Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 13 | Tuesday, March 24, 2020

GOBERT DETAILS COVID-19 EFFECTS

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

COVID-19 AID SPORTS P11

VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

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A motorist submits himself for hand sanitation and footbath before entering a community in Brgy. Centro Agdao, San Juan along R. Castillo Street, Davao City on Monday. The barangay is practicing thorough disinfection drive to prevent COVID-19 outbreak in the community. Lean Daval Jr

23,000 households to receive relief goods on the first day of distribution

By MAYA M. PADILLO he city government of Davao is rolling out on Monday the relief goods operation and 23,000 households are expected to receive relief goods on the first day of the operations.

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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in an interview on government-run Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) referred to the 23,000 qualified households as those

severely affected by the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The families that will receive the re-

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

Davao City public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers that were not informed of the suspension of Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program enrollment gather outside the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) on Monday. CTTMO has suspended the enrollment after the social distancing policy was not followed. Lean Daval Jr

PH130 recovers, discharged

By MAYA M. PADILLO he 21-year-old female patient from Davao de Oro who tested negative in two of her recent tests for Covid-19 was discharged from the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) on Monday.

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She was the first re-

ported positive case of

coronavirus in Davao Region.

“The patient at DRMC is already discharged.

Good news kay naka- recover na siya,” said Dr. Annabelle Yumang, regional director of the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) in a virtual press con-

ference on Monday.

The patient was admitted at DRMC last March 10. She arrived last February 29 from the United Kingdom (UK) via Doha-Qatar-Manila flight.

On March 17, DRMC chief Dr. Bryan Dalid told media in a virtual press

conference that the patient has improved and does not manifest symptoms of fever and cough anymore.

The patient also underwent second nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs to check whether traces of the virus still ex-

ists.

Among the criteria to discharge the patient is to get two negative results on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs.

“Nag-negative na iyang test ug mao na to nga asymptomatic na siya,” Yumang said.

he Davao Extension Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the public of entities that are trying to take in illegal investments from unwitting victims amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

SEC Davao Extension Office OIC Director Atty.

Katrina Jamilla Ponco-Estares said some entities have continued to deceive individuals into buying their supposed investment products even when they do not have legal personalities.

“These illegal entities and their agents or brokers are attempting to capitalize on the current climate surrounding the virus outbreak as this provides them an opportunity to prey on people when they are most susceptible,” said Estares

“We call on the public to be on guard for a surge of illegal investment taking activities. Protect your hard-earned money by first studying the company offering the product or investment. Ensure that these companies have secondary licenses from SEC aside from having primary licenses,” she added.

The Commission recently released several advisories against entities that offer illegal investment opportunities with incredible returns.

“These scams can take various forms. Some are using Ponzi scheme while others are focused on recruiting in the guise of multilevel marketing, networking or cryptocurrency ventures. We are also monitoring those who offer foreign exchange trading, which is illegal in

Beware of investment scams in this time of crisis – SEC Davao

19 Muslim Pinoy tablighs positive for T COVID-19 quarantined in Malaysia

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ineteen Muslim Filipinos who attended the recent tabligh gathering in Malaysia have been placed under medical quarantine there after testing positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the National Commission on Muslim Filipino-Region 12 said Monday.

A total of 215 Muslim Filipinos attended the convention held from February 27 to March 1 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.

In a phone interview, Mama Sinsuat, NCMF-12 director, said the Malaysian Ministry of Health informed him about the condition of the 19 Muslim Filipinos.

“There was no clearance for them to go back after medical check-ups found them positive for COVID-19,” he said.

Two of the Filipino Muslims who attended the gathering and had gone back were earlier found positive of COVID-19. One of them died in Marawi City a week ago.

Three others were classified as persons under investigation (PUI).

The Malay Mail, a

Malaysian newspaper, earlier reported that 513 Malaysians who attended the gathering had tested positive of the virus.

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

Sinsuat said the Malaysian Ministry of Health provided him the names of 14 of those who attended from the Philippines.

He added he would relay to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) the names for them to help in the contract tracing.

BARMM has a list con-

taining the names of the 196 who have returned to the country, but still being validated.

Sinsuat admitted they were having difficulty tracing the tabligh attendees “because the event was informal and that there was no coordination conducted by the delegates with the NCMF.” Even the head of the delegation has not been identified because there was a lack of coordination, he said.

Sinsuat said most of the tabligh missionaries from the Philippines travelled to Malaysia by sea through the backdoors in Tawi-tawi and Palawan.

Mindanews

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VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

NEWS

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GSIS advances release of pension

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n response to Senator Bong Go’s appeal for GSIS to help its members and pensioners, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet today assured the public that the state pension fund will extend all the necessary assistance to its members and pensioners.

Senator Go, who chairs the Committee on Health and Demography, specifically asked GSIS to (1) waive penalties for delayed remittances, (2) release pensions early and (3) grant emergency loans.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa concern ng ating butihing Senador para sa kalagayan ng aming mga miyembro at pensionado.

Nais ko pong ipabatid kay Senador Go na nagawa na

Mall goers have their body temperature taken by a security personnel of a shopping mall before they are allowed to enter the establishment on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

BPO firms told to follow DTI memo or close down

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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usiness Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Davao City were told to follow Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) Memorandum Circular 20-08 or else close down.

In a stern warning to BPO operators in the city, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the city government of Davao adopted DTI’s MC 20-08 stating that BPO companies shall be allowed to continue operations with

a skeletal workforce, subject to strict observance of social distancing measures and provision of appropriate temporary accommodation arrangements or shuttle service within the immediate vicinity of

100K COVID-19 test kits from China allocated to subnational labs: DOH

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he Department of Health on Monday said it has already allocated the 100,000 donated test kits from China to the country’s 5 subnational laboratories for COVID-19 testing.

“The allocation is based on the need and capacity of the laboratory.

How many tests they can run in a day,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire in Filipino during the Laging Handa briefing of Malacanang.

Vergeire said a bulk of the test kits will be at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, which has the largest capacity because of the number of PCR machines they have.

Asked if the 100,000 test kits are enough to start mass testing, Vergeire reiterated that they have a protocol.

The DOH has said only those with severe symptoms and are at risk like the elderly or patients with pre-existing conditions will be tested and admitted to hospitals.

They have advised those with mild symptoms to

the workplace. The memorandum also encouraged a work-from-home (WFH) arrangement for the call center agents.

“You only have two options based on the DTI Memo: skeletal workforce provided they observe social distancing and employees should have a temporary accommodation within the vicinity of the workplace with shuttle service; and work from home arrangement. If they can-

not comply they must close down,” said Mayor Sara in an interview on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Monday.

The mayor said an inspection team to be headed by city tourism officer Generose Tecson will be created to inspect the compliance of the 26 BPO firms in Davao City.

“From there on kabalo ta kinsa ang magpadayon ug kung kina ang mag sirado,” she said.

po ng GSIS ang dalawa sa tatlong kahilingan niya.

Una, nagbigay na po kami ng extension o ‘grace period’ sa lahat ng premium remittances at loan payments na dapat bayaran nitong Marso. Puwede po itong bayaran sa May 10 na walang karampatang penalty,” Macasaet said.

GSIS likewise extended the due date for housing loan payments and rental payment for investment properties falling due this March. “Babayaran din po ito sa May 10 na walang penalty,” Macasaet said.

“Para naman po sa mga pensyonado, maaga po nilang matatanggap ang mga pensyon nila ngayong Abril. Karaniwan po sa April 8 dumadating ang pensyon. But we will release it before April 8,” the

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MILG-BARMM asks LGUs to help locate Malaysian event attendees

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he head of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-BARMM) has appealed to all local government units (LGUs) in the region to help locate Muslim religious leaders (MRLs) who attended a recent gathering in Malaysia where a spike on Covid-19 cases had been reported.

In a memorandum issued on March 22, MILGBARMM minister Naguib Sinarimbo has also appealed to BARMM constituents who might know the whereabouts of the concerned MRLs in the region.

“Salaam (Peace) Bangsamoro. Please help us and our local government units (LGUs) in tracking the whereabouts of our fellow Bangsamoro residents who attended the ‘Ijtima’ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,” he said.

Likewise, the MILGBARMM official also called on the MRLs who attended the Ijtima earlier this month to volunteer on submitting themselves before appropriate authorities for their safety and that of their families against Covid-19.

Three of the total 215 Filipino Muslim “tabligh” (preachers) who attended the “Ijtima” congregation in Malaysia have so far tested positive for the disease.

“One patient is presently confined at the Cotabato City Regional Medical Hospital, another came forward and also currently undergoing quarantine in Lanao del Sur, while the third died at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City,” Sinarimbo said.

Sinarimbo has directed all governors, city and town mayors through their respective inter-agency task force on Covid-19 “to

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undergo home quarantine instead.

NO TO RAPID TEST KITS Vergeire also emphasized that the DOH is not recommending the use of rapid test kits or COVID-19 test kits that are not done within laboratories.

“These can give false negative results,” Vergeire said, explaining that the rapid test kits use immunoglobulins to check if a person has a past infection or acute infection.

“It measures antibodies that are not immediately measured in a person at the start of the infection,” she added.

Vergeire said it will be a problem if patients are sent home because of false negatives since they are contagious.

FDA APPROVAL As for the test kits being donated by other countries, Vergeire said the Food and Drug Administration has a “parallel process” for their approval.

She said the test kits should be recognized by

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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

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VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

Petron assures steady fuel supply due to Covid-19 crisis

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etron Corporation has assured consumers of the continuous supply of its petroleum products as the entire nation steps up its fight against Covid-19.

Petron president and CEO Ramon Ang said the company will also make sure that there is enough fuel, especially for vital industries to keep the economy running.

“So far, our entire supply chain is working overtime to ensure that enough products are produced at our refinery.

Vessels are continuously loaded so that our terminals are filled, and tank truck operations remain consistent. We are also trying our best to keep as many of our stations open and filled as possible while putting the safety and well-being of our employees first,” Ang said.

Petron is Philippines’ largest refiner providing nearly 30 percent of the country’s petroleum requirements through its 180,000 barrel-per-day Bataan refinery, 30 terminals, and over 2,400 sta-

tions nationwide.

“Let me reiterate that there is no need to panic. We will step up and we will get through this together. In these critical times, rest assured that basic necessities will be delivered and our brave front liners will reach their destinations,” Ang added.

He said the health and safety of its people remain its top priority. Petron has widely implemented a work-from-home set-up for its Luzon-based offices.

Meanwhile, those working on the front line - its office-based skeletal force, service station personnel, tank truck drivers and helpers- are guided by the necessary protocols to ensure their health and safety.

The oil industry is among those granted exemption by the government from the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine. Petron has fully activated its business continuity plan, taking into consideration all possible scenarios. (PR)

BDO warns clients vs. scammers using COVID-19 quarantine to steal bank details

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anco de Oro (BDO) Unibank Inc. has warned its customers against schemers taking advantage of the loan payment extension it has given in light of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

“Beware of scammers asking for your account details and OTP (onetime password), pretending to be from BDO and offering a 60-day loan payment extension,” the bank said in a text

message sent to its customers.

“BDO will NEVER ask for these details,” it said.

The Sy-led lender, along with other banks, has earlier announced an extension on payments for various consumer loan products.

BDO has given a 60day payment to qualified credit card, auto, home, SME, and personal loan customers with due dates of up to April 15, 2020.

DTI assures ample supply of goods

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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez said giant food manufacturers assured that there is an adequate supply of their products in the market during the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

Lopez made the statement after the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) claimed that they anticipate a “severe shortage of goods by mid-April” because of the restrictions at checkpoints.

“Shortage is not true.

They are producing every day. All food companies are allowed to produce every day and cargoes [are] allowed to move unhampered,” he told reporters in a text message.

Lopez added that the glitches in implementation at checkpoints since the quarantine was imposed on March 17 prompted the PAMPI to write his office.

“The manufacturer has inventories in their warehouse, in their

distributors, and in the supermarkets up to the sari-sari and convenience stores, which if you add up can be around one and a halfto two-month inventory,” the trade chief said.

San Miguel Corp. said its facilities can manufacture 1.96 million kilograms of fresh meats, 524,000 kilograms of processed meats, and 2.11 million kilograms of flour and baked goods.

Canned goods producer Century Pacific Food Inc. also assured the DTI that they have enough raw materials and ingredients to continue its manufacturing operations.

On Friday, DTI amended its previous memorandum circular, now allowing all types of cargoes to move within, to and from the island of Luzon.

“No discretion in decision making at checkpoints that will result in different treatments. So, all cargoes are allowed,” Lopez said. (PNA)

A vendor transfers freshly harvested honey into the bottles while waiting for her “suki” at the vegetable bagsakan area of Bankerohan Public Market along Magallanes Street in Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

DA seeks P1-B supplemental budget to ensure food security

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he Philippine agriculture department is now seeking a supplemental budget of at least P1 billion, to finance programs connected to ensuring food security and stable prices given the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it requested the amount in a letter to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea dated Saturday, March 21, 2020.

“We respectfully request for a supplemental budget in the amount of P1 Billion Pesos to support the Department of Agriculture’s programs in the next two (2) months in connection with Covid-19, particularly in ensuring food supply availability and price stabilization,” Agriculture Secretary William Dollente Dar said in the letter.

“While the DA support systems are already in place to ensure food supply availability, we need

additional funds to sustain their implementation, especially in areas where the enhanced community quarantine is strictly enforced,” he elaborated.

According to Dar, the additional amount will be used to ensure continuous production, processing, packaging, and delivery of basic food commodities to major consumption center, particularly in Metro Manila.

From 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, the entirety of Luzon was placed on enhanced community quarantine until April 12, 2020, restricting travel within the region in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Should it be granted,

Dar said roughly a third or P325 million of the supplemental budget will be used to upscale the “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” project through the establishment of more outlets in partnership with local government units.

“We will also pursue partnerships with government and private agencies interested to set up Kadiwa stores to provide the basic food needs of their respective employees,” he said.

The supplemental budget will also be used to finance for the promotion of urban agriculture in Metro manila (P250 million); production support in the form of seeds and inputs (P200 million); support for agriculture workers (P150 million); and monitoring of the suggested retail price (P75 million).

“We commit to make efficient use of the supplemental budget during this challenging time, as this grim episode is indeed a huge challenge for all of us. But let me reassure the Filipino people that the Duterte administration,

tate-run Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System will continue processing claims and would release benefits ahead of scheduled dates even amid the enhanced community quarantine being implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Department Manager Fernan Nicolas of the SSS Media Affairs and External Vice President Nora Malubayo of GSIS-CORE Business Sector made the assurance on Monday, saying that their online services will still be available and their offices will still be manned by skeleton force to attend to their beneficiaries’ needs.

Nicolas said members can still apply for salary loan and calamity assistance program by filling out and submitting forms that can be accessed online at sss.gov.ph.

Likewise, Nicolas said that SSS is set to roll out a scheme of releasing the pension benefit of its pensioners worth three months.

“We are just working on the guidelines para ma-iroll out na ang programang iyan,” Nicolas said.

Another option for SSS members applying for loans and other benefits, Nicolas said, is to submit the form on the drop box located in each SSS branch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mon-

day to Friday, where an SSS staff member collects the submissions every hour.

“Ilagay po natin sa envelope ang pangalan at contact number [para sa drop box submissions] para po masabi po namin agad ang feedback,” Nicolas added.

Those qualified to apply for loans are those who already paid SSS premium contribution for 36 months.

Those SSS members for 12 months and were able to pay SSS premium contribution for six months are also qualified.

Nicolas said that SSS will grant unemployment insurance to its members who lost their job temporarily due to the enhanced

through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, is doing its utmost to effectively implement the various initiatives set forth under the enhanced community quarantine,” said Dar. According to the DA, it has already issued some 5,000 food passes to truckers, traders, and logistics firms in line with food security strategy to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“The best way to sustain stable prices of basic farm and fishery commodities is to have a continuous and unhampered movement of such goods from origin to the markets much more in Metro Manila and other metropolis,” he said.

“Kaya naman, kailangan po namin ang maigting na dedikasyon at aktibong ambag ng mga pinunong lokal, pribadong sektor at lalung-lalo na ang ating organisadong samahan ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda upang malampasan natin ang malaking pagsubok na ito sa ating bansa at sa buong mundo,” elaborated Dar. community quarantine.

“Kayo pong qualified sa unemployment insurance ay makakatanggap ng allowance for two months.

Wala pong bayad iyon, at puwede niyo pong i-apply iyon sa loob ng isang taon kaya huwag kayo mag-alala,” Nicolas said.

Lastly, Nicolas also said that its pensioners can expect their April 2020 pension benefits to be released during the first week of the said month.

As for GSIS, Malubay said GSIS’ work from home arrangement enables its workforce to keep on processing claims online, and that pension benefit of GSIS pensioners, as well as sur-

SSS, GSIS assure members of processing of loans, early release of pension benefits

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

ECONOMY 5

Online transactions ‘better’ than holding cash: BSP

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illions of Filipinos should transact digitally when possible and avoid hoarding cash, as banks move to keep branches and ATMs running during the 1-month lockdown of Luzon to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the central bank said Sunday.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno assured the public that "there's enough cash" as the central bank's printing plant remains open with reduced working hours.

"There’s enough cash. There’s also a risk if you hold a lot of cash. I would suggest that to the extent they can use, if they can transact business elec-

tronically then that’s better than holding cash," Diokno said.

Banks are urged to suspend all charges imposed on the use of online banking, including those on the use of instapay and the pesonet to "enable consumers to facilitate online banking transactions," Diokno added.

The Luzon Island group, home to half the Philippines' 100 million population is under "enhanced" quarantine.

People are required to stay in their homes and transportation is restricted.

Banks have reassured clients that they were keeping open as many branches as possible, some on shortened operating hours.

The two giant food chains now offer takeout and delivery services only after Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio called their attention on Sunday for not following the “No Dine-in” policy. Lean Daval Jr

PRRD wants to ‘direct’ business as ‘last resort’ in COVID fight: Speaker

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he special powers that President Rodrigo Duterte is seeking will allow him to “direct” businesses only as a “last resort” if they refuse to help the government fight the novel coronavirus pandemic, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Monday.

Malacanang over the weekend asked Congress to pass a measure that would declare a national emergency and allow government to tap privately-owned utilities and businesses. A joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives

will tackle the proposal on Monday.

With such power, government can direct establishments like gas stations to stay open if they refuse to, and use hotels as quarantine sites for COVID-19 patients or as lodging for health workers, said Cay-

etano.

“Iyon pong isang sasabihin mo na halimbawa special power: iyong power to direct businesses ‘pag ayaw sumunod,” he said.

(That’’s what special power means for example: the power to direct businesses if they don’t want to obey the government.)

“Ang nasa draft, hindi i-take over -- kundi as a last resort, ‘pag hindi nag-cooperate, saka ititake over kasi nasa Konstitusyon iyon... Pero binago na nga namin pati iyong wording to simply ‘direct’

businesses,” he added.

(In the draft, it’s not ‘take over’ -- but as last resort, if they don’t don’t cooperate, that’s when government will take over because that’s in the Constitution. But we changed that, including the wording, to simply ‘direct’ businesses.)

The measure, he said, also sought to set aside “a little bit less than P200 billion” and give some 18 million families P5,000 to P8,000 each, depending on the cost of living in their regions, said Cayetano.

“Ang gagawin po namin hindi appropriations, kundi bibigyan po ng leeway ay gobyerno ayusin iyoong budget at off-budget items natin para puwedeng gamitin,” he said.

(What we will do there is not appropriations, but instead, we will give the government leeway to fix its budget and off-budget items so these could be used.)

The joint session, scheduled at 10 a.m., will also seek additional funding for the government’s fight against the

disease, which as of Sunday claimed 25 lives in the Philippines. A total of 380 cases were confirmed and 17 patients recovered.

Duterte earlier placed under home quarantine all households in Luzon, the country’s most populous island, until April 12 to arrest the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The House of Representatives plans to amend its rules so that Monday’s special session can be held with only 20 lawmakers physically present and the rest joining online, said Cayetano.

order. We are also making urgent solutions so our investors and employed Filipino workers will be assisted,” Plaza said.

To clear confusion, the recent advisory is in relation to the memoranda of the Office of the President dated March 16 and 18, 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) circulars dated March 18, 19 and 20, 2020, and the Philippine National Police guidelines updated as of March 20, 2020, at 3 p.m.

The new guidelines for qualified PEZA-registered business processing outsourcing and export-oriented companies as among those covered enterprises that may continue operations under the quarantine period are as follows: Unhampered movement of ecozone cargoes and ecozone company shuttle buses/vehicles ferrying the workers within the immediate vicinity of the ecozone shall be allowed even after the

revoked by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force); Quarantine measures such as work from home arrangement, maintaining a skeletal workforce on-site, provision of housing for the workers either inside or near the zone, social distancing, and use of shuttle services shall be strictly complied with.

For this purpose, all are kindly reminded to please observe the directives on physical distancing, provision of face masks and other protective equipment for employees and provision of alcohol, sanitizers and frequent sanitizing of the workplace; Ecozone workers on board company shuttle buses/vehicles must be ready to present at PNP-local government unit (LGU) checkpoints the following: a) valid company identification card; b) Proof of Residence; and c) proof of employment; Ecozone workers need not present separate IATF IDs, company-issued IDs

tifications/vehicle stickers/placards indicating ecozone destination shall be distributed to qualified locators after due vetting by respective Zone Administrator/Manager/ Officer-in-Charge of their strict compliance with the aforesaid quarantine measures.

PEZA’s NAIA, Port of Manila, and Manila International Container Terminal Joint PEZA-Customs Offices (JPCOs) will have no skeletal workforce during Saturdays and Sundays.

The schedule of services is from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which is synchronized with that of the Bureau of Customs' schedule.

The JPCOs are also accepting advance payments for the electronic import permit system (eIPS) and automated export declaration system (AEDS).

“As we know that this Covid-19 crisis is a bitter pill to swallow, we are

PH economy could take P1.16-T hit PEZA issues new advisory on movement of ecozone workers, goods nationwide from COVID-19 work stoppage: Salceda he Philippine Eco- just to keep everything in March 20 deadline, unless will suffice, and PEZA cer-

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ork stoppage in the Philippines most populous island group due to the coronavirus pandemic could result in P1.157 trillion in economic losses, an economist-turned lawmaker said Sunday.

Uncertainty stalks workers who get no pay if they don't report for work, said Albay Rep. Joey Salceda. Gross domestic product growth could slow to 3 percent, he said. The economy grew 5.9 percent in 2019 and was tipped to expand by at least 6 percent this year.

“Sa pananaw ko po, kaya pa po ng Pilipinas na mag-grow faster than the other countries in the world (In my view, the Philippines can grow faster than other countries in the world),” Salceda told a televised press briefing.

“Yung virus, pwede mo lang patayin kung ang ekonomiya ay patitigilin mo. Kaya solusyon talaga po, dahil ang virus na ito ay nagta-thrive thru eco-

nomic activity, so kailangan po natin talaga pigilin muna ang pagtakbo ng ating ekonomiya so work stoppage, class suspension,” Salceda said.

(You can only kill the virus if you put a pause on economic activity. So the solution is to pause economic activity through work stoppage, and class suspension.)

Luzon is on lockdown until April 12, which means strict home confinement in all households, suspension of transportation lines, regulation of provision for food and essential health services, and heightened presence of uniformed personnel to enforce isolation procedures.

To cushion the impact of the economic slowdown due to COVID-19, the government earlier rolled out a P27.1-billion package, which also includes provisions for the Department of Health.

President Rodrigo

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nomic Zone Authority (PEZA) released on Friday an advisory regarding the movement of ecozone workers and goods during the period of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

The advisory is effective to all ecozones operated, managed, or registered with PEZA nationwide.

“PEZA is in the frontline of this Covid crisis so our investors will continue to operate but we’ll strictly enforce the health safety requirements as pronounced for our Filipino workforce and investors alike," PEZA Director General Charito “Ching” Plaza said in a media statement on Saturday.

“There have been many questions, suggested solutions, interpretations of directives and memos from various agencies at the moment.

With our three deputy director generals, zone administrators, zone managers, and few others, we are corresponding 24/7

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

EDITORIAL The Church can help too The coronavirus pandemic comes at the time the Christian world celebrates lent.

For Christians, lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. The purpose of this lenten season is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, mortifying the flesh, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and denial of ego. This event is observed in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, Oriental Orthodox, Reformed, and Roman Catholic Churches.

Significantly, the Philippines is one of the two nations in Asia having a substantial portion of the population professing the Catholic faith, along with East Timor, and has the third largest Catholic population in the world after Brazil and Mexico.

However, the observation of lent in terms of Church traditions may be different this year as the country faces the coronavirus pandemic which has already caused interruptions in religious gatherings across all

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religious congregations.

As the faithful are urged to pray for the safety of everyone amidst the health crisis as well as the end of the pandemic, there is a question the Church cannot avoid to face: What are they doing in this time of the crisis.

By asking, it means what has the Church done to help the needy?

As the government and some good souls from the private sector grapple to try to keep everyone protected and provided through this extraordinary times, there seems to be an eery silence on the part of the Church to make material contribution to those who need help. Where people are forced to stay home on community quarantine at the expense of their livelihood and income, and where valuable resources, food, places to stay safe are needed, there is nothing heard of from the religious congregations--some of them run private schools with expensive matriculation fees, plus the voluntary collection from its faithfuls.

What is a small chunk to share?

Very socially active and vocal on the affairs of the state, the Church all of a sudden went silent and meek. Yes, it is affected too by the coronavirus as collections also dwindle. But, perhaps as an institution known to subsist on charity, the Church must show it can also lead in acts of charity.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

HARD DAYS AHEAD Are you reminded of the Beatles’ song, “A hard day’s night?”

Bet you are.

I’m afraid there will be more nights that are going to be harder and longer.

The corona virus, more popularly identified as CoVid 19, has affected more than 100 countries around the globe with Italy, China and Iran as the three hardest hit nations.

Italy, a much favored tourist destination in the Mediterranean with a population density of 60M, is today the epicenter of the disease, having claimed more deaths than the combined fatalities of China and Iran.

With 4,800 deaths in his country, Italian PM Guiseppe Conte has declared the closure of ALL non-essential factories. This death toll is 8.6% of the confirmed CoVid 19 infections, significantly higher than most other countries.

For your information, lockdowns in the US included the three biggest American cities – New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Sen. Paul Rand (Rep., Ky) has been reported to be one of those infected with the disease.

Nearly 1 billion people are now confined to their homes as the death toll world-wide has crossed the 13,000 mark.

France has 562 deaths while Spain is already frantically yelling for help.

Are you not wondering why countries in the EU (European Union) are being hit by this man-made pandemic that originated from Wuhan, China?

There is a biblical explanation for this which I am trying to research, looking for the prophetic answer. My initial finding is that the anti-Christ and the false prophet will come from one of these EU member nations.

US Pres. Donald Trump, the smart businessman that he is, has mulled the pumping up of $1Trillion government subsidy to abort an economic crash that will critically impact the US stock market.

The good news is that the US FDA has approved the first corona virus test that can be conducted entirely “at the point of care” for a patient and the results known in less than an hour. Wow, this is real, re-assuring good news.

Back here at home, the Inter-Agency Task Force in charge of disseminating regular info affecting the CoVid 19 ECQ has been efficiently rolling out updated developments so the entire Filipino nation may know.

Finance Sec. Carlos Dominguez has assured the labor sector and the working class that an economic package that will benefit informal workers whose jobs were disrupted by the CoVid 19 lock-

down is now “in the works.”

The package could be a “combination of providing food and/or cash benefits and subsidies for food, normal health care and other necessities,” Dominguez said.

Meanwhile, my heart bleeds to know that three brave and audacious medical front-liners fell while on the job.

Drs. ISRAEL BACTOL, 34 years old, a cardiologist; ROSE PULIDO, oncologist; and GREG MACASAET, anesthesiologist, have passed away. These are modern day heroes. Dr. Macasaet’s wife is also fighting for her life as this was being written.

I don’t know if we are indeed a prayerful Christian nation or just nominally Christian. I don’t know if we believe that God should come first before anything else. Read Matthew 6:33.

Most of the news I get is more about people concerned

with their material survival.

They are crying out for food, not crying out to God to bail them out.

The Duterte administration is doing everything it could under the circumstances. Still, there are shrills out there in Congress asking inane and petty questions, hoping to delay the passage of vital bills to empower the President to effectively combat and therefrom free us by defeating the destructive effects of CoVid 19.

Yes, there are hard times ahead. Harder still if we allow the opposition and the left to demonize and de-stabilize the already chaotic situation.

That is why the words of Friedrich Nietzsche ring a bell to me.

He said: “To do great things is difficult, but to command great things is more difficult.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

QUEST FOR COVID-19 VACCINE With coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-1) keep on taking its toll around the world, the future is somewhat volatile and despondent. If it could not be successfully contained soon, about 80% of the total population are in danger.

“With a 1% mortality rate, this would mean that 70 million people would die of the disease,” says Dr. John Scales Avery, an associate professor emeritus at the H.C. Orsted Institute of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. “With a 2% mortality rate, the total number of deaths would be twice that number.”

Comparable numbers of people have died in the tragic wars and pandemics of the past, he said. “There is a serious danger that it might happen again,” said Dr. Avery, who was part of a group that shared the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize for their work in organizing the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs.

The best way to avoid such a tragedy, he said, is to swiftly develop an inexpensive and effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“We know with certainty that if a vaccine against the

COVID-19 virus is not developed quickly and distributed widely, enormous numbers of people will die,” he said in a statement which EDGE Davao obtained.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) recommends hand washing, community quarantine, and physical distancing as some possible methods to protect people from being infected.

All these approaches may save lives but they only buy time for the development of vaccines. Physical distancing, although a tried and tested method, only slows down the pace of epidemic spread.

The solution is still a vaccine. “The first vaccine trial has begun, just 60 days after the genetic sequence of the virus was shared by China,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a press conference in Geneva. “This is an incredible achievement.”

The WHO chief is hoping the vaccines currently under trial will work. Even if these vaccines are not yet available, he said that the world “have to prepare so that the vaccines can reach everybody who needs them because this vaccine should not be for the haves; it should be for those who cannot afford it, too.”

Dr. Tedros was just reiterating what he had said previously. “Even if we get a vaccine that’s effective, we have to have that vaccine available to everybody,” he said. “There has to be fair and equitable access to such a vaccine, not just for ethics reasons; because the world will not be protected until everyone is protected.”

A vaccine is the only way people can be prevented from getting sick. “About 35 companies and academic institutions are racing to create such a vaccine, at least four of which already have candidates they have been testing in animals,” reports The Guardian in its March 20, 2020 issue.

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.

“The world has learned many lessons of the mass use of vaccines and there’s only one thing more dangerous than a bad virus and that’s a bad vaccine so we have to be very, very, very careful in developing any product that we’re going to inject into po-

tentially most of the world’s population,” says Dr. Michael Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies chief.

In the absence of a vaccine, Dr. Tedros urges people to continue looking after their physical and mental health. “This will not only help you in the long-term,” he said, “it will also help you fight COVID-19 if you get it.”

First, he recommends eating a healthy and nutritious diet, as it helps the immune system to function properly. “Second, limit your alcohol consumption, and avoid sugary drinks,” he advised.

The third recommendation is not to smoke. “Smoking can increase your risk of developing severe disease if you become infected with COVID-19,” he pointed out.

Exercise is the fourth recommendation. The WHO recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a say for adults, and one hour a day for children. “If your local or national guidelines allow it, go outside for a walk, or run or a ride, and keep a safe distance from others,” Dr. Tedros said.

“If you can’t leave the house, find an exercise video online, dance to music, do some yoga, or walk up and down the stairs.”

The fifth recommendation: look after your mental health. “It’s normal to be stressed, confused and scared during a crisis,” Dr. Tedros said. “Talking to people you know and trust can help. Supporting other people in your community can help as much as it does them.

Check in on neighbors, family and friends. Compassion is a medicine.

Other advises: “Listen to music, read a book or play a game. And try not to read or watch too much news if it makes you anxious. Get your information from reliable sources once or twice a day.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Tedros commended the researchers around the world who have come together to systematically evaluate experimental therapeutics. “Multiple small trials with different methodologies may not give us the clear, strong evidence we need about which treatments help to save lives,” he said.

In union, there is strength, so goes a saying.

“This virus is presenting us with an unprecedented threat but it’s also an unprecedented opportunity to come together as one against a common enemy, an enemy against humanity.” – ###

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL DISTANCING

“

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Social distancing does not mean social isolation. It’s really important we maintain our social connections.”

– Dr. Danielle Ompad, associate professor at New York University’s School of Global Public Health The 1918 influenza (flu) epidemic was the most severe pandemic in recent history. It was caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin.

It is estimated that about 500 million people or onethird of the world’s population at that time became infected with the virus.

The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 50 million around the globe.

“During the 1918 influenza epidemic, the town of Gunnison, Colorado, isolated itself for two months to prevent an introduction of the infection,” Wikipedia reports. “All highways were barricaded near the county lines. Train conductors warned all passengers that if they stepped outside of the train in Gunnison, they would be arrested and quarantined for five days. As a result of isolation, no one died of in-

fluenza in Gunnison during the epidemic.”

If that seems familiar, it is because the country is experiencing the same phenomenon. The world is now in pandemic mood due to the proliferation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVOD-19). The entire island of Luzon is now under “enhanced community quarantine” until April 12.

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.”

Community quarantine and lockdown (which Davao Region is currently implementing) are actual-

ly part of social distancing.

Merriam-Webster defines it as “the practice of maintaining a greater than usual physical distance from other people or of avoiding direct contact with people or objects in public places during the outbreak of a contagious disease in order to minimize exposure and reduce the transmission of infection.”

The term social distancing may be foreign to Filipinos, who are fond of mass gathering when attending church services,

going to malls, celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. In the United States and other industrialized countries, the concept is often practiced during the flu season.

“The objective of social distancing is to reduce the probability of contact between persons carrying an infection, and others who are not infected, so as to minimize disease transmission, morbidity and ultimately mortality,” Wikipedia states.

The Public Health Department of Santa Clara in the US shares this bit of information: “Social distancing is most effective when an infection can be transmitted via droplet contact (coughing or sneezing); direct physical contact (that is, by touching a contaminated surface such as fomite); or airborne transmission (if the microorganism can survive in the air for long periods).”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Geneva-based World Health Organization recommends social distancing as one of the several methods to stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the disease.

But recently, a Reuters report stated that the United Nations health agency has officially advocating against the phrase “social distancing” and is now recommending the phrase “physical distancing.”

“The idea is to clarify that an order to stay at home during the current coronavirus pandemic isn’t about breaking contact with friends and family – but rather keeping a physical distance to make sure the disease doesn’t spread.”

Randy David, in his Philippine Daily Inquirer column, seemed to agree.

He wrote: “If what is meant to be communicated is the need to observe a certain amount of physical distance from other individuals in order to lessen the likelihood of transmitting an infectious disease, a less confusing term might have been more appropriate. For example: ‘safe distancing’ or ‘hygienic distancing,’ or ‘protective distancing.’”

It is because of the word “social,” which has a different connotation. “The term specifically referred to the social differentiation that people tend to observe, consciously or unconsciously, in everyday life,” David explained. “This is seen in the distinctions they apply when dealing with members of different social classes, racial and ethnic groups, or religious communities.”

David, however, surmised the phrase came into fruition because of the everyday usage of social these days as “it is equated with face-to-face interaction.” “Thus to ‘socialize’ is to mix around or circulate.

Epidemiologists and public health specialists may have taken off from this usage to arrive at the term ‘social distancing’ to indicate the need to avoid physical closeness and social gatherings during an infectious disease outbreak.”

But whatever phrase, social distancing, physical distancing, self-shielding, and voluntary isolation, they have the same objective: to limit close physical proximity between infected and healthy individuals.

“Social distancing aims to reduce the amount of interaction people have while allowing them to carry out their necessary day-to-day activities,” wrote Dr. Ranj Singh, a consultant pediatric emergency physician in

the United Kingdom.

“In terms of social distancing, it’s important to understand how this coronavirus 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.

Wikipedia reports: “During the 1918 influenza pandemic, military parades in Philadelphia and Boston may have been responsible for spreading

FUNDERSTANDING, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

49 persons quarantined in Tawi-tawi upon arrival from Sabah are Filipinos

T

he 49 persons who arrived in South Ubian, Tawi-tawi from Sabah on Friday and placed under a two-week quarantine there are not Malaysians but Filipinos from that town, the Malaysian Consul-General in this city said.

A MindaNews report on March 20 said 49 individuals from Sabah, Malaysia were held and placed under a two-week quarantine in Tawi-Tawi as the Inter-Agency Taks Force (IATF) on COVID-19 in the province intensified its campaign to prevent the spread of the nov-

el coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The 49 who were on board MV Nordiana from Sabah, were apprehended in South Ubian. They were designated as Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) and were to be housed in one building during the quarantine period.

In an e-mail to MindaNews Nur Harun, Consul General of Malaysia in Davao City, clarified that the 49 were not Malaysian citizens but residents of Tabawan, South Ubian who recently traveled from Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysia.

COVID-19... FROM1

lief goods are those holders of the ration cards such as indigents and the head of the family is out of work, contractual and “no work, no pay” head of the family, and self-employed.

She said implementing agency City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is now ready for the first day of the distribution of relief goods in 30 barangays in coordination with the barangay captains and team leaders from the city council who will monitor the compliance of social distancing parameter.

“Ang ilang counting per household. Kung 14 mo kabuok sa isa ka balay ug kung kinsa ang head.

Ang head of family pu-

wede mother nga working o father nga working, o solo parent nga working, igsoon nga working,” Mayor Sara said.

She also assured that those individuals not residing in Davao City but working in the city will also get relief goods as well as the drivers under the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE 11) and Person With Disability (PWD).

“Wala ta’y dilian, basta wala lang nangilad ang tao sa iyang claims nga affected siya.

The mayor said distribution will cover the 182 barangays of Davao City and will run until March 27.

the Philippines,” said Esratres.

“The public has to be vigilant on the need

to recruit members, and promises of high returns in such a short period of time,” she added.

GSIS chief added.

“Doon naman po sa Emergency Loan, maglalabas po ang GSIS ng emergency loan para sa aming mga myembro at pensionado. Humihingi lang po kami ng konting panahon dahil inaayos namin yung aming systems para ma-activate ang nationwide implementation nito.”

GSIS offers a Php20,000 emergency loan to active members and pensioners with an interest rate of 6%, payable in three years.

At present, all GSIS offices nationwide are closed to the public until 12 April 2020. However,

GSIS continues to accept loan applications for Conso-loan, Policy Loan and Pension Loan through the GSIS kiosks. GSIS has nearly 1,000 kiosks installed in government agencies, GSIS branch offices, provincial capitols, city halls, and municipal offices as well as selected SM and Robinsons malls all over the country. Loan applications of active members require prior approval by Agency Authorized Officers or Liaison Officers (AAOs / LOs) before GSIS can credit the loan amount to the individual borrower’s account.

(GSIS)

Duterte also declared a state of public health emergency and a state of calamity to allow government to tap quick response funds.

If the President did not declare a lockdown of Luzon, the Philippines might suffer from a recession, Salceda said.

“Baka po magkaroon ng recession kung hindi

natin ginawa ang lockdown, baka tsaka tayo nagka-recession,” he added.

(There could be a recession if we did not declare a lockdown.)

Lawmakers are set to discuss on Monday Duterte’s request for emergency funds for the government's COVID-19 response.

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Harun said he received the confirmation from the Philipine National Police In South Ubian.

South Ubian Mayor Arcaf Matba had earlier said the local government will provide food and accommodation for the 49.

As of Friday, Tawi-Tawi had no confirmed COVID-19 case. But it placed under quaranting 498 persons who returned to the province from Sabah and Metro Manila.

Both areas have been badly hit by COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 cases in Malayisa, Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines, among others, A Tabligh gathering in Sri Petaling, Selangor in Malaysia on February 27 to March had been confirmed by the Malaysian Ministry of Health as one of the sources of COVID-19.

As of Saturday, March 21, Malaysia’s confirmed COVID-19 cases had reached 1,183, more than half of that traced to the Tabligh gathering.

As of Sunday noon, the Philippines had 380 confirmed COVID-19 cases. (MindaNews)

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expedite tracking these attendees, determine their health status and report immediately to the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19.

Specifically, he ordered all 2,590 barangay chairpersons through their respective barangay health emergency response teams

(BHERTs) “to speed up contact-tracing and monitoring of these suspected people to be considered as persons under monitoring in their barangays.

He also tasked all the BHERTs to ensure all their constituents in the barangay are all accounted for.

(PNA)

vivorship benefits, will be released also on the first week of April.

This is on top of the P20,000 emergency loan that the GSIS plans to grant to its members amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The said loan is payable in three years with 6% interest.

“Iyong pension po natin, usually nire-release every eighth of the month.

Maibibigay na po iyan ng mas maaga sa April 8,” Malubay said.

In addition, GSIS has extended due dates for housing loan payments for a month, while dues paid through salary deduction won’t take effect for the month of April.

GSIS pensioners who are also required to renew their membership every year on their birthday will not be obligated to show up anymore if their scheduled appearance falls within the enhanced community quarantine.

non-Western country to be awarded the Olympics. Tokyo was to be the summer host, with Sapporo getting the winter version.

Again, war got in the way.

Japan invaded China in 1937, prompting the Asian country to surrender its hosting duties the next year after some military leaders reportedly demanded that venues be constructed from wood because metals were needed for the war effort.

The International Olympic Committee hastily named Helsinki, runner-up in the initial bidding, to serve as summer city, with the winter events going to 1928 host St. Moritz, Switzerland. A dispute with Swiss organizers led to one more change, as the Winter Games were shifted a second time to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the German host in 1936 alongside Berlin.

Of course, after World War II erupted in September 1939 with Germany's invasion of Poland, the Olympics were canceled altogether. Tokyo would eventually get a chance to host the Summer Games in

1964 — still the first Asian city to receive the honor — while Sapporo landed the 1972 Winter Games.

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A LOOK BACK... FROM11

1944 Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, and after all that scrambling to find replacement hosts for 1940, the IOC awarded London the 1944 Summer Games in balloting that also included Athens, Budapest, Detroit, Helsinki, Lausanne, Montreal and Rome.

With England not a feasible host for the Winter Games, that event was awarded to Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

The 1944 Olympics never had a chance. World War II dragged on until the following year.

London would then be awarded the 1948 Summer Games, the first in a dozen years and staged in austere conditions as the city continued to recover from the war. In 2012, the British capital became the first three-time host.

St. Moritz hosted the Winter Games for a second time in 1948, while Cortina eventually got another shot with the 1956 Winter Olympics.

9

BOC says PPE donations exempt from FDA clearance requirement

F

oreign donations of personal protective equipment (PPEs) do not need a clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) clarified Monday.

In a statement, the BOC said PPE donations are exempted from securing a Certificate of Product Notification (CPN) or Certificate of Product Registration (CPR).

"Considering the COVID-19 outbreak, the FDA coordinated with the BOC that foreign donations of PPEs (face masks including N95 masks, shoe covers, gloves, head covers, and gowns) are exempted from securing an FDA clearance," it said.

"Moreover, the FDA also mentioned that com-

panies, other than medical device establishments, which use face masks in the performance of their jobs and are strictly for company use are allowed to make direct importation without any certification from the FDA," it added.

The BOC last week said it has been expediting the release of PPEs to the public, given the high demand for such products.

For PPEs to be used for commercial purposes, the BOC said the FDA has since clarified that importers are exempt from the presentation of a CPN or CPR. It noted, however, that importers need to provide a copy of License to Operate (LTO) and proof of application for product notification with the FDA.

other reputable regulatory agencies in countries like Japan, United States and South Korea. FDA will also approve them if they are included in the World Health Organization’s

Emergency Use List.

The FDA earlier told ABS-CBN News that it can approve test kits in a day or two as long as the company’s documents are complete.

sympathetic to the difficulties you are all going through, together with your employees. We are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation.

However, like all countries that are affected realize that lives are at stake and hard decisions must be made,” Plaza said.

Plaza also appealed to the Inter-Agency Task

Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and the LGUs to be consistent about the “unhampered movement of ecozone cargoes and ecozone company shuttle buses/vehicles ferrying the workers within the immediate vicinity of the ecozone” which have been allowed, unless revoked by the IATF. (PR)

the disease by mixing infected sailors with crowds of civilians. Restricting mass gatherings, in combination with other social distancing interventions, may help reduce transmission.”

Another historic event happened during the 1916 New York City polio epidemic. “When there were over 27,000 cases and more than 6,000 deaths due to polio in the United States, with over 2,000 deaths in New York City alone, movie theaters were closed, meetings were cancelled, public gatherings were almost non-existent, and children were warned not to drink from water fountains, and told to avoid amusement parks, swimming pools and beaches.”

One social greeting common among people is handshaking. 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.

Gentlemen Quarterly 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 official until the hands are parted.

In these days of COVID-19, avoiding 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.”

No man is an island, so goes a familiar saying. Being alone at home, avoiding crowds, and not having someone to talk with in person seems to be inconvenient and boring, but it’s for the greater good.

“It’s uncomfortable,” Dr. Danielle Ompad, an associate professor at New York University’s School of Global Public Health, told CNN. “But it requires us to be good citizens. People have to learn how to think about the collective rather than the individual.”

rescheduling, which they eventually did. The Games was moved to March.

Meantime, athletes

continue to train at home, optimistic that things will go back to “business as usual” soon.

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10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

COMPETITIVE EDGE

BDO warns clients of fraud amidst COVID-19

W

ith the recent move by some Philippine banks to extend the payment dues of loans and credit cards by 30 to 60 days, scammers are using the familiar ploy of sending out emails or calling customers and posing as a “legit” bank personnel offering a loan payment extension. The intention here is to get the account details and OTP (one-time password) of the customers so fraudsters can take over the account.

Because of this, BDO Unibank is reiterating important reminders to clients and the general public to combat fraud: 1. Do not share personal information.

Personal information consists of bank account

numbers, usernames, passwords, or One-Time Pins (OTP). Using this information, scammers can steal identities, access online bank accounts, and steal money.

Personal information can also include birthdays,

Ligo PH redirects advertising funds to COVID-19 relief, response efforts

L

igo Philippines is aware of the challenges that many kababayans face everyday as they protect themselves from COVID-19. It has been prioritizing Filipinos’ welfare since the beginning and like everyone, it puts people’s health and safety as its top priorities.

As an act of solidarity, Ligo Philippines is reallocating its entire advertising budget this year, effective immediately.

The brand will be donating the fund to non-government organizations, charities, and individual groups who are at the forefront of the COVID-19 relief and response efforts.

“We will work hard to provide for you in times that you need us most,” says Ligo Vice

President for Advertising and Promotion Macky Tung. “We pledge to deliver food and supplies, including our classic products, to the most affected families and communities; provide relief and assistance to health workers and other front liners; and equip them with Personal Protective Equipment. We will coordinate with Local Government Units to ensure orderly distribution”.

Ligo has always been an integral part of Filipino kitchens and it strives to continue to live by its role in both big and small ways. “This is just the beginning of our bayanihan. We know that as one nation, one family, we will persevere and see better days,” adds Tung.

mother’s maiden name, the street where one grew up in—any unique information about the user can be used by the scammer to unlock online bank accounts.

The bank advises all to be prudent in posting personal info on social media channels. If profile is public, best keep it on private mode for added protection.

2. Do not click on website links.

Fraud attacks can also come in the form of emails, SMS messages, phone calls, or messages via social media channels. Scammers introduce themselves as officials of a trusted company.

Their messages look and sound very convincing and sophisticated. Gone are the days of imperfect grammar and distorted logos. They even include a website link.

Hovering on these website links however will ­reveal a fake website’s address on the preview.

Do not click on these links. These links will lead to a website identical to a legitimate company’s official site. Here, scammers can harvest personal information.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) says: “Be wary of unverified and unproven COVID-19 websites or applications that require you to give your personal data. These websites and applications might be used by online scammers. Cybercriminals will do anything to obtain personal information, especially your financial and banking details.”

BDO assures clients

that it will never include links in its official communications.

3. Do not share OTPs. Companies send out OTPs via SMS messages as an added layer of protection. For banks, OTPs serve as an account holder’s sign off to proceed with a transaction, like paying for utility bills.

The bank warns clients about scammers pretending to be from BDO. They may offer a 60-day loan payment extension and ask for account details including OTPs, so they can proceed with transferring money to their account.

BDO says that real bank officers will never ask for clients’ personal information, such as OTPs, under any circumstances. When in doubt, report any suspi-

· All employees will receive their regularly scheduled salaries during the ECQ period without deductions made against their Vacation and Sick Leaves; · The company’s front liners, who comprise the skeletal workforce, will, in addition, be provided with premium pay; · All Security Guards and Janitorial staff will receive financial assistance of PHP5,000 for the period.

It is focused on helping these key resources so that they in turn can be of service to others.

On a daily basis since the ECQ, SM has also been undertaking measures to protect the safety and welfare of its front line personnel with protective gear, meals, and transportation whenever possible.

“In these trying times, we are in unchartered territories. Let’s be one with each other, united in the spirit of service. Let’s be mindful of our front liners and help with their need to be alert so they can continue to do their best in working for the safety and health of our communities,” said Hans T. Sy on behalf of the Sy family.

cious communications to ReportPhish@bdo.com.ph.

Be cautious at all times It’s important to be cautious during this time. “Be wary of fake news. Review and confirm information/ sources,” said the DICT. Stay tuned in to trusted government and news sites or social media platforms for real and updated information on COVID-19, and do not share unverified information about the situation as not to spread fake news that could incite more panic among the people.

“If you have time to spare, help your friends by verifying the information or sources they share.

Contact them directly to clarify whatever falsehood they shared and share with them verified facts about the COVID-19,” it added.

SM assures employee compensation

W

ith the unprecedented global health crisis, companies under SM today stand in solidarity with the nation and the citizenry in the battle against COVID-19.

SM today assured all of its employees their regular compensation as well as the extension of an Emergency Financial Assistance to its front liners, security guards and janitorial staff during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period from March 16 to April 14, 2020. The extent of this assistance includes the following:

SM continues to assess the health crisis with vigilance; enjoining its employees and the public to follow guidelines and precautions to help combat the virus.

This financial assistance is another commitment to fighting the negative effects of COVID-19.

Earlier, SM made separate announcements to waive tenant rentals nationwide as well as to support health workers as they actively fight the spread of COVID-19 with PHP100 million worth of protective equipment, testing kits and supplies.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

11

A look back at Olympics that never were: 1916, ‘40 and ‘44

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ith more and more calls to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because of the coronavirus outbreak, it's worth noting that this every-fouryears spectacle has been rocked before by traumatic events.

Three other times, the games were canceled altogether because of World War I (1916) and World War II (1940 and 1944) — and in those latter two quadrennials, both the Summer and Winter Games were shelved.

A look at the Olympic Games that never were:

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks the ball during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Russell Isabella, USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

1916 Berlin was set to host the 1916 Summer Olympics (the Winter Games weren't founded until 1924), beating bids from Alexandria, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest and Cleveland, according to GamesBids.com.

The German Empire even constructed a dazzling new facility to serve as the centerpiece of the games. Known as Deutsches Stadion, it opened well ahead of the

Gobert details Covid-19 effects P

games in 1913.

After the First World War erupted in July 1914, preparations carried on for a while since no one expected the hostilities to last another two years.

But the horrific war lasted until 1918, eventually forcing the Olympics to be canceled.

The Berlin stadium was demolished some two decades later and replaced by a new structure that would serve as the main stadium for the 1936 Summer Games, when the German capital finally got another chance to host. Of course, Adolf Hitler had risen to power by then, leaving those games to be remembered ominously for promoting the Nazi regime that would eventually lead the world into an even more catastrophic war.

1940 In an era when the selected nation got the option of hosting both the Summer and Winter Games in the same year, Japan was a surprising choice as the first

FA LOOK BACK, P9

PH athlete trains in Italy despite COVID-19 threat

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OS ANGELES -- Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, whose positive coronavirus test prompted the NBA to shut down its season, says the virus has caused him to lose his sense of smell.

The French big man, whose defensive talents earned him the nickname the “Stifle Tower,” tested positive for COVID-19 on March 11, the result bringing the NBA season to an abrupt halt.

In social media posts since then, the 27-yearold had said he was feeling

better, but on Sunday he tweeted that he was experiencing one of the lesser-known symptoms of the illness.

“Just to give you guys an update, loss of smell and taste is definitely one of the symptoms, haven’t been able to smell anything for the last 4 days,” Gobert

PSC: Safety and health is top priority for all

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hilippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez on Monday clarified that in these trying times, safety and health is the priority of everyone, and scheduling of national or international sports events will have to be pushed back in consideration of everyone’s safety.

“We are on lockdown, but we try our best to keep updated of our athletes’ and employees’ status,” explained Ramirez. The PSC has been keeping “virtual offices” for reporting and updating. Ramirez also said that “as of now, I am thankful that no athlete, coach or employee has reported positive of the COVID-19.

We hope it stays that way.”

The present situation of the nation has greatly affected the sporting community, with most being indefinitely postponed.

Recently, the 10th ASEAN Paragames Organizing Committee (PHILAPGOC) announced the third rescheduling of the Games in light of the present global pandemic, setting the new target month for October.

Ramirez explained that if the present situation persists, deciding the schedule of such events would be in the hands of the government. “I understand the goals and dreams of the organizing committee, but in this national crisis, it would be the government’s advice or decision which will be heeded since there are other factors which need to be considered,” he explained.

In early February, seeing the progress of the health issue, the PSC has announced the postponement of all its events and strongly urged the PHILAPGOC to also consider

FPSC, P9

wrote on Twitter. “Anyone experiencing the same thing?”

More than a dozen NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19. Gobert’s teammate Donovan Mitchell was the second player diagnosed, and the total includes four players from the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets players testing positive included superstar Kevin Durant, who has been sidelined all season recovering from injury.

Days before his positive test, Gobert had shrugged off safety measures aimed

at limiting the spread of coronavirus, pointedly touching every microphone and voice recorder on a table in front of him at a media availability.

The cavalier stunt took a serious turn after it emerged he had tested positive. Gobert apologizing for his actions and saying he wished he had “taken this thing more seriously.”

The global death toll from the virus surged to more than 14,300 on Sunday, according to an AFP tally.

ole vaulter EJ Obiena, one of the Filipino athletes who already qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is on track with his training in Italy despite the continuing threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

Italy is one of the COVID-19 hotspots with over 4,000 deaths due to the virus.

Fortunately, Obiena is located hundreds of miles away from the badly hit northern Italy.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association head Philip Juico said they are constantly re-

minding the 24-year-old about the measures they have to take to make sure he is safe.

"He's still training in Formia, Italy but stays outside the training center," Juico said.

Obiena is the Philippines' first Olympic qualifier to the Tokyo Games, before being joined by Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo and boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno.

"He's with his coach.

They know the rules and should be following them: Soap hands and social distancing," Juico said. "His training continues."

PSC Chairman William Ramirez showing his support to our national athletes during the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

12 SPORTS

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VOL.13 ISSUE 13 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

SPORTS SHUTDOWN PSL calls off Grand Prix, Badminton Asia tourney also off T

Philippine Superliga (PSL) on Monday officially announced the postponement of its ongoing Grand Prix. PSL

he country's premier volleyball league Philippine Superliga (PSL) on Monday officially announced it is calling off the ongoing PSL Grand Prix.

The decision to suspend the tournament came after the national government imposed an "enhanced community quarantine" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PSL had previously postponed games scheduled from March 14 to April 12, but after a consultation with its team owners, the league decided that the Grand Prix "will be reset to a later date."

Teams have been advised to encourage their local players and imports "to go home and be with their loved ones."

"Health and safety are the top priorities during these trying times," the league said.

"If and when the 'lockdown' is lifted and sporting events warrant staging, the PSL will immediately organize a special team owners meeting to plan its next step moving forward," it added.

Sporting events in the Philippines have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NCAA's 95th season was officially terminated last week, with its volleyball and football tournaments ending unfinished.

The PBA and the UAAP remain suspended.

There have been a total of

380 reported cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, with 25 fatalities.

Meantime, the Badminton Asia Championships, which the Philippines will be hosting, has been postponed due to the coronavirus diseases (Covid-19).

The development happened after the Badminton World Federation (BWF) suspended all the tournaments that are scheduled for the next two months.

"The health, safety and well-being of all athletes, their entourage, officials and the greater badminton community is the top priority," the BWF said in a statement.

Initially scheduled to take place in Wuhan, the BWF moved the event to the Philippines following the Covid-19 situation in the China’s central city, and the country's successful hosting of the Badminton Asia Team Championships last month.

However, the BWF decided to postpone the event scheduled from April 21-26 due to the global Covid-19 pandemic which also hit the Philippines.

The BAC is among the last qualifying events for the Tokyo Olympics, which means the postponement can factor on whether Japan will still push through with the quadrennial meet originally set from July 24 to August 9 this year. (With PNA)