Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 16 | Wednesday, April 29, 2020

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Serving a seamless society

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SIGNS OF BOOM VOL.13 16• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20201, 2019 VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE 59 MAY29, 31-JUNE

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Applications for building, zoning permits increase

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he Office of the Davao City Planning and Development Coordinator is swarmed by applicants for locational clearance, zoning, building and other permits with at least 500 applications submitted on a weekly basis.

The increase in applications is an indication of Davao City’s booming construction industry and infrastructure development, the city noted.

Assistant City Planning and Development Coordinator Roy Ryan Rigor said the influx of permit applicants on a weekly basis is very high, causing delays in the issuances of permits.

Rigor said the issuance of some permits, such as for locational applications, needed actual surveys by their personnel and this contributed to the delay.

“There are really too

many applications that we receive and it is not only limited to the zoning permits, but there are also a lot more,” he said.

He also underscored submission of incomplete sets of requirements that further slows down the process of issuing the permits.

“There are some clients whose documents have discrepancies, and that causes the delay in the issuance of the permit. Another example is when the area needs to be reclassified and that needs the approval of the city council first,” Rigor said.

FSIGNS, P10

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION

►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL FAMILY FOREMOST IN ESDEVCO’S MIND

►PROPERTY P9

LAB SCREENING

RITM to test private labs eyed as testing centers STORY ON P2

A worker riding his bicycle traverses along Lanang, Bo. Pampanga, Davao CityTOURISM. on Tuesday.

Number riders, President Rodrigoof Duterte who are mostly workers whose alternative responds to only the discussions duringmode the of transportation is bicycle theJapanese city government meetingafter with the tourism partof Davao implements enhanced community ners at the Imperial Hotel inquarantine Tokyo, Japan (ECQ) due to Covid-19 pandemic, have been involved in on Wednesday night.

PRESIDENTIAL road accidents on their way to work. Edge Davao PHOTO

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Davao City validates 1,200 stranded persons

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A bus owned by the city goverment of Davao offers free ride to government employees and public commuters from San Pedro Street to the south side part of the city. Edge Davao

LAB SCREENING

he city government is validating some 1,200 stranded individuals wanting to return to their provinces but unable to do so following the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) quarantine measures.

In a radio interview on Monday, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said the city government has opened the Davao City Stranded Data Center with teams that would handle information for residents stranded outside the city and non-residents who are stranded here.

Through the data gathering system, Mayor Sara said stranded individuals could send relevant data through 0956244-1691 (Globe) or 0951-086-8056 (Smart/Talk and Text), or via email at davaocitystrandedpax@gmailcom.

“There are two provinces that we have negotiated (with) for them to help their constituents stranded in the city. Davao Oriental and Maguindanao province expressed

RITM to test private labs eyed as testing centers A

willingness to accept them,” she said.

Mayor Sara said Dabawenyos stranded outside the city would be given assistance while the ban on air, sea, and land travel has not been lifted.

She urged non-residents to leave the city because of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases here.

“More cases are discovered with the intensified case finding that is being conducted and today (Monday) we have five new cases added to the list,” Mayor Sara said.

On the other hand, she said isolation centers are being prepared for the arrival of stranded residents because the present 416 isolation beds in the city are not enough.

“The doctors had recommended to prepare 1,000 beds.

They had been telling us to be ready because if these stranded individuals will come in, there would possibly be a new wave of infections,” she said.

(PNA)

FamilyMart launches rolling stores, to offer delivery service

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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aboratories of private hospitals that expressed interest to be COVID-19 testing centers in the Davao Region will undergo screening by the Department of Health (DOH) regional office.

DOH 11 Regional Director Dr. Anabelle Yumang disclosed that while they have received the expressions of interest, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) has yet to test private laboratories eyed as testing centers.

Yumang confirmed that several hospitals have sent Letters of Intent to be COVID-testing centers in the city.

Two facilities in

Davao Region have been identified as COVID-testing centers: Davao TB Reference Laboratory at the compound of DOH 11 and the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

“RITM still has to test their laboratories if they can pass to be testing centers in Davao Region,” she said.

An additional testing center will mean additional place to

determine the COVID patients in the region.

Yumang said the testing will involve people at risk or those with exposure to COVID positive patients, persons living on areas with COVID positive cases, and health workers caring for COVID patients.

Meanwhile, DOH 11 announced that as of April 26, a total of 124 cases of COVID-19 were noted in Davao Region. She said among this number, 18 died while 69 others recovered from the COVID-19.

Yumang said the most common symptoms complained of by people tested positive of coronavirus infection ranges from fever, cough, colds and chills.

Out of the 124 cases, 120 have been traced. A total of 2, 922 closed contacts of the 120 cases were identified, and 2,731 among them or 93 percent were already contacted and monitored. Of the 124 cases, 87 were male or 70 percent and 37 cases were female or 30 percent.

Yumang revealed that the three most common nature of exposures among COVID-19 positive patients are: exposure to people who were tested positive with COVID-19 after attending the derby at New Davao Matina Gallera, domestic and international travel, and exposure to COVID-19 positive patients.

mid the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent quarantine policies imposed by the national government, convenience store chain FamilyMart launched two rolling stores and is also set to offer a delivery service to make its products more accessible.

Bringing basic essentials and a selection of FamilyMart goodies to different neighborhoods in Metro Manila, Fam on Wheels will be visiting communities to provide a variety of items from 8 AM to 5 PM. Offering contactless transaction and payment options to ensure the safety of everyone, these stores will be stationed in Phoenix gas stations where customers can visit and get their sup-

plies. Aside from the truck, a tent will be set up for the displays and a menu board will indicate the products available.

Available products can also be viewed on FamilyMart’s Facebook page.

Additionally, Metro Manila residents will soon be able to order FamilyMart food through Facebook Messenger starting April 26, 2020. Initially, six FamilyMart stores will start offering delivery service through GrabFood and Lalamove Food. From 8 AM to 4 PM, orders for bento meals, chicken liempo, crispy pata, and FamilyMart ramen can be accommodated.

“At FamilyMart, we always prioritize the convenience of our customers. While ?FAMILYMART, P9

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Gov’t lists sectors still not allowed under GCQ

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s some parts of the country will ease the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) after April 30, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has identified sectors that will remain closed under general community quarantine (GCQ).

During the Online Talakayan of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Local Government Academy (LGA) Tuesday, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said gyms, fitness studios, and sports facilities will not be allowed during GCQ. Lopez cited that the government will still prohibit entertainment-related mass gatherings, including but not limited to theaters, cinemas, large concerts, festivals, carnivals, conventions, shows, pubs, and bars as well as business-related mass gatherings such as trade shows, conferences, conventions, workshops, and retreats.

Establishments with gambling and betting activities shall remain closed even after the ECQ will be lifted in some areas in the country at the end of the month.

Services catering to the tourism sector including travel agencies, tour operators, reservation services, and related services will still not be allowed to operate, Lopez said.

The DTI chief clarified that hotels are allowed to operate but not for tourism pur-

poses.

“Also hotels [are] allowed but for the special purpose of providing accommodations for workers [of] BPOs (business process outsourcing), exporters, banks, etc. At any rate, [we] expected that travel tourism will still be very weak,” he told reporters in a Viber message.

Moreover, libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural activities are still closed during the GCQ. The government also identified mass gathering events that will remain prohibited during GCQ, which include politically-related mass gatherings like election rallies, polling centers, parades, speeches, and addresses.

Sports-related mass gatherings such as training, games, tournaments, and championships will not yet resume even after the ECQ will be lifted.

Activities of member organizations are still not allowed in areas under GCQ. Meanwhile, as the government eases the quarantine measures in some areas, Lopez said manufacturing activities that were closed during ECQ can return to their operation starting May 1.

However, firms shall implement minimum health standards like physical distancing in the work area, wearing face masks, and providing alcohol and sanitizers.

3

Alfredo L. Paz Jr., a resident of Purok 13 GTH Lower Lubogan in Toril, Davao City, receives assistance from various government agencies and private sectors after a video of him manually shredding coconut meat for his family’s lunch went viral. Edge Davao

Go seeks immediate probe on hospitals that rejected patients

S

enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go called on concerned government agencies to conduct an immediate investigation on the hospitals that reportedly refused to administer emergency treatment to patients.

not to reject patients, particularly those who need emergency care),” the chair of the Senate committee on health and demography said in a news release issued on Tuesday.

Go said accepting patients into hospitals “is of paramount Go made the call “Ilang beses na importance” now that after he repeatedly akong umapela sa the country is facing appealed to hospitals mga ospital na huwag a public health emernot to deny emergen- itaboy ang mga pasy- gency due to Covid-19. cy medical treatment ente, lalong lalo na ang He echoed Presito any patient amid mga nangangailangan dent Rodrigo Duterte’s the ongoing corona- ng emergency care (I remarks that hospitals virus disease 2019 have repeatedly ap- are the sanctuary of ?GOV’T, P10 (Covid-19) outbreak. pealed to the hospitals the sick and that they

should not choose the ailment of the patient they are accepting.

The senator from Davao City also said he strongly supports Duterte’s stand to penalize hospitals that cannot attend to patients who need immediate medical attention.

“Alam ko na nahihirapan tayong lahat dahil sa health crisis dulot ng Covid-19.

Kulang tayo sa kagamitan sa ospital, tulad ng PPEs. Lampas sa kapasidad ang karami?GO, P10

Apo Agua extends support to city LGU

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po Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua), supports the City Government of Davao’s efforts to curb the spread of CoVID-19. Through the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Apo Agua extended help by providing 101 sacks of rice, and 7,648 assorted canned goods to the Davao City LGU as part of the Aboitiz

Group’s CoVID-19 relief efforts nationwide. The turnover was held at the Task Force Davao Office in Sta. Ana Wharf last Monday, April 13. Aldwin Dumago (second from left), Reputation Management Manager of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. represented Apo Agua during the turnover.

This is the second ?APO AGUA, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte updates the nation on the government’s efforts in addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PH maintains BBB+ T credit rating: PRRD T

DOF warns public on cryptocurrency investment

he Philippines has maintained its BBB+ credit rating despite the negative impact of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday.

“I am happy to report that the Philippines has maintained its credit rating of BBB+,” Duterte said in a televised public address.

Duterte did not give further details about the country’s BBB+ credit rating, which remains the highest ever in the country’s history.

He attributed the country’s stable growth performance to his decision to

lockdown late. Us, we immediately obeyed the law),” he said.

In April 2019, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) upgraded its credit rating on the country from ‘BBB’ to ‘BBB+’ with a Stable outlook, a notch away from A-level due to call for an enhanced “supportive policy dycommunity quaran- namics and improving tine (ECQ) as early as investment climate" March 15. due to strong domes“‘Yung iba nag- tic growth, healthy bagsakan na and external payments pobecause… Alam mo sition, and sustainable bakit? Kasi naniwala public finance. kayo --- iyong iba kasi Moody’s Investors late nag-lockdown, Service, in October ‘yung iba kung ano pa. last year, kept its Baa2 Tayo sunod kaagad with Stable rating on sa batas (Other coun- the country because of tries’ credit rating the strong fiscal posidowngraded and be- tion, and “limited vulcause...you know why? nerability” to external Because you believed- risks.

-the others declared a Fitch Ratings

changed its rating outlook on the country’s “BBB” rating from stable to positive last February due to “sound macroeconomic policy framework that will support high growth rates with moderate inflation, progress on fiscal reforms that should keep government debt within manageable levels and continued resilience in its external finances”.

On April 8, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the Philippine economy is “well-prepared” to handle the Covid-19 health crisis.

He expressed confidence in the government’s financial capability to bridge the problems arising from Covid-19. (PNA)

he Department of Finance (DOF) on Monday night dubbed as “fake news” and “malicious” an online article saying the government has created a platform, where citizens can invest in cryptocurrency and gain from it.

“There is no such effort by the government,” the DOF said in a public advisory.

Cryptocurrency is a virtual asset that uses cryptography and is being used for digital financial transactions.

This asset is, however, not expected to replace fiat currency any time soon since no central bank has backed it up yet.

The fake news report said the government has created a platform called Bitcoin Lifestyle, which it noted - is an agreement that the government “has been working to change Philippines technology, currency,

and monetary system.”

It said President Rodrigo Duterte, whom it described as a “business magnate, philanthropist, and investor”, “has signed the largest agreement of the century in the Philippines.”

It claimed that the platform “helps the government generate money to support retired citizens and young students without raising taxes,” which the DOF, in turn, said is false.

“We categorically deny that there is such a move, and warn the public against potentially harmful financial transactions with those behind the article,” the DOF said.

The department called on the public “to exercise caution in their investments, and to keep their expectations of returns realistic.”

It also urged Fili?DOF, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

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AboitizPower ER 1-94 remittances help boost Davao City’s fight vs COVID-19

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boitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) continues to spread positive energy in Mindanao as the company has recently remitted its share of Energy Regulations 1-94 (ER 1-94) Program funds to the government of Davao City in support of its efforts to combat the effects of COVID-19.

Davao City is one of the host beneficiaries of AboitizPower generation units Hedcor and Therma South, Inc. (TSI). Through ER 1-94, the said AboitizPower units have now remitted P14 million to the city’s local government.

As the Department of Energy (DOE) also prepares to remit its share of funds through the program, the local government of Davao City is slated to receive a grand total of P26 million.

In a statement, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio expressed her profound gratitude to AboitizPower on behalf of the city.

“This funding relief couldn’t have come at a more opportune time when resources are badly needed by local governments to battle COVID-19. We thank DOE, as well as Hedcor and Therma South of AboitizPower for making this proactive move and provid-

ing us with additional resources to help step up our anti-COVID campaign,” she said.

On April 6, the DOE issued Department Circular 2020004-00080, dictating that the ER 1-94 funds received by host communities of power generation companies may now be used in full for efforts towards managing the effects of COVID-19.

AboitizPower has since shown its full support for its beneficiaries nationwide, as local government units throughout the country continue their battle against the new virus. About half a billion worth of ER 1-94 funds are currently available for AboitizPower’s host LGUs across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for their COVID-19 response efforts.

The ER 1-94 Program is a policy under the DOE Act of 1992 and the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), which stipulates that host communities will get a share of one centavo for every kilowatt-hour (P0.01/ kWh) generated by power plants operating in its area.

With COVID-19 greatly affecting our communities and livelihood, AboitizPower remains steadfast in ?ABOITIZ, P10

BAP ties up with gov’t to help businesses hit by pandemic

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he Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) said it is now closely working with regulators and legislators to help businesses affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a statement Tuesday, the group said its tie-up with authorities aims to ensure liquidity and rehabilitation of industries severely affected by the Covid-19 health crisis.

“While the banking sector continues to provide critical support to the economy and the general public, efforts are now geared towards economic recovery of the country,”

it said.

The BAP, however, did not elaborate on the programs it is working on with the help of authorities.

The group assured the public its commitment to provide “unhampered banking services and ensure the industry’s resiliency and cooperation as we go into another two weeks of extended quarantine.”

It said banks have improved their operations to adapt to the “new normal.”

“The public is likewise reminded to ensure that their information is protected against cybercrime that can proliferate during this time,” it added. (PNA)

Telco firms assure data traffic capacity

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

s more companies in Davao City have implemented work from home (WFH) scheme for their employees amid the coronavirus pandemic, the slower have gone internet speeds.

As employees rushed to set up workstations at home, they have faced a common obstacle -- poor internet connection.

In answer to their woes, PLDTSmart Public Affairs Head Ramon Isberto assured customers that its fixed and mobile networks have the capacity to handle the increased traffic in data, as well as in voice calls and SMS. In a statement, Isberto said extraordinary measures were taken to raise the level of internet services.

He said because of the challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic, the said networks have stepped up their efforts to provide vital communications services that enable

their customers and the public to pursue their lives and livelihood while protecting their health and safety.

“We certainly agree that internet services in the country, particularly in Mindanao, have to be improved and made more widely available, particularly now when more people rely on data connectivity to work and study from home, to pay their bills online, to consult their doctors among many other online activities,” he said.

Isberto said Smart boosted the capacity of its 4G/ LTE mobile network throughout the country, including the Mindanao regions, by reallocating its assigned 1800 Mhz frequen-

cies from 2G to 4G/ LTE. According to him, this shift impacted on a large number of Smart’s LTE sites throughout the country and has increased the capacity of our 4G/LTE service to handle data traffic.

He added PLDT has also increased the capacity of its international cable systems in order to better handle internet traffic, the bulk of which goes to and fro destinations overseas, particularly Asia and the United States.

He also said these efforts follow three years of sustained, massive investments in the fixed and mobile networks of PLDT and Smart.

Isberto said consequently, PLDT has increased its total fiber footprint to 322,400 kilometers as of end-2019, and is the country’s most extensive digital infrastructure network.

In 2019, Smart increased the number of its LTE base stations by 51 percent to about 24,600 and augmented the

number of its 3G base stations by onefifth to 13,800.

“As a result, Smart’s mobile data coverage covered 94 percent of the population as of end2019,” he said.

Isberto said PLDT and Smart continue to roll-out and maintenance of their fixed and mobile networks despite the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But we have had to carefully control the deployment of our network teams to the field in order to protect their health and safety, as well as that of the public,” he said.

Isberto added that their ability to respond to service outages and install new facilities may be limited by curfew and ECQ protocols in different areas in Mindanao.

He said, in this matter, they need the assistance of local governments and communities to enable service teams to move freely.

“During this time of social distancing, we are committed to keep people connected,” Isberto said.

6 VANTAGE VANTAGE

“ EDGE DAVAO EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 16ISSUE • WEDNESDAY, VOL.13 10 • FRIDAY, APRIL MARCH29, 20,2020 2020

There are two provinces that we have negotiated (with) for them to help their constituents stranded in the city. Davao Oriental and Maguindanao province expressed willingness to accept them ...

The doctors had recommended to prepare 1,000 beds. They had been telling us to be ready because if these stranded individuals will come in, there would possibly be a new wave of infections.

EDITORIAL

Be significant With the situation the Philippines is facing amidst the coronavirus threat, it takes everyone’s utmost patience, understanding and compassion to get the country through the hill.

Hence, businesses must first take consideration of their workers rather than their profits or losses. The reason why the community quarantine is not working 100 percent is that the lowly workers are forced to report to work under fear of losing their jobs and not earning their keep. The spectre of having no mey to feed their families is a far bigger threat than dying because of the virus.

In the minds of the ordinary folks: “We will die just the same.”

Only those who have enough food in their pantry, those who can afford to panic shop, and those who can afford to order online for deliveries will survive. But for the bigger chunk of the society, the equation remains “no work, no food.”

Thus, it is a welcome relief that there are initially 10 companies made the supreme sacrifice of to compensate their workers during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine period. This will greatly help those in Metro Manila where people still go to work

MAYOR SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Layout/Cartoons Cartoonist Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

despite the order.

The 10 firms reported by the Department of Labor to have made the compensation package are Aboitiz, Asian Terminal/Solaire Resort Hotel, Ayala Group of Companies, JG Summit, Jollibee, Lucio Tan Group, Manny V. Pangilinan Group, San Miguel Corporation, SM and Udenna Group.These firms answered the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to take care of their workers and employees during this time of national emergency.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III lauded the companies and said their compassion and good example should inspire other enterprises whose source of wealth is the labor of their workforce.

While big companies can take some hit, it is a different story for smaller firms and this is where the government should come in. For sure, there are already some formulation to this effect being done.

For now, the best thing to do for everyone is to try to be significantly helpful instead of adding up to the problem and it all starts with following orders.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

the Orient, the political opStubborn as mules, the opposition and their decreasing positionists belonging to the ilk continue to rant diatribes Yellow (LPs) Party, continue to against the well-entrenched find fault with the manner the Duterte administration. incumbent administration has Netanyahu asked his been handling the CoVid 19 VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020 countrymen to adapt to a new menace. routine because they are not As far as this corner is con-

are living under a democratic set-up.

Why, if Xi Jin Ping and his Chinese Communist Party were to rule them, do you think they’d be brave enough to shout: “This is a violation of my freedom of expression?”

EDGEDAVAO

‘Sala sa init, sala sa lamig’, ika nga sa Tagalog.

This is very exasperating, to say the least.

Even if we are constantly haunted and stalked by poverty, misguided government practices, corruption and ille-

plored key to achieving peace, progress and prosperity.

Politics is a poisonous potion but Filipino politicians continue to sip it. ### (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

COMMUNITY HOWENHANCED COVID-19 VIRUS ISQUARANTINE TRANSMITTED Even the rich and the faTheare world facing afrom war mous notis spared no one knows how to fight. coronavirus disease 2019 “We’re in a world war right (COVID-19). now,” Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, Insaid Australia, while filming editor-in-chief of Health athemovie, two-time Oscar winand Lifestyle in Hanks his editorial. ning actor Tom caught “But no one thought this isthat the SARS-CoV-2, the virus kind of COVID-19. third worldHis warwife, we’llRita be causes having.”

Wilson, also got it. “We have Unlike and in the it is not COVID-19 arepast, in isolation asowar versus another human or we do not spread it to anyeven aliens.

“It’s not an invaone else,” he wrote in his Twitsion“There we’ve are prepared with our ter. those for whom sophisticated weaponry and it could lead to a very serious digital-age military hardware,” illness.”

Dr. Castillo said.

In Spain, Francisco Garcia, The enemy is SARS-Cov-2, a youth team football coach at the virus that causes coronaviMalaga-based club Atletico Porrus disease 2019 tada Alta, died from(COVID-19).

COVID-19, It has invaded almost all partsa having been suffering from of the world and already form of leukemia, according to snatched thousands lives.

Independent.

He wasof only 21 Humanity years old. is living in fear and in chaos.

In the Philippines, Senator “This virus, which was Miguel Zubiri admitted thatunhe known to us three months was positive for COVID-19ago, as has exposed weaknesses relayed to him the

by Health Secreand Francisco inequities Duque in ourIII.health tary “My systems our heart sankand withsocieties, what he had lack of preparedness, and said but I’m uplifted with the the gap in ourI supply chains and fact that am asymptomatic otherhave essential and no feversystems,” or coughsaid nor am I weak or have any headaches,” he wrote in his social media account. “My decision to self-quarantine… was the best decision I made and could have protected my family from contamination.”

The Department of Health

has confirmed about 142 cases munity quarantine.” But when this extraordinary war, we are Director-General Tedros Adhafrom onset of symptoms. with 12 deaths. “Still low,” said COVID-19: the figure of cases continued to 3 alldays soldiers.” nom Ghebreyesus of the World Symptomatic transmission Preliminary data President Rodrigo R. Duterte in increase and so he again placed In this war, allsuggests Filipinosthat are Health Organization in press By way of definition, a people may be more contahis live public address last Mon- the entire island of Luzon on soldiers, he said. “Young or briefing last16.

April COVID-19 case is gious thewoman, time of sympday, March “It is2.a figure that symptomatic March 16 under “enhanced adults,around man or every “In day the by next or two, case who has developed signs onsetwhatever as compared to later is rising day.day Beyond our acommunity quarantine” until tom Filipino, your stawe will reach more than one and symptoms compatible on in the disease.” borders, the whole world has April 12, “coinciding with the tus in life, can be considered a million confirmed cases of of with virus infection. solider Pre-symptomatic transbeen shaken by the spread entireCOVID-19 end of Holy Week.” in this battle,” Duterte COVID-19 globally, 50,000 transmission this disease.

At first,and it was Chi- Symptomatic Under an enhanced com- mission pointed out. deaths,” he East said,Asian urging the refers The incubation period for na and the region, munityto transmission quarantine, from “stricta Duterte urged Filipinos to world “to prepare our health person while they are experiCOVID-19, which is time which is still in the midst of home quarantine shall be im- “stay at their homes,the leaving systems of encing symptoms. exposure thefood, vithe crisisfor we large speak.numbers But now… plemented in all households; between their houses only totobuy cases, even as we maintain esData from published eprus (becoming infected) and the epicenter has shifted to Eu- transportation shall be sus- medicine and other basic necsential idemiology andfor food virologic is in onthe average rope.” health services.” pended; provision and symptom essary for onset, survival com“We know that when health studies provide evidence that 5-6 days, however can up The Philippines cannot do essential services shall be regu- ing days.” He added thatbeonly systems are overwhelmed,” Dr. COVID-19 is primarily transto 14 days.

During this period, anything about it either. “We lated; and heightened presence establishments “that provide Tedros maintained, “mortality from symptomatic as the “pre-sympwant to do business, we want to mitted of uniformed personnel topeoen- also theseknown basic necessities and serfrom vaccine-preventable and ple to others who are in close tomatic” period, some infectmake money, we want to move force quarantine procedure will vices will be opened.” other treatable conditions now will contact through respiratory ed persons can bethe contagious. but there is no interaction be implemented.”

In his speech, president increase dramatically.

Gaps droplets, by direct contact with Therefore, transmission and there is no trade to speak The declaration, howev- assured the public there isfrom sufin essential carenocan result in infected or by thought contact aficient pre-symptomatic case can ocof and there are flights going er, is notpersons, what others food supply. “I have been many the with contaminated objects before onset. out, in, more and fordeaths you to that do busiof being a martial law.

“Letand me cur assured bysymptom Ramon Ang himself coronavirus itself.”

“InMiguel a smallCorporation number of case ness. In other words, if you go surfaces. be this clear, this is not martial of San and But as the COVID-19 out“Data from clinical and vireports and studies, pre-sympthere, you are alone and please law,” Duterte said. “Under the other food conglomerates that break continues to evolve, the rologic studies that law haveis coltransmission has food. been understand that we are talking Constitution, martial de- tomatic there will be sufficient world is now learning more lected repeated biological samdocumented through contact to you honestly and in good clared when there is invasion, There will be no hunger in the about fromorconfirmed patients effortsbecause and enhanced faith.” this new virus every day. ples rebellion public safety re- tracing coming weeks we have In a To newly-released report, the provide evidence that shedding investigation of clusters contain the viral disease quires it.” enough supplies,” he said.of conWHO provides afurther, brief overview COVID-19 virus there is highest cases,” the everyone report said. from spreading Duterte of the But in this case, are firmed Duterte urged to of available evidence on under trans- in respiratory tract (nose supported byguidelines data sugplaced the entire country noupper such thing.

“There is no in- “This followisthe rules and mission symptomatic, and throat) early in the gesting that authorities. some people can a State of from Public Health Emer- ISSUE vasion, no• WEDNESDAY, rebellion, andcourse public 4, and respect “Obey VOL.12 259 MARCH 2020 pre-symptomatic and asympof the disease,” the WHO report test positive for COVID-19 from gency. “And that is why mayors safety does not – public safety the police and the military,” he tomatic people is, within the first before theywith develop now can go aheadinfected and issuewith ex- stated. requires“That it,” the president ex- 1-3 said.days “Do not quarrel them ecutive orders to make the en- plained. “At this time, our ene- and do not start ruckus that vironment of their municipality my is COVID-19.” would amount to a violation bemore conducive to a healing Earlier, the president said, cause you will be arrested and process,” he said.

“Let us make no mistake. We brought to prison – disobediOn March 11, since most of are in the fight of our lives. We ence of authority, o baka nagkathe cases were reported from are at war against a vicious and mali ako, then acts of public disMetro Manila, he declared the invisible enemy, one that can- turbance. You can be arrested. whole metropolis underMARINO “com- not be seen by the naked eye. In Sumunod na lang akyo at wala PINOY RIGHTS

Fear of blacklisting might is only the in theunexplained exceptional be It causing case of clear and existing danunder-reporting of thecrew conseger to the safety of the or quences of the COVID-19 panvessel that the required notices demic on seafarers. are dispensed with in cases of a “There is an unnecessary seafarer’s dismissal. fearThe of telling the truth thereuntimely termination of seafarer’s employment can byapotentially causing panic be declared a case illegal disin what could be aoflong-haul”, missal if the employer CEO fails of to says David Hammond, prove the seafarer afthe that UK-based charitywas orgaforded due process. nizationprocedural Human Rights at Sea. The POEA Standard EmSeafarers have been the ployment Contract (SEC)atenufront lines of maintaining the merates in Section 17 the discitrade flowing during plinary procedures, or the the pan“two demic. notice and one hearing rule”, noted in that that Hammond must be followed dismissing a seafarer. people are mostly hearing the The Master shallstoic furnish the positive and often narraseafarer written notice tives of with thosea seafarers who containing the grounds for are staying(a) onboard, keeping the charges and (b) date, time calm and carrying on, mainand place for a formal investigataining global supply tion of the charges againstlines the and remaining at sea for the seafarer concerned. globalThe common good.

Master or his auHowever, he lamented thorized representative then that there isthe a problem as shall conduct investigation or hearing, seafarto “the realgiving detailsthe of the aler the opportunity to explain ternative reality and of the or defend himself against the uncomfortable stories reflectcharges. ing the consequences of those not fortunate enough to have support of the big commercial companies who are pushing this stoic messaging. Without this, we have an incomplete and less-than-transparent picture of what is occurring.”

“It is now time to tell the An entry the investigawhole truth,onincluding the tion shall be entered into the good, the bad and the ugly of ship’s logbook. the ramifications of COVID-19 If, after the investigation or on the silent heroes who will hearing, the Master is convinced keepimposition us supplied alive in that of and a penalty is this unprecedented crijustified, the Master global shall issue asis,” written notice of penalty and says Hammond. the reasons for it to facing the seafarSeafarers are nuer, with copies furnished the merous challenges in toperPhilippine agent. activities informing their The rules state that cluding longeralso duration of dismissal for just cause may be their employments on vessels effected by the Master without amid bansthe onseafarer crew-changes furnishing with a and restriction of travel notice of dismissal if doing so growing will Anxiety prejudiceis the safetyamong of the seafarers caused byThis non-paycrew or the vessel. information shallunderpayment be entered in the ment or of ship’s wages,logbook. contracts being exThewithout Master consent shall send tended whilea complete report are to the manother seafarers stranded ning agency substantiated by in foreign ports without wagwitnesses, testimonies and any es or flights home. other documents in support They are also calling for thereof. greater of Personal ProThelevels Supreme Court undertective Equipment (PPE) like scored the “ clear and existing facemasks gloves to be danger” ruleand in dismissal cases in the case EVIC Human Remade moreofwidely available, source Management Inc., v. Rognot just for themselves, but elio (G.R. No.workers 206890, for Panahon, those maritime July 2017) who31, come onboard their vessels .

Hammond’s query is whether or not there’s a deliberate suppression of the facts and ground-truth, careless under-reporting, or just a convenient avoidance of the

EDGEDAVAO

tayong problema.” symptoms.

Thus, itcases is possiAs COVID-19 and ble that people infected deaths continued to filewith up, COVID-19 transmit there is a could need to developthea virus before significant sympvaccine immediately.

There is a toms It isdevelop important to need develop. to “quickly an inrecognize that pre-symptomexpensive and effective vaccine atic transmission stillvirus, requires against the COVID-19 and the virus to itbevery spread viafree into distribute widely, fectious droplets or through of charge, with the support of touching contaminated government funds,” Dr.surfacJohn es.”

Scales Avery, who was part of Asymptomatic the group that sharedtransmisthe 1995 sion Nobel Peace Prize.

An asymptomatic labora“With no with certainty tory-confirmed case is a person that if a vaccine against the infected who COVID-19with virusCOVID-19 is not develdoes develop symptoms. oped not quickly and distributed Asymptomatic transmission widely, enormous numbers of refers of the people to willtransmission die,” pointed out Dr. virus from a person, who does Avery, an associate professor not develop emeritus at symptoms. the University of According to the report, Copenhagen, Denmark. therePublic are few reports of labohealth experts say ratory-confirmed cases who that if the COVID-19 pandemic are trulysuccessfully asymptomatic, and to is not contained, date, there has been no docuit could spread to 80% of the mented asymptomatic transworld’s population. “With a 1% mission. not exclude mortalityThis rate,does this would mean the that it maywould occur. thatpossibility 70 million people Asymptomatic cases have been die of the disease,” surmised reported as part of contact tracDr. Avery. “With a 2% mortality ing in some countries. rate,efforts the total number of deaths would be twice that number: 140 million people.

“Comparable numbers of people have died in the tragic wars and pandemics of the past. There is a serious danger that it might happen again,” warned Dr. Avery. – ###

VANTAGE POINTS

DENNIS R. GORECHO

7

“CLEAR AND EXISTING DANGER” BLACKLISTING AND THE TRUTH ON COVID19 RULE IN SEAFARER’S DISMISSAL CASES inconvenient truth on seafarThe COVID-19 seafarer in said case ers and crisis. admitted that he took a sip Unfortunately, Hammond from the small flask of whisky notedtothat many seafarers given him by one of the steare usually reluctant towent air vedores he dealt with and formal to bed. complaints due to the so-called “blacklisting”, a The captain had him awakened and used ordered to make practice to him prevent cer-a report on somefrom damages the tain seafarers beinginemrailings of the ship caused by ployed. the stevedores.

Blacklisting of seafarers the “ilrecan When eitherhe besubmitted “legal” and port to the captain, the latter legal”. allegedly smelled a faint odor of Theand Philippine Overseas whisky asked the seafarer if Employment Administrahe had been drinking, to which tion (POEA) comes up replied with a the seafarer truthfully blacklist (also called watchthat he drank a little whisky and was willing to take as an aalcohol list) of seafarers form test. of legal sanction if adminisThe complaints seafarer claimed that trative are filed the captain shrugged off his ofagainst them. fer toSeafarers take an alcohol test but as who face pensoon as he left, the captain made alties after final judgment are a logbook entry recommending blacklisted.

Included in the list his immediate replacement. are The those disqualified company arguedfrom that overseas employment the dismissal was justifieduntil becleared the POEA until cause thebyseafarer wasorcaught intoxicated, in violation of the their suspension is served or company policies, instructions, lifted. and However, stipulations of the POEA illegal blacklistcontract. ing became a hidden industry practice where manning agencies make communications that tend to influence or prejudice the mind of any employer against the person seeking employment.

Blacklisting is the nefar-

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

ious practice of blocking fufearing that the safety tureThus, employment of seafarers of the vessel and/or crew may who assert their rights and be at risk with the continued complain about unjust treatpresence of the seafarer , the ment, safety standards, poor employers were constrained to working conditions orrelieved. unpaid ask that the seafarer be wages, others.

Theamong Supreme Court ruled that Manning this was a case of illegal will disagencies missal as the recordsfor arespeakbereft blacklist seafarers of any showing that ing out evidence against their employwas given a written notice of ers preventing them from the charges him, or that being hiredagainst in the industry he was given an opportunity to again. secretexplainManning or defendagents himself. ly circulate among themselves Neither is there proof that derogatory and docthe seafarer remarks was furnished with uments as a retaliatory act a written notice of the penalty against imposedcritical againstseafarers him andthey the reasons for imposition. consider asits “troublemakers.”

The admit Theiremployers names are putthat on these“blacklists” required notices disthe held were by manpensed with because, according ning agencies, a practice that to them, there was a and usually destroys theclear future existing danger to the safety of not only of seafarers but of the crew or vessel. theirMerchant dependentsshipping as well. is Blacklisting can throw known to be an occupation with seafarers depena high rateand of whole fatal accidents dent unjustly into a causedfamilies by maritime disasters and of occupational accidents. sea uncertainty and unemMost accidents happen because ployment, affecting them for a of simple mistakes in use of lifetime. navigational equipment and inThe International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Convention 179 “prohibits recruitment and placement services from using means, mechanisms or lists intended to prevent or deter seafarers from gaining employment.”

The

Maritime

Labour

terpretation the available inConvention of 2006 empowers formation. seafarers to report violations Unfortunately for the emdirectly their flag stateis auployers ,tohowever, there no thorities while remaining evidence that was presented to under the protection of the prove such was the situation convention.

Those was flag termistate when the seafarer nated. authorities must then investiis a settledand rulethey in labor gateItcomplaints, also cases protect that theseafarers employerfrom has must the burden of proving that the retaliation. dismissal of a seafarerseafarers was for Alternatively, a just or authorized cause, and can report violations to port failure to show this would necstate authorities, who simiessarily mean that the dismissal larly must conduct initial was unjustified and, an therefore, investigation and protect the illegal. seafarers’ confidentiality In case of an illegal dismissal, a seafarer is entitled to However, many seafarers receive from his employers his remain skeptical of whether salaries for the unexpired portheir unions, organizations or tion of his employment contract flag states will protect them not merely his salaries for three from retaliation for reporting (3) months for every year of the offences. unexpired term.

When seafarers rightfully *** complain, they should not be Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho punished life. Yet ifdivision a seaheads thefor seafarers’ farer a blacklist, of theappears Sapalo on Velez Bundang Bulilanmaritime law offices.

For often comtheir career, ments, email info@sapalovelez. the only job open to them, is com, or call 09175025808 or over.

09088665786).

Atty. Dennis R. Gore-

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

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

WHY VACCINES ARE IMPORTANT

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

he terrain was muddy and slippery but it didn’t stop nurse Mica Kaddaring from doing her work – immunizing women and newborns in Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. In one of her recent visits, she lost a shoe along the way.

“My shoe got stuck in the mud, and I walked barefoot until we found a house whose owner lent me his slippers,” recalled Kaddaring, who went doorto-door providing antenatal care and vaccines to women in remote areas of the region. “It felt like a really long walk.”

However, her patients walked even further, without complaint, to be immunized as part of the Department of Health’s campaign to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and other partners.

“Whenever I think of the people in remote areas that could die of diseases that can actually be prevented – and I as a nurse know how to help them – I am inspired to work hard,” she admitted.

Through the support from countless health workers and partners, the Philippines eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus – a

disease that can be prevented through hygienic birth practices and immunization – in November 2017.

The WHO defines elimination as achieving an incidence rate of less than one case of tetanus per 1,000 live

births in every district in the country.

The Philippines started its elimination efforts in the early 1990s yet when vaccination coverage reached 70%. But in a few years later, coverage plummeted due to false allegations that the vaccine caused miscarriages and sterilization. In Manila, tetanus vaccination was banned entirely from 2003 to 2006.

“Despite what you may hear or read, all current vaccines are safe,” assures Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, professor of pediatrics and director of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. “Vaccines have helped prevent more diseases than all antibiotics put together.”

In 2018, the United Nations health agency reported that an estimated 116 million children were vaccinated with three doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine,

protecting them against infectious diseases that can cause serious illness and disability or be fatal.

“Vaccines are one of our most important tools for preventing outbreaks and keeping the world safe,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said in a statement.

But like all medicines, side effects can occur after getting a

and transportation).

Vaccines are different from drugs.

“A vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if you were exposed to the disease,” explains the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that without vaccine. “However, disease, these (side effects) having to get the disare usually very mi- ease first.” nor and of short duration, such as a sore arm or a mild fever,” the WHO said.

“More serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare.”

A person is far more likely to be seriously harmed by a disease than by a vaccine. For example, tetanus can cause extreme pain, muscle spasms (lockjaw) and blood clots, measles can cause That’s what encephalitis (an infection of the brain) makes vaccines such and blindness. Many powerful medicine. vaccine-preventable Unlike most medidiseases can even cines, which treat of result in death. The cure diseases, vacbenefits of vacci- cines prevent them. nation greatly out- And this is the reaweigh the risks, and son why children, many more illness particularly newand deaths would ly-born babies, are occur without vac- advised to be vaccinated. cines.

“Immunity is the According to WHO, all the ingre- body’s way of predients of a vaccine venting disease,” the play an important Atlanta-based CDC role in ensuring a says. “When a baby vaccine is safe and is born, his immune effective. Some of these include: antigen (a killed or weakened form of a virus or bacteria, which trains the bodies to recognize and fight the disease that can be encountered later on), adjuvants (help to boost the immune response), preservatives (ensures a vaccine stays effective), and stabilizers (protect the vaccine during storage

system is not fully developed, which can put him at greater risk for infections.

Vaccine reduce a child’s risk of infection by working with his body’s natural defenses to help safely develop immunity to disease.”

Here’s an even more understandable explanation from WHO: “Our immune systems are designed to remember. Once exposed to one or more dos-

es of a vaccine, we typically remain protected against a disease for years, decades or even a lifetime. This is what makes vaccines so effective.

Rather than treating a disease after it occurs, vaccines prevent us in the first instance from getting sick.”

Most vaccines are given by an injection, but some are given orally (by mouth) or sprayed

?WHY VACCINES, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

WHY VACCINES from 8 into the nose. Aside from those mentioned earlier, vaccines protect against many different diseases, including: cervical cancer, cholera, hepatitis B, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, measles, mumps, pneumonia, rabies, rotavirus, rubella, typhoid, varicella, and yellow fever.

Vaccines protect people throughout life and at different ages, from birth to childhood, as teenagers and into old age. “If we delay vaccination, we are at risk of getting seriously sick,” the WHO warned. “If we wait until we think we may be exposed to a serious illness – like during a disease outbreak – there may not be enough time for the vaccine to work and to receive all the recommended doses.”

Not everyone could be vaccinated though. Among those that cannot be immunized are the very young babies, those who are seriously ill or have certain allergies.

“They depend on others being vaccinated to ensure they are also safe from vaccine-preventable diseases,” the WHO said.

As with all medicines, every vaccine undergoes several studies and testing before it is released to the public. “To develop a vaccine, there first has to be research done to understand the nature of the infection you’re trying to prevent,” Prof.

Adam Finn, the David Baum professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, explained to Gary Finnegan’s Vaccine Today.

“You need to know enough about virus or bacterium that causes the infection; you have to understand the structure of the bug because in order to create a

vaccine you need to know enough about the infection to be able to mimic it. A vaccine is essentially a mimicked infection.”

Before a vaccine is released for human use, careful steps are taken to ensure that all material is manufactured in an entirely safe and strictly controlled way.

“Following pre-clinical research, the vaccine is tested in a very small group of people – sometimes as few as half a dozen – in what is called a Phase I clinical study,” Finnegan wrote. “This helps to rule out major safety problems and also helps doctors to work out the right dose for the next step in the testing process.

“Phase II trials involve giving the vaccine to a larger number of people (often 100 to 200 but sometimes in the 1,000s). At this point, researchers want to see whether the vaccine gives a consistent immune response and they watch for any side effects that might occur.

“Where a disease is reasonably common, Phase III trials can be conducted to test how the vaccine protects against natural infection.

These studies often include tens of thousands of healthy volunteers so that doctors have a better chance of discovering rare problems which did not show up in smaller Phase II studies and prove that the vaccine prevents the disease.”

Meanwhile, there are several new vaccines under development. If approved, these will help prevent more life-threatening diseases – such as Zika, Nipah or COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) viruses – or improve the effectiveness of existing vaccines.

FAMILYMART from 2 many of our stores remain open to be of service, we want to bring FamilyMart closer to where we are needed. Our Fam on Wheels and delivery service are our ways to provide alternative convenience during this enhanced community quarantine, while also ensuring the safety of our customers and personnel.

FamilyMart will continue to innovate and adapt its services depending on the needs of the community,”

FamilyMart President and Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Henry Albert Fadullon said.

Fam on Wheels started serving clients on April 22, 2020 at Phoenix Dahlia in Quezon City and Phoenix West Service Road in Muntinlupa City. Updates, available items, and schedules of these rolling stores will be posted on FamilyMart’s official Facebook page.

Meanwhile, clients can start availing of

MMA Planet Yuji Kitano - Abema TV Japan James Goyder - AsianMMA.com Marcelo Alonso - Tatame Magazine Sazali Abdul Aziz Straits Times Worapath Arunpakdee - Thairath TV Poptorn Roongsamai Champ Magazine Wanlop Sawasdee MGR Online Adam Kayoom - Former Athlete Ann Osman - Former Athlete Rich Franklin - Former Athlete Miesha Tate - Former Athlete

5. Rui Botelho

ONE from 11

FamilyMart’s online ordering and delivery service next week.

Previously, FamilyMart items have also been made available for those who are staying at home through a partnership with GrabPh for GrabMart, an online grocery delivery service.

For more updates and information about FamilyMart’s Fam on Wheels and online delivery service, visit www.facebook.com/ familymartph.

FamilyMart is a

Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion: Sam-A Gaiyanghadao 1. Josh Tonna 2. Rocky Ogden 3. Daren Rolland 4. Andy Howson

Bantamweight Muay Flyweight Mixed Mar- Thai tial Arts World Champion: World Champion: Nong-O Gaiyanghadao Adriano Moraes 1. Sangmanee Sathian 1. Demetrious Johnson MuayThai 2. Danny Kingad 2. Bobo Sacko 3. Kairat Akhmetov 3. Kulabdam Sor. Jor. 4. Yuya Wakamatsu Piek Uthai 5. Reece McLaren 4. Alaverdi Ramazanov Flyweight Kickboxing 5. Muangthai P.K. World Champion: Ilias Saenchaimuaythaigym Ennahachi 1. Rodtang JitmuangFeatherweight Mixed non Martial Arts 2. Superlek Kiatmoo9 World Champion: 3. Walter Goncalves Martin Nguyen 4. Panpayak Jitmuang- 1. Christian Lee non 2. Koyomi Matsushima 5. Elias Mahmoudi 3. Thanh Le 4. Tetsuya Yamada Flyweight Muay Thai 5. Garry Tonon World Champion: Rodtang Jitmuangnon Featherweight Kick1. Panpayak Jitmuang- boxing non World Champion: 2. Superlek Kiatmoo9 Vacant 3. Jonathan Haggerty 1. Giorgio Petrosyan 4. Elias Mahmoudi 2. Superbon Bancha5. Petchdam mek Petchyindee Academy 3. Tayfun Ozcan 4. Samy Sana Bantamweight Mixed 5. Yodsanklai IWE Martial Arts Fairtex World Champion: Bibiano Fernandes Featherweight Muay 1. Kevin Belingon Thai 2. Shoko Sato World Champi3. Yusup Saadulaev on: Petchmorakot 4. Shuya Kamikubo Petchyindee Academy 5. Daichi Takenaka 1. Superbon Banchamek Bantamweight Kick2. Jamal Yusupov boxing 3. Jo Nattawut World Champion: Ala- 4. Samy Sana verdi Ramazanov 5. Yodsanklai IWE 1. Nong-O GaiyanghFairtex adao 2. Sangmanee Sathian Lightweight Mixed MuayThai Martial Arts 3. Zhang Chenglong World Champion: 4. Liam Harrison Christian Lee 5. Rodlek P.K. 1. Iuri Lapicus Saenchaimuaythaigym 2. Saygid Guseyn Ar-

shake snub wasn’t the reason why he didn’t make the historic lineup.

“If I’m not part of

the Dream Team for that lapse of emotion, for not shaking somebody’s hand, then I’m more disappointed

ONE Championship Official Rankings (as of April 27, 2020) Strawweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion: Joshua Pacio 1. Yosuke Saruta 2. Yoshitaka Naito 3. Rene Catalan 4. Alex Silva 5. Lito Adiwang

Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion: Sam-A Gaiyanghadao 1. Astemir Borsov 2. Wang Junguang 3. Rocky Ogden 4. Josh Tonna 5. Daren Rolland

QUENCHING from 12

today than I was back then when I wasn’t selected,” Thomas said.

“I paid a heavy price. If that moment

9

Japanese convenience store brand managed

by Phoenix Petroleum in the Philippines.

Last year, the brand opened the biggest stand-alone FamilyMart store in the world at Udenna Tower, BGC, Taguig City.

It has since been redefining convenience retailing by offering more in-store meals and expanding its dining capacity. The brand has also recently started offering Coffee Creations, its own line of brewed coffee. slanaliev 3. Pieter Buist 4. Timofey Nastyukhin 5. Shinya Aoki Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion: Regian Eersel 1. Nieky Holzken 2. Mustapha Haida 3. Anthony Njokuani 4. Andy Souwer 5. Elliot Compton

Women’s Atomweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion: Angela Lee 1. Denice Zamboanga 2. Meng Bo 3. Lin Heqin 4. Mei Yamaguchi 5. Gina Iniong Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion: Janet Todd 1. Stamp Fairtex 2. Alma Juniku 3. Chuang Kai Ting 4. Anne Line Hogstad 5. Ekaterina Vandaryeva Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion: Stamp Fairtex 1. Janet Todd 2. Anne Line Hogstad 3. Alma Juniku 4. Ekaterina Vandaryeva 5. Rudzma Abubakar

Women’s Strawweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion: Xiong Jing Nan 1. Tiffany Teo 2. Michelle Nicolini 3. Angela Lee 4. Ayaka Miura 5. Maira Mazar meant I’m not selected to be on the Dream Team because of that moment, that’s hurtful. That cuts deep.”

10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

GO from 3

Fish vendors prepare tuna which will be sold at Agdao Public Market on Tuesday. Edge Davao

APO AGUA from 3

han sa mga pasilidad pero hindi ito dahilan upang hindi tanggapin ang mga nangangailangan ng agarang tulong medical (All of us are facing difficulties because of the health crisis brought

by Covid-19. Our hospitals do not have enough equipment, like personal protective equipment. Our facilities are overloaded but these are not reasons to reject those who need immediate medical help),” he said.

A mother died after giving birth in Caloocan City on April 24 after six hospitals reportedly refused to admit her, citing full capacity while another facility allegedly asked for a deposit.

Earlier, at least three patients also died after reportedly being refused treatment by various hospitals.

Go said Republic Act 10932 or the “Anti-Hospital Deposit Law” declares it unlawful for a hospital or clinic to refuse patients and administer medical treatment and support.

He added that the law states that transfer to another hospital or facility could only be done after necessary

emergency treatment has been administered to the patient and that the patient is already in a stable condition.

“May batas tayo na naglalatag kung ano ang dapat gawin ng mga ospital. Mandato ninyo na sagipin ang buhay ng bawat taong hihingi sa inyo ng tulong (We have a law providing guidelines to the hospitals. You are mandated to save the life of anyone asking for help),” Go said.

According to the law, officials of these hospital will be slapped with six years of imprisonment and a fine ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP1 million if the refusal to accept patients is based on the hospital policy.

Go said his panel would investigate the hospitals that refused to administer emergency treatment to critically ill patients.

“Kailangan natin mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga namatayan (We need to give justice to those who lost their loved ones),” he said, adding that he has asked the National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health to conduct an investigation.

(PR)

Malls will be allowed to open except for non-leisure stores, Lopez said.

Services such as barbershops, salons, spas, and other personal care industries can resume their operation but must maintain strict health standards.

Other sectors that were forced to close during ECQ but will be allowed to operate under GCQ include wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, forestry and logging, publishing activities, motion picture, video and television program production, sound recording and music publishing activities, and advertising and market research.

The government also eyes to resume

construction activities, particularly for its ‘Build, Build, Build’ program.

In the same virtual briefing, acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority Director General Karl Kendrick Chua said the Inter-Agency Task Force will give special analysis on the reopening of the construction sector and malls.

One of the key points that Chua cited is the risk of virus transmission once activities in the construction sector resume as most of the workers are migrants.

But he said it is an opportune time to roll out these projects to speed up the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program.

(PNA)

batch of turnover by the Aboitiz Group to the city as Davao Light and Power Co., Inc., Hedcor, Inc., and Therma South, Inc. turned over 162 sacks of rice and 17,665 as-

sorted canned goods early this month. Apo Agua is a joint venture company between Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. and J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation. It entered into

a bulk water supply agreement with the Davao City Water District for the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project in order to shift the dependence of Davao City’s main

water supply from groundwater wells to the more sustainably-sourced surface water from the Tamugan River. For more information, visit apoagua.com.

pinos “to report similarly suspicious investment schemes to the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department of the Se-

curities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with telephone number 8818-5704.”

“We warn unscrupulous individuals

and groups attempting to lure the public into unauthorized and deceptive investment schemes that the government is monitor-

ing the public space for such schemes, and will take appropriate legal and regulatory action,” it added.

(PNA)

round-robin match on a digital representation of the Spanish capital's Manolo Santana Stadium.

Things did not start very well, however, with Nadal and Shapovalov, shown in small screens below the game action being broadcast live on Facebook Gaming, sitting frustrated as their computer characters were left bobbing around on the baseline as the game appeared to malfunction.

It is a similar story later when Stefanos Tsitsipas and Fabio Fognini had to hit the re-set button before their armchair tussle could begin -- Tsitsipas winning comfortably as Fognini's strutting computer character threw its racket with relish.

"I've not really trained for this because I've been cooking and looking after

my baby," Fognini said.

Nadal, five times a champion of the real Madrid Open that should have been played this week, then pulled out of his exhibition match against YouTube star DjMariio.

The 33-year-old warrior, who can go toe-to-toe with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for hours, was said to have tweaked his back.

Fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, director of the tournament which is raising funds to help lower-ranked pros struggling to stay afloat during the health crisis, later confessed it was a joke.

"Guys, I was joking, of course..." Lopez said.

"I said Rafa had a back injury from the pressure of playing on the PS4. We might need some sense of humour please!"

The virtual tournament included many

of the features of the real tennis world. Endless chat between host Brandon Smith, esports tennis pro Lorenzo Choffi, apparently from his bedroom, and a rather non-plussed former Spanish player Alex Corretja.

Online fans moaned about the long gaps between the matches, played on the Tennis World Tour game and each lasting about 15 minutes. The duel between Donna Vekic and Angelique Kerber was lost in cyberspace -- presumably because of wifi issues.

Despite the understandable teething problems caused by players logging on from all over the world, it was an entertaining day.

Swiss world number eight Belinda Bencic staged a "walkon", emerging from up her stairs in full tennis

kit before taking her Playstation controller out of her racket bag and polishing off Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro.

Andy Murray, tipped by Lopez as a pre-tournament favourite, got into the spirit of things too -grunting loudly after every 'virtual' shot as he beat Frenchman Benoit Paire.

Kiki Bertens, who won the Madrid title last year, could never have imagined that she would be 'defending' her title from her living room. She put down the jigsaw puzzles she has been doing to stave off boredom to grab the controls and demolish Kerber who did finally materialise.

"I've been practising so much my hands hurt and my eyes hurt," Bertens, wearing a full from 5 tennis kit, said. "It's fun. I'm just glad to put its commitment to exmy tennis kit on again." tending every possi-

DOF from 4

NADAL from 11

GOV’T from 3

ABOITIZ

ble form of assistance where it is needed.

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

ONE Championship releases rankings

T

he largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), today announced its first official athlete rankings for select weight divisions across Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing. Rankings for other weight divisions will be introduced in the future.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “It is with great excitement that I announce the inaugural ONE Championship Official Rankings. The rankings will bring more clarity and transparency for our athletes as they chase their dreams for a world championship title. Fans can also follow their favorite athletes and their journeys more closely as they climb or fall in the rankings.”

An independent panel of top sports media and industry experts will determine the rankings after each event based on criteria

such as wins/losses, most recent performances, and quality of opponents. Athlete ranking updates will be published after each event on www.

ONEFC.com and the ONE Super App. ONE Independent Rankings Panel (as of April 27, 2020): Tom Taylor - BJPenn. com Stewart Fulton - MMA in Japan Nicolas Atkin - South China Morning Post Ian Shutts - Lowkick MMA Santino Honasan ABS-CBN JM Siasat - GMA Network Manabu Takashima ?ONE, P9

ONE Championship has come up with a ranking system for select weight divisions across Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing.

Nadal makes winning start as tennis returns in virtual world

C

Virtual player Spain's Rafael Nadal in action.

laycourt king Rafa Nadal suffered a fake injury, several players 'froze' and one match vanished into thin air as the Virtual Madrid Open made its debut on Monday.

With professional tennis tours closed down until mid July at the earliest because of the coronavirus pandemic, an esports version of the claycourt event is being staged online.

Thirty two of the world's best players

have swapped their rackets for Playstation controllers, courts for sofas, to contest the four-day event designed to offer players, and fans, some action during the lockdown.

Nadal claimed he was a computer game novice during an Instagram chat with Andy Murray last week, but the Spaniard showed impressive fingerwork to beat young Canadian Denis Shapovalov in his opening ?NADAL, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.13 ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

QUENCHING THE THIRST

'The Last Dance' is a Netflix Original Michael Jordan television documentary that has become a smash hit for NBA fans across the world at a time where there are no NBA games going on.

'The Last Dance' fills TV void for NBA fans

A

new Michael Jordan television documentary has become a smash hit for NBA fans whose hope of watching the playoffs these days was scuttled by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Last Dance” details the career of the NBA legend who led the Chicago Bulls to six titles in the 1990s, with editions three and four of the 10-part saga telecast on Sunday.

It was the top ESPN telecast in the advertiser-prized 18-to-34 demographic since the shut down of sport due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In all, 6.1 million people watched the opening episodes in the United States, making the documentary Twitter’s top trending topic and ESPN’s most watched original pro-

gram since the network began producing such shows 16 years ago. An average of 5.9 million viewers watched the latest episodes aired in the US on Sunday.

“The Last Dance” mixes previously unaired behindthe-scenes footage taken by a special camera crew with the Bulls during their 199798 NBA championship run with the retelling of Jordan’s amazing story from his youthful days to Chicago’s amazing dynasty run of six 1990s NBA titles.

The project was set to be

broadcast in June when the NBA Finals were scheduled, but when sports programs were wiped out due to the global virus pandemic, ESPN advanced the release date.

The Jordan documentary’s blockbuster success looks likely to spark similar projects.

Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar who died in a January helicopter crash, had a personal camera crew follow him around during his final NBA season, ESPN reported last week, hinting that behind-the-scenes footage could become part of a Bryant documentary.

Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, scored 60 points in his final NBA game in 2016, which capped the worst season in Lakers history at 17-65.

Dwyane Wade, a member of the 2008 US Olympic “Redeem Team” that won Beijing gold after a 2004 bronze at Athens, says he is already exec-

utive producing a documentary about that collection of NBA talent.

- A lingering hatred ESPN has aired discussion shows about the documentary after telecasts, with Sunday’s episodes about Jordan’s lingering hatred of the Detroit Pistons leading to Monday interviews with former Detroit star Isiah Thomas, notably about the Pistons snubbing the Bulls for post-game handshakes when Chicago swept the defending champions out of the 1991 playoffs.

“I hated them,” Jordan said in the fourth chapter of the documentary. “And that hate carries even to this day.”

Thomas was not selected as a member of the 1992 Barcelona US Olympic gold medal “Dream Team” -- an NBA allstar lineup that featured Jordan -- and Thomas said Monday on ESPN that he hoped the hand?QUENCHING, P9