Edge Davao Volume 15 Issue 37 | Friday, May 27, 2022

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VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

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Sara attends proclamation ceremony without family STORY ON PAGE 2

A fisherman paddles pass large fishing vessels docked near a coastal community along Pujada Bay in Mati City. Residents and environmental groups have expressed concerned on a mining operation near Pujada Bay as it may affect the seascape and landscape of one of the best bays in the world. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shares a light moment with Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio while waiting for their proclamation at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City sans family members on Wednesday afternoon. Photo from Mayor Inday Sara Duterte Facebook page

ALL BY HERSELF T

TESDA DavNor ready for BDP project rollout in ‘22

Sara attends proclamation ceremony without family

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio attended the proclamation ceremony at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City all by herself on Wednesday.

The National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) proclaimed Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and Duterte-Carpio as the duly-elected president and

vice president, respectively, in the recently-concluded national and local elections on Wednesday.

Duterte-Carpio, who came from Antique where

she visited a supporter who committed suicide after being bullied by those who disagreed with him on a political issue, arrived at the Batasan Pambansa donning a barong and her signature Mindanao hand-woven fabric pants, without her family during the ceremony.

This sparked an interest in the Manila-based media as traditionally, a newly

elected president and vice president is accompanied by family members when they go up to the rostrum to receive the certificate of canvass and be proclaimed by the Senate President and Speaker of the House.

However, Duterte-Carpio reportedly failed to answer the media on this matter.

ment.

The campus has been under the spotlight on social media after some alumni claimed there was active recruitment of the New People’s Army inside its

204-hectare compound.

Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao, speaking during UPMin’s online student recognition ceremony Monday morning, said various posts about the campus were

causing students “undue stress and anxiety.”

“UP Mindanao respects the diversity of convictions and beliefs that encompass the broad ideological spec-

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UPMin admin assures safety of students amid socmed attacks

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he administration of the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) said it will assure the safety of its students, adding it would protect its community from harass-

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he Technical Skills Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial office in Davao del Norte has already laid down its projects and services for implementation in the Barangay Development Program (BDP) priority areas covered in 2022.

Guesting during the Sayron Ta! Pakigsayod radio program this morning, TESDA Provincial Director Leah Braga said TESDA Davao del Norte is placing on the deck for rollout the programs and projects due for 19 priority barangays in the municipalities of Talaingod, Sto Tomas, New Corella, Asuncion, Kapalong, and Panabo City.

“Naka-plastar na ang scholarship programs and other projects for the 19 priority barangays; kadaghanan ani naa sa agriculture kay mao ang priority sector of the program.

(We have made ready the scholarship program and other projects for the 19 priority barangays; some of which are into agriculture as this is the priority sector of the program),” she said.

In the nine BDP areas in New Corella, TESDA is set to introduce trainings on production of concoctions and extracts along with raising of organic chicken except for Barangay Carcor where TESDA has prepared a training leading to seed cer-

tification and farm mechanization with support from Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

The BDP covered barangays in the Municipality of Asuncion will not be venturing agri-based training but they are photo voltaic system or installation and maintenance of solar power system, Braga said.

Aside from the nine BDP areas in New Corella and three BDPs in Asuncion, there are two BDP covered barangays in Panabo City; one in Talaingod; two in Sto. Tomas; one in Kapalong; and one in San Isidro.

In 2022, each BDP area will be receiving P4 million worth of projects identified by the barangay local government.

The P4 million funds for identified BLGU project is on top of the services and projects that TESDA and other national line agencies intend to bring and introduce to BDP areas which once were under the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA), and now declared as “cleared” by the NTF ELCAC. “Naa nay (We already have) budget and coordinated with the CTECs,” Braga said referring to the LGUbased Community Training and Employment Coordinators with whom TESDA is working with to roll out

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

NEWS

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President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with H.E. Agus Widjojo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Philippines, during a short audience with the President after the presentation of credentials at the Malacañang Palace on May 25, 2022. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Security cluster intensifies face mask compliance

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Nuclear energy use needs firm resolve

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n official of the Department of Energy bared that it entails a firm decision by the Philippine Government to pursue the use of nuclear energy.

Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella of the Department of Energy said the use of nuclear energy outlasts one presidency.

He stressed that the construction of a nuclear plant is a fifty-year commitment which can be switched on and switchoff later.

Fuentebella recalled that when the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was switched on in 1986 and was immediate shut-off when Filipinos decided not to like it.

“The only thing that the Philippines did from 1986 to 2008 was to pay its debt for the unused nuclear

power plant,” he said.

Fuentebella said it is the offshoot of the on and off decision on the pursuit of the nuclear energy.

He said that momentarily, the Duterte Administration signed into law carrying a national position to pursue nuclear as a program.

Fuentebella said being the case, Congress has to come up with a regulatory framework and the legal framework to do the nuclear program.

He stressed that it is the second step on the 19 steps that the government has to perform being a requirement of the International Atomic Energy.

“There are many steps that we have to pursue, but it needs a definite yes and a definite no, It cannot be on the middle,” Fuentebella stressed. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

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avao City Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said that the city’s security cluster is intensifying imposition of penalties to residents who fail to wear face masks.

“Kasi as we have been repeating all over again ang face mask ang dakong tabang para ma-prevent ang transmission of the disease,” Schlosser said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.

Schlosser also reported that from January to May

this year there are approximately 11,000 citation tickets issued to individuals because they do not wear their face masks.

She reiterated the importance of the wearing of face mask especially now with the threat of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1.

She also have been mentioning over and over again that there is no change in the city government of Davao’s strategies, which is aligned in the Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment and Reintegration (PDITR) in fighting Covid-19 and its variants and subvariants.

“Also as I have been mentioning over and over again also here wala man pagbag-o ang atoang strategies murag push button na lang ang atong strategies

kasi in placed naman siya ang atong strategiesare still aligned sa atong prevention, detection, isolation, tretment and reintegration,” she said.

Schlosser also cited the city’s Covid-19 Cluster Clinic (CCC) 1, which is part of the city’s PDITR for swabbing, contact tracing, consultations for persons experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus disease, and facilitating quarantine and reintegration of recov-

Mati City Information Office assuring that the said mining firm is outside the protected areas after its photos surfaced recently causing concerns among residents.

The Mati City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CiENRO) said on May 23, 2022 that the said mining area, which comprises a total area of 17,215.49 hectares, is four kilometers away from the boundary of the

Pujada Bay Seascape which is a protected area.

CiENRO also assured that it is also outside the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary which is a UNESCO heritage site.

In a statement, IDIS remained firm on its stand that the Pujada Nickel OpenPit Mining Project in Davao Oriental has extensive environmental and social impacts despite the claim that

the said mining site is outside the protected areas of Mt. Hamiguitan and Pujada Bay. The Pujada Nickel Project is one of the 23 priority mining projects that are part of the Philippine government’s 2004 Minerals Action Plan. Hallmark Mining Corporation (HMC) and Austral-Asia Link Mining Corporation (AALMC) are

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IDIS says Mati mining site has extensive environmental impacts

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he Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) Inc. underscored that despite claims that the Austral-Asia Link Mining Corporation and Hallmark Mining Corporation mining site is outside the protected areas of Mt. Hamiguitan and Pujada Bay, it still has extensive impacts to the environment.

This is in line with the statement issued by the

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

Students of Kabacan Elementary School in Ecoland, Davao City wash their hands before entering their classrooms. Outgoing Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority Director-General Karl Chua said the full resumption of face-to-face classes could push the country’s economy to reach its full potential. Edge Davao

Food shortage looms in PH amid Ukraine war: agri group

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Philippines in order to protect their own economic and food security. Where do we get the food if we do not have the production?” Fausto said.

He said many countries have stopped exporting wheat to the Philippines and this may have a domino effect on other products.

Wheat is the main ingredient for many products like bread, noodles and even animal feeds. Prices of other food items may also rise, thereby burdening Filipinos

more, Fausto said.

Monde Nissin, one of the biggest food manufacturers in the Philippines, earlier said a global food crisis loomed, as Ukraine and Russia together account for 30 to 40 percent of the global wheat supply, and up to 40 percent of the world sunflower oil supply, which are used in many food products.

The next administration must hike the budget of the Department of Agriculture, which today only accounts for a small percentage of the total national budget, according to PCAFI. Stricter measures must also be enforced against smuggling, which is hurting

main sources of information and entertainment these days,” said Allan Fernandez, SKY’s business unit cluster head for Mindanao.

With the digitization in Zamboanga completed, SKY has accomplished digitization of all SKY serviceable areas in Mindanao, which also include other cities like Davao and General Santos.

Fernandez added, “We are committed to provid-

ing the best customer service and relevant products to all our SKY Kapamilyas.

With the digitization complete, we’ll be focusing our efforts on ensuring all our customers in Mindanao are satisfied with our products and services. We’re also constantly studying and exploring areas where we can expand to make quality and affordable cable & fiber internet services more accessible in the country.”

he Philippines may face a food shortage within the year, a food industry group said on Wednesday.

The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc (PCAFI) said the Ukraine crisis is pushing a lot of food-exporting countries to limit or stop exports to secure their own supplies amid the effects of the Ukraine-Russia war.

PCAFI President Danilo Fausto said there may be a food shortage in the country by the fourth quarter of 2022, during the holiday season.

“A lot of countries are banning their export to the

many farmers and agribusinesses, Fausto said. Stronger biosecurity measures at ports must also be set up to prevent the entry of diseases like Avian Flu and the African Swine Fever, he added.

Farmers should also be given access to credit and for the government to make the agriculture sector a top priority.

“Agriculture is given second priority. Now that everybody is hungry, what would you do?” Fausto said.

President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr earlier said he wanted to lower the price of rice to around P20 to P30 per kilo.

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Legal framework needed for gov’t to invest in nuclear power plant

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epartment of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Gerardo Erguiza Jr. said there is a need to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to enable the government to invest in nuclear power plants.

This, as the incoming administration has expressed its support in considering a nuclear power plant to be part of the country’s energy mix.

“As of now, the government does not have the

ability to put up conventional nuclear power plant because the National Power Corp. does not have mandate on this,” Erguiza said in Filipino during the Laging Handa public briefing Wednesday.

With the privatization of the power sector under the EPIRA, the government could not enter into power generation.

“But we can align together, with the drafting or putting up of the regulatory

classes had been implemented.

At least 50 percent of the population is below 24 years old and 40 percent are below 21 years old, he said, and keeping them at home means restricting economic activity while also decreasing the learning efficiency.

“In other words, 40 percent of the economy, or the population are in school, and that is a big driver of economic activity. If you

keep them at home, even if they are learning at home, it does not give them the best learning experience,” “In the US it is only half as good yung online learning. If there is no physical learning, then all the establishments around the school, the dorms, the cafeteria, lahat sila walang activity. That is why our economic growth is not yet reaching its original potential. So marami talagang benefits,” Chua said.

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SKY completes digitalization of F2F classes to push economic internet, cable in Zambo City growth to full potential: NEDA

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KY announced on Wednesday that it has completed digitization of its facilities in Zamboanga City to deliver upgraded cable and fiber internet services for Zamboangueños.

“Our customers deserve to experience the best of SKY’s services, no matter where they are in the country. Moreover, it’s vital for the flourishing city of Zamboanga to have access to quality cable and internet, which are

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he full resumption of face-to-face classes could push the economy to reach its full potential, outgoing Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority Director-General Karl Chua said.

He said the better-than-expected 8.3 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter could have been higher if more face-to-face

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

ECONOMY

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Members of the Bukidnon-Baleteon tribe learn the techniques of honey production using stingless bees locally known as “kyut” at the Umanika Eco-Cultural Farm in Malaybalay City on Thursday (May 26, 2022). MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

DTI 11 to present discounted products during 2-day PDC DOF execs cites importance of fiscal consolidation program

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he Department of Finance (DOF) has prepared a proposed fiscal consolidation program for the incoming administration, citing the need to increase revenues to pay for pandemic-related spending starting 2023 and sustain economic growth.

In a briefing on Wednesday, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said the proposed fiscal consolidation and resource mobilization plan is aimed at helping the new administration “hit the ground running and take advantage of the momentum created by the Duterte administration over the last six years.”

Under the proposal, the government needs to raise revenues, improve tax administration, and cut unnecessary spending with fiscal reforms.

It entails three packages, the first one of which is for implementation in 2023 and the next two are for implementation in the next two years.

Among the proposals under the first package are a three-year deferment of the personal income tax reduction under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law starting 2023, expansion of the Value Added Tax (VAT) base and possible VAT rate reduction, repeal of the immediate expending of input VAT on capital goods, imposition of VAT on digital

service providers, reform of the Motor Vehicle Users’ Charge (MVUC), repeal of excise tax exemption of pickups and imposition of excise tax on motorcycles, and rationalization of the mining fiscal regime.

The first package is eyed to bring in an annual average revenue impact amounting to PHP247.8 billion.

The second package is seen to have an average revenue impact per year of PHP126.8 billion while the projected revenue impact of the third package is yet to be determined.

Dominguez said these proposals form part of the department’s “obligation to the Filipino people and to the new administration to help address the long-term financial issues brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.”

He said the proposed measures are “fair, efficient, and corrective.”

“The plan is doable and is designed to secure the gains that we have made under the Duterte administration and to ensure that the government can continue to make economic investments and pursue programs for recovery, maintain its high credit ratings, grow out of its debt faster, and cushion the Philippine economy from future external shocks,” he said.

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 will once again offer basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) at discounted prices during the Presyo Diskwento Caravan The two-day activity, which will be held at the Victoria Plaza Dome of NCCC Mall-VP in Bajada, Davao City, will bring together suppliers, manufacturers and distributors of various products. They have been the agency’s partners in offering BNPCs at more affordable prices.

DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi extended the agency’s appreciation to its partner establishment’s commitment as well as the BNPC manufacturers’ continuous sup-

port to the PDC program.

“We are glad that they have been with us all these years. We couldn’t have sustained our dedication to provide the public with various products at discounted prices, or even below the suggested retail prices (SRPs) providing big savings to consumers especially during this time of the pandemic, without their commitment and support,” the local DTI official said.

She added that apart from getting the support of these enterprises, the

office is also grateful for the partnership it has established with the New City Commercial Center (NCCC).

“The NCCC Mall management gave us a venue for this upcoming run of the PDC. We appreciate the fact that we share the same goal of providing our consumers with the chance to access goods at lower prices,” Ambi said.

Among the products included in the PDC over the weekend are grocery items, basic necessities and prime commodities in particular. Meanwhile, the discounts will range from 10 percent to 30 percent.

The PDC is a DTI initiative in partnership with the manufacturers and distributors of manufactured

BNPCs, which are under the agency’s jurisdiction and are part of the items covered by the suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin.

DTI also ensures that aside from getting the best value for their money, consumers are assured of quality products.

“These are the products that our field and provincial offices monitor regularly to ensure that the consumers always get the best value for their hardearned financial resources,” Ambi said, adding that the PDC’s objective is really to provide the public with reasonably-priced quality products.

Ambi invited everyone to visit the Victoria Plaza Dome from Friday to Saturday this week.

(ARTA) Eastern Mindanao Region, the purpose of the activity was to reorient the participants on the salient features of the R.A. 11032.

The activity was participated by DOLE XI Committee on Anti-Red Tape, ARTA Focal Persons, Public Assistance Complaints Desk Officers, and Regional Program Focal Persons.

The re-orientation was presented by Atty. Lord Anthony A. Pusod, Attorney III of ARTA Eastern Mindanao Region, in which he gave emphasis on providing quality government service

while considerably reducing expenses and inconvenience as well as the corresponding administrative sanctions and penalties for violation of said law.

“This reorientation is one of DOLE XI’s means to uphold its commitment to promote transparency and eliminate red tape concerns across Davao Region. Our endeavor to effectively and efficiently perform our duty as public servants speaks for itself,” said DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy.

The activity was also at-

tended by DOLE XI Asst. Regional Director Atty. Jason P. Balais, TSSD Chief Paul V. Cruz, heads of DOLE XI Field Offices, ARTA Eastern Mindanao Region Chief Administrative Officer Fedelita M. Resma and Supervising Administrative Officer Eldie Barrientos.

ARTA Undersecretary Ernest V. Perez graced the event via Zoom and acknowledged the allegiance of DOLE XI to the government’s mandate to firmly enforce the Anti-Red Tape Act in all frontline services.

DOLE 11 enforces Anti-Red Tape Act

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he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI vows to perpetually enforce the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act in all its operations across the region.

On May 6, 2022, the Office initiated a reorientation on Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 in order to continually improve the streamlining of its key frontline services and programs.

Administered by the Anti-Red Tape Authority

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

In congratulating Marcos and Duterte-Carpio for their proclamation as President-elect and Vice President-elect:

The Office of the President shall ensure a peaceful, orderly, and smooth transfer of powers to the President-elect as we extend all the necessary support and assistance to various transition activities.”

Secretary Martin M. Andanar,

Presidential Communications Secretary and acting Presidential Spokesperson

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD PRODUCTION Up to 25% of world food production could be lost by 2050 as a result of climate change, water scarcity and land degradation, according to the forecast of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

“Despite the technological advances in the second half of the 20th century, agriculture remains to be one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change,” wrote Apple Jean C. Martin in a policy advocacy.

“Climate change is more disastrous to the agricultural industry of the Philippines and its neighboring countries than in other parts of the world,” warned Dr. David Street of the US Argonne National Laboratory.

Agriculture scientist Julian Gonsalves believed agriculture and climate change are closely linked. “Agriculture is part of the climate change problem. However, it is also part of the solution, offering many opportunities for mitigating GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions,” he told SciDev.Net. “The agriculture sector is expected to suffer the most serious impacts of climate change, and food security, nutrition and livelihoods will be affected if we don’t act soon,” added Gonsalves, senior advisor at the Cavite-based International Institute of Rural Recon-

struction.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) agrees. “Agriculture is extremely vulnerable to climate change,” the Washington, D.C.-based institute says. “Higher temperatures eventually reduce yields of desirable crops while encouraging weed and pest proliferation. Changes in precipitation patterns increase the likelihood of short-run crop failures and long-run production declines.”

In Asia, the World Bank lists the Philippines as one of the top 12 countries “at highest risk to climate change.” Droughts, floods, typhoons, rising sea levels, and greater uncertainty in agriculture were the reasons cited why our country was included in the top list.

Currently, the Philippines is home to more than 100 million people. It has a total land area of 30 million hectare, of which more than half are considered uplands.

Most of these uplands are now devoid of its forest cover.

“With decreasing land area devoted to agriculture, higher prices of agricultural inputs, lesser people engaging into agriculture and education in agriculture, and now, the advent of climate change, feeding the nation is a huge challenge,” writes Amavel A. Velasco in

an article which appeared in BAR Digest of the Bureau of Agricultural Research.

Our population, according to the Department of Agriculture, is predominantly rural (70%) and two-thirds of the population depend on farming for their livelihood. In terms of employment, about one-half of the labor force is engaged in agricultural activities.

With climate change becoming a reality, the livelihoods of our farmers are in jeopardy. “Between 1971 and 2000, mean annual, maximum, and minimum temperatures in the country have increased by 0.14 degrees Centigrade,” said a report released by the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

Let’s take the case of rice, our staple food. The Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) reported that climate change could reduce rice yields.

Although its study showed that rice could benefit from higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, an increase in temperature would “nullify any yield increase.”

The PCAARRD says that about 5%-7% decline in yield of major crops in the country is attributed to climate change. “The yield re-

duction is caused by heat stress, decrease in sink formation (number of spikelets per unit ground area), shortening of growing period, and increased maintenance for respiration,” it said.

Since 1980, the Philippines has been experiencing an increase in annual mean rainfall, and since 1990, an increase in the number of rainy days. There was also an increase in inter-annual variability of onset of rainfall in the past decades. “This erratic rainfall pattern has greatly affected the planting schedule and other activities of the farmers,” the PCARRD said.

In recent years, extreme events – heat waves, drought, and heavy rainfall – have become more frequent. Between 1961 and 1998, there was an increase in hot days and warm nights.

There was increased occurrence of extreme rains causing flash floods, landslides, and inundation of low-lying areas. Droughts normally associated with El Niño became more intense.

Water resources are especially vulnerable to climate change. “In a warmer world, we will need more water – to drink and to irrigate crops,” said the London-based Panos Institute. “Water for agriculture is critical for food security,” points out Mark W. Rosegrant, a senior research fellow at the

IFPRI. “The link between water and food is strong,” says Lester R. Brown, president of Earth Policy Institute, also based in Washington, D.C. “We drink, in one form or another, nearly 4 liters of water per day. But the food we consume each day requires at least 2,000 liters to produce, 500 times as much.”

Agriculture is by far the biggest consumer of water worldwide. According to IRRI, a farmer needs a thousand gallons of water just to raise a ton of rice.

On the other hand, the emissions from burning oil, coal and gas are both heating up the oceans and making them more acidic. Sea level is also rising.

“Many fish stocks will suffer because their spawning and nursery grounds in coastal mangroves and lagoons will be engulfed by rising sea levels,” the Panos Institute reported.

According to some studies, climate change may become a more important threat to ocean fisheries than overfishing.

Less fish is bad news for us as we are among the world’s biggest fish consumers. After all, fish provides more than half of the protein requirement of our people.

Each year, a Filipino consumes almost 30 kilograms of seafood.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO PROVINCE IN 1921 In only two decades after the Americans took over, Davao district (province) had under-gone several territorial adjustments.

P. J. Wesler, an agricultural advisor to the Manila administration, described the province in ‘The Natural Resources of Davao: Opportunities for Development’ (The Far Eastern Review, May 1921) as being ‘bounded on the north by Agusan province, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Celebes Sea and on the west

by Cotabato and Bukidnon, and has a coast line of more than 600 kilometers.’ It had an area of 7,486 square miles (i.e., 1,938,865.1 hectares) and was populated by about 101,000 inhabitants based on the 1918 census.

The district, alternately known as Southern Mindan-

ao, today consists of 2,035,700 hec-tares or an addition of 96,835 hectares from its land area a century ago. In terms of distribu-tion recorded in 1921, 1,749,420 hectares were classified as a commercial forest with only 30,730 hectares, or 1.6 percent of the territory, under cultivation. These figures were later re-adjusted given that an area equivalent to 6.1 percent or 117,564 hectares was yet to be sur-veyed wide mangrove swamps at the head of Davao Gulf.

Davao’s progress, meanwhile, was attributed to agricultural growth. By 1917, there were around sixty corporations engaged in large-scale farming, and this appreciated to one hun-dred twenty-seven the following year. Of these, eightytwo were owned by the Japanese, twenty by the Americans,

and nineteen by the Filipinos.

The province, Wesler wrote, had two large agricultural regions namely: (i) the land in north Davao drained by the Agusan River and its tributaries and (ii) the watershed of Saug, Liboganon, Tagum and Hijo Rivers at the head of the Gulf and the area to the west and south of it to Mount Apo and Malalag Bay on the west of the gulf and east of the gulf to Mapanga Bay. Demographically, the district was then inhabited mostly by Christian Filipinos and na-tives, 10,000 Japanese, 300 Chinese traders, and a hundred American expatriates, mostly ab-aca planters. Wesler also detailed the areas where the indigenous communities were settling, thus: ‘Of the native tribes, the Bagobo occupy the east coast of Davao Gulf from Digos to

Talo-mo, including the mountain slopes to Cotabato and the Guianga plain. The Tagacaolos inhab-it the country from Digos to Lais, and furnish most of the native plantation labor in the prov-ince. The Culamans are scattered from Padada to Sarangani on the east coast and from Kuabo to Cape San Agustin on the west coast of Davao Gulf. The Bilans (i.e., B’laans) occupy Sarangani Island and the country immediately to the north thereof, and there are some also here and there in the mountains north of Cape San Agustin. The Mandayas occupy the mountain range from Cape San Agustin to Agusan and the valleys of Agusan, Hijo and Tagum Rivers, north of the gulf. The Atas live in the interior between Davao and Libuganon Rivers. Remnants of the invading Moros are settled on Samal

and Sarangani Islands, at the mouths of Tagum, Hijo, Lasang and Sumlug Rivers, and in some villages on the Pacific coast between Manay and Mati.’

Transport was a primary issue that affected the development of Davao’s potentials.

The only first-class road that was opened was the Washington-Bonifacio (Piapi) road that linked the townsite to the Davao port and Santa Ana pier that at the time was undergoing exten-sion that would connect it to Talomo, where a private dock was situated.

The Americans also built two wireless stations in Davao (Madapo Hills) and Kuabo (Mati), and telephone lines that stretched to more vital towns on the east coast as far as Cateel.

The lines served as means of communication within the district and to the outside world.

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EDGE EDGE DAVAO DAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Green Innovations for Tomorrow Corporation’s (GIFTC) rice husk-fueled power plant in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, recycles around 480,000 kg. of rice husks per day and can supply electricity to around 6,480 households.

LANDBANK BANKROLLS P1.15-B WASTE-TOENERGY POWER PLANT IN NUEVA ECIJA TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija – The Green Innovations for Tomorrow Corporation (GIFTC) has carried out an economical and sustainable solution to address the problem of agricultural waste in this province—recognized as the ‘rice granary’ of the Philippines—by converting rice husks as biomass into renewable energy.

With rice production as the major source of livelihood in this palay-producing town, large volumes of rice husks are regularly being disposed of or burned in open fire, posing both environmental and health hazards to the community.

GIFTC aspired to recycle and make this agricultural waste useful by establishing a biomass power plant that would

generate electricity for households in the province.

To help make this vision a reality, GIFTC sought financial assistance from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and was granted loans in 2013 and 2018 totaling P1.15 billion under the Bank’s Renewable Energy Program.

Part of the LANDBANK loan bankrolled the construction of GIFTC’s biomass power plant in 2016, which is currently operating at a capacity of 10.8 megawatts electric (MWe).

The rest of the loan was allocated for the reimbursement of cost utilized for warehouses, dormitories and other structures, replacement

or repair of power plant parts, permanent working capital, including the acquisition of rice husk.

“LANDBANK was the first financial institution that believed in GIFTC’s vision for a sustainable future for our town, and for the whole country.

We wouldn’t be where we are now if it weren’t for their assistance,” said Engr. Martin O. Vendivil, Assistant Chief Operating Officer of GIFTC. Through the services of a grid operator, GIFTC’s biomass power plant can supply electricity to an estimated 6,480 households in selected municipalities and cities in Nueva Ecija, including other areas in neighboring provinces.

The GIFTC power plant consumes around

480,000 kilograms of rice husks per day bought from rice mills in the area, significantly decreasing agricultural waste in the town.

More importantly, the energy corporation helps reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, while preserving the country’s natural resources by manufacturing a renewable energy source.

“LANDBANK fully supports projects that harness the potential of renewable and alternative energy resources.

We will continue to work with development partners in preserving our environment and promoting climate change adaptation,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

Through the LAND-

BANK Renewable Energy Program, the state-run Bank aims to finance the development of renewable energy sources and increase access to reliable, clean and sustainable power to help mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change in the country.

Eligible borrowers such as electric cooperatives, local government units (LGUs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and government agencies may borrow up to 90% of the total cost of the project.

Cooperatives, associations and private borrowers categorized as single proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations may also borrow

up to 80% of the total project cost under the Program.

Term loans for working capital and project preparation are payable up to five (5) years with a six-month grace period on principal payment, while loans for capital expenditure are payable based on the borrower’s cash flow up to 15 years, with a three-year grace period.

The interest rate shall be based on the prevailing market rate but not lower than 5% per year.

As of 31 March 2022, LANDBANK has approved loans totaling P20.1 billion to 56 borrowers nationwide under the Renewable Energy Program, underscoring the Bank’s thrust of promoting sustainable finance and development.

WATER SERVICE INTERRUPTION IN SOME TUGBOK SUB-SYSTEM A AREAS ON MAY 27 DCWD advises that some areas served by Tugbok Sub-System A, particularly, Coca-Cola Plant and Balabag Compound in Ulas will experience water service interruption from 9:00 AM of Friday, May 27, 2022 until 9:00 AM of Saturday, May 28, 2022.

These areas will also be affected by the tapping of the complemen-

tary transmission line of Dumoy Water Supply System (WSS) Line 1 along Davao-Cotabato Road particularly in Ulas (near Coca-Cola Plant). Once completed, this project will improve and increase the volume of raw water transmission in Dumoy WSS Line 1.

DCWD has earlier announced the sched-

ules of said water service interruptions affecting all areas served

by Line 1 of Dumoy WSS and some areas served by Line 2 of Dumoy WSS. The complete list of affected areas and schedules are posted to DCWD’s website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/of-

ficialDCWD).

The DCWD management asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the schedules. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

DCWD conducts

flushing after service works are completed.

However, once water is restored, customers are advised to open all faucets and allow water to run for at least two minutes. Do not drink tap water immediately but if needed, boil water beforehand as safety precaution.

For other concerns pertaining to DCWD’s

services and operation, the general public may visit DCWD’s website and official Facebook page or contact DCWD’s 24-hour Water Patrol Emergency Hotlines 244-6767, 0927-7988966, 0908-441-0653, and 0925-511-3293 or chat support in DCWD’s Facebook page or website. (Katrina Belen R. Bongato)

9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

AGRITRENDS

Tilapia is now one of the most cultured fish in the country today.

FISHERY RESOURCES

IN DEEP TROUBLE (SECOND OF TWO PARTS) Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

n the 1950s, the average fish catch in the Philippines was “more than 10 kilograms a day.” It went down to “less than 5 kilograms a day” in the 1990s due to decades of overfishing, catching of juvenile fish, and use of illegal fishing methods, according to Jimely Flores, senior marine scientist of Oceana Philippines.

Those causes cited are rampant and transparent.

But the main culprits are actually rapid population growth and government neglect in preserving the life-sustaining coastal ecosystem since the postwar years.

The Philippines is home to more than 111 million Filipinos, based on projections of the latest United Nations data. Each day, about 5,000 Filipinos are added daily to the current population.

Meanwhile, the coastal zones of the country encompass approximately 17,000 kilometers of coastline. It includes: mangrove forests, tidal flats, estuaries, island ecosystems, coral

reefs and beaches.

Vanishing mangroves In 1980, the Philippines was among 10 countries with the largest mangrove areas in Asia. At that time, it had 146,000 hectares of mangrove forests. By 1988, however, the area went down to 38,000 hectares. The country had some 500,000 hectares of mangroves in 1920.

“All over the country, whatever coastal province you visit, you see the same plight – desolate stretches of shoreline completely stripped of mangrove cover and now totally exposed to the pounding of ocean’s waves,” commented a Filipino environmentalist.

The Department of En-

vironment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported that most of the remaining vegetated mangrove areas in the country today are second-growth, containing other than the original species.

Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim, then the director of

DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, said its agency has identified 42 species of mangroves in the country. None of them are facing extinction yet.

But the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is considering of putting 11 out of 70 man-

grove species assessed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

“Mangroves form one of the most important tropical habitats that support many species, and their loss can affect marine and terrestrial biodiversity much more widely,” pointed out Beth Polidoro, who led the first-ever global assessment on the conservation status of mangroves.

Mangroves are very important to marine life, says Dr. Rafael Guerrero III, an academician with the National Academy of Science and Technology and a fishery expert. They serve as sanctuaries and feeding grounds for fish that nibble on detritus (fallen and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on

the bark and leaves of living trees. “(Mangroves) are important feeding sites for many commercially important fish species (mullet, tilapia, eel, and especially milkfish), shrimps, prawns, mollusks, crabs, and sea cucumbers,” a World Bank report on environment added. “Fry that gather in mangrove areas are very important for aquaculture.”

Coral reefs on the brink On land, the ecosystem that supports the greatest number of plant and animal species is the rainforest. In the sea, it’s the coral reef.

But unlike their counterparts, coral reefs have not been given much importance by people since they could not be seen.

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Meanwhile, Malacañang congratulated Marcos and Duterte-Carpio for their proclamation as President-elect and Vice President-elect, respectively.

“The Office of the President shall ensure a peaceful, orderly, and smooth transfer of powers to the President-elect as we extend all the necessary support and assistance to various transition activities,” said Secretary Martin M. Andanar, Presidential Communications Secretary and acting Presidential Spokesperson in a statement.

Andanar said as both leaders are about to embark on the responsibilities and challenges of their respective offices, the Palace reiterates its call to the people to stand behind the newly elected leaders.

On the other hand, Marcos has appointed former Davao del Norte Second District Representative Anton Lagdameo as Special Assis-

tant to the President (SAP).

Marcos has earlier announced the members of his Cabinet: Duterte-Carpio to head the Department of Education (DepEd); Atty.

Vic Rodriguez as Executive Secretary; Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla for the Department of Justice (DOJ); Susan “Toots” Ople for the Department of Migrant Workers; Trixie Angeles as head for the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO); Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. for the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Bienvenido Laguesma for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Arsenio Balisacan for the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA0; Benajmin Diokno for the Department of Finance (DOF), and Manuel “Manny” Bonoan for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

its community-based programs, projects and activities.

Same with other recipients of TESDA skills trainings, those in BDP areas will also be receiving stipend and allow-

ances for fare, cellphone load for communication access, and personal protective gears and hygienic solutions such as alcohol against COVID-19 infection. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

ered individuals.

Covid-19 Cluster Clinics function as one-stop-shop for contact tracing and consultations for those who are manifesting Covid-19 symptoms. It is also where the swabbing, quarantine, and reintegration of recovered individuals are facilitated. The city government will open two more Covid-19 Cluster Clinics at the Talomo River and in Ilang, Tibungco. These two facilities are nearing completion.

Apart from detection through swab tests in CCCs, Davao city’s district health

offices, and barangay health stations continue offering medical consultations for people who are experiencing Influenza-like-Illnesses (ILIs) and free swabbing.

“Wala pud nato gitanggal ang atoang strategy of doing ILI consult because it is the only way we can intensify case finding. So if you have ILI you will be mandated to quarantine, and you have to submit yourself para magpa swab kahit wala kay exposure kay naa kay Covid-19 symptoms or manifesting Covid-19 symptoms,” she said.

trum. In fact, historically, UP has been known to be a marketplace of various discourses and ideologies.

We encourage freedom of thought and expression as long as it is within legal bounds,” Murao stressed.

“We call on everyone concerned to observe sobriety and objectivity,” she said.

In a statement released last week, Murao said the administration would consider legal actions against those who engage in the redtagging of any member of its community.

“This is my promise to you our dear students. The admin will continue to protect you against any form of harassment. In turn, promise me also that you will use your critical thinking in

the right track for national development,” Murao addressed the students.

Himati, UPMin’s student publication, reported on its Facebook page that UP Student Regent Renee Louise Co is suggesting a safe haven resolution for UPMin during the official’s visit in campus Tuesday last week.

One recent post that started a wildfire of redtagging from different sectors was one by Dr. Edward “Choyax” Cagape Jr. Cagape’s statement, posted on his personal Facebook page evening of May 14, claimed there was an active recruitment of NPAs in campus and chided classmates who post denials. “There is and it starts with the words ‘critical thinking’,” he added.

framework, we can amend our laws to include the government among those that can fund a nuclear power plant,” he added.

Erguiza said that based on studies of the Korean Hydro Nuclear Power Company of South Korea and

ROSATOM of Russia, they have found out that the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) can still be rehabilitated.

According to ROSATOM, an investment of around USD3 billion to USD4 billion is needed to revive the BNPP.

Agriculture experts doubted if this was possible, and Marcos has been tightlipped about how he plans to accomplish this.

Fausto also said that P20 per kilo rice may not be good for farmers. He added that there may be no more money for subsidies.

added 10 rebounds. But the Heat shot only 30-of94 (31.9%) from the floor and 7-of-45 (15.6%) from 3-point range.

The Heat’s starting backcourt, Max Strus and Kyle Lowry, were a combined 0-of-15 from the floor, 0-for-12 from 3-point range.

Boston’s Marcus Smart played despite a right ankle sprain and teammate Robert Williams was on the court despite a left knee in-

jury.

Philippine companies under the management of Asiaticus Management Corporation (AMCOR) that currently hold control of the Pujada Nickel Project. The Mineral Production and Sharing Agreements (MPSA) granted to these mining companies give the right of ingress and egress for the next 25 years and are renewable for the same period.

“What alarms us is that the Pujada Nickel Open-Pit Mining Project straddles between and within close proximity of Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Range, a UNESCO Heritage Site and protected

by Republic Act 9303 and Pujada Bay Protected Seascape and Landscape through Presidential Proclamation 431 and Republic Act 7586.

Regardless of the claim that it is outside the protected area delineation, we strongly uphold and fight for the ecological rights and integrities of these watersheds from ridge to reef,” it said.

The group explained that portions of these protected areas are within a proximity radius of only 8 kilometers from the openpit mining site. Eight kilometers north-east from the mining site is already Pujada Island and eight kilometers heading east is already the peak and highest elevation point of Mt. Hamiguitan.

“The environmental impacts of open-pit mining affect water quality, air, hydro-geology, biodiversity, resources, and communities in a wider and regional scope and could not be contained compactly as pollution will always exceed spatial boundaries and delineations,” the group said.

IDIS also emphasized that the Pujada Nickel Project overlaps 16,000 hectares of ancestral domain claims of the Mandaya Indigenous People; thus, there is a need to secure Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), especially coming from the indigenous stakeholders.

“However, the FPIC was only achieved by establishing an arbitrary and illegitimate Council of Elders, not recognized as an

authority by the majority of the Indigenous people. The Macambol-Mamali United Mandaya Tribal Council said that their members were not sufficiently consulted about the project and were not permitted to speak and raise objections to the mining project during meetings with the NCIP. The mining’s negative effects on the Mandaya tribe will lead to the loss of their lands, and a serious threat to their livelihoods, local resources, and cultural preservation,” the group stated.

With these risks to the above-mentioned sectors, IDIS is calling on Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco of the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 11) for the full closure of open-pit mining in Macambol and halting of its Mining Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).

The group has also called on the City Council of Mati and Governor Generoso and DENR 11 to declare these areas as buffer, greenbelt, and transitional zones, particularly “environmental critical areas” or “critical habitats” as stated in the Philippine Wildlife Act. IDIS also called on the two Protected Area Management Boards (PAMB) of Mt. Hamiguitan and Pujada Bay to have cohesive and interlinked planning to close off the open-pit mining, a highly destructive activity in these areas.

Meanwhile, the Mati CiENRO also clarified that the mining operation has been issued a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) by DENR in 2004 and has been in operation since then.

Aside from the MPSA, the mining companies jointly operated by Hallmark Mining are also given the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) by the national government which certifies that “the development, construction and operation of the mine/quarry will not bring about unacceptable environmental impacts”. By Maya M. Padillo

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Smart had five points, five rebounds and four assists plus stalwart defensive moves while Williams contributed six points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots.

The Heat led 42-37 at half-time, the closest midpoint score so far in the blowout-filled series. Adebayo led Miami with 10 points while Derrick White had 11 off the Boston bench.

Agence France-Presse

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“When trees are cut and human beings are affected as a result of flash floods, people rallied against deforestation,” explained Dr. Bernhard Riegel, associate director of the National Coral Reef Institute in the United States. “But like forests, coral reefs are also suffering the same magnitude of destruction.”

“One of the greatest natural treasures, (coral reefs) are habitats for rare species, including some 488 species of corals, 971 species of benthic algae, and 2,000 species of fish,” explains Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, a professor at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines.

“A single reef may contain 3,000 species of corals, fish, and shellfish.”

Studies have shown that a single reef can support as many as 3,000 species of marine life. As fishing grounds, they are thought to be 10 to 100 times as productive per unit area as the open sea.

The Philippines has the distinction of being home to more than 400 of the 700 coral reefs known to man. Unfortunately, most of these reefs are in a sad state of destruction. Unless something is done soon to stop their destruction, fish production may collapse.

“The decline in fishery production is largely a result of the destruction of coral reefs, which serve as habitat for marine organisms,” said Rolando T. Dy, executive director of the Center for Food and Agribusiness of the University of Asia and the Pacific. “Coral reefs are suffering despite long-term outlawing damaging fishing practices.”

Neglected seagrasses Seagrasses receive little attention like coral reefs.

But like mangroves, they act as a buffer to winds and provide habitats and shelter for many invertebrates and fishes. They also serve as filters to sewage, reducing the effects of pollution on coral reefs and mangroves.

Seagrasses are said to be the “last frontier” of the country’s basic marine needs. And yet, they are being destroyed at a very alarming rate.

“In spite of the ecological and economic value of seagrasses, between 30% to 50% of the seagrass beds have been lost due to industrial development, ports, and recreation in the last 50 years,” deplored Dr. Lim. Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, the country’s foremost expert on seagrasses, echoed the same concern. “Despite their high biodiversity and abundance, seagrass habitats are still poorly understood in our country,” he said. “Hence, it appears only marginally useful when, in fact, the ecosystem plays significant economic and ecological roles.”

The Philippines has 18 species of seagrasses thriving along its coasts. This makes the Philippines as having the second highest species of seagrasses around the world. Western Australia leads — with more than 30 species of seagrasses.

Seagrasses provide food and shelter for many organisms, and are a nursery ground for commercially important prawn and fish species. The high primary production rates of seagrasses are closely linked to the high production rates of associated fisheries.

Among the diversified species found in the seagrass beds are fishes, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, scallops, mussels and snails. Shrimps spend the early stages of their lives in seagrass areas. Large animals like seacows (dugong) and green sea turtles graze extensively in seagrass beds.

Seahorses, a tourist attraction and of medicinal value, reside in seagrass beds. A study done in five seagrass sites in the country identified a total of 1,384 individuals and 55 species from 25 fish families.

Climate change Aside from the destruction of the primary fishery sanctuaries of the coastal ecosystem, climate change has also been cited by fishery experts as another important factor affecting fisheries. “The level of impacts varies widely and depends on attributes of the species as well as on their regional specificity,” said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Changes in ocean circulation, the UN-sponsored body explained, may lead to the loss of certain populations or the establishment of new ones.

Among those fishes that will be greatly affected with climate change are the pelagic fish stocks. They exhibit unique spatial and temporal distribution patterns related to their bioclimatic niche.

“Climate changes and associated shifts in primary and secondary production have therefore impacted on the distribution range, migratory habits and stock size of many marine fish species,” climefish.eu explains.

Take the case of tuna.

Some years back, the General Santos City tried to break the previous record of the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest display of tuna at its landing port. Although they failed to make it, they discovered something more alarming: the fish caught were getting smaller.

In the past, fishermen used to catch tuna fish as heavy as 60-70 kilograms.

But these days, the biggest they had caught weighed only 35-40 kilograms.

“That’s concrete evidence that the fish are getting smaller,” said the spokesperson of the Alliance of Tuna Handline Operators.

A study published in the journal Nature Sustainability found out that climate is causing tuna to migrate, which could spell catastrophe for those who depend on them. “If ocean warming continues at current rates, the tuna catch… is expected to decline by an average of 20% by 2050,” the study said.

Fishery resources are indeed in deep trouble!

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

11

Olympic champion weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippine Air Force.

PSC thankful for AFP’s support in SEAG

P

hilippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez expressed his gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday for the contribution of military-athletes crucial to the country’s medal finish in the recent 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Olympic champion weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippine Air Force, trackster Clinton Bautista of the Philippine Navy and boxers Ian Clark Bautista (Navy) and Eumir Marcial

(Air Force) delivered the gold medals in their respective sports.

Joining them are muaythai’s Phillip Delarmino of the Philippine Navy and PH women’s basketball players

Janine Pontejos and France Mae Cabinbin of the Philippine Army and Marizze Andrea Cabinbin (Navy).

“We thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines for these athletes.

The contributions of the AFP proved vital to our success in the SEA Games,’’ said Ramirez.

Team Philippines brought home 52 gold, 70 silver and 104 bronze medals and ended up fourth overall in the medal standings, the best finish of the nation in the Games out-

Celtics beat the Heat to reach brink of NBA Finals

M

IAMI -Jaylen Brown scored 25 points and Jayson Tatum added 22 as the Boston Celtics moved to the brink of the NBA Finals on Wednesday by defeating Miami 93-80.

Tatum added gamehighs of 12 rebounds and nine assists as the visiting Celtics took a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals series, which continues in Boston on Friday.

“We’ve got to be ready for the next one,” Brown said.

The Celtics, who improved to 6-2 on the road in this year’s playoffs, are one

victory from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010, when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.

They have not captured the NBA crown since 2008, when they beat the Lakers.

A physical, defensive-minded contest was decided late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, when the Celtics went on a 24-2 run, Brown scoring 13 in the spurt and Tatum adding seven.

“We just got it going offensively,” Brown said.

“We stopped turning the ball over. We cleaned it up, made more shots and got settled in.”

The Celtics dominated the third quarter, outscoring Miami 32-16 and closing the period with a 10-0 run for the largest lead to

that point at 69-58 entering the fourth quarter.

Miami went 4-for-22 shooting from the floor in the third quarter.

Boston then opened the fourth quarter with a 14-2 run to seize command at 83-60 and the Celtics held off Miami from there, an emphatic slam dunk by Brown serving notice the visitors would not be letting the Heat make the game dramatic over the final minutes.

“We played defense great in the first half. We played great defense in the second half,” Brown said.

“Once we started shooting the ball straight I knew we’d have a good half.”

Bam Adebayo led Miami with 18 points and also

FCELTICS, P10

side of the Philippines since winding up second overall in 1983 Singapore.

The six gold medals coming from these soldier-athletes gave Team Philippines enough cushion from Singapore, which delivered 47 gold medals and settled fifth overall in the medal tally.

“The AFP has been very supportive, not only in our SEA Games campaign, but every time we carry our flag in international competitions,’’ said Ramirez, who also thanked the rest

of the 117 enlisted athletes and coaches from the three branches of military service.

Military-athletes also grabbed 11 silver and 16 bronze medals from Hanoi with rowers Cris Nievarez (Army) and Joanie Delgaco (Navy) winning at least two medals each along with WGM Janelle Frayna (Air Force) in chess.

Other silver medalists from the AFP are decathlete Aries Toledo, boxer Irish Magno, Grandmaster Darwin Laylo of chess, Russel

Misal of table tennis, Jeson Patrombon (tennis) and wrestlers Alvin Lobreguito, Ronil Tubog and Jhonny Morte.

Also claiming bronze medals were military-athletes Sonny Wagdos and Jelly Dianne Paralige of athletics, boxer Riza Pasuit, rowers Roque Abala and Nicanor Jasmin, sepak takraw’s Jason Huerte and Rheyjey Ortouste, beach volleyball’s Alnakran Abdilla, Jovelyn Gonzaga and wrestlers Jason Balabal and Noel Norada.

Boston Celtics forward Jalen Brown, argues a call with an official during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals series between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena, in Miami, Florida. Rhona Wise, EPA-EFE

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

ON A ROLL Dabawenya golfer Alessandra Nagayo watches her putt roll.

Nagayo wins another Canadian Junior Girls title

BY NEIL BRAVO

C

anada-based Dabawenya golf phenom Alessandra “Ella” Nagayo followed up her recent win in the Canadian Junior Golf Association circuit after coming through with another championshp in the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship Qualifier Presented by The Ultimate Divot Tool last May 18.

Playing for Toronto, the 18-year old Nagayo, nicknamed “Swingderella” and a daughter of former Davao City councilor Atty. Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo, tamed the Century Pines golf course with rounds of 72 and 73 to finish with a one over par 145. She strung up a total of seven birdies and averages of 3.1 average par 3 score, 4.1 on par 4s and 4.8 on par 5s.

Alessia Lorimer of Richmond and Angela Cai of Oakville finishes second and third. Boyun Kim and Jessica Chen rounded up the top 5 of the tough tournament contested by Canada’s top junior players.

Earlier, Nagayo opened the 2022 season of the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) with a smashing triumph in the Season Opener last April 16-17 in Ontario, Canada.

Nagayo was able to keep her game adrift de-

spite the biting winter cold and snow at the Silver Brooke course. She carded a 7 over par 79 in the opening 18 holes before closing out with a better scorecard in the final round of the 36-hole tournament with a four over par 76 and 155 total.

“It’s not her best scores but she played better than the field. The conditions were just too tough,” the elder Nagayo told Edge Davao.

Julia Alexander Carew of Oakville, Ontario finished second two strokes behind at 157 while Olivia Chan of Richmond Hill was a far third at 205. Arielle Dhamija was fourth with a 221.

Nagayo has represented Canada in several international team tournaments since moving to Canada from Australia. She began her career as a jungolfer at the Apo Golf and Country Club.