points and matched his career high with 13 rebounds for

Indiana, which has lost six in a row. Tyrese Haliburton added 22 points and 16 assists, one short of tying his career high in just his second game with the Pacers.

The difference was Minnesota’s size and depth.

“Against a team that had all their guys and is playing very well and is very talented we did some good things to hang around and give ourselves a chance in the fourth,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “There’s some very positive things and some things that obviously need work. We’re just running low on bodies now.”

FEDWARDS, P10

during which Kupp’s 4-yard touchdown reception was negated by offsetting penalties, ended soon after with the NFL Offensive Player of the Year easily beating Eli Apple in the right corner of the end zone for the winning score.

Kupp had four receptions for 39 yards on the

championship drive.

Even with that brilliant, decisive march to the Lombardi Trophy, it was LA’s “fearsome fivesome” that made the difference. Led by Aaron Donald and Vin Miller, they sacked Joe Burrow a Super Bowl record-tying seven times, shutting down the Cincinnati of-

Anthony Edwards goes 13 for 25 in 39 minutes of action. PHOTO: AP

fense after a 22-second spurt to start the second half gave the Bengals the lead.

Fittingly, Burrow was under pressure on fourthand-1 and threw incomplete, setting off a football fiesta this city has not seen since the LA Raiders won the 1983 championship.

12 SPORTS

Heleina So won golds in the 8-9 intermediate kata and 8 under open kata in the recent Mandaluyong Liberation Day Virtual Online Karatedo Championship E-Kata and E-Fantom Kumite on Sunday.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 279 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022

WINNING HABIT So, AAK Davao bets stamp class anew in online karate tourney

BY NEIL BRAVO

W

inning has become a habit for promising 8-year old karateka Heleina So.

For her team -- AAK Davao -- winning is a tradition.

The daughter of Davao City Sports Council president Dexter So added two more gold medals to her already growing medal cabinet after winning the 8-9 intermediate kata and 8 under open kata in the recent Mandaluyong Liberation Day Virtual Online Karatedo Championship E-Kata and E-Fantom Kumite on Sunday.

So’s twin-gold effort contributed heavily to the overall second place finish of AAK Davao in the 16club tournament. AAK also won 5 other gold medals courtesy of Sofia Agullo, Craig James Infiesto, Enrique Agullo and Adrian Paul Ilaya.

Sofia Agullo duplicated So’s feat with a smashing double gold medal harvest in her events -- 18+ advance kata and 18+ open kata.

Infiesto won gold in the 18+ intermediate kata, Enrique Agullo in the 14-15 intermediate kata, and Ilaya in the 18+ advance kata.

Rommel Tan, AAK Davao head coach, congratulated his team for the strong finish.

“I am proud of them. We had only 5 entries but they won 7 gold medals,” said Tan.