Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 27 | Wednesday, May 13, 2020

EDGEEDGE DAVAO DAVAO BIG BOOST

Serving a seamlessRAFA, society FEDERER MOVE ON TO THIRD ROUND

Serving a seamless society

PH SPORTS ACADEMY RATIFICATION 'WELCOME DEVELOPMENT': PSC

SPORTS P12

SPORTSP11

NOT INTERESTED SIGNSSIGNS OF BOOM OF BO VOL.13 27• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 1, VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE 59 MAY 31-JUNE 2019 ISSUE 59 www.edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com f •@EdgeDavao VOL.12 FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019 f @EdgeDavao

2 PAGES P 15.00 • 16 www.edgedavao.net

UDENNA not buying ABS-CBN, says Dennis Uy Applications for building, for building, Applications zoning permitszoning increase permits increase Davao City will be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) starting May 16 until May 31, 2020 based on the recommendation of the Inter-agency Task Force but subject to review on May 14.

Edge Davao

T

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

T

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

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION

►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL FAMILY FOREMOST IN ESDEVCO’S MIND

►PROPERTY P9

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

TOURISM. President Rodrigo Duterte responds to the discussions during the meeting with the Japanese tourism partners at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

e

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020

NOT INTERESTED UDENNA not buying ABS-CBN, says Dennis Uy

D

avao-based UDENNA Corporation has no plans of acquiring beleaguered broadcast giant ABS-CBN, which has been ordered to cease and desist operation for failure to have its congressional franchise renewed.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued the order after ABS:-CBN’s congressional franchise expired last May 4.

The declaration that UDENNA has no plans of acquiring the broadcasting compa-

ny owned by Lopez family was made by UDENNA chairman and CEO Dennis A. Uy in a brief statement dated May 10 2020 posted on the Facebook account of Atty.

Ma. Socorro “Pinky” Ermac Cabreros, vice president for legal

affairs of Phoenix Petroleum, one of the companies owned by businessman Uy. “Let me be clear once and for all and say that we, in UDENNA Corporation, have no intention to acquire ABS:-CBN, “ Uy said in mixed English and Pilipino.

“Being in the business of broadcasting is not part of our corporation,” said the Davao industrialist, reportedly a staunch supporter of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“Mataas ang respeto ko sa nagawa at patuloy na ginaga-

wa ng ABS-CBN. Atin pong lubos na kinikilala kung ano ang kanilang sinasagisag para sa mga kapwa nating Pilipino, “ the statement continued.

Uy said “we are hoping that their issues be resolved soonest.”

“Sama-sama po tayong mga Pilipino, lalung-lalo sa panahon ngayon para sa aring kinabukasan,” he said.

“UDENNA commits that we are and will always be partners with all Filipinos in building our nation, “ Uy concluded. (ANTONIO M. AJERO)

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 evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

A computerized composite sketch of the patient positive with COVID-19 that fled an isolation center in Davao City last May 9.

Edge Davao

City urges the public to report Covid-19 escapee

T

he city government of Davao has released a computerized cartographic imaging of the Covid-19 patient who fled from an isolation facility in Davao City last Saturday.

The image was released on Tuesday amid public concerns the escapee might cause more infection.

Authorities urged the public to report if the female patient is seen.

Arani Hajiba, 20 to 24 years old, a resident of Purok 4, Isla Verde, Barangay 23C, Davao City, jumped out of an isolation facility at Queensland motel in Ecoland, Davao City and is currently the subject of a manhunt.

“Kagabii (night of May 11) gisugdan na ang cartographic sketch niya. Gina-improve karon sa computer ang pag drawing sa iyahang nawong para mahatag nato sa public ang iyahang picture, para maka-report ang makakita sa iyaha because hangtod karon wala niuli si Arani, wala pud siya nibalik sa iyahang quarantine facility,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Tuesday.

To help the public

identify the patient, her prominent feature is a “bukol” or lump on the left side on her neck.

The public was also told to approach the patient with extreme precaution and to report immediately to City Director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) through mobile number 0917 700 2105 or PMAJ Michael Uyanguren, station commander of Sta. Ana Police Station through mobile number 0949 825 0579.

Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) assistant director Dr. Lenny Joy Rivera said they are now studying protocols in handling patients in the quarantine facilities.

“Also to avoid them from getting depressed kasi gusto nila (Badjaos) yung way of life nila,” she said.

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) chief of hospital Dr. Leopoldo Vega has warned earlier that if the patient will not be found immediately, more people would be exposed to her and get infected with the virus.

Vega also said there is a need to strengthen the security of the quarantine facilities to avoid similar incident to happen again.

VOL.13 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3 Healthcare workers with Covid-19 top 2K

T The Badjao community in Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde, Davao City is under strict watch and monitoring after a patient positive with COVID-19 residing in the area fled an isolation facility last Saturday. Edge Davao

he total number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases among healthcare workers in the country has reached 2,067, with 76 more persons contracting the disease, a Department of Health (DOH) official said on Tuesday.

"Of the total number, 1,389 are active cases. We're sad to report that we have recorded one death due to Covid-19 among our healthcare workers yesterday. The total number of deaths among our healthcare

workers is 35," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Meanwhile, the total number of healthcare workers who recovered from the disease rose to 643.

As of May 11, the DOH reported that the total number of nurses infected with Covid-19 is 759, with 631 doctors or physicians, 129 nursing assistants, 72 medical technologists, and 39 radiologic technologists.

Vergeire noted that

alacañang on Tuesday said it will leave to law enforcers the case of a public teacher who purportedly offered PHP50-million reward to anyone who can kill President Rodrigo Duterte.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the fate of teacher Ronnel Mas, 25, would now be up to the law enforcement agencies.

“Iyan po ay nasa kamay na ng ating law enforcement agencies. Hayaan po nating gawin nila ang trabaho nila ([The teacher’s case] now lies in the hands of law enforcement agencies. We

will let them do their job),” Roque said in a virtual press briefing aired on state-run PTV-4.

Mas, who posted on his Twitter account about his alleged offer of PHP50-million reward to any Filipino who can kill Duterte, was arrested Monday by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Dagupan District Office operatives after an interprovincial search in Zambales and Pangasinan.

Mas reportedly deactivated his Twitter account following his controversial post, prompting NBI agents to investigate and

Doctors assess Davao M Region’s GCQ readiness

?HEALTHCARE, P10

Fate of netizen who wants PRRD dead up to law enforcers

By MAYA M. PADILLO

H

ealth experts assessed the readiness of Davao Region’s transition from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Tuesday morning that the entire Davao Region will be placed under GCQ on May 16 to 31, 2020. However Davao City and Davao

de Oro are yet subject to review by May 14.

Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) assistant director Dr. Lenny Joy Rivera said in a virtual presser on Tuesday that based on the graph on the

MinDA proposes kibbutz-type resettlement for ‘Balik Probinsya’

T

he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has proposed the establishment of an Israeli kibbutz-type rural resettlement community for the returning urban informal settlers under the "Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program" (BP2) of the Duterte administration.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said he presented a 3D model of the proposed kibbutz-type (communal settlement in Israel) resettlements for the first eight provinces in Mindanao which will

participate in the program.

For the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Lanao del Norte, MinDA proposed that each community would undertake a common activity with a complete value chain.

“In the case of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, where Mayor Rommel Arnado has offered a five-hectare area as resettlement, the proposal is for the 200 returning families to be trained on organic broiler chicken and organic vegetable production,” he said.

Kauswagan is one of the few municipali?MINDA, P10

onset of illness for the COVID-19 in Davao Region, there is a decrease in the number of individuals infected with the virus after the local chief executives (LCEs) put the region under community quarantine last March 16, 2020.

Rivera noted that before the community quarantine, the doubling time of cases was three to four days and during the implementation of ECQ along

with the people’s compliance to the safety measures such as social distancing and hand washing, the doubling time of cases was 15 to 19 days.

“If we still continue to do the safety measures to fight this pandemic, probably we will actually stop the COVID-19 from spreading during GCQ,” she said.

She added that with the shift to GCQ, ?DOCTORS, P10

?FATE, P10

A woman washes clothes along Maasin River in Barangay Maasin in Pilar town, Siargao Island on Monday afternoon. MindaNews photo

by ROEL N. CATOTO

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 26 • TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

Employment-creating program to boost economic recovery: Diokno

A

A vegetable trader repacks fresh tomatoes at Bankerohan Public Market’s vegetable bagsakan area on Tuesday. Edge Davao

Platform to help MSMEs thrive under ‘new normal’ launched

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

wo of Davao City's premier hotels are now bracing for the so-called “new normal” by preparing measures to be implemented once the city government of Davao decides to lift the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on May 15, 2020 and shift to general community quarantine (GCQ).

to avoid gathering of people.

He said the hotel will not be serving buffet, dine-in service, and room service.

Guests can access their packed meals through Grab and Go service only.

Kapulong added that only registered guests will be allowed to enter the hotel and guests must fill up the health checklist from the Department of Kennedy Kapu- agement has decided Health (DOH).

“Upon entry to the long, hotel manager to keep hotel’s bufhotel, guests are reof Seda Abreeza Hotel, fet restaurant Misto quired to mandatory said told Edge Davao closed throughout foot bath, hand santhat the hotel's man- the duration of GCQ

Mati LGU to offer P20M stimulus package for small businesses

T

he City of Mati LGU is planning on offering a P20 million stimulus package for micro and small businesses in the city affected by the quarantine lockdown brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last week, Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat together with the created Technical Working Group held their meeting for the formulation of the Economic Recovery Plan for the City of Mati.

This is in line with the Executive Order No. 57 “Creating the

Technical Working Group for the Formulation of the Economic Recovery Plan for the City of Mati”, The aim of the TWG is to craft a recovery plan for economic resilience to improve the city’s economy to recover from shocks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stimulus package aims to help the distressed businesses due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Micro and small businesses will be allowed to borrow as much as P200,000 as startup ?MATI, P10

itized, temperature reading, and to wear face mask at all times,” he said.

Kapulong said as part of the hotel’s new normal protocols, there will be regular disinfection in public areas of the hotel every four hours and floors will have markings to ensure social distancing.

“Hand sanitizers will be available in the hotel’s lobby, front desk, in front of the elevator landing, and restaurant counter,” he said. ?PLATFORM, P10

quick-disbursing, employment-creating program will greatly help the economy recover from the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

“The emergency employment is quick-disbursing and will have (a) high multiplier effect. It is propoor and egalitarian,” Diokno told journalists in a Viber message Monday.

Diokno said the program is imperative as the government moves into the “next phase of the road to the New Economy”. “(This) gives the ordinary worker a greater sense of self-respect since he works for the food on his table,” he said. “By helping himself, the worker helps his fellowmen and society.”

To finance this proposed program, Diokno said the government “needs a supplemental budget, the size of which can be decided upon by the President with the recommendation of his economic managers”.

Diokno, former Budget and Management chief, estimates “that a one-percent increase in the deficit would amount to PHP200 billion of ‘new’ spending; a two-percent increase would amount to PHP400 billion”.

He said part of the emergency fund can be used to create two million new jobs, which will be allocated to 42,045 barangays, to be distributed based on the number of inhabitants per barangay and the level of unemployment per province or city.

Among the jobs that will be created under this program are for green projects like cleaning of rivers and tree planting; public works projects like road maintenance, fortifying sea walls and social housing; or health projects like contact tracing and maintenance work in Covid-19 facilities.

Diokno said “the workers will be paid 10 percent lower than the minimum wage rate in the region, will work for eight hours, five days a week, for seven months” or from June to December this year.

He said the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act authorized the President to re-align budget for this year for the Covid-19 response and allowed the government to give cash aid to poor households.

However, Diokno said the impact of the fiscal stimulus is limited.

“Of course, the change in the composition of the budget, say from slow-moving capital projects or budgetary assistance to government corpo?EMPLOYMENT, P10

Mati City's Technical Working Group held their meeting for the formulation of the Economic Recovery Plan for the City of Mati last week.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 26 • TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

ECONOMY 5 CITIRA passage, BBB to help economic recovery: Dominguez

T

Workers pull a cable from the ground at a underground cabling system project site along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday.

Edge Davao

Moody's keeps investment ratings, outlook on PH

M

oody’s Investors Service on Tuesday maintained its Baa2 investment grade rating with a stable outlook for the Philippines despite cutting its 2020 growth output due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Moody’s now forecasts the country’s growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), to be at 2.2 percent, down from its earlier projection of 2.5 percent.

“For the Philippines, we expect real GDP to decline 2.5 percent in 2020, the first full-year economic contraction since 1998,” it said.

Its forecast growth for the domestic economy this year is better than the government’s revised forecast of -0.8 to zero percent.

The debt rater, however, kept its ratings and outlook for the economy.

“Moody's expects the Philippines' real GDP growth to remain robust relative to peers and that its fiscal metrics will continue to strengthen as the government continues to make progress on its socioeconomic reform agenda, particularly on tax reform,” it said.

Despite the negative external environment due to the pandemic, which will hurt exports, remittances

from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and tourism, among others, the debt rater expects the country’s current account deficit to remain narrow because of lower oil prices and subdued import demand because of weaker global growth.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno dubbed Moody’s decision as a “vote of confidence in the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals and the way the Philippine government is managing the coronavirus pandemic.”

Diokno reiterated that the global health crisis “hit the Philippines from a position of strength” because the government has “ample fiscal and monetary space.”

“While the economy is likely to contract this year, the contraction would be less severe compared to most economies in the world. In fact, barring a second wave of infections, I expect the Philippine economy to have a strong rebound, estimated at 7.8 percent in 2021,” he told journalists in a Viber message.

Also in a Viber message, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Moody’s latest credit opinion “validates the resilience of our most fun?MOODY’S, P10

he resumption of activities for the government’s priority “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) infrastructure program will help jumpstart the economy once the death rate and coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infection are under control, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

During the televised public address of President Rodrigo R. Duterte with his Cabinet Tuesday, Dominguez cited the acceleration of the infrastructure program as the best growth driver “because it has

the best multiplier effects in terms of employment and shared prosperity.”

He said people supervising the infrastructure projects should ensure that minimum health standards are being practiced in the construction sites.

The government is investing about PHP1 trillion annually for its “Build, Build, Build” program as infrastructure projects are expected to have a long-term economic effect.

It aims to increase infrastructure investments from about 2.8

fuel straight from retail stations.

“While we continue to provide help to individuals and communities in need during this trying time, Phoenix Petroleum has also been relentless in finding ways to adapt and adjust our business to the new norm. The digital platform has become an essential part of our operations these days, and so far, we have launched various ways for customers to avail of our products online.” Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Henry

Albert Fadullon said.

“At Phoenix, we recognize the critical role of petroleum products to the operations of small and medium enterprises. Thus, to be able to help entrepreneurs get back to business, we launched this fuel delivery service, hoping to provide a more convenient option for customers in need of quality fuel supply during a time when mobility can be challenging.”

Customers only need to send their orders online through email at retailorders@

?CITIRA, P10

Phoenix stations offer fuel delivery service to SMEs

I

n another innovative approach to the ongoing pandemic and adapting to the new norm, Phoenix Petroleum, the country’s fastest-growing oil company, launches an accessible and convenient way of providing for the needs of its customers.

Starting Tuesday, May 12, 2020, for a minimum order of 3,000 liters of fuels, a delivery option is now available at select Phoenix stations in Mega Manila. Through this program, busi-

nesses need not be a Phoenix partner to avail of its fuel products. While Phoenix has been offering delivery of its fuels from depots, it is the first time that the company is offering to deliver

?PHOENIX, P10

Workers pull a cable from the ground at a underground cabling system project site along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday.

Edge Davao

6 VANTAGE VANTAGE EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

“

VOL.13 ISSUE 2610 • TUESDAY, MAY 12, VOL.13 ISSUE • FRIDAY, MARCH 20,2020 2020

ON REPORTS THAT UDENNA IS BUYING ABS-CBN

Let me be clear once and for all and say that we, in UDENNA Corporation, have no intention to acquire ABS:-CBN. Being in the business of broadcasting is not part of our corporation ... Mataas ang respeto ko sa nagawa at patuloy na ginagawa ng ABS-CBN. Atin pong lubos na kinikilala kung ano ang kanilang sinasagisag para sa mga kapwa nating Pilipino ... we are hoping that their issues be resolved soonest.

Sama-sama po tayong mga Pilipino, lalung-lalo sa panahon ngayon para sa ating kinabukasan ...

UDENNA commits that we are and will always be partners with all Filipinos in building our nation.Be significant

EDITORIAL

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

UDENNA CHAIRMAN AND CEO

DENNIS UY

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

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)

VOL.13 ISSUE 26 • TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

7

THE ZIMMERMANS OF DAVAO In the annals of Davao history, only two German families have served the city. First was Lt. Col. Henry Gilsheuser, a Philippine Constabulary officer who was district governor of Davao (1910-12), and the Zimmerman siblings, with Jewish roots, namely, three-time Davao City mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio (2010-13; 2016-19; 2019-22); 20, vice-mayor (2013-16; 201617) and congressman (2019-2) Paolo; and vice-mayor Sebastian (2019-22).

The patriarch of the Zimmerman clan was a German Jew who sought refuge in the Philippines during the Commonwealth following the Holocaust that terminated millions of Jews in Adolf Hitler’s time. Around 1,300 of the Jews, many of them migrated to the United States, were given asylum in the country when Manuel L. Quezon was president.

Deciding to stay behind, the Zimmerman patriarch married an Abellana with roots from Hilongos, Leyte, and Tuburan, Cebu. One of the couple’s kids is Elizabeth, born on April 14, 1948 in Davao. She studied at Ateneo de Davao and worked as stewardess with the country’s first flag carrier, Philippine Airlines. She later married Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, son of former Danao, Cebu, town mayor, Davao governor, and secretary of General Services. Their union produced a daughter and two sons and have ten grandchil-

dren.

The Zimmerman-Duterte marriage lasted twenty-five years. In 1998, Elizabeth filed an annulment that was granted in

Zimmerman, brothers of Elizabeth, held and continue to hold positions (2007-19) at Davao City Hall and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City.

cer II of the same office (201215), local legislative staff officer I (2016), and administrative office V at the General Services Office in Davao City Hall (2017).

2000. She retained the use of her husband’s surname, saying only the civil aspect was voided but not their marriage in the Roman Catholic Church. Despite the nullification, her husband continues to support her financially.

Rappler, in its April 2019 online report (‘Inconsistent declarations of Duterte relatives in gov’t’), named more Zimmermans in public service, including those employed in the past.

For instance, James and John

James was a supply officer at Davao City Hall (200712), administrative officer VI of Davao City Hall’s General Services (2012-16), supply officer at Davao City Hall (2016-17), and supervising administrative officer of the Davao City community environment and natural resources office (2017).

John, meanwhile, was local legislative staff officer I at the Davao City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod (2007-12), supply offi-

(Sara listed him as local legislative staff officer I.) Etymologically, the surname Zimmerman means ‘carpenter’ in German; it is a blend of zimmer (room) and mann (man) that when fused can mean ‘a worker of wood.’ A variant of the family name is HYPERLINK “http://www.revolvy.com/ main/index.php?s=Simmerman+(disambiguation)&item_ type=topic&overlay=1” \o “Simmerman (disambiguation)”

Let’s recall some instances in the past.

In a taped interview with the GMA-7 showbiz talk show Startalk, Filipino actor Gabby Concepcion made his first sweeping, public apology to former wife Sharon Cuneta. “I’m really very sorry for what I’ve done to you and what didn’t turn out to be our future plans together,” he said.

“I’m really very sorry for my mistakes to you, to the family or to anybody whom I’ve hurt along the way,” Concepcion added.

“From the bottom of my heart, I’m really, really regretful.”

“I’m sorry.” This was what then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) said in 2005 when she apologized for “a lapse in judgment” for making calls to then Commission on Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano while canvassing was still going on in the 2004 presidential race.

Speaking in a nationally televised four-minute address, Macapagal-Arroyo admitted, “I recognize that making any such call was a lapse in judgment.

I’m sorry. I also regret taking so long to speak before you on this matter. I take full responsibility for my actions and to you and to all those good citizens who may have had their faith shaken by these events.”

Believe me, it’s a herculean task to ask forgiveness to the person you’ve wrong. As the title of a song popularized by Chicago, it’s hard to say “I’m sorry.” It took Concepcion more than a decade before he said those words to his ex-wife. The former president also regretted that it took her “so long to speak before you on this matter,” to quote her own words.

“When you realize you’ve made a mistake, make amends immediately,” said Dan Heist. If you have done wrong to someone, don’t let the sun go down be-

fore you ask for forgiveness.

That’s easier said than done.

For in real life, it takes a lot of courage to amend you are wrong.

A philandering husband, for instance, will have a problem asking forgiveness from his beloved wife. A teenager will also have the same with his parents.

Perhaps, not too many fam-

crippling ripple of consequence.

Sorry is sadness, just as knowing is sadness. Sorry is sometimes self-pity. But sorry, really, is not about you. It’s theirs to take or leave.

Silvey further wrote: “Sorry means you leave yourself open, to embrace or to ridicule or to revenge. Sorry is a question

“Apologize,” urges Sanhita Baruah, author of Uff Ye Emotions. “That’s the least you can do to try to make right something you have wronged.” But “apologizing does not always mean you’re wrong and the other person is right,” Mark Matthews reminds. “It just means you value your relationship more than your

ilies use the word “I’m sorry” at their homes. Not so with Jean Margaret Laurence, a noted Canadian novelist. She said, “In some families, ‘please’ is described as the magic word. In our house, however, it is ‘sorry.’”

Craig Silvey, in his book Jasper Jones, gives us a thorough description of what sorry means.

He writes: “Sorry means you feel the pulse of other people’s pain as well as your own, and saying it means you take a share of it. And so, it binds us together, makes us trodden and sodden as one another.

“Sorry is a lot of things. It’s a hole refilled. A debt repaid. Sorry is the wake of misdeed. It’s the

that begs forgiveness, because the metronome of a good heart won’t settle until things are set right and true. Sorry doesn’t take things back, but it pushes things forward. It bridges the gap. Sorry is a sacrament. It’s an offering.

A gift.”

Now, if you have committed errors in the past to someone, now is the time to ask for forgiveness. Don’t wait for tomorrow for it may be too late. Especially if the person is no longer around and he cannot hear your words of apology. “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and for deeds left undone,” wrote Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1865’s Little Foxes.

ego.”

Roberto Assagioli was an Italian psychiatrist and pioneer in the fields of humanistic and transpersonal psychology. “Without forgiveness,” he said, “life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.”

Now, consider these cases and ponder: A young man, falsely accused, condemned, and penalized by his high school principal, turns sullen, angry, and bitter. His faith in justice and authority dies.

He will not forgive.

A girl, betrayed by her closest friend, is forced, becomes pregnant, then turns bitter and

ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS

\t “overlay_iframe” Simmerman; another modification in Dutch is HYPERLINK “http:// www.revolvy.com/main/index. php?s=Simmerman+(disambiguation)&item_type=topic&overlay=1” \o “Simmerman (disambiguation)” \t “overlay_iframe” Simmerman.

In world history, there is a famous cable known as the Zimmermann Telegram, which “was a secret diplomatic communication issued from the Germany Foreign Office in January 1917 that proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico.”

The cable, which was decoded by the British intelligence, stated that if the US joined World War I against Germany, Mexico would recover the American states of New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.

(As a matter of trivia, the famous American singer known as Bob Dylan, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016, was in true life Robert Zimmerman, a native of Duluth Minnesota, USA. He was born on May 24, 1941.)

The Duterte surname, on the other hand, has been traced by some genealogists to the French du tertre, meaning ‘from a hillock’ or ‘of rising ground’ and was claimed to have been in used already in the mid-1700s.

Outside Cebu, the Dutertes has a huge concentration in Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte and the towns of Sogod, Cabailan, Liloan, and Macrohon in southern Leyte.

withdrawn. Her faith in humanity ends. She cannot forgive.

A woman, deserted by her husband, left to be both mother and father to their two sons, turns angry at life – at the whole universe. Her faith in God and everything good has ended. She did not forgive.

“I’ll never forgive,” American General James Oglethorpe told John Wesley, an English cleric and evangelist. “Then I hope sir,” Wesley replied, “you never sin!”

“What must I forgive?” asked David Ausburger, author of The Freedom of Forgiveness. “Not just the small things, the trivial irritations, the tactless, thoughtless mistakes others make. But everything. Even the hurts that cut and sear. There are no exemptions!”

If ever you forgive someone, forget all the troubles he or she has caused you. Theologian Frank Stagg explains: “Forgiving and forgetting are related, but forgiving precedes forgetting. To forgive, one must first remember the injury, the impact, the injustice done. To forget ignores the needs of the offender and injuries the offended by driving the sense of being wronged deep into one’s own being where resentment does its slow destructive work.

Forgetting is negative, passive; forgiveness is positive and creative.

Staff further says, “Before one can forgive and forget, both offender and offended must remember together, recall the wrongdoing together, finish the feelings together, reconstruct the relationship together and then they may forget together. In the remembering, reconstructing, forgiving and forgetting each regains the other.”

But before you say, “I have forgiven you,” the person who has done wrong to you must tell you first, “I’m asorry!”

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 26 • TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Malayan Colleges Mindanao ready to provide flexible online learning amidst Covid-19

(Left to right) Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, College of Arts and Science, Faculty, Asst. Prof.

Denie Forton, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Former Dean, College

M

alayan Colleges Mindanao, a Mapúa School is all geared up for the upcoming school year amidst the Coronavirus-2019 pandemic as they utilize their established flexible learning system.

In 2018, Malayan Colleges Mindanao pioneered blended learning in Davao City, inheriting this system from its sister-school Mapúa University.

Transitioning to a flexible online curriculum amidst enhanced community quarantine is fairly uncomplicated as MCM has been accustomed to employing such practices through its Digital Learning Days – days in which students can remotely accomplish tasks and academic requirements through the school’s online digital platforms. The aforementioned practice was also previously employed during the successive earthquakes in 2019 when students and faculty had to be temporarily distanced from the institution to ensure

their safety.

“Blending online with on-site learning enabled us to cater to a wider spectrum of learners. Those who encounter difficulty in learning during classes have the chance to go over the lessons in the comfort of their homes and catch up with the rest of class. It provides our students with more avenues for learning and varied ways to demonstrate their learning outcomes. Online learning also helped us cope with the harsh realities of life – earthquakes, storms, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. Our system makes up for the learners who have the resources and the desire to continue learning remotely without compromising their safety and health.” shares

of Arts and Science and Director of Learning Environments and Innovations, Prof. Abigail Joy Rodelas-Angelia and Blackboard, Chief Client Officer Mr. Tim Atkin.

Engr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations of Malayan Colleges Mindanao on the institution’s use of blended-learning and its benefits.

MCM’s digital platforms are managed by a Learning Management System known as Blackboard Learn which the MCM Community has become very familiar with. MCM has been utilizing and developing this system since its establishment and was awarded the 2018 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Optimizing the Student Experience at the Blackboard’s annual Teaching and Learning Conference in Singapore which honors institutions whose educational and administrative innovations have markedly improved the total learner experience.

“MCM was intentionally built for 21st century learners.

Their learning habits, interests, motivations, and challenges were carefully considered in crafting the differ-

ent modalities where learning can be implemented. Some prefer the traditional faceto-face classroom sessions where they can personally interact with their professors and classmates, while some are more active in a virtual classroom set-up. MCM provides both.” says Engr. Dodjie Maestrecampo.

Learning management system is utilized by the institution to bridge the gaps between students and teachers in the digital realm.

“Not only does it (MCM) welcome traditional learners, but it also welcomes digital learners. May you be a student who is used to reading books or a student who is used to utilizing digital platforms… Students are able to utilize technology for their education, to communicate with your teachers and classmates through the app where we are able to gain new information and download our power-points that we discussed in our face-to-face sessions…

MCM is very brave to

be able to incorporate this new technology into our traditional learning.” shares Franchesco Laquinario Lu, BS Industrial Engineering Student of Malayan Colleges Mindanao, on MCM’s blended-learning system.

Students accessing online lessons through MCM’s Learning Management System “The one thing that made my student life so great at Malayan Colleges Mindanao is the fact that we have a half-day schedule. Having this type of schedule, coupled with our Blackboard Learn, gave me more control over my time. I was able to balance my academics and social life without sacrificing either. I believe that with this kind of training, the school is priming us to have better time management for the future.” says Uean Carlo Bacsal, Grade 12 Senior High School Student of Malayan Colleges Mindanao, on the benefits of his halfday schedule along with Blackboard Learn.

This system along with the digital c o n tents from t h e world’s leading publishers like Wiley and

Cengage and Elsevier—with more than 12,000 e-books and courseware and hundreds of thousands of e-journal articles— helps combine online and on-site learning.

These and other digital learning tools have helped the students of Malayan Colleges Mindanao achieve their academic goals since 2018. For the upcoming school year, MCM students will be provided with unlimited access to 3,600+ courses and specializations and certifications from 190+ leading universities and companies through Coursera, as Malayan Colleges Mindanao through Mapúa University has partnered with the world-class online learning platform to provide its students with transformative learning free of charge.

For students and teachers without stable internet connection, Engr. Dodjie Maestrecampo shares that they are now in talks with both SMART ?DIGITAL, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 26 • TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

9 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

Gov't, tribal leaders condemn NPA attack in Kapalong P

DSWD to ‘solely’ take charge of SAP: Duterte

T

ribal leaders, the people of Kapalong, Davao del Norte, and the military condemned the atrocities committed by communist rebels in Sitio Tapayanon, Barangay Gupitan on Monday.

Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 11 based in this city.

“Since the last attack in Tapayanon, the military and the villagers have become more vigilant, and 60IB has since leveled-up the village’s defense system,” he noted.

Celestial also said that no government troop or civilian was hurt during the incident.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Sarmiento, 60IB Commander, reported that since the “discovery” of Sitio Tapayanon, several interventions — such as the initiation of sustainable food production and farming, health/medical and hygiene and sanitation activities, among others, have already been initiated by various agencies and benefactors.

resident Rodrigo Duterte has once again tapped the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the sole agency to lead in the distribution of emergency subsidies to poor families under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

Duterte gave the latest directive to DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, as he acknowledged the mounting complaints against the supposed irregularities in the release of payout for intended beneficiaries of SAP. In a taped public address aired on staterun PTV-4 on Tuesday, Duterte lamented that his “nightmare” about the unlawful distribution of cash aid to low-income households had become a reality.

“Ngayon para talagang walang ano (To avoid any irregularities), I will ask General

phoenixfuels.ph, Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/phoenixfuels.ph, or by calling at Phoenix official hotlines: PLDT tollfree at 1-800-10-PNXFUEL, Globe toll-free at 1-800-8-PNXFUEL, Smart at 0998-960-

4246 to 53, and Globe at 0917-313-7011 to 18.

The final price would include delivery fee and will vary depending on the customer’s location.

Nationwide, Phoenix Petroleum remains

90% of its retail stations operational amid the enhanced community quarantine.

These stations have been providing Phoenix fuels to motorists, and are active in supporting initiatives that need fuel sponsorship.

Under the modified lockdown, communities are still severely restricted, with most only allowed to leave their homes for provision of food and other basic necessities, and in case of emergency.

Wearing a facemask is a must, and physical

distancing is still implemented.

"I'm expecting that, kasi marami pa ring cases of infection. I'm also endorsing wearing facemasks and social distancing," said Marcial. "It's the new normal or new life for us, until there's a vaccine."

In a statement on Tuesday, Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol scored the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for its “total disregard of human life” and performed “traitorous act of cowardice and treason.”

She also assured the public that the government will continue to “safeguard all Kapalongians against the desperate attempt of the CPPNPA to terrorize innocent lives.”

Meanwhile, the Tribal Council of Si-

tio Tapayanon, via the Office of the Municipal Tribal Affairs of Kapalong, also condemned the CPPNPA’s attack while calling for “legal action and justice for the innocent inhabitants of the sitio.”

1Lt. Amadeuz Celestial, 60th Infantry Batallion (60IB) civil-military operations officer, said barely two months after the NPA attack, it has launched another attack on the isolated Ata Manobo tribal community where troops are doing their Communi-

ty Support Program (CSP).

“The 60IB’s CSP Team and members of the tribal community were going about their daily routine which includes village meetings, tending to individual and communal gardens, and the repair and rehabilitation of some houses and village facilities along with other community-building initiatives,” he said.

He added that the 60IB troops were able to immediately counter the communist-terrorists’ attack and protected the community during the 10-minute firefight.

Celestial also said that 60IB’s position was made even more advantageous by the close air support provided by the Philippine Air Force’s

percent in the past to about 7 percent by 2022.

As of 2018, the share of the government’s infrastructure spending reached 5.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Aside from the BBB program, Dominguez also proposed the hiring of people who will do contact tracing to boost the government’s ability to stop transmission and defeat the virus.

He said some 1.2 million jobs are temporarily lost during the ECQ but this will partly be addressed by hiring people that

will conduct contract tracing.

Passage of the proposed Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (CITIRA) before June 3, 2020, was also proposed to encourage more foreign investors who want to relocate to countries with resilient growth and high growth potential.

Dominguez also proposed the promotion of food production, food logistics, and manufacturing of items with inelastic demand to stimulate consumer demand.

He said the caur-

rent problem is people lost their jobs and their means to buy things thus, the government must provide them jobs so that they would be able to finance their needs.

He said the aid being extended to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help them recover from the impact of the pandemic would just go to waste if there is no demand for their products and services.

“So we have to stimulate demand and that’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ and push food production,” he added. (PNA)

damental strength: a young and productive labor force, a responsible approach to debt management, conservative economic and fiscal policies, and an emphasis on infrastructure and human capital development in our government priority programs.”

Dominguez said he expects the country’s credit rating to remain

“buoyant” because of the government’s “commitment to fiscal and economic reform.”

He said Moody’s rating opinion, along with The Economist’s report ranking the country as sixth among 66 select emergency economies in terms of a high level of financial strength, is a “vote of confidence in our financial strength.”

“These reviews demonstrate the international community’s enduring belief in our ability to defeat Covid-19 and bounce back from this pandemic. This confidence will make it easier for us to find the from 12 resources and build partnerships that can Clark City Sports Com- up of nationally-fundhelp resolve this crisis plex. ed regional high decisively,” he added.

The proposal also schools for sports.

(PNA) mandates the setting President Rodrigo

CITIRA from 5

MOODY’S from 5

PHOENIX from 5

UP from 11

ing-maraming salamat, UP Men’s Basketball Team. Malaking-malaking bagay ‘to and salamat sa support sa mga nasa frontlines.”

UP NIH staff and scientists waiting for their shift in the testing center also thanked the Maroons for the video

PBA from 11

lowed na ang gathering for a sports event, like the PBA," he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday approved the proposal to put Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu City under a modified enhanced community quarantine until May 31.

BIG

conferencing.

“Kami po yong mga off-duty ngayon and we’re waiting for our shift. Thank you so much for this connection. Salamat po sa good vibes.”

The Fighting Maroons hope to reach more frontliners in the days to come to show

Bautista to use solely ang kanilang ano (his department [to distribute the emergency subsidies to poor families]). Full charge sa DSWD (DSWD will take full charge of it),” he said during his meeting with Cabinet officials at Malacañan Palace on Monday night.

On April 1, Duterte tasked DSWD, as well as Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., the chief implementer of government’s national policy against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), to lead the relief efforts to poor families affected by the health crisis in the country.

The role of local government units (LGUs) was supposed to be limited to assisting the DSWD in relief distribution after being stripped of their role to distribute the cash subsidies to SAP beneficiaries.

their support through the UPMBT Zoomustahan. The team looks forward to meeting more medical and healthcare workers, grocery attendants, and other groups that man the frontlines and continue to serve the country during this pandemic.

Duterte mentioned the establishment of NAS in his 2019 State of the Nation Address. (PNA)

10

EDGEDAVAO

DOCTORS from 3

VOL.13 ISSUE 26 • TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

it is important that the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region have the capacity to detect, isolate as soon as possible and manage the patients.

“Yun ang mga dapat nating isipin at yan ang ina-assess.

But currently, the LCEs of the region are doing their best na meron tayong enough isolation facilities,” she said.

Rivera cited the new isolation facilities being assessed last week with a total of

550 bed capacity.

“Diyan natin ilalagay ang mga patients para hindi po sila makakahawa if wala pa silang test results and if they are asymptomatic,” she said.

Rivera also said there is a need to ensure that the region’s COVID-19 testing laboratories will increase its capacity.

“Once we shift to GCQ dapat ready po tayo. Medyo matagal pa ang May 15 at hindi pa kami nag-uusap ng mga LCEs natin.

Probably it’s the LCEs who can give DOH the advice kung ano yung i-implement nila,” she said.

On the part of DOH, Rivera they will provide assistance, expertise and knowledge when it comes to data and epidemiological studies of the disease and at the same time tracking of the infection.

“It is up for the LCEs to make the decision kung ano ang makakabuti para sa lahat,” she said.

Dr. Ricardo Audan, chief of medical professional staff of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), said during a meeting the LGUs, doctors, and DOH decided to implement a modified GCQ. “I think what is important is that with the modified GCQ, we still have all the precautionary standard measures like social distancing, hand washing and everything that will protect us from the COVID-19,” he said.

the number of healthcare workers infected with Covid-19 started to drop on April 11.

While the risk of contracting the disease is high among healthcare workers, Philippine Nurses Association Inc. national

president, Dr. Rosie de Leon, said nurses are motivated to perform their jobs when "they are able to ensure the public health and safety".

"Kapag nakikita mo nag-iimprove na ang ating bansa, lahat

po kaming mga (As we see the country's situation is improving, all of us) nurses are motivated to continue fighting," de Leon said.

She added that nurses perform holistic roles, which include physiological

care and the creation of an environment conducive for healing and recovery.

Nurses, she said, help patients with Covid- 19 beat the disease and overcome depression during their treatment. (PNA)

identify him through his interactions online.

He was eventually traced to his residence in Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

The NBI is set to file cases against Mas for inciting sedition in relation to cybercrime, and violation

of Republic Act 6713 or An Act Establishing A Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Roque, a former law professor, said Mas would be accorded due process.

“Mabibigyan naman po siya ng

pagkakataon na patunayan na hindi siya nagkasala sa ating hukuman sa takdang panahon (He will be given opportunity to prove his innocence in our courts in the future),” Roque said.

In a video uploaded on Faceook, Mas was emotional when

ties in the Philippines which has totally embraced organic farming.

“A 3D model which I presented during the Zoom conference yesterday shows an area allocated for housing units while at the far end of the five-hectare settlement are the broiler chicken houses,” Piñol said.

He added that in between the chicken houses and the housing units are vegeta-

ble gardens which will utilize the wastes from organic broiler chicken production, the feed mill, and processing facilities, including cold storage.

“A Solar-Powered Potable Water and Irrigation System will also be set up with the solar panels mounted on top of the chicken houses to save on space,” he added.

The MinDA chief also said that farmers outside of the rural

resettlements will be contracted to produce the raw material requirements of the feed mill and other operations.

“To complete the value chain, an off-taker will be involved to purchase the organic chicken and vegetable produced by the BP2 rural resettlement community,” Piñol said.

He also said that in the coming week, MinDA will meet with

capital without interest.

and employing one to nine workers while small businesses are those with asset size of more than P3 million but less than P15 million and employing ten to ninety workers.

The Technical Working Group already formulated requirements and guidelines for the stimulus package but still needs to be ap-

proved.

Such guidelines like detailed business plan containing business profile, loan purposes, projected loan proceeds expenditure, expected ROI and possible ways of re-payments.

Banks will also be requested to formulate guidelines taking into account that the city government will serve as guar-

HEALTHCARE from 3

FATE from 3

MINDA from 3

MATI from 4

Mayor Michelle said this would help small businesses to venture into new line opportunities like food and other businesses.

Department of Trade and Industry said that micro businesses are those with an asset size equal to or less than P3 million

PLATFORM from 3 Meanwhile, the rooms and banquet packages of Acacia Hotel Davao will be tailored according to the guidelines implemented by the city.

Graziella Izza Cadiente, marketing and communications officer, said the management of the hotel also assured that the housekeeping team will clean and disinfect all the guest rooms and public areas of the hotel such as lobby and recep-

tion area.

“Our F and B team will continue to follow stringent standards in food preparation as well” she said.

“Acacia Hotel Davao is hopeful that it can go back to business once the hotels are allowed to fully operate following the new normal. The hotel is looking forward to welcoming its guests with its genuine brand of Filipino hospitality that is simply heartfelt,” she added.

rations to quick-disbursing cash grants, makes some difference,” he added.

Diokno said the government’s focus now is to save lives, livelihoods, and jobs.

“The lofty goals of getting A-rating by 2022 and achieving upper middle-income status this year can wait. As individuals, he apologized to and as a people, we should prepare for a Duterte.

“Nagso-sorry po ‘New Economy’ —not ako kay President Duterte at nagawa ko from 8 ‘yung tweet na ‘yun.

Hindi ko po intensyon communications and ‘yun (I am apologizing Globe Telecom to adto President Duterte dress this issue.

“Under normal for that tweet. It was not my intention),” he circumstances, some of our students with said. (PNA) no stable connections go to the campus to connect. MCM prothe heads of the 21 vides high-speed wifi agencies which belong connection inside the to the "Balik Probin- campus. We undersya, Bagong Pag-asa stand that connectivity Program" Council in is a huge challenge for Regions 9 and 10 to fi- some of our students nalize the plan for the during this crisis. MCM implementation of the is now in talks with both SMART commuprogram.

“With the needed nications and Globe funding and support in Telecom to address place, actual ground- this issue through work could start by issuance of prepaid the end of May and the Wi-Fi routers with first resettlement area broadband plans spewould be ready by cially designed to cater September this year,” to students’ data consumption in accessing he said. (PNA) online learning tools.” says Engr. Dodjie Maestrecampo. antor before signing MCM will continue the Memorandum of to provide alternatives Agreement (MOA) to in-campus learning with them. should the need arise.

It was also sugOn a different note, gested during the MCM is taking heed of meeting that the hotel its students and teachand resorts must have ers who might be exan association for an periencing mental or easy access to oppor- emotional stress. The tunities, because now Center for Guidance they were able to re- and Counseling realize that they don't cently expanded their need to compete but services by offering collaborate with one counselling through another. (CIO MATI) phones, emails, and

a ‘New Normal’, which is an oxymoron. The New Economy should be better, safer, and more technologically ready,” he said.

Diokno’s proposal, however, was earlier discounted by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III who said a supplemental budget needs supplemental revenue, which the government currently does not have.

(PNA)

EMPLOYMENT from 4

DIGITAL

messaging apps for the students and teachers to access even during community quarantine.

MCM has also partnered with a 24/7 telemedicine company, KonsultaMD, to provide its students and employees with apt Aservices from licensed and experienced Filipino doctors.

The enrollment process has as well been transitioned to fully online transactions. Illustrated in MCM’s official website and social media pages, a student may now enroll for their classes in the upcoming term online through their phones or laptops. Payments may be made through online banking or fund transfer to MCM’s bank account or through other remote payment channels.

Malayan Colleges Mindanao’s Senior High School and College programs will begin classes for the next academic year in July 2020, fully equipped with the best physical and digital learning infrastructure to provide the best flexible learning system for the students of Davao City.

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 26 • TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial

UP Fighting Maroons cheer up frontliners P

PBA commish hopes season can resume

W

ith people around the world cheering, applauding and saying thank you to their frontliners from balconies and plazas, the University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) expressed gratitude and appreciation for local frontliners in their own unique way.

UP Fighting Maroons Noah Webb, Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, James Spencer, David Murrell, Joe Gomez de Liaño, Jboy Gob, CJ Catapusan, Brix Ramos, Matt Santiago, Ethan Kirkness, Sam Dowd, Malik Diouf and head coach Bo Perasol hopped on a Zoom call with medical and healthcare workers from UP’s Philippine General Hospital (UP PGH) and the UP National Institutes of Health (UP NIH) on Friday, May 8 for a virtual chat called Zoomustahan.

UP coaches Ricky Dandan, Rodney Santos, Moriah Gingrich,

Chappy Callanta, Mark Dandan, and Kenneth Raval joined the call as well.

The cheer-up call was received by PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, Dr. Edgar Eufemio, Dr. Anthony Geronimo Cordero, Dr. Louricha Opina-Tan, former Fighting Maroon Dr. Czarlo Dela Victoria, and interns and nurses on the PGH side. NIH health workers and laboratory personnel led by UP Manila Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology science research specialist Stessi Geganzo also chatted with the team.

Kobe Paras got the ball rolling by telling the group how much their sacrifices and bravery were appreciated.

“While we are here sitting in our homes, comfortable, you are out there risking your lives for us so I want to say thank you,” said Paras.

Ricci Rivero said they were “really grateful for everything you are doing for our country and our fellow Filipinos. Sobrang saludo po kami sa inyo. We are doing this Zoomustahan with you para naman po makapagshare kami ng konting good vibes sa inyo kahit for a few minutes lang. We’re facing this really big challenge and nandito lang po kami to listen to you, extend our support and continue to pray for you. Hoping for your safety and for sure kakayanin natin ‘to, babangon tayong lahat,” Rivero said.

Coach Bo Perasol thanked UP PGH doctors for their support through the years. “This virtual visit is the least the team could do to

give back to you. UPPGH has been part of our team from the start.

Whatever small part we could play now - by saying thank you, by praying for you, or whatever help we could extend to you with our presence – just let us know so we could be part of it,” Perasol said.

The frontliners thanked the Fighting Maroons for taking time and effort to do the Zoomustahan.

“This is really a treat for us - to see faces that are not sick,” quipped Dr. Legaspi.

“We are getting all the support that you’re giving us and you keep us inspired to move on.

It’s really amazing how the whole UP community stood up to the challenge and are helping us get through this.

We’re looking forward to your first game.”

UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita David-Padilla, also extended her greetings and appreciation for the Fighting Maroons’ gesture.

“Maram?UP, P10

BA commissioner Willie Marcial remains hopeful that the league's 45th season can be salvaged, even for just one conference.

Making Marcial more optimistic is that sporting events all around the world -from Taiwan to South Korea to the United States and Europe -- are slowly resuming.

"A handful of NBA teams are opening practice facilities, and it could well lead to the resumption of the NBA season. Major League Baseball is looking at reopening shop in July," said Marcial. "Football in Europe is about to resume."

"All these make me hopeful we can resume our Season 45," he said.

The league opened its 45th season on

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial

March 8, but suspended all activities just three days later because of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Since then, the Board of Governors and Marcial decided that they will either resume for one conference, or cancel the season outright.

Marcial agreed with the government's decision on Tuesday to extend the restrictions in many parts of the country. However, he also expressed his hopes that the government measures can flatten the curve soon, and subsequently allow the resumption of sports activities -- including the PBA. "The board decision is to wait until August.

Medyo matagal pa 'yon.

Hopefully, by that time, medyo okay na, and al?PBA, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.13 ISSUE 26 • TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

BIG BOOST Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez hailed the ratification of the establishment of the National Academy for Sports (NAS). (File photo)

PH sports academy ratification 'welcome development': PSC

T

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expressed excitement after Congress ratified the establishment of the National Academy for Sports (NAS).

"The board is unanimous in saying that this is a welcome development,” PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said in a statement on Tuesday, a day after the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed establishment of NAS. Ramirez said anything that supports sports development

“a great boost to the country's efforts to build a deeper grassroots sports program, which feeds our elite sports programs.”

"Congratulations and thank you to both houses for... recognizing the important role of sports in national development thereby working towards providing opportunities for our talented and sports-inclined youth to hone their talents further earlier

in their life,” Ramirez said.

PSC commissioner Mon Fernandez likened the ratification of NSA to “hitting two birds with one stone."

"Affording our youth quality education and world-class sports training is indeed a very commendable move, to say the least,” said Fernandez, a Philippine Basketball Association hall of famer.

“I would like to thank our young sports-minded legislators for finally making this program a reality. This will definitely propel, prepare and encourage our athletes to compete creditably in the world stage,” he add-

ed.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Celia Kiram sees the NAS as an avenue for the Philippines to produce world-class Filipino athletes.

Commissioner Charles Maxey said the NAS will give Philippine sports the needed boost and clear direction for student-athletes “not only in their quest for sporting excellence but also in the academic field.”

“With this high school, student-athletes will be properly guided in their chosen disciplines aside from enjoying the luxury of training in a worldclass facility. There is no doubt we can

produce more Manny Pacquiaos, Paeng Nepomucenos or Lydia de Vegas, and many more future stars who will bring honor to our country,” Maxey said.

The establishment of NAS gives everyone in the sporting community “something positive to look forward to,” Commissioner Arnold Agustin said.

“This move will greatly help our youth to bravely proceed to pursue their athletic dreams along with their academics,” he added.

Pending in the Senate for a decade already, the NAS will give secondary education to Filipinos who

look to excel in sports, giving them full scholarship and proper training in the sports that they choose to play.

The measure, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1086 and House Bill No. 6312, eyes the establishment of the academy’s main campus at the existing New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.

The NAS will be attached to the Department of Education (DepEd), in close coordination with the PSC. Students of the academy shall be given priority access to facilities at the New ?BIG, P10