Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 68 | Saturday, July 2, 2022

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Anti-Scam Unit warns against scheming wedding organizers STORY ON PAGE 2

Former President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he delivers a speech before a crowd of supporters during a homecoming concert dedicated to him held at the parking area of NCCC VPlaza mall in Davao City on Thursday night.

Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

An avid supporter holds a mobile phone with a welcome home message for former President Rodrigo Duterte as a wallpaper during the homecoming concert initiated by the management if NCCC held at NCCC VPlaza mall parking area in Davao City on Thursday night. Edge Davao

WEDDING SCAM T

Davao City celebrates World Day Against Child Labor

Anti-Scam Unit warns against scheming wedding organizers

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ntil scam do us part.

That could be aptly said of 30 couples victimized by a new scam offering wedding packages online.

The Davao City Anti-Scam Unit (CASU) has issued a warning against organizers offering fake wedding packages online.

Simplicio Sagarino, head of CASU, issued the

warning after his office received reports that 30 couples were allegedly scammed by a Davaobased wedding organizer.

Sagarino reported that the said organizer offered a

package worth P65,000 inclusive of the venue, food, and gown.

He also said that the couples have paid almost full and more than 50 percent but the event did not materialize.

Sagarino said CASU already sent an invitation for a dialogue with the said organizer.

To prevent being scammed again, Sagarino advised couples and couples-to-be to always check the business permits of the organizers.

“Tan-awon gyud sa couple kung asa ang ilahang permit naa ba sila’y Bureau of Internal Revenue permit, naa ba sila’y

ippines.

A press release Thursday from the NDFP quoted Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair as saying it was Marcos Jr.’s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte who terminated the peace negotiations in 2017 but that “if the incoming Marcos administration is willing to talk, why not?”

Sison, however, said: “But right now, there are no indications that Marcos would like peace talks. Resuming peace negotiations is quite easy…by simply reaffirming the agreements that were previously agreed upon and signed by the two parties in the negotiations.”

Sison issued the pronouncement during the

online launch last June 28 of his latest book “On the GRP-NDFP Peace Negotiations” organized by the NDFP International Information Office and the International Network for Philippine Studies.

He added that while the NDFP was open to resuming the peace talks, there is

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NDFP open to peace talks with new gov’t but wary of ‘all-out war’ policy

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he National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) said it was willing to open peace negotiations with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if the latter would also show willingness to talk.

Marcos Jr. took his oath at noon on Thursday as the 17th president of the Phil-

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he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Davao City Field Office, in partnership with the City Government of Davao through the Special Office for Children’s Concerns (SOCC) and the Project Angel Tree Community Establishments, celebrated the World Day Against Child Labor with a program of children’s activities at the Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao on Thursday, June 30, 2022.

One hundred children—classified as “working children” by DOLE definition—and their parents from Agdao Proper, Barangay 78-A Bucana, Matina Pangi, Isla Verde, and Lubugan participated in the event, where they got to play games and win prizes such as mobile phones, home appliances, and clothing. They were also entertained with a magic show and an acrobatic performance. Each child went home with a school bag and a sack of rice.

In an interview with the City Information Office, SOCC Head Consorcia Ronquillo said that the event aims to restore a semblance of childhood wonder to working children and urge them to concentrate on educational pursuits despite being exposed to the world of labor very early on. She also declared that their office is determined

to reduce the cases of child labor in the city.

“Kini atong programa gyud no, kita nga naa sa gobyerno atong gipaningkamotan gyud na ma-eliminate or at least ma-lessen ang atong cases of child labor … Hatagan nato sila kanunay gyud og pagtagad labaw na sa ilang pagskwela (This program of ours, us working in the government are really striving to eliminate or at least lessen the cases of child labor. We will constantly give these children our attention, most especially in terms of their education),” Ronquillo said.

Although most cases of child labor are voluntary—wherein children willingly find some form of employment or source of income to help sustain their family financially—the SOCC Head said parents must spare their children from the detrimental effects child labor bring on young minds and the children’s future. She said the SOCC, with help from DOLE XI and other stakeholders, is currently developing community-based programs that will focus on responsible parenting to address the issue.

“Nagahimo mi og programa karon ‘no in partnership with other stakeholders nga unta ang mga ginikanan dili nila iduso ang mga kabatan-onan

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VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

NEWS

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President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio attend a mass at the San Miguel Parish Church on Friday, July 1, 2022, together with several Cabinet secretaries and officials of the government. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Citizen Digong shares education, healthcare accomplishments DavOr makes partial payment to landowners for Mati airport project

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ormer Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang announced that the provincial government of Davao Oriental already made a partial payment to the landowners of the property where the Mati airport will be constructed.

“Nag-signing of agreement sa atong Mati airport. Nag partial payment nata sa mga tag iya sa luna,” Dayanghirang said in his speech during his State of the Province Address on June 29, 2022.

Dayanghirang had turned over checks to the heirs of the Rabat and Rocamora families for the partial payment to the land acquisition deal for the Mati airport. The payment will pave the way for the full ownership of the land by the government.

On a Facebook Page, the provincial government shared that 50 percent of the agreed purchase price of the affected lots which was turned over is part of the P200 million allocated by the government through the Department of Transportation (DoTr) for the acquisition of the private lands at the Mati airport

from its private owners.

After finalizing the acquisition of the privately-owned lands of the Mati Airport, the Department of Transportation said they are proposing another P240 million budget for the sprucing up and expansion projects at the Mati airport in 2023.

Santy Zapata of DoTr and the designated project manager of the Mati airport said they will develop basic facilities for the airport like a runway that can accommodate 3C turboprops.

He also said their agency is proposing another P240 million budget to fund the development of the Mati airport next year as it will be designed to also accommodate international flights.

Last month, Mati City Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat-Gayta told the media that the private owners of the land where the Mati City airport is located have given their final consent, paving the way for the commercial opening and expansion of the facility.

The airport is expected to boost tourism and

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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peaking as an ordinary citizen after stepping down from office on Thursday, former President Rodrigo Duterte shared his achievements on education and healthcare while he was President.

Duterte spoke fondly of his free education and Universal Health Care Law as among the major accomplishments of his administration.

He urged Dabawenyos, who flocked for the homecoming concert staged for him at the parking area of NCCC-Victoria Plaza

Thursday evening, to avail the free education and healthcare.

‘Wala namo problems sa tertiary. Libre na ang college. Mao ni akong gisaad sa inyo free education,” he said.

The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of the Duterte

administration provides free tuition for students of 112 state universities and colleges across the country.

It also provided financial assistance to poor but deserving students from marginalized families, indigenous communities, or persons with disabilities through the United Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST).

Duterte also highlighted the Universal Health Care Act which guaran-

tees equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all Filipinos.

“Ingon ko sa inyuha medisina, karon anaa nay universal health care.

Muabot mo ug hospital, patambal mo ngadto, mupirma lang mo kung walay ikabayad ug walay Philhealth. Tinuod na.kung naa mo medisina na dili ninyo mapalit, libre lang na. Mao ni akong saad ninyo healthcare ug edukasyon,” Duterte said.

Office said DILG gave Davao City a 95 percent compliance score for 2019, and 87.9 percent for 2021.

The recognition, which was part of the DILG’s Peace and Order Performance Audit for all Local Government Units (LGU), was given on June 28 here.

DILG cited the exempla-

ry performance of the city government for the conduct of the 2019 and 2021 Peace and Order Performance Audit held on May 26-27 2022.

Angel Sumagaysay, head of the city’s public safety and security command center, said the award gave the city government confi-

dence to continue performing well to serve the public.

“We will sustain the security posturing of the city and the constant communication to the members of the security and safety cluster,” he said.

Sumagaysay also assured they will continue to

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DILG cites Davao City’s peace, order initiatives T

he Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has accorded this city a high score for the implementation of its peace, security, and development agenda aimed at peaceful, orderly, and safe communities.

In a statement Thursday, the City Information

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VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

A woman does her laundry by the bank of the Pugaan River in Iligan City early morning Thursday (30 June 2022). MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

BSP eyes June inflation between 5.7% to 6.5%

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ustained jumps in oil prices and their impact on power rates are expected to push mainly the June 2022 domestic inflation rate to between 5.7 percent to 6.5 percent.

In a statement on Friday, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said “higher prices of key food items and peso depreciation” are also among the inflationary pressures during the month.

These factors, however, are seen to be countered by the lower price of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and fish, it said.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will continue to closely monitor emerging price

developments to enable timely intervention to arrest emergence of further second-round effects, consistent with BSP’s mandate of price and financial stability,” it added.

The range of projected inflation rate for this month is higher than the 5.4 percent last May, which in turn is the second consecutive month that rate of price increases surpassed the government’s 2-4 per-

cent target band.

The average inflation in the first five months this year stood at 4.1 percent.

Monetary authorities have revised upwards the central bank’s average inflation forecast for this and next year to 5 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively.

These were previously at 4.6 percent for 2022 and 3.9 percent for 2023.

(PNA)

during the Duterte administration.

Barcelon said these initiatives of simplifying the transactions with public offices and efforts of eliminating red tape ensure sustained business confidence and trust in the government.

He added the business community gives importance to eradicating red tape in the bureaucracy to gain confidence of local and foreign investors.

“The PCCI commends ARTA for having accomplished quite a number of milestones that really benefited the business community. We are happy that ARTA and PCCI have a strong partnership in implementing these policy reforms in government,” Barcelon said.

The PCCI chief cited ARTA’s programs that helped ease doing business and eliminate red tape.

These include the National Effort for the Harmonization of Efficiency Measures of Interrelated Agencies (NEHEMIA) program that aims to address overregulation in sectors of logistics, telecommunication, housing, food and pharmaceutical, and energy; the joint memorandum circulars for building telecommunication towers; integrating the Food and

PCCI urges Marcos administration to pursue ease of doing biz efforts

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he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, is urging the new administration to continue policies and measures of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

In a statement Thursday, PCCI president George Barcelon hoped the government would sustain the reforms of ARTA that were started

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Peso still competitive; weakness benefits exporters, OFWs: Diokno

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inance chief Benjamin Diokno said the depreciation of the peso is not that bad as it remains in the middle of the pack compared to other currencies of Asian neighbors, adding the local currency is still competitive.

The local currency weakened to 55-level against the US dollar on Wednesday, which authorities and economists point to the impact of stronger dollar due in part to continued increase in Federal Reserve’s key rates and the Russia-Ukraine war on global commodities prices.

Diokno told reporters Wednesday night that the right way to assess the peso’s performance is its real effective exchange rate, or how it compares with other competitors.

“We are at the middle so our currency is competitive,” he said, adding the unit that has posted

the highest depreciation so far is the Japanese yen followed by the Indian rupee.

Diokno said that if the local unit is “very competitive”, which means you will need less peso in exchange for a US dollar, it will benefit, among others, those who have the capacity to travel abroad and those who consume goods being sold overseas.

He said the weakness of the peso will benefit beneficiaries of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the exporters.

Meanwhile, Diokno said the incoming administration will be opportunistic in tapping the foreign capital markets to boost financing for its projects.

“But right now, I think, our bias is to rely on domestic borrowings,” he said.

Diokno said that in the past, the government

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VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

ECONOMY

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Sellers of dressed chickens like this stall at a community public market in Toril are experiencing weak sales due to the product’s constant increasing prices. Edge Davao

Two DavNor transport coops secure routes under PUVMP Insurance sector in PH grows amid pandemic

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he insurance industry in the Philippines remains strong amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Reinsurance Corp of the Philippines (NAT Re) said Thursday.

At the virtual Annual Stockholders Meeting of NAT Re, the company said despite many claims due to the pandemic and natural disasters in 2021, the company and the insurance industry as a whole have grown further.

NAT Re President and CEO Allan Santos said the industry grew by 8.4 percent in terms of assets in 2021, and had risen by 21.6 percent in terms of premiums.

NAT Re’s net income also climbed by 18 percent to P142 million in 2021, despite the year having many Covid cases and Typhoon Odette forcing more people to claim insurance.

Santos said last year’s Covid-19 life and health confirmed and suspected

claim cases reached P46 million, higher than P7 million in 2020.

But the company has strategized its investments focusing on about 58 percent of the P8.7 billion investment in government securities, supporting infrastructure and social services. The remaining 42 percent was invested in the private sector, corporate bonds, equities and short-term deposits.

“The pandemic has also resulted in volatility of NAT Re’s investments.

In this regard, NAT Re moved its investments toward lower risk profile by reducing the company’s exposure to equities and shortening the duration of its fixed income instruments,” Santos said.

He is also hopeful for 2022 as the pandemic also pushed insurance awareness up and they plan to develop more packages and programs

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wo transport cooperatives have successfully applied for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in Davao del Norte, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Davao Region (LTFRB-11) said Thursday.

LTFRB-11 said the approval for local public transport route plans (LPTRPs) for Sto. Tomas Van Transport Service Cooperative and the Kapalong Transport Cooperative was part of the 30 approved routes in the province.

It said the two cooperatives may now apply

for a bank loan at the Development Bank of the Philippines or Land Bank of the Philippines to avail of the loan program under the PUVMP. The LTFRB-11 said the 27 remaining LPTRP applications for Davao del Norte are still being processed.

The provincial gov-

ernment is required under the PUVMP to submit their own LPTRP as a prerequisite for the opening of PUV franchises within their jurisdiction, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

The agency said route rationalization studies should be conducted to determine the appropriate mode, quantity, and service characteristics of the public transport service in each corridor.

This way, LTFRB-11 said routes are more responsive to passenger

H

kilogram rollback in its household LPG prices.

The price adjustment will take effect at 12:01 a.m.

The downward adjustment is equivalent to a P4.40 reduction in the price of a typical 11-kilogram LPG tank.

Solane, likewise, said it will decrease its LPG price by P0.36 per kilogram, effective at 6 a.m. on July 1.

Data from the Department of Energy as of June showed the retail prices of an 11-kilogram LPG cylinder range between

demand and ensure that the hierarchy of roads and modes of transportation are followed.

On Monday, LTFRB-11 Director Don Nonito Llanos III has led the launching of seven modern PUV units in Davao del Sur province and its component city of Digos.

The PUVMP aims to revolutionize the transportation system in the country as it will replace traditional transportation with brand-new vehicles equipped with features that provide comfort and security for the passengers. (PNA)

P879.20 and P1,107.09.

Petron also announced it will slash its AutoLPG price by P0.22 per liter at the same time.

“These reflect the international contract price of LPG for the month of July,” the company said.

LPG prices go down

ouseholds should breathe a sigh of relief as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices are slashed effective Friday, July 1.

In an advisory on Thursday, Petron Corporation announced it will implement a P0.40 per

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

On his thoughts after stepping down from a six-year term:

Ako tapos na ako. Ako niabot na ang akong panahon. Tapos na. Daghan na ko ug sakit.

77, 78, 79 maglubong namo ug ex- president. Gusto ko kung asa daghan didto ko palubong aron naa ko sa masa gihapon.”

Former President Rodrigo Duterte

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

DENGUE IS STILL HERE! The National Dengue Awareness Month has ended. But it doesn’t mean we become complacent now. In fact, we need to be proactive as the number of dengue cases continues to surge.

The Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health (DOH) reported that from January 1 to June 11 this year, a total of 45,416 cases had been recorded.

This was 45% higher compared to the recorded cases in the same period in 2021 which was only 31,320.

In Davao City, dengue cases climbed – from 102 in May to 133 in June. That’s according to Beth Banzon, head of Tropical Diseases Prevention and Control Unit Coordinator of the City Health Office.

From January to May 2022, the unit reported a total of 654 dengue cases with three deaths.

People are advised to watch out for those insects lurking in the closets, damp places, and pails, drums and basins full of water. They are just waiting for the right time to strike again.

Mosquitoes are described as “terrorists on the loose.” They attack anytime of the day. They don’t have any weapons but their bite is as deadly as the gun.

There’s no blood that will spill out but watch out, they are in-

deed lethal.

This is especially true in the case of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which carry one of the four types of dengue viruses. More die from the bite of this dengue-transmitting mosquito than from the kidnappers’ bullets.

And like death and taxes, dengue exempts no one: fat or thin, ugly or beautiful, rich or poor, educated and illiterate. Children, who are exposed in open areas while playing, are more prone although adults are not spared.

I had a friend, who was a lawyer. He was based in Manila but at one time he went to Baguio, where he contracted dengue. A few days after being bitten, he suffered high fever, severe headache, and pain behind the eyes.

There was also an outbreak of rashes in some parts of his body.

From Baguio, he was brought to Manila. But it was already too late. He suffered hemorrhage in the liver and died three weeks after being confined in one of the well-known hospitals in Makati City.

Even doctors die from it, too!

There was a case of a lady physician whose daughter suffered from dengue. Unknowingly, a mosquito which bit her daughter had bitten the doctor. A few days after the daughter died, as a

result of dengue, the doctor also showed manifestations of having dengue. She also died of the same disease.

Dengue fever actually doesn’t kill. It’s when dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) takes over that it becomes lethal. Some five percent of DHF cases are fatal; without proper treatment, the rate rises up to 15 percent DHF was first recognized during the 1950s. The Philippines reported a DHF epidemic in 1953-45, according to the Philippine Journal of Pediatrics.

Before 1970, only nine countries had experienced dengue and DHF epidemics. Today, the disease is endemic in more than 100 countries.

“Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, hemorrhagic phenomena – often with enlargement of the liver – and in severe cases, circulatory failure,” explains the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO).

Generally, dengue starts with a sudden rise in body temperature, accompanied by facial flush and other non-specific conventional symptoms. The fever usually persists for two to seven days and can be as high as 40-41 degrees Centigrade, possibly with

febrile convulsions and hemorrhagic phenomena.

In moderate dengue cases, all signs and symptoms abate the fever subsides temporarily. But in severe cases, the patient’s condition may suddenly deteriorate after a few days of fever.

“The temperature drops, followed by signs of circulatory failure and the patient may rapidly go into a critical state of shock and die within 12 to 24 hours, or quickly recover following appropriate volume replacement therapy,” the United Nations health agency says.

About 20 million dengue cases occur each year and require 500,000 hospitalizations, the WHO estimates. “Dengue is the world’s most important viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes,” declares Dr. Duane Guble, health administrator of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on someone who has the virus.”

Also known as “break-bone” fever, dengue is the Swahili term for “a sudden overtaking by a spirit.” Caused by four distinct virus serotypes (varieties recognized as distinct by the immune system), it is a distant cousin of yellow fever.

Dengue viruses are trans-

mitted to humans through the bite of either Aedes aegypti or A. albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite only during daytime but their peak biting time is after sunrise and at dusk – especially one hour before sunset.

However, not all Aedes mosquitoes are carriers of the dengue virus, but only those that have bitten people infected with the virus. Once infected, a mosquito remains infectious for life, transmitting the virus to susceptible individuals during probing and blood feeding. However, an infected person cannot transmit the dengue virus directly into another person.

When a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, the dengue virus is deposited in the person’s bloodstream. The time between the bite of a dengue-carrying mosquito and the start of dengue fever symptoms averages four to six days, with a range of three to 14 days. An infected person can be a source of dengue virus for mosquitoes for about six days.

“There is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue,” the United Nations health agency reminds. “Early detection of disease progression associated with severe dengue, and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates of severe dengue to below 1%.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

COUNTRY’S WORST AIR DISASTER If was a catastrophe nobody wanted to happen but on April 19, 2000, at around 7:00 a.m., an Air Philippines jet flying from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila crashed in the Island Garden City of Samal, instantaneously killing all persons on board. The tragedy eclipsed the 1998 incident when a Cebu Pacific DC-9 jet crashed on the slopes of Mt. Sumagaya in Gingoog City, killing 104 people aboard.

Washington Post, in an account filed on the same day of the accident, reported: ‘There was no immediate indication what caused Flight 541 to crash on the mountainous island 625 miles southeast of Manila, popular for its beach and diving resorts… the plane passed a routine maintenance check before taking off from Manila for Davao and the gov-ernment weather bureau

said conditions were good at the time of the crash… the plane was carrying 131 people--124 passengers, including four babies, six crew members and a mechan-ic.’

The Boeing 737-200 aircraft with registration RP-C3010 was erstwhile owned by South-west Airlines; it was first delivered in February 1978. At the time of the tragedy, it was pi-loted

by Capt. Evarisito Catipay with Capt. Don Sardalla, then 22 years old, as co-pilot.

BenCyrus G. Ellorin, reporting for MindaNews twelve years to the day the accident happened, wrote: ‘‘Flight 541 began to circle in low clouds, waiting for the plane on the ground to move off the runway. As it circled, Flight 541 slammed into the side of a mountain, 500 feet above sea level. The plane caught fire and disintegrated, killing everyone on board.

‘Wit-nesses heard explosions before the plane, in service for twenty-two years already, crashed at Sitio Kamanlangan, Barangay San Isidro in Babak, some five nautical miles away from the Davao International Airport.

Deemed as the first Air Philippines plane to crash, domestic air transport authorities found nothing wrong with the aircraft’s technical aspect but the U.S. Federal Aviation Ad-ministration expressed apprehension the disaster was caused by Boeing 737-200s’ rudder control system.

The plane chopped off and felled coconut trees. Recovered from the crash site were per-sonal belongings. Though the weather was fair at the time, air traffic controllers were partly blamed for miscommunicating, thinking a Philippine Air Lines aircraft was taking

off, which prompted them to advise Flight 541 to continue its approach toward Runway 05. When it was found that no plane was taking off, the pilots of Flight 541 were advised to do a missed approach.

The last time there was radio contact with the crashed plane was at 7:01 a.m. when it was seven nautical miles on final approach to Runway 23, which, at the time, was not visi-ble. Two minutes later, the control tower ‘went into blind transmission to guide Flight 541.’

The Chicago-based Nolan Law Group, an expert in aviation lawsuits, represented the families of victims and filed a multi-million-dollar class suit against the Chicago-based AAR Aircraft and Engine Group and Fleet Business Credit Corporation, owners of the leased aircraft.

When the case was ulti-

mately negotiated amicably in 2007, each victim’s family received $1.2 million, or a total settlement of at least US$157 million, then the equivalent of P6.6 bil-lion. It was the biggest settlement in the country’s aviation history.

The Illinois State Supreme Court was about to finish the class suite when the Lloyds of London, the insurance company, decided to settle. Central to the case was the discovery that the pilots failed to undergo a training course made obligatory by the aircraft’s manufacturer.

Although only 56 families chose Nolan Law Group as legal counsel, the amicable settle-ment was applied to all victims. For its services, the law office got 33 percent of the award, or roughly $52 million, a fair amount given that the firm did not ask for advance payments.

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VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Here are Marian Rivera’s top 3 tips for homemakers plus her Shopee home essentials you need to checkout this 7.7 Upgrading your home isn’t always easy. And with having so many options but with limited time and budget, sprucing up each space can be a challenge. But take it from Shopee Primetime Queen and hands-on homemaker Marian Rivera, whose tips on home design and budget-friendly must-haves will help guide you as you do home improvements without breaking the bank: Always set a budget Even with her current superstar status, setting a budget for everything is still an important aspect for Marian especially when buying her essentials for home and living. And just like most of us, Marian also looks out for the best deals on Shopee! As for her tip to new homeowners?

Marian shares: “Always look for a peg. In that manner, mas makikita mo kung ano yung kailangan mong bilhin, kung anong kulang. [Always look for a peg. In that manner, you’ll see exactly what you need to buy and what’s still missing.]”

And for 7.7, you can maximize your budget and enjoy

shipping discount vouchers, 10% off daily, and ₱49 deals and below when you addto-cart and check out your home must-haves at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. You can also score a variety of ₱7 deals every 15 minutes at 12-1PM and 8-9PM during the Lightning Flash Hour Sale this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. To know more about these amazing deals, visit the Lightning Flash Hour Sale page on Shopee.

Want to get an idea on what to check out this 7.7?

Here are Marian’s recommended swak sa budget home items to add to your essentials: Too much clothes but not enough space? This Hanging Closet Organizer is a lifesaver thanks to its multiple pockets perfect for small items. You can also hang this either inside your closet, in the bathroom, and even in your laundry area. Maximize every bit of space in your home with the help of this Wall-mounted Rotatable Hook and easily mount it anywhere without damaging your walls. Avoid spilling your toothpaste

products with the help of this Automatic Toothpaste Dispenser, which also serves as a toothbrush storage to keep your sink neat and tidy.

Organize your grocery items with the help of this Refrigerator Storage Box, which has a space-saving design that makes stocking up supplies easier and more convenient.

Know your priorities when it comes to decorating your home Known for her multiple roles both on and off screen , the most important role Marian considers is being a mom to her kids, prioritizing everything that they need.

“Mahilig kasi ako mag-ayosayos sa bahay lalo na pag walang ginagawa. Syempre first thing na kinoconsider ko is ang safety ng mga anak ko. Syempre bata, maligalig, mahirap namang makatabig-tabig sila or malapit sa disgrasya so I always make sure na kid-friendly ang mga gamit at ayos namin sa bahay.

[I love decorating everything in our house especially when I’m not busy. Whenever I decorate, the first thing I con-

sider is the safety of my kids.

Since they’re kids, they’re very active and prone to accidents so I always make sure to have a kid-friendly home design.]”

If you’re like Marian who keeps things safe and sound at home, then better consider these budget-friendly and kid-friendly items on Shopee: Have a go-to tumbler you bring everywhere? This Protective Bottle Sleeve has a non-slip, anti-scratch, and anti-collision surface to keep your tumbler protected at all times. Make use of this Multipurpose Bath Ladle for your daily home tasks including watering the plants, washing ingredients in the kitchen, or even for your next bath time session with the kids. Avoid cluttering harmful items kids can reach with the help of this Under Desk Organizer, which you can also use for your home office setup.

Prevent any accidents in the kitchen with the help of this cute Cartoon Bottle Opener, safe to use in opening bottles and jars with ease.

Choose convenience

when shopping for your home necessities Marian is an avid shopper, and Shopee is her go-to source for all things home essentials. On what she usually buys, Marian shares: “I am very fond of kitchenwares; mga ingredients ng kung anu-anong niluluto ko, lalo na minsan of course may mga ingredients na mahirap hanapin sa grocery, so sa Shopee agad ako magchecheck. [I am very fond of kitchenwares; some ingredients are hard to find in the grocery, so I immediately check Shopee for those.]”

Want to make things hassle-free while cooking? Better add-to-cart these affordable items to have a more enjoyable time in the kitchen: If you love cooking just like Marian, then go for this Condiments Organizer to help keep your spices in place in an aesthetic way.

Make cooking a fun and safe experience with these nonslip Silicone Oven Gloves,

which you can use to hold and transfer hot objects.

Replace your plastic containers with these Sealed Jar Containers, which come in different sizes where you can store extra ingredients and food items. Always keep your cooking station spotless clean with this quick drying Multipurpose Kitchen Towel, which you can also use on kitchenwares.

This 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, don’t miss out on ShopeePay-exclusive load deals, shipping discounts and bills payment cashback vouchers.

Thinking of purchasing these home essentials? Make sure to check out with ShopeePay if you’re just like Marian who puts importance on convenience and budgeting. Access rewarding perks when shopping, as well as exciting deals when you buy load, pay bills, and send money with ShopeePay. Be updated with the latest promos by following ShopeePay’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

our efforts towards building stronger and more resilient communities, as part of our broader thrust of serving the nation,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

Beneficiaries can use the LANDBANK Prepaid Cards to withdraw cash assistance from LANDBANK automated teller machines (ATMs) and Agent Banking Partners, and make cashless purchases in groceries and drugstores via pointof-sale (POS) terminals.

The state-run Bank has also upgraded the existing LANDBANK prepaid cards of the beneficiaries

into transaction accounts with expanded features to provide more convenient banking services.

As of end-May 2022, LANDBANK has produced cards for all 4.4 million 4Ps beneficiaries nationwide to facilitate timely, safe and convenient distribution of cash subsidies from the National Government.

LANDBANK remains steadfast in the fulfillment of its expanded mandate as the delivery arm for the National Government’s social protection initiatives, in line with servicing the country’s underserved and marginalized sectors.

LANDBANK tapped to deliver pre-disaster aid in typhoon-prone towns The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to provide pre-disaster financial assistance to about 22,000 families from typhoon-prone towns in Catanduanes and Northern Samar.

Under the partnership, LANDBANK will facilitate the disbursement of multi-purpose unconditional cash transfers to beneficiaries under the

DSWD’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program worth P1,000 each via LANDBANK Prepaid Cards.

The cash transfers will be disbursed three days prior to the expected landfall of a Category 4 or 5 typhoon.

Target beneficiaries of the program—more popularly known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)—include families residing in the municipalities of Baras, Bato, San Andres and Virac in Catanduanes, and the municipalities of Catarman, Catubig, Gamay, Mon-

dragon, and San Roque in Northern Samar.

The provision of cash transfers to selected 4Ps beneficary-households is part of the pilot testing of the United Nations (UN) Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for Anticipatory Action in the country, designed to mitigate the impact of typhoons on people’s homes and livelihood while building on the government’s mandatory pre-emptive evacuation procedures.

DSWD Undersecretary Felicisimo C. Budiongan,

UNICEF Philippines Deputy Representative Behzad Noubary and Chief of Social Policy Atty. Anjanette Saguisag, and LANDBANK Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca signed a memorandum of understanding on 14 June 2022 in Quezon City to formalize the partnership.

“LANDBANK’s collaboration with the DSWD and UNICEF ensures the delivery of immediate and secure cash assistance to vulnerable sectors in highrisk towns prone to typhoons. This complements

(left to right) DSWD Undersecretary Felicisimo C. Budiongan, UNICEF Philippines Deputy Representative Behzad Noubary, LANDBANK Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca, and UNICEF Chief of Social Policy Atty. Anjanette Saguisag, lead the signing of a memorandum of understanding on 14 June 2022 in Quezon City for the distribution of multi-purpose unconditional cash transfers in typhoon-prone communities in Catanduanes and Northern Samar under the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for Anticipatory Action.

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

Teenagers and young adults may have testicular cancer without them knowing it.

WATCH OUT YOUNG MEN, IT MAY BE TESTICULAR CANCER!

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Photos: advancedurologuy. com, ucimenshealth.com, and chestnutappearl.org.uk

I

f you are 40 years old or even younger, you are most likely a candidate for testicular cancer. Although it is almost always fatal, it is curable when discovered and treated early.

Such was the case of Miguel de Leon, the son of thespians Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong.

When he was five years old, he was operated on as he had “testicular germ cell tumor.”

In 2014, the mother confirmed on Instagram that Miguel had been diag-

nosed with testicular cancer after attending her son’s first chemotherapy session.

“He is still slightly sedated often which makes it hard for us to find the right timing to show him that we are beside him and to talk to him,” Andolong wrote.

“But on the second day of our visit, he was a little lu-

The best way to find out is to conduct the testicular self-examination.

cid and the minute he heard my voice he reached for my hand to squeeze.”

A year later, Miguel was declared cancer free by his doctor. “Our Miguel’s doctors just happily told him that he is cancer free,” Andolong posted on her Instagram. “By His stripes, he has been healed indeed. We would like to thank everyone who has been praying unceasingly along with our family for Miguel’s complete healing.”

Black Eyed Peas rapper Jaime “Taboo” Gomez

was also diagnosed with testicular cancer. Doctors discovered it “after having some unusual back pain and unexplained exhaustion.” Because the cancer had already spread to other parts, “he had to go through surgery and chemotherapy.” Now fully recovered, he is spreading “awareness and raising funds with his music.”

But if not discovered early, the person is most likely to die from it. Among those who died of it, according to the website ranker.

Know these symptoms to know whether you are suffering from testicular cancer.

com, were English journalist and broadcaster Frederick Richard Dimbleby, Swedish racing driver Gunna Nilsson, US professional football player Louis Brian Piccolo, American football center Daniel Anthony Turk, Argentine soccer goalkeeper Gustavo Danie Eberto, American singer-songwriter Josh Clayton-Felt, British musician Pete King, and Canadian hockey player James Arthur Christopher Koleff.

With those deaths, the mere mention of testicular cancer is just as frightening as any other type of cancer.

This type of cancer is often diagnosed among men aged 20 to 40 years old, said Dr. Juliano Panganiban in an interview on DZMM. In industrialized countries, it is reported as early as 15 years old.

Testicular cancer hits men at the worst possible time, because it typically targets males earlier in life.

“The majority of testicular cancers are actually painless,” says Dr. Timothy Lyon, a Mayo Clinic urologist and oncologist. “Men should not be reassured if they’re not having pain. If something feels abnormal, it still needs to be evaluated.”

“Testicular cancer is curable,” says the US-based Cleveland Clinic. “While a cancer diagnosis is always serious, the good news about testicular cancer is that it is treated successfully in 95% of cases. If treated early, the cure rate rises to 98%.”

If not discovered and treated early, testicular cancer can be fatal. “Still, early detection makes a big differ-

ence in your prognosis,” the Cleveland Clinic says. “The earlier you see your doctor and receive a diagnosis, the greater your chances of being cancer-free.”

Those who are susceptible to testicular cancer must know the symptoms of testicular cancer. Armand, a 29-year-old executive, was urinating when he noticed that one of his testicles was a bit firmer and bigger than normal.

He was alarmed. So, he rang the doctors a couple of days later and they saw him the same day. They booked him in for an operation and took a biopsy. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Some people show no symptoms when receiving the diagnosis of testicular cancer. When symptoms do appear, they can include: a painless lump in the testicle (the most common sign), swelling of the testicle (with or without pain) or a feeling of weight in the scrotum, pain or dull ache in the testicle, scrotum or groin, and tenderness of changes in the male breast tissue.

The urologyhealth.org states: “On average, men wait for about five months before saying anything.

Since the tumor can spread during that time, it is vital to reach out to a urologist if you notice any of these signs. This is especially true if a sign lasts for more than two weeks.”

The symptoms of advanced testicular cancer, according to healthline. com’s Jaime Herndon, may include: low back pain from

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10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

Red tide still up in 2 Caraga areas T

he Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has maintained its red tide alerts in two areas of the Caraga Region. In its latest shellfish bulletin, the BFAR said Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur and Litalit Bay in San Benito, Surigao del

Norte remain positive for red tide.

“Latest laboratory results indicated that shellfish collected in said areas still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit,” the BFAR bulletin issued Thursday said.

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Business Bureau permit kay naa man gyud na’ay permit diha,” Sagarino said on Wednesday over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

He urged the public to file complaints against scheming organizers. He said the public can also go to their office or call office number: 082-225-6044, or email antiscam@davaocity. gov.ph.

“Una sila magkuha ug packages, pwede sila muadto sa amoang opisina mangutana sila para naa

ta’y ma-advise sa ilaha kay mangutana man ta kung kaning tawhana naa ba ni sila’y permit para mahibal-an nato kung tinuod ba sila nagsubay sa balaod nga magkuha una ug permit para sa mga events,” Sagarino said.

In 2017, Davao Event Suppliers Association (DESA) warned Dabawenyos to be more wary in hiring event organizers after 30 couples also complained for being scammed by fake wedding organizers

nothing it can do if the Philippine government “insists on carrying out an all-out war policy.”

Marcos Jr. made no mention about the aborted peace negotiations with the NDFP in his inaugural speech.

Peace talks with the NDFP started during the Cory Aquino administra-

tion, which assumed power after Marcos Jr.’s father and namesake, Ferdinand E. Marcos, was ousted via the EDSA People Power Revolt in February 1986.

The CPP, the leading element in the NDFP, has been waging an armed struggle through its military wing, the New People’s Army, since 1969. (MindaNews)

‘ron na manarbaho tungod kay makaapekto gyud ni sa ilaha … Ug ang uban pud naganahan na sila makakuha og kwarta, naundang na nuon og eskwela. I hope ‘no sa mga ginikanan masabtan nila ni ngano nag come up ta og World Day Against Child Labor [event] (We are currently formulating programs in partnership with other stakeholders so that parents would not compel their children to work because this would really affect them. Other children would actually prefer making an income and as a result, would

lose interest in education),” Ronquillo added.

According to DOLE Davao City Field Office Senior Employment Officer Lariele P. Arce, over 4000 children in Davao City engage in some form of child labor since 2018. Out of these, 1,200 had been withdrawn from the profile list or are no longer considered working children; while 2,500 are currently receiving social interventions in the form of education and livelihood grants. Since the start of 2022, at least 556 children in Davao City were profiled as working children. CIO

had an issue with paying its foreign debt because of the peso’s devaluation and the lack of dollar reserves.

“It’s different now.

We’re far from that already,” he said, citing “the doctrine is if you have

three months worth of imports cover, you’re okay.”

He said most or around 80-85 percent of government’s foreign loans are medium and long-term tenors thus, it will take a longer time to pay. (PNA)

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Duterte signed the UHC Law last February 20, 2019 to ensure that every Filipino, with the inclusion of overseas Filipino workers, has access to a comprehensive set of quality and cost-effective, promotive, preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative health care, without causing financial hardship, and prioritizing those who cannot afford such services.

The free college education and UHC law are among Duterte’s legislative legacies.

“Mao na ang nakuha

sa akong pagka presidente. Giuna nako ang tao kanang malasakit centers ni Sen. Bong Go,” Duterte said.

As a citizen, Duterte said what he wants now is an 8-hour sleep everyday because he has never has this since he became president.

“Ako tapos na ako. Ako niabot na ang akong panahon. Tapos na. Daghan na ko ug sakit. 77, 78, 79 maglubong namo ug expresident. Gusto ko kung asa daghan didto ko palubong aron naa ko sa masa gihapon,” he said.

heighten the border security and the visibility of the uniformed personnel in the convergence areas.

“We will also partner with the stakeholders for

the continued propagation of the culture of security and develop long-term security awareness and cooperation among the people,” he said. (PNA)

investments in the province.

Mati City, the capital of Davao Oriental province, is about 182 kilometers west of Davao City, where

the Francisco Bangoy International Airport is located. A land trip from Davao to Mati takes an average of 3.5 to 4 hours. By Maya M. Padillo

Drug Administration’s electronic license to operate and Center for Drug Regulation and Research into the Central Business Portal; establishing green lane for licenses and authorizations for pharmaceutical companies; and the Unified Rapid Pass that streamlines registration and fees in logistics sector.

PCCI said ARTA is “one

of the most performing agencies of the Duterte administration” for implementing initiatives to improve doing business in the country and eliminate red tape.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, in 2018. (PNA)

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cancer spreading to lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, belly pain, headaches, and confusion.

The testicles (also called the testes; a single testicle is called a testis) are part of the male reproductive system.

These two organs are each normally somewhat smaller than a golf ball in adult males and are contained within a sac of skin called the scrotum. The scrotum hangs beneath the base of the penis; usually the left testis hangs slightly lower than the right one.

According to The Merck Manual of Medical Information, the testes have two functions: producing sperm (the male cells needed to fertilize a female egg cell to start a pregnancy) and testosterone (the primary male sex hormone).

Testicular cancer has the same chance of incidence in either the left, right or both testicles. But oftentimes, it occurs in just one side. Some younger men are more susceptible to testicular cancer than others.

Men with the highest risk are: men with father or brother who had testicular cancer; men with a history of testes that don’t drop before birth (also known as undescended testes); and abnormal cells in the testicle, most often found during an infertility test.

Testicular cancer may not be preventable but it can be discovered early through testicular self-examination (TSE). “Examine your testicles once a month, after a warm bath or shower,” the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) suggests. “The heat from the water relaxes your scrotum, making it easier for you to check for anything unusual.”

Here’s how to do BSE, as recommended by PCS: 1. Stand in front of a mirror. Look for any swelling on the skin of the scrotum.

2. Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle while placing your thumbs on the top.

3. Gently roll the testicle between the thumbs and fingers. Feel for lumps and bumps. Remember the testicles are usually smooth, oval-shaped and somewhat firm.

4. If you find a lump, call your doctor as soon as possible.

“See your doctor if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks,” the PCS says. “Make an appointment with your doctor even if a lump in your testicle isn’t painful. Only a small percentage of testicular cancers are painful from the outset.”

The tests doctors use to diagnose testicular cancer may include: a physical exam (which can reveal any testicular abnormalities like

that may benefit more people especially relating to hospitalization and Covid-19.

“We are optimistic of recapturing gains in light of the improving

economic environment while remaining mindful of ever-present natural disaster threats and geopolitical risks at home and abroad,” he added.

Rusbatch 12, Webster 11, Ili 10, Vodanovich 8, Britt 7, Cameron 6, Smith-Milner 5, Timmins 4, Harris 2.

PHILIPPINES 60 -- Tamayo 16, Abando 11, Lo-

The agency warned residents in the two areas that all types of shellfish are not safe for human consumption.

However, it noted that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs collected in the specified areas are still safe for consumption so long as they are fresh

and washed thoroughly, and their internal organs and intestines are removed before cooking.

The shellfish bulletin added that the coastal areas of Hinatuan, Cortes, and Lingig, and Bislig Bay, all in Surigao del Sur, are now free from toxic red tide. (PNA)

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lumps or swelling), an ultrasound (examine the internal structure of the testicles), and blood tests called tumor marker tests (which may show elevated levels of substances related to testicular cancer).

Herndon says testicular cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, and brain. The two most common types of testicular cancer are seminoma tumors and non-seminoma tumors.

Seminoma tumors tend to develop more slowly than the other type. “Seminoma tumors are usually found only in the testicles and are less likely to spread to other parts of the body,” says Herndon.

Non-seminoma tumors are more aggressive and more likely to spread relative to seminoma cancers.

“Non-seminoma tumors tend to spread lymphatically, which means they can spread to the lymph nodes,” Herndon says.

There are several ways to treat testicular cancer.

“The initial treatment for testicular cancer is surgical removal of the entire affected testis (radical orchiectomy). The other testis is not removed, so the man retains adequate levels of male hormones and remains fertile. Infertility sometimes occurs with testicular cancer but may subside after treatment,” says the Merck manual.

With certain types of cancers, lymph nodes in the abdomen are also removed (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection) because the cancer often spreads there first. Radiation therapy may also help, especially for a seminoma.

“A combination of surgery and chemotherapy often cures testicular cancer that has spread,” says the Merck manual. “Blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin that were elevated at diagnosis decline after successful treatment.”

If levels rise after treatment, the cancer may have recurred. “After surgery and any other necessary treatments are completed,” the Merck manual says, “a surgeon can replace the removed testis with an artificial one.”

According to the Merck manual, the prognosis for a man with testicular cancer depends on how much the cancer has spread.

Studies have shown the 5-year survival rate for testicular cancer that is localized, or has not spread outside of the testicles, is 99%.

The 5-year survival rate for regional cancer that has spread outside the testicle to nearby lymph nodes or body parts is 96%. The 5-year survival rate for distant cancer, or cancer that has spread to the lungs, liver, or distant lymph nodes, is 73%. pez 8, Ramos 6, Ravena 6, Quiambao 4, Belangel 3, Chiu 2, Navarro 2, Abarrientos 2, Ildefonso 0.

Quarters: 23-13, 47-21, 73-43, 106-60.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

SPORTS

11

Superstar Kevin Durant has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.

Durant seeks trade from Nets

A

s the NBA braced for the free agency negotiating window to open on Thursday, superstar Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets according to US media reports.

ESPN, citing unnamed sources, said Durant – a two-time NBA champion with the Golden State

Warriors – was eyeing a move to either the Phoenix Suns or the Miami Heat, but that the Nets would be

aiming to get the best deal possible for the star with four years remaining on his contract.

Durant, 33, re-signed with the Nets in 2021 for four years and $198 million.

He arrived in Brooklyn in 2019, departing Golden State to form a superteam alongside point

guard Kyrie Irving.

The Nets would later acquire star guard James Harden, but the star trio never gelled.

Irving will opt into NBA deal and stay with Nets, report says Irving missed much of the 2021-22 season after declining to be vaccinated against coronavi-

rus, a disgruntled Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in February and the Nets were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.

Durant’s trade request shook the league hours before the opening of free agency on Thursday, when teams can offi-

cially begin talks to sign players who are not under contract.

A day earlier, Irving exercised his option to remain under contract with the Nets for a $36.9 million in the upcoming season, although he could still depart Brooklyn via a sign and trade package.

know, Manny didn’t win the election,’” Khan said in Boxingscene. “‘Let’s do, like, an exhibition with Manny or a proper fight.’ They want to do it in the UK.” Pacquiao and Khan trained together under Roach. The Briton later left Roach’s camp to look for a trainer who would exclusively focus on him.

Pacquiao left boxing after losing to Yordenis Ugas in a WBA welterweight title bout in August 2021. He later ran for president but lost.

Khan also bade boxing goodbye after being thoroughly beaten by Kell Brook last February.

The Briton, who has long wanted to fight either Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather in a super bout, said he is already done boxing.

“You know what, all that (expletive), chasing Mayweather, chasing Manny Pacquiao – you know, it was not meant to happen then, maybe it’s not meant to happen now,” Khan said.

“I’m not going to chase them now.”

Khan claims Roach reached out for possible Pacquiao fight

F

Amir Khan enters the ring against Terence Crawford before

ormer champion Amir Khan claimed boxing coach Freddie Roach has reached out to him to arrange a fight with retired boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

Khan, who has also retired recently like Pacquiao, said the esteemed boxing coach reached out to him through a friend.

“You know I got another phone call today, another one – Well, a friend of mine got a phone call from Freddie Roach who just said that ‘We want to get a fight – you

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 68 • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

Gilas Pilipinas captain Kiefer Ravena looks to make a pass against New Zealand during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier at the EventFinda Stadium in Auckland. FIBA.basketball

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Young Gilas beaten badly by New Zealand Tall Blacks 106-60

Y

oung and obviously raw against their experienced rivals, Gilas Pilipinas absorbed a 10660 defeat to New Zealand in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers on Thursday at the EventFinda Stadium in Auckland.

Parading a line-up full of amateur standouts, Gilas struggled against the bigger, more experienced Tall Blacks throughout the game. They were repeatedly beaten on the offensive boards and committed several turnovers in the face of New Zealand’s pressure defense.

A sizeable Filipino crowd cheered the Gilas side but they could not avenge their 88-63 defeat to New Zealand during the February window at the Araneta Coliseum.

Instead, the Philippines fell to 1-2 in Group B of the qualifiers.

They will return to action on Sunday, July 3, when they host India at the Mall of Asia Arena.

New Zealand, meanwhile, completed a 4-0 sweep of Group B. They won both of their matches against India in February aside from their rout of the Philippines.

University of the Philippines big man Carl Tamayo led the Philippines in scoring with 16 points along with five rebounds, but he struggled with foul trouble and had to be helped off the court with 7:50 left to play after what appeared to be an ankle sprain.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Rhenz Abando, playing in his first FIBA game, had 11 points.

The Tall Blacks blew the game open in the second quarter, where they out-scored Gilas, 24-8. Veterans Corey Webster and Dion Prewster led the way in a blistering run that put the hosts completely in control. Gilas trailed by just eight points, 23-15, off two free throws by Tamayo but the Tall Blacks answered with 12 unanswered points to push their lead to 20, 35-15, with 4:10 to play in the second quarter.

The Philippines played much better on offense coming out of the halftime break, but they couldn’t stop New Zealand on the other end. Despite losing the quarter by just four points, 26-22, Gilas could not make any headway into the deficit and trailed, 73-43, heading into the final frame.

New Zealand showed no letup in the fourth despite being well in control, and a layup by Flynn Cameron gave them their biggest lead and completed the scoring with 1:41 to play. The Tall Blacks also had a slow start, particularly from long distance, but finished the game shooting 50% from the field.

The scores: NEW ZEALAND 106 -- Prewster 15, Delany 14, Ngatai 12,

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