Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 221 | Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Colonel Alberto Lupaz shows a “wanted” reward poster of the suspects for the killing of Yvonette Chua Plaza during a presser at Camp Domingo Leonor on Tuesday. A group of individuals is offering a P1 million reward for any information that will lead to the arrest of the suspects. Lean Daval Jr.

P1M BOUNTY

DCPO bares P1 million reward offered for Plaza’s killers

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Awhopping P1 million reward is offered to anyone who can give valuable information leading to the arrest of suspects in the murder of model/ businesswoman Yvonette “Yvonne” Chua Plaza.

The 38-year old victim, who just disembarked from a Mitsubishi Montero vehicle and was about to open the gate of her rented house

at Purok 18, Buttercup Street of Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Sto. Niño, Tugbok district, was shot multiple times by

motorcycle-riding men on December 29, 2022.

Plaza died on the spot after sustaining gunshot wounds on different parts of her body.

Colonel Alberto Lupaz, director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), announced the P1 million reward in a press conference at Camp Domingo Leonor in Davao City on Tuesday.

“Merong mga well-meaning individuals and concerned citizens na nagbigay sa atin ng support to fast track our investigation for the apprehension of the suspects. Nagbigay ng P1 million kung sino man dito sa Davao Region na makapagbigay ng impormasyon sa identity ng bumaril kay Plaza,” Lupaz

DSWD suspends AICS

The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Tuesday said it has suspended the release of financial aid for its program to those in crisis situation as the agency streamlines its funds for this year.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Rommel Lopez said they are still accepting guarantee letters from those applying for cash assistance under the program.

“Yung ating cash assistance sa ilalim ng assistance to individuals in crisis situation o AICS ay pansamantala muna nating sinususpende habang pinoproseso ‘yung pondo ng DSWD ngayong taon ng 2023,” said Lopez during a televised briefing.

“Sa kabila nito, maaari pa namang magproseso ng assistance ang DSWD doon sa mga kliyente na kung saan ang service pro-

vider nila ay halimbawa sa ospital o punerarya ay tumatanggap o kinikilala ang guarantee letter ng DSWD,” he added.

DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) offers financial assistance for transportation, medical, burial, food and other support services for families or individuals.

The suspension will last “within a week or two” and this usually happens at the

start of the year, he noted.

Lopez said his agency is still waiting for their funds to be downloaded. The agency has a P199.5 billion worth of budget for this year.

“Baka nga within the week, ma-download na ito, agaran nating ire-resume, ibabalik, itong pamamahagi ng cash assistance na kinakailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” the official said.

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has managed to tear apart 18 New People’s Army (NPA) units in its area of responsibility in 2022.

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, Eastmincom commander, said they are anticipating the imminent collapse of the communist rebel units within their joint operational area, consisting mainly of the NPA’s five sub-regional committees (SRC), nine guerilla fronts (GFs), and four vertical units.

In a statement Tuesday, Almerol said that of the 32 GFs confronted by Eastmincom since the Campaign Plan “Kalinaw Sidlakang Mindanao” in 2017, at least 88 percent of the target NPA units have already been destroyed, while the four remaining GFs “are at their weakest.”

Almerol said the GF19, SRC Southland, and North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee are among the “most notorious” NPA units in the Caraga Region that the military has dismantled.

These rebel units, he said, forcibly recruited indigenous peoples and minors to join the NPA.

“The GF19 was involved in operating former NPA-linked schools in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, where the IPs children were brainwashed and recruited in the terrorist movement. Its dismantling is an open door for the fu-

ture declaration of strategic victory in the Caraga region, where significant NPA formations remain,” Almerol added.

Aside from the dismantled NPA units, the Eastmincom also neutralized 533 NPA regulars, with 71 killed, 48 captured, and 416 surrendered last year.

Eastmincom, he said, also managed to convince 198 underground mass organizations and personalities to withdrew their support for the NPA.

Among the “high-value” individuals neutralized during the period were Menandro “Bok” Villanueva, the secretary of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee/Komisyon Mindanao and third vice-chairperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP); Pedro “Gonyong” Codaste, the second top-ranking NPA commander in Mindanao; and 55 other leaders.

Meanwhile, the Eastmincom said the NPA firepower further declined this year as government troops recovered 631 firearms and 121 anti-personnel mines through combat operations.

Eastmincom troops also discovered 91 enemy hideouts within the period.

Eastmincom said its biggest achievement for 2022 is the declaration of the Davao Region as “insurgency-free” on Oct. 27.

“This is the result of the successive defeats of the remaining NPA units in the five Davao provinces and

Mayor Sebastian Duterte delivers a speech during the first flag raising ceremony for the year 2023 at Quezon Park in Davao City on Tuesday. CIO

Chinese gov’t expects more cooperation with Davao City

CAAP: Prov’l airports back to normal ops after AMTC power supply outage

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Tuesday that normal operations have resumed at provincial airports affected by the power supply problem which closed the Philippine airspace on New Year’s Day.

The CAAP, on Monday, said that the power outage at its Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) on Sunday was due to issues in the system’s electrical network.

The affected airports include the following:

• Bicol International Airport

• Tacloban Airport

• Zamboanga Airport

• Pagadian Airport

• Dipolog Airport

• Jolo Airport

• Tawi-Tawi Airport

• Laguindingan Airport

• Camiguin Airport

• Ozamiz Airport

• Dumaguete Airport

• Bohol-Panglao International Airport

• Puerto Princesa International Airport

• Tuguegarao Airport

• Cauayan Airport

• Basco Airport

• Iloilo International Airport

• Kalibo International Airport

• Bacolod-Silay Airport

• Roxas Airport

• Antique Airport

• Butuan Airport

• Siargao Airport

• Surigao Airport

• San Jose Airport

• Romblon Airport

• General Santos Airport

• Cotabato Airport

• Davao International Airport

“Recovery flights from diverted and delayed flights in these airports have been successfully dispatched to their location and mounted by the airlines on case to case basis,” the CAAP said.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Tuesday said its regular published flight schedules would be restored by Wednesday, January 4.

“By tomorrow, we restore our regular published schedules,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.

The CAAP on Sunday recorded a technical issue at the ATMC, affecting some 56,000 passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. At least 282 flights were canceled, diverted, or

By MAYA M. PADILLO

After summing up the works in 2022, the China government through the Chinese Consulate General said it wants to discuss a more comprehensive cooperation with Davao City.

“Apart from carrying out the important consensus of our state leaders, let’s follow the outcome of the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to China and the summit between President Xi and President Marcos, and I believe we will be able to discuss with Davao City government to-

gether to work out a more clear and comprehensive plan for cooperation in the year 2023,” Consul General Li Lin told Edge Davao.

The Consulate General hosted a 2023 New Year party on December 29, 2022, that was attended by more than 100 officials from different agencies

that include Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Asec. Romeo Montenegro, Davao City Councilors Myrna Ortiz and Louie Bonguyan, Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC) Head April Dayap and her team, former city councilor Cherry Bonguyan and Avegayle Omalza, representatives of Chinese enterprises based in Mindanao and overseas Chinese.

In his message, Lin mentioned that in year 2022 China’s 20th National

Congress was successfully held, and the blueprint for China’s national rejuvenation was outlined offering a Chinese-style of modernization development path that would provide better development opportunities and shared benefits with other countries, including the Philippines.

He also cited the 2022 national elections in the Philippines, which carried out a smooth transition of power as displayed by economic stability.

FCHINESE, P10

Go lauds TESDA, supports strengthening of workforce

In light of the adverse impact of the pandemic on workers and the country’s economy as a whole, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance of rebuilding and strengthening the Philippine workforce. He emphasized further that these concerted efforts will

require a coordinated effort from the government, private sector, and ordinary Filipinos.

“By providing support to those who have lost their jobs, investing in education and training, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, we can help ensure that the

workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the post-pandemic world,” he highlighted.

During the mass graduation of the Philippine Academy of Technical Studies, Inc. under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Daet,

Camarines Norte on December 5, Go lauded such initiatives for providing more Filipinos with the opportunities to acquire valuable skills in order to uplift their lives and contribute further to the economy.

“TESDA has played a crucial role in empowering

Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) spokesperson Major Eudisan Gultiano says during a presser at Camp Domingo Leonor on Tuesday that the investigators are ruling out robbery as motive for killing of Yvonette Chua Plaza on December 29, 2022. Lean Daval Jr.

Investments in BARMM down by 54% in 2022

Investments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) plunged by at least half to P1.3 billion in 2022 from P2.8 billion the previous year, data from the Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) showed.

Mohammad Pasigan, BBOI chair, pointed out the investments registered last year also fell short by 36 percent from the P2 billion target for 2022.

Year-on-year, investments in the Bangsamoro region were down by

almost 54 percent, with Pasigan attributing the decline “to different restrictions that were beyond our control.”

These restrictions included the requirements set by various BARMM ministries, time constraints

and lack of manpower in the BBOI, he said.

“We need more personnel for investments and a more efficient structure conducive to facilitating investments in the BARMM,” Pasigan said in a statement.

For 2022, the investments registered with the BBOI included the Pagana Kutawato Corporation (P100 million), Hanabana Construction and Equipment Corporation (P96 million), Usman Banana Farm (P278 million), Nama

Concrete Philippines Corp. (P341 million), Mt. Kalatungan Agri-Ventures, Inc. (P223 million), Austrian Trade and Investments Group, Inc. (P170 million) and Kaltimex Rural Energy Corporation (P76 million).

These investments generated at least 1,052 jobs, the BBOI said.

Over the past years, agriculture has become the major investment haven in the Bangsamoro region due to its ideal agro-climac-

CAAP urges government to improve air traffic system

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said it has already suggested to the President some improvements to the country’s air traffic management system following the massive disruption of flights on New Year’s Day.

“CAAP recognizes that the system is already behind when it was first used

in 2019 and has made recommendations to the President on improving the country’s air traffic management system,” it said in a statement.

On Jan. 1, flights were grounded in the entire Philippine airspace for several hours after the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) which houses the system for mon-

itoring flights, experienced a technical issue linked to a power loss.

CAAP said the power loss was due to an electrical network issue.

“The incident that resulted in the loss of power in the system was due to a problem in the system’s electrical network, with its uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which is to

be used as backup power supply, also failing,”

The main cause of the power supply is still being determined, it added. CAAP’s Aerodrome and Air Navigation Safety Oversight Office (ANSOO) was tasked to investigate the incident.

Aside from delays, several flights remain canceled on Jan. 2.

PBBM orders suspension of PhilHealth premium rate hike

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to suspend the increase of premium rate and income ceiling for the calendar year 2023, Malacañang announced on Monday.

This was confirmed by the Office of the Press Secretary and the Office of the Executive Secretary.

A memorandum, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, referred to the scheduled increase of the premium rate from 4% to 4.5%, and income ceiling from 80,000 to 90,000 for CY 2023 under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 11223.

“In light of the prevailing socioeconomic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide financial relief to our countrymen amidst these difficult times, please be informed that the President has directed PhilHealth to suspend the abovementioned increase in premium rate and in-

come ceiling for CY 2023, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” the memorandum read.

The scheduled increase is based on the Universal Healthcare Law, which mandated hikes in the PhilHealth contribution rate until it reached 5% by 2024.

If one earns P10,000 monthly, his or her P400 contribution will increase to P450. The contribution is divided between the employer and the employee.

“The increase in contribution will help fund additional benefits that we are crafting now,” PhilHealth spokesperson Dr. Shirley Domingo had said.

Board to discuss

The Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth said the PhilHealth board would discuss the suspension of the scheduled rate hike in a meeting on Wednesday.

DOH said the premium contributions would be allotted to the expansion of the Universal Health Care

Motorists are greeted by big-time price hike on Tuesday after oil companies implemented an increase of gasoline prices by PHP2.90 per liter and PHP2.10 per liter for diesel. Lean Daval Jr.

PH debt slightly up at P13.64 trillion in Nov.

Agri dept. targets as low as P80/kg onion prices in 2023

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is targeting to have onion prices dip to P170 per kilo to as low as P80/kg this year.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Kristine Evangelista said they are expecting a better supply of local onion harvest this year considering that they did not import last year, and that they put up more cold storage facilities in strategic areas to extend the shelf life of the commodity.

However, she said that the DA also wants onion farmers to come up with price points that will make their farmgate prices stable throughout the year.

te prices will be stable. They know how to spread their losses as well, and to come up with price points that will be stable all throughout the year considering also the cost of cold storage facilities,” she said.

“P170 and even lower is…I think within all throughout the year is something we’d like to achieve,” she added.

By the middle of January in 2023, the DA said it is expecting a lower price of onions amid efforts to facilitate enough supply in markets and the anticipated harvest season.

With this, Evangelista said they still have to conduct another stakeholders meeting before they decide on the onion prices, but are looking at P200/ kg or lower.

“January 15 is the start of harvest. Of course the peak is March and April, but with the better supply, then we can see prices going down,” she said.

The Agriculture Department on Thursday set the suggested retail price (SRP) of red onions per kilo in the wet markets in the National Capital Region (NCR) at P250.

Thenational government’s total outstanding debt reached P13.64 trillion as of the end of November, slightly higher than the previous month, the Bureau of Treasury said on Tuesday.

The minute 0.02 percent increase from October was due to the impact of the Philippine peso’s appreciation against the US dollar on foreign currency loans, the BTr said.

Compared to December 2021, the total national

government debt rose by P1.92 trillion or 16.33 percent, it added.

Domestic debt in November amounted to P9.43 trillion, which is P72.73 billion or 0/78 percent higher compared to October, data showed.

Meanwhile, external debt amounted to P4.22 trillion, P69.58 billion or 1.62 percent lower than October’s level due to the P106.98 billion impact of local currency appreciation and P13.38 billion net repayment. This was tempered by the net impact of third-currency fluctuations against the US dollar at P50.78 billion, data showed.

External debt comprised 30.90 percent of the

total debt portfolio, the BTr said. Compared to December 2021 level, external debt rose 18.49 percent to P658.07 billion, it added.

The administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr expects to bring down the current debt-to-GDP ratio of 63.7 percent as of the end of September to 51.1 percent by 2028.

Prior to the pandemic, a debt-to-GDP ratio of 60 percent is considered high.

PAL says hubs nationwide ‘transitioning to normalcy’

Philippine Airlines has resumed normal operations following the air traffic management issue that affected all radars in the country, spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said on Tuesday.

Flight delays may still be expected on Jan. 3 due to the impact of flight recoveries but published flight

schedules could be implemented fully by Jan. 4, Villaluna said.

“Masasabi natin sa araw na ito, Jan. 3 normal na po ang operations pero hindi maiiwasan ang flight delays kasi katatapos lang ng flight recovery kahapon,” she said.

(We can say today our operations is normal but

we cannot eliminate fight delays since we just finished flight recovery yesterday)

“There are few flight delays but we’re hoping by tomorrow to be able to implement our published flight schedule,” she added.

On New Year’s Day, flights were grounded in the entire Philippine air-

space due to a technical issue on the system that is responsible for manning the airspace traffic.

Nearly 300 flights were affected as well as thousands of passengers.

PAL has implemented some mitigating measures to aid stranded passengers such as the mounting of

Philippine Airlines says it has resumed normal operations following the air traffic management issue that affected all radars in the country but flight delays may still be expected on Jan. 3 due to the impact of flight recoveries.

Lean Daval Jr.

OLIVIA

JASPER

GREGORIO

MAYA

Introduced during an impromptu speech of U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on October 14, 1960, the Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) is a group of trained volunteers who took a break from college to go and serve the world.

After its launching on March 1, 1961, the agency, in just six months, reached the Philip-pines, in the process becoming PCV’s world’s second-oldest country program. Initially, volun-teers were sent throughout the archipelago to teach English, mathematics, and science.

Two of the early volunteers were assigned to Mabini, Davao de Oro. Nancy Boyd, 20, of Martinez, California, and Nancy Ann Foral, 22, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, fondly called Nancy One and Nancy Two, were trained at the San Jose State,

California, which prepared them for the six-month duty. They arrived in town on September 1, 1962.

The duo lived in a village in Mabini, sharing a house and Peace Corps experiences. In a 1963 letter published by the Contra Costa Gazette, a hometown paper, Foral wrote:

“I live in a small wooden house (16 x 16) with another PCV (Peace Corps Volunteer) who is named Nancy and comes from Pennsylvania. We have no electricity, no running water, a kerosene stove (which we have to pump and forever has something wrong with it) and of course no glass in the windows.

“We do, however, have screens on the windows to keep some of the bugs out, but they aren’t much help in keeping out the cockroaches, the biggest and ugliest

spiders I’ve ever seen, ants of all sizes and other odds and ends I try not to get close enough to for identifica-tion.”

The duo, to ward off nature’s pesky insects had to request the villages to fit “plywood across the roof beams to keep the rats out at night” and had to adapt to using a toilet en-closed in a small structure with a hole on the ground. The outhouse was a short walk from the residence but was shared with neighbors who often observed them doing the “morning walk” to the latrine.

Boyd’s teaching assignment was at Mabini Central Elementary School, a short walk from where the pair lived, while Foral had to negotiate three miles before reaching her school.

But the volunteers, despite undergoing an inten-

sive 600-hour training program, found de-ficiencies in the way the PCV was working during its early years. The training and prepara-tion were light; they were not given the right medicine, were not taught how to eat native foods, and were not told of the cornucopia of dialects that would be a challenge when linking with the folks.

In one of her letters home, Boyd poignantly wrote about her rural life in a faraway region, thousands of miles divorced from a civilization that offered her many amenities:

“When the moon is full and it rises over the mountains and it shines down through the coconut trees, I can’t believe it is real; I feel I must be dreaming. And no mere human can de-scribe the feel of a warm tropical evening. One must live it to truly know the calm and

peace of it.”

But their bond of friendship was cut short when Boyd died on March 2, 1963, after the Douglas DC-3 plane owned by Philippine Air Lines where she was boarding, crashed while on a return trip to Davao from Cotabato. The aircraft was lodged at Mt. Boca, nearly 3,000 feet high and roughly 80 kilometers southeast of Davao.

For her part, Foral, after the tragic event, continued her work in the community after she met the love of her life, Andres Andal, a Filipino doctor. They married at the Santo Tomas University in Manila where he completed Medicine. As a wife, she assisted her spouse in at-tending the clinic. After a year, they permanently moved to the U.S. where he became a li-censed anesthesiologist in Philadelphia. Their marriage produced two sons.

“Men are moved by two levers only: fear and self-interest.” - NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.

*******

PBBM was on his way to the People’s Republic of China as we were going to press.

Economic concerns such as trade and investments and the stability of peace in the region viz-a-vis the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) issue are, I believe, the major platforms on which the two Asian leaders will meet.

If they don’t discuss these, PBBM’s state visit would have been rendered an exercise in futility.

Of course, both Xi Jin Ping and PBBM realize that China needs us as well as the Philippines needs China.

As neighbors in Southeast Asia, we are just, figuratively speaking, a stone’s throw away, are we not?

Never mind if militarily speaking, PROC is ten times mightier than the Philippines.

Neighborliness calls for collaboration and cooperation which both countries cannot ignore.

Therefore, bilateral talksnot only exploratory - but also a deeper discussion of what will mutually benefit both parties.

It has been many decades that development of our economic Zones and marine resources have remained stagnant due to several factors.

One of these is our lack of technological capability to exploit the vast natural resources that surround our archipelago.

China’s claim that it has historical records that it owns part of the economic territory (nine dash line) that has been decided by the arbitral UN ruling in our favor has convoluted our singular efforts to enjoy God’s blessings.

PBBM and Xi Jin Ping must come to a decisive accord so that both countries are mutually benefited without resorting to countless argumentative diplomatic protests that have achieved nothing but enmity and less confidence-building relations.

The previous administration attempted to build a diplomatic bridge to Beijing but somewhere along the way, efforts to make China a permanent big-time trade partner became anemic and that bridge collapsed.

So now it is back to square one.

The elder Marcos initiated a friendly step towards China in the seventies when not every nation had not as yet welcomed China as the newest member of the UN.

The US had been promising to stand by our side, citing its commitment to the 1951 US-RP Mutual Defense Treaty.

But look, how the Biden administration provoked China to react in a knee jerk fashion when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi flew to Taiwan last year and spoke before its parliament.

Of course, China reacted angrily because the US violated the recognition of the One-China policy that was supposed to be upheld.

I wonder how Uncle Sam is frantically situated today.

PBBM is not flying there just to say “hello.”

Xi Jin Ping did not extend the invitation just to roll out the red carpet and make a pitch for the Philippines to buy and import cheap Chinese household products..

No, there is a much deeper reason why our president accepted the China invite.

I would like to believe that the national leadership has discovered that the Philippines cannot continue to ignore the contribution and

continuing presence of China in our lives.

Bilateral talks about marine and energy exploration in the EEZ that are fair and just to both parties should be started and accords therefrom should be forged and signed.

The pandemic is not going away as theorists and others would have us believe. We live in a troubled world.

There is a war out there that may explode - God forbid - into global proportions.

We must prepare for the worst by examining our untapped vast resources and how we can explore and exploit them for the people’s benefit.

This much is expected of PBBM and his delegation of economic managers and businessmen.

The country and the people - first and foremost. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Malusog Rice: Possible answer to Vit A deficiency

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO courtesy of DA-PhilRice

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is how it is called. The World Health Organization (WHO) said VAD is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children and increases the risk of disease and death from severe infections.

VAD is a public health problem that hits young children and pregnant women in low-income countries, the United Nations health agency said. An estimated 250,000 to 500,000 vitamin A-deficient become blind worldwide every year, half of them dying within 12 months of losing their sight. Annually, about 670,000 children under five succumb to VAD.

Although VAD is under control in the United States and other industrialized countries, it is still a significant health concern in developing nations, particularly those in Africa and Southeast Asia.

In the Philippines, a 2016 study on the Economic Burden of Malnutrition conducted by the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) re-

ported 1,840 childhood deaths per year due to VAD.

In its 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology reports that VAD affects 15.5% of children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for cell growth, wound healing, maintaining healthy skin and lungs as well as maintaining healthy vision. Lack of it may lead to night blindness, or the lack of ability to see clearly in the dark. More seriously, it can lead to xerophthalmia.

“If treatment is not provided for night blindness, VAD will lead to xerophthalmia,” the US-based Unite for Sight explains. “The cornea and conjunctiva dry out severely and become thickened because the tear ducts do not produce enough tears. Foamy and whitish tissue spots and ulcers can form on the cornea, causing scarring and damage to the eye, and eventually leading to blindness.”

Children need addi-

tional vitamin A as they do not consume enough in the food they are eating. There are three general ways for improving vitamin A status: supplementation, fortification, and dietary diversification.

To prevent or treat VAD, nutritionists urged children and pregnant women to eat foods containing vitamin A such as liver, beef, chicken, eggs, whole milk, fortified milk, carrots, mangoes, papaya, guava, orange fruits, sweet potatoes, sweet pepper, lettuce, squash and green leafy vegetables (malunggay, kangkong and pechay).

“Clearly our current programs to eliminate VAD by promoting production and consumption of vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, distribution of vitamin A capsule supplements and mandatory vitamin A fortification of vegetable cooking oil are not enough,” said Dr. Emil Q. Javier, former science secretary and a national scientist.

But there’s one possible solution – and that is by incorporating vitamin A in rice, the staple food of Filipinos. “If we did not have rice, our deepest comfort food, we would probably feel less Filipino,” the late food columnist Doreen Fernandez once said. Studies

show that an average Filipino consumes 290 grams of rice every day.

This is where golden rice – a genetically engineered type of rice that contains beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A –comes into the picture. The name has been branded as Malusog Rice after its first variety registered in the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC).

Bioavailability of the carotene from malusog rice has been confirmed and found to be an effective source of vitamin A for humans. According to the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the rice’s beta-carotene content aims to provide 30% to 50% of the estimated average requirement of vitamin A for pregnant women and young children.

The result of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2009 showed that daily consumption of a cup of golden rice – about 150 grams uncooked weight – could supply half of the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin A for an adult.

“The beta-carotene produced in golden rice is identical to the beta-carotene in green leafy and many types

of yellow-colored vegetables and orange-colored fruits, and identical to synthetic beta-carotene found in many vitamin supplements and food ingredients,” says IRRI, a member of the CGIAR System Organization, a global research partnership for a good secure future.

Golden rice is sort of a transgenic crop, which means it has a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology.

“In classical or conventional plant breeding, gene transfers are limited to between varieties of the same species; occasionally between varieties of the same

genus, and rarely between species belonging to different genera,” explains Dr. Javier. “Transferring novel genes between plant families, much less from bacteria to plants, was impossible. But now with modern biotechnology, very wide introgressions are possible.”

With modern biotechnology, plant breeders can now bring together in one plant useful genes from a wide range of living sources, not just from within the crop species or from closely related plants.

“(Biotechnology) is a powerful tool that allows plant breeders to do faster

Nothaving enough vitamin A may mean losing your eyesight, according to health experts. Even worse, it may lead to untimely death.

Malusog rice up close.

A farmer har-

vesting malusog rice crop.

A ready to eat malusog rice with viand.

PH exceeds target with 2.6-M international arrivals in 2022

The holidays delivered further gains for the Philippine tourism industry as it breached its 1.7-million target with 2.65 million international arrivals as of the end of 2022.

The arrivals translated to PHP208.96 billion or USD3.68 billion in tourism revenues, a whopping 2,465.75-percent increase from 2021, according to a news release on Monday.

Based on the monitoring of the Department of Tourism (DOT) from the time the country reopened its borders to all travelers in February until Dec. 31, 2022 arrivals peaked in December as more Filipinos and tourists alike opted to spend the Christmas and New Year vacations in the Philippines.

Of the total 2.65 million international arrivals last year, 628,445 were returning Filipinos while the bulk of 2.02 million tourists were from top markets United States (505,089), South Korea (428,014), Australia (137,974), Canada (121,413), the United

Kingdom (101,034), Japan (99,557), Singapore (53,448), India (51,542), Malaysia (46,805) and China (39,627).

The year just ended likewise generated an estimated 5.23 million tourism-related jobs, 11,989 DOT-accredited tourism enterprises as of Dec. 29, 2022 and 25,770 tourism stakeholders who were trained.

DOT Secretary Christina Frasco was elated over the achievements of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., just six months into office.

She said the tourism sector’s growth clearly showed the hard work of the entire industry in order to recover from the unprecedented crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Moments of great difficulty are also moments of great opportunity. In the past, we have overcome a global pandemic and survived various calamities. The Philippine tourism industry has managed to exceed expectations and our tourism partners

and frontliners continue to offer the best of Filipino grace and hospitality to the world,” Frasco said in a statement.

“We welcome 2023 with gratitude and excitement for Philippine tourism to bounce back stronger than

ever. We shall welcome with warmth and that distinct Filipino smile visitors from all over the world as they visit our award-winning beaches, experience the richness of our culture, and enjoy our world-renowned Filipino brand

of service excellence,” she added.

Frasco is hopeful that the DOT will surpass its targets anew in 2023.

“We look forward to the continued convergence and collaboration of our tourism stake-

holders -- travelers, tourism players, national agencies, local government units and host communities -- in propelling our industry to the heights of becoming a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” Frasco said. (PNA)

P1M...

said.

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Lupaz showed the media a printer image of the suspects taken from a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera.

Lupaz also disclosed that based on the ongoing investigation of the case, which is being led by the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG), authorities are looking at two persons of interest.

“Yung isa we obtained information posted on social media. We have directed our station commanders together with the cybercrime group to investigate what was posted on social media for authenticity. At kung yung kanyang pinost totoo ba yun,” he added.

Major Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO 11), said the investigators are ruling out robbery as based on the footage where the gunman shot Plaza immediately, which instantly killed her.

“Niru-rule out natin na the very purpose is not to rob. Based on the footage, ang unang ginawa ng gunman ay binaril siya kaagad. Parang gusto pa niyang barilin ulit kaso lang nagjam ang baril. Sa ngayon may intent talaga to kill Yvonette. Maari rin may personal grudge,” she told media.

She said they will be releasing information when all the evidences are gathered that connects to the persons of interest.

Gultiano said the victim’s cell phone and other gadgets were obtained by the investigators.

“Nakuha na rin natin ang consent ng parents para mabuksan ng cybercrime units ang cellphone,” Gultiano added.

Lupaz said the SITG was given two weeks to solve the case.

“At least two weeks pero hindi namin puwedeng i-compromise yung quality nung investigation. Kung kaya in two weeks yun ang timeline ang ibinigay but it depends sa evidence na ma-gather natin,” Gultiano said.

Plaza’s wake is in St. Peter’s Calinan.

Meanwhile, women’s group Gabriela-Southern Mindanao condemned the killing of Plaza, which has gained public attention as it has gone viral on social media.

On its Facebook Page, the group posted that “with these matters at hand, we call on pertinent government agencies (i.e. police, Davao City LGU, Commission on Human Rights) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of Ms. Chua’s case.”

INVESTMENTS...

tic conditions and fertile lands, Pasigan said.

However, for 2022, other investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy pushed through as investors realized their viability in the Bangsamoro region, he added.

Pasigan said his office had exerted more efforts in promoting investments by conducting BARMM-wide Strategic Investment Priorities Plan consultations and even went out of its way to attract investors through business coaching and investment facilitation.

According to him, the BARMM “should not take the plunge in investment as something negative.”

“We should see this as a challenge,” Pasigan said.

He encouraged domestic and foreign investors to put up business in the BARMM, citing the more stable peace and order sit-

PBBM... FROM 4

Law which automatically enrolls all Filipino citizens, including overseas Filipino workers, in the state social health insurance PhilHealth, which will have expanded coverage to include free consultation fees, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic services.

“The DOH and PhilHealth recognize the suspension is intended to help our kababayans cope with

AGRI...

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This will be in effect until the first week of January 2023.

This came after the price of red onions ex-

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uation in the region headed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.

The BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato, and 63 villages from six towns in North Cotabato known as the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area.

The creation of the Bangsamoro region is the key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front forged in 2014 after 17 years of peace negotiations.

The BARMM was created in January 2019 following a plebiscite that ratified Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

EASTMINCOM...

one highly-urbanized city,” Almerol said.

He credited these accomplishments to the “convergence” of local government units, national government agencies, and the military under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Almerol also reiterated his call to the remaining NPA forces to “surrender peacefully” since most of their top-ranking leaders,

CHINESE...

FROM 2

such as CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, are already dead.

“The death of Jose Maria Sison and the neutralization of your other leaders signal that the collapse of your organization is imminent. Surrender to avoid the same consequence, and we will ensure that you will receive the benefits of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” he said. (PNA)

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“As a friend of the Philippines, China is not only a witness to its socio-economic development, but also jointly participates in the process. He further stated the Consulate General was fully committed and ready to work with the Philippine side to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state. The Consulate General would join hands with the relevant government agencies to strengthen China and Philippines relations as good neighbors, good relatives and good partner for the mutual benefit of both peoples,” the consulate posted on its Facebook page.

Montenegro cited the China-Philippines relations had been deepened as represented by the growing number of Chinese investors, as will as government to government cooperation projects such as the Samal

PAL...

the increasing prices of commodities caused by inflation,” the agencies said in a press statement.

“Such moratoriums in increases in premium contributions have been done in years 2020 and 2021. This was in accordance with directives of the Office of the President, and in recognition of the effects of the pandemic during those years,” they said.

ceeded P700 a kilo in some markets in Metro Manila on Wednesday, in Bernadette Reyes’ “24 Oras” report.

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additional flights and upgrading of select aircraft in order to offer more seats, Villaluna said.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has

MALUSOG...

Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project, which broke ground on October 27, 2022 led by Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Councilor Ortiz expressed gratitude to the Chinese Consulate General in Davao for its strong support to Davao’s Covid-19 prevention efforts for the past three years.

In 2020, the Chinese Consulate in Davao City donated Covid-19 test kits, personal protective equipment, powered air-purifying respirators, bottles of disinfectant, and surgical face masks.

In 2021, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian turned over 1000 tablets to former Mayor Sara Duterte via an online handover ceremony, with the purpose of supporting the implementation of the blended distance learning modality of the Davao City amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

CAAP...

delayed.

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CAAP director general Manuel Tamayo said one of the uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) failed at around 9:50 a.m. on Sunday, and troubleshooting activities had to be done. Backup systems were not immediately available.

Once the system was reconnected to the power supply, however, warnings were released at around lunch time due to over voltage as 380 volts were coming in instead of 220 volts.

This then affected the very small aperture terminal (VSAT) which also had to be addressed. The system was partially restored at 4 p.m. on Sunday, and normal operations resumed at 5:50 p.m.

“Other passengers have been re-booked to other scheduled flights with the assistance of their airlines.

GO...

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our workforce and helping your graduates achieve their educational and career goals, especially amid the pandemic,” said Go.

During the event, Go’s team also provided assistance and other forms of support to the 1,000 attendees. They handed out snacks and meals, umbrellas, shirts, food packs, caps, hand fans, and balls for basketball and volleyball.

The CAAP has been actively working on resuming normal operations and providing assistance to passengers affected by delayed flights for the past two days,” the CAAP said.

“The Authority apologizes for the inconvenience caused by the disruption of services and appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers during this time,” it said.

The CAAP said it will continue to quickly work towards correcting and improving the air travel experience in the Philippines.

At least two resolutions have been filed in the Senate seeking an investigation into the power outage that closed the country’s airspace on January 1.

A separate resolution is also set to be filed in the House of Representatives seeking a probe on the incident.

challenges as they try to find new jobs or rebuild their careers,” added the senator.

said it is investigating the cause of the incident and that it has requested the government to upgrade the country’s air traffic management system which was inaugurated in 2018.

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what they have been doing for years – generate superior plant varieties – although it expands the possibilities beyond the limits imposed by conventional plant breeding,” explains the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Application.

Golden rice got its name from its golden yellow color, an indication of its beta carotene content. It was developed by combining a gene from corn and a common soil microorganism that together produce beta carotene in the grain.

Being a product of biotechnology, golden rice has been scrutinized. After several years of “rigorous biosafety assessment,” the Bureau of Plant Industry declared golden rice “as safe as conventional rice.”

Golden rice was finally approved for commercial propagation in 2021.

To plant a hectare with golden rice, the recommendation is 20-40 kilograms of seeds for optimum yield.

Dr. Russell Reinke, program leader of IRRI’s Healthier Rice, agrees. “Our confined tests show that golden rice is comparable to conventional rice-growing,” he says. “Golden rice does

not require any changes in farm management or cultivation practices.”

Farmers who plant golden rice need not to worry about contaminating other farms planted to conventional rice. “Rice is a self-pollinating crop,” says Dr. Ronan G. Zagado, leader of the golden rice program of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), “besides, the rice pollen can only survive for a few minutes after flowering. Hence, there is very little chance for cross-pollination to take place.”

Farmers who plant malusog rice in their farms can use the same seeds planted previously. “Golden rice is an inbred rice variety registered with the National Seed Industry Council,” Dr. Zagado says. “Like other inbred rice varieties, its seeds can be used in the next planting seasons.”

Filipinos who are always eating white rice may find it odd eating malusog rice. The color may be yellow but the taste is not different from ordinary rice. “It smells and tastes the same as ordinary rice, except it is colored yellow,” said Dr. William Dar, former agriculture secretary who has tried it. “But I

Go then noted that the impact of the pandemic on the country’s workforce has been profound given that a number of Filipinos workers have either lost their jobs or have been forced to adjust to new ways of earning a living for their families.

“Mahirap pong mapagtanto ang magiging longterm effects ng pandemya sa ating mga manggagawa, ngunit malinaw na ito ay may malaking epekto sa kanila at mga negosyo,” he pointed out.

While the country is on the right track towards recovery, Go said that one of the key challenges that the government must face will be rebuilding and strengthening further the country’s workforce amid existing and emerging threats.

“The global economy will likely take some time to recover from the crisis, and many workers will face

will choose golden rice over white rice, because it has more health benefits.”

“I couldn’t help myself, and I ate all of it. It is great. I am a fan, I will feed it to my two daughters,” said US Agricultural Attache Ryan Bedford during the taste-test conducted at PhilRice.

Those who tried eating golden rice reportedly did not experience some health problems like stomach ache and allergy, among others. “No, we have not heard otherwise,” replies Dr. Reinke when asked if there were some health problems reported after eating malusog rice.

“It must also be noted that rice, as well as the genes used to develop golden rice, have a history of safe use,” he points out. “Further, the regulatory authorities in a

To achieve this, Go underscored the need for a combination of short-term measures to support those who have lost their jobs, as well as long-term strategies to prepare the workforce for the changing needs of the economy. These include providing support to those who have lost their jobs through unemployment benefits, retraining programs, and other forms of financial support.

In the longer term, Go said that it will be important for the government and private sector to work together to identify the key industries and sectors that are likely to be in demand as the economy recovers.

“This include industries such as healthcare, technology, and renewable energy, which have been shown to be resilient during the pandemic and are likely to continue to grow in the coming years,” he said.

To support the growth of these industries, the senator pointed out that both public and the private sector will need to invest in training and education programs that can help workers to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to contribute and succeed in these fields.

number of countries like Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, and the Philippines have all declared golden rice as safe as ordinary rice.”

The future of golden rice being planted in most farms in the country looks optimistic. “The golden rice trait will be incorporated into a range of rice varieties suitable for growing in all regions of the Philippines so that populations who are vulnerable to vitamin A deficiency can have access,” Dr. Reinke says. “This is a very cost-effective way to improve the health and well-being of many people.”

Malusog rice is expected to be fully commercialized at the latter part of 2024 once more seed supply becomes available

Batch 2010, BLCT lead winners in 2022 Ateneo Reunion Cup

Batch

2010 and BLCT led the winners in the recent 2022 Ateneo Reunion Cup basketball tournament held December 30 at the Arcadia Fitness Center.

Batch 2010 nipped 2017, 48-37 in the Division 1 finals with Jose Presbitero leading the way with 16 points, three rebounds and a steal while BLCT bested GMI 88, 5552 for the Open Division crown with Presbitero also showing the way with 25 points punctuated with seven triples.

Presibetero was joined

in the Batch 2010 team by Jess Evangelio, Paolo Dailisan, Allen Pobre, Dario Magno, Dee Ladao, Janus Bulseco, Kenneth Bermudez, Gian Valderosa, Victor Rabat, Louie Ibarra, Don Advincula and Adrian Gales.

BLCT was composed of Presbiter, Evangelio, Dailisan, Miguel Pacheco, Lance Ho, Jeric Jorgensen,

Leo Lasola, James Carpio, Marlou Cagas, Eric Dulay and Joshua Mandantes.

IN the other finals, Batch 2007 outplayed Team 90s, 39-30 for the 30-Up Division title, Team Passerelle bested Batch 2011, 38-29 to win the Division 2 title and Team Swish toppled TMNM, 4330 for the Women’s Division championship.

The tournament, chaired by tournament director Miguel Solitaria, was under the supervision of the SBP-XI chapter led by regional director Glenn Escandor.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

DENY NICHOLSON THE BALL

After enjoying a week long rest, both Brgy. Ginebra and BAD are sizzling to battle each other in game 3 of the PBA Com’s Cup tomorrow.

Of course, the story is about how the Dragons avenged their Game 1 loss with a blowout win of their own in Game 2 to level the best of seven finals series at 1-1.

The duel is now down to a best of five - meaning the better team will emerge victorious if it gets three wins of the five remaining matches.

Game 3 is very pivotal. Know what?

The Gins could make life dif-

ficult for coach Brian Goorjian if they can deny Nicholson the ball.

I know this is quite awesome.

But limiting Nicholson’s output is Tim Cone’s mission that will also limit the Dragons total point production.

Every time Nicholson scores, he elevates his teammates’ morale and the Dragons’ defense is energized because the former keeps them in the game until the final buzzer sounds.

Therefore, Cone’s recourse is to assign three or four guards who will alternately shadow the ex-NBAer everywhere he goes.

To hound and tire him out in a fast running game for 48 min-

utes should be Cone’s main goal in reducing Nicholson’s effectiveness. Leaving him open for an assist pass is exactly what he needs to toss in the long trey or penetrate inside for a jam.

Cone can use Christian Standhardinger in the first seven minutes, then calls in Mariano in the next three and the third man to hound Dragons’ main man in the ensuing next quarters could either be Raymond Aguilar or Jamie Malonzo. This should be on a rotational basis.

Effective and timely substitutions by the bench is a major key in basketball. Cone has several “dispensable” players who

can spare Standhardinger from crippling early fouls.

It will also keep Brownlee from getting engaged in defensive duties because he is assigned to score and help in getting offensive second chances. Those loose balls are vital especially in the dying seconds.

In sizing up Nicholson’s offensive forays, he averages between 28 to 40 pts a game,

If the Gin Kings’ defense can effectively cut that in half, Cone and his coaching staff will just be too happy to implement their plan.

I believe Cone and his assistants have this in mind.

It is similar to the Lakers or the Warriors.

When Lebron is out sitting on the bench, the Lakers’ offense somewhat falters.

The same thing happens to Golden State. When Steph Curry takes a rest, the Warriors’ offense shifts to Klay Thompson et al but with less efficiency.

So, Nicholson is the main man. Handcuffing him is not the idea.

Keeping him out of the rotation by denying him the pass and the possession of the spheroid is the objective. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Batch 2010 won the 2022 Ateneo Reunion Cup Division 1 title. The team is composed of Jess Evangelio, Paolo Dailisan, Allen Pobre, Dario Magno, Dee Ladao, Janus Bulseco, Kenneth Bermudez, Gian Valderosa, Victor Rabat, Louie Ibarra, Don Advincula, Jose Presbitero (MVP)and Adrian Gales.

Batch 2007 is the 2022 SSteneo Reunion Cup 30-UP Division champion. The team is composed of JV Artes, Nico Bangayan, Moses Guerrero, Eric Cabigas, Ken Claveria, Ace Pinon, Alvin Plata, Jayvee Culaste, Emil Dayanghirang (MVP), BJ Roluna and Francis Escuadro.

BACK TO DAVAO

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City Sports Development Division (CSDD) head Mikey Aportadera said accommodations and security logistics remain the utmost priority of the city.

He said with the influx of visitors, the event is expected to increase activities in hotels, restaurants, and other industries in the tourism sector as they will be welcoming a huge number of clients.

Aportadera is optimistic that the city’s security cluster will be able to replicate its outstanding performance in securing the athletes and visitors during the previous Ironman events.

He said preparations are currently being finalized by the CSDD and the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO).

Aportadera said planning for Ironman 70.3 will follow the same template (composed of 1.9-kilometer swim at the Davao Gulf, 90-km bike ride from Bajada in Davao City to

Tagum City and back, half-marathon 21-km run from NCCC Victoria Plaza to Azuela Cove and back) with the addition of some public health guidelines.

“There would be some revisions on how the new normal would be implemented sa atoang Ironman events kay since mura man gyud ni siyag piyesta gyud ang iyang atmosphere kay tungod daghan kaayog mga bisita muabot,” he said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.

Davao City hosted the said sport event in 2018 and 2019.

Ironman 70.3 is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC).

The “70.3” refers to the total distance in miles (113 km.) covered in the race — including the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike race, and the 13.1-mile run. Prior to the launch of the 70.3 series in 2005, the WTC races were then known as Half Ironman.

Davao City last hosted the Ironman 70.3 in 2018 and 2019.