Edge Davao Volume 13 issue 11 | Saturday, March 21,2020

UNCERTAINTY DAWNS OVER FLOYD, MANNY INDULGE A1

VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

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A city government of Davao employee distributes face masks to motorists and to the riding public along R. Castillo Street in Davao City on Friday. Fliers have also been distributed to remind the general public to stay at home, observe social distancing, and to frequently wash hands with soap and water to stop the spread of the deadly Covid-19. Lean Daval Jr

FOOD RATION A city government of Davao employee distributes face masks to motorists and to the riding public along R. Castillo Street in Davao City on Friday. Fliers have also been distributed to remind the general public to stay at home, observe social distancing, and to frequently wash hands with soap and water to stop the spread of the deadly Covid-19. Lean Daval Jr

City to distribute food packs starting next week

By MAYA M. PADILLO he city government of Davao will start distributing ration cards for the distribution of food packs to every barangay in Davao City starting next week while the city is under community quarantine due to the new coronavirus (Covid-19).

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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a live interview on government-run Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 that the City Social Welfare and Development Of�ice (CSWDO) are now preparing the cards and identifying quali�ied recipients of the

ration cards.

She added that quali�ied recipients of the cards are indigents and affected families who will feel the economic impact of COVID-19.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with the officials of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Thursday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Low occupancy forces hotels, resorts to close temporarily T

Gov’t clueless on location of Pinoy participants to tabligh in Malaysia

By MAYA M. PADILLO remier hotels and resorts in Davao Region have decided temporarily cease operations due to low occupancy as the coronavirus impact spread through the hospitality sector.

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The hotels and resorts that have opted to temporarily shut down are Eden Nature Park and Resort, Citistar Hotel Santo Tomas, Panorama Summit Hotel, In�inity Suites, The Lanang Suites, The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases, Club Samal Resort, Hotel Esse, Hotel Tropika, Apo View Hotel, Big 8 Corporate Hotel Tagum, YKG Hotel Mati, Star Hotel, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Go Hotels Lanang, Acacia Hotel Davao, and Camp Holi-

day Resort Samal.

Davao Hotels/Resorts Sales and Marketing Association (HRSMA) Inc. president Jennifer Ricardo-Romero told Edge Davao these hotels decided to close temporarily due to the current very low occupancy rate and to save operational costs.

The tourism industry particularly the hospitality sector in the region is greatly affected as numerous conferences and conventions were cancelled

due to the coronavirus scare.

What makes the situation even more dif�icult for the hotels and resorts is the recent declaration of the region-wide lockdown in Davao Region for 14 days and the suspension of at least 21 domestic �lights and four international �lights �lying out of the Davao International Airport (DIA) to contain the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19.

Romero said more hotels and resorts are expected to close if the crisis will continue and the ban will be extended.

The YKG Hotel management and staff posted that the decision to temporarily stop accepting res-

he Department of Health (DOH) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) con�irmed late Thursday afternoon the death of a patient under investigation (PUI) from Sultan Kudarat province while still awaiting test results for the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Arjohn Gangoso, DOH12 health education and promotions of�icer, said in a statement the 87-yearold male patient died last March 14 in a hospital in Sultan Kudarat after manifesting severe symptoms of

the disease.

Gangoso said the PUI, who did not have any history of travel outside the province, experienced cough, fever, and dif�iculty of breathing last March 12 and admitted to a local hospital the following day.

“The patient died with a �inal diagnosis of acute respiratory failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, on top of community-acquired pneumonia,” he said.

The case was the �irst-ever suspected Covid-19 death reported in

Soccsksargen.

DOH-12 Director Aristides Tan said contact tracing activities are ongoing and the family of the deceased PUI is being monitored for possible infection.

He said they were closely coordinating the local government of Sultan Kudarat, through the rural health unit, to track down other possible cases.

Based on the situation report released Thursday afternoon by the epidemiology and surveillance unit of DOH-12, a total of 738

ervations is a precautionary measure to COVID-19 and in compliance with the government’s advisory.

The Citistar Hotel Sto. Tomas decided to temporarily stop its operation from March 16 to April 20 as it value the health of their guests, staff, and families.

In light of the COVID-19 emergency, The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases likewise took precautionary measure of temporarily shutting down the hotel operations starting from Mar. 18 until further notice to ensure the safety of the guests and employees. The Oases restaurant and pool side are still open

persons under monitoring (PUM) are currently undergoing the 14-day mandatory home quarantine.

It said 199 PUMs have already completed the observation protocol since Jan. 29 without manifesting any sign and symptom of Covid-19.

Some 278 PUMs being quarantined in South Cotabato, 195 in Sarangani, 181 in this city, 58 in Sulan Kudarat, 22 in Cotabato City, and four in North Cotabato.

Likewise, there are 21

LOW, P9

he Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) admitted Wednesday they have dif�iculty locating the Filipino participants to a tabligh ijitimak, a religious gathering, in Malaysia where several attendees were reportedly infected by the novel coronavirus disease or Covid-19.

“Most of them would not want to admit that they went to Malaysia because they fear that if they identify themselves, they would suffer social stigma,” BARMM Health Minister Safrullah Dipatuan said in Filipino during a press brie�ing here.

Dipatuan warned their refusal to declare their travel history and submit to anti-Covid-19 measures could bring more harm to their loved ones and their communities.

A total of 215 Filipino Muslims attended the tabligh at the Jamek Sri Petaling mosque near Kuala Lumpur, 115 from Lanao del Sur including Marawi City, and 100 from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and other parts of the country.

Two of the Filipino Muslims who attended the gathering were found positive of Covid-19. One of them died in Marawi on Tuesday.

Three others were classi�ied as Persons Under Investigation (PUI).

On Thursday, Malaymail reported that 513 Malaysians who attended the gathering tested positive of the virus.

“Out of the 4,986 samples taken from the 10,553 checked so far, 513 of the tabligh participants tested positive for Covid-19, 2,559 tested negative, while the test results for

GOV’T, P9

temporarily suspends all DOH-Region 12 confirms death of Covid-19 PUI in Soccsksargen BARMM congregational prayers due to virus

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DOH, P9

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he Darul Iftah’ (Islamic advisory council) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has temporarily suspended all congregational prayers in the region due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

BARMM Grand Mufti Abuhuraira Udasan, in an announcement on Thursday, said the suspension will run from March 19 until April 10.

“The Covid-19 rapid spread made the Bangsam-

oro Darul-Iftah decide to call for the suspension of all the congregational prayers, this is to protect our people from the deadly virus," Udasan said.

Udasan said the suspension also includes the regular Friday congregational prayers in all small and big mosques in the region.

“I would like to emphasize that this is temporary, we will observe the situation after three weeks and if there is progress, we can

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VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Eastmincom activates TF COVID 19 to protect NSFA

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midst the country’s �ight against COVID-19 primarily through medical and military thrusts, MGen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has activated on Thursday, the Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA) Task Force Against COVID-19 and approved a directive to prevent the virus from spreading here.

The directive serves as guidelines to protect the Camp and its personnel from being contaminated by the virus, which could affect the Command’s full operations and other units herein .

Some of the preventive

A Davao Auxiliary personnel checks the bag of a pedestrian during the implementation of Davao City’s curfew along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Thursday night. Lean Daval Jr

PRRD directs Luzon LGU execs: Heed quarantine restrictions

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Friday directed all local government units (LGUs) in Luzon to follow the approved Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATFEID) guidelines on the implementation of enhanced community quarantine in the island.

Duterte made the call as he recognized the LGUs’ vital role in the national government’s efforts to arrest the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“I know you have the mandate to deal with emergencies affecting your localities. I was a (former) mayor myself, in case you have forgotten. But this is an emergency of national proportions, and therefore, it is the national government that should call the

shots.

The national governing body in charge of laying down the standards for this quarantine is the IATF or the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease,” Duterte said in his message to the Luzon LGU executives.

Luzon island is under quarantine until April 12 to stop further spread of Covid-19.

Over 5.3 million people

DOLE to start releasing P5K cash aid to affected workers - Bello

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he government's onetime �inancial assistance of P5,000 pesos each for workers unable to work due to the enhanced community quarantine will be released starting this Friday, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Bello said all employees, regardless of employment status are covered by the �inancial assistance, if they are unable to work due to the community quarantine aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.

Asked in the interview when the assistance will be released, he said, "Ang alam ko ngayon na kaagad."

Bu he clari�ied that those who can avail of the P5,000 one-time assistance to affected workers will be based on the payroll list submitted to Department of Labor and Employment

(DOLE) by employers.

Also, Bello reiterated that the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Displaced/ Underprivileged Workers (TUPAD) �inancial assistance program for informal workers is expected to start this Friday.

In the dzzBB interview, Bello said DOLE employees will distribute cleaning solutions and PPEs (personal protective equipment) people in the informal sector to clean and disinfect their homes.

The payment will be based on the minimum wage rate in their area.

This would cover all affected members of the informal sector, including tricycle drivers, taxi drivers, street vendors, and all making a living in the streets who are unable to do their work due to the enhanced community quarantine.

from Luzon are required to stay at home and can only go outside when they need to buy basic necessities.

Those exempted from the restrictions are the military and the police, health workers, media practitioners, and others rendering essential services.

Less complicated Duterte reminded LGUs in Luzon to avoid making the situation “more dif�icult” for the people.

He said LGUs should ensure that their actions are consistent with the national directives so as not to sow confusion among their constituents.

He said going beyond the rules imposed by the national government would only add “more trouble.”

“To all LGUs, let us move forward together

with one accord, implement the lockdowns, and save our people from the dreaded disease, once and for all,” Duterte said.

Duterte acknowledged that the Covid-19 outbreak is already taking a toll on everyone.

“If you go beyond the standards that we have set, you are abusing your authority,” Duterte said.

Duterte said local of�icials should realize that their respective territories are “not separate from a republic or each other.”

“There is only one republic here — the Republic of the Philippines. And therefore, you should abide by the directives of the national government when it sets the directives of the whole for the good of the country and the protocols

PRRD, P9

measures outlined in the guidelines are the limiting or controlling the entry and exit of vehicles through pass cards, personnel, and their dependents inside the camp, checking the temperature of all entering persons and mandatory hand washing before entering, practicing “social distancing,” mobile public reminders on COVID-19 related information, and imposing one entry/exit point inside the camp.

Meanwhile, all units inside the camp are also instructed to screen and monitor all their personnel to identify possible PUMs and be advised to take self-quarantine. (EastMinCom)

Go: Compensate gov’t JO, contractual employees

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enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Thursday echoed the call of his fellow lawmakers for the government to release the compensation of job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers affected by the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine imposed to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“Kawawa naman po ang ating mga job order at contractual workers kung hindi natin tutulungan (It’s pathetic if we cannot help our job order and contractual workers),” Go said.

He said many of the JO and COS employees are in the government service for a long time already and they have not received the bene�its or allowances being enjoyed by the regular employees.

“Wala namang may gusto sa nangyayari ngayon. Kung ang mga empleyado ay kayang swelduhan pa rin, dapat sila din (None of us wanted what is happening now. If we can compensate the regular employees, the JO and COS should also receive (pay),” Go said.

“Sabi ng iba (They said) No work, No pay. Pero ang pangunahing trabaho naman natin lahat ngayon bilang kawani ng gobyerno (But all of us, our main job now as government employees) is to keep our families safe and help stop the spread of the virus. They are doing that and doing their part to help despite not being able to report to work,” he added.

Go said the recommendation was presented during his discussions with fellow senators, particularly Pia Cayetano and Joel Villanueva, who have been continuously pushing for the compensation of JOs and COS amid the Covid-19 crisis.

The compensation, he added, is simply the government’s way of honoring their end of existing job contracts. He also said it is not their fault that most of them could not ful�ill their contract given that all agencies are implementing a skeletal workforce.

“Since under contract naman sila, hindi naman ito dagdag gastos sa gobyerno.

Allocated na yan para sa

GO, P9

Davao City public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers enroll to the Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program of the government at City Transport and Traffic Management Office on Friday. CIO

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

A laborer unloads a tuna from a fishing vessel, at the usual Market Shed 1 of the General Santos City Fish Port Complex. Fish traders at the port noted a decline in the supply of smaller fishes after a fishing ban on known fishing pockets in international seas took effect. Photo by ROMMEL G. REBOLLIDO

GenSan City execs negotiating for regular tuna cargo flight to Manila

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ity of�icials here assured local businessmen negotiations are underway for a regular cargo �light from the tuna capital to Manila to address potential huge losses in the tuna industry.

The travel ban in the entire Luzon and the recent closure of the airport here to commercial �lights as part of anti-Covid-19 measures have drastically affected the tuna �ishing industry, which relies much on air cargo in shipping exports via Manila.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera clari�ied, though, that

his closure order does not include cargo �lights.

South Cotabato and General Santos Rep. Shirlyn Banas Nograles disclosed they are negotiating with higher authorities to address the situation that would adversely affect the tuna industry if left unattended.

She said they are look-

ing into �ielding a regular cargo �light that will bring tuna and other fresh products to Manila.

A local airline employee said it would be costly for an airline company to send an aircraft to fetch cargo from General Santos, without forward cargo or cost-effective load from Manila.

The cargo load must also be at least 11 tons to be cost-effective since there will be no passengers, she explained.

Nograles said the load requirement can easily be complied with because traders here ship out dai-

n economist of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said on Thursday banks need to tap the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) rediscounting facility more to have additional funds to lend to their clients.

This came after the BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) eased key rates, rules on compliance reporting by banks and the calculation of penalties on reserve requirements and single borrowers limits, and cut the term spread of rediscounting loans vis-àvis the overnight lending rate to zero.

In a research note dated

March 19, BPI chief economist Emilio Neri Jr. cited the need for a government stimulus program for sectors affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) global pandemic.

He said for one, the 50 basis points reduction in the central bank’s key policy rates is “the appropriate response on the monetary front.”

The rate cut and the liquidity-boosting measures are targeted to ensure availability of funds amid slower economic activity as an enhanced community quarantine is implemented in Luzon from March 17 until April 12 to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The BSP, in a statement, said the Board noted that “while the enforcement of quarantine measures could help in slowing the spread of the virus, the resulting disruptions to industries and private spending are likely to reduce economic growth in the near term.”

It also said the global pandemic reduced “prospects for the global economy, which could negatively impact tourism and trade, overseas Filipino remittances, and foreign investments.”

It added that there is a need for a “follow-on monetary policy response to address the adverse spillovers associated with the

ly �ive tons of fresh tuna and another �ive tons of shrimps, aside from other exports.

She said Cebu Paci�ic Airlines earlier planned a cargo �light for March 20, but the company reportedly backed out because of inadequate load from Manila.

“We will re-negotiate,” said the congresswoman, who is currently under voluntary home quarantine after a House employee died from Covid-19.

As this developed, the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GSCCCII) ex-

ongoing pandemic.”

With the reduction in interest rates and availability of funds bank, Neri said “most banks may need increased access to the BSP's rediscounting facility. And, in turn, keep credit lines open for their clients.”

He, however, said these measures “have to be complemented by a massive �iscal stimulus that will target key sectors and industries including health, travel, tourism but most especially the families that depend on daily wages.”

The government earlier announced a PHP27.1 billion stimulus package to help sectors affected by the

pressed full support and cooperation with national and local government agencies in efforts aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement, the group also pointed out the need for government support to ensure that businesses can be sustained.

GSCCCII president Elmer V. Catulpos said the local business sector “is aware of the moral and social obligations we have especially in this extraordinary time, when we need to look into every aspect on how to face the circumstances we are in.”

He said businessmen can adjust and adapt to current circumstances but that “government should also allow us room for sustenance, like coming up with measures that would extend loan moratoriums on businesses, say three months or until the situation shall have normalized, no interest charges and penalties.”

He said they will also ask government to suspend the payment of mortgages and waive interests, charges and penalties for a period of three months or more. (Rommel Rebollido/MindaNews)

Higher rediscounting facility availments needed: economist ANZ Research eyes additional

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HIGHER, P9

easing from BSP to buoy growth

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NZ Research forecasts more easing measures from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in the coming months following the 50 basis points reduction in key rates Thursday, citing the need to ensure growth stability.

In a report dated March 19, the economic and �inancial markets research arm of Melbourne-headquartered Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) said the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) global pandemic is “an imminent threat to growth prospects

both domestically and abroad.”

It said the BSP’s statement regarding the slash in the central bank’s key rates this week, which brought the total, to date, to 75 basis after the 25 basis points reduction last February, “maintains a clear easing bias.”

Aside from the rate reduction, the BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) also cut the rate of its rediscounting facility and eased penalties on required reserve and single borrowers limit.

The report noted the

ANZ, P9

VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

SM City Davao temporarily closes shops except its supermarket, pharmacy, banks and mall inhouse department stores starting Friday until the State of Public Health Emergency is lifted in support of Executive Order No. 16 issued

by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and the goverment's efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. Lean Daval Jr

DTI sets limit in buying T food, non-food products

Groups push for easier payment schemes for certain businesses

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a Memorandum Circular (MC) on Thursday setting a limit in buying food and nonfood products to avoid hoarding and panic buying amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

The MC No. 20-07 also aims to prevent unreasonable price increases in basic goods as well as products intended for health protection such as face masks, medical devices, alcohol, sanitizers, and disinfectants.

Retailers shall limit the selling of the following food products per transaction: • 5 pieces per type per brand for locally produced instant noodles; • 5 cans per type

• 10 small bottles, 8 medium bottles, 5 large bottles, and 2 extra-large bottles of any brand of mineral water

per brand for regular size and 3 cans per type per brand for big size for locally produced canned sardines; • 5 cans per type per brand for small size and 2 cans per type per brand other than small size for canned regular milk; • 2 bundles per brand for powdered milk in sachet; • 2 bundles per brand of instant coffee in sachet; and

For non-food products, consumers can only buy the following per transaction: • 2 pieces for 70 percent solution antiseptic or disinfectant alcohol, regardless of volume; • 2 pieces for hand sanitizer, regardless of size; • 2 pieces for disinfecting liquids, regardless of size; • 5 bars for bath soap if individually sold and 1 pack if sold as pack; • 10 pieces for toilet paper if sold per roll and 1 pack if sold as

tors across �inancial markets assessed the impact of massive central bank stimulus measures.

Brent crude was up 72 cents, or 3%, to $25.60 a barrel by 1225 GMT, after plunging to $24.52 on Wednesday, its lowest level since 2003.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $1.57, or 7.8%, to $21.94

after dropping nearly 25% in the previous session to an 18-year low.

But analysts said gains were likely to be temporary, as tumbling demand was compounded by the collapse this month of a deal between OPEC, Russia and others to curb supply.

Saudi Arabia, de facto leader of OPEC, has since kicked off a price war with

pack; and • 5 pieces for any type of surgical and N95 face masks • Retailers are directed to post notices about the allowed quantity of goods to be sold to customers per transaction, the MC stated.

According to the MC, violators may face penalties “prescribed under relevant ordinances issued by local government units, and if circumstances warrant, charges and penalties under the Price Act and Consumer Act will be applied”.

Under the Price Act, hoarding is punishable with a �ine ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP2 million and imprisonment not less than �ive years but not more than 15 years. (PNA)

Oil up after 3-day plunge but COVID-19 curbs gains

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il prices rose nearly 3% on Thursday after a three-day selloff sparked by the spread of the coronavirus and a market share battle between Saudi Arabia and Russia drove them to their lowest in almost two decades.

Benchmark Brent, which has lost half its value in less than two weeks, got some respite as inves-

Russia as it plans to increase supply to a record high 12.3 million barrels per day (bpd) for months.

The drop in demand, particularly in transportation, is also leading to a rapidly growing glut in re�ined products such as jet fuel and gasoline.

"From April 1, about 4 million bpd could �lood the

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he European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Southern Mindanao Business Council (ECCP-SMBC) is working closely with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industrie Inc. (DCCCII) in pushing for a moratorium on payments for certain businesses.

ECCP-SMBC chair Antonio Peralta told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday that both chambers are advocating for a moratorium on payments for credit facilities provided by banks to businesses, temporary rent-free arrangements for retailers, and extended payment schemes to cushion the impact the 2019 coronavirus disease

(Covid-19).

Peralta said the pandemic has affected the business sector particularly tourism establishments, transport companies, retail, hotel and restaurants, and manufacturing businesses.

The ECCP SMBC also lauded the quick and responsive measures by the Department of Finance (DOF) economic team through its PHP27 billion economic stimulus package.

"This is a timely response that will help mitigate dif�iculties of employers and employees caused by the impact of the outbreak," Peralta said.

He said most of the

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PAL extends full free rebooking for flights to April 30, 2020

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lag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is extending its free rebooking period for �lights booked beyond the end of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon on April 14.

In a statement, PAL said it will extend the “full free rebooking privileges to all passengers who were booked on any �light during the community quarantine period from March 15, and beyond up to April 30.”

“Effective immediately, any applicable fare difference is waived for passengers �lying ON THE SAME cabin class on their

rebooked �light,” the airline said.

The free rebooking and fare difference waiver privileges are also extended to passengers of �lights from outside the March 15 to April 30 period who are prevented from travel due to government-imposed travel bans, quarantines or �light cancellations due to COVID-19, PAL said.

Meanwhile, the �lag carrier said it has continued to operate a number of international �lights in response to urgent public need and the Philippine government's call for an air

PAL, P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

EDITORIAL 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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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 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

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FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

ISRAEL FORGES EMERGENCY COALITION VS COVID 19 As this was being written, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – though beleaguered – has successfully reached out to his outspoken opposition rival Benny Gantz who agreed to form an emergency coalition government to confront the menacing corona virus.

In fact, the Israeli government has set aside 10B NIS (Israel currency) to support a massive intensi�ied war against CoVid 19 which has contaminated hundreds of thousands of victims from more than 100 countries around the world.

Ironically, while other feuding political leaders from elsewhere in the planet have temporarily reached a pact, here in our beloved Pearl of the Orient, the political opposition and their decreasing ilk continue to rant diatribes against the well-entrenched Duterte administration.

Netanyahu asked his countrymen to adapt to a new routine because they are not

going to treat this virus with kid gloves.

In this connection, in the same manner that Duterte has issued a new stricter compliance to community quarantine via the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine), Netanyahu likewise announced that his government will destroy and conquer the socalled invisible foe.

And Israel is doing this amidst external military threats from Arab neighbors Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran not mention their militant proxies that incessantly harass Israel’s peace.

The handshake between Netanyahu and Gantz is commendable and we cannot help but compare our political situation here in the Philippines.

Stubborn as mules, the oppositionists belonging to the Yellow (LPs) Party, continue to �ind fault with the manner the incumbent administration has been handling the CoVid 19 menace.

As far as this corner is con-

cerned, this is not politically correct.

As the 2019 midterm polls showed, the entire eight-man senate slate of Otso Derecho, campaigning on anti-Duterte theme, was completely waylaid with no survivor, including the re-electionist Bam Aquino.

Duterte was very correct.

He stated in his last SONA that the greatest and worst enemy of the Filipinos are themselves.

Pardon me, but I see the Filipino today as a very disobedient, undisciplined and dif�icult animal to deal with.

Here is the government exercising all options to provide him protection and shield from the dreaded infectious disease but this guy keeps playing “hard to get.”

Filipinos are lucky they are living under a democratic set-up.

Why, if Xi Jin Ping and his Chinese Communist Party were to rule them, do you think they’d be brave enough to shout: “This is a violation of my freedom of expression?”

Would they even have the nerve to holler?

I don’t think so.

I have seen raw, unedited �ilm footages taken from smartphones of how the situation in Wuhan and elsewhere is being handled by Chinese authorities.

Those clips showed suspected victims being dragged out of their homes to waiting ambulances and vans; many others were being padlocked from the outside so they couldn’t leave their homes and still others are voluntarily shutting their homes completely while food is being delivered to their doors.

I am sorry to say that Filipinos fail to appreciate the good democratic lifestyle they have been enjoying for many decades of self-rule.

‘Sala sa init, sala sa lamig’, ika nga sa Tagalog.

This is very exasperating, to say the least.

Even if we are constantly haunted and stalked by poverty, misguided government practices, corruption and ille-

gal drugs, no one can say he is not free to say anything he wants under any circumstances and be jailed without due process.

This is what differentiates our lives from our counterparts in countries under autocratic rule.

Israel is showing us how a small country – a sliver of a nation of 6 million people surrounded by hostile neighbors – is able to stave off imminent danger by uniting in time to meet the exigency.

Israel political leaders are burying the hatchet while Filipinos continue to stab each other in the back.

Given these parameters and the current atmosphere, a radical suggestion to resort to a “RevGov” might be the unexplored key to achieving peace, progress and prosperity.

Politics is a poisonous potion but Filipino politicians continue to sip it. ### (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE Even the rich and the famous are not spared from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In Australia, while �ilming a movie, two-time Oscar winning actor Tom Hanks caught SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. His wife, Rita Wilson, also got it. “We have COVID-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else,” he wrote in his Twitter. “There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness.”

In Spain, Francisco Garcia, a youth team football coach at Malaga-based club Atletico Portada Alta, died from COVID-19, having been suffering from a form of leukemia, according to Independent. He was only 21 years old.

In the Philippines, Senator Miguel Zubiri admitted that he was positive for COVID-19 as relayed to him by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. “My heart sank with what he had said but I’m uplifted with the fact that I am asymptomatic and have no fever or cough nor am I weak or have any headaches,” he wrote in his social media account. “My decision to self-quarantine… was the best decision I made and could have protected my family from contamination.”

The Department of Health

has con�irmed about 142 cases with 12 deaths. “Still low,” said President Rodrigo R. Duterte in his live public address last Monday, March 16. “It is a �igure that is rising day by day. Beyond our borders, the whole world has been shaken by the spread of this disease. At �irst, it was China and the East Asian region, which is still in the midst of the crisis we speak. But now… the epicenter has shifted to Europe.”

The Philippines cannot do anything about it either. “We want to do business, we want to make money, we want to move but there is no interaction now and there is no trade to speak of and there are no �lights going out, in, and for you to do business. In other words, if you go there, you are alone and please understand that we are talking to you honestly and in good faith.”

To contain the viral disease from spreading further, Duterte placed the entire country under a State of Public Health Emergency. “And that is why mayors now can go ahead and issue executive orders to make the environment of their municipality more conducive to a healing process,” he said.

On March 11, since most of the cases were reported from Metro Manila, he declared the whole metropolis under “com-

munity quarantine.” But when the �igure of cases continued to increase and so he again placed the entire island of Luzon on March 16 under “enhanced community quarantine” until April 12, “coinciding with the entire end of Holy Week.”

Under an enhanced community quarantine, “strict home quarantine shall be implemented in all households; transportation shall be suspended; provision for food and essential services shall be regulated; and heightened presence of uniformed personnel to enforce quarantine procedure will be implemented.”

The declaration, however, is not what others thought of being a martial law. “Let me be this clear, this is not martial law,” Duterte said. “Under the Constitution, martial law is declared when there is invasion, rebellion or public safety requires it.”

But in this case, there are no such thing. “There is no invasion, no rebellion, and public safety does not – public safety requires it,” the president explained. “At this time, our enemy is COVID-19.”

Earlier, the president said, “Let us make no mistake. We are in the �ight of our lives. We are at war against a vicious and invisible enemy, one that cannot be seen by the naked eye. In

this extraordinary war, we are all soldiers.”

In this war, all Filipinos are soldiers, he said. “Young or adults, man or woman, every Filipino, whatever your status in life, can be considered a solider in this battle,” Duterte pointed out.

Duterte urged Filipinos to “stay at their homes, leaving their houses only to buy food, medicine and other basic necessary for survival in the coming days.” He added that only establishments “that provide these basic necessities and services will be opened.”

In his speech, the president assured the public there is suf�icient food supply. “I have been assured by Ramon Ang himself of San Miguel Corporation and other food conglomerates that there will be suf�icient food.

There will be no hunger in the coming weeks because we have enough supplies,” he said.

Duterte urged everyone to follow the rules and guidelines and respect authorities. “Obey the police and the military,” he said. “Do not quarrel with them and do not start ruckus that would amount to a violation because you will be arrested and brought to prison – disobedience of authority, o baka nagkamali ako, then acts of public disturbance. You can be arrested.

Sumunod na lang akyo at wala

tayong problema.”

As COVID-19 cases and deaths continued to �ile up, there is a need to develop a vaccine immediately. There is a need to “quickly develop an inexpensive and effective vaccine against the COVID-19 virus, and to distribute it very widely, free of charge, with the support of government funds,” Dr. John Scales Avery, who was part of the group that shared the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize.

“With no with certainty that if a vaccine against the COVID-19 virus is not developed quickly and distributed widely, enormous numbers of people will die,” pointed out Dr. Avery, an associate professor emeritus at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Public health experts say that if the COVID-19 pandemic is not successfully contained, it could spread to 80% of the world’s population. “With a 1% mortality rate, this would mean that 70 million people would die of the disease,” surmised Dr. Avery. “With a 2% mortality rate, the total number of deaths would be twice that number: 140 million people.

“Comparable numbers of people have died in the tragic wars and pandemics of the past. There is a serious danger that it might happen again,” warned Dr. Avery. – ###

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AID TO TEAM MEMBERS. Aboitiz team members from various business units nationwide will be receiving several forms of assistance amounting to a total of P900M amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. (File Photo Aboitiz)

Aboitiz allots P900M in support for team members amid COVID-19 crisis

T

he Aboitiz Group has earmarked P900 million in assistance to help its team members cope with the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic following the announcement of a national state of calamity.

This amount covers the early release of the endMarch salary and the 13th or 14th month pay of the Group’s over 11,000 team members across its strategic business units in power, banking and �inancial services, food, infrastructure, and land.

The Aboitiz Group will also cover COVID-19-related medical expenses of any affected team member.

Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Of�icer (CEO) Sabin M. Aboitiz admits there is a lot of anxiety as “during these

trying times, we understand �inancial security is critical for all.” He noted the best way the Aboitiz Group can support the government’s campaign against COVID-19 is to let its team members stay home.

“The COVID-19 pandemic remains at large, and we wish that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy in your homes,” Aboitiz said in a message sent to Aboitiz team members.

Malacañang and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) cited the

virus.

The relay is due to pass many of Japan's most famous landmarks over a

121-day journey, including Mount Fuji, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Kumamoto Castle.

“’Pag nanalo si Donaire at nanalo din ako, maglalaban kami. Walang proble-

ma ‘yan. Kaya ipray natin na manalo si Donaire at manalo ako.”

even when Floyd learned of Josie Harris passing away.

Upon his return, little did he know he’d walk straight into another agony.

UNCERTAINTY Like the vast majority of boxers around the world, Pacquiao will have to wait until the current climate stabilizes fully before arranging bouts.

But his decision not to �ight late in 2019 could now be seen as a slight mistake. Pacquiao turned 41 in December, and on advice from the World Health Organization, may not be allowed back in the ring until he’s approaching 42.

A huge chunk of his later career which the Filipino Senator will never get back.

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CASIMERO... FROM11

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Aboitiz Group as one of the top Philippine conglomerates that have extended bene�its to its employees during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Malacañang thanked the Aboitiz Group and other conglomerates for helping ease the �inancial burden on their workers.

“Given that the Palace considers this current situation as a time for solidarity, it also appreciates most of these companies for stepping up to the challenge through their signi�icant donations to various entities which are at the front of this battle. We can only hope that other businesses will follow suit within their means,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said.

“My sincerest gratitude to the large companies who heeded my appeal to pro-

vide their workers full payment of their salary for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine, without using up their available leaves, advance payment of 13th/14th month pay and other �inancial relief,” DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said.

The Aboitiz Group also provides regular updates to all its team members, especially on quarantine guidelines. Live conversations and frequent messages from the Group CEO assure team members that their welfare is of utmost importance to the company and ensure business continuity amid the COVID-19 crisis.

To safeguard the welfare of its team members, the Aboitiz Group has implemented work-fromhome schemes in Luzon and Visayas. The company will also be providing or paying for adequate

communication access for team members who need it. Online courses that build work-from-home competencies have been rolled out, and a team member donation and management program support for NoWork, No-Pay personnel was also launched.

The company also implemented reduced work hours (in keeping with local curfews where applicable) and provided adequate accommodation, food, and transportation for the skeletal workforce, particularly for its banking and �inancial services units UnionBank and CitySavings, who handle critical functions and have to report to work.

It also ensured new of�ice disinfection procedures have been implemented and personal protective equipment and other viral prevention items are available.

For Aboitiz Construction, project sites still on normal operations observe strict precautionary measures. Workers receive project allowance on top of full eight hour pay (no overtime work). Projects that have stopped operations but still have workers on site who are unable to travel out, will either be hired into another project in close proximity, within the de�ined community lockdown, or provided accommodation (site barracks or temporary staff housing) and food, in accordance with local quarantine measures.

To ensure team members are constantly updated on COVID-19, the Aboitiz Group has launched a microsite where team members can access advisories, guidelines, forms, and frequently-asked questions on COVID-19.

especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. In mainland China, where the virus �irst exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.

The NBA previously banned teams, as part of the coronavirus response, from using public health clubs, �itness centers,

gyms and college facilities. But the league said Thursday that teams are permitted to set players up with training, conditioning or other instructional materials for use at their homes.

Some players have been doing individual workouts at team facilities, on the court or in the weight rooms. Others have gotten creative. Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat recently posted images of a morning workout at his home, and Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers said he’s �inding different ways to keep in some short of shape.

"I'm incredibly blessed to just have some free weights here. I have a versa climber. I have enough

stuff that I won’t take a step back,” Love said Thursday.

“I’ll make sure that I’m maintaining and hopefully keep my wind up and stay strong and just keep that constant tension on my body because it's tough right now. I haven't really left the house much."

The league also reminded teams Thursday that it recommends players remain in their team markets and avoid all non-essential travel, though players — in concert with their team — can choose to go to another city and stay there instead. But players still cannot travel outside of North America; one of the reasons for that is logistical, since it is unclear if players who hypothetically want to return to homes in

Europe would be allowed to �ly back to the U.S. Thursday was the eighth full day of the NBA's shutdown because of the virus. That brings the total of games missed to 57, including the two called off on March 11 — the night that the positive test of Utah Jazz All-Star center Rudy Gobert was revealed and the league announced that it was suspending the season.

“We will navigate these uncharted waters together," Jazz coach Quin Snyder wrote Thursday in an open letter to Utah fans, thanking them for their support.

“Right now, we are all sacri�icing in our own unique ways — for our health and for the greater good — and that is critical."

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EDGEDAVAO WOMEN

THE SPORTY ENGINEER

ANEZKA BIANCA SIGRID “NIKKA” GO defies conventions as she takes on different roles every day. The 29-year-old civil engineer and indoor cycling instructor lives life on high spirits and unwavering strength. She invites women to follow suit—one sprint at a time.

What’s an accomplishment that women should never forget to celebrate?

We live in a world where women are expected to look,

act, dress, talk, etc. in a certain manner. We are restricted from expressing ourselves freely and what we do as individuals are at times invalidated or undermined. But I say that women are strong and break stereotypes on the daily—and our individuality should always be celebrated.

How can women team up to make change in the community?

Being supportive of each other’s passions and causes can automatically create positive energy. This is a simple move that will create change not only

in the community but also in the way women are perceived.

the strong and independent woman I have become.

Why is loving and taking care of your body important?

It is important to love and take good care of your body because health problems can interfere with other aspects of your life.

Poor health habits can also add stress to your life. That is why we have to practice good and healthy habits to live a long and happy life.

What word would you use to describe the modern Filipino woman?

Empowered. Modern Filipino women put on different hats and execute different roles with grace. They have found their voice and power to keep at pace with the modern world but stay true to their traditional values and principles.

Who is your inspiration?

My superwoman is my mom.

She taught me everything I know and she molded me into

What fashion accessory makes you feel confident every day?

I never leave the house without

my watch.

Where do you shop for feelgood looks and outfits?

Uniqlo is my go-to store to shop.

How do you pamper yourself in SM after a long day of work?

Ayumi is my favorite place to get pampered.

Share a favorite memory of you in SM. I have fond memories of SM Mall of Asia—that’s where I experienced ice skating for the first time.

EDGED

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UP AND ABOUT

INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS OF PLDT, SMART, PAYMAYA GET ANVIL NOD

TETRA PAK: PROTECTING WHAT’S GOOD EVERY DAY, billions of liters of water, milk, juice and other liquid foods are consumed. Do you know what goes in the packaging and distribution of the food and drink you give your family?

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

FOR PROGRAMS THAT HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF FILIPINOS all over the world, PLDT, its wireless unit Smart Communications, and mobile money and payments pioneer PayMaya Philippines have been recognized anew at the recently concluded Anvil Awards.

The three companies took home a total of 32 trophies at the 55th Anvil Awards, including the Platinum Award for PLDT’s Gabay Guro. The Platinum Anvil Award is given to the most outstanding PR tool among all the Gold Award winners of the same category.

Gabay Guro is PLDT’s advocacy program which supports and honors teachers through scholarship grants, training, livelihood, housing, and other programs.

Presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the Anvil Awards recognizes excellent PR programs and tools.

The companies received Gold Anvils for the following programs: Gabay Guro Grand Gathering, PLDT Enterprise’s online publication Hot Joe Online, and #VoxNow Talks: An Employee Forum on Cyberbullying for PLDT; Digital Farmers Program, LearnSmart Apps Program: Enhancing Mother Tongue-Based Learning Through Collaboration and Innovation, Safe PH for Smart Millenniors, FindHer online series, and TNT Giga Video 50 Summer Campaign for Smart; and Don’t Pay Cash. PayMaya!

Campaign, #PayMayaPaMore: Giving Filipinos 10 million reasons to pay cashless using PayMaya, and Maya Launch: A fresh take on digital payments for PayMaya.

PRSP also conferred Silver Anvils for the following efforts: PLDT Global’s 12/12 Free Bee Day and 2019 Free Bee “’Nay, ’Yan Ay Pangako,” PLDT At Your Service, The Round Up, and PLDTSmart Omega, and PLDT Enterprise’s Philippine Digital Convention 2019 (Digital Grounds Tour); Smart’s Free Roam Chat, Giga with Video Every Day, LearnSmart Apps: Improving Literacy and Preserving Local Culture through Mother Tongue-based Apps, ONEBoarding: A Digital Onboarding Experience for New Hires, PLDT-Smart Netflix Stranger Things Partnership, Sun Prepaid Para Nimo Cebu, The Good Fiber: PLDT 2018 Sustainability Report, TNT Free YouTube For All, TNT SurfSaya Campaign, and TNT Tropang Ready; and PayMaya’s Make It Count: Finding Purpose In the Everyday, VHub: Creating a Connected Workplace through an Always-On Communications Hub, PayMaya Tara!: Elevating the travel experience of Filipinos through convenient cashless transactions, and PayMaya’s Battle Cry: Make It Count.

The winning programs aim to uplift Filipinos’ lives through education, community preparedness, financial inclusion, improved access to online services, and livelihood opportunities, with the help of technology.

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

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

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

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

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

An aseptic package has been sterilized prior to filling with UHT (Ultra High Temperature) treated food, resulting in a product which is shelf stable for up to

12 months – this process ensures that both food and packaging materials are free of harmful bacteria when food is packaged.

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

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

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

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

reduce fuel use.

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

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

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

According to John Jose, Marketing Director of Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, “Our research in Tetra Pak Index 2019 shows

that the own plan that wha fun The bra and inn con valu mor 43% env mak con Th tain is w cart A valu erag Isla nes cart but the turn roo dur B the aim als i syst Ju of W Day “Fo Rec with Inc imp env pro recy S roll pro com stud ner disp cart them

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t consumers believe they carry responsibility for both their n health and the health of the net. There is a growing belief t today’s lifestyles, particularly at we eat and drink, have a ndamental impact on both. ere is also a strong potential for nds to demonstrate purpose, d bring about environmental novations in packaging, as nsumers increasingly see its ue and are prepared to pay ore for it. Based on our research, % of consumers say that an vironmentally sound package kes them much more likely to nsider a brand.”

The company foresees an atnable sustainable future which why they developed beverage tons to be 100% recyclable.

Aiming to establish a recycling ue chain process for Used Bevge Carton (UBC) in Boracay and, Tetra Pak creates awaress of recyclability of Tetra Pak tons or UBCs through distrition of paper waste bins around area. These UBCs can be ned into recycled paper, even of tiles and chipboards that are rable enough.

By applying the principles of circular economy, Tetra Pak ms to reduce waste, keep materiin use and regenerate natural tems.

Just last year, in celebration World Environmental Health y, the company launched a ood Safety and Beverage Carton cycling Forum” in partnership h the Boracay Foundation, . (BFI) — highlighting the portance of taking care of the vironmental health through the omotion of cartons and UBC ycling.

Since 2002, Tetra Pak has been ling out their Care & Share ogram — an annual interschool mpetition where about 580,000 dents from 212 school partrs are encouraged to properly pose of their used beverage tons for recycling and to drop m off at recycle bins provided Tetra Pak in their schools.

After 15 years of implementing project, the organization has

ENTERTAINMENT

JANELLA, KZ, LEILA AND MORE PINAY ARTISTS SEND OUT COMFORT THRU MUSIC WHAT BETTER WAY TO FEEL A LITTLE RELIEF in these trying times than to listen to music, especially from women whose tunes aim to uplift those who are disheartened.

In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month, here are some of the best music picks from ABS-CBN Music artists to accompany those who will be spending the following weeks in the comfort of their homes:

collected 33 tonnes (2.3 million packs) of empty beverage cartons for recycling from the partner schools.

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

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

Tetra Pak is working to support the sustainable future of our planet and long-term success of their customers. That’s why they are using fewer resources to create their packaging solutions without compromising and sacrificing their high-quality standards.

Their packages are made with lighter but robust materials, to keep protecting what’s good for the future of food packaging, the future of the people who buy and consume these food products and most importantly, the future of this planet we all call home.

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

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

“Wave” by Yeliee Yeliee’s debut release “Wave” is one that’s close to her heart not only because of the metaphor of waves in her life as a surfer, but also because the song tackles her battle with depression.

“It’s like a metaphor, that when you go through difficult times, you eventually find a way to get back on your feet. Just like when you get a wipe out, for you to catch another wave, you just have to go for it again,” the 22-year-old artist explained on the inspiration behind the song.

“Ako Muna” by Yeng Constantino This 2018 release off of the pop rock princess’ “Synesthesia” album is the ultimate anthem for self-love that strongly advocates prioritizing oneself over any kind of romantic affiliation.

It also acknowledges the pain of having to live alone for some time, but also paints the beauty of entering a relationship after completing the quest for self-discovery.

“Elixir” by YUZON This feel-good single under Tarsier Records is from singersongwriter Bianca Yuzon, or simply YUZON. It reminds listeners how

love becomes a medicine for the betterment of someone’s being and boasts of the benefits of loving and

being loved in return, of simply considering one’s presence as a “remedy, a different kind of Elixir.”

“Better Weather” by Leila Alcasid Leila Alcasid’s “Better Weather,” produced under Tarsier Records, seems like an affirmation for those who are ‘barely keeping it together.’

Another empowering track by Leila is “No Rain,” which emboldens listeners to be resilient despite constantly feeling lost and abandoned. Perfect to listen to during uncertain and confusing times, the song encourages forging ahead and growing from it in the process, until the sky clears again.

“Take It Easy” by Janella Salvador Janella Salvador’s comeback single last year titled “Take It Easy” is a track empowering women to stop succumbing to pressure and not get “blinded with what the world wants you to be.” The modern chill track also inspires listeners to stay true and follow one’s heart.

“Raise Your Flag” by KZ Tandingan feat. Kritiko What was merely one of Miss Universe Catriona Gray’s remarkable answers at the 2018 pageant spawned this catchy hymn, which aims to inspire those who are on the verge of surrender to instead pick up speed as nothing is impossible with perseverance.

It also sends out a powerful message of solidarity for those who feel unnoticed, deserted, and underappreciated.

“No Hearts” by Gibbs “No Hearts” by songwriting duo Gibbs—composed of sisters Chi and Gabs Gibbs—is an anthem for self-worth. It’s about knowing when to stop being played and choosing to move on despite a heartbreak.

Check out Star Music’s “Filipina Anthem” playlist on Spotify or visit ABS-CBN Star Music and Tarsier Records’ YouTube channels to listen to these songs.

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UP AND ARTS AND ABOUT CULTURE TRAVEL TECH

EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

VOL.12 VOL.13 ISSUE ISSUE 223 •216 WEDNESDAY, 11 SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 22, 21, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 219 ••TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,JANUARY JANUARY 14, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ELIMINATES SINGLESONY INTRODUCES NEW GP-VPT2BT TELEMEDICINE SEEN USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET WIRELESS GRIP TO ASSISTSHOOTING IN LIMITING SPREAD OF COVID-19 MAYA ON THE BLOCK A1

ka weaver naga-himo,” he said.

This is also among the reasons why Limon will go to Sitio Sangab to introduce the cotton weaving. He believes that using cotton threads into Dagmay as well as their embroidery will help sustain their livelihood.

“Mas mudaghan pud ang NORWEGIAN Cruise order sathe Dagmay if they will Line, innovator use cotton threads,” he said. in global cruise BUILDING on travel the Limon also seeshistory the to with a 53-year growing lineup ofneed camtapbreaking theand artisans in this endeavof boundaries, eras accessories or now to givesingle-use theirfor clients fresh is plasdeveloped modern andbeverage new designs. tic bottle free creators, Sony today “We really need tothe tap new the across its fleet. has announced ASThe THE NUMBER of artisans directly before man GP-VPT2BT wireless brand announced last COVID-19 cases in the gud ga-agi pa ko saIdeal middle shooting grip. year that it partnered withfor Philippines continues man since wala’y access sa many different types JUST Goods, Inc., which ento escalate, the general community,” he said. of content creation abled the Cruise Line to replace public may take advanwants tovlogs show off ranging from to all Limon single-use plastic water tage of telemedicine the beauty of Dagmay travel photography /he bottles across its 17-shipasfleet, services to avail of medihas clients with who are looking for videography tomost simple beginning its recent cal advice especially clothes and accessories made everyday use,Encore. the new ship, Norwegian when staying atHeishome or byThe theoffers Mandayas. saidof they grip optimum achievement one the under quarantine. noticed thatand some Pasalubong stability comfort latest sustainable steps forward Maridol D.with Ylanan, CEO of centers including Davao City’s combined cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In Globalconnectivity Telehealth, which free and a 2018, the CompanyInc. eliminated runs KonsultaMD, said telereliable dust moissingle-use plasticand straws across medicine is private a viable alternative ture design. its fleetresistant and destinato Compatible visits toas hospital withemergency aofvariety tions, and a result this rooms which should reof Sony’s latest digitalbe most recent initiative, itcamerwill served for more critical situaas, the GP-VPT2BT connects replace over six million singletions. easily via Bluetooth, allowing use plastic water bottles every Moreover, through telecreators to simply aim and is year.

In addition, the brand medicine, can have shoot without interfering working tocustomers eliminate single-use 24/7 access to doctors while cables or exposed inputs.

The plastic shampoo and condiensuring that theyathis are not new grip includes useful tilt tioner bottles later year.at risk ofefforts getting ordriven spreading feature that allows for flexible These are by any disease since physivertical anglethere adjustment as the Company’s Sail is&no Sustain cal interaction with well as the ability tomedical switch Environmental Program, which practitioners other pafrom normal and to self-shooting is its commitment to minimize tients.to mode with ease. Additionalwaste landfills, reduce its

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or testing,” Ylanan said.

In other countries like the US, telemedicine is already viewed as a key tool to help fight COVID-19 since the absence of physical interaction can slow the spread of the disease. The US National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also alerted US hospitals to be prepared to use this.

While telemedicine is not yet well known among Filipinos, KonsultaMD already introduced this innovative

cal information for primary conditions, maternity, pediatrics, mental health, COVID-19, health coaching, nutrition counseling, reading of laboratory and diagnostic results, and permissible medication, among others. KonsultaMD doctors can also determine the urgency of the situation, whether it is an emergency or not, actor and activist Jadenthrough Smith telephone and family,triaging.

JUST takes an inKonsultaMD offers unnovative approach to sourcing limited immediate access to and packaging the world’s most doctorsresource 24/7 through flexible valued - water.

The and affordablecompany plans such as an revolutionary focuses individual subscription fee of on an impact model, taking P15 aconsideration week or P60 both a month into howfor the GlobeisPrepaid cuswater sourcedand andTM packaged. tomers, deductible their JUST is 100% springfrom water in a prepaid load.carton. The carton plant-based For Globe Postpaid customis made of 82% renewable mateers, they thecarton optionisto rials – thehave paper made subscribe a P99inper week from treesto grown responplan which mayforests be extended sibly-managed and theto one and additional family member cap shoulder are made or P150 per month withplastic. four from a sugarcane-based extensions, to their It is refillablechargeable and recyclable. monthly JUST hasbill. a global presence Non-Globe and TMincuswith bottling facilities Glenn tomersNY; may also avail Northern of KonFalls, Ballymena, sultaMDand services through a Ireland; Ballarat, Australia, one year subscription of P150 thus allowing the company to per month foraround group or meet demand theP60 world a monthshipping for individual, pay- a without water from able via credit cardsource. or mobile single production JUST moneycare andtosubject regular takes use thetomost efficell phone charges if call is via cient shipping options available. mobile.

For more information about Subscriptions may beships done Norwegian Cruise Line by visiting https://www.konand their itineraries, or to book anda calling asulta.md/subscribe, cruise, please contact travel 79880 toll-free via888-NCLmobile (for professional, call Globe/TM customers) or (02) CRUISE (625-2784) or visit 7798-8000. www.ncl.com.

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Aldevinco do not carry Dagmay cloth.

“Wala man gud kaayo Mandaya na pieces and mostly T’boli products ang sa Aldevinco. Sa Manila T’boli lang mostly makita nako na ginahimo accent ug Yakan, beads sa Bagobo, balud from Lanao and Inaul. Walay something from the Mandaya community,” hetosaid.

CO2 emissions rate, increase thrilled make such an impact cotton Dagmay design sustainable sourcing and invest by The eliminating single-use beverclothing not yetchanged available ly,initemerging has an adjustment wheel and can beisquickly technologies. age bottles across our fleet. in “Telemedicine providers various medical concerns inthe market as Limon can“This be loosened tightened into ajust tripod by simply exis a veryorspecial and It’s one of the waysand wehis are are here to seamless give health advice. cludingare COVID-19.

Through group in the immertovery allow for operapanding the bottom portion, proud moment for us,” working tostill preserve our oceans KonsultaMD, for instance, telephone triaging, the sion stage ofstable, the project. tion with cameras of different easy handssaid Harry Sommer, president enabling and the destinations wedocvisit. has aand team of doctors who torshooting. canthis advise thethe customer “We will pa their sizes weights.

The gripof free and chief executive officer While isevaluate just beginning are includes fully-equipped with “As the whether they need to go the capacity and kung willing sila also a flip button, inThe GP-VPT2BT Wireless Norwegian Cruise Line. of what we and others cantodo, on deal hospital for further makipag-collaborate,” he said. dicator light andhow locktowe switch, Grip will committed beevaluation availaknowledge leading cruise line, arewith Shooting we are incredibly

to our Sail & Sustain program and believe wholeheartedly in the importance of preserving healthcare fiveWe years our naturalservice resources. will ago. By dialing toll-free continue to strive79880 towards makfrom their Globe or TM mobile ing environmentally conscious phones orto02-7798-8000 from decisions benefit our earth.” anyEnvisioned landline, anyone may talk and founded by to a doctorrapper, to ask for mediAmerican songwriter,

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VOL.12 VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE ISSUE 94 100 84 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 28-29, 5-6, 2019

UP AND LAUNDRY FURNITURE A2A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

FOOD... FROM1

“Ang atong CSWDO are now prepositioning the ration cards. Ang CSWDO naay parameters in time of disasters kung paunsa ma-identify ang families na makadawat ug ration cards. Makita na ninyo nga mao na ginagamit sa mga tao every time nga naa ta'y disasters para mukuha sa ilang rasyon,” she said.

Mayor Sara reminded the recipients to keep the cards as these are non-replaceable.

“Kinahanglan dili na nila mawala ilang ration cards. Bahala na kung maabot ang point na dili nato gamiton ang ration cards, basta ibutang lang daan sa mga barangays,” she said.

City councilors have volunteered to be team leaders and divided the city’s barangays and barangay captains in managing problems the moment the

city will implement stricter policies amid community quarantine.

“Any issue sa barangay na gikan sa kapitan, gunitan na sa team leader.

Giandam nato na because just in case na muabot sa punto nga mas pagut-an pa ang atoang pag-quarantine diri sa atoang syudad, ready na daan ang sistema to catch problems,” she said.

On Thursday, the mayor ordered the temporary closures of non-essential establishments in Davao City through Executive Orders (EOs) Nos. 15 and 16.

The EO No. 15 has ordered the closure of all internet shops, gaming stations, billiard halls, videokes, basketball courts, badminton courts, bowling alleys, movie houses, bingo outlets, e-gaming establishments, lotto outlets, kid’s playrooms, video ar-

cades, spas, massage parlors, beauty salons/parlors and carnivals or peryahan, 5 p.m. on Thursday until after the state of public health emergency is lifted.

The EO No. 16 required all malls and mixed-use buildings to close all shops except their supermarket, pharmacies, banks, malls, in-house department stores, medical laboratories, doctors and dentists’ of�ices beginning 11:59 p.m. in the evening of Mar. 19.

Mayor Sara said construction companies, stand- alone hardwares, and �itness centers are not yet covered by EO No. 16.

She also said public market is still open for the public to buy food.

Private establishments not mentioned in the EOs can still operate, depending on the decision of the management.

PUIs currently admitted in various hospitals in the region while 13 are on home quarantine. Six have tested negative and already discharged.

Gangoso said all reported PUIs and PUMs were based on the agency’s algorithm and encoded

through “Open Data Kit”.

“Most of them had travel history to Luzon and other countries with con�irmed cases of Covid-19,” he said.

As to the region’s �irst con�irmed positive case of Covid-19 reported earlier this week, he said the pa-

tient (PH145) is currently in stable condition and in strict isolation at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City.

He added that infection and control measures are being implemented to prevent the spread of the virus. (PNA)

observed during the time of the lockdown,” he said.

He directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to closely monitor the compliance of local governments.

He said the DILG and the DOJ can �ile administrative and criminal cases against erring LGUs. “You know, move in one

direction, in unison, precisely to place the contagion in control for the better health of our Filipino, our countrymen,” Duterte said. “(Abusing authority) can lead to (the �iling of) administrative cases or even worse, unless you stop what you are doing and (cooperate) fully.

Criminal cases cannot be far behind.”

Duterte on March 16 signed a presidential proclamation, placing the Philippines under a state of calamity for six months to allow LGUs to tap more funds that they can use amid the �ight against Covid-19.

As of Thursday, the Philippines has 217 con�irmed cases of Covid-19, with 17 deaths and eight cases of recovery. (PNA)

lift the suspension,” he said.

Currently, there are 1,280 persons under monitoring (PUMs) and 43

Covid-19 patients in the region.

One con�irmed Covid-19 patient from La-

nao del Sur earlier died at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City.

(PNA)

central bank’s growth outlook on the economic impact of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, from March 17 to April 12, 2020, which the central bank said: “poses signi�icant downside risks to aggregate demand.”

The BSP said the lockdown could “help in slowing the spread of the virus” but noted that “the resulting disruptions to industries and private spending are likely to reduce economic growth in the near term.”

Thus, the need “for a follow-on monetary pol-

icy response to address the adverse spillovers associated with the ongoing pandemic” since in�lation is seen to remain management and stay within the government’s 2-4 percent target band until next year.

Monetary of�icials revised downward the average in�lation forecast for this year from 3 percent to 2.2 percent and the 2021 �igure from 2.9 percent to 2.4 percent.

ANZ Research projects that with the quarantine “households are likely to undertake precautionary behavior on a scale similar

to that in the GFC (global �inancial crisis) leading to lower domestic demand.”

It considers as “rather feeble” the government’s PHP27.1 billion worth of stimulus package announced to combat Covid-19 and its impact.

“With Covid-19 an imminent threat to growth prospects both domestically and abroad, we think the BSP has room to cut rates further in the coming months. That said, further support from �iscal policy is required to combat the impact of the virus,” it added. (PNA)

pandemic.

This package include a PHP3.1 billion funding for the acquisition of Covid-19 test kits, among others; a PHP2-billion budget to be used as a subsidy for workers and establishments affected

by Covid-19; a PHP1.2-bil-

lion unemployment bene�it that will be extended by the Social Security System (SSS) for dislocated workers; PHP3 billion for re-skilling and upskilling of workers in sectors affected by the pandemic; PHP14 billion for the tourism sector, which is great-

ly affected by Covid-19; PHP2.8 billion to be used for loans to be extended to small farmers and �isherfolk affected by calamity and disasters; and PHP1-billion allocation for loans for the micro, small, and medium enterprises.

(PNA)

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9

from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant is offering take out, pick up and food delivery.

Hotel Tropika tempo-

rarily stopped its operation on Mar. 18 until further notice in compliance with the city government of Davao’s community

quarantine declaration.

The hotel will be cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting its rooms and facilities for preventive measures.

1,990 samples are still pending,” the report citing Malaysia’s Health Ministry as source said.

The tabligh drew around 16,000 participants from different countries, 14,500 of them Malaysians.

BARMM’s IATF spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Asnin Pendatun told the same

press brie�ing that they “already have some names” of the 215 persons but they did not know if those individuals had submitted themselves to quarantine procedures.

Zul Qarneyn Abas, BARMM Deputy Health Minister, said the participants have no travel records with the National Commission on Muslim Fil-

ipinos and the Department of Foreign Affairs because they went to Malaysia via Tawi-Tawi.

Dipatuan said that aside from the police and military they are considering asking the Moro Islamic Liberation Front base commands to help locate the tabligh participants.

(Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/ MindaNews)

kanila. Ibigay nalang natin bilang tulong sa kanilang sakripisyo at para masigurong mabubuhay ng maayos ang kanilang pamilya habang naka-quarantine (Since they are under contract, I think, it’s not additional burden for government. It is already allocated to them. Let’s give it to them as support for their sacri�ices and to make sure

their families will live decently while we are under quarantine),” he added.

Go also said if the JOs and COS are deprived of compensation, they might end up �inding other means to earn a living despite the strict quarantine measures.

“For government job orders and contractuals, it’s no expense because technically they are bud-

geted already, given they are under contract,” Go said.

Both the Civil Service Commission and Commission on Audit have already expressed support for Go’s proposal, saying that they will recommend the provision of compensation to JOs and COS to the Of�ice of the President and the DBM. (PR)

markets, potentially pushing down crude oil prices into the teens," Jefferies analysts said in a note.

"Unless somebody intervenes, no oil producer bene�its from the current environment."

In the United States, where dozens of shale oil and gas drillers and services companies risk bankruptcy, senators on Wednesday urged Saudi Arabia and Russia to halt their price war during talks

with the kingdom's envoy to Washington.

The senators urged President Donald Trump to impose an embargo on oil from the two countries.

Meanwhile, the spread of the virus is showing no sign of abating, with governments resorting to lockdowns in a bid to contain the disease, raising the prospect of a global recession.

Central banks have moved to mitigate the

spiraling economic and �inancial fallout, with the European Central Bank kicking off a €750-billion ($820-billion) emergency bond purchase scheme.

"While the spreading of the virus has further to go and oil prices further to drop, we are now probably getting very close to peak fear in western and global �inancial markets," said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB.

ECCP member-companies have implemented measures to protect their employees and business from Covid-19.

Peralta cited ECCP advisory encouraging members to remain in operation while implementing a work-from-home (WFH) arrangement.

He said ECCP staff will

remain available via email and social media to provide support to the Philippine-European business community.

He said events may be postponed but companies should continuously innovate and offer services virtually.

Peralta said the recent declaration of a nation-

wide calamity and the subsequent community quarantine by various local government units would reduce Covid-19 infections in the country.

"This is a serious case that if left unchecked can be catastrophic, given the rate and speed the virus can spread in our communities," he said. (PNA)

service lifeline to ferry out stranded foreign nationals.

The following are full schedule of �lights to various countries, which PAL said it intends to serve the routes on March 19: • North America: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, Guam • Australia and Pacific: Sydney, Guam • Middle East: Dubai • Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore • Japan: Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai “We at Philippine Airlines will do our part to help our customers and fellow citizens during the ongoing national and global emergency,” the airline said.

“We have so far maintained most of our interna-

tional �lights to help foreign tourists, OFWs and other people �ly to their homelands or places of work, an urgent need identi�ied by the Philippine Government. We do so even if we are certain to incur a loss on these �lights, and we are taking all necessary health and safety precautions to ensure a safe journey for the passengers and crew members on board,” it said.

PAL said it has mounted special sweeper �lights on March 19 on the Cebu-Manila sector to carry foreign nationals who urgently need to board international �lights to their home countries from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

With the lifting of the 72-hour window for international travel, the �lag carrier said it is marshaling resources to operate limited international services on selected routes for March 20 and beyond, and will

announce the details in due course.

The �inal decision will depend on whether the airline, its service providers and the authorities can overcome increasing challenges, including the dif�iculty of securing enough manpower at the airports to support these operations given quarantine restrictions, and a growing series of travel bans and restrictions imposed by various countries, according to PAL. “We salute our crew members, along with all our personnel and those of our service partners, who show up for work in spite of COVID-19 concerns —a display of buong pusong alaga and bayanihan spirit that we can all appreciate.

We thank our customers above all for their understanding and support in this challenging time,” it said.

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10 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

COVID-19: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(Last of Two Parts)

T

here is still no treatment available for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Although there are some reports that a vaccine has already been developed, it may take a while before it will be available for use. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the longtime leader of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that developing the vaccine will take at least a year and a half – the same message conveyed by pharmaceutical executives.

In the absence of treatment and vaccine, the best way is protection. “All around the world, people are taking necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from coronavirus,” said Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, deputy executive director of Partnerships of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in a statement.

“Sound preparation, based on scienti�ic evidence, is what is needed at this time.”

Wash your hands properly: Time and again, the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is hand washing with soap. As pandemic continues its spread, WHO, UNICEF and the Department of Health (DOH) are reminding the public of the importance of handwashing as a key prevention measure against COVID-19.

“Hand washing with soap is one of the cheapest, most effective things you can do to protect yourself and others against coronavirus, as well as many other infectious diseases,” UNICEF reminds.

However, hand washing must be done properly. UNICEF shares the following tips: Wet hands with running water.

Then, apply enough soap to cover wet hands. Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, between �ingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds. After that, rinse thoroughly with running water. Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel.

If soap and water are not readily available, you can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. “Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub

them until they feel dry,” CDC suggests.

A study done in the United States late last year on hand hygiene and the global spread of viral disease through air transportation showed that “if people wash their hands while at the airport, the spread of pandemic could be curbed by up to 69%.”

The same research group previously found only an estimated 20% of people have clean hands while at airports.

Avoid touching your face: Several recent studies have shown that people often touch their face than washing their hands.

Greg Hudson, writing for thehill.com, reports: “One study published by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene recorded 10 subjects as they did of�ice-style work for three hours in a room by themselves. On average, they touched their faces 15.7 times per hour. A similar study of 26 students in South Wales showed they averaged 23 touches per hour, with almost half of those involving contact between the hand and mucous from the nose, eyes, and mouth.”

That’s scary, indeed.

This must be the reason why Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to advise not to touch MEN (referring to mouth, eyes, and nose). “Hand touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eye, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick,” he was quoted as saying.

Although it is not a substitute for good hand hygiene, avoiding touching your face can help protect you against coronavirus and other respiratory infections, according to Dr. William Schaffner, the medical director for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

In an interview with Fox News’ Madeline Farber, Dr. Schaffer bared some tips on you can avoid touching your face: Use alarms and sticky notes. “Try using reminders, such as an alarm on your cell phone or sticky notes on your desk or refrigerator,” he said.

Tie a ribbon to your

�inger.

“Put a ribbon or tape on your �inger to make yourself more aware when you do touch your face,” he advised.

Keep your hands busy.

“Try sitting on your hands or folding them in your lap when you are in a meeting or watching TV,” the doctor said.

Practice social distancing: “In terms of social distancing, it’s important to understand how this virus is transmitted,” explains Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic. “It’s transmitted through respiratory droplets generated when someone infected coughs or sneezes. We know that these droplets extend about 3 to 6 feet from the person that generates them. If you breathe in the droplets, or they land on your eyes, nose or mouth, then you are at risk of getting infected.”

This is where the concept of social distancing comes in. “If we stay away from someone who is sick, or in general, beyond that 6-foot margin, then the risk of being exposed drops dramatically,” says Dr. Rajapakse.

“That’s why some of these recommendations about cancelling large meeting and gatherings were people are in very close contact with each other.”

Some of the social distancing measures include: closing schools and child care centers; avoiding malls, theathers, grocery stores, or anywhere with large crowds (such as concerts or festivals); suspending services at houses of worship; encouraging people to work from home; and avoiding the use of public transportation.

“Social distancing has been shown to be effective in slowing the spread of infection during many outbreaks in the past,” Dr. Rajapakse says.

Avoid handshakes: The handshake is commonly done upon meeting, greeting, parting, offering, congratulations, expressing gratitude, or as a public sign of completing a business or diplomatic agreement.

GQ magazine says the main purpose of handshake is to convey trust, respect, balance and

equality. If it is done to form an agreement, the agreement is not of�icial until the hands are parted.

In these days of COVID-19, avoid handshake is necessary. “We know our hands carry a lot of germs on them,” Dr. Rajapakse says. “Changing to another method of greeting is encouraged and recommended. I recommend people wave or bow, or put their hands over their heart as certain alternatives that people can use that don’t carry the risk of a handshake.”

Clean and disinfect: United States government and other scientists have found that SARSCoV-2 “can live in the air for several hours and on some surfaces for as long as two to three days,” reports Marilyn Marchione for Associated Press.

In a study, researchers “found that viable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel,” Marchione wrote.

As such, the CDC suggests cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles,

desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

If surfaces are dirty, clean them: use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

If such are not available at home, you can use a solution, which has at least 70% alcohol. Or, you can dilute your household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water.

“Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation,” CDC reminds. “Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.”

Wear a mask: “Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water,” reminds the United Nations health agency.

However, healthy people are advised to wear mask only if they are taking care of a person with suspected COVID-19 virus. Wearing a mask is also advised if a person coughs or sneezes.

If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly, the WHO says.

Here’s how to do it: Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there no gaps between your face and the mask. Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks. To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

To end this piece, the words of Dr. Rajapakse is timely: “Now is the time for people to plan and prepare for this epidemic and to stay informed and get their information from valid news sources. There is a lot of misinformation circulating out there specially on social media so I would encourage people to check where their information is coming from and try to avoid sharing and spreading information that is coming from invalidated sources.” – ###

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VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

11

NCAA Season 95 terminated

T

he National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced on Thursday that it is of�icially ending its current season, the 95th overall, due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“The National Collegiate Athletic Association has announced through the Policy Board of Season 95 president Francisco Cayco of season host Arellano University that NCAA Season 95 is terminated,” Peter Cayco, the chairman of the league’s management committee, said in a statement.

The NCAA initially called for an inde�inite postponement of its games earlier this month, but a copy of the resolution regarding it bore that

the ManCom suggested the termination of the season.

With the Covid-19 pandemic worsening especially in the Philippines where the con�irmed local cases have jumped to more than 200, the league opted to agree with the suggestion.

“First and foremost, what was considered was the safety of the athletes, students, fans, and of�icials,” Cayco said.

On whether the graduating players who are now affected by the total cancelation of the season can still return next season, Cayco said “eligibility matters of athletes being raised shall be discussed later.”

The NCAA is eyeing a late start to Season 96 in August. (PNA)

IGASHI-MATSUSHIMA, Japan -- A plane carrying the Olympic torch from Greece arrived on Friday on Japan's northwestern coast ravaged by a 2011 tsunami, but the welcome ceremony will have no spectators, amid worries the Games could be cancelled over the coronavirus pandemic.

The �lame arrived at Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Matsushima base and will tour the Tohoku region hit by the tsunami and earthquake, in what the organizers call a "recovery �lame" tour until the of�icial kick-off ceremony in Fukushima on March 26.

Organizers have repeatedly said the Games, set to run from July 24 to Aug. 9, will go ahead, but as the rapid spread of the virus brings the sports world to a virtual standstill, fears are growing that the Olympics may be postponed or cancelled.

The respiratory disease, which emerged in China late last year, has killed more than 10,000 people worldwide.

Japan is grappling with pressure to avoid a health crisis among 600,000 expected overseas spectators

and athletes at an event that could see $3 billion in sponsorships and at least $12 billion spent on preparations evaporate.

The plane with the torch arrived nearly empty after the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee decided not to send a high-level delegation that was originally to have included its chief, Yoshiro Mori, and Olympics minister Seiko Hashimoto.

The arrival ceremony at the base is scheduled to start later on Friday morning.

Organizers have urged the public not to crowd the relay route, cancelled many events along the way and have restricted public access to others. Runners and staff will have their temperature and health monitored, the organisers said.

The torch relay in Greece was cancelled to avoid drawing crowds.

Some athletes, including reigning Olympic pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi, said the International Olympic Committee's decision to go ahead was putting their health at risk when entire countries have shut down to curb the

Olympic flame arrives in Japan

Experts say Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao may be too old to fight next year after more than a year of inactivity.

Uncertainty dawns over Floyd, Manny

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loyd Mayweather has had a lot to deal with over the past few days and was still mourning his ex-girlfriend and mother of his children when a second bombshell hit.

Uncle Roger, aged only 58, died after a long battle with diabetes on March 17.

The pair conquered the world together in a lengthy collaboration. The partnership saw Floyd become the number one �ighter on the planet and of his generation.

Floyd and Roger were inseparable at times, meaning this latest devastation has rocked the former pound for pound king’s

world.

WBN speculated recently that Manny Pacquiao taking a year out was a continued indication that the Filipino was waiting on word from Floyd for a rematch. But these latest family tragedies may now see Mayweather call off any plans to �ight again.

Pacquiao may be forced to move on. Turning to a back-up shortlist of opponents including Mikey Gar-

Casimero still training despite postponement

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orld bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero keeps himself busy in training despite the postponement of his title uni�ication bout with Japan’s Naoya Inoue.

Casimero has been staying in Las Vegas since last Sunday and he did nothing but train just in case the bout pushes through.

“Pagtapos training uwi sa bahay, training ulit, pagtapos uwi sa bahay,” said Casimero, the reigning WBO bantamweight champion, in his online interaction with fans.

Casimero underwent a month-long training with Mexican strength and conditioning trainer Memo Heredia and Cuban coach guru Pedro Roque to prepare for Inoue, the super WBA/IBF titleholder.

They were supposed to square off at the Mandalay Resort and Casino April 25, but the showdown was postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

This, however, did not stop the Ormoc native from keeping himself in shape.

Casimero told fans he is determined to blast the unbeaten and fancied Inoue.

“Durog ‘yan, automatic.

Dudurugin natin 'yan guys,” said Casimero. “Aggressive siya. Pero tayo aggressive din. Nagpe-prepare talaga tayo. Matira matibay ito.”

If he gets to unify the crowns, Casimero said he would be willing to take on the victor between WBC champion Nordine Oubaali and mandatory challenger Nonito Donaire.

Casimero prays for a Donaire win.

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cia, Danny Garcia and Errol Spence.

The ongoing coronavirus crisis would have pushed back ‘MayPac 2’ anyway. Although everything would be dependent on how Floyd feels about the situation at that time.

Predictions of COVID-19 peaking in some parts of the world around June could delay every major �ight in the world until July or August – at the earliest.

Right now, nobody really knows how things will transpire. And as per usual, no-one can second-guess how Mayweather is feeling.

His universe is obviously crushed, as several social

media posts would point out. Facing Pacquiao, or Conor McGregor – for that matter, will be the last thing on his mind.

It’s shattering double-blow for Mayweather.

That’s considering he recently returned back from a trip to Europe where he risked contracting coronavirus in order to interact with his fans.

A ‘Legendary Icon’ European Tour went ahead as planned, with Mayweather simply donning gloves as he ful�illed every single request for a photo and handshake.

The completion of the agreed trip still continued –

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John Riel Casimero stays busy in camp. From Casimero’s Facebook page

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 11 • SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020

Boston Celtics forward Marcus Smart (36), shown here tightly guarding Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James during their game on February 23 at the Staples Center.

2 Los Angeles Lakers players, Boston's Smart test positive for coronavirus

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ith two from the Lakers and another from the Boston Celtics, the NBA now has 10 players — including four from the Brooklyn Nets, two from the Utah Jazz and one from the Detroit Pistons — known to have tested positive for COVID-19.

The NBA has told its teams to close their training and practice facilities to all players and staff starting Friday, a development that came on a day where four more teams revealed they have had players or staff test positive for the coronavirus.

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Thursday that two of their players tested positive, and Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics said he tested positive, as well.

Those revelations came after the Philadelphia 76ers said three members of their organization and the Denver Nuggets said someone within their franchise also tested positive.

The Lakers, 76ers and Nuggets all opted to not identify those who tested positive. The 76ers and Nuggets also did not reveal if the positive tests were linked to a player, coach or another level of staff.

Smart said he waited �ive days for his test results.

"I've been self-quarantined since the test, thank goodness," Smart said on Twitter. "COVID-19 must be taken with the highest level of seriousness. I know it's a

#1 priority for our nations health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP." Smart's comments and the other positive-test revelations came hours after the NBA's memo, a copy of which was obtained by the Associated Press, was sent Thursday afternoon and stressed that players needed to be extremely diligent about social distancing and other precautions.

The NBA recommended that players "should take aggressive measures to avoid contact with others and remain home as much as possible, leaving only for essential activities." The league additionally said it was updating the guidelines “in light of the rapidly-developing coronavirus situation, and consistent with evolving advice from health experts regarding how to promote individual and public health while minimizing

the spread of the virus."

As recently as Monday, the NBA was telling teams that individual workouts could take place at team facilities using what the league called the "one player, one coach, one basket" rule. Now, that's not even permitted. If players are going to work out during the league's shutdown, they will have to do it at home or some other private facility. Public facilities, like gyms or college courts — many of which are closed anyway — aren't permitted to be used by NBA players under the league's coronavirus policy.

Essential activities, by NBA de�inition, include buying food, medicine, or other necessary supplies; obtaining critical medical services; providing necessary care for a family member in another household; or attending to some other emergency.

With two from the Lakers and another from the Celtics, the NBA now has 10 players — including four from the Brooklyn Nets, two from the Utah Jazz and one from the Detroit Pistons — known to have tested positive for COVID-19.

The number of known cases within the NBA is now 14 when adding the Denver and Philadelphia cases.

"Pursuant to CDC guidelines, the individuals are in self-isolation and will be monitored closely by medical professionals," the 76ers said.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Wednesday told ESPN that eight teams have been tested; not all of those teams have publicly acknowledged testing, so it is possible that the number of positives among NBA players could be higher.

With the belief that

there are going to be no NBA games for several more weeks, at minimum, the league clearly felt Thursday was the right time to take the additional step of urging players to limit exposure.

"Consistent with an increasing number of state and local government restrictions, and an emerging consensus regarding how to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus with which the NBA’s infectious disease and public health experts agree, effective tomorrow and until further notice, team practice or training facilities ... will be closed to players and staff," the league wrote.

The NBA said the ban applies to G League facilities, as well.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some,

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