Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 37| Sunday-Monday, May 24-25, 2020

EDGEEDGE DAVAO DAVAO MASK OF HOPE

Serving a seamless society

DAVAO DESIGNER GETS YOU ‘COVERED’ HEALTH P9

Serving a seamlessRAFA, society FEDERER MOVE ON TO THIRD ROUND SPORTSP11

SIGNSSIGNS OF BOOM OF BO

VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE 37 59 ••FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 2019 ISSUE 59 www.edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com VOL.13 SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25,1, 2020 f •@EdgeDavao VOL.12 FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019 f @EdgeDavao

P 15.00 • 16 2 PAGES www.edgedavao.net

OPENING

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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BORDERS

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.

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION

►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL FAMILY FOREMOST IN ESDEVCO’S MIND

►PROPERTY P9

Davao Region LGUs agree to open borders but will need time to set up health screening systems

The increase in ap- many applications that plications is an indi- we receive and it is not cation of Davao City’s only limited to the zonbooming construction ing permits, but there industry and infrastruc- are also a lot more,” he ture development, the said. city noted.

He also underscored Assistant City Plan- submission of incomning and Development plete sets of requireCoordinator Roy Ryan STORY mentsONthat P2 further Rigor said the influx of slows down the process permit applicants on of issuing the permits. a weekly basis is very “There are some clihigh, causing delays in ents whose documents the issuances of per- have discrepancies, and mits. that causes the delay in Rigor said the issu- the issuance of the perance of some permits, mit. Another example is such as for locational when the area needs to applications, needed be reclassified and that actual surveys by their needs the approval of personnel and this con- the city council first,” tributed to the delay.

Rigor said.

“There are really too FSIGNS, P10

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION

►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL TOURISM. President Rodrigo Duterte A silhouette of a mosque’s minaret in Bankerohan, Davao to the discussionsremind duringMusthe City is seen at sunset onresponds Saturday.

Authorities FAMILY FOREMOSTlim IN communities in themeeting country to avoid publictourism prayerpartand with the Japanese mass gathering during feast of Eid’l Fitr, whichJapan was nersthe at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, to be celebrated on Sunday, 24 by Muslim on Wednesday night.May PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO ESDEVCO’S MIND declared leaders, amid COVID-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

►PROPERTY P9

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the simultaneous commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy “Masidlawin” Class of 2020 and the Philippine National Police Academy “Mandayug” Class of 2020 at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang, Manila on Thursday night. The

commencement exercises were held online while proper social distancing protocols were observed amid the Covid-19 pandemic. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

OPENING BORDERS D

DLPC: 15-minute power interruption on May 26

avao Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct a 15-minute power interruption on May 26, Tuesday, anytime between 4:30 a.m. to plementation of ECQ 5:00 a.m., affecting and the general com- customers in some munity quarantine parts of Davao City.

This service dis(GCQ) will give local government units ruption will be nec(LGUs) chance to es- essary to facilitate tablish safety pro- normalization of the tocols that include National Grid Corpohealth screening, ba- ration of the Philiprangay surveillance, pines’ Davao Substaand contact-tracing tion and Davao Light’s systems in their re- ERA Substation.

Specifically afspective areas as day will come that peo- fected are customers ple will be allowed from corner Gempeto travel not only for saw Street and Rawork but even for lei- mon Magsaysay Avenue to Leon Garcia sure.

“Muabot jud ang Street, Sta. Ana Avepunto sa atoang war nue to Lizada Street, against COVID na Boulevard to Ecoland, open na ang tanan and Monteverde to biyahe sa tao bisan Villa Abrille and Guzpa apil na ang leisure man Streets. San Peana. So gamiton nato dro Square and nearang ECQ ug GCQ para by areas will also be sa pag-pangandam sa affected by this short health screening sa service disruption.

Also affected mga tao, entry points, handling of surveil- are customers from lance sa atong mga Davao Light Ma-a barangay, ug commu- Substation going to nities bisan wala ta’y Mandug and portions rapid testing,” she of Indangan via Juliv?OPENING, P10 ille Subdivision and

Davao Region LGUs agree to open borders but will need time to set up health screening systems

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

ocal governments in the Davao Region have agreed to open its borders but will need some time to set up the health screening systems in their territories to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio disclosed that the border opening was among the matters agreed during a meeting on Friday among leaders of the Davao Region.

“Nagsulti sila nga kinahanglan lang nila pangandaman ilang health screening sa ilahang mga entry points. Each LGU dunay ipahigayon na health screening sa ilang entry points,” she said.

The setting up of the health screening system will help each province determine suspected car-

riers and contain the spread of Covid-19.

Mayor Sara said the conduct of quarantine was also discussed as there will be people who will only travel to Davao Region for a short time.

“Nasabutan na pud to kung paunsa pag-refer sa quarantine because there will always be cases nga puwede dili na i-quarantine ang tao. Pareho anang taga North Cotabato, muanhi diri sa atoa, pagkahuman muadto sa banko, mupalit ug tambal, mangompra sa ilang tindahan,

unya muuli na. These are cases na dili nimo puwede i-quarantine kay usa ug duha ka adlaw lang ang ilahang travel para sa ilang panginahanglan,” she explained.

The mayor also asked the provincial leaders to give access to people who will travel to Davao City, which is now open for travellers.

“Gi-ingnan pud nako sila kung puwede tagaan nila ug access ang mga tao nga gusto musulod sa Davao City. Ang Davao City ready naman mag open (para sa mga tao).

This is what we’ve been preparing for katong sa enhanced community quarantine. Mao na akong gihangyo sa ila na there will be freedom to travel to Davao City,” she said.

Mayor Sara explained that the im-

Panorama Homes, including Tigatto and nearby areas. Customers affected also include those from Davao Light Ma-a Substation going to Yniguez Subdivision and to corner Ruby Street and Circumferential Road, via Eden Street and Gold Street in Ma-a, and neighboring areas.

Moreover, customers along Mamay Road, from Davao Light Buhangin Substation to Damosa, and nearby areas will also be affected by this power interruption.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience brought about by this scheduled power interruption. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Please contact our 24/7 Custom?DLPC, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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PH response vs. Covid-19 pandemic successful: Galvez

T The City Government of Davao through the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) gives free rides to dialysis patients as they go to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for their regular check up. CIO

Bankerohan farmers donate veggies as relief assistance

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he ‘bayanihan’ spirit is very much alive in Davao City and this is exemplified by members of Bankerohan Farmers Association who pooled fresh vegetables to be donated to needy Dabawenyos as relief assistance amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is out of charity sa mga suppliers and farmers sa bagsakan sa Marfori. Naay suppliers didto, sila ang niduol sa mga farmers ug naghatag sila sa amoa para ma-distribute sa mga tao,” Saines said.

Last Friday, the association sent sacks of bell pepper, The farmers sent distribution of veg- bottle gourd (upo), sacks of fresh vegeta- etables to the resi- eggplant, carrots, pobles to Rakel Saines dents, frontliners, tatoes, squash, caband Debbie Joey and tricycle drivers bage, tomatoes, and Obiena, who volun- of San Antonio, Mati- okra to Saines.

“Sa sitwasyon teered to lead the na, Davao City.

Maguindanao health office suspends ‘Balik Probinsya’

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OTABATO CITY – After one of the “rescued” Maguindanao residents tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Maguindanao provincial government decided to indefinitely suspend its “Balik Probinsya” program.

The program was designed to help Maguindanaons stranded in other areas to return home under close health protocols to ensure they are safe from the disease.

One of the 16 students recently “rescued” from Cebu City was found to be positive of Covid-19.

“The program is temporarily suspended until further notice,” Dr. Elizabeth Samama, Maguindanao provincial health officer and head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, said on Friday.

The reactivation of the program will be based on the assessment of the Maguindanao Inter-Agency Task Force.

The 22-year-old student is currently in isolation at the Maguindanao provincial hospital in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

He is still waiting for his PH number from the Department ?MAGUINDANAO, P9

karon lisud jud kay daghan walay work.

Sige mi pundo didto sa palengke kay naa mi amiga nga vendor pud. Nakahunahuna mi na kung nay mag-donate ug gulay, mas healthy pa ang among mahatag sa mga tao,” Saines said.

Saines said they are also thinking of distributing food packs to those individuals sleeping by the road, however, they don’t have a vehicle to load the food packs.

PATROL TRIKES. The office of Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte donates mobile patrol tricycles to the 54 barangays under his district on Friday (May 22, 2020). The support was

he quarantine measures have helped the country to succeed in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, and even gradually contain the spread of the dreaded virus, Carlito Galvez Jr., the chief implementer of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Covid-19, said on Friday.

"Dalawang buwan mula nang ipatupad natin ang enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), nasaan na nga po ba tayo? Mga minamahal naming mga kababayan, ikinalulugod ko pong ibalita na sa ating patuloy na laban sa pandemyang ito, tayo po ay nagtatagumpay sa pagsugpo nito ( Two months after implementing the ECQ, where are we now? Dear fellow countrymen, I am pleased to announce that as we continue to fight this pandemic, we are so far successful in suppressing the disease)," he said a virtual presser.

Galvez, also the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said the success of the government in containing the contagion is the result of implementing the NAP's strategic framework, which includes the T3 (test, trace, and treat) program and the PDITRA program or “prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, reintegration, and

adopting the new normal.”

The strategic framework, he said, aims to prevent the spread of the disease and limit its negative effect on the "community, economy, and security of the country."

Galvez reported that an average of 250 new confirmed cases in every 11,509 tests is done daily.

In March and April, he said, the positive cases have reached 13 percent, however, the cases had already gone down to 8 percent this month.

Covid-19 testing facilities Galvez said the government has strengthened its testing capacity by accrediting 39 Covid-19 testing laboratories nationwide.

"Sinisikap pa po nating dagdagan ang bilang na ito (We are doing our best to increase the accredited testing laboratories)," he said.

Out of 39 accredited testing laboratories, he said, 21 are located in National Capital Region (NCR), six are in other parts of Luzon, seven in the Visayas, and five in Mindanao.

Galvez said 119 more testing laboratories now being assessed by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

The testing cen?PH, P10

made through the lawmaker’s “Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong” program that aims to improve peace and order in barangays. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

PH reviving ‘buy local’ campaign

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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the government is reviving the “buy local” campaign amid a different business environment due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In an interview with DZRH radio station on Friday, Lopez said the "buy local" campaign aims to promote products and services of domestic enterprises to help them recover from

entrepreneurs,” he said, noting that the procurement office of the Department of Budget and Management prioritizes buying supplies for C ov i d - 1 9 - re l a t e d products from local sources.

Lopez added that many companies losses during the have repurposed two-month lock- their facilities to prodown to curb the vi- duce critically needrus outbreak. ed products, such as “We will re- face masks and other vive the ‘buy local’ personal protective campaign to stim- equipment (PPE) ulate buying Filipi- during the pandemic. no products. It’s a He further said big help to Filipino that this is also the

industry’s response to some countries’ move to ban their export of Covid-19-related products to cater to their own needs.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), some distilleries have shifted to producing isopropyl and ethyl alcohol to serve the surging local demand.

Garments exporters are now making medical-grade PPE coveralls and face masks while electronics companies

are also producing ventilators.

The DTI has reiterated its call to companies that may repurpose their facilities to produce items and facilities critical to the fight against Covid-19.

Textile factories, garment plants, yarning spinning mills, electronics assembly plants, injection molding facilities, and prototyping shops can be repurposed to produce examination and surgical gloves, protective gowns, face shields, particu-

IATF okays PH participation in Covid-19 vaccine clinical trials

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Debbie Joey Obiena, an organizer of a repacking and distribution effort, sorts out repacked vegetables donated by the Bankerohan Farmers Association on Saturday in San Antonio, Matina, Davao

City. The vegetables are distributed to the residents and frontliners of the said community. Edge Davao

late respirators, and surgical masks.

Automotive product lines, aerospace manufacturing plants, specialized engineering service, testing facilities, manufacturing technology, and innovation centers, vacuum cleaner assembly, and machining shops can also augment the supplies for clinical care equipment, such as pulse oximeters, nasal oxygen cannula, adult and pediatric ventilators, and mechanical suction pump. (PNA)

he Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) has given its nod to the Philippines’ planned participation in the clinical trials for a vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said on Saturday.

The IATF-EID’s approval was contained in its Resolution signed on May 22, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

“IATF Resolution No. 39 mentions the approval of the recommendations of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on the participation of the Philippines in the clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccines,” said Roque, also acting as IATFEID spokesperson.

Under Resolution 39, a sub-technical working group chaired by DOST is formed and tasked to coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, and the World Health Organization for matters related to the participation in clinical trials.

The IATF-EID approves the Philip-

pines’ collaboration with organizations Adimmune Corporation, Academia Sinica, Chinese Academy of Science-Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, and Sinopharma-Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and Beijing Institute.

The resolution states that the collaborating organizations will be provided with the WHO's requirements for Covid-19 vaccine target product profiles; pre-qualification process for WHO approvals; and the FDA’s updated guidelines on clinical trials.

“Pursuant to the foregoing, the FDA is directed to advise on the process to facilitate the issuance of a permit for the conduct of the clinical trial in the Philippines,” the IATF-EID’s latest resolution, which was released by the Palace on Saturday, said.

The DOST has been in talks with Chinese and Taiwanese Organizations and research groups for possible clinical trials of a Covid-19 vaccine, based on President Rodrigo Duterte’s eight weekly report to Congress on his administration’s efforts to arrest the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The IATF-EID requires the identifica?IATF, P10

ECONOMY

VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

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Convenience stores like this one in Km. 9, Brgy. Sasa, Davao City have changed its closing hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. following the city government of Davao's implementation of General Community Quarantine (GCQ). Edge Davao

Modified IATF guidelines allow some firms full ops E

Employers to shoulder testing of workers: DOLE

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he Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has revised the guidelines for the nationwide community quarantine to allow more businesses to operate at full capacity.

The revisions were adopted by the IATFEID through its Resolution 38 inked on May 22, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement on Saturday.

IATF-EID Resolution 38, which contains the fresh guidelines, authorizes the full operation of public or private hospitals; health and emergency front-line services; and manufacturers of medicines, medical supplies, devices and equipment in areas under enhanced community quarantine

(ECQ), modified ECQ (MECQ), and general community quarantine (GCQ).

The IATF-EID also allows industries involved in agriculture, forestry, and fishery, as well as those rendering delivery and courier services that are transporting food, medicine and other essential goods to operate at full capacity in ECQ, MECQ and GCQ zones.

Private establishments involved in the provision of essential goods and services, media establishments,

establishments offering utility relocation work and specified limited works are allowed to operate at a maximum of 50 percent in areas under ECQ and at full capacity in places under MECQ and GCQ, according to the fresh guidelines issued by the IATF-EID. Medical, dental, rehabilitation, and optometry clinics; pharmacies and drug stores; veterinary clinics; banks and money transfer services; capital markets, water supply, and sanitation services and facilities; energy and power firms; telecommunications companies; airline and aircraft maintenance can also resume partial operations in ECQ zones and full operations in MECQ GCQ zones.

The IATF-EID also allows partial oper-

ations in ECQ areas and full operations in MECQ and GCQ areas of manufacturing companies; state-run Philippine Postal Corporation and Philippine Statistics Authority; business process outsourcing (BPO) and export-oriented businesses; essential projects; funeral and embalming services; and funeral rites.

Humanitarian assistance personnel; security personnel; printing presses; companies engaged in repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment; and real estate activities limited to leasing can also partially operate in areas under ECQ and fully operate in places under MECQ and GCQ. For areas under MECQ, the IATF-EID permits the full op?MODIFIED, P10

mployers who will require their workers to be tested for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have to shoulder the payment for the testing, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Saturday.

Bello said it will be the responsibility of the private company to pay for the testing of their workers.

“If they will require their employees to be tested before they can report for work, then they have to shoulder (the) expense for the testing,” he said during the Laging Handa briefing.

However, Bello said they cannot compel the employers to spend for the testing.

“We cannot force them *employers) but if they want their employees to be tested before they (employees) will be allowed to report to work, they have to pay for their

testing,” he said.

When asked if the employees can use their vacation leave for not reporting to work, Bello said, “They may do so if they still have leave credits, but they already used them up, the no work, no pay will apply.”

On the other hand, he advised workers to take care of their jobs.

“If they treasure their work, I’m sure employers will also treasure their partnership with our workers during this time of difficulties. They should also try to understand the situation of employers,” he said.

He also urged the workers to talk to their employers if there are ways to lessen the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“If there are arrangements to ease the effect of the situation, both should decide for the benefit of all concerned,” Bello said. (PNA)

6 VANTAGE VANTAGE EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 37VOL.13 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MARCH 20,2020 2020

“

ON QUARANTINE MEASURES HELPING THE COUNTRY SUCCEED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19:

EDITORIAL

Dalawang buwan mula nang ipatupad natin ang enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), nasaan na nga po ba tayo? Mga minamahal naming mga kababayan, ikinalulugod ko pong ibalita na sa ating patuloy na laban sa pandemyang ito, tayo po ay nagtatagumpay sa pagsugpo nito (Two months after implementing the ECQ, where are we now? Dear fellow countrymen, I am pleased to announce that as we continue to fight this pandemic, we are so far successful in suppressing the disease).

CARLITO GALVEZ JR.

CHIEF IMPLEMENTER OF THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN (NAP) ON COVID-19

Be significant

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

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

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

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

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PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

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

despite the order.

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

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

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

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

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

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VICE, ANGEL, COCO, KIM – NASTY BREED With due respect to the following members of the Senate: Tito Sotto, Richard Gordon, Ralph Recto, Migz Zubiri, Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Ping Lacson; Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Manny Pacquiao, Bato dela Rosa, Bong Revill, Kiko Pangilinan; Frank Drilon, Koko Pimentel, Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Tolentino, Joel Villanueva, Bong Go, Imee Marcos and Lito Lapid, please step aside.

Make way for the new breed of political opportunists!

With fire and fury – though signifying nothing – Coco Martin, Angel Locsin, Kim Chiu and Vice Ganda spewed unsavory comments against the establishment when their mother company – ABS CBN – failed to secure extension of its congressional franchise and forthwith stopped operations.

Although with mercurial assistance from house Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano who railroaded a six-month provisional franchise that was promptly aborted, these celluloid celebrities pounded – nay, lambasted - the Duterte administration for allegedly violating freedom of expression and the press.

Coco, lead star, producer and action director of “Ang Probinsiyano,” on record the longest running TV series, went ballistic in decrying the “deliberate” closure of the media giant.

In a synchronized social

media exposure, Locsin, herself popular for her highly successful portrayal of the Darna (ala Wonder Woman) series, followed up with the soft sell, appeal to the emotions approach but failed

tor Apollo Quiboloy whom she dared to use his “powers” to stop “Ang Probinsiyano” from airing.

Quiboloy, on record, accepted Vice’ challenge on TV and you know what happened next.

But imagine, if these four seriously take up the cudgels for ABS CBN as a sign of their blind loyalty. What if they are convinced to throw their hats into the political ring come 2022?

to create an impact while Chiu, a “honor” grad of the Pinoy Big Brother academy, forayed into a scholarly spiel that threw the entire netizens’ social media world into guffaws and galloping belly laugh.

Vice, who is the most mature of the quartet owing to her good grasp of circumstances, tried the “pa-awa” whisper effect did not also crate any ripples. People are still talking of her humiliating setback to Pas-

Vice, Coco, Angel and Kim are all multi-millionaires in their own right.

Even if the broadcast entity closes operations, they would still live very comfortably – luxuriously, will they not?

The point is that they are allowing themselves to be used as tools to attack the Duterte government, hoping that their millions of fans nationwide might be agitated to move unitedly as one sector.

What if their combined number of fans nationwide total to, say 15 million votes agree to support and vote for these four in a collective action, would the above quoted votes good enough to propel each to win a senate seat?

I’m just trying to prick and provoke your thoughts, folks.

Actually, I am scared this might happen. How do you see a future Senate line-up coming to the session hall with these four

stooges - oops, duly elected lawmakers as new senators?

Knowing just how “bakya” the mindset of our grassroots voters is, the suggestion that they could be senatoriables in the next elections is a grim scenario.

I mean - for me, that is.

How would the roll call be?

Let’s get ready to rumble!!!

Senator Pacman? “Present!” Senator Ganda? “Present!”

Senator Cardo Dalisay? “Andito po!” Senator Pinoy Big Brother?

“Present. Nag-comply na po!”

Senator Darna? “Coming.

Nakalipad na po!” Senator Sotto?

“Nasa Eat Bulaga pa po!” Senator Lapid? “Pababa napo ng bundok si Pinuno!” Senator Revilla?

“May pinapanday pa, Sir!” Wow, how funny and rib-tickling it would be, huh?

How about Boy Abunda and Willie Revillame, who both have millions of fanatic followers from everywhere the archipelago?

Wow, what is going on? Here I am painting a would-be political scenario and I end up getting convinced by my own “remote” prognostication.

I don’t like it. I don’t like myself.

Can you forget what you have just read from this corner?

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.”

COVID-19 DISRUPTS VACCINATION EFFORTS As the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupts routine vaccination efforts all over the world, at least 80 million children under one at risk of diseases such as diphtheria, measles and polio, according to the United Nations health agency.

“COVID-19 is disrupting life-saving immunization services around the world, putting millions of children – in rich and poor countries alike – at risk of diseases like diphtheria, measles and polio,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement.

Data collected by the WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Gavi and the Sabin Vaccine Institute showed that provision of routine immunization services is substantially hindered in at least 68 countries and is likely to affect approximately 80 million children under the age of 1 living in these countries.

Since March 2020, routine childhood immunization services have been disrupted on a global scale that may be unprecedented since the inception of expanded programs on immunization (EPI) in the 1970s.

“More than half (53%) of the 129 countries where data were available reported moderate-to-severe disruptions, or a total suspension of vaccination services during March-April 2020,” the WHO reports.

“Immunization is one of the most powerful and fundamental disease prevention tools in the history of public health,” said Dr, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Disruption to immunization program from the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to unwind decades of progress against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.”

The reasons for disrupted

services vary. Some parents are reluctant to leave home because of restrictions on movement, lack of information or because they fear infection with the COVID-19 virus. And many health workers are unavailable because of restrictions on travel, or redeployment to COVID response duties, as well as a lack of protective equipment.

COVID-19 vaccine on a global scale,” Dr. Berkley added.

Transport delays of vaccines are exacerbating the situation.

UNICEF has reported a substantial delay in planned vaccine deliveries due to the lockdown measures and the ensuing decline in commercial flights and limited availability of charters.

To help mitigate this, UNICEF

es,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director. “We have effective vaccines against measles, polio and cholera. While circumstances may require us to temporarily pause some immunization efforts, these immunizations must restart as soon as possible, or we risk exchanging one deadly outbreak for another.”

Many countries have tem-

“More children in more countries are now protected against more vaccine-preventable diseases than at any point in history,” said Dr. Seth Berkley, chief executive officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “Due to COVID-19 this immense progress is now under threat, risking the resurgence of diseases like measles and polio.

“Not only will maintaining immunization programs prevent more outbreaks, it will also ensure we have the infrastructure we need to roll out an eventual

is appealing to governments, the private sector, the airline industry, and others, to free up freight space at an affordable cost for these life-saving vaccines.

Recently, Gavi signed an agreement with UNICEF to provide advance funding to cover increased freight costs for delivery of vaccines, in light of the reduced number of commercial flights available for transport.

“We cannot let our fight against one disease come at the expense of long-term progress in our fight against other diseas-

porarily and justifiably suspended preventive mass vaccination campaigns against diseases like cholera, measles, meningitis, polio, tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever, due to risk of transmission and the need to maintain physical distancing during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases. “A vaccine helps the body’s immune system to recognize and fight pathogens like viruses and bacteria, which then keeps us safe from the diseases

they cause,” the WHO explains.

Vaccines protect against more than 25 debilitating or life-threatening diseases, including measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, influenza, tetanus, typhoid and cervical cancer.

Right now, scientists around the world are working on potential treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. Several companies are working on antiviral drugs, some of which are already in use against other illnesses. Other companies are working on vaccines that could be used as a preventive measure against the disease.

Last May 14, Biopharmaceutical company Medicago announced that its vaccine candidate for COVID-19 “induced a positive antibody response only 10 days after a single dose in mice.”

“Though the precise dosage for the vaccine in humans is not yet determined, Medicago estimates its current facilities in Quebec (Canada) and North Carolina (United States) could produce up to 20 million and 100 million annual doses, respectively,” the company said in a news release.

Some health experts said that a vaccine against COVID-19 may take several months before it could be available for human use.

Until such vaccine be made available commercially, the time-tested measures against COVID-19 must be strictly observed. “Even though technological advances allow us to do certain things more quickly,” Dr. Bruce Y. Lee, a professor at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, was quoted as saying by healthline.com, “we still have to rely on social distancing, contact tracing, self-isolation, and other measures.”

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

An immersive opportunity: Malayan Colleges Mindanao launches Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020

M

alayan Colleges Mindanao, a Mapúa School announced its first Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020, inviting all SHS and College students in Mindanao to experience the first fully integrated online learning system in the region — MCM Digital — and get the opportunity to use MCM’s powerful online learning tools for FREE! This Digital Learning Bootcamp will be held on June 1 to 13, 2020 and is described as an immersive experience inside MCM’s Online Learning System, aiming to demonstrate and give participants an opportunity to immerse them-

selves in the first fully integrated online learning system in Mindanao.

The participants will be given access to MCM’s online learning portal, “MCM Digital” where they can explore and get hands-on experience utilizing MCM’s online

learning tools such as Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Panopto, Wiley Plus, and Cengage Learning to complete learning tasks designed for incoming Grade 11 and 1st Year College students.

These tasks will be delivered in either synchronous or asynchronous learning sessions to allow for participants to get a feel for the different modalities of remote learning provided by MCM. In order for participants to maximize the online learning experience, they will need a device such as a computer unit, laptop or a tablet; and internet connectivity of at least 1 Mbps for asynchronous sessions and at least 2 Mbps for synchronous sessions.

Familiarization with the online system and

tools will initiate the program, after which, participants will be allowed to select short learning modules on General Mathematics, Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Basic Education for incoming Grade 11 students; Basic Algebra, General Physics, Business and Management, and Programming and Coding for incoming college students. A full course on Math, Humanities, and Social Science will also be made available for demonstration during the bootcamp period.

To register for this activity

and get a chance to win amazing prizes, interested participants may proceed to this link: https:// bit.ly/MCMDIGITALBOOTCAMP and follow the subsequent instructions and link to the “MCM Digital” account that will be sent through the email address provided upon your registration.

For any additional inquiries about the MCM Digital Learning Bootcamp 2020, please feel free to email at admissions@mcm. edu.ph or contact +63918 918 1626, +63999 227 7493, or +63917 831 8048.

VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

9 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

MASK OF HOPE

Davao designer gets you 'covered' T

By MAYA M. PADILLO

he face mask is the new must-have accessory in this era of the coronavirus pandemic.

This safety-related demand inspired local designer Wilson Niñofranco Limon to start the project “Mask of Hope” that will benefit the health workers, people who are in need of masks, and the ethnolinguistic groups in Davao Region.

“This project is very close to my heart.

It takes me back to where I started. The prints that we used for the #MaskofHope were from my previous collections,” he

said via Facebook messenger.

Along with three sewers, Limon produces face masks made from neoprene fabric.

The mask has three layers of fabric with inside filter pockets on the reverse side. They are washable, re-usable, and breathable.

There are three special patterns for the Mask of Hope: the "Manata" is a pattern conceptualized six years ago and inspired from the Inabal fabric

of the Bagobo- Tagabawa tribe.

Inabal is a traditional textile made from abaca with a special weave, either in patterns of "kinatkat" or "ine" -- the cloth with a central panel, worn only by women.

The second type is the Stellar pattern, which is inspired by the T’Boli tribe.

“Stellar is a fashion design competition that I joined way back year 2016. It was the first competition that I won,” Limon said.

The third pattern is the Flanek, a print from Limon’s Spring Summer 2015, which features the 'Bayani-

han' spirit of the B’Laan community.

Limon said each pattern has its corresponding ethnolinguistic community beneficiary. For the Manata design, he coordinated with Wimler Organization to help the Bagobo weavers in Bansalan. For Stellar, donations will go to the Lake Sebu Indigenous Women Associations Inc. (LASIWWAI), which will be coursed through the Ateneo de Davao University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council while for the Flanek designs, proceeds will be donated to Lamlifew Tribal

Women’s Association.

Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the face masks will be donated to the ethnolinguistic communities.

“My Love affair with artisanal craftsmanship started when I was working with my thesis. I thought of ways to contemporize local prints without violating the customary laws of the ethnolinguistic groups,” said Limon.

The prices of the face masks range from P499 for one piece, P899 for two pieces, P1,149 for three pieces, and P1,500 for four pieces. Each price is exclusive of the shipping fee.

Limon said his clients are mainly from Davao City and Manila.

Although, he is receiving inquiries from the international market, unfortunately he can’t do international shipping at the moment due to travel restrictions.

Limon said if the pandemic goes on for an extended period of time, he will continue to produce and sell face masks to help the ethnolinguistic groups.

“However, wearing a mask does not guarantee that we are safe from COVID-19.

We should continue to practice social distancing and frequent hand washing for protection,” he said.

10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

from 3 PH eyes stockpiling of crude PH ters of some 89 hosare lined up for oil amid cheap global prices pitals approval in advanced

T

he Philippines may take advantage of the low crude oil prices in the world market to prepare for the future once fuel prices increase due to the resumption of economic activities, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

Cusi briefed members of the Joint Congressional Energy Commission on Friday on the initiatives to address the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on the energy sector.

“We are looking at available storage so we can stockpile.

We can have a strategic supply to get it at (a) cheaper price and use it when the time comes that the prices of crude oil start to increase,” he said.

Cusi added that the Department of Energy (DOE) is coordinating with the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) and industry players to study how all stakeholders could benefit from the cheaper oil prices by doing strategic inventory.

Many enterprises, he said, are now struggling from their losses due to the lockdown measures carried out by the government to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, and stockpiling cheap crude oil could shield the country from the shock of increasing world oil prices once threats from disease ease in the future.

Global crude oil prices have gone down amid the pandemic as demands slowed down.

said.

“Gisultihan pud nako sila nga dili puwedeng pugngan ang pag abli sa atong mga dalan ug borders, especially now

ang atong mga buses magsugod na sila ug biyahe in and out of the region and other regions and across Mindanao,” she added.

OPENING from 2

stages of 3 and 4, he said.

Each hospital has undergone the following assessment stages: self-assessment (stage 1), validation (stage 2), compliance (stage 3), proficiency testing (stage 4), and full-scale implementation (stage 5).

On the other hand, Galvez noted the constant decline in the number of fatalities and a steady increase in the number of recoveries.

"Ngayong Mayo, mula sa double-digit na bilang ng mga namamatay, ay na-reduce po natin ito sa single-digit na lamang.

Target po natin na tuluyang ma-reduce ang bilang na ito sa zero deaths per day (This month of May, from a double-digit number of deaths, it was reduced into single-digit only. We are targeting to reduce this number into zero deaths per

IATF from 4

tion of study sites by researches who will be involved in the clinical trials.

The clinical trials, once finished, will also be one of the refrom 2 er Contact Service (Smart) for any pow- quirements for the at 229-3572, 0917- er interruption that vaccine registration 864-2793 (Globe) will fall outside the process by the FDA for issuance of the or 0920-970-1357 given schedule.

Certificate of Product Registration for marfrom 3 ket release in the Philof Health. is strictly being im- ippines, according to Samama said the posed by the provin- Resolution 39.

15 other students have cial government.

The IATF-EID, in been tested negative Currently, the prov- its new resolution, and will soon return ince has two positive also supports the to their respective patients. A 49-year-old homes.

Maguindanaon who from 5 The mandatory attended the Davao 14-day requirement City derby last March erations of media esBPO for Maguindanaons has recently recovered tablishments; returning home from from the disease and and export-oriented electric areas where there are is now with his family. companies; commerce firms; other high cases of Covid-19 (PNA) postal and courier services; establishments from 11 involved in rental and been diagnosed with 1997-98. leasing; recruitment Parkinson's disease.

An original mem- and placement agen"I'm not scared," ber of the expansion cies; and those offering Sloan said at the time. Chicago Bulls in 1966- housing services.

Sloan was in- 67, Sloan jumped to The new guidelines ducted into the Hall coaching after an 11- still allow the full opof Fame in 2009. He year playing career. erations of media esspent 23 years as head He was known for his tablishments; BPO and coach of the Jazz and hard-nosed defense export-oriented firms; 26 as a coach in the as a player but also electric commerce NBA. The Jazz went to averaged 18.3 points companies; other the playoffs 20 times per game in 1970-71. postal and courier serin his 23 seasons, inSloan was a two- vices; establishments cluding back-to-back time All-Star and four- involved in rental and trips to the NBA Fi- time All-Defensive leasing; recruitment nals in 1996-97 and First Team selection. and placement agen-

DLPC

MAGUINDANAO

MODIFIED

JAZZ

day)," he said, citing the DOH data released on April, that about 50 Covid-19 patients died every day.

Meanwhile, Galvez said the number of recoveries has mounted to triple-digits in May, from recorded single-digits in March.

The highest single-day recovery, he said, was recorded on May 13 with 145 recovered patients.

The government, he said, is strengthening the health facilities to provide the medical needs of every Covid-19 patients.

Quarantine facilities, protective gear Galvez said there are already 1,500 identified referral and treatment hospitals nationwide with 10,572-bed capacity, as of May 20.

He added there are 3,146 “We Heal As One” Covid-19 centers have been built nationwide that can accommodate around 57,773 persons under monitoring, suspect-

ed, probable, and confirmed cases.

There are also a total of 13,295 hospital beds nationwide, Galvez said as of May 20, only 5,143 beds have been occupied.

"Ibig sabihin po nito ay sapat po at handa ang ating mga ospital para sa treatment ng mga confirmed Covid-19 cases na nangangailangan ng agaran at masinsinang medikal na atensyon (This means, hospitals have enough capabilities and are ready to treat those confirmed Covid-19 cases who needed immediate medical attention)," he said.

The government has also stabilized the supply and demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the country, he added.

As of May 20, a total of 700, 000 level-4 PPE sets have already been distributed to various Covid-19 referral hospitals across the country, Galvez said.

Apart from this, he said, various local government units have also purchased PPE sets on their own, while several private sectors have distributed more than two million PPE sets to both private and public hospitals.

He said the government is stockpiling 11 million PPE suits and other medical supplies until 2021 — "to ensure the safety and protection of every healthcare worker nationwide."

Galvez earlier said that since the government has begun purchasing medical-grade Level-4 quality PPE sets, there has been "a great reduction of death cases among healthcare workers in the country.

He then urged the public to continue to cooperate with the government health protocols such as social distancing, wearing face masks, and adapting to the new normal. (PNA)

DOST’s proposed creation of research centers that can initiate and strengthen local vaccine development toward the country’s vaccine self-reliance and self-sufficiency.

The DOST has recommended the establishment of the Virology S&T Institute in New Clark City and the reactivation of the Pharmaceutical Development Unit at DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute as a

Tuklas Lunas Center for Pharmaceuticals Development.

WHO has noted that there are only six candidate vaccines for Covid-19. It has also expressed optimism that a Covid-19 vaccine will become available to the public in the next 18 months.

Duterte, in his public address delivered on May 19, sought the immediate purchase of a vaccine for the treatment of Covid-19, once it is

available.

A “Solidarity Trial,” an international clinical trial, was earlier launched by WHO and its partners to test the safety and effectiveness of possible vaccines in treating Covid-19.

The Philippines’ participation in the WHO Solidarity Trial has been approved by the Single Joint Research Ethics Board on April 17 in support of the Covid-19 global response. (PNA)

cies; and those offering housing services in GCQ zones.

The IATF-EID also permits the full operations of power, energy, water, and other utilities, agriculture, fishery and forestry industries; food manufacturing and food supply chain businesses; food preparation establishments; and food delivery services in areas where GCQ was enforced.

Health-related establishments; the logistics sector; information technology and telecommunication firms; and media establishments are still authorized to operate

at full capacity in GCQ zones.

Mining and other manufacturing and electric commerce companies, as well as other delivery, repair and maintenance, and housing and office services, can also operate “between 50 percent up to full operational capacity” in areas put under GCQ, according to the guidelines.

The IATF-EID also authorizes financial services; legal and accounting, and auditing services; professional, scientific, technical, and other non-leisure services; and other non-leisure wholesale

and retail firms to operate at “50 percent workon-site arrangement, and without prejudice to work-from-home and other alternative work arrangements in GCQ areas.

ECQ in Cebu and Mandaue cities and MECQ in Metro Manila, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Zambales will lapse on May 31.

The rest of the areas in the country are under GCQ until May 31.

Malacañang earlier said that the nationwide GCQ may likely be imposed in August this year. (PNA)

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

FM Severino takes silver in online chess tourney for PWD

F

IDE Master Sander Severino gave the Philippine chess community something to cheer about during these trying times as he placed second in the 1st FIDE Online Cup for People with Disabilities (PWD) on Friday.

Severino was solid throughout the tournament, scoring four straight victories to start his campaign before settling for a draw in his last match to finish with 4.5 points after five rounds.

He actually ended up tied with Polish grandmaster Marcin Tazbir on points after the online chess event but Tazbir clinched the

gold after bettering Severino by just 0.5 point in the second Median-Buchholz tiebreaker.

Still, according to FIDE trainer James Infiesto, Severino's feat is remarkable.

"This is a dream come true barging in the world championships of disabled!" Infiesto said in his Facebook post on Friday announcing Severino's success.

International master Yuri Meshkov took third place after clinching the first tiebreaker over fellow Russian Denis Palin and Hungary's Gabor Acs. The three woodpushers ended up tied with four points each. (PNA)

NBA great and Georgetown University head coach Patrick Ewing has tested positive for coronavirus.

NBA great Ewing in hospital with Covid-19

W

ASHINGTON, United States - NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, now the head basketball coach at Georgetown University, is in hospital with COVID-19.

Ewing, 57, said on Twitter on Friday he had tested positive for the virus.

"I want to share that I have tested pos-

itive for COVID-19.

This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly. I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take

care of yourselves and your loved ones."

"This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly," the New York Knicks icon said in a statement.

"I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

"Now more than ever, I want to thank healthcare workers and everyone on the

front lines. I'll be fine and we will all get through this."

Georgetown's athletics department said in a statement that Ewing was "under care and isolated at a local hospital.

"He is the only member of the men's basketball program to have tested positive for the virus," the statement said.

Ewing, who was a

member of the 1992 Olympic gold medal-winning "Dream Team," and also won Olympic gold in 1984, played 17 seasons in the NBA, mostly for the Knicks, earning 11 All-Star selections.

The Knicks sent Ewing good wishes via Twitter saying "Get well soon, Big Fella. Stay strong."

He was the first overall selection in

Jazz coach Sloan passes away at 78

L Michael Jordan and Jazz coach Jerry Sloan during the 1998 NBA Finals. Robert Hanashiro, USA Today/Reuters/file

the NBA draft after leading Georgetown to a national championship in 1985 and was Rookie of the Year in 1986.

After retiring from the NBA, he turned to coaching and spent many seasons as an NBA assistant coach before taking over the head coaching job at his alma mater Georgetown.

ongtime Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan died at age 78 on Friday.

The Jazz announced Sloan's passing on Twitter with a photo captioned "Rest easy, coach."

"Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz. He will forever be a part of the Utah Jazz organization and we join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss," the team said in a statement.

"We are so thankful for what he ac-

complished here in Utah and the decades of dedication, loyalty and tenacity he brought to our franchise.

"Like (John) Stockton and (Karl) Malone as players, Jerry Sloan epitomized the organization. He will be greatly missed.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Tammy, the entire Sloan family and all who knew and loved him."

A stoic Sloan revealed in 2016 he had ?JAZZ, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.13 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25, 2020

Rancho Palos Verdes' signature island green remains just a beauty to ogle at amid the coronavirus pandemic.

STILL CLOSED Davao golfers not as lucky as their counterparts in other cities

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

D

avao City’s golf courses are still closed to golfers.

While golf was among the sports given the green light to resume play with certain restrictions under the general community quarantine (GCQ), Davao’s divot-diggers will have to wait until they carry their bags back to the fairways.

“Unfortunately, we still cannot play golf in Davao,” said Tommy Iñigo, general manager of Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club in Cabantian, Davao

City.

Other cities and their clubs have allowed for members to play under strict restrictions like no-contact rules with caddies on the course, onegolf cart per golfer, no-locker room, no clubhouse socializing and contactless submission of scorecards.

“We will have to wait until the restriction is lifted for golf by the city government.

Sa ngayon, wala pa,” Iñigo said.

Non-contact

sports such as tennis, golf, and biking are allowed in areas under the GCQ as recommended by the Philippine Sports Commission and approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, head of the national task force on the government’s coronavirus disease (Covid-19) response, said last week that only sports where physical distancing can be observed will be permitted under GCQ. “Ang authorized lang ngayon ay iyong no contact sports like biking,

tennis siguro and golf (Sports that are authorized now are non-contact sports like biking, tennis, and golf) because they can distance themselves from each other,” Lorenzana said in a virtual presser.

He said collision or contact sports such as boxing, wrestling, and basketball will stay prohibited under GCQ. “Iyon kasing boxing, wrestling at saka iyong ano pa diyan ay hindi … contact sports iyan, nagkakalipatan iyan at saka nag-aakapan pa.

So wala pa tayong

guidelines diyan dahil hindi pa authorized (Boxing, wrestling, and others are not allowed.

They’re contact sports; they require physical contact and even embracing.

So, we don’t have guidelines for that because it’s not authorized),” he said.

However, Lorenzana expressed hope that collision or contact sports may eventually be allowed once the Covid-19 situation improves.

“Maybe as we go down the road at medyo lumuwag-luwag iyong ating …puwede na iyan (and loosen up

maybe it will eventually be allowed),” he said.

Under the guidelines released

by Malacañang, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has also banned exercise in ECQ areas.

However, limited outdoor exercise such as walking, jogging, biking with safety protocols will be allowed under a modified ECQ (MECQ).

Gyms, fitness studios, and sport facilities will also remain closed in all ECQ, MECQ, and GCQ areas. (With PNA)