Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 33 | Wednesday, May 20, 2020

EDGEEDGE DAVAO DAVAO

ITCHY FEET

Serving a seamlessRAFA, society FEDERER MOVE ON TO THIRD ROUND

Serving a seamless society

LEBRON EAGER TO GET BACK TO BASKETBALL SPORTS P12

SPORTSP11

TOP EXPENSES SIGNS OF BOOM SIGNS OF BO

VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE 33 59 ••FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2019 ISSUE 59 www.edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com VOL.13 WEDNESDAY, MAY 20,31-JUNE 2020 1, f •@EdgeDavao VOL.12 FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019 f @EdgeDavao

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Applications for building, for building, Applications zoning permitszoning increase permits increase

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

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

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

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

“There are really too

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

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

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

FSIGNS, P10

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

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

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

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

“There are really too

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

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

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

FSIGNS, P10

Food eats up city’s biggest bulk of expenses in the pandemic MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION

►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL FAMILY FOREMOST IN A Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) firefighter sprays chemicals to disinfect a vehicle at a check- MIND ESDEVCO’S point at the border of Davao Region and Agusan del Sur on Tuesday. Edge Davao►PROPERTY P9

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION

►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL FAMILY FOREMOST IN ESDEVCO’S MIND

►PROPERTY P9

TOURISM. STORY ON President P2 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

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 33 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

TOP EXPENSES E Food eats up city’s biggest bulk

Dozens of motorcycle riders queue as authorities intensified the Food and Medicine pass inspection at a checkpoint in MacArthur highway, Matina, Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

Covid-19 test not required for returning employees

of expenses in the pandemic

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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o feed Dabawenyos and those working to secure residents amid the coronavirus pandemic, the city government has by far spent a huge chunk of its P476 million Covid-19 war chest from the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities (BGCM).

This is equivalent to a month's Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) the city government receives according to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The expenses covered food distributed to Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office (DSWDO) for food rationing and sustenance

for the members of the Covid-19 working group comprised of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Task Force Davao, Davao Central 911, and other individuals who are working along with the city government of Davao during community quarantine (CQ), enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), and

general community quarantine (GCQ).

According to the mayor, the city is required to spend all P476 million to Covid-19 related efforts based on the BGCM. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P30,823,759,246.00 to cover the funding requirements for the one-time financial assistance to cities and municipalities.

The released amount is intended to boost the capacity of the cities and municipalities in responding to the Covid-19 situation.

The one-time BGCM is equivalent to a one-month FY 2020

IRA share of the cities and municipalities. As provided in Local Budget Circular No. 125, dated April 07, 2020, the BGCM shall be exclusively used for the coronavirus-related programs, projects, activities (PPAs), and expenses.

“We are required under the law to spend it all to COVID-19 mitigating efforts and that P476 million mao na ang atoang minimum,” she said.

Other expenses, Mayor Sara said, were charged from the city’s peace and order fund, public enhancement service fund, and other sources of funds used to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic. ?TOP, P10

mployees who will be returning to work are not required to undergo a test for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), a health official said Monday.

“Inuulit po namin, hindi po required ang mga empleyado ng kanilang employers na ma-test bago po sila pabalikin sa trabaho (Again, employees are not required by their employers to be tested before going back to work),” Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a Covid-19 virtual presser.

Vergeire clarified that the tests performed by the government are for persons who have Covid-19 symptoms.

She advised employers to send any of their symptomatic employees to a DOH-licensed testing laboratory center.

“Bukod dito, nais din namin linawin na ang rapid antibody test ay hindi nakakapagpakita kung ang

isang tao ay may kasulukuyang Covid-19 kaya hindi po ito magandang basehan para masabing maari na nating papasukin ang ating mga empleyado (We also want to clarify that a rapid antibody test doesn’t show if a person has Covid-19 so it shouldn’t be the basis for allowing or not allowing employees to go back to work),” she said.

Earlier, the DOH said rapid antibody test kits can only identify antibodies and not the virus causing Covid-19, and they cannot also detect if a person will contract the disease after being tested.

“Halimbawa, kahit mag-test ka ngayon at lumabas na negative, maaari ka parin mahawa ng sakit bukas o sa mga susunod na araw dahil patuloy po ang inyong possible na (For example, even your test result turns out negative, you can still contract the disease tomorrow and ?COVID-19, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 33 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

Go files bill mandating quarantine facilities W

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Davao residents restricted to enter other provinces

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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s quarantine protocols and physical distancing measures are crucial in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as well as other health emergencies, there is a need for the country to be more proactive in preparing for future possible pandemics.

In light of this, Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go filed Senate Bill No. 1259 or the “Mandatory Quarantine Facilities Act of 2020” which mandates the establishment of quarantine facilities in every region in the country strategically located near a Department of Health-managed pub-

lic hospital.

“Let us learn from this COVID-19 experience. Ngayon palang, habang nilalabanan natin ang sakit na COVID-19, i-handa na rin natin ang bansa sa anumang krisis na maaaring dumating,” Go said.

The Senator explained that it is crucial for every locality or region to have its own quarantine sites to accommodate high-

Congress may amend law to move start of classes

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he Congress may amend the law to move the schedule of opening of classes amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark following some parents’ concern on the safety of their children when classes resume on August 24.

“Kung mataas pa rin ang banta sa ating mga kabataan, siguro kinakailangan amyendahan ng Kongreso ang batas na ‘yan (If the threat is still high for our youth, perhaps the Congress can amend that law),” Roque said in a virtual presser.

He pointed out that the Department of Education (DepEd) was simply following the law by opening classes for both public and private schools.

Under Republic Act No. 7977, also known as “An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from Two Hundred (200) days to not more than Two Hundred

Twenty (220) Class Days,” the “school year shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August.”

“Kasi po may batas.

Ang batas po nagsasabi na kinakailangan magbukas ang mga eskuwelahan na ang pinaka late na po diyan ay yung last week of August (Because there’s a law. The law states that classes must open by the last week of August at the latest),” he said.

Senator President Vicente Sotto III earlier filed a bill seeking to allow the opening of classes in September or any month to give the DepEd more time to adapt to the "new normal".

SBN 1438 will amend RA 7977 and serve as the enabling law for the execution of the April 24 recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) to move the class opening to September.

"The approved rec?CONGRESS, P10

risk individuals suspected of having an infectious disease.

“Nararapat lamang po na maging proactive tayo at umpisahan nang maglatag ng mga measures na magsisiguro sa ating kahandaan sa mga darating pang krisis gaya nito,” he stressed.

In the explanatory note of his proposed measure, Go cites the World Health Organization guidelines and recommendations in combatting pandemics, stating that “isolating persons who have or may have been exposed to a serious contagious or infectious disease is a long-established public health strategy in order to prevent transmission.”

“This isolation mechanism should be part of the stan-

dard precautions that should be taken to prevent the spread of any infectious disease,” Go further states, adding that with the continuing emergence of infectious diseases, “there is a pressing need to establish quarantine facilities in the country.”

If passed into law, SB 1259 will establish quarantine facilities in every region designed for patients who are suspected to be infected or colonized with epidemiologically important pathogens that can be transmitted by airborne or droplet transmission or by physical contact.

The proposed quarantine facilities will also be fully equipped to include the needs of individ?GO, P10

hile Davao residents now enjoy slightly improved 'luxury' of getting out of their homes, that 'luxury' does not extend past the city's boundaries.

Neighboring provinces in the Davao Region have imposed a 'no entry' restriction to all Davao City residents as a precautionary means to contain the spread of Covid-19. Davao City is among areas in Davao Region that registered high coronavirus positive cases but is already placed on general community quarantine (GCQ) --a slight improvement from the previous enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status.

“Gi-saraduhan nata sa mga silingan nato. Basin naay kulang didto sa ilang pag-pangandam, so duna silay apprehen-

sion of accepting people from areas nga taas ang number of confirmed Covid-19 positive cases. Bale kung ako pud kung dili ko andam medyo ma-worry pud ko,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Monday.

Mayor Sara said she understand the apprehensions especially if other local government units (LGUs) in the region are not yet prepared particularly in mitigating COVID-19 cases.

She cited the city’s pillars prepared during the ECQ such as implementation of the three lockdowns namely house, compound, and street; arrival health screening, prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, integration, and cremation systems. ?DAVAO, P10

A driver of a cargo truck carrying essential items presents pertinent documents before being allowed to enter into Davao de Oro at the border checkpoint between Davao Region and Agusan del Sur on Tuesday. Edge Davao

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NEWS

VOL.13 ISSUE 33 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has been pushing for the creation of the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers (DOFW).

Sen. Go calls for improved coordination to support OFWs G

2 target-listed pushers slain in GenSan drug busts

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fter speaking with an overseas Filipino worker in distress in Saudi Arabia in a recent phone patch interview, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has called once again on the government, particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, to intensify support for affected OFWs, especially those who are seeking to return home amidst the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

bassy can act on their concern.

“Ang gusto po namin sana, gusto na po namin makauwi, sir, ilan kami dito na Pilipino… Wala naman nag-aassist sa amin,” Garcia said in the phone patch, saying that they have been fearing for their lives as some of their companions have either succumbed to the deadly disease or have been experiencing some of its symptoms.

According to the DFA, 24,422 overseas Filipino workers have been repatriated as of May 2. The Maritime “May nakausap spoke with Noly Gar- Industry Authority is akong isang kaba- cia, a bus driver work- also bringing home bayan natin sa Saudi ing in a bus company stranded seafarers Arabia. Nahihirapan in Riyadh, who said and their families in siya at mga kapwa ni- that he and other fel- Metro Manila back yang OFWs na umuwi low Filipino workers to their provinces dahil wala silang assis- need assistance to re- through its Seafarers tance na nakukuha sa turn to the Philippines Uwi Pamilya program. kanilang mga employ- in the middle of the According to Philiper. Nahihirapan din global health crisis. pine Coast Guard comsilang mag-contact sa Garcia said that they mandant Admiral Joel ating embahada,” Go could not get assis- Garcia, up to 18,000 said. tance from their em- OFWs were strandIn a phone patch ployer. They were also ed in Metro Manila as interview with Raffy asked to file a com- of last week as their Tulfo, Senator Go plaint so that the em- hometowns were not

yet ready to accept them, amidst the viral threat and delays in testing.

“Dapat po talaga mabigyan ng pansin ang ating mga OFWs, lalo na sa ganitong panahon. Sila ang nagsisikap sa labas (ng bansa) pero marami sa kanila hindi maramdaman ang welcome sa kanilang sariling bansa,” Go said.

“Ang stand po ng ating Pangulo ay tanggapin niya ang mga Pilipino na gustong umuwi dahil kung pati sa sariling bansa nila ay ayaw sila tanggapin, saan pa sila pupunta?,” Go cited previously.

Senator Go stressed that the cooperation of all agencies concerning OFWs is needed at this crucial time, adding that their processes must be streamlined in order to bring faster and more efficient services.

The Senator also took the opportunity to emphasize that a ?SEN. GO, P10

ENERAL SANTOS CITY – Two target-listed drug pushers were killed in separate shootouts with police operatives here on Monday afternoon.

Col. Aden Lagradante, city police director, said Tuesday the encounters happened during buy-bust operations launched by the city police units and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU)-12 in Barangays Bula and Lagao.

Citing a report from Maj. Tirso Pascual, chief of the Bula police station, a “notorious” pusher identified as Russel de Guzman, was killed after resisting arrest and engaging operatives in a firefight during an entrapment around 1:45 p.m. at a portion of the Royeca Road in Barangay Bula.

During the transaction, de Guzman sold a sachet of shabu worth PHP500 to an undercover cop but drew a .38 caliber handgun after noticing that he was dealing with lawmen and attempted to

flee.

A brief firefight ensued that resulted in the fatal wounding of the suspect, who was declared dead upon arrival at the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital (DJPRH).

The operating team recovered from de Guzman, who was included in the city police’s drug watchlist, 10 more sachets of suspected shabu, the PHP500 marked bill and the revolver.

Pascual said in an interview with reporters that the slain suspect was a member of a notorious criminal gang engaged in motorcycle theft, robbery, and peddling of illegal drugs.

He said that de Guzman was a cohort of drug dealer identified as Poge Mislay, who was killed in an entrapment operation last May 5 in Purok Pandian, Zone 4 in Block 1, Barangay Labangal.

“He (de Guzman) was able to escape in that operation,” the police official said.

In Barangay Lagao, ?2 TARGET, P10

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 33 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

DOF orders local treasurers to monitor LGUs Bayanihan grants

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he Department of Finance (DOF) has directed local treasurers to report the expenditures under the “Bayanihan" grants that were released to local government units (LGUs) to help them address the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak in their respective communities.

Funds equivalent to one-month of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) share for 2020 of cities and municipalities and onehalf of the 2020 IRA for provinces were released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) last month to LGUs. These one-time fund releases, which should be exclusively used for programs and activities to respond to the Covid-19 emergency, are known as the Bayanihan grants as such subsidies were

given on the strength of Republic Act (RA) No. 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. In a memorandum issued last April 27 by the DOF’s Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), all provincial, city and municipal treasurers were ordered to “ensure the proper recording and reporting” of these funds “to effectively monitor the Bayanihan Grants to LGUs”.

The DBM released last April 7 a total of PHP30.82 billion to cover the allocations of cities and municipalities under the Bayanihan grants.

Another PHP6.2 billion, released in three tranches of PHP4.7 billion, PHP1.35 billion and PHP141 million, was released last April 13 to cover the Bayanihan grants of provinces. ?DOF, P10

Economic recovery depends on public’s behavior: Diokno

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said recovery of the domestic economy and preventing a second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) depends largely on the public’s behavior.

“If we can avoid a second wave or a third wave, the forecast will be steady. That means a U-shape recovery but in case there is a second wave, that could mean a W-shape recovery. That will be much worse than the revised forecast,” he said in an interview over ANC on Monday.

The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has revised its growth target for this year from zero to -0.8 percent to a contraction of between 2 percent to 3.4 percent, as the pandemic poses greater-than-expected impact on the domestic economy especially after the implementation of quarantine in Luzon since March 17, which was followed by other local government units in the Visayas and Mindanao.

For one, Luzon ac-

counts for about 70 percent of the domestic output.

In the first quarter this year, domestic expansion contracted by 0.2 percent, a big turn-around from the 5.6-percent print in the same period last year.

With most parts of the country now placed under general community quarantine (GCQ), except for some like Metro Manila which is under a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) since May 16, and the cities of Cebu and Mandaue that are still under ECQ, Diokno believes this is a “positive development unless there is a deterioration in those hotspots”.

“I think we are ready towards our move for normalization so I am optimistic that the forecast right now of DBCC might hold, unless there is a serious second or third wave,” he said.

Diokno said the 2-percent contraction forecast “is based on the effectiveness and the early deployment of what we have in

A pump attendant fills a motorcycle at a station in Brgy. Pampanga, Davao City on Tuesday. Oil firms jave implemented an increase of fuel prices for two weeks in a row starting Tuesday.Edge Davao

Private firms to shoulder cost of employees’ Covid-19 tests

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alacañang is leaving it to private firms to conduct coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing for their employees.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said workers do not need to be tested for Covid-19 before being allowed to report to work unless they showed symptoms of the disease.

“We are giving recognition to the initiative of the private sector na sila na mismo ang bumili ng rapid test kits para ma-test ang kanilang mga empleyado (that they themselves buy rapid antibody test kits to test their employees),” Roque said in a virtual presser on Monday.

He explained that the government is still trying to enhance its current testing capacity by opening up more laborato?ECONOMIC, P10 ries that can conduct

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests and acquiring more rapid antibody test kits.

“In an ideal world, dapat po lahat ng tao ma-testing pero alam ninyo, una, ang hirap na nga nitong PCR testing, trenta pa lang ang laboratories natin. Ang gusto nating mangyari hindi bababa sa nobenta iyang mga PCR testing centers natin; pangalawa, nagkakaubusan din po sa rapid test kits (everyone should be tested, but you know first, we’re having a hard time with PCR testing, we only have 30 labs. We want to have at least 90 PCR testing centers; second we’re running out of rapid test kits),” he said.

He admitted that the government had no program to con-

duct large-scale testing and that it would now be more difficult to purchase rapid antibody test kits from China.

“In terms of mass testing na ginagawa ng Wuhan na all 11 million, wala pa pong ganiyang programa at iniiwan natin sa pribadong sektor (of mass testing done

by Wuhan that all 11 million people, we don’t have a program like that and we are leaving it to the private sector),” he said.

Joey Concepcion, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder, said the Project Anti-body Rapid Test Kits (Project ARK) has raised at least 1 million rapid antibody test kits.

Project ARK is a private sector-led initiative that aims to make massive testing possible through the use of antibody rapid test kits.

Around 200 companies are preparing to conduct a million rapid antibody tests

among their employees this month, he said.

Dr. Minguita Padilla, Project ARK Medical Team chief, said they have so far screened residents living in Maynila, Makati, Quezon City, Pasig, and Antipolo and plans to cover more cities in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) said the government should pay for mass testing of private employees since most businesses do not have the capacity to finance their testing costs.

Currently, only symptomatic persons are required to undergo testing, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Work has resumed in some parts of the country under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) since May 16. (PNA)

6 VANTAGE VANTAGE EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.13 VOL.13 ISSUE 33 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MARCH 20,2020 2020

ON THE ‘NO ENTRY’ RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DAVAO CITY RESIDENTS IN OTHER PROVINCES:

“

Gi-saraduhan nata sa mga silingan nato. Basin naay kulang didto sa ilang pag-pangandam, so duna silay apprehension of accepting people from areas nga taas ang number of confirmed Covid-19 positive cases. Bale kung ako pud kung dili ko andam medyo ma-worry pud ko.

DAVAO CITY MAYOR

“

SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO

EDITORIAL Kung mag-suroy-suroy

mo sa among probinsiya, Be significant dili sa gyud puwede.

With the situation the Philippines is facing amidst the despite the order. coronavirus threat, it takes everyone’s utmost patience, The 10 firms reported by the Department of Labor to have made 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

DAVAO DE ORO GOVERNOR

JAYVEE TYRON UY

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

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

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 33 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

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SEAFARER’S CANCER AND THE “DISPUTABLE PRESUMPTION” PRINCIPLE The month of May has three significant dates for us: Mothers’ day, Mama’s birthday and her death anniversary .

My mother, fondly called Mama Linda, died on May 17, 2002 due to pericarditis and lymphoma three days after she celebrated her 61st birthday on May 14. One year and a half later, Papa joined Mama.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting network.

The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all those areas as well as other organs throughout the body.

No ailment has sustained as strong of a negative stigma as cancer.

The tension and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis can create extreme disruption to one’s general sense of security and orderliness in life.

The effects on the emotional, social, physical, and spiritual well-being of patients and their family members may include anger, resentment, guilt, adjustment pain, and may or may not lead to the acceptance of the disease.

Cancer may also lead to an alteration in the economic situation of the sick person and his family.

Although seafarers go through a strict medical test before joining a vessel, their life is constantly at risk while out at sea.

Seafarers are exposed to occupational and environmental risk factors as part of their normal everyday activities since they spend a large part of their lives at sea.

Seafarers who are afflicted

Last May 15, the Philippines joined the observation of Endangered Species Day. This is a laudable endeavor as our country is home to several endangered species. Philippine eagle, Philippine tarsier, the five species of marine turtles swimming in our waters, and the captivating waling-waling.

Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, whom we met in an international gathering on coral reefs in Cairns, Australia some years back when she was head of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), urged everyone to go beyond “business-as-usual” in terms of saving our vanishing flora and fauna.

“Our region is rich in biodiversity which include wildlife, and enjoys high endemism of flora and fauna,” she said in a press statement. The region she’s referring to is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“The region has the highest mean proportion of country-endemic bird (9%) and mammal species (11%), and the second highest proportion of country-endemic vascular plant species (25%) compared to the other tropical regions of the world,” said Dr. Lim, who is now the executive director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

All is not rosy however. “Unfortunately, the region is also known as a biodiversity hotspot,” said and cited data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. “In 2019, it shows that 3,875 species or 13% of the species threatened with extinction globally are found in the ASEAN region,” she deplored.

According to her, wildlife trade and consumption is not only a national concern, but a regional

with cancer, in some instances, end up pursuing legal battle due to the issue of compensability.

Companies usually deny liability for payment of disability or death benefits on questions whether or not the illness is work-connected under the Phil-

paraffin, or compound products or residues of these substances (3) acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia However, compensability is not limited to Section 32-A’s listed occupational diseases. For as long as seafarers are able to show

Contract are disputably presumed as work-related.” (Manansala vs.

Marlow Navigation Phils. G.R. No. 208314, August 23, 2017).

For illness to be compensable, it is not necessary that the nature of the employment be the sole and only reason for the ill-

ippine Overseas Employment Administration Standard Employment Contract.

They argue that there are only three types of cancers under the contract listed as occupational diseases: (1) cancer of the epithelial lining of the bladder (papilloma of the bladder) (2) cancer, epithellematous or ulceration of the skin or of the corneal surface of the eye due to tar, pitch, bitumen, mineral oil or

by substantial evidence that they suffered disabilities occasioned by a disease contracted on account of or aggravated by working conditions, compensation is availing.

This disputable presumption is made in the law to signify that the non inclusion in the list of compensable illnesses does not translate to an absolute exclusion from disability benefits, in view of the provision in the POEA contract which states that “(t)hose illnesses not listed in Section 32 of this

ness suffered by the seafarer. It is sufficient that there is reasonable linkage between the disease suffered and his work to lead a rational mind to conclude that his work may have contributed to the establishment or, at the very least, aggravation of any pre-existing condition he might have had. (Sea Power Shipping vs. Salazar G.R. No. 188595 August 28, 2013) Marineinsight.com noted that that there has been a gradual increase in various cases of

and global concern as well.

“Several communities rely on wildlife for a number of reasons,” she pointed out. “Some are rooted in socio-cultural practices. Others look for alternative sources of nutrition and medicine, symbols of luxury and status, and or keep them as pets.”

Data from the Convention on International Trade in Endan-

more obvious, she said. The loss of wildlife species could also mean the narrowing of sources for possible cure and treatment of these diseases, which is among the ecosystems services that they provide.

Inger Andersen, the current director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), seems to agree. Nature, he point-

in wildlife, and that today’s civilization was “playing with fire.”

Because we are just human beings, we fail miserably. These scientists believe that it was almost always human behavior that caused diseases to spill over into humans.

In his Guardian report, author Damian Carrington wrote: “To prevent further outbreaks, the

gered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) showed reptiles are the most commonly-confiscated species, followed by birds, mammals, fish and amphibians.

“The disturbance of natural habitats has far-reaching consequences to ecological balance, including the spillover of zoonotic diseases from non-wildlife hosts, triggering more outbreaks of infectious diseases,” she reminded.

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has even made this connection

ed out, is sending the world a message with the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing climate crisis.

“We are placing too many pressures on the natural world with damaging consequences,” he told the Guardian. He added that failing to take care of the planet meant we also are not taking care of ourselves.

Leading scientists from all over the world subscribed to the idea that COVID-19 outbreak was a “clear warning shot,” given that far more deadly diseases existed

experts said, both global heating and the destruction of the natural world for farming, mining and housing have to end, as both drive wildlife into contact with people.”

The respected scientists also urged authorities to put an end to live animal markets – which they called an “ideal mixing bowl” for disease – and the illegal global animal trade.

Right now, the international community’s immediate priority is to protect people from the novel coronavirus and prevent

SAVING ENDANGERED SPECIES

cancers, the most common among them being lung cancer, renal cancer, leukaemia and lymphoma.

It noted that even though occupational hazardous such as asbestos, benzene, benzidines are being removed or substituted on ships, new potential carcinogens such as beryllium (used on product tankers), cadmium, and lead have been introduced in to the work place.

Personnel working on oil, chemical and product tankers fall prey to this deadly disease due to continuous exposure to such toxic substances. Other factors such as smoking, exposure to UV radiation, and lack of sleep also aggravate conditions leading to cancer.

Most seafarers live and work under extremely hazardous conditions that can cause serious short-term and long-term damage to their health. In some cases, they are exposed to conditions that can even be fatal.

Exposure to transported substances such as benzene, petrol, styrene, paints, pigments, cutting oils and vinyl chloride during loading, unloading, and tank cleaning operations on tankers can be a possible cause of leukaemia, renal cancer, liver cancer, and bladder cancer.

The interplay of dietary factors, age and working environment while at sea contribute to the development of colon cancer among seafarers. (Skippers vs Lagne G.R. No. 217036 Aug. 20, 2018) Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, send email at info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

its further spread. “But our longterm response must tackle habitat and biodiversity loss,” Andersen stressed.

“Never before have so many opportunities existed for pathogens to pass from wild and domestic animals to people,” she was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

After all, 75% of all emerging infectious diseases come from wildlife.

Deforestation, mining, and other man-made destruction have made these wildlife species to live along with human beings as their habitats are being destroyed. “Our continued erosion of wild spaces has brought us uncomfortably close to animals and plants that harbor diseases that can jump to humans,” Andersen said.

True enough, diseases never heard before are coming one after another. “The emergence and spread of COVID-19 was not only predictable, it was predicted (in the sense that) there would be another viral emergence from wildlife that would be a public health threat,” said Prof. Andrew Cunningham, of the Zoological Society of London.

A 2007 study of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, which took place from 2002 to 2003, concluded: “The presence of a large reservoir of SARS-CoV-like viruses in horseshoe bats, together with the culture of eating exotic mammals in southern China, is a timebomb.”

And here’s a statement from Dr. Lim: “As humanity grapples with climate change impacts and the current pandemic, the only way we can ensure our own existence is by going beyond business-as-usual in the way we treat the other creatures with which we share this planet. The time for transformative change is now.”

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

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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 different 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 half-day schedule along with Blackboard Learn.

T h i s system along with the digital c o n tents from t h e world’s leading publishers like Wi-

ley 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 onsite 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 ?DIGITAL, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 33 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

SEN. GO from 4

dedicated executive department that focuses on the affairs of OFWs would greatly help Filipino workers abroad.

“Katulad ngayon, madaming dinadaanan pang iba’t ibang ahensya bago makaresponde ang gobyerno sa mga OFWs na humihingi ng saklolo. Iba-iba ang concern, iba-iba ang kailangang lapitan pa mula DFA, OWWA, MARINA, at iba pa,” Go said.

“Kung meron tayong departamentong talagang nakatutok sa kanila, magiging mas maayos ang pagresponde sa mga krisis at mas mabilis nating

matutulungan ang ating mga kababayang humihingi ng saklolo,” Go added in the phone patch.

Last July 2019, Go filed Senate Bill 202 or the Department of Overseas Filipinos Act of 2019 which aims to make government more efficient and responsive to the needs of Filipinos abroad.

The bill aims to put concerned government agencies dealing with OFW concerns under one umbrella.

A committee hearing has already been conducted in the Senate with Technical Working Group meetings conducted with different stakeholders. The

House of Representative’s version has already been passed on third and final reading.

The creation of DOFWs is one of Go’s priority bills filed just more than a month after being elected as Senator in 2019. The proposed agency is also part of the Duterte Administration’s priority legislative agenda.

According to the bill, the proposed DOFWs will be responsible in formulating programs for protecting and promoting the welfare of Filipino workers, managing and overseeing their foreign employment, and providing assis-

tance to nationals, especially those in distress, among others.

“Ang ating mga OFWs ay tinuturing nating mga bagong bayani. Mahirap ang mapalayo sa sariling pamilya at bansa para mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Let’s give them the support they deserve as modern heroes,” Go said.

“We should make sure that all Filipinos in distress, here or abroad, are given timely assistance and that measures are also undertaken to protect their welfare, especially in times of crises,” he added.

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 connections 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 issu-

ance 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 counsel-

ling 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 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.

will play a much more prominent role in public policies. We look forward to working even closer with WHO. The IOC calls on the governments of the world to include sport in their post-crisis support programs because of the important role of sport in the prevention of non-communicable

diseases, but also of communicable diseases,” he added.

He continued: "As we are preparing for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in a safe environment for all participants, we are happy and grateful that we can continue to rely on the valuable advice of WHO." For his part, WHO

Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he is pleased to formalize “this longstanding partnership” with the IOC. "WHO works not only to respond to diseases, but also to help people realize their healthiest lives, and this partnership will do exactly that. Phys-

ical activity is one of the keys to good health and well-being," the WHO head said.

WHO was instrumental in sharing technical advice with the IOC during the discussions that led to the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic.

(Xinhua)

records each having a 14 percent chance of getting the first pick, and the teams with the fourth- through 13th-worst records seeing their odds decrease on a sliding scale.

Under the previous format, the first three spots were determined by lottery, but the team with the worst record held a

25 percent chance of winning, and the odds decreased beginning with the second-worst record.

"I wouldn't expect changes," one executive with a team headed for the lottery told ESPN. The lottery originally was scheduled to take place Tuesday night. The scouting combine was also

supposed to take place this week, in Chicago.

According to the report, the NBA is still hoping to hold the event later this year.

The league last week reportedly asked teams to vote for up to 70 players they would like invited to the combine. It is believed that should a combine take place,

it most likely would be a virtual combine, with teams watching players work out from afar.

"I think, like everything, they'll severely restrict who can be (at the combine), and they can maybe stream it," an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN. "But I do think it'll happen."

DIGITAL from 8

IOC from 11

NBA from 11

E

very day, billions of liters of water, milk, juice and other liquid foods are consumed.

Do you know what goes in the packaging and distribution of the food and drink you give your family?

Get to know your packaging six quick facts and be at ease when you see the Tetra Pak logo in your food cartons and containers.

1. Leading the industry with more than 60 years of expertise Innovating food and beverage packaging system since 1951, Tetra Pak remains as global leader in ensuring top quality food safety and distribution – continuously improving with new technology and processes for the welfare of the people and the environment.

Tetra Pak understands that the future of the food industry is going to be digital. There’s a huge shift in the role of packaging, thus the birth of “The Connected Package” which allows food and beverage producers to turn their packages into full-scale data carriers for increased traceability and stakeholder value in the entire value chain.

When you speak of packaging, it’s no longer just about product protection and functionality – it’s about connectivity and new possibilities. This digitalization will enable food and beverage manufacturers to address many challenges that they face today including increased monitoring of the entire value chain, improvement in transparency and individual product tracking and reducing waste and achieving genuine circularity.

2. Packaging Innovation – Aseptic Technology The specialized Tetra Pak aseptic processes allow liquid food to retain color, texture, natural taste and nutritional value for up to 12 months, without the need for preservatives or refrigeration. The combination of aseptic processing and packaging reduces waste, makes distribution extremely cost-efficient and converts your product into a consumer-ready format as well as making it possible for you to reach consumers in remote locations.

All our aseptic carton packages are made of renewable materials, recyclable paperboard and no refrigeration is needed when distributed and stored.

An aseptic package has been sterilized prior to filling with UHT (Ultra High Temperature) treated food, resulting in a product which is shelf stable for up to 12 months – this process ensures that both food and packaging materials are free of harmful bacteria when food is packaged.

3. Functionality and design Tetra Pak continues to develop and improve packages that are meticulously designed based on functionality and the customer’s needs – which are continuously changing overtime. Thus, always in search for the perfect match, producing only need-based designs.

Being the champions of functionality, the company has refined openings and closures which are ergonomically optimized for different user situations to get the best out of the customers’ product, wherever they are and whatever they consume.

4. Big on low carbon circular technology The main goal of a low-carbon circular economy is to reduce harmful carbon emissions by taking into account the climate impact of raw materials and the manufacturing value chain. Ideally, manufacturers design out waste and reuse & recycle materials an essential part of sustainability today.

Operations at Tetra Pak is optimized for minimum climate impact which means: It is powered by renewable energy, using manufacturing processes that are highly efficient, and logistics that reduce fuel use.

Tetra Pak is the better choice – good for the people and the planet. Did you notice that some of your food packs bear the FSC symbol? The FSC is Forest Stewardship Council, an organization that makes sure companies who abide by their environmental requirements get their stamp of approval, and 86% of the Tetra Pak cartons produced in the Philippines carry the FSC label.

For several years, Tetra Pak has been implementing action plans to reduce lifecycle impact of its packaging, processing and service solutions. By 2018, the company reached a major milestone of helping customers produce more than 460 billion FSC labelled packages since 2007.

5. Recycling for a sustainable future

9

Tetra Pak constantly finds ways to meet the evolving expectations and demands of the market by continuing to responsibly provide safe, secure and sustainable products to their customers and consumers. As a brand, they give high importance in understanding the diverse needs of their customers to create sustainable solutions to cater to a fast-growing population.

According to John Jose, Marketing Director of Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, “Our research in Tetra Pak Index 2019 shows that consumers believe they carry the responsibility for both their own health and the health of the planet. There is a growing belief that today’s lifestyles, particularly what we eat and drink, have a fundamental impact on both. There is also a strong potential for brands to demonstrate purpose, and bring about environmental innovations in packaging, as consumers increasingly see its value and are prepared to pay more for it. Based on our research, 43% of consumers say that an environmentally sound package makes them much more likely to consider a brand.”

The company foresees an attainable sustainable future which is why they developed beverage cartons to be 100% recyclable.

Aiming to establish a recycling value chain process for Used Beverage Carton (UBC) in Boracay Island, Tetra Pak creates awareness of recyclability of Tetra Pak cartons or UBCs through distribution of paper waste bins around the area. These UBCs can be turned into recycled paper, even roof tiles and chipboards that are durable enough.

By applying the principles of the circular economy, Tetra Pak aims to reduce waste, keep materials in use and regenerate natural systems.

Just last year, in celebration of World Environmental Health Day, the company launched a “Food Safety and Beverage Carton Recycling Forum” in partnership with the Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI) — highlighting the importance of taking care of the environmental health through the promotion of cartons and UBC recycling.

Since 2002, Tetra Pak has been rolling out their Care & Share program — an annual interschool competition where about 580,000 students from 212 school partners are encouraged to properly dispose of their used beverage cartons for recycling and to drop them off at recycle bins provided

by Tetra Pak in their schools.

After 15 years of implementing the project, the organization has collected 33 tonnes (2.3 million packs) of empty beverage cartons for recycling from the partner schools.

At present, Tetra Pak is working closely with Rural Industrial Corporation (RIC), to look for partner recyclers to help improve carton recycling capabilities and infrastructure in the Philippines.

6. The choice you make today benefits the future Tetra Pak’s ambition is to deliver packages that contribute to a low-carbon circular economy with packages made entirely from renewable and recyclable materials without compromising on food safety requirements. The brand wants to be right there with their customers and consumers to help them grow sustainably which is why they have extended their packaging range to include more products with increased renewable content and reduced environmental impact.

Tetra Pak is working to support the sustainable future of our planet and long-term success of their customers. That’s why they are using fewer resources to create their packaging solutions without compromising and sacrificing their high-quality standards. Their packages are made with lighter but robust materials, to keep protecting what’s good for the future of food packaging, the future of the people who buy and consume these food products and most importantly, the future of this planet we all call home.

In a statement by Mr. John Jose, he emphasized that “by choosing a product packaged in a Tetra Pak carton, stamped with a “Protect What’s Good” logo, you are already making a conscious decision and positive contribution to a sustainable environment because Tetra Pak protects the future by protecting its people, and the environment. So look for the Tetra Pak logo. Why? Because not all cartons are created equal.”

Do you now understand why you get a sense of relief when your food is enclosed in a Tetra Pak carton?

10

EDGEDAVAO

TOP from 2

Apart from food, the city has opened facilities to cater COVID-19 patients that include Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, La Diva Inn, Alternative Learning School Building (ALS), Queensland Hotel, BSP Camp Malagos, EMCOR, Inc/Jesus V. del Rosario Foundation Inc. container vans, Mental Wellness Center, RMC Petro

Gazz Arena, Rizal Memorial Colleges, DC-UP Sports Complex Training Gym, UP Mindanao faculty and staff housing.

The city also pays cremation expenses of all COVID-related deaths in the city.

The city government of Davao also got plenty of help from individuals and corporate donors from all over the country.

the coming days due to your possible) exposure,” Vergeire said.

Vergeire said observance of the preventive measures like safe physical distancing, proper cough et-

iquette, wearing of face masks, and regular handwashing will protect employees from contracting and spreading the disease in the workplace.

(PNA)

another pusher identified as Efren Fano Escolta, 29, was killed in an alleged encounter around 3:30 p.m. in Purok 23, Sunrise Valley Subdivision.

Lagradante said the encounter ensued after the suspect, who sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP500 to an undercover operative of the RPDEU-12, resisted

arrest.

Recovered from Escolta, who was declared dead upon arrival at the DJPRH, was a .38-caliber revolver and PHP500 marked money.

He added that the slain suspect was listed as a level 1 high-value target in the Inter-Agency Drug Information Database.

(PNA)

mind, both fiscal and monetary”.

He added both the central bank and the national government have implemented measures aimed at addressing the economic impact of the pandemic.

“We started from a position of strength,” he said, citing the banking industry, for one, remains well-capitalized and has a high asset quality.

This, Diokno said, makes authorities discount a major problem for the sector vis-à-vis the pandemic.

The focus should be in sectors like tourism and the rice industry, he said.

“That's where we need the Congressional initiative on creation of a special purpose vehicle. After that, we are okay in the banking industry,” he added.

Even with this outlook, Diokno said the BSP is “closely monitoring the banking industry” after credit outlook of some banks

have been lowered by Fitch Ratings due to the impact of the pandemic.

“We are going down to individual banks so we are looking at granular data,” he said, citing the industry’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remains at around 2 percent, way below the BSP’s 10-percent requirement and the Bank of International Settlements’ (BIS) 8-percent requirement.

Diokno further said they did some stress tests and found out that even with a 5-percent NPL ratio, the whole banking sector “is still sound”.

He said bankruptcy is inevitable for some banks, but the BSP prepared the industry well.

“I think we'll get through with minimal problems unlike during the Asian financial crisis. We're ready for this kind of crisis.

That's what we have prepared them for,” he added. (PNA)

COVID-19 from 2

2 TARGET from 4

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GO from 3

uals who are quarantined, including adequate food, clothing, means of communication and competent medical care, among others.

To ensure the accessibility of the quarantine facilities to healthcare facilities, the bill proposes that their location are mandated to be easily accessible to a DOH hospital and strategically located to ensure the

safety of the community. The location will be identified by the DOH in close coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units concerned.

Likewise, the DPWH, in coordination with LGUs, will be in charge of the construction of quarantine facilities, formulation of building specifications based

on standards, issuances and other guidelines. Meanwhile, the DOH will be primarily responsible for the operation, supervision, and management of the quarantine facilities.

“Hangga’t wala pong bakunang nadidiskubre sa COVID-19, our fight against it continues. Kaya naman hindi po tayo dapat maging kampante sa paglaban sa virus na

ito,” he said.

Go cited that the adverse socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis has shown weaknesses in the health care system globally. Hence, there is a need for the government to be more proactive in preparing for such pandemics by continuously enhancing the country’s health facilities and the whole health care system.

Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy of Davao de Oro said in a virtual presser on Monday that they have imposed limits on the entry of residents from Davao City except for frontliners, workers, and health practitioners, who were given preferential entry based on the guidelines of the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The Province of Davao de Oro also started loosening up on restrictions with the implementation of GCQ last May 16, 2020.

“Kung mag-suroy-suroy mo sa among probinsiya, dili sa gyud puwede,” Uy said.

Uy said persons allowed to enter Davao

de Oro are those enrolled in “Balik Davao de Oro” Program, which intends to help residents and constituents of Davao de Oro who were currently stranded outside the province due to the different community quarantine policies implemented nation-wide to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus infection.

“Ato silang gitugtan basta they will undergo the 14- day quarantine sa barangay isolation facilities and present medical certificate na dili sila PUM or PUI sa Davao City or sa laing lugar,” Uy said.

Uy added the families of returning residents to Davao de Oro are required to provide food and hygiene kits while under quar-

antine.

Last May 18, 2020, residents of Davao de Oro stranded in Davao City were fetched and shuttled to their respective municipalities: 23 residents shuttled to Maco, three residents were brought to Mabini, 45 residents to Pantukan, 55 residents to Laak, and 10 residents to Mawab.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte has forbidden the entry of travelers coming from Davao City and the province Bukidnon unless they undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine within the isolation facility of the province.

In a statement, workers in the industry and agri-business

sector from Davao City and areas known to have Covid-19 positive cases are also denied entry to Davao del Norte based on Executive Order No. 40 issued by Provincial Governor Edwin Jubahib, “placing all cities and municipalities in the province of Davao del Norte under the General Community Quarantine”.

Item No. 16 under Section 2 on Policies and Guidelines of E.O. 40, however, provides exemptions “for those from the COVID-19 Crisis Management Response Team, emergency vehicles, health workers, organic PNP and military personnel who are on official travel and those who have approved travel order by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio”.

ommendation of the IATF-EID runs counter to the law... To remedy the situation created

by Covid-19 and consequently allow the execution of the IATFEID recommendation, this measure is being proposed," Sotto said in a statement.

The DepEd has set the opening of school year 2020-2021 on August 24 while the end of school year will

be on April 30, 2021.

Private schools and state or local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) will be allowed to open classes earlier provided that “no face-to-face classes” will be allowed earlier than August 24.

Face-to-face classes may be conducted only in areas allowed to open physically.

Once schools open, they will be encour-

aged to combine faceto-face learning with distance learning.

Unless conducted through online platforms, DepEd has canceled the conduct of curricular and co-curricular activities that involve gathering of large number of learners, such as science fairs, school sports, campus journalism, and other similar activities.

The “Palarong Pambansa” activities shall be decided separately by its own governing board.

Meanwhile, teachers must start reporting for work on June 1 upon completion of summer vacation on May 31. Orientation and training activities on the utilization of the distance learning delivery modalities will be conducted. (PNA)

Under Memorandum Circular No. 0092020, the BLGF said the Bayanihan grants to LGUs shall be inputted as “other subsidy” in the Statement of Receipts and Expenditures (SRE) Report of the Local Government Unit Integrated Financial Tools (LIFT) system.

The LIFT is an IT-based reporting system for local trea-

surers, assessors, budget officers, and accountants required under DBM-DOFDILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-1 to synchronize financial reports of LGUs with the national government oversight agencies.

Provincial, city and municipal treasurers and assistant treasur-

ers mandatorily and electronically report to the BLGF their receipts and expenditures through the SRE under the LIFT System every quarter.

“All BLGF Regional Directors are directed to immediately and widely disseminate this Circular to all concerned, and provide online technical assistance to the LGUs for the purpose,” read

the Circular signed by BLGF Executive Director Niño Raymond Alvina.

DBM Local Budget Circulars Nos. 125 and 126 specified that the Bayanihan grants “shall be exclusively used for the Covid-19 response-related purposes and subject to existing procurement, budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations.” (PR)

DAVAO from 3

CONGRESS from 3

DOF from 5

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 33 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial holding a press conference on Covid-19 last March 11 at the PBA Office.

PBA eyes September re-run

S

hut down since March, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is readying protocols for its return which could be a gradual process beginning with exclusive team workouts.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial is hoping the league can resume

by September if everything goes according to

plan.

“Unti-unting balik sa normal ang plano ng gobyerno, at ‘yun din naman ang tinitingnan

ng PBA,” Marcial said, as quoted by the league website.

“First is the set of guidelines for the return to practice. Under the general community quarantine, allowed na ang gathering ng small group, so baka naman pwede na rin mag-workout ang team ng four or five players per session,” he added.

Marcial will require teams to disinfect their

practice venues and equipment before returning, and all players must be tested for COVID-19 first.

“It’s to make sure that we have a clean bubble, and we have to protect that bubble,” said the commissioner.

All league activities were halted on March 11, just three days after the PBA officially opened its 45th season at the Araneta Coli-

seum. Only one game was played -- an All-Filipino Finals rematch between San Miguel Beer and Magnolia -before the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to virtually all sports in the country.

Marcial also ordered teams to stop holding practices in compliance with the enhanced community quarantine. He previously said that the

Board of Governors will decide on the fate of the league’s 45th season by August, with a shortened, one-conference campaign a possibility.

“If the situation improves, leading to the lifting of restrictions by August, then we can resume play in September,” Marcial said.

Metro Manila remains under modified ECQ until May 31.

AUSANNE – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday signed a new cooperation agreement to promote a healthy society through sport in the midst of the

coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic that continues to affect people's lives around the world.

"Over the last few months in the current crisis, we have all seen how important sport and physical activity are for physical and

mental health. Sport can save lives," said IOC President Thomas Bach.

"We will benefit from WHO advice when addressing the challenges of the post-coronavirus society, where health

egardless of how the remainder of the NBA season plays out, the draft lottery is expected to remain unchanged from last year, ESPN reported Monday.

When the NBA suspended the season on March 11 because of the coronavirus pandemic, teams had

played between 63 and 67 games. In the eyes of some executives, that discrepancy in games would make it difficult to hold a lottery in the same fashion as before.

But according to the ESPN report, enough games have been played to consti-

tute a representative sample.

Another reason for the lottery to remain unchanged, per ESPN, was the change the league made prior to last year's lottery.

The first four slots are determined via lottery, with the teams with the three worst

IOC, WHO to promote health through sport

L

?IOC, P9

NBA lottery expected to have same format as 2019

The last PBA playdate was last March 8 when San Miguel Beer opened the season against Magnolia.

R

?NBA, P9

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.13 ISSUE 33 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

os Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James said Monday he's eager for the NBA season to resume, as long as the health of players and their families won't be endangered amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

James, speaking on the "WRTS: After Party" programme on the Uninterrupted multimedia platform, said he hoped the NBA season resumes sooner rather

than later.

"Definitely not giving up on the season," said James, whose Lakers led the Western Conference when the NBA suspended play on March 11 after Utah Jazz cent e r Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.

The virus brought global sport to a virtual standstill, but as lockdowns aimed at preventing its spread have begun to ease, sport has begun to reemerge.

Germany's Bundesliga became the first top European football league to resume after a two-month hiatus at the weekend.

In North America the popular NASCAR stock car series resumed without spectators on Sunday and golf stuck a toe in the water with a made-for-TV charity event featuring Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson.

The NBA, along with Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer are still formulating plans to return, while the NFL tries to stay on course for an on-schedule season opening in September.

"Not only myself and my teammates, the Lakers organization, we want to play," James said. "There's a lot of players that I know personally that want to play. And obviously, we don't ever want to jeopardize the health of any of our players or any of the players' families and so on and so on.

"This is a pandemic that we have no idea -- we can't control it," James said. "We're going to listen to the people that's been following this pandemic,

following the numbers, following the data."

The Lakers own the second-best record in the league behind Eastern Conference leaders the Milwaukee Bucks and were already assured of a spot in the playoffs -- which were due to start in April.

Among the uncertainties surrounding an NBA return is whether all of the remaining games of the regular season will be played and whether teams will play in their home arenas or at sites that will better allow the league to limit access for safety reasons.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told players last week that he expected the league to study outbreak and testing developments for another two to four weeks before making a decision about resuming competition.

James has said he doesn't relish the idea of playing without fans in attendance, but he said Monday he just wants to be back on court.

"You know, I want to get back to playing," James said. "I love to play the game of basketball. I know how inspiring the game of basketball is. I know how inspiring sport is, itself.

"As soon as possible, when we can get back out there, we'd love to bring the game of basketball back to our fans."