Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 41 | Friday, May 29, 2020

EDGEEDGE DAVAO DAVAO MALNUTRITION SIGNIFICANCE HEIGHTENS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Serving a seamlessRAFA, society FEDERER MOVE ON TO THIRD ROUND

Serving a seamless society

SIGNS OF BOOM SIGNS OF BO GCQ STAYS SPORTSP11

BIGGER PICTURE P9

VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE 41 59 ••FRIDAY-SATURDAY, 2019 ISSUE 59 www.edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com VOL.13 FRIDAY, MAY 29, MAY 202031-JUNE 1, f •@EdgeDavao VOL.12 FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019 f @EdgeDavao

P 15.00 • 16 2 PAGES www.edgedavao.net

Applications for building,liquor Applications forban building, Davao City’s GCQ extended, continues zoning permitszoning increase permits increase STORY ON P2

T

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

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

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

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

“There are really too

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

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

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

FSIGNS, P10

T

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

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

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

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

“There are really too

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION

►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL FAMILY FOREMOST IN ESDEVCO’S MIND

►PROPERTY P9

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

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

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

FSIGNS, P10

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION ►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL TOURISM. President Rodrigo Duterte responds to the discussions during the Motorcycles are parked in front of Sangguniang Panlungsod along San Pedro FAMILY FOREMOST IN Street in Davao City on Thursday.

The Land Transportation Office 11 (LTO-11) has meeting with the Japanese tourism partannounced that it will implement RA 11235 orners theat“Motorcycle Crime the Imperial Hotel in Prevention Tokyo, Japan Act” startingMIND June 6 and violators will be apprehended.

Under RAPRESIDENTIAL 11235 riders are on Wednesday night.

PHOTO ESDEVCO’S ordered to put two license plates on their motorcycles. Edge Davao

►PROPERTY P9

e

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

GCQ STAYS

President Rodrigo Duterte talks on the phone with Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Phuc at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang, Manila on Wednesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Davao City’s GCQ extended, liquor ban continues

By MAYA M. PADILLO

D

avao City will continue to be under the general community quarantine (GCQ) Covid-19 restrictions at least until June 15.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease on Thursday issued Resolution No. 40 Series of 2020 extending GCQ implementations in two Mindanao cities-Davao City and Zamboanga City. The rest of the Davao Region -- Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del

Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental -- was placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

As this developed, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio stood pat on the continued imposition of the liquor ban.

The mayor said liquor ban should not be lifted as three patients who were tested

positive with Covid-19 have histories of drinking.

“Hunahunaa ninyo nga maayo inyo liver unya na-extend inyong kinabuhi for two months. Nganong two months? Kay first month, healthy pa ang inyong liver, next two months limpyo na inyong liver kay wala na alak nag-agi sa iyang system,” Mayor Sara said.

“Okay ra unta to kung ang mga tao compliant sila na’y discipline.

Unfortunately, naay pipila sa Agdao nga ang history nakig-inum. Ginapan-

gita na pud nato kinsa ilang kainum,” she added.

Mayor Sara bared that San Miguel Corporation (SMC), the country’s biggest brewing company, has made a request to be allowed to sell alcoholic drinks in the city.

“Gina-discuss pa namo among tubag.

Nagpasalamat mi sa San Miguel kay dako inyo tabang. Daghan nga manok ang atong gina-distribute nato from San Miguel. But unfortunately our hands are tied. Sa karon GCQ increas?GCQ, P10

Sara blames PASAKA for 2 infants' death inside Haran

M

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio blamed PASAKA Confederation of Lumad Organizations in the reported deaths of two infants inside the compound of UCCP-Haran.

In an interview with the government-run Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Thursday, the mayor was asked about her reaction to the statement of PASAKA, which debunked media reports on the cases of two infants as COVID-19 related deaths as false.

“Wala gyud ko muingon “sirs and ma'ams” PASAKA na COVID-19 tong duha ka namatay nga infants diha sa inyuhang lugar (Haran). Nag-ingon lang ang doctor na there is something wrong because in a span of 10 days duha na ang namatay sa sulod (Haran). And I can remember mao pud na akong giingon na there is a problem because duha na kabuok bata ang namatay. Giecho lang nako ang

gisulti sa doctor. Kung ako ang pangutan-on, murder to siya by PASAKA. Mao na ang rason kung ngano nangamatay ang mga bata,” a fuming Mayor Sara said.

According to the mayor, PASAKA should have provided health services such as medical check-up, vaccination, and deworming to the children inside the compound.

“Di ba kung inyuha na silang gipakaon ug tarong, gipa-checkup, gitagaan ug health services sama sa bakuna, deworming, ug unsa pa ng buhaton in a growing infant and child, tan-aw ninyo mamatay to? Dili, kay maagapan man na,” she said.

Mayor Sara did not mince words in her reaction to PASAKA’s statement that not one of them was able to go outside of the compound during the enhanced community quarantine because they are not given food and medicine pass by the Local Government ?SARA, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

3

Oriental buses SPMC waits for private hospitals Davao resume operation today to start Covid-19 testing services R

By MAYA M. PADILLO

S

outhern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Chief of Hospital Dr. Leopoldo Vega said SPMC is now waiting for the opening of the private hospitals in Davao City to officially start COVID-19 testing services.

“We are just waiting for them to act,” Vega told Edge Davao in a text message.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio mentioned in her recent interview with government-run Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) that the city is tapping private hospitals namely Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) and the Bro-

kenshire Integrated Hospital Ministry Inc., (BIHMI) as COVID-19 testing facilities in Davao City.

Presently, testing for COVID-19 is only being done at SPMC. “We agree to it.

It’s a matter of coordination between the infectious disease consultants of the different hospitals.

From our end and

the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11), the pathway is clear for implementation as recommended by Mayor Sara Duterte,” Vega said.

SPMC is also open to the idea of private hospitals admitting probable and suspected cases of COVID-19 to augment the government hospital's services.

Apart from the said private hospitals, the city is also eyeing a privately owned laboratory as COVID testing facility. The establishment of more testing centers aim to increase the city’s testing capacity.

The Los Amigos

Health Center will soon be available as a test center and has already gone inspection.

The city has accomplished to build facilities with 503 beds capacity for COVID-19 patients.

These are the Davao City Rehabilitation Center, La Vida Inn, Alternative Learning System (ALS) building, Queensland Hotel, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, EMCOR, Mental Wellness facility, RMC Petro Gazz Arena, UP Mindanao Faculty building, UP Mindanao Sports Complex, and Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC).

esumption of buses took effect on Thursday after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTBRB) Office issued Circular No. 2020-13.

The circular, issued on May 21, 2020

by Regional Director Armand B. Dioso, orders "opening the routes in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur under the authority of a special permit for the operation of public transportation under General Community Quarantine”.

Full operation of the bus routes allows passengers to travel as far as Monkayo, Laak, New Bataan, Maragusan in Davao de Oro, Mati City in

Davao Oriental and Kapalong, Davao del Norte, with stopovers in designated city and municipal terminals.

For Boston route the bus terminal in charge is still waiting for the advice.

Buses coming from Mati City are only allowed to enter the terminals of Panabo City & Tagum City until further notice.

The following terminals of Banaybanay, Pantukan, Tagum and Panabo are the only allowed terminals for the stop over of the buses travelling to Mati City and vice-versa.

Panabo City in Davao del Norte has been designed as the point of origin for the inter-provincial ?DAVAO, P10

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Chief of Hospital Dr. Leopoldo Vega says SPMC is waiting for the opening of the private hospitals in Davao City to officially start COVID-19 testing services. Edge Davao

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Business owners getting 'lifeline' from gov't aid

By MAYA M. PADILLO

D

avao businessmen are thriving on all forms of government aid like ventilators.

general manager of Banawe Car Accessories, revealed that some business owners told her their common concern is how to reWith the corona- girds for a longer im- start and pay all the virus pandemic taking plementation of gener- bills that are coming its toll on local firms, al community quaran- in.

“Talagang we are business owners sur- tine (GCQ) until June really biting the bulviving on assistance 15. and loans provided by Merci Duduaco, let para maka-survive. the government to get president of the Phil- So lahat ng puwedeng their business re-start- ippine Marketing As- may mag-offer, we will ed even as Davao City sociation-Davao and grab it especially loans

if ever. But of course these loans are not given for free naturally. May mga interest yan, matagal pa bago natin ma-recover kay magbabayad pa tayo ng mga previous. Akala ko i-waive nila yung mga penalties or surcharges, pero meron pa rin. Hindi naman naga-waive yung iba,” Duduaco said.

For almost two

Philippine Marketing Association-Davao president and general manager of Banawe Car Accessories Merci Duduaco reveals that the common concern of business owners in Davao City is how to re-start and pay all the bills that are coming in. Edge Davao

months of hiatus after the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to COVID-19, some of the business establishments opted to close some of their branches and some have decided to stop operation.

“Ang challenge ngayon ay financing kasi walang customers, walang business operations. It created a domino effect from the suppliers down to the customers walang business talaga,” she said.

Duduaco cited that in her case, the catch up plan is more on applying loans. What they are working now is to apply for cash assistance from the government.

“Saka mga subsidy na maibibigay ng gobyerno, kung meron. Pero kung paano ka mabigyan ng subsidy ngayon or government assistance, dadaan ka pa sa butas ng karayom. Mahirap makapasok sa online.

Di ba online lahat submission of documents and requirements,” she said adding that the problem with online applications is the waiting time.

“For almost three months na tayo na sa quarantine and lockdown, the bills are coming, utility bills, loans, bank interest-everything are compounding plus all the supplies that we got from the suppliers are now overdue. Saan namin kukunin ang pambayad? Walang sales and income. Kasi wala naman customers. Delayed din ang delivery. At ang mga transactions ngayon with the suppliers ay cash to cash na,” she said.

Duduaco said building owners are now collecting rental fees as they too have their needs also. “Although, i-waive ang

rentals, pero nagko-compound na kasi pagbalik mo, singil kaagad sila not considering na wala pa kaming ibabayad,” she added.

According to Duduaco, they are now exploiting technology by marketing through online to reach their clientele. She said they are also eyeing to start offering home service as of the moment. “But the problem is how can they (customers) come?” she said.

Jeffrey Leocario, owner of Wallmount Advertizer, said his business is struggling as he stopped operating for almost two months due to ECQ. He added that transporting his finish products outside Davao City is difficult due to the lockdown of the borders in Davao Region.

“All our projects are outside Davao City, then my business is considered non-essential, so ang entry and exit per LGU na pud ang problema.

When it comes to clientele, since we are handling corporate accounts, for two months stop tanan among productions ug wala gyud mi naka-pangandam,” he said.

Leocario said the only help he received so far is the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) through the Social Security System (SSS) for his employees.

With the implementation of GCQ, which has been extended until June 15, 2020 by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for Emerging Infectious Disease, Duduaco said business establishments are now taking it slow and just observing the market.

“This is our second week of operation, hoping na baka may ?BUSINESS, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5 Diokno: pandemic’s impact on OFW remittances temporary

B

Authorities inspect a vehicle at a checkpoint in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, the border between Davao Region and Agusan del Sur. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said local government units should

not restrict the movement of vehicles within Davao Region under the general community quarantine (GCQ). Edge Davao

Substantial, targeted spending to lift economy, address deficit

S

ubstantial and targeted spending are expected to help in the Philippine economy’s recovery and address the increase in budget deficit, an economist said.

In a report, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said these can also translate to a faster pickup in the gross domestic product (GDP), which would help limit the widening of the budget deficit to GDP ratio, as growth outpaces the increase in spending, Mapa said the big jump in the govern-

ment’s budget gap last April is expected, given the requirements for the government’s program to address the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Cash outlays, subsidies, and expenditures related to healthcare needs, he said, “pushed spending to bloat and we hope (the) government con-

Truck body assembler makes ‘anti-Covid divider’ for PUVs

C

entro Manufacturing Corp., a truck body builder, is now producing dividers for public utility vehicles (PUVs) to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in public transportation.

In a statement Wednesday, Centro said interested PUV drivers and operators can install their “anti-Covid-19 dividers” at Centro production facilities in Cavite, Novaliches, and Marilao, Bulacan.

The dividers can

also be retrofitted on existing UV or PUV as it does not need any drilling and only uses clamps.

“The divider material is non-permeable, transparent plastic and the dividers are installed conforming to physical distancing.

They may be installed one seat apart or even at less than one meter apart,” Centro sales manager Vic Belisario said.

As the government eases restrictions for lockdown, PUVs are now al?TRUCK, P10

tinues to throw a lifeline to the now anemic economy until it can get back on its feet”.

“The battle cry now for the government should be ‘whatever it takes’ with the authorities resisting to enter austerity mode to ensure that the economic hardship is minimized so that we can get the economy back in form at the soonest,” he added.

On Wednesday, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) reported that the budget deficit last April reached PHP273.9 billion, a turn-around of 415.27 percent compared to

the PHP86.9-billion surplus in the same period last year.

Revenues totaled to PHP187.8 billion, 39.17 percent lower than the PHP308.7 billion in April 2019.

Of the total, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected PHP90.5 billion, 61.56 percent lower than the PHP235.5 billion in the same period last year.

The BTr attributed lower revenues to the delay in the collection of the income tax return (ITR) and other taxes after an enhanced community ?SUBSTANTIAL, P10

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno remains optimistic about the growth of remittances this year despite the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) due to the pandemic.

In a virtual roundtable at Lido Wednesday, Diokno said the slower inflows of remittances last February is understandable given the impact of the pandemic.

He said inflows from Filipino workers overseas posted steady growth for years now, and has been a key growth driver for consumption expenditures.

Diokno added remittance inflows could contract this year because some OFWs lost their jobs due to economic disruptions in host countries, but he discounts the possibility of a contraction, which the World Bank (WB) projects could be 20 percent globally this year and 13 percent for the Asia Pacific.

“It is important to point out that crisis or no crises, Filipinos abroad continue to send remittances to their families at home.

It would appear that OFW remittances have an altruistic character. Furthermore, the adverse impact of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) on remittances may be temporary,” he said.

BSP data show that cash remittances last

February grew by 2.5 percent year-on-year to USD5.566 billion over year-ago’s USD2.3 billion.

In the first two months this year, cash remittances went up by 4.6 percent, slower than the 6.6 percent in the previous month, to USD5.006 billion.

Remittances, which accounts for about 9 percent of the economy’s annual output, are targeted to expand by 2 percent this year, a downward revision from the 3-percent target earlier.

Diokno said the impact of the drop of remittance inflows on the economy can be countered by the expected increase of inflows to the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector due to the need for digitalization.

He added that the government’s infrastructure program may be tapped to employ OFWs from the Middle East who are into the construction sector.

Another employment option for workers is the need for contact tracers, which the government will tap to help its Covid-19 response.

Diokno said that while there are sectors that will be hurt by the crisis, opportunities also abound like the need for more medical workers and digitally-knowledgeable individuals.

“The world is really globalizing and, I think, ?DIOKNO, P10

DIVIDERS. ‘Anti-Covid-19 dividers’ for public utility vehicles are now produced by local truck body assembler Centro Manufacturing Corp.

The dividers only use clamps that can be easily attached to PUVs. (Photo courtesy of Centro)

6 VANTAGE VANTAGE EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE FRIDAY, MAY 29, VOL.13 ISSUE41 10•• FRIDAY, MARCH 20,2020 2020

ON THE STATEMENT BY PASAKA THAT NOT ONE OF THEM WAS ABLE TO GO OUTSIDE OF THE UCCP-HARAN COMPOUND DURING THE ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT GIVEN FOOD AND MEDICINE PASS BY THE CITY GOVERNMENT:

“

WALA MO KAGAWAS SIR? KINSA MAN DIAY TONG NIGAWAS GIKAN DINHA SA INYO UG NIPALIT UG BUGAS DIDTO SA BANKEROHAN? NGA GIKAN MAN TO NIGAWAS DINHA SA INYONG GATE. PILA KA BUGAS? FIVE SACKS. SUKAD SA PAGSUGOD, FIVE SACKS LANG JUD INTAWON INYONG NAPALIT NA BUGAS PARA SA INYUHANG GITAGUAN DINHA SA SULOD SA UCCP-HARAN.

EDITORIAL

MAYOR SARA Be significant DUTERTE-CARPIO

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

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

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

despite the order.

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

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

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

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

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

CHASING DREAMS I never thought it would happen.

When I was still a kid, I dreamed of becoming an illustrator and storyteller. I used to sketch a lot of things. I also loved to tell stories crafted from my own imaginations to my friends and siblings.

But I lived in a province (I still do) far, far away from Metro Manila, where the action is. So, I decided to follow my second choice: writing. I “discovered” this talent when my high school Pilipino teacher urged me to join an essay writing contest.

Although I didn’t win in the contest, it served as an impetus for a future career.

It was an arduous task. To gather information, I had to go to our library, reading books, newspapers and magazines like Reader’s Digest (not knowing that in the future I would be writing for this publication). To write my pieces, I had to borrow a typewriter from a neighbor from time to time.

There were instances where I had to scribble my write-ups so that by the time I could borrow a typewriter, I can immediately type them and send it to Manila by snail mail (electronic mail is unheard of in those days). Sensing that I really needed my own typewriter, my mother – without telling me – bought a second-hand typewriter for me.

My mother saw my knack for writing – and was so proud of it. In fact, she bought five copies of Mod magazine when my very first feature, “Children Tell What Doctors Do,” was published.

Since then, my articles and features also appeared in Woman’s Home Companion, Focus Philippines, Express Week, Woman Today, Mr. & Ms., Philippine Free Press, and Philippines Graphic.

Amidst the deadly threat of the Wuhan virus hanging over our heads – and the continuing warnings from the World Health Organization - Filipinos should not forget that there are ONLY three fundamental issues that seriously affect our lives right now.

One, is the economy. Next is public health condition.

Third is education (or schooling in the jargon of the ordinary citizen).

By May 31, the lockdown period is already two and a half months old.

(The US, if you have observed, is forced to open up its economy because if it remains closed due to the lockdown directive from WHO, the Americans would resort to looting in order to survive. This is a scenario that usually occurs when people are going hungry and there are no means to earn their living.)

In a democratic republican state set-up like ours, Congress remains THE vital cog in assuring that the citizens are able to essentially maintain normal lives by enacting much-needed legislation to meet the challenges that confront the entire nation.

Per reports that this corner is receiving, around ONE MILLION will lose their jobs as the ECQ is being gradually upgraded to GCQ. This includes the reported homecoming of some 300,000 OFWs from different parts of the globe grossly af-

Dreams are actually the starting point of an ambition.

They offer some of the things we can pursue in life. You don’t go to bed and sleep to literally make your dreams become a reality. You have to do something about them or else you will wake up one day that those dreams are gone into oblivion. “Don’t give up on your dreams, or your dreams will give up on you,” John Wooden once said.

When you dream, don’t set-

received several awards and recognitions for his work and some people are telling him that he is lucky.

“No, I am not lucky,” the boyish-looking lawyer who grew up in Davao Oriental clarifies. “I work hard to reach my dreams.”

When he was still a high school student, he was one of the four students in the province who qualified for the National School Press Conference (NSPC) in Baguio City. “We were asked

All in all, he was able to raise the much-needed P6,000 (to include his allowance) and successfully attended the NSPC. But it was not the end of his struggles.

“Graduating top 4 in high school and be told by my parents on graduation day that I can’t go to college was devastating,” Atty. Caraquel said. “Unknown to them, I applied for all scholarships available to me and passed all of them. I waited and

tle for less. After all, there is no fee to dream. Aim high, dream for bigger things in life. Challenge yourself, do the impossible task, and beat the unbeatable foe. “Dream the impossible,” Elijah Wood pointed out, “because dreams do come true.”

But it’s not enough to follow your dreams, as some people urge. Instead, chase your dreams. That’s the unsolicited advice of Atty. Nicholas Caraquel, an immigration lawyer now based in New York. He has

to raise P5,000 for our trip,” he recalled. “The other three students were financially ready three weeks before the trip.”

His parents (his father was a barber while his mother was a dressmaker) couldn’t afford it. “So, I solicited from our local politicians but they said there was ‘no funds.’ So, I solicited from our local businesses. P5, P10, etc. came a long way but it wasn’t enough. I wrote a letter to our congressman and luckily, I received P1,000.”

was lucky to be chosen as the lone state scholarship awardee for Region XI – my ticket to my industrial engineering degree in Ateneo de Davao University.”

How he became a lawyer and ended up an immigration lawyer in New York is another interesting story. Perhaps that’s for another feature. What we want to point out here is that you don’t stop in chasing your dreams when the world says, “No!” It is only in the dictionary

fected by the Wuhan pandemic but most notably from the countries in the Middle East and Africa.

How is Congress moving to even equalize this frightful dilemma?

there is no need for a crocodile assembly to assist the Chief Executive. Oh, pardon me for using such a derogatory description but it could not be helped as it arises out of exasperation.

CONGRESS IS NOT DOING

rectives, despite the risks because the country will collapse like a deck of cards if the leadership is scared stiff. That we will have to pay the price is not even up for discussion because the circumstances call for posi-

Today, the HOR (House of Representatives) is more concerned about granting ABS CBN its private franchise to operate its radio and TV facilities, instead of focusing on essential needs of the nation.

Anywhere in the democratic world, the President can only be effective if Congress cooperates and lends him a hand in laying out an effective and implementable program. If we were in a dictatorship, then

ITS JOB, RIGHT? Unlike our neighbor Singapore which has reached First World status, we are still groping in the dark to get out of the Third World mire we are in.

And yet, our Congress – both the Lower and Upper Chambers – is too slow in proactively responding to the pressures and stresses of the times.

We need to open up our economy despite the WHO di-

tive action.

Majority of the senators – thirteen of them I recall – have called for DOH Sec. Duque’s head to roll but the President has so far ignored that. Duque is seen to be inconsequential in the scheme of things as there are no aggressive clear cut protocols except for a few reactionary responses and its piggyback ride on WHO decisions and directives.

This is not to mention the

3 VITAL NATIONAL CONCERNS

where success comes first before work. Allow me to share this anecdote lifted from Frank Mihalic’s 1000 Stories You Can Use: Many years ago, there lived a very old man in North China.

His house faced South and right in front of his door stood the two gigantic peaks of Taihung and Wangwu. They blocked his way to the south. So, he sat down with his sons and made a solemn promise and then got out his hoe. They made up their minds to hack away those two mountains.

A neighbor saw them set to work and shook his head. “How stupid can one get?” he told the father. “It’s absolutely impossible for you to carry away these might mountains.”

The old man smiled and replied, “Well, when I die, my sons will carry on the work. When they die, my grandsons will continue what I have started. Yes, the mountains are high but they won’t get any higher. But our strength can still grow. With every bit of soil that we carry away, we come closer to our goal. It is better to do something, than just sit around and complain that those mountains keep out the sunlight.”

And with complete conviction, the old man kept on digging. God saw what he was doing. He was moved to send two of His messengers to earth.

They lifted the two mountains onto their shoulders and carried them off.

The Bible states, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). This must be the reason why French novelist (1957 Nobel Prize for Literature) Albert Camus commented, “We turn toward God only to obtain the impossible.”

procurement of overpriced health and medical equipment items raised against DOH. There is not even a well-explained rationale for rejecting the Fabunan Anti-Viral Injection which the proponents say has been proven effective against viral infections.

We are in a stalemate, a chess lingo that whatever you do, the result of our actions is a conclusive draw or status quo.

Nobody wins, nobody loses.

Schools will open on August 24 using mixed teaching tools like radio, TV and the internet to avoid the physical inter-mingling of pupils and students and thus faithfully observe social distancing as required by health protocols.

This, despite the pronouncement of PRRD that without the vaccine, there should be no classes.

Of course, Dep-Ed think tanks already realized this beforehand and are rolling out a well-prepared lay-out to ensure pupils and students are protected from getting physically infected by the contagion.

In conclusion, I think the Executive Department should send a strong and clear message to HOR Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano and Senate Pres.

Tito Sotto to stop the circus in their respective turfs.

The nation – the country and 110 million Filipinos – is already in deep, deep shit. ###(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 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.

9 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

Malnutrition significance heightens during the pandemic

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“T

here is a real risk that, as nations strive to control the virus, the gains they have made in reducing hunger and malnutrition will be lost.”

– Dr. David Nabarro, special representative of the United Nations secretary general for food security The 2020 Global Nutrition Report has just been released and it’s still not rosy. New analysis shows that global and national patterns hide significant inequalities within countries and populations, with the most vulnerable groups being most affected.

This year’s leading report on the state of global nutrition – which sheds light on where progress has been made and where challenges remain – examines the critical role of addressing inequity to end malnutrition in all its forms.

“Inequity is a cause of malnutrition – both undernutrition and overweight, obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases,” the report said, adding that inequities in food and health systems exacerbate inequalities in nutrition outcomes that in turn can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.

One in nine people are hungry, the report found. That’s 820 million people worldwide.

Another alarming fact is that one in three people is overweight or obese.

In addition, an increasing number of countries have the “double burden” of malnutrition, obesity, and other diet-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Although the report

was written before the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it has a “heightened significance” in the face of this new global threat. “The need for more equitable, resilient and sustainable food and health systems has never been more urgent,” emphasized Dr. David Nabarro, special representative of the United Nations secretary general for food security.

Health experts are very alarmed with this development. “Malnutrition is a threat multiplier,” Dr. Cynthia Rozenzweig, author of the food security chapter in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s report on land and climate change, told Guardian. “I think it has been ignored that people who are malnourished are likely to have lower immune systems.”

Dr. Venkatesh Mannar, a special adviser on nutrition to the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition, also deplored: “Poor diet and malnutrition is not a matter of personal choice.

Most people are not able to do this because of inequality of food systems.

They not have access to a range of healthy food.

The interface between the food supply chain and consumer is inequitable.”

Dr. Mannar urged the international community

to look at malnutrition alone but instead tackle it along with the COVID-19 pandemic. “The crisis has highlighted the need to look at malnutrition in all its forms seriously, and we believe it can be done in tandem with tackling the pandemic,” the nutrition specialist suggested.

The global nutrition report subscribed to the idea. In fact, it has also released an annex to the report in the context of COVID-19, at it does not treat people equally.

“Undernourished people have weaker immune systems, and may be at greater risk of severe illness due to the virus,” it said. “At the same time, poor metabolic health, including obesity and diabetes, is strongly linked to worse COVID-19 out-

comes, including risk of hospitalization and death.”

Good nutrition, health experts believe, is an essential part of a person’s defense against COVID-19. “Nutritional resilience is a key element of a society’s readiness to combat the threat,” the report stated.

The current pandemic has exposed the world’s vulnerability and weaknesses of its already fragile food systems.

“COVID-19 has tested our food systems, already stressed by increasing climate extremes,” the report said. “Containing the virus has caused food and nutrition shortages and driven governments to reduce social services, such as school nutrition programs, that the most

marginalized rely upon.

“In the context of food and nutrition shortages, accessibility and affordability of healthy, sustainably produced food becomes even more challenging,” it further stated.

“Access to staple food distribution and local food markets is at risk.”

Another reality that the pandemic has shown: COVID-19 exposes deadly healthcare disparities.

As such, the report recommends transformed and strengthened health systems to focus on delivering preventive nutrition and health services and be ready to respond to crises.

“They should also be enhanced to address challenges faced by specific populations, especially older people and those with pre-existing conditions, such as weakened immune systems and poor metabolic health,” the report added.

“They should specifically pay attention to women and children, especially to their nutritional well-being and healthcare.”

The report admitted in the midst of this current pandemic, “even the strongest health systems are struggling with high healthcare costs and a shortage of medical personnel, equipment and facilities.”

The report urges the international community to work together as one citizen of this planet.

“Contributions from all sectors of society are necessary to address our diverse challenges,” it pointed out. “National governments are leading the response, providing strategic direction and ensuring coordinated and aligned programming. Civil society organizations are also key.

“Yet, additional resources will be needed to combat the virus at different levels of these vital systems; this should not come at the expense of essential public health and nutrition actions,” the report added. “Special attention should be paid to supporting women, as they play such a vital role in helping societies everywhere to become COVID-ready.”

As the world tries to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the report urged that it should also not forget to tackle the malnutrition problem.

“As the new COVID-19 reality emerges, it is important to avoid the wholesale displacement of the gains that have been made while managing a new and ever-present threat,” the report reminded. “Looking beyond the present pandemic emergency, there is a need for well-functioning, well-funded and coordinated preventive public health strategies that pay attention to food, nutrition, health and social protection.”

10

EDGEDAVAO

GCQ from 2

VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Emperador Inc. posts P51.6B revenues in '19

ing ang number of cases and according sa doctor mutaas pa na tunogd sa GCQ so impossible ang alak karong panahona,” she said.

Apart from Davao City and Zamboanga City, the following moderate-risk provinces, Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) and Independent Component Cities (ICCs) were also placed under GCQ until June 15, 2020 without prejudice to the declaration of localized enhanced community quarantine in critical areas: for Luzon-Baguio City, Pangasinan, Region 11 (Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya, Quirino, Santiago City); Region III (Au-

rora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Angeles City, Olongapo City); Region IV-A (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Lucena City); and Albay.

For Visayas-Iloilo City, Region VII (Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City).

The following low-risk provinces, HUCs, and ICCs shall be placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) until June 15, 2020, without prejudice to the declaration of localized enhanced community quarantine in critical areas: for Luzon- Cordillera Administrative Region

(CAR) (Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province); Region 1 (Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Dagupan City); Region IV-B (Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Puerto Princesa City); and Region V (Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Legazpi City and Naga City).

For Visayas: Region IV (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bacolod City); Region VIII (Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Southern Leyte, Ormoc City, Tacloban City).

For Mindanao: Region IX (Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Isabela City); Region X (Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City); Region XI (Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental); Region XII Caraga (Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Butuan City); and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Cotabato City.

routes in the three provinces.

LTFRB mandates all public utility buses to be equipped with thermo gun/thermal scanner for temperature check, foot baths and alcohol inside the bus.

Per the guidelines of the general community quarantine (GCQ), buses are only allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Passengers are also required to present their quarantine or working pass with company identification card before they board the bus.

Public utility bus-

es should also strictly abide by the requisites and guidelines set by the LTFRB as stated in the Office Circular No. 2020-013A including the use of special permits and must stritcly follow the “one bus per route per day”.

As part of the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, new guidelines and policies released by the province will be implemented which include the strengthening of health screening measures at all provincial borders entry points and terminals in the province of Davao Orien-

tal.

quarantine (ECQ) was implemented in the whole of Luzon from March 17 until May 12.

Other areas around the country followed with different levels of quarantine.

A modified ECQ is in effect until May 31 for Metro Manila, pending authorities’ decision on whether to loosen this or not while most areas around the country are now on general community quarantine.

The quarantine was put in place to

lessen people’s movement and prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Meanwhile, collections by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) last April declined by 33.38 percent to PHP34.4 billion from year-ago’s PHP51.7 billion.

Expenditures for the month surged to PHP461.7 billion, 108.14 percent higher than the PHP221.8 billion in the same period in 2019.

In the first four

months this year, revenues totaled to PHP963 billion, 3.36 percent lower than the PHP996.4 billion in the same period in end-April 2019.

Expenditures rose by 31.12 percent to PHP1.310 trillion over the PHP999.8 billion last year.

This resulted in over 10,000-percent jump of the budget deficit to PHP347.9 billion from PHP3.4-billion budget gap in the same period last year.

The pandemic has

Passengers are allowed to board the PUBs only at terminals. Operators have also been informed that buses are not allowed to drop off and pick up passengers along the highway and that operation hours is set to run from 9:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon from Monday to Friday only.

All public utility vehicles should also utilize a manifest form. All passengers including the driver from 3 and conductor shall Unit (LGU). be reflected in the “Wala mo kagawas manifest form. (CIO sir? Kinsa man diay MATI) tong nigawas gikan dinha sa inyo ug nipalit ug bugas didto sa Bankerohan? Nga resulted in a 0.2-per- gikan man to nigawas cent contraction of dinha sa inyong gate. the domestic economy, as measured by from 4 gross domestic product (GDP), in the first customers na, pero quarter this year, the wala pa rin. Kasi baka first negative growth yung iba may fear that since the fourth quar- they might be infected ter of 1998. at baka makaka-halu“Prevention is al- bilo sila sa mga taong ways better than cure, asymptomatic,” she and the cost of pre- said. venting an economy “When it comes to from freefalling at the recovery it is still difonset will be less than ficult to answer at this digging the Philippines time because even the out from an all-out government cannot economic depression,” Mapa added. (PNA)

lowed to operate but in reduced capacity to observe physical distancing.

“As the pandemic situation improves and more and more UVs and PUVs are al-

lowed to operate, we see the need for these UVs and PUVs to have dividers. This makes them perfect as the vehicle solution to mass transport and the shuttle require-

DAVAO from 2

SUBSTANTIAL from 5

TRUCK from 5

This is to ensure that all individuals coming in from areas with local transmission and confirmed cases of COVID-19 are properly screened.

Under Executive Order. 25 released on May 27 but will take effect only starting June 1, included in the policy is the strict implementation of the “No Embarkation Form, No Entry Policy”.

All passengers coming in the province must fill out the said form. The forms are downloadable in all media platforms.

E

mperador Inc., the world’s largest brandy company, registered revenues of PHP51.6 billion in 2019, up 10 percent compared to the previous year.

Recurring net profit to the parent company also went up by 5 percent to PHP7 billion.

In a statement Wednesday, Emperador Inc. president Winston Co said “last year’s stellar performance is a continued testament to our premiumization and globalization strategy for our renowned brandy and whisky products ranging from mainstream to luxury sold in over 100 countries.”

The company said it was another “excellent year” for the Scotch whisky segment with the business again growing in every major region of the world.

Asia remained a strong driver of

SARA

BUSINESS

DIOKNO from 5

because of our advantage, demographic adments of offices and Covid-19 pandemic. vantage, we can develfactories,” Belisario “We intend to pro- op our people,” he said, said. tect our intellectual adding that the mediHe added these property rights over an age of Filipinos is 25 dividers will help en- this innovative prod- years old. sure the safety and uct so we will have it Diokno said most health of the commut- patented,” he added. of these people are ing public amid the (PNA) tech-savvy, which is

growth supported by great results across Europe and North America, it said.

Emperador said 2019 for the brandy business was also a year of accolades garnering 27 awards, adding Fundador brandy continued to expand around the world especially in the United Kingdom and Asia.

For local brandy, Co said “Emperador brandy remained at the helm of local liquor across the country particularly in key metro cities, while we strategically engaged in product innovations in response to the ever-changing consumer taste and preference.”

Publicly listed Emperador Inc. owns Emperador Distillers, Inc., Scotch whisky maker Whyte and Mackay Group, and Bodegas Fundador in Spain.

(PR)

Pila ka bugas? Five sacks. Sukad sa pagsugod, five sacks lang jud intawon inyong napalit na bugas para sa inyuhang gitaguan dinha sa sulod sa UCCP-Haran,” she said.

By Maya M. Padillo tell when all the situation is going to be normalized. We did not expect that it would take this long. Akala ko one week, two weeks.

Pero nag-one month na, after one month, two months na. Wala pa talaga. Wala mi naka-prepare sa among fallback,” she said. highly needed around the world.

“Isn’t that nice that the quality of our exports will increase?

And we will, as a result, will continue to benefit from overseas Filipino remittances,” he added. (PNA)

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

A sound mind and body for the future leaders of this nation

By WILLIAM “BUTCH” RAMIREZ, PSC CHAIRMAN

Editor's Note: The following is the full text of the position paper of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez to retain the inclusion of Physical Education (PE) in the curriculum of the national education system.

M

ENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO A sound mind in a sound body. These words hang in big, bold letters in the Philippine Sports Commission’s gymnasium, reminding everyone how the two are inevitably intertwined. A healthy mind recognizes the benefits of a sound body. A sound body, supports and makes possible a sound mind. A reciprocal and complementary process that produces a well-rounded, healthy human being.

And therein anchored is my belief that Physical Education is important to the holistic education of our children. Its importance is such that I believe it should be a

anxiety and depression.

A 2008 study published by trusted medical journal The Lancet claims that physical inactivity is as bad as smoking.

alongside food, shelter and education. Article 31 of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of a Child mentions right to play as one of the fundamental rights

“core subject”.

Leading and credible medical authorities and journals agree on this fact, that the lack of physical activity is a major risk factor in chronic diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that “physical activity contributes to normal growth and development, reduces the risk of several chronic diseases, and helps people function better throughout the day and sleep better at night. Even short bouts of physical activity can improve health and wellness.”

The Johns Hopkins Medical website also informs that lack of physical activity can add to feelings of

There are so many credible studies which gives us a picture of where physical activity stand in the whole scheme of having a healthy citizenry, and yet we are now at the crossroads of choosing whether to heed it or ignore these altogether.

As the privilege of leading the government’s agency on amateur sports rests on my 70-year old shoulders, I put forward a voice that highlights the importance of physical activity, movement or PE in the holistic growth of our children. Physical Education is a vital part of their well-rounded education.

It is a fundamental right of the youth,

of a child. Play and movement helps children develop better mentally, physically, emotionally and academically.

If we love our children and value the quality of their future, then we must also recognize that PE is an important part of their education. It is so important that it is part of our constitution and is one of the major moving forces behind Republic Act 6847.

The most basic forms of physical activities such as walking, running and jumping require very little to engage in. Let us not use “lack of resources” as a reason to minimize the importance of physical

activity in the life of our children or the positive impact of PE in their education.

PE should be made a core subject. The Sports strand should become as practical

ductive citizenry, and more hope for a better country • If PE is a major part of education, then transformation of a child is possible. The push of “enlightened education” recognizes the holistic development of a child, leaving not one aspect of humanity in consideration of a few.

• Science has proven that exercise/play/movement are the best forms of therapy for many diseases. A good consideration especially in this time of COVID-19 • W h e n a person moves the neurotransmitters are activated and iman option as STEM, proves the brain HUMMS GAS and • W e ABM. Why? lessen financial com • If we promise since healthy have a robust and people do not put healthy youth, we additional economic will have a more pro- strain on the nation,

as we are seeing now • Studies have shown the direct correlation of physical activity to good bodily health, a more alert brain, a better deposition which helps to them be more receptive to learning Each child must become PE-literate.

If all the reasons above fail to convince us that we must recognize the importance of PE and push for more integration of it in the country’s education system then let us just consider one fact --our children are the future of this country.

The nation’s decision makers must make PE part of its priorities and get a head-start in preparing our future leaders become strong, wise men and women who shall steer the course of an equally strong and secure Philippines.

A sound body, supports and makes possible a sound mind. A reciprocal and complementary process that produces a well-rounded, healthy human being.

PE STAYS

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.13 ISSUE 41 • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

PSC and DepEd decide to keep PE in school curriculum P hilippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez received positive feedback from Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones on his endorsement to retain the inclusion of physical education in the curriculum of our national education system.

A basketball-specific risk assessment tool has also been produced in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

FIBA’s guidelines are primarily for national federations that are seeking direction and advice on the restart of basketball activities and competitions.

Virtually all sporting events worldwide have been halted since March due to the pandemic.

The guidelines and risk assessment

tool will serve as a checklist to ensure any decisions on basketball events are based on an assessment of risks and the best chance of a successful restart.

FIBA stressed that their guidelines are “not intended to replace the guidance and restrictions of governments and public health authorities.”

“This set of guidelines will be very beneficial for the basketball community in their return to our game,”

said FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis. “We all miss our sport being played and as the situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, FIBA remains committed to providing guidance for a safe environment for the ‘Return to Basketball’.”

The guidelines have been developed

by FIBA Medical Commission chairman, Dr. Peter Harcourt of Australia, following his consultation with the FIBA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group (MAG), and also both the FIBA Medical and Players Commissions.

“I have witnessed that FIBA has been working tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of national federations, players, officials and other partners,” Harcourt said.

“Rest assured that our Medical Commission will keep working and collaborating closely with WHO and will endeavor to assist FIBA to safeguard the basketball community from the current pandemic crisis based on the scientific knowledge.”

The entire document, in English, is

available here.

Among the general guidelines by FIBA is a “phased approach” to the restart process.

It also stressed that the national federations must follow the guidance and the lifting of restrictions by their governments and public health authorities.

“Above all, the planning group

should be aware that at any stage, the restart-up may be required to stop, due to emerging COVID-19 infection issues in sport, venue or wider community,” FIBA said. “A clear understanding of the circumstance for a suspension of basketball needs to be considered and prepared for.”