Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 32 | Tuesday, May 19, 2020

EDGEEDGE DAVAO DAVAO PHL SPORTS IS LIMP AND LAME

Serving a seamlessRAFA, society FEDERER MOVE ON TO THIRD ROUND

Serving a seamless society

SIGNS OF BOOM SIGNS OF BO MALL RUSH SPORTS P12

SPORTSP11

VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE 32 59 ••FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019 ISSUE 59 www.edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com VOL.13 TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 f •@EdgeDavao VOL.12 FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019 f @EdgeDavao

2 PAGES P 15.00 • 16 www.edgedavao.net

Malls told to restrict number of shoppers under GCQ T Applications for building, for building, Applications zoning permitszoning increase permits increase STORY ON P2

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 BUMPER TO BUMPER. A monstrous traffic jam of private vehicles is experienced along MacArthur Highway in Matina andMIND other main ESDEVCO’S thoroughfares in Davao City on Monday, the third day since the city reverted to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status.P9 Edge Davao ►PROPERTY

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 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

MALL RUSH

STRANDED. Dozens of commuters wait for public utility jeepneys along MacArthur highway in Matina, Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

Malls told to restrict number of shoppers under GCQ

By MAYA M. PADILLO

H

uge numbers of people trooped to malls which resumed full operations of its essential services over the weekend at the start of the implementation of the general community quarantine (GCQ)--a situation that caused authorities to worry.

To ensure that safety protocols such as social distancing and wearing of mask are observed in malls, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has coordinated with mall security managers to fully enforce restrictions while Davao City is under GCQ status.

DCPO director Police Colonel Kirby John Kraft said malls are advised to restrict the number of people inside the malls.

“As well as enforce wearing of face mask and social distancing measures,” Kraft said in a text message.

Kraft added that members of tourist police are being deployed in malls already, this even before the new coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Tourist police is a unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) specifically created to cater tourist, foreign,

or local concerns.

Meanwhile, as part of SM’s campaign to promote #SafeMallingAtSM, SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao continue to carry out strict safety and sanitation measures to assure shoppers that SM malls are safe and clean, complying with safety and sanitation protocols over and above government regulations.

Both malls are thoroughly being cleaned and disinfected prior to the opening and throughout mall hours, especially in areas with heavy customer contact. Entrances are equipped with temperature checks, non-contact sanitizer dispensers, and footbaths.

Alcohol dispensers are provided at the

mall entrance and restrooms.

The restrooms are sanitized every 30 minutes.

The measures are in line with the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG’s) warning on Sunday to the malls in Metro Manila, which have begun limited operation under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) that they will be closed by the local government units or the PNP if they do not strictly implement safe physical distancing and control the entry of people as prescribed by the guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Sara to LTFRB: GCQ Special permit for PUJs not necessary

M

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio told the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that requiring jeepney drivers to get a special permit from their office to operate under the general community quarantine (GCQ) is not necessary.

The mayor issued the statement in an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Monday, as jeepney drivers were not able to operate since the first day of general quarantine community (GCQ) on Saturday after being asked to get a special permit from LTFRB. "Kung inyuha na lang na gipagawas ang inyong mga tao (LTFRB personnel) ug gibutang ninyo sa dalan, everytime na dunay jeep nga naga-violate sa requirements ninyo sa dalan, mas paspas na siya. Kontra paadtuon ninyo tanan

(drivers) sa inyuha.

Ambot unsaon na sa ninyo (LTFRB) pag-issue ug permit sa 8,000 jeepneys," Mayor Sara said.

Based on Executive Order (EO) No. 33, public transportation is allowed during GCQ. However, commuters were dismayed on Monday as there were no public utility jeepneys (PUJs) plying on the road.

Mayor Sara said LTFRB should have issued the requirements while the city was under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to give jeepney drivers time to comply.

"Unsa ta kadugay nag-ECQ? One month and 15 days di ba?

Dapat katong nagsugod pa lang ang ECQ, naa man diay mo'y requirement nga special permit inyuha na gipanghatag that time," she said adding that LTFRB should have conducted inspection ?SARA, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

13 more from Brgy. 23-C T test positive for Covid-19

NEWS

3

Guidelines set for resumption of real estate, construction works

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

hree days into the general community quarantine (GCQ) status, Davao City has 15 new cases of coronavirus.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday disclosed that the 15 individuals who tested positive with Covid-19 were among those residents from Barangay 23-C that were shuttled to an isolation fa-

cility last month.

“I think this is the biggest (number) so far for cases positive with Covid,” she said.

Mayor Sara added that this 15 confirmed cases do not reflect in the current number

of cases in Davao City.

The said individuals were being monitored for more than 14 days.

“Ginatest nato ni sila perme. At least, nakakita ta ug isa sa ilaha na positive, then 3, then 3, tapos karon 13,” Mayor Sara said.

The 15 cases were believed to belong to one extended family where household transmission may

have happened.

“Extended family ni sila. Ang ilang balay walay mga walls ug dikit-dikit,” she said.

The 15 who tested positive are currently admitted at Center D and are scheduled for another testing.

“Sigurado kani nga sakit mutakod jud ni siya. Ang importante, nakuha na nato sila,” she said.

scribed by the guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said he has directed all LGUs and the Joint Task Force Covid Shield under PLt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar to inspect all malls and talk to mall management about their observance of the DOH Minimum Health Stan-

dards and Quarantine Protocols.

“All Chiefs of Police and PCP Commanders should make rounds of all malls prior to opening and during operating hours. If the malls are not able to comply with the minimum health standards, the PNP can close the malls and charge the mall owners with violation of the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act,” he said in a press release.

He added that all PNP checkpoints will remain in all areas under community quarantine, whether ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), MECQ or GQC (general community quarantine) or MGCQ (modified general community quarantine).

“The general rule continues to be ‘stay at home’ unless accessing essential services or going to work in

DILG warns malls violating physical distancing rules

T

he Department of the Interior and Local Government warned all malls which have begun limited operation under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) that they will be closed by the local government units or the Philippine National Police if they do not strictly implement safe physical distancing and control the entry of people as pre-

?DILG, P10

he Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) released five mandatory requirements set for the developers before any resumption of construction works and other real estate activities during the implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Housing Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario earlier signed Department Order 2020-005, which imposed mandatory construction guidelines and safety protocols to be observed by licensed developers and construction workers.

Under the department order, the contractor shall fund coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing to its workers — either a rapid test or a five-day quarantine.

This also includes setting up safe and hygienic on-site or near-site barracks and quar-

One of the few public utility jeepneys (PUJ) that resume operation on Monday traverses along MacArthur highway in Matina, Davao City. Edge Davao

ters for all workers.

The developers should ensure the provision of adequate assistance package for workers who may contract Covid-19 in the duration of their employment.

They should also ensure the provision of “group health or self-insurance coverage” for all workers involved in construction, and that workers are wearing face masks and other safe protective gear needed during the construction.

“Our guidelines are mandatory, we expect you to follow all these for the safety and protection of your workers, your project sites, and the general community,” Del Rosario said in a statement.

He also urged the developers to issue a certification upon the resumption of the construction works.

“Issue or send a certification to our regional offices electronically that you ?GUIDELINES, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

Standard health protocols are being followed in SM Lanang Premier in Lanang, Davao City after the city government of Davao implemented General Community Quarantine (GCQ). Shoppers go through hand sanitizer stations in the mall’s entrances. Photo courtesy of SM Lanang Premier

Resort owners face T cash flow squeeze R

PH listed 7th best country to do biz in: CEO magazine

By MAYA M. PADILLO

esort owners in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) lamented the cost of maintenance of their facilities and salary of employees as the coronavirus pandemic continue to paralyze operations.

Engr. Pastor Lozada, president of Samal Resort Owners Association, said resort owners have to maintain their facilities even without earning an income. Most of them are running out of cash.

“Lahat ng resort owners do not have income pero we need to maintain our facilities at para ma-sustain, we need to produce cash, pero nauubos na ang aming cash. I do not know how the owners manage their cash flow,” Lozada said in a phone interview.

Prior to the pan-

demic, Lozada said his resort has a cash flow of P200,000 to P300,000 per week for maintenance and repairs of the buildings.

Expenses, he said, vary depending on the season.

“Biglang nawala ang mga yan ngayon.

Nag-aabono na kami para pambayad sa mga mga taong aming inaalagaan kagaya ng mga naglilinis sa aming mga resorts ngayon. Pareho lahat ang ginagawa ng mga resorts. Magbabayad pa kami ng taxes, kaya ma-de-deplete talaga ang pera namin,” Loza-

da said.

Lozada said the more than 100 resorts in the island should be experiencing high sales especially in the summer months of April and May where visitor volume usually spikes.

“Lalo na kung Holy Week nasa resorts ang lahat ng tao. Pero ngayon wala dahil sa COVID-19,” he said.

In an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 last Friday, Mayor Al David Uy of IGACOS, said tax discounts will be provided to the resort owners next year to help them recover the losses incurred during the pandemic.

“Magbibigay kami ng discounts para sa mga resort owners next year. Kung titingnan natin ang tourism industry sa Samal ngayon ay zero,” he said.

However, Lozada said the tax discount is immaterial. According to him, what the city government of IGACOS should do is to meet with the resort owners and discuss solutions to help those employees who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

Although some of the employees received the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Lozada said this is hardly enough.

“Kaunti lang sa kanila ang nakakatanggap ng SAP. Kahit pa nabigyan ng bigas at sardinas, hindi pa rin yan ang solusyon, kundi bigyan sila ng trabaho,” he said.

He added that with the pandemic’s unprecedented blow to the tourism sector, resort owners are not ex?RESORT, P10

he Philippines was ranked as the seventh best country in the world to invest in or do business for 2020, according to CEO Magazine.

In an article posted on its website (https://www.theceomagazine.com/ business/finance/ countries-invest) on April 29, the CEO Magazine said the Philippines got a total score of 81.5 based on the report released by CEOWORLD in February when some countries have already reported confirmed cases of the deadly coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The CEOWORLD study analyzed 80 countries according to business and investment environments.

Corruption, freedom, workforce, investor protection, infrastructure, taxes, quality of life, red tape and technological readiness were among the factors taken into consideration.

The Philippines scored high in terms of constitutional framework (94.9), education and research

(94.8), market potential (92.8) and trade openness (91.3).

Economic stability (69.8), skilled labor force (64.61), and government policies (62.54) were also measured.

Singapore topped the list of most attractive nations for investors and business people followed by the UK, Poland, Indonesia and India.

Australia was in 6th place followed by the Philippines, the US, Malaysia and Czech Republic.

The United Arab Emirates, Germany, China, and Japan ranked 12th, 16th, 31st, and 32nd, respectively, among the world’s best countries to invest in or do business this year.

“The UK was ranked second followed by Poland, Indonesia and India; however, it’s important to note the results do not take into consideration the current pandemic and any effects the health crisis may have on the economy,” the CEO Magazine arti?PH, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

ECONOMY 5

Prices of goods revert to SRP as price freeze ends

P

rices of basic necessities reverted to their suggested retail prices (SRPs) effective Saturday after the end of the 60-day nationwide price freeze, as earlier announced by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For SRPs of manufactured basic goods, these will be based on the DTI SRP bulletin dated 30 September 2019.

“The lifting of the price freeze will not affect the prices and supply monitoring and enforcement activities being conducted by the DTI, DA (Department of Agriculture), and DOH (Department of Health) and our partner enforcement agencies.

These shall continue as usual following the directive of President Duterte to go after erring businesses and individuals, and deal with violators to the highest and fullest extent of the law,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a statement Sunday.

The end of nationwide price freeze on all basic

necessities on May 15 was in accordance with DTI, DA and DOH Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2020-01.

It can be recalled that the declaration of a state of public health emergency (Proclamation No. 922) and state of calamity (Proclamation No. 929) triggered the implementation of Section 6 of the Price Act, which freezes the prices of all basic necessities at their prevailing prices for 60 days or until sooner lifted by the President.

With its end, consumers and retailers shall refer to the SRPs published by the DTI, DA and DOH for the purchase and sale of basic necessities and prime commodities.

The same shall also be the basis of the three agencies for their respective market monitoring activities.

The SRP bulletin for manufactured basic and prime goods dated 30 September 2019 can be viewed and downloaded from the DTI website.

(PR)

Convenience stores in Davao City have adjusted their closing time from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. following the city government of Davao’s implementation of General Community Quarantine (GCQ) which started on Saturday. Edge Davao

Firm sources produce from small farmers in Davao Region

By MAYA M. PADILLO

A

griya, a mixed-use complex of Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, connects to small farmers in Davao Region through its program “Farm To Community”.

has been ongoing for several weeks now.

The produce being sourced from the farmers are supplied to Nestfarms’ kiosk in Damosa Market Basket in Damosa Complex, Lanang, Davao City.

“The program Macy Bibat, proj- palaya (bitter gourd) aims to provide a ect head, said that the from the farmers of steady source of inprogram calls for the the municipalities of come for these farmcompany to source Kapalong and Car- ers, which in turn sefarm products that in- men, Panabo City, cure the food supply clude corn, cucumber, and Davao de Oro in of the community,” tomatoes, and am- Davao del Norte. This said Bibat through

?FIRM, P10

Contractors’ license application may be filed online amid MECQ

A

A rainbow provides a beautiful backdrop for fisherfolk navigating the river in Asinan, Pilar, Siargao Island on Saturday, May 16, 2020.

MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

messenger.

Bibat said this is Agriya’s way of supporting the local farmers and guarantees a steady income for them and in turn ensures the supply of healthy products amid the new coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We are hopeful that the program will be sustainable for as long as the farms are productive and

mid the modified enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) continues to process Contractors’ License (CL) applications through electronic mail.

The PCAB made this announcement through its official social media page on April 29, citing PCAB Board Resolution No. 052, series of 2020, or the Guidelines for Acceptance of Application via e-mail.

Through e-mail, applicants may send their notarized duly accomplished appli-

cation forms along with the other documents as listed in the checklist for their respective category.

As the issuance of CL will have some delay due to limited staffing and workfrom-home arrangements adapted by the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), notice of approval will be issued to approved applicants for bidding purposes.

CIAP windows located in DTI Regional Offices in Regions 3, 5, 7, 8, 11 and Cordillera Administration Region are likewise accepting applications via e-mail.

PCAB also tem?CONTRACTORS’, P10

6 VANTAGE VANTAGE EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 3210 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, VOL.13 ISSUE • FRIDAY, MARCH 20,2020 2020

VOL.13 ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020

EDITORIAL

significant NotBe out of the cage

With situation the is facing amidst the With the themga situation the Philippines Philippines is (Like facingdogs amidst the “Parang asongit nakawala sa hawla breakcoronavirus threat, takes everyone’s utmost patience, coronavirus threat, it takes everyone’s utmost patience, ing out of the and cage).” understanding compassion to get country through the hill. understanding and compassion to out get the the country throughare thedehill.

That’s how people getting of their homes Hence, businesses must first take consideration of their workers Hence, businesses must first take consideration of their workers scribed on their the day theor wasThe placed under comrather profits losses. reason why the rather than than their profits orcity losses.

The reason why general the community community quarantine is not working 100 percent is that the lowly workers munity quarantine (GCQ). quarantine is not working 100 percent is that the lowly workers are forced to report fear losing jobs That’s actually very scary.under While theof ontheir quarantine are forced to report to to work work under fear ofrules losing their jobs and and not earning their keep.

The spectre of having no mey to feed may be relaxed bit, The it doesn’t thenofight the not earning their a keep. spectre mean of having meyagainst to feed their their families is dying of virus. deadly over.than In fact, it because is far from over. families coronavirus is aa far far bigger biggeristhreat threat than dying because of the the virus.

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

Moving intoofGCQ is actually a mere test.die The test In the minds the ordinary folks: “We will just theperiod same.”

Only those who have enough food in their pantry, those who Only those whotohave enough food in their pantry, those who is from May 16 May 31.

And depending on the result, can afford to panic shop, and those who can afford to order online can afford to panic shop, and those who can afford to order online the situation will be re-evaluated by health experts. for deliveries will But the chunk of the for This deliveries will survive. survive.

But for for might the bigger bigger theasociety, society, reassuring test result endchunk up toofbe false the equation remains “no work, no food.” the equation remains “no work, no food.” negative the reopening is likely not what people imagThus, itand is that there are 10 Thus, is aa welcome welcome relief relief that there are initially initially 10 companies companies ined.

Theitsupreme restrictions do of not bear much changes andduring only made the sacrifice to compensate their workers made the supremeinsacrifice of to compensate their workersto during those working establishments that are allowed rethe Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine period.

This the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine period. This will will open are permitted to go out.

The rest of the restrictions greatly help those in Metro Manila where people still go to work greatly help those in Metro Manila where people still go to work

EDGEDAVAO

Providing Providing solutions solutions to to aa seamless seamless global global village. village.

Printed Printed by

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

despite the order. despite thesafety order.protocols are still very much in place. There and the The 10 firms reported by of to have The 10 firms by the the Department Department of Labor Labor haveismade made is no easing upreported onpackage the brakes as this unseen toptokiller not the compensation are Aboitiz, Asian Terminal/Solaire the compensation package are Aboitiz, Asian Terminal/Solaire down and out.

It’s still very much in the thick of things and Resort Hotel, Ayala Group of Companies, JG Summit, Jollibee, Lucio Resort Hotel, Ayala Group of Companies, JG Summit, Jollibee, Lucio theGroup, risks ofManny infection are still high.

Tan V. Group, Tan Group, Manny V. Pangilinan Pangilinan Group, San San Miguel Miguel Corporation, Corporation, SM and Udenna Group.These firms answered of So why areGroup.These some people celebrating as call if the crisis is SM and Udenna firms answered the the call of President President Rodrigo Duterte to take care of their workers and employees over?

Rodrigo Duterte to take care of their workers and employees during this of It probably withemergency. the mindset that at the very least during this time time comes of national national emergency.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre and there are some signs of improvement thecompanies way we live.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello Bello III III lauded laudedinthe the companies and said their compassion and good example should inspire other If the discipline and sacrifice byshould most Dabawenyos said their compassion and good shown example inspire other enterprises whose source of is of their enterprises whose source of wealth wealthmindset is the the labor labor of lifestyle their workforce. workforce. continue to be the prevalent and under While big companies can take some hit, it is a different story While bignormal,’ companies can take some hit,cross it is athe different story this ‘new we will eventually hill.

As to for smaller firms and this is where the government should come for smaller firms and this is where the government should come when?

Only time will tell. in. sure, there are already some to this effect being in. For For there already some formulation formulation this effect being Forsure, now, theare biggest challenge is to staytoon track and be done. done. committed to the protocols laid down by theisgovernment.

For now, the best thing to do for everyone to try to For now,is the best thing to to be do waged for everyone is are to try to be be There still a battle and we actually significantly helpful instead of adding up to the problem and significantly helpful instead of adding up to the problem and it it all all not totally out of the cage. starts with orders. starts with following following orders.

ANTONIO M. AJERO ANTONIO AJERO Editor inM.Chief Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor Managing Editor

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

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

MAYA M. PADILLO MAYA M.Reporter PADILLO Senior Senior Reporter

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

THE DXRA MASSACRE Over two decades before the so-called Maguindanao massacre, the New People’s Army, the armed contingent of the Communist Party of the Philippines, launched an attack that, indisputably, was the first postwar massacre of media personalities in the country.

On August 27, 1987, at around 10:10 in the evening, a band of rebels entered radio station DXRA, then housed along Magallanes (now A. Pichon Sr.) Street, Davao City, in a site where an HB1 store now operates, and strafed everybody inside the announcer’s and technician’s booths before exploding a grenade that cost the lives of five individuals, including a guest.

At the time of the attack, the anti-communist program Bantay Bayan Kontra Komunista of feisty commentator Leo Palo, Jr. was airing live. Station DXRA, meaning Radio Abellera, was then owned by the Rizal Memorial Colleges Broadcast Corp.; it was later sold to former Davao del Norte congressman Rodolfo del Rosario, Sr. before it was bought by a non-government organization, which gave it the tagline Radyo ni Juan.

Those killed in the assault were Palo Jr., tailor turned radioman Cesar ‘Chito’ Maglalang, anchorman Rogie Zagado, radio technician Narciso Balani and Leo Palomares, a defeated congressional candidate who was the guest in that night’s edition of the program.

When the program was aired that night, Palo, Zagado, and Maglalang sat as co-an-

chors.

Seven months earlier, in January 18, 1987, Juan Pajadora Pala, Jr., in his morning program over DXOW, declared war against the CPP-NPA; it was the start of the anti-communist movement in the city. Next to declare was Palo, Jr. Conse-

(On December 24, 2007, Lintuan, a block-timer of Aksyon Radyo DXGO Davao, formerly DXRH, and consultant of Philippine Sports Commission in Davao region at the time of his death, was killed while driving his Volkswagen. He was with fellow radiomen Louie Ce-

Pala, the face of Alsa Masa, a homegrown anti-communist league that became a national phenomenon movement in Davao City, landed on the cover page of the defunct Asiaweek magazine. Due to his newfound advocacy, the rebels included him in their hit list. He was

quently, the NPAs launched simultaneous attacks against radio stations DXRA, DXRD (sold to Sonshine Media Network International), and DXMF Bombo Radyo.

The injured survivors of the DXRA attack were DXRA host Ferdinand ‘Ferdie’ Lintuan, who played dead until the assailants left; Palo’s nephew, Joey Palo, and DXMF security guard Lito Lagila, who used to hang around the broadcast outfit in his off-hours.

niza and Edgar Banzon when the gunman approached the car and shot him.

Palo Jr., who occasionally wrote columns for a local periodical, was known for his stinging takes on issues affecting the city and was known for his blunt commentaries against the insurgents. He earned enemies from rebel sympathizers and leaders. Prior to the gory incident, he linked up on air with Pala in a program titled Palo-Pala Connections.

strafed by suspected rebels while inside his radio station, DXOW, but escaped unhurt.

On September 6, 2003, for the fourth time, he was ambushed; this time he was killed.

Palo and Pala also made a name in broadcast for their onthe-spot interviews of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commanders in their mountain lairs at a time when the government was on war footing against the Nur Misuari-founded secessionist faction.

Maglalang, who owned a tailoring known as Shield’s, Palo, Jr., and Lintuan all died at the age of 50, while Palo and Pala were known to be persuasive critics of the Rodrigo Duterte administration when the president was still Davao City mayor.

In response to the DXRA massacre, the local police promptly organized Task Force Newsmen to probe the incident.

They identified the perpetrators as members of the CPP-NPA assassination squad, the Sparrow Unit, under an alias Bunaying who, a week later, was reported killed in an encounter with pursuing law enforcers.

Bunaying, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility said by citing sources, was tagged by authorities as the nemesis of many sympathizers of Alsa Masa.

In an odd twist, other rightwing vigilante groups blamed the Redemptorists, a priestly congregation, for the massacre given their supposed compassion for the rebels. The story further fueled theories when former dxMF Bombo Radyo reporter Mildred Maxey claimed the white Cimmaron jeepney used by the assailants as getaway car belonged to the religious order.

Police later dismissed the whole story as a charade, and the Redemptorist priests strongly denied any involvement in the gruesome act. As a result of this whimsical episode, the priests were tongue-incheek called the ‘Redempterrorists.’

PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL This is the only country we – you and I – have. (Of course, this does not apply to millions of converted Filipino Americans who pretend otherwise.

They have two flags to sing anthems to and two oaths of pledges to utter, depending on which soil they are stepping on.)

It goes, without saying, that we Filipinos must have this innate passionate feeling to love her, protect her from invaders and colonizers and preserve her national patrimony.

At all costs.

Yes, at all costs because no one will love this country except us.

This reminds me of a James Allen quote. He said: “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.”

Isn’t this an ironic and paradoxical description of the contemporary, modern day Filipino?

Ergo, nationalism must be the intrinsic core value that every Filipino must cultivate and develop within. It must be taught in the home, in the school, in the university, in the church, in whatever fora available.

There are no more nationalists in our midst.

What we have are salesmen, smooth talking, glib representatives of foreign interests.

Tell me, if I am not speaking the truth.

The Philippines today is torn asunder from all sides.

There are no more nationalists that I see in the mold of our patriotic forefathers who fought and fell during the fight for the country’s independence.

Many, if not the majority, have shifting loyalties. Some

disguising themselves as nationalists are conspiring with foreign supporters to bring down the incumbent authority even if in so doing, the vast majority of Filipinos – the poor and the marginalized – are put in even more difficulties and

nance itself as elected leaders equipped with dynamism and idealism.

Maybe I am asking for the moon.

For there is no one – a potential outstanding national leader - I see in the political

even betray the government in many subtle ways as reflected in a well-oft repeated story of a legislator who, in a backdoor channeling effort, negotiated for the government a losing truce affecting maritime boundaries with an Asian neighbor.

We can only chuckle helplessly in disbelief and disappointment.

Even as the country is battling a quixotic fight against an unseen enemy, oppositionists

suffering.

What a shame.

I fear for the next generation(s) of Filipinos who will grow up as confused and as bewildered as ever in this kind of environment. They need to read, study and immerse themselves in Philippine political history more, develop a level of political maturity that will not be shaken nor corrupted by machinations and material bribery, take active part in government affairs and gover-

horizon who possesses the qualities I have enumerated above.

Many of them arose from political clans and dynasties where they inherited their political prominence and are therefore bereft of political credit and value, riding only piggyback on whatever successes their predecessors have achieved.

Will there ever be a resurrected Jose Rizal, a resurrected Andres Bonifacio and Antonio

Luna, a resurrected Claro M. Recto, Quezon, Osmena, et al from the upcoming generation?

The few young potential leaders who I thought could have brought meaningful changes to the mainstream of political life, have lost their way in the maze. They were snared by the claws of material aggrandizement, engulfed by the glitz and glamor of the rich lifestyle prevailing.

So, is it back to square one?

No. We still have two years of the Duterte administration.

The current confusion and chaos created by the CoVid 19 may yet trigger an unexpected push that might lead to a surprising radical but positive move.

Meaningful and impactful changes are coming in like trickles of rain in summer. The situation cannot remain in status quo if the prevailing situation is stagnant.

We – the country and the Filipino people – have got to move forward.

The enemies of the State and the few political opposition should not be allowed to impose their crooked ideas about how government should ideally be.

The reins of government are in the hands of Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines.

He is entirely responsible where the ship of state goes.

Got it? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) 1John. 4:16: “God is love.

Whoever lives in love lives in God and God with him.”

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 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

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

have the resources and the desire to continue learning remotely without compromising their safety and health.” shares 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 ex-

perience.

“MCM was intentionally built for 21st century learners.

Their learning habits, interests, motivations, and challenges were carefully considered in crafting the different modalities where learning can be implemented.

Some prefer the traditional face-to-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 halfday schedule. Having this type of schedule, coupled with our Blackboard Learn, gave me more control over my time. I was able to bala n c e my academics and social life without sacrificing either.

I believe t h a t

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 half-day schedule along with Blackboard Learn.

This system along with the digital contents from the 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 unlimit?DIGITAL, P10

9 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

Returning Cotabato City student from Davao positive for Covid-19

C

OTABATO CITY – An 18-year old student from this city who has been studying in Davao City and returned home last week tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on Sunday.

The male student is the eighth positive patient in Cotabato City and the 18th in Region 12 (Soccsksargen).

The patient’s number (PH) is yet to be released by the Department of Health (DOH).

The student is now at an isolation facility of the city government undergoing medication and under close watch by city health personnel, Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said.

“He is in stable condition,” she said in a message.

The student is the second person who tested positive in this city for the past three days.

On Friday, a 26-year-old male worker of Cotabato City government test-

ed positive for the disease and is now undergoing medication in an isolation facility.

Dr. Meyasser Patadon, city health officer, said the student-patient was one of the 39 Cotabateños picked up by the city government bus and arrived here from Davao City on May 13 under the “Balik Bahay” program of Cotabato City.

“All of them, upon arrival, were subjected to rapid testing,” Patadon said.

Of the 39, four turned out positive in the rapid test so another test was taken from them.

Patadon said that of the four, the 18year old student was confirmed positive for Covid-19.

“It is because we do not know there might be silent spreader or carrier of the virus but they are asymptomatic, we need to observe the basics of prevention – wear masks, wash hands, observe safe physical distancing and stay at home,” he added. (PNA)

event of the Asian Junior Rapid Online Chess Championship later this year.

Marvin Miciano is already a known winner in the offline chess scene as he was once a member of FEUFERN's juniors chess team that won a threepeat in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) from 2016 to 2018.

The last year of his title run in the juniors turned out to be very fruitful as he obtained his IM status that year by winning the Asian Youth Under-18 Championship.

Miciano still enrolled for one semester in FEU for college last year, even helping the Tamaraws win the UAAP seniors crown, but he had to stop schooling to focus more on his chess career since he has to travel overseas more often.

Mating the king online With the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) still raging, chess events have

been relegated to the online realm, somehow making this an e-sport of sorts.

"Sa chess.com po sila naglalaban-laban.

Tapos para makita sila ng arbiter at ng referees, may webcam. Tapos may application na tinatawag na Zoom.

Nakikita sila doon sa camera (They are battling in chess.com. For the arbiter and the referees to see them, there should be a webcam and they should have an application called Zoom. They are seen in the camera)," Johnny related.

Marvin's family has to ensure that their Internet connection is stable enough if they do not want the chess prodigy to get an abrupt defeat, even if he is statistically ahead in the game.

"Kailangan mabilis po ang Internet connection niyo. Pag na-disconnect ka, talo ka (You need to have a fast Internet connection. If you get disconnected, you lose)," Johnny said, baring the dangers of disconnecting from the game.

PINOY from 11

Stranded students in Davao de Oro rescued

A

fter two months of being stranded at the Community Technical College of Southeastern Mindanao (CTCSM) in Maco, Davao de Oro, the students were finally rescued by the provincial government on Saturday.

In a statement from the provincial government of Davao de Oro, the 35 rescued students were brought to a patient care center at the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro and were screened by the provincial health staff as their 14day quarantine commenced.

“Apart from that, a rapid test was also done to further check if the students were not manifesting coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) like symptoms,” the statement said.

Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, in a recent radio interview, said he received the information on Monday about the students who were asking for medical certificates from the barangay in Lapu-Lapu, Maco, Davao de Oro for them to go home.

“I sent a team from the province to assess the situation of the students inside the private school,” he said.

He added the team reported there are minors inside the facility, while the school administrator said the stu-

dents were stuck when the community quarantine was implemented as they were waiting for their graduation exercises.

“The school also requested to make their school as a quarantine facility before the students will be allowed to go home, but based on the assessment team, it is not conducive to be a quarantine facility,” Uy said.

Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to Uy on Friday, the CTCSM said it understands why the provincial government declined its request to operate as an accredited patient care facility.

“We understand the tremendous pressure of the provincial governor’s office to ensure the safety and well-being of all your constituents. We therefore respectfully turn over the scholars who wish to go home safely,” the letter

stated.

The CTCSM also clarified it did not continue to operate as a school, as it was also caught on lockdown and it has coordinated with the local government.

“The scholars we entrust to you are close to our hearts as we have avowed to help them, coming from very poor families. We know that gaining an education is a step out of poverty.

We sincerely hope that they do remain safe and healthy while undergoing the 14-day quarantine," it added.

The provincial government of Davao de Oro released on March 16 the Provincial Executive Orders 23, 25, and 28, and the Omnibus Community Quarantine Guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force prohibiting all classes and activities inside schools. (PNA)

However, he assured that his son, a native of Davao City who currently resides in Sampaloc district, has a stable Internet connection since Internet speed in the district is relatively fine.

The chess arbiter also wants to assure that online chess matches remain fair, especially because playing online will give chess players a leeway to research on the Internet for possible counterattacks on their opponents' moves or even put up an app to see how their moves fare, which are considered grounds for cheating.

"Sa chess.com, meron silang fair play cheating (policy). Ine-evaluate nila doon yung mga player kung gumamit sila ng cheat engine. So kung gamitan mo ng cheat engine ang kalaban mo, madi-disqualify ka. Tapos maba-block ka ng National Chess Federation. Maba-ban ka ng National Chess Federation at sa chess. com (In chess.com,

they have a fair play cheating policy. They evaluate the players if the latter used a cheat engine. So if you use a cheat engine on your opponent, you will be disqualified and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines will block you.

The NCFP and chess. com will ban you)," Johnny explained.

On how chess. com makes the NCFP and the rest of the national chess federations globally aware of cheating patterns, he bared, "Sila ang nag-e-evaluate. Tapos nire-report sa organizers kung sino ang mga posibleng nag-cheat (They evaluate them and report to the organizers the possible cheaters)."

Johnny noted that three Filipinos were once caught cheating and were eventually banned.

The cheating patterns are usually seen among players who are not that good in the game, he said, adding that the arbiters also want to assume that the players do not

get hints from their coaches via chat as this could also lead to disqualification.

"Nasa isang Zoom (chatroom) lang yung mga players. Mino-monitor ng mga arbiters. Dapat nakatingin ka lang doon sa screen (The players are only in one Zoom chatroom. They are being monitored by the arbiters. They should only look at the online chessboard on the screen)," Johnny further said.

He shared that even if it is an online event, the atmosphere should remain like an "over-the-board" event, that is, the players should be alone in the room and should not even take a comfort room break ingame or bring food.

However, Johnny added that his son could still eat and make a quick visit to the bathroom since an online rapid chess game, in which each player is given 15 minutes to finish off his or her opponent, lasts for at most 45 minutes.

In anticipation of

lags, both players are given three-second increments each, hence, the possibility of the game lasting 45 minutes.

Johnny also said that with the Asian level being a higher level of play, the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) requires an additional webcam for his son in his stint.

"Siguro ire-require nila na yung buong room, nakikita (I think they want to require that the entire room can be seen)," he said, meaning that the ACF wants to assure that Marvin is alone in his room without the company of his coach or one of his parents, teaching him the moves.

His parents hope for the pandemic to be put under control soon so Marvin could once again travel to play for norms needed for him to become a grandmaster and be the next in line with the likes of Philippine legend Eugene Torre and now United States-based phenom Wesley So. (PNA)

10

EDGEDAVAO

SARA from 2

during ECQ. "Ang mga wala nag-comply, inyuha na gipa-comply, gitagaan na ninyo ug

special permit. Dili nang karon nga gikinahanglan nato ang jeep."

By Maya M. Padillo

permitted industries.

Those found to be unauthorized will be fined, issued citation tickets, or detained if they refuse to go home,” he said.

Año said while there will be more vehicles on the road because of opening of some industries, this does not mean that the PNP will be less strict with implementing the law.

“Hence, everyone must bring with them their government-issued ID cards or company IDs or other proofs of employment in industries allowed to operate so that the PNP will have a basis to allow you to go through,” he said.

He added that mo-

bile checkpoints will be set up in strategic places to ensure compliance with community quarantine regulations.

“All LGUs in the exercise of their police power will also continue to implement the curfew in their respective areas subject to the provisions of their respective ordinances,” he said.

He also clarified that since the community quarantine is still in effect all over the country, barangays and LGUs will continue to issue quarantine passes to regulate the movement of people so long as these comply with valid exemptions granted by the IATF. (PR)

have already complied with the requirements and you can resume construction works after 24 hours,” he said.

Meanwhile, del Rosario warned developers of “stiff penalties if they fail to comply with the health protocols and safety guidelines.”

“Any non-compliance shall warrant the imposition of a cease and desist order against the covered

entities,” he said.

He said the developers should expect an immediate project shutdown “if a worker tested positive to Covid-19 during the construction period.”

The DHSUD regional offices, he said, are tasked to conduct site inspections, “to ensure that the developers are complying with the mandatory minimum requirement” set for them. (PNA)

pecting gradual arrival of tourists in the island until the reopening of the airports.

“Patay talaga ang tourism dito sa Samal and we are expecting

that most of the people who will be going to the resorts, when everyone is allowed to go out, mostly will be locals, who are mostly no jobs,” he said.

tobelli's father John Altobelli, 56, a baseball coach at Orange Coast College, and her mother Keri Altobelli.

The other casualties were Christina Mauser, a basketball coach at the nearby Harbor Day School, which Gianna Bryant attended; Payton Chester, a middle-school student; Sarah Chester, Payton's mother; and Ara Zobayan, the pilot.

Calabasas is a Cal-

ifornia suburb nearby Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Lakers' legendary shooting guard Bryant, 41, was a five-time NBA champion.

The 18-time NBA All-Star Bryant spent his illustrious 20-year-long career with Lakers.

Besides, he helped the Team USA win two Olympic medals in Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

(Anadolu)

DILG from 3

GUIDELINES from 3

RESORT from 4

US from 11

VOL.13 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

DIGITAL from 8

ed 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 communications and Globe Telecom to address this issue.

“Under normal circumstances, some of our students with no stable connec-

tions go to the campus to connect. MCM provides high-speed wifi connection inside the campus. We understand that connectivity is a huge challenge for some of our students during this crisis. MCM is now in talks with both SMART communications and Globe Telecom to address this issue through issuance of prepaid Wi-Fi routers with broadband plans specially designed to cater to students’ data consumption in accessing online learning tools.” says Engr. Dodjie Maestrecampo.

MCM will continue to provide alternatives to in-campus learning should the need arise.

On a different

note, MCM is taking heed of its students and teachers who might be experiencing mental or emotional stress. The Center for Guidance and Counseling recently expanded their services by offering counselling through phones, emails, and 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 transac-

tions. 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.

cle said.

The Philippine government has repeatedly attributed the country’s investor ranking to its hard-working workforce, inclusive growth momentum, stable monetary policy, strong anti-corruption drive, and an ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

President Rodrigo Duterte has also assured that the country remains a safe place to invest in, vowing to ensure ease of doing

business by fighting red tape and corruption.

He asked businessmen to immediately report to his office any bribery attempt or irregularity hounding their investments in the country.

CEOWORLD magazine ranks the world based on a variety of categories ranging from the world’s richest people to the top companies, top executives.

Since it first emerged in Wuhan,

China in December last year, coronavirus has spread to 188 countries and infected 4.65 million people, according to a running tally by the US-based Johns Hopkins University.

The university’s data showed a total of 1,700,354 people won the battle against Covid-19 but 312,119 deaths were recorded.

According to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) mid-2020 report, the

global economy is projected to contract by 3.2 percent this year due to Covid-19 pandemic.

It said the world trade is forecast to shrink by nearly 15 percent in 2020 amid sharply reduced global demand and disruptions of global supply chains.

The pandemic is also expected to cut global economic output by USD8.5 trillion over the next two years, the UN report added. (PNA)

porarily lifted the staggered filing for renewal of regular license applications.

The staggered filing application is determined with the number of the license ending which aims to regulate the volume of application.

To ease the appli-

cants from the burden brought by the pandemic, PCAB had decided to waive the additional processing fee of PHP5,000 for all applications submitted before June 2020.

Special License– Joint Venture applications may still be

filed less than five working days but at least one day before bidding date or negotiation date, following the PCAB Board Resolution 047, series of 2015.

For more questions, you may contact PCAB at the following contact details: 0930-

879-3044, 0955-5429985, 0943-138-7771 or 0936-519-3102 and pcab@dti.gov. ph. Complete guidelines may be checked through PCAB official facebook at fb.com/ dti.ciap.pcab.

PCAB is an implementing board of CIAP. (DTI-PR)

as long as there are farmers that need an avenue for their produce to reach larger markets,” she said.

This venture is in tune with Agriya’s concept as an “agricultural metropolis” that showcases the

importance of agriculture by featuring an agri-tourism area and aquaculture farm where guests

can learn how food is grown.

Another component of Agriya is the Naturetainment area.

ger Woods plays when home. Woods and Peyton Manning will face Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in a match billed as “Champions

for Charity” that will raise $10 million for COVID-19 relief efforts.

The real show is to return on June 11 with

the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas. The tour has said it will not allow fans for at least a month,

and perhaps longer depending on it goes.

Players will have access to charter flights and a designated hotel.

PH from 4

CONTRACTORS’ from 5

FIRM from 5

MCILROY from 11

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

Carrying their own bags, Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler walk down the fairway at Seminole Golf Club.

McIlroy wins Skins as I live golf returns to TV

Pinoy IM to play in Asian online rapid chess tourney

R

ory McIlroy delivered the money shot Sunday as live golf returned to television for a Skins game that revealed plenty of rust and raised more than $5 million for COVID-19 relief funds.

McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, who had not won a skin since the sixth hole, had a chance to win the final six skins worth $1.1 million on the final hole at Seminole in the TaylorMade Driving Relief exhibition.

Both missed and they returned to the par-3 17th for a closest-tothe-pin contest.

From a forward tee at 120 yards, Matthew Wolff was 18 feet below the hole. His partner, Rickie Fowler, missed the green.

Johnson found a bunker. Down to the last shot, McIlroy barely stayed on the shelf left of the pin, measured at 13 feet.

“Air five," McIlroy said, alluding to the social distancing in place at Juno Beach, Florida.

The final carryover gave McIlroy and Johnson $1.85 million for the American Nurses Foundation. Fowler, who made seven birdies, and Wolff made

$1.15 million for the CDC Foundation.

“I'm proud to be part of an event to entertain people at home on a Sunday afternoon and to raise money for people who need it,” McIlroy said as he played the 18th hole.

Wolff, the 21-yearold Californian with big game and plenty of swagger, earned $450,000 toward relief funds by having the longest drives on two par 5s — 356 yards on No. 2 and 368 yards on No. 14.

Fowler's seven birdies were worth $270,000 in a separate fund from Farmers Insurance, while McIlroy made four birdies in regulation worth $175,000 and Wolff had three birdies for $135,000.

Johnson, who showed the most rust, had two birdies for $75,000.

PGA Tour Charities allowed for online donations during the telecast, raising more

than $1 million. The donations will continue until Tuesday.

When the exhibition ended, more than $5.5 million had been pledged, starting with the $3 million guarantee from UnitedHeath Group.

Players carried their own bags.

Television had a skeleton crew on the grounds — the playby-play and analysts were 200 miles away in St. Augustine, Florida, while host Mike Tirico was at his home office in Michigan. The match went over four hours, primarily because players were at times held in place to give the six TV cameras time to get in position on the next hole.

Mark Russell, the PGA Tour's vice president of of rules and competition, was the only one to handle the flagstick. Bunkers didn't need to be raked because they were the only match on the course, which closed for the summer last week.

“It was an awesome day,” McIlroy said. “It was nice to get back on the golf course and get back to some sort of normalcy.”

The players wore microphones, though

the banter was limited and ended early.

Most of it came from McIlroy, who had to make a short par putt on the second hole for a push. He rolled it in and said to Wolff, “I think you forget I've won two FedEx Cups that total $25 million.

That doesn't faze me, youngster.”

Fowler played the best golf and staked his side to the lead with four birdies in a six-hole stretch around the turn, including a 20-footer on No. 11 that was worth two skins at $200,000.

He raised his finger and McIlroy said, “Did you hear all those cheers?” There were no fans, and fewer than 50 people were at Seminole. All were tested for the new coronavirus.

That was the start of golf's return.

The last live competition on TV was March 12, the first round of The Players Championship. It was canceled the next day, along with other tournaments that either were scrapped or postponed.

Next up is another exhibition match on May 24 down the road at Medalist, where Ti-

nternational Master (IM) John Marvin Miciano will be among the Philippine representatives to the Zone 3.3 qualifiers for the Asian Junior Online Chess Championship.

The 20-year-old woodpusher booked one of the three tickets by ruling the National Juniors Rapid Online Chess Championship held from Tuesday to Thursday.

Miciano, who was seeded second in the tournament, topped the 16-man field after tallying 12.5 points after 15 rounds.

Fellow IM Daniel Quizon and top-seeded Eric Labog came in joint second with 11.5 points each to claim the other two berths

in the zonal event slated from May 26 to June 3.

"Ang Zone 3.3, kasali po dyan ang Pilipinas, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, Myanmar, yung Eastern Asia Zone po (Zone 3.3 covers the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, Myanmar, essentially the Eastern Asia Zone)," Johnny Miciano, Marvin's father, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) following his son's win.

The top three players after the zonals will then join the top finishers of the other zones in the main ?PINOY, P9

US forensics unveil Kobe's autopsy report

U

S coroner's office in Los Angeles on Friday released Kobe Bryant helicopter crash autopsy reports as all the victims on board including the NBA legend were killed by "blunt trauma".

"On Jan. 28, the cause of death for all nine decedents was certified as blunt trauma. The manner of death was certified as accident," the Los Angeles County De?MCILROY, P10 partment of Medical

Examiner-Coroner said in a statement on the website.

On Jan. 26, 2020, the Calabasas helicopter crash killed nine people including Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

In addition to Kobe Bryant, who was 41, and his daughter Gianna or Gigi, the crash also took the lives of Gianna's basketball teammate Alyssa Altobelli, Al?US, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.13 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

The PBA has been shut down since early March and looks like it is not returning soon.

(PBA Images)

Phl sports is limp and lame

N

o one saw it coming.

It just arrived, gatecrashing the party like an uncouth, ill-mannered youth.

What a killjoy, this Covid 19 from Wuhan, China is.

Pardon me but even if the World Health Organization (WHO) avoided using the origin of the new corona virus strain as probably a diplomatic protocol, I will continue to use Wuhan virus as the term appropriate for this pandemic.

At any rate, this contagion of a spoilsport

exploded like a foul-smelling fart in the middle of a fine dinner and spoiled what could have been a romantic evening.

Enough of romanticism.

The Wuhan pathogen cancelled entirely the country’s sports calendar in one fell swoop – the Palarong Pambansa including its 15 or so regional eliminations, the Philippine National

Games – the PSC flagship event – and the Batang Pinoy, the age group national sports festival for the aspiring youth athletes, not excluding the UAAP and NCAA annual collegiate competitions.

These three athletic conclaves are all grassroots-based in pursuit of the PSC mandate to reach out to all sectors and age levels from the urban centers to the rural areas where the hitherto untapped potentials often-times discovered and identified.

Because of the uncontrolled pandemic that has become literally

a pandemonium, the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum was transformed into a hospital facility for persons under investigation (CoVid 19 positive), including the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and the recently-used New Clark City sports arena in Tarlac province adjacent to the former Clark Air Force Base in Pampanga.

Because the gathering of huge crowds is prohibited and social distancing is enforced, spectator sports that draw big attendance are considered risky as contamination is easy.

Sports where

body contact cannot be avoided – like pro & amateur basketball, volleyball, boxing, martial arts (karate, judo, wrestling, pro UFC, Muay Thai & MMA, taekwondo, etc) and other major events needed to be thought of more seriously before they can be given the green light to resume.

Lawn tennis, badminton, table tennis, athletics, cycling and other disciplines that don’t have body contacts between opponents during the competition might yet be given permission by the IATF for as long as strict protocols are practiced and enforced.

Sports officials can begin from there, slowly and gradually moving one rung up until the foul odor of the Wuhan virus cannot be smelled from a mile away.

We need some creative minds to start the ball rolling.

Mohandas Gandhi, father of India’s independence, once said: “Strength does not come from physical capacity; It comes from an indomitable will.”

Got it? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.)

I CLAIM VICTORY OVER COVID 19 IN JESUS NAME AMEN! GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!