Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 298 | Wednesday, March 9, 2022

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VOL.14 ISSUE 298 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

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LGU lifts Covid-19 restrictions in Davao City STORY ON PAGE 2

A pump attendant refills a public utility jeepney (PUJ) with diesel at a gasoline station along P. Bangoy Street in Davao City on Monday afternoon, hours before petroleum firms implement a massive oil price hike.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 298 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte administers the oath of office of former Cabinet Secretary and Spokesperson Karlo Nograles as the new chairman of the Civil Service Commission at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

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LGU lifts Covid-19 restrictions in Davao City

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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avao City is re-opening all doors to economic activity and along with it, the city is throwing away social distancing rule and DQR scanning but face masks are still on.

The city government on Tuesday has lifted all Covid-19 restrictions in Davao City following the continuing downtrend of Covid-19 cases and the intensified vaccination rollout in Davao City.

Through Executive Order (EO) No. 11, Series of 2022 or “an order lifting all Covid-19 restrictions in Davao City” and

took effect immediately, was ordered to swiftly re-open the city for economic recovery in view of the impending increase in prices due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

However, the EO, which was signed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, mandated that facemasks should be worn at all times except when eating

or drinking. Handwashing facilities with soap and water and alcohol or hand sanitizers must be available for everyone inside the business, office, or establishment.

The one-meter distancing requirement is also lifted.

For border control, Section 2 cited the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) Resolution No. 159 dated January 27, 2022 or any further issuances related therein shall be used as

the guide for international air and sea travelers.

No documentary requirement shall be required for land, sea, and air domestic travelers except those who may be required by the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to present their valid ID in connection with law enforcement, anti-illegal drugs, and antiterrorism operations.

The EO also suspended the use of DQR for contact tracing, home iso-

attributed the decrease in Covid-19 infections in the country to vaccination, natural immunity, and compliance with minimum public health standards.

“There is no telling that one of these days, another vicious virus will visit the country or the world all over. At panibagong ano ito (And this will be new), far different from what we have now. Gusto ko lang

malaman (I just want to know) what caused the numbers to go down because it would come in handy,” Duterte said in a pre-recorded Talk to the People.

“It would not be us who would face that problem anymore but the incoming or whoever wins, dapat malaman nila ito na (should know) the good practices of the Phil-

ippines,” he added.

Meanwhile, Duterte thanked “disciplined” Filipinos for bringing Covid-19 cases down by getting vaccinated and observing health protocols.

He also expressed appreciation for the “decorum” adopted by the country’s law enforcement officers in implementing rules.

Last month, Duterte

FFREE, P7

Nograles named new CSC chair

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ormer Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles has been named chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

A livestream from staterun RTVM showed President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administering the oath of Nograles as new CSC chairperson at Malacañan Palace.

Photos of Nograles’ oath-taking ceremony were also shared to reporters.

Malacañang has yet to release Nograles’ appointment papers.

CSC commissioner Aileen Lizada earlier confirmed Nograles’ appointment and released his appointment papers.

Nograles replaced Alicia dela Rosa-Bala who retired on February 2, the end of her seven-year term.

His new post requires

confirmation by Congress.

If his appointment is confirmed, he will be CSC chairperson until 2029.

Nograles was Duterte’s cabinet secretary since 2018, replacing Leoncio Evasco Jr., who resigned to run for Bohol governor in the 2019 elections.

He co-chairs the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and chairs the Task Force on Zero Hunger.

Nograles is also vice president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), which Duterte chairs.

He was named acting presidential spokesperson after Harry Roque joined the senatorial race in 2022.

Prior to joining Duterte’s Cabinet, Nograles served his third and final term as Davao City Representative. (PNA)

said seeing the majority of the Filipino population fully vaccinated will make him happy when he steps down from office.

He urged the residents of various areas that are still lagging in their vaccination drive to avail of the free jabs.

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported 6,297 confirmed cases from March 1 to March 7.

A total of 63,690,701 individuals have been fully vaccinated in the country.

On Monday, OCTA Research said the number of Covid-19 cases in the country may drop as low as 300 cases per day by the end of March.

At least 38 areas, including Metro Manila, are currently under the lowest Alert Level 1 status. (PNA)

Next admin should adopt good practices in fight vs. Covid-19

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Monday urged the next administration to adopt “good practices” that are currently being implemented in the fight against Covid-19, noting that these would come in handy should there be another global health threat in the future.

Duterte made this remark after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 298 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

NEWS

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A shopping mall removes the arrow marking labels on the its floor as Davao City is now placed under Alert Level 1. The city government of Davao on Monday issued an executive order lifting all Covid-19 restrictions in the city. Edge Davao

Bill creating MDDA up for PRRD’s approval Farmer in Ifugao sells squash to help Piñol’s senatorial bid

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ormer Agriculture Secretary and senatorial aspirant Emmanuel Piñol said he was deeply touched by the gesture of a farmer from Alfonso Lista, Ifugao as she sells her produce to support his Senate bid.

In a statement Monday (March 7), Piñol said he was moved when he saw the post of a certain Carmelita Caga who sell her five-ton ‘Suprema Kalabasa’ in order to finance the printing of tarps and t-shirts in support of his campaign.

In a Facebook post, Caga said “Kalabasa Suprema for sale Proceeds to be used for printing shirts and tarpaulin for sir #MannyPiñol. Location Alfonso Lista, Ifugao.

Wala kasi ako pangkampanya kaya itong kalabasa nalang benta ko pang t-shirt at tarpaulin.”

“When I read this I felt a lump in my throat realizing how desperate are many of our farmers, pinning their hopes on a candidate who they believe

could represent them,” Piñol said.

Like Caga, he said a lot of farmers and fishers and even agriculturists did the same thing as they are desperate to have a representative at the senate.

“They haven’t talked nor seen me yet but they have a very kind heart to help me in my campaign.

I am deeply touched and at the same time naawa ako,” Piñol stressed.

He also thanked his supporters and vowed to be their voice in the Senate should he be given a chance to win in the coming May 2022 polls.

“I am not a thief, I will be your defender. We can achieve the desired pleasant life for you, abundant food, and many jobs for the Filipinos,” he assured.

It can be recalled that during his filing of candidacy in October last year, Piñol vowed to focus and help the agriculture and fisheries sector.

“I am heeding the call of the agriculture and

FFARMER, P7

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ongressman Isidro Ungab of Davao City’s Third District confirmed on Tuesday that the bill creating the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) is already transmitted to Malacanang for President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval.

On January 18, 2022, the Senate approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 8930 seeking the creation of the MDDA. On March 25, 2021, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 8930, “An Act Creating

the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA), Defining Its Powers and Functions, and Providing Funds Therefor”, which was authored by Congressman Isidro T. Ungab of Davao City’s Third District.

When approved the

MDDA shall have jurisdiction over the core LGUs, namely, cities of Panabo, Tagum, and Island Garden City of Samal (IGACoS) in Davao del Norte; Digos in Davao del Sur; and highly urbanized City of Davao; and the municipalities of Carmen in Davao del Norte, and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. The bill is also one of the initiatives of the Metropolitan Davao Development Coordinating Committee (MDDCC), which is a special committee under the Regional Development

Council 11 (RDC 11) that is being chaired by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Meanwhile, Romeo Montenegro, Assistant Secretary and Deputy Executive Director of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is optimistic that MDDA aligns with the premise of emerging metropolises in Mindanao.

“We are seeing this as aligning with our longterm assumption of how metropolis is going to evolve and emerge in Mindanao in the next few years,” he said.

units (LGUs) have relaxed restrictions, particularly in Davao City which is now at Alert Level 1 status.

“For the past four weeks, kung magkakaroon tayo ng drop at ma-sustain yung yung deduction ng mga kaso sa whole Davao region and also looking the whole country ganon din ang trend or situation ng ating

mga Covid-19 confirmed cases. We hope that we can sustain that, a pattern of the situation na pababa ng pababa ang ating mga kaso hangggang sa yung number of cases do not really have an impact na masyado sa ating public health. We are trying our best to have that kind of a low number of cases. If we are going to compute the number of cases over

yung total population, pababa na talaga ng pababa,” said Manatad in a virtual presser.

Manatad identified the vaccination coverage that greatly helps in lowering the cases in the Davao Region as well as protecting the people from infection and severity of the disease.

She also mentioned

Vaccination key to region’s continuing decline of Covid-19 cases: DOH 11

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he Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH 11) credited vaccination coverage for the continuing decline of Covid-19 cases in Davao Region.

Dr. Gerna Manatad, assistant regional director of DOH-Davao Region, is hopeful that this downtrend of cases will be sustained especially now that the local government

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On the Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH 11) crediting vaccination coverage for the continuing decline of Covid-19 cases in Davao Region:

We hope that we can sustain that, a pattern of the situation na pababa ng pababa ang ating mga kaso hangggang sa yung number of cases do not really have an impact na masyado sa ating public health. We are trying our best to have that kind of a low number of cases.

If we are going to compute the number of cases over yung total population, pababa na talaga ng pababa.”

Dr. Gerna Manatad

Assistant Regional Director, DOH-Davao Region

EDITORIAL Code Red Hundreds, if not thousands of Dabawenyos were afraid of a possible flood, after receiving “Code Orange” then “Code Red” warnings from authorities monitoring the level of water in the tributaries of the mighty Davao River in certain barangays of the city. Fortunately, the water level receded hours after in the rivers of Suawan, Tamugan, Panigan, Malamba, Lamanan, Lampianao and down to Waan.

warning signals.

Thankfully, the guys from Davao City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (DCDRRMO) are vigilant in monitoring the rivers’ behavior and fast in sounding the

If not addressed and allowed to worsen floods will negate the socio-economic gains of the city, including the much ballyhooed infrastructure system of the city.

The above-mentioned places are not the only barangays often threatened by the onrushing currents of floods. The ominous scenario is repeated everytime there is heavy downpour in the upland areas.

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It is hoped that Dabawenyos and the authorities including the incoming elected new officials, will always be mindful of this growing problem which has already wrecked havoc on their lives in the very recent past.

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

Unfortunately this is not just a matter of monitoring the rivers’ water levels. There are more problems that cause the floods. The situation is caused by criminal activities of some irresponsible Dabawenyos like illegal logging of the remaining timberlands in the city’s mountain fastnesses and the unregulated quarrying of our rivers.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE SUBJECT IS WOMAN THE college professor was 10 minutes late. He immediately placed his books on top of the table and went directly to the board. The students were stunned. Without much ado, he wrote these words: “Woman without her man is a savage.”

Then, facing the students, he told them to punctuate it correctly.

To his amazement, the professor found that the males looked at it one way and the females another. The males wrote: “Woman, without her, man is a savage!” The counterparts penned: “Woman! Without her, man is a savage.”

Oliver Wendell Holmes quipped: “Man has will, but woman has her way.” Elbert Hubbard notices, “A man is as good as he has to be, and a woman as bad as she dares.” Rudyard Kipling argues, “A woman’s guess is much more accurate than a man’s certainty.”

This brings us to the subject of the battle of sexes. Man has a different view from that of a woman. For instance, a man will pay 100 pesos for a 50-peso item he wants. A woman, on the other hand, will pay 50 pesos for a 100-peso item that she doesn’t want. Woman, to be happy with a man you must understand him a lot and love him a little. Man,

to be happy with a woman you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all.

Friedrich Nietzsche once remarked: “The same passions in man and woman nonetheless differ in tempo; hence man and woman do not cease misunderstanding one another.” Yes, Mr. Nietzsche was the same person who said: “Woman was God’s second mistake.”

Mary Crowley thinks otherwise. God made man first.

Then, He stepped back, looked him over, and said, “I can do better than that.” And so He made a woman.

Husbands and wives fight most of the time. The reason: they don’t understand each other. A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.

A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife. Married men live longer than single men, but married men are a lot more willing to die.

The husband told his wife, “In the 16 years we’ve been married, we haven’t been able to agree on a single thing.” His wife replied, “It’s been 17 years.”

When a man and woman get married, each has a different agenda for the bitter-half. A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn’t. A man marries a woman expect-

ing that she won’t change and she does. What did famous singer and actress Barbra Streisand say again? Perhaps talking from experience, she wonders: “Why does a woman work ten years to change a man’s habits and then complain that he’s not the man she married?”

Socrates urges: “By all means marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll be happy. If you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.” Not bad, huh? Warren Farrell comments, “When women hold off from marrying men, we call it independence.

When men hold off from marrying women, we call it fear of commitment.”

So, who thinks there is life after the wedding? “After marriage, husband and wife become two sides of a coin; they just can’t face each other, but still they stay together,” says Hemant Joshi.

Patrick Murray notes, “I’ve had bad luck with both my wives. The first one left me and the second one didn’t.”

This reminds me of the story of a man who inserted an advertisement in the classifieds: “Wife wanted.” The following day, he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: “You can have mine.”

“My wife’s an angel,” said the first man. The second man

lamented, “You’re lucky, mine is still alive!” Rita Rudner claims, “Men forget everything; women remember everything. That’s why men need instant replays in sports. They’ve already forgotten what happened.”

Why do some marriages last? If you will pose that question to Henry Youngman, his answer would be: “We take time to go to a restaurant two times a week: a little candlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing. She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays.”

Groucho Marx once commented: “Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife.”

And the battle of sexes continues. “Can you tell me where I find the book, ‘Man, the Superior Sex’?” the man asked the saleswoman. She replied, “Sure, it’s upstairs in the science fiction department.”

“Women get more unhappy the more they try to liberate themselves,” observes French kitten Brigitte Bardot. “A woman is a tender and sweet person.

She will lose that if she tries to be like a man.”

Hollywood debonair Mel Gibson states, “I love women.

They’re the best thing ever created. If they want to be like men and come down to our level, that’s fine.”

Men should never underestimate the power of a woman.

Once upon a time, there were eleven people hanging on to a rope that extended down from a helicopter. The weight of eleven people was too much for the rope. So, the group decided that one person would get off, because if the weight on the rope wasn’t reduced, the rope would break and everyone would die.

No one could decide who should go, so finally the woman volunteered. She gave a touching speech, saying she would give up her life to save the others, because women were used to giving up things for their husbands and children. When she finished speaking, all the men started clapping. Of course, you know the rest of the story.

Never insult a woman – unless you are British statesman Winston Churchill. At a dinner party, there was a heated exchange between Churchill and a female visitor. At the end of the argument, the lady said scornfully. “Mr. Churchill, you are drunk.”

“And you, madam,” replied Churchill, “are ugly. But I shall be sober tomorrow.”

By the way, in all arguments, the woman has the last word.

Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

PROTECTION FOR WOMEN SEAFARERS UNDER THE MAGNA CARTA Filipino seafarers will have to wait again for another administration to have their own Magna Carta.

The consolidated versions of the proposed Magna Carta for Seafarers in both houses , Senate Bill 2369 and House Bill 8057, aim to improve Filipino seafarers’ working conditions, terms of employment, career prospects, and provide opportunities to harness their potentials to the fullest These proposed legislations provide for the protection of the Filipino seafarers’ rights to just terms and conditions of work and safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards; self-organization and engage in collective bargaining; educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs; relevant information; free legal consultation; and have access to communication facilities.

However, the proposed legislations failed to reach the bi-cameral committee stage.

If there are certain differences, a Bicameral Conference Committee is called to reconcile conflicting provisions of both versions of the Senate and of the House of Representatives. The bi-cameral conference committee submits report on the reconciled version of the bill, duly approved by both chambers.

One chapter on the protection of women in the maritime industry was included in both versions of the Magna Carta.

Women seafarers face not only the general challenges of weather, hard work and rough seas, but also inordinate amounts of discrimination, exploitation, sexual harassment, violence and limited opportunities for promotion. These can affect their dignity, security, health, and well-being.

In addition to the right

against discrimination on the basis of sex, the proposed legislation mandates that women seafarers shall be protected from the following discriminatory acts: (a) payment of a lesser compensation, including wage, salary or other form of remuneration and fringe benefits, to a male seafarer as against a female seafarer, for work of equal value; and (b) favoring a male seafarer over a female seafarer with respect to promotion, training opportunities, study and scholarship grants, solely on account of their sexes.

The pending legislations also mandated that shipowners and manning agencies shall formulate gender and development policies.

In addition, all maritime training institutions shall ensure that appropriate gender-sensitive policies are in place to promote the rights of women to adequate training

and opportunities, free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Women issues were discussed during the several public consultations organized by the office of Senator Risa Hontiveros on the pending Magna Carta, which were included in the proposed consolidated version.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) noted that women represent only less than two percent of the world’s estimated 1.2 million seafarers as 94 percent of them are working in the cruise industry and 6 percent are employed on cargo vessels, container ships or oil tankers.

Aside from Senator Hontiveros, other proponents of the Magna Carta in the Senate include Senators Joel Villanueva, Nancy Binay, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Sonny Angara.

The first version of the proposed Magna Carta for Filipino

Seafarers was the by-product of the National Seafarers Conference in 2002, which was held at the Manila Hotel and organized by the StellaMaris Philippines in coordination with the Office of Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. Years later, several versions were filed by legislators that considered legal developments both locally and internationally.

These include the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC 2006) that sets out seafarers’ rights to decent conditions of work, and embodies all up-to-date standards of existing international maritime labour conventions. MLC 2006 is also called Seafarers’ Bill of Rights and the fourth pillar of international maritime law.

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

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Surigao del Sur coop gets P2.7 million refrigerated van from DA

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cooperative in Cantilan town in Surigao del Sur received on Monday a refrigerated van that will be used in the delivery of products to market centers.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture – Caraga (DA – 13) said it has formally turned over to the CarCanMadCarLan Agribased Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CAMPCO) a PHP2.7 million worth of refrigerated van.

“The challenge for the preservation of quality for the milkfish products of

CAMPCO is no longer an issue with the turnover of the refrigerated van to the cooperative,” the DA-13 said.

The agency added that the intervention for CAMPCO was put up under the DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain package or the Kadiwa program in short.

The facility was formally handed over in a ceremony in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur

by DA-13 Regional Technical Director Nicandro Navia Jr., and DA-13 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Lyn Pareñas.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) warns that there would be roughly .3 percentage points effect on inflation if the national government will implement a fare hike amid increase in prices of fuel products. Edge Davao

DTI 11 hails 28 LGUs in 5th Davao Region Competitiveness Awarding

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wenty-eight cities and municipalities were hailed as the highly competitive local government units (LGUs) during the 5th Davao Region Competitiveness Awarding recently here.

The said event, hosted

by DTI 11, is the regional version of the annual Regional Competitiveness Summit which recognizes the most competitive LGUs based on the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) survey. The CMCI measures the overall competitiveness based on economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency and innovation pillars.

In her opening message, DTI Region 11 Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi emphasized that the ceremony is not just about the award but it is also about identifying the LGUs’ strengths and weaknesses.

“With these data that we have gathered in CMCI, it enables our stakeholders to come-up with policies to improve competitiveness, particularly on, planning and development, and investments generation, which will then translate to more job opportunities to your constituents,” she said.

In the meantime, Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio mentioned in her keynote speech that working diligently to improve the key pillars of competitiveness must also be coupled with cooperation and creating strong bonds with the private sector, the business community, security units, and the people in their respective localities.

“May this serve as an inspiration and encouragement to all of us that we will continue to build better communities, and keep serving our respective cities and municipalities for the benefit of the people of Davao Region,” Mayor Duterte-Carpio said.

Below are the awardees: On the Overall Most Competitive LGUs award, the Province of Davao del Norte bagged the number 1 spot, while Davao de Oro ranked 2nd, and Davao del Sur landed on the 3rd spot.

Under the Component Cities category, 1st place was awarded to Tagum City, while 2nd and 3rd goes to the cities of Panabo and Digos, respectively. Under the 1st to 2nd Class Municipalities, Compostela of Davao de Oro landed on 1st place, while Nabunturan, Davao de Oro is 2nd and Carmen of Davao del Norte ranked 3rd. LGUs of Davao del Sur also grabbed the top 3 spots in the 3rd to 4th Class Municipalities through the municipalities of Sulop, Hagonoy, and Magsaysay getting the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd spot, respectively. Lastly, Davao City was awarded being the most competitive highly urbanized city in Visayas and Mindanao.

The event also recognized the exemplary performance of the LGUs based on the competitiveness pillars.

For Economic Dynamism, still Tagum City bagged the number 1 spot, while Panabo City ranked 2nd, and Digos City ranked 3rd. Under the 1st to 2nd Class Municipalities, Malita of Davao Occidental sits on the 1st place, while New Bataan of Davao de Oro landed 2nd, and Kapalong of Davao del Norte landed 3rd. Also, for the 3rd to 4th Class Municipalities, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur made its way being the 1st placer, while Montevista, Davao de Oro grabbed 2nd, and Sulop, Davao del Sur being 3rd.

On the other hand, under the Government Efficiency pillar, Tagum City, once again, ranked 1st, Mati City ranked 2nd, and Panabo City ranked 3rd. For the 1st to 2nd Class Municipalities, Carmen of Davao del Norte, Bansalan of Davao del Sur, and Nabunturan of Davao de Oro ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively. While for the 3rd to 4th Class Municipalities, Magsaysay of Davao del Sur placed 1st, Hagonoy of Davao del Sur placed 2nd, and Sulop of Davao del Sur placed 3rd.

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ECONOMY

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Motorists queue at a gasoline station in Bo. Pampanga, Davao City to have their vehicles refilled with fuel products hours ahead of the scheduled big-time price increase, which starts morning of Tuesday. Edge Davao

NEDA wants to increase PUV fuel subsidy to P5B

PH seen to attract more foreign biz with new law

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oreign businesses can now plan out their strategic investment programs in the Philippines after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act (RA) 11647, amending the Foreign Investments Act. In a statement Monday, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) has lauded the enactment of RA 11647 into law, which will help to facilitate more foreign investment in the country by allowing more equity for foreign investors.

“The passage of this act is very timely as we are now opening up the economy.

The restrictions lifted under the said amendments also address difficulties of foreign-owned SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and further introduce strategic investment programs that shall further promote the country as an attractive investment market,” GPCCI executive director Christopher Zimmer said.

GPCCI president Stefan Schmitz added that reducing investment areas reserved for Filipinos and allowing foreign businesses up to 100 percent ownership when setting up their operations here is a win-win move for both Filipino and

foreign investors.

“With these amendments, more foreign professionals can now share their skills with Filipinos to enhance local and international competitiveness in various sectors. At the same time, it would also help generate more employment in the country as the law enables more foreign investments that would expand the Philippine job market,” Schmitz said.

Meanwhile, senatorial bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro also lauded the administration for relaxing foreign restrictions, but this law should be partnered with an “anti-bureaucratic mindset” in all government agencies.

“Promoting the Philippines as a destination for foreign investments does not end with relaxing the foreign ownership, but foreign investors should feel that they can start their business in the country with ease,” Teodoro said in a statement.

He said public offices should ensure smooth flow of transactions and avoid redundancy of requirements and adhere to the 3-7-20 rule, or complete simple transactions in three days, complex transactions in seven days, and highly technical transactions in 20 days.

T

he Philippines is eyeing to raise the fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles from P2.5 billion to P5 billion to cushion the impact of spiraling oil prices aggravated by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In his report to President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday’s Talk to the People, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Karl Chua said the first tranche of the subsidy is targeted to be distributed in March and the second tranche in April this year.

Economic managers also proposed to shift the entire country to Alert Level 1 and to open schools for face-to-face classes “to increase domestic economy

and offset global risk.”

They also pushed for additional fuel vouchers for agricultural producers by increasing the budget from P500 million to P1.1 billion, for distribution in March and April 2022.

Chua said there is also a need to increase the country’s oil buffer stock from the current 30 to 45 days, which he said would need a law.

The Economic Development Cluster bared during the briefing 14 proposed

interventions in response to the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

On the calls by several lawmakers to suspend the excise tax on oil, Chua said the action of Congress is needed to address the matter. Congress is currently on break for the campaign period.

The cluster also pitched for the full implementation of service contracting and its expansion to all public transport routes.

To soften the impact of the price hikes on consumers, Chua said the buffer stock of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or cooking gas should also be increased from the current seven days to 15 days, but for which a law is also needed.

On the pork supply, the economic managers suggested extending the lower tariff of 15 percent in quota and 25 percent out quota with the minimum access volume of 200,000 metric tons until December 2022. They also pushed to accelerate the release of imported pork from cold storage.

On fish, the need to issue certificate of necessity to import for small pelagic fish such as galunggong was underscored, which will be valid from the second quarter up to the fourth quarter of the year. The cluster said the country needs an additional 140,000 metric tons to fill up the projected supply gap of 200,000 metric tons.

Junelito Abrazado, the airport manager, said Cebu Pacific Air will resume all its regular flights to Surigao City starting March 27.

“We welcome the resumption of the regular flights of Cebu Pacific Air to Surigao City,” Abrazado said.

The airline will resume its daily Manila-Surigao-Ma-

nila flights and its Cebu-Surigao-Cebu flights every Sunday and Thursday.

Abrazado said the supply of power at the airport has also been restored.

“We are ready for operations and the only repair we have now is in the terminal area. All the other facilities in the airport, including the run-

way and the tower, are now ready for operation,” he said.

He said Cebu Pacific Air is continuously communicating with them for the resumption of its flights.

Abrazado said the Philippine Airlines is yet to communicate with them as to the resumption of its flights in the area. (PNA)

Cebu Pacific to resume flights to Surigao City

T

he management of Surigao City Airport announced Monday the upcoming resumption of regular Cebu Pacific Air flights in the city.

The airline’s flights were temporality halted after Typhoon Odette hit Surigao City and the rest of Surigao del Norte in December last year.

8

VOL.14 ISSUE 298 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 VOL.14 ISSUE 298 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO TOYS

CROCHETING CUTE BEIJING WINTER OLYMPICS MASCOTS They’re so cute.

They’re lovable and cuddly.

And they are Aiping Chiu’s “Bing Dwen Dwen” and “Shuey Rhon Rhon” crochet dolls.

“Bing Dwen Dwen” and “Shuey Rhon Rhon” were the official mascots of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. And Madam Chiu, the wife of the Consul General Li Lin of the Chinese Consulate General in Davao, made her own crocheted dolls version of the two cute figures that are admired by her friends.

“Bing Dwen Dwen” is the official Winter Olympics mascot while “Shuey Rhon Rhon” is the Winter Paralympics mascot.

Wikipedia described “Bing Dwen Dwen” as a panda mascot wherein in Mandarin, the word “Bing” has several meanings, including ice, and also symbolizes purity and strength while “Dwen Dwen” means robust and lively and also represents children.

On the other hand, “Shuey Rhon Rhon” is

a Chinese lantern child with a glowing heart who symbolizes the warmth, friendship, courage, and perseverance of Paralympic athletes.

Chiu’s “Bing Dwen Dwen” is around 4 inches high and 4 inches wide while “Shuey Rhon Rhon” is smaller at around 3.5 inches high and 3.1 inches wide. Cute for keychains or bag accessories.

“The sizes of these mascots depend on the yarn. They can be bigger or smaller according to different yarn,” she said.

In China, crocheted mascots are for sale because of their popularity.

However, Chiu’s mascots are not for sale.

“I crocheted the dolls and posted them on Facebook, hoping more of my Facebooks friends will know Beijing Winter Olympics. I got more likes with this post,” she shared.

Crocheting was get-

ting so much attention because winners of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were presented with woolen bouquets, crocheted over several months by dedicated groups of volunteers, that include retired workers, disabled and elderly people.

Because of the crocheted award bouquet, crocheting is gaining popularity with more Chinese women taking up this hobby.

Chiu also showed her crocheted flowers and crocheted dolls of Disney characters.

“Crocheting is my hobby,” she said.

For those who want to see Chiu’s dolls just check her Facebook account.

VOL.14 ISSUE 298 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

A4

World-class pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena (Obiena’s FB page photo) Nikola Jokic (15) and Davon Reed (9) of the Denver Nuggets embrace during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

Bart Young, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP

Jokic triple-double lifts Nuggets past Warriors

N

ikola Jokic had 32 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists for his second triple-double in as many nights as the host Denver Nuggets beat the short-handed Golden State Warriors, 131124, on Monday.

Jeff Green and Monte Morris scored 18 points each for the Nuggets, who have won nine of 10. Davon Reed contributed 17, Austin Rivers had 15 and DeMarcus Cousins added 13.

Jordan Poole had 32 points and rookie Mo-

ses Moody scored a career-high 30 for the Warriors, who have lost five straight. Jonathan Kuminga had 16, Kevon Looney finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds and Quinndary Weatherspoon added 13 points.

Golden State were without Stephen Curry (hand), Klay Thompson (Achilles), Draymond Green (back), Andrew Wiggins (foot), Andre Iguodala (back) and Otto Porter Jr. (illness) and Gary Payton II (knee).

Denver played without Will Barton, who sprained his left ankle in the team’s overtime win against the visiting Pelicans on Sunday. Jokic finished with 46 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists

vs. New Orleans.

Although the Warriors were missing their biggest stars, they kept pace with the Nuggets through the first half. Golden State trailed by as many as 12 but cut the deficit to 7169 at halftime.

The Warriors opened the third quarter quickly to take the lead. Moody converted a three-point play and Poole hit three 3-pointers to give the visitors an 83-77 lead.

Denver then went on

a 15-0 run. Morris scored five points, Jokic had four and Jokic fed Aaron Gordon with a lob for a dunk to complete his 75th career triple-double. Moody broke the string with a layup, but another Denver run, this time 10-3, made it 102-88 late in the third quarter.

The Warriors came back, outscoring the Nuggets 13-2 to end the quarter down just 104-101.

Cousins scored the first four points on the fourth and Denver went

ahead 115-105 on a layup

by Green with 8:37 left.

However, six straight points by Golden State made it a four-point game.

The Warriors had two chances to tie or get within a point in the last five minutes, but Chris Chiozza missed a 3-point attempt and Green blocked Poole’s fastbreak layup attempt. Rivers later had a steal and a dunk to make it 121-116 with 2:29 to go, and the Nuggets closed it out.

Spurs beat Lakers as Popovich equals all-time wins mark

D

ejounte Murray scored 26 points and took 10 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs held off the short-handed, visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 117-110, on Monday to help their chances for a postseason berth.

The victory allowed Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to tie Don Nelson for the most regular-season wins by a coach in league history with 1,335.

San Antonio was up by three points heading to the fourth quarter and never allowed the Lakers to get the lead, surviving a ragged final four minutes and a woeful 16 of 30 showing from the free throw line to snap a four-game losing streak.

The Lakers, who have

lost five of their past six games, were without LeBron James, who was held out with a sore left knee after scoring 56 points in a win over Golden State on Saturday.

Jakob Poeltl and Josh Richardson scored 18 points each for San Antonio, with Keldon Johnson adding 13 and Doug McDermott hitting for 11 as all five Spurs starters finished with double-figure scoring. San Antonio was missing starter Devin Vassell and key reserve Lonnie Walker IV, both because of non-COVID illnesses.

Talen Horton-Tucker led Los Angeles with 18 points while Malik Monk, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony added 17 each and Austin

Reeves scored 13 points.

Westbrook also took 10 rebounds.

The Spurs led for all but 14 seconds of the first quarter and were up, 31-22, after Josh Primo’s 3-pointer with 4.7 seconds left in the period. San Antonio extended its advantage to as many as 14 points before settling for a 62-56 lead at the break as Murray finished with 16 points on 7 of 9 shooting over the first 24 minutes.

All 10 players that saw the court for the Spurs in the first half scored at least three points as San Antonio outshot the Lakers 60 percent to 50 percent and outrebounded Los Angeles, 22-20, in the half.

Monk paced the Lakers with 11 points in the first

Russel Westbrooke tries to score for the Lakers. two periods.

Los Angeles rallied to take a one-point lead, at 76-75, on a three-point

play by Westbrook with 7:14 to play in the third period. The Spurs quickly went back in front and

extended their advantage back to as many as eight points before taking a 9592 lead to the final quarter.

6

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

VOL.14 VOL.14ISSUE ISSUE2985 298 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 43rd Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

1. Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) List or Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) issued by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration; or 2. Emergency Use Listing of the World Health Organization.

G. Isolation – refers to the separation of sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. Therefore, isolation intends to treat and monitor suspect, probable, and confirmed cases.

H. Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) – The World Health Organization defines ILI as an acute respiratory infection with the following:

Alberto T. Ungab - Temporary Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra 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 Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte Councilor Pamela A. Librado-Morata Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar

- On Official Business - On Sick Leave - On Sick Leave

A. A measured fever of more than or equal to 38 degrees Celsius; B. and cough; C. with onset within the last ten (10) days.

I. Partially Vaccinated Individual – an individual who has received only first dose of a 2-dose series of vaccine, and/or received either the first or second dose series of vaccine but has not yet completed the two (2) weeks period from the time of the last dose.

J. Quarantine – refers to the separation and movement restrictions of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. Hence, quarantine intends to keep individuals under observation to see if they will develop COVID-19 signs or symptoms, or if they will test positive for COVID-19.

K. Unvaccinated Individual – an individual who has not received any type of COVID-19 vaccine.

SECTION 5. MANDATORY RT-PCR TESTING – All F1, F2 and F3 Contacts of an RT-PCR confirmed positive case shall undergo mandatory RT-PCR Testing. The date of testing shall be determined by the Contact Tracing Team, or the District Health Office.

If the RT-PCR result of an F1 Contact is positive, all F2 contacts will be elevated to F1 Contacts.

There shall be free COVID-19 RT-PCR Testing for all F1, F2, and F3 Contacts at Swab Centers duly authorized by the Davao City Health Office (CHO).

All asymptomatic individuals shall undergo mandatory RT-PCR Testing not earlier that the fifth day immediately after the date of the last exposure.

ORDINANCE NO. 0778-21 Series of 2021

All close contacts who have been traced beyond the seventh (7th) day from his/her last exposure and who remained asymptomatic shall no longer undergo mandatory RT-PCR Testing.

“AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (RT-PCR) TESTING OF ALL F1, F2 AND F3 CONTACTS OF AN RT-PCR CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19 IN DAVAO CITY”, AS AMENDED

SECTION 6. MANDATORY ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE – The following protocols for close contacts of probable, suspect, and confirmed COVID-19 cases shall hereinafter be observed:

Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (RT-PCR) TESTING OF ALL F1, F2 AND F3 CONTACTS OF AN RT-PCR CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19 IN DAVAO CITY”, AS AMENDED”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the health and safety of its constituents during this time of COVID-19 pandemic.

In view of the foregoing, the City Mayor issued Executive Order No. 20-A, Series of 2021, “An Order Providing for Mandatory Swabbing of All F1, F2, and F3 Contacts of an RT-PCR Confirmed Positive Case of COVID-19 in Davao City”.

To this end, the Local Government of Davao shall continue implementing proactive measures and restrictions in order to alert close contacts to the possibility of infection, offer preventive counseling or care, slow down the surge in COVID-19 cases, and stop further spread of variants in the City.

SECTION 3. COVERAGE – This Ordinance covers all persons identified as F0, F1, F2 and F3 Contacts of an RT-PCR Confirmed Positive Case of COVID-19 within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Davao.

This shall cover individuals who have been identified as F0, F1, F2 or F3 Contacts even if they have left the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City.

SECTION 4. DEFINITION OF TERMS – When used in this Ordinance, each of the following words and phrases shall be construed to mean as follows: A. Contact Tracing – the identification, listing, assessment, and monitoring of persons who may have come into close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

B. F0 - a person with a positive RT-PCR Test for COVID-19 infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms; C. F1 Contacts - are those first-generation contacts of an RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 positive case; D. F2 Contacts - are those second-generation contacts of an RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 positive case (close contacts of F1); E. F3 Contacts – are those third-generation contacts of an RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 positive case (close contacts of F2); F. Fully Vaccinated Individual – an individual shall be considered as having been fully vaccinated for COVID-19: a. More than or equal to 2 weeks after having received the second dose in a 2-dose series; or b. More than or equal to 2 weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine. c. The vaccines administered to the individual are included in any of the following:

1. All F0’s, irrespective of whether they are fully or partially vaccinated, shall immediately undergo fourteen (14) days mandatory isolation or as determined by the attending physician in accordance with the Omnibus Guidelines on Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment, and Reintegration (PDITR).

2. Fully Vaccinated Individuals who are F1 Close Contacts shall undergo a shortened 7-day mandatory quarantine provided his/her RT-PCR yielded a negative result and that he/she remains asymptomatic for the entire duration of the 7-day period. The first day being the date immediately after the last day of exposure.

Should the RT-PCR Test yield a positive result, or he/she becomes asymptmatic, he/ she shall follow the prescribed isolation protocols as provided by the current DOH Omnibus Guidelines on Minimum Public Health Standards and the IATF Resolutions.

3. Partially Vaccinated Individuals or Unvaccinated individuals who are F1 Close Contacts shall undergo the prescribed mandatory quarantine period as provided by the DOH Omnibus Guidelines on Minimum Public Health Standards and the IATF Resolutions.

4. All F2 and F3 Close Contacts need not undergo mandatory quarantine provided that they do not exhibit Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI). All F2 and F3 Contacts shall be advised to self-monitor, strictly adhere to the minimum health standards, and report for appearance of signs or symptoms.

SECTION 7. MANDATORY DISCLOSURE OF CLOSE CONTACTS – All F0, F1, and F2 Contacts shall disclose their close contacts including their contact number and home/work address.

SECTION 8. PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENAL CLAUSE – The following acts shall be prohibited under this Ordinance: 1. F0, F1, F2 and F3 CONTACTS WHO WILLFULLY REFUSE TO UNDERGO MANDATORY RT-PCR TESTING. – Any fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated F0, F1, F2 and F3 contacts who shall willfully refuse to undergo mandatory RT-PCR Testing after being duly notified shall be penalized accordingly.

2. F0 WHO WILLFULLY REFUSE TO UNDERGO MANDATORY ISOLATION – Any fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated F0 who shall willfully refuse to undergo mandatory isolation after being duly notified shall be penalized accordingly.

3. F1 AND F2 CONTACTS WHO WILLFULLY REFUSE TO UNDERGO MANDATORY QUARANTINE – Any fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated F1 and F2 Contacts who shall willfully refuse to undergo mandatory quarantine after being duly notified shall be penalized accordingly.

4. F0, F1 AND F2 CONTACTS WHO WILLFULLY REFUSE TO GIVE OUT ACCURATE INFORMATION NEEDED FOR EFFECTIVE CONTACT TRACING – Any fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated F0, F1 and F2 contacts who shall willfully refuse to give out accurate information needed for contact tracing shall be penalized accordingly.

The penalty of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court shall be imposed upon F0 or F1 Contacts who shall violate this Ordinance.

The penalty of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) or imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court shall be imposed upon F2 Contacts who

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 2985 298 • WEDNESDAY, • WEDNESDAY,MARCH MARCH9,9,2022 2022

shall violate this Ordinance.

The penalty of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) shall be imposed upon F3 Contacts who shall violate this Ordinance.

Provided that persons who have been identified as F0, F1, F2 or F3 Contacts who have been duly notified but has not complied with the act required of them shall constitute prima facie evidence of willful refusal.

In the event that the violator of this Ordinance is a minor or a child (person under eighteen (18) years old, his/her parents or legal guardians shall be issued with the Ordinance Violation Receipt, otherwise known as a ‘CITATION TICKET” and shall be liable to pay the fine and/or be prosecuted under applicable laws.

Payment of the aforesaid penalty shall not excuse all violators from compliance with the mandatory RT-PCR Testing.

SECTION 9. ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT/CITATION RECEIPT – An ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT, otherwise known as CITATION TICKET, shall be issued to violators of this Ordinance. The citation ticket shall state the name and address of the violator, the specific violation committed, and the provisions of the succeeding section, “No Contest Provision.”

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and such other appropriate enforcers as may be commissioned by the City Mayor shall have the power to apprehend violators of this Ordinance and issue citation tickets.

The City Mayor may deputize Barangay Officials or representatives of the private sector, non-government organizations and government organizations in the strict implementation of this Ordinance, as the need arises.

SECTION 10. NO CONTEST PROVISION – Any person cited for violation of this Ordinance who does not wish to contest the same and is willing to pay voluntarily within three (3) days after the issuance of citation ticket the penalty imposed under this Ordinance prior to the filing of a complaint before the Office of the City Prosecutor shall be allowed to do so, and shall pay the corresponding penalty as cited in Section 8 at the Office of the City Treasurer.

Availment of the No Contest Provision shall exempt a person from criminal liability under this Ordinance.

The City Legal Office and the City Treasurer’s Office shall provide for the procedure for the availment of the “No Contest Provision” and establish a case inventory and recording of all violators of this Ordinance.

All proceeds from the payment of the herein imposed fine shall be apportioned as follows: 1. Sixty percent (60%) of the amount collected per apprehension shall accrue to the apprehending barangay subject to the existing rules and regulations; and 2. Forty percent (40%) shall accrue to the General Fund of the City.

The share of the Barangay shall be remitted directly to the Barangay, without need of any further action, on a monthly basis within ten (10) days of the following month. Said amount shall be utilized for COVID-19 response and for other matters incidental thereto.

SECTION 11. COMPLIANCE – Mandatory RT-PCR Testing done at the Department of Health (DOH) accredited private laboratories or testing centers at the expense of F0, F1, F2 and F3 Contacts shall be considered compliance to mandatory RT-PCR Testing for purposes of this Ordinance.

SECTION 12. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the remaining sections or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 13. REPEALING CLAUSE – All ordinances, resolutions, rules or regulations which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 14. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication, and shall remain in full force and effect until the declaration of the existence of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern is retracted by the World Health Organization, or when the State of Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19 in the country is lifted.

ENACTED, November 16, 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

DEC. 14 2021 APPROVED : ________________,

Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq ATTESTED:

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (RT-PCR) TESTING OF ALL F1, F2 AND F3 CONTACTS OF AN RT-PCR CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19 IN DAVAO CITY, AS AMENDED

FREE... FROMP2

7

lation shall be allowed for positive cases, and no lockdowns including granular lockdowns shall be imposed as part of the Covid-19 response of the city government of Davao.

It also lifted all existing lockdowns and all businesses, offices, and establishments are hereby allowed pre-pandemic operational capacity.

No documentary requirement shall be required for movement within the city except those who may be required by the PNP or the AFP to present their valid ID in connection with law enforcement, anti-illegal drugs and antiterrorism

operations.

Section 8 mandated all other alternative work arrangements for local and national government offices lifted.

For transportation, the EO mandated all public utility vehicles are allowed full carrying capacity based on pre-pandemic guide as well as all contact and non-contacts sports are allowed, to include trainings and tournaments/competitions.

All businesses, offices, and establishments are mandated to create and implement their own Covid-19 restrictions within their premises only.

Meanwhile, the City

Health Office’s (CHO’s) through the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force’s Daily Case Bulletins reported a total of 174 active cases in Davao City as of March 7, 2022, which is a decrease from the 775 active cases as of February 21, 2022 and 370 cases as of February 28, 2022.

The EO also stated that Davao City is currently at 86.20 percent for first doses and 84.19 percent for second doses of 80 percent of the city’s population, and at 16.80 percent for booster shots of the total number of the fully-vaccinated individuals as reported by the task force on March 7, 2022.

the people’s adherence to the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS), implementation of the Prevent, Detect, Isolation, Treat, Reintegration (PDITR), and people’s cooperation for the continuing drop of Covid-19 cases in the Davao Region.

“Based on our surveillance globally, nationally, and locally, we can also look into the different

characteristics ng virus na ito. Its vaccination, surveillance, and monitoring, yung MPHS, pagpapalakas din ng ating immune system. Ang nakikita natin ngayon is really how the vaccination coverage helps us in the containment and management of Covid-19,” Manatad said.

Based on the Regional Statistics Update on Covid-19 Vaccination in Davao Region as of March

07, 2022 DOH-Davao Region recorded 6,235,603 total doses administered in Davao Region.

From that data, 73.1 percent or 3,187,916 Individuals had one dose (1st dose + J&J), 67.2 percent if 2,932,423 were fully vaccinated and 8.3 percent if 363,971 were administered as the booster and additional doses. By Maya M. Padillo

fisheries sector to be their voice in the Senate and to stand up and ensure their well-being against the deluge of anti-agriculture policies and legislations which

had made life difficult for them,” he said.

Piñol said his mission is clear and precise, turning the Philippines into a major producer in Agriculture and Fisher-

ies in the world while at the same time creating income and more job opportunities for the Filipinos for them not to leave home to find work abroad.

VACCINATION... FROMP3

FARMER... FROMP3

NOTICE OF AUCTION The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule listed below.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magpahigayon ug subasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong iskedyul nga nakasulat sa ubos.

BRANCHES

DATE PAWNED

DAVAO: Sasa Maa Sandawa Matina

September 01 to 30, 2021

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION March 29, 2022 (Tuesday) 9:00 A.M. VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sandawa Branch VGM Bldg., Sandawa road SIR New Matina, Davao City

THE MANAGEMENT

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

HORRIBLE E

VOL.14 ISSUE 298 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

Patafa’s move to exclude Obiena from SEAG team ‘horrible’: POC

rnest John “EJ” Obiena was not on the list of athletes that the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) intends to send to the 31st Southeast Asian Games to be held in Vietnam in May.

EJ Obiena is out of the Philippines’ SEA Games line up according to PATAFA.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said it is one gold medal lost for Team Philippines.

“I can only shake my head, this is horrible,” said Tolentino on Obiena’s name missing from the entry by numbers form which the Patafa and 38 other national sports associations (NSAs) taking part in Vietnam submitted to the POC. “Barring serious injury, EJ will win the gold medal even blind folded in Hanoi,” Tolentino said.

“He’s not only the best in the SEA Games, but in the whole of Asia— not to forget that he’s No. 5 in the world.”

The POC tasked NSAs to submit their entries by numbers for the SEA Games on Monday as Vietnam set the deadline for submission of team compositions for the May 12 to 23 Games is on Saturday.

“An NSA relentlessly sanctioning its No. 1 athlete—a guaranteed win and who knows a future world and Olympic champion—I just couldn’t find a logic,” Tolentino said.

Rommel Sytin, one of the country’s business leaders, signed the entry by numbers form as Patafa’s secretary general.

Patafa has the second biggest number of entries with 53 athletes and 17 officials, second only to esports which has 54 entries.

Obiena being out on the list meant he will also miss the World Indoor Championships scheduled March 18 to 20 in Belgrade because the World Athletics’ deadline of registration for qualified athletes was last Monday.

Had Obiena been endorsed

by Patafa, he could have been the first full-blooded Filipino to compete in the world indoors, Patafa training director Renato Unso said.

Obiena won the men’s pole vault gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games at the New Clark City Stadium with a leap of 5.45 meters.

Less than two years after on September 12, 2021, he broke the Asian record with 5.93 meters at the Golden Rooftop Challenge, in Innsbruck, Austria.

Obiena was also the only Asian to qualify at the Tokyo Olympics last year. (PR)