Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 148 | Thursday, October 3, 2019

AN EVENING OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

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DCPO denies involvement behind police-clad bat-wielding gangsters

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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he Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) denied allegations that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is behind the violent police-clad "Bunal Gang" that roams around different areas in Davao City pass curfew hours and randomly hitting people with bats and whips.

DCPO spokesperson Capt. Nolan Tagsip, during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media brie�ing held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, October 2, said their responsibility, as policemen, is to protect the public and ensure the safety of the people, and not to cause harm.

"We are law enforcers, we serve for right and protect not the other way around,” underscored Tagsip.

PRRD IN RUSSIA. President Rodrigo Duterte receives a warm welcome from the members of the reception party upon his arrival at the Vnukovo Military Base Airport in Moscow, Russian Federation on Wednesday.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The of�ice's statement came after a posts in social media surfaced accusing the police of this unlawful approach of discipline.

Tagsip, however, said based on their investigation, the motive of these so-called vigilantes is revenge and could be linked to the case of a roof installer in Barangay Bucana who was allegedly killed while try-

BUNAL, P10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

PRRD arrives in Moscow, starts 2nd visit to Russia

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resident Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Russia early Wednesday morning to kick off his weeklong visit in the country upon the invitation of its leader Vladimir Putin.

Duterte arrived at the Vnukovo Military Base Airport in Moscow at 8:25 a.m. (Manila time) and was welcomed by Russian of�icials Andrey Igorevich, deputy director of the State Protocol Department, and Anatoly Borovik, deputy director of Third Asian Department.

This is Duterte's second trip to Russia following his �irst visit in May 2017, which was cut short due to a terror attack in southern Philippines that forced him to come home earlier than scheduled.

Duterte will use his second visit to "broaden Philippines-Russia cooperation" in trade and eco-

nomics, defense and military, health, and science and technology, among others, according to Malacañang.

"The President hopes to have a robust, comprehensive and mutually-bene�icial partnership with Russia," Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

The Philippine president is expected to join other leaders in the forum of prominent Russian think tank Valdai Discussion Club, where he is expected to deliver a speech on the theme “The World Order Seen From the East."

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said Duterte's upcoming participation would mark the �irst time that a Philippine president was invited to speak at the forum of the Russian think tank closely

PRRD, P10

PNP partners with DepEd-11 for anti-crime program in schools

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he Police Regional Of�ice-11 (PRO 11) and the Department of Education in Region 11 (DepEd-11) forged a partnership on Monday to implement an anti-crime program in schools.

Dubbed as "Oplan Makabata" or "Magtutudlo ug Kapulisan, Bata Tudluan," the campaign aims to further educate students, teachers, and parents on various crime prevention programs of the Philippine National Police, said Major Jason Baria, PRO-11 spokesperson.

In particular, the campaign seeks to promote the advocacies on the harmful effects of illegal drugs, anti-bullying, and protection of the basic rights of the child, Barias said.

Baria said Oplan Makabata also aims to address school concerns particularly on the safety and security of the students and

teachers as well as bridge the "gap" between children and the police through class interaction that will rectify negative notions about the police.

Brig. Gen. Marcelo Morales, PRO-11 director, said the partnership would encourage the children and the youth to be "STRONG-Smart, Talented, Responsible, Obedient, Nice and God-fearing, and will produce peace-loving citizens in the future."

"With the issues of abuses, bullying, increasing numbers of children in con�lict with the law and recruitment of students to join some left-leaning organizations, well, I think this partnership is very timely and I am optimistic that we will be able to achieve our mission," Morales added.

Under the agreement signed by representatives of the two agencies, DepEd-11

PNP, P10

Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Leonilo G. Claudio (center), together with governor Jesus G. Dureza (left) and Religious Congregation Committee chair Rey G. Sorongon, promotes the upcoming Canadian-Filipino Thanksgiving slated on October 5 to 6

at the Holy Cross Davao College Hall in Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall. The thanksgiving is for the role of Canadian missionaries in education and health in Mindanao.

Lean Daval Jr

I respect Sara’s decision: Librado

By MAYA M. PADILLO

A

fter making pronouncements for the closure of the Salugpongan schools, Mayor Sara Duterte still gained respect from Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata who recently expressed support for the Salugpongan.

Last Monday, Duterte issued a statement on the closure of the Salugpongan schools in Davao for teaching students how to use �irearms, apart from them being indoctrinated with anti-government propaganda.

“I respect the decision of the mayor regarding about this issue,” Librado told media. “I respect the

Mayor’s decision on the issue. It was not only thru Makabayan that I have learned about the lumad’s issues. They came to me and it is my duty to hear them as it is my duty to listen to each and everyone in the city regardless of their religious or political af�iliations.”

In a privilege speech last week Librado has ex-

pressed support for the Salugpongan schools.

“Bakit ako nag- privilege speech, kasi inaral ko po yung issue na pino-provide sa akin hindi lang ng Makabayan even IPs nagbigay din po sila sa akin ng mga details at inaral ko po iyon and sa nakita ko po yun ang aking desisyon na mas dapat bigyan ng pagkakataon at pakinggan ang kanilang mga boses at magkakaroon ng mga diyalogo,” she explained.

Mayor Duterte earlier took a jab at Librado saying: “the councilor from Davao City who called on

the Sangguniang Panlungsod to inquire into the closure of the Salugpungan schools in our city should �irst check the facts that form the basis of the request for closure, and not rely on the disinformation fed to her by the Makabayan bloc and its CPPNPA-NDFP allies.”

Librado also af�irmed that after Mayor Duterte issued her statement, no one from the Salugpongan came to her of�ice. She assured that her of�ice is still open for the IPs despite the declaration of the mayor.

I RESPECT, P10

Davao moms celebrate Int'l Babywearing Week

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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Dawow Moms Admin with Edge Davao editor-in-chief Antonio “Toni” Ajero.

he Davao City edition of the biggest babywearing celebration across the globe formally opened on Tuesday, October 1.

The 4th International Babywearing Week (IBW) organized by Dawow Moms will run until October 6 at the NCCC Mall Buhangin Activity Area.

Dawow Moms admin Axel May Clapano, in an interview with Edge Davao, said the week-long celebration jumped off with a surprise �lashmob presented by more than 100 Dawow Moms babywearers as the event promises array of educational and exciting activities for parents and their babies.

"IBW will feature free babywearing consultation, seminars, and lectures

for parents in Davao City," Clapano said, adding that fun activities such as zumba, raf�les, and games also await participants.

Clapano, however, expects massive turnout of participants in this free-admission activity which aims to promote, advocate, and focus media attention on the many bene�its of babywearing.

"We are expecting more than 2,000 mommies but given the fact that we have more than 9,000 members in Dawow Moms, we can never tell," she said.

Starting on Wednesday, October 2, Dawow Moms IBW will conduct daily online trivia, games, and raf�le that comes with exclusive prizes will be posted across Dawow Moms social media

DAVAO MOMS, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

City gets P23-M fund for mental wellness facility

By MAYA M. PADILLO

W

ith P23 million budget pledged by Dumper Partylist, the construction of a mental wellness facility for the mentally challenged and vagrants in Davao City will soon be realized.

Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte on Wednesday said Mayor Sara Duterte has informed her that a P23 million budget has been pipelined by Dumper Partylist for the construction of a mental wellness center.

“One of the problems that we have in the city is the homeless with mental disorder. During our previous talk with Mayor Sara I asked her about the budget for a shelter. Two days ago during the Araw ng mga Barangays she whispered to me that Dumper Partylist is going to give her P23 million to build a mental wellness center,” Villafuerte said.

The lady councilor assured that the start of the construction of the said facility will be fast tracked considering that the mental health ordinance was already passed and the budget is already available.

“The ordinance to establish a mental wellness center is on �irst reading at yung mental health ordi-

nance ay napasa na. I will assure the mayor na bibilisan ko ito para maipasa na lalo na meron ng budget.

Kung ang target ni Mayor Sara January next year, we will work for it na mapabilisan. Madali na lang yan kasi may budget na usually when you’re working on an ordinance the budget ang problema, but now I was assured by Mayor Sara the Dumper Partylist already pledged P23 million,” she explained.

To be situated in the Southern Philippines Medical Center- Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (SPMC-IPBM), Villafuerte said the center will serve as a shelter for vagrants and counseling center for Davaoeños with mental disorders and depressions.

“This will function as shelter to vagrants and counseling center to those with depression and other mental disorders for Davaoenos, for city government employees, and students,” she said.

Not only that Dr. Leopoldo “Bong” Vega, SPMC chief of Hospital assured villafuerte a space but mental health experts also that will treat and guide mental health division.

“Ideally maganda na andoon ang wellness center natin sa loob ng IPBM sa SPMC. The experts in mental health can also help the city to treat those with mental disorders and to guide the mental health division,” Villafuerte said adding that they will seek expertise of mental experts in terms of the admission of the mentally challenged patients. “We will go into committee hearing and we will ask the opinion of the experts kung ano, will they have to be admitted or not.

Kasi yung merong owners (families) will be admitted, and hindi ma-admit ay yung wala, yung homeless.

Tatayo tayo ngayon na parang parents or owners of the homeless and we will oversee their treatment and they will tell us saan sila galing dahil baka pinasakay lang sila ng bus and ended up in Davao City.”

Villafuerte also said they will also seek assistance of the City Social Services and Development

CITY, P9

Former Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) head Jesus Dureza says during this week's Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at

Mati LGU, PEF revisits MOA for eagle protection

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he City of Mati LGU and the Philippine Eagle Foundation Inc. revisited their agreement for the protection of Philippine eagles that inhabit the vast Mt. Hamiguitan Range in the tri-boundaries of Mati City, San Isidro and Governor Generoso towns.

In a meeting on Wednesday, October 2, Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat expressed her willingness to resume the agreement with PEF which was

stopped back in 2016 after a shooting incident that led to the death of eagle Pamana on August 2015.

Also in attendance were PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador, PEF Director for Research and Conservation Jayson Ibanez, DENR-PENRO Development Management Of�icer III Yolanda Bueno, DENR-CENRO Land Management Of�icer Eduardo Mugas, Davao Oriental Provincial Natural Heritage Of-

�ice Head Dolores Valdesco, City Environment and Natural Resources Of�icer Eddie P. Cobacha, along with other city employees and DENR staff.

The objective of the meeting was to revisit the previous contract based on the activities that were conducted by the PEF, and the renewal of contract and reactivation of the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary Management Council (PESMC).

During the meeting,

Ibanez presented to the body the status of the project located in Barangay Cabuaya, City of Mati.

In 1993, an immature Philippine Eagle crash landed by the shore of Cabuaya.

The bird was rescued and turned over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Bird was later named “Kalayaan”.

By 2005, a Philippine eagle nest was discovered which has been monitored

MATI, P10

Abreeza mall that peace effort is a lifetime effort and this will not end even after the Duterte administration. Lean Daval Jr

Kidapawan feted as nation’s best in anti-rabies campaign

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or successfully implementing the government’s anti-rabies campaign, the city government here was recognized on Monday as the nation’s best anti-rabies implementer on Monday.

During the celebration of World Rabies Awareness Day, Dr. Eugene Gornez, chief of the city veterinary of�ice, received the recognition from the Department of Health (DOH) National Rabies Prevention and Control Program during the recognition night held in Pasay City.

“The city was recognized for its “zero” rabies death case for the past

�ive years,” Gornez said in a phone interview.

Gornez attributed the successful campaign to the support of Mayor Joseph Evangelista through his Health, Nutrition, Education and Public Safety programs that he started after he was elected for his �irst term as local chief executive in 2013.

Evangelista is in his last term as city chief executive.

Gornez also attributed the success of the anti-rabies drive to the cooperation of the public, pet owners and local radio stations for the support it extended to the city veterinary of�ice.

(PNA)

DFA warns vs. fake websites posing as PH gov’t agencies

T A bystander takes a puff on a cigarette at the sidewalk along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday. The city government of Davao’s Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) has reported a rise in the number of appre-

hensions of the anti-smoking ordinance and the liquor ban violators in the first half of the year. Lean Daval Jr

he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday warned Filipinos and foreign nationals against transacting with entities posing as a Philippine government agency following the spread of fake websites online.

In a bulletin, the DFA said there have been reports of a website that posed as a Philippine government agency that handles public procurements in the Philippines.

The said website solicits businesses and companies transact with it regarding the procurement of goods and services for

the Philippines.

"Please note that government procurement in the Philippines is implemented through the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9184) which mandates the use of streamlined procurement processes and monitoring of government procurement activities by the public," the DFA said.

"More importantly, RA 9184 created the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPBB) as the central policy and monitoring body in all government," it added.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

Peso seen stable but risks ahead on external dev’t

F

itch Solutions sees the Philippine peso to remain stable against the US dollar, but its weakness is also expected not because of domestic monetary easing but by developments overseas.

In a report dated September 30, the unit of Fitch Group forecasts the local currency to average at 52.10 to a greenback this year, 53.00 in 2020, and 52.80 in 2021.

It noted the local unit “has remained relatively stable” before the rate-setting meetings of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ policy-making Monetary Board (MB) last August and September, as investors expected the Board to further slash the central bank’s key rates.

The peso has been on a see-saw on news related to the US-China trade issues and geopolitical concerns, among others.

The report said the local unit fell about 3 percent last August on risk-off sentiments because of the US-China trade concerns “but has yet to fully pare back its losses against the dollar as tensions appear to be cooling somewhat.”

It projects the local currency to dip further in the coming quarters as trade discussions between the two largest economies in the world are still in unclear.

“As such, we believe

that risks are tilted to further weakness, with the US dollar on a steady march stronger and the BSP unperturbed by the prospect of peso depreciation, given Philippines’ exports have struggled through 2019 and BSP reserves are back to healthier levels, with 7.5x import cover as of August,” it said.

The report also noted a “signi�icant rate repricing by markets” in the coming days on account of its projection that Federal Reserve is done easing rates for the year after the 25 basis points cut last September. “…we believe the BSP’s dovish stance against this backdrop will prove unfavorable for the peso,” it said.

Fitch Solutions also believes that the local currency’s “slight overvaluation on a real effective exchange rate basis will also contribute to investor aversion”, especially since the central bank continue to have a dovish stance.

“That said, the weakness we expect will be moderate and we do not believe the peso is among the most vulnerable across emerging market currencies,” it said, citing that the country’s “net external creditor position, strong reserves and relatively low gross external debt reduces its overall vulnerabilities to a strong dollar.” (PNA)

DA, PCC vow cooperation, assistance in rice price probe

T

he Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) on Tuesday sealed a partnership for strengthened coordination and mutual advisory assistance on competition concerns given the agriculture sector’s primary importance on consumer welfare and inclusive development.

“This has been a much-anticipated partnership that puts the PCC and the DA at the forefront of inclusive development and consumer welfare promotion," PCC chair Arsenio Balisacan said.

"Cognizant of the DA’s role in developing our agriculture sector and the sector’s importance in the economy, the PCC is well-suited to assist and support the DA by looking into market conduct that

ultimately affect prices and output,” he said.

Balisacan said the partnership would allow the PCC and DA "to cooperate, coordinate, and to share information with respect to policies, markets, among others, in such that PCC will be able to conduct its investigation properly and (in) timely manner, and also for DA to be able to implement its policies."

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) facilitates information and knowledge-exchange between the two agencies for matters, issues or concerns involving competition in the agriculture sector.

Enabling wider access to information and cooperation, one agency is able to inform and guide the other in issues that fall within its respective �ield.

DA, P10

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) says there is enough supply of sugar in the country and there is no need for additional importation for now given the arrival of about 138,600 metric tons (MT) this October and the release of 150,000 MT in the domestic market. Lean Daval Jr

No need to import sugar for now: SRA

S

“It (importation) is always an option especially (if) our supply will not be suf�icient. We will always consider importation but not that soon anymore because the importation program that we just implemented, which is based on SO (SRA Order) 5 signed August 1, the sugar now are coming in,” Sera�ica said in a chance interview with reporters.

“This will be coming in until Oct. 31 and I think this will be good until next year,” he added.

Sera�ica, however, said he would not like to preempt the decision of the Sugar Board on whether to import more of the commodity.

“I would not like to preempt the Sugar Board. We will be meeting soon and we will see what are the reasons,” he said.

In an economic bulletin issued last Sept. 27, Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Gil Beltran said reforms are needed to lift the domestic sugar industry.

“Quantitative restrictions need to be replaced by tariffs and safeguard measures (for subsidized products) to allow for more transparent, competitive pricing, and allow downstream industries to become more viable and grow as fast as their Asean counterparts,” he said.

Beltran said sugar has an effective protection rate (EPR) of 247.8 percent based on the wholesale prices to date.

This, he said, is the reason for its high domestic price, which hinders the industry’s growth.

The Confederation of Sugar Producers (Confed)

believes that the liberalization can affect millions of Filipinos who are directly dependent in the sugar industry in 28 provinces.

Raymond Montinola, spokesperson of Confed, said the sugar industry is just starting to go through mechanization, thanks to the national government, for paving the effort to make our industry globally competitive.

“To be faced with liberalized importation at this point will lead to the demise of the sugar industry and will undermine all efforts of the Duterte administration to help the industry,” he said in a statement.

While it is true that agricultural trade in some Asean countries is relatively liberal, Montinola said, “it cannot be described as free trade when it comes to agricultural commodities because within their countries, measures against import liberalization is strong.”

He cited Thailand, which is a major source of sugar imports in the Philippines, has included in its general exclusion list the

grain exporters supplying animal feeds to virus-hit countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Dar told reporters hog traders transporting infected pigs were to blame for the rising number of African swine fever cases in the Philippines.

“All hog traders, the full force of the law will descend upon you,” he

warned. “There are existing laws to follow and we hope that you will cooperate.”

At least 20,000 pigs have so far been culled or have died because of the disease in the Philippines since last month, a small fraction of the nation’s swine herd that was estimated at 12.7 million heads as of July 1.

The Philippines, the

world’s 10th-largest pork consumer and seventh-biggest pork importer, declared its �irst outbreak of the disease on Sept. 9.

Agriculture of�icials suspect the virus was brought to local farms via food scraps, or swill, from hotels and restaurants fed to pigs, mixed with contaminated imported pork products.

To protect their

ugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Hermenegildo Sera�ica said Tuesday there is no need for additional importation of sugar for now given the arrival of about 138,600 metric tons (MT) this October and the release of 150,000 MT in the domestic market.

basic commodities like rice, sugar, and palm oil.

Though imported Thai sugar is cheaper in the world market, its domestic sugar price does not differ much with Philippine prices.

“On top of that, sugar producers there are highly subsidized, thus they can afford to throw their sugar surplus at a much cheaper price than what they sell domestically,” he said.

Thailand is estimated to produce 14.2 million MT of sugar in 2019 and only consumes 2.55 MT domestically. It thus has a surplus of 11.5 million MT that it can export.

“It is the same with our neighbors, Malaysia and Indonesia, who have tight government policies in regulating the entry of imported sugar to ensure that it does not compete and kill their own local sugar industries,” Montinola noted.

“We are working doubly hard to improve sugar productivity and aim for ef�iciency in the cost of producing sugar,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sugar

hog-raising businesses, several provinces in central and southern Philippines have imposed a ban on the entry of pork and pork-based products from the disease-hit areas, including Metro Manila.

“We have now asked the local government units to further strengthen their checkpoints,” Dar said, to make sure undocumented

NO NEED, P9

Dar warns hog traders of legal action as ASF spreads

T

he Department of Agriculture on Tuesday threatened legal action against hog traders ignoring strict animal quarantine rules as it con�irmed new cases of African swine fever infections in Metro Manila and Pangasinan.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the highly contagious and deadly disease was detected in another backyard hog-raising

business in Quezon City in the country’s capital.

Dar, who also con�irmed African swine fever outbreaks in Pangasinan province in the northern Philippines, has ordered the culling of pigs in affected areas.

The incurable disease is wreaking havoc on hog industries in China and Southeast Asia and could also spell trouble for US

DAR, P10

5 VANTAGE

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

EDITORIAL

Sex education not segregation

In this age of seamless communication, will separating female and male students make a difference in controlling the rising cases of teen pregnancies and HIV incidence?

This is the question following the proposal by the head of the National Youth Commission (NYC) for the creation of separate class sections for female and male students in grades 7 to 12. In making the proposal, NYC Chairperson Ryan Enriquez cited the increasing cases of teen pregnancies and HIV incidence among 15 to 30-year-olds for his proposal.

According to the NYC chair, co-ed classes have led to early age amorous relationships and where there are activities involving both, leads to premarital sex. The temptation to indulge in sexual acts, according to him, is there. However, there was no study conducted or relied upon by the NYC chairperson in drawing such conclusions although the proposal has already been submitted to Congress and will be forwarded as well to the Department of Education.

If there is any basis at all, it points to the statistics which show that some 196,000 Filipinos between the ages of 15 and 19 years old get pregnant each year based on the Commission on Population (POPCOM)

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report in July. Likewise, the rate of HIV incidence among 15 to 24-yearolds nearly doubled from 17 percent in 2000 to 29 percent in 2009 based on the data from the health department. In June this year, there were 1,006 new HIV cases, of which 52 percent was from the 25 to 34 age bracket, while 29 percent was from the 15 to 24 age bracket.

The numbers may be alarming but is the solution the right one or is it just going going back the the days when schools are gender-speci�ic specially private institutions?

According to a study, the following are the causes of teenage pregnancy: poverty, broken home, separation of couples, single parent, death, peer pressure or in�luence, lust, religious beliefs, rape and sexual abuse, alcoholism and drug abuse, lack of knowledge, environmental in�luence, and pornography. The close contact between students of the opposite gender is but the after effect of the many contributory causes.

With the advent of internet and social media, pornography has grown to be a constant threat to young minds.

The NYC at best can veer towards sex education rather than segregation which, even during those days of the co-ed regime, did not prevent teen pregnancies.

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6 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

THE BIRTH OF NAKASAKA Among the anti-insurgency groups that fought the communist movement in Davao region in the 1980s, the Nagkahiusang Katawhan Alang sa Kalinaw (Nakasaka), or United People for Peace, next to Alsa Masa (Revolt of the Masses), only surfaced after the People’s Revolt of 1986.

The birth of Nakasaka was a matter of urgency. With the rebels already present in eleven of the �ifteen towns of Davao del Sur, it was not hard to infer that without a �irmer grip from the authorities, the province would in no time become a communist stronghold.

A joint initiative of Douglas Ra. Cagas, then OIC-governor of Davao del Sur, and Lt. Col. Jesus Magno, then PC-INP provincial commander, the anti-communist group, unlike the more popular Alsa Masa, supported peaceful means in containing the spread of insurgency.

In concept, the Nakasaka adopted the viewpoint that “if Communism seemed to succeed, it was because of civilian support.” In just a short period,

the unarmed movement was able to recruit and organize operational units in twelve towns.

The grassroots-based group used �ive strategies: launch a massive instructive campaign explaining the evils of Communism and the bene�its of democracy; create vigilante squads in sub-barangay and district levels; use indigenous implements as monitor, alarm and communications tools; inspire the use of indigenous weapons against the enemy if needed; and encourage the surrender of rebels and their sympathizers.

A vital aspect of the movement was rebel rehabilitation and amnesty, which were offered to those who returned to the fold of law. According to estimates, over 2,000 rebels had already rejoined mainstream society by February 1987, a tenth of them members of the armed militias.

A report by Media Mindanao News Service on April 3-9, 1987 told about a New People’s Army Sparrow, a rebel liquidation squad member, who “was

driven off [Sinawilan, Digos City] by residents with the use of stones.” In another story, “two rebels were apprehended [in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur] after Nakasaka vigilantes tipped the military on their whereabouts.”

But the movement had its share of issues. Gov. Cagas admitted that sustaining the momentum of the group was a challenge; he even called on the State and the private sector “to lend material and spiritual support.”

But the rise in popularity of Nakasaka did not appease the leaders of the Davao Citybased Alsa Masa who accused it of violating human rights due to its supposed forcible recruitment and for riding on the popularity of the Alsa Masa. Then the biggest anti-communist movement in southern Mindanao, three of Alsa Masa’s acknowledged leaders were Col. Franco Calida, later general; radioman Juan Porras Pala; and Rex Sardinia.

This apprehension could have been an offshoot of an

earlier declaration made by Lt. Col. Magno, who warned the enemies of the state of annihilation if they did not surrender: “Your place will be declared No Man’s Land (free-�ire zones). We will conduct aerial and ground operations. All living things—animals or human beings—[are] considered enemies of the state. Crops will be destroyed. Houses suspected to shelter rebels will be burned.

You will have no choice but to abandon your farms and houses. I’m sorry but that’s our job.”

Even the Commission on Elections expressed concerned the group would be used by politicians as private armies with intent to terrorize the polls.

According to Mindanao Human Rights Monitor, Nakasaka and Alsa Masa were only two of the anti-communist organizations in Davao region in 1987. The other groups were Alimaong (Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur; under Apolinario Gumera, a Higaonon tribal leader); Bantay Bayan (Digos City, Davao del Sur); Bolo Battalion

(Davao del Sur countryside); Kampilan (Davao del Sur); Kalihukan Laban sa Komunista (Movement Against the Communist), Davao del Sur); Kusog sa Katawhan alang sa Kalinaw or People Power for Peace (San Miguel, Mankilam and Pagsabangan in Tagum City, Davao del Norte); Malcom (Davao Oriental); Mindahila-KKK (Davao del Sur); Serbisyong Katilingbanon alang sa Demokrasya (San Isidro, Davao Oriental); Tabak (Sulop, Davao del Sur); Tadtad (Sagrado Corazon Señor), Davao del Sur; and Rock Christ (parts of Davao del Sur); and Pulahan (Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental).

Three decades after the insurgency was forced to �lee the urban centers and relocate to remote countryside areas, the ‘red menace’, as it was also known, became an outdated ideology following the collapse of many socialist states and communist regimes. With the global spread of capitalism, many countries have turned to democracy and its numerous variations.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THAT “SHORT-LIVED MADNESS” “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.” – Mark Twain *** It’s not easy to lose your temper if and when you are angry. And it is always after storm that you see how bad the devastation really is.

When I left for Davao last month, I told one of my sisters to send me a message if ever she would receive a letter addressed to me. I was expecting to get a letter of invitation from one of my sponsors to attend an international conference. I told her three times and each time she answered af�irmatively.

While in Davao, I was waiting a message from her. But there was none. Three days later, when I returned home, I saw the letter in my desk. I opened it and was dismayed to know that I had to submit the form a day earlier. I talked with my sister and she told me she forgot to tell me that the letter arrived that day when I left for Davao. Had she called me or sent me a message; I would have submitted the form on time. Her “I’m sorry” did not appease my anger towards her.

(I wasn’t able to attend the conference, if you want to

know.)

For two days, that I was what I felt. Then, I was reminded of the statement of American �iction writer Louis L’Armour: “Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before - it takes something from him.” Roman lyric poet Horace likens anger to “short-lived madness.”

Elizabeth Kenny, the famed Australian nurse and originator of the Kenny method of polio treatment, was once asked by a close friend on how she managed to stay so constantly cheerful. “I suppose you were just born calm and smiling,” the friend said.

“Oh, no,” the nurse laughed. “As a girl, my temper often got out of bounds. But one day, when I became angry at a friend over some trivial matter, my mother gave me the counsel that I have since stored in my mind, and have called upon for guidance ever since. She said, ‘Elizabeth, anyone who angers you, conquers you.’”

The words of Mitch Albom come to mind: “Learn this from me. Holding anger is a poison.

It east you from inside. We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us. But hatred is a curved blade. And the harm

we do, we do to ourselves.”

There are several ways of conquering anger without really trying. Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, had some trouble with a major general who accused him in abusive language of favoritism. Stanton complained to Lincoln, who suggested that he write the of�icer a sharp letter. Stanton did so, and showed the strongly-worded memorandum to the president, who praised its powerful language. “What are you doing to do with it?” the American president asked.

Surprised at the question, Stanton replied, “Why, send it, of course.” Lincoln’s answer even surprised Stanton more: “No, you don’t want to send that letter. Put it in the stove.

That’s what I do when I have written a letter while I am angry. It’s a good letter and you had a good time writing it, and now you feel better. Now, burn it and write another.”

The words of American writer and philosopher Elbert Hubbard came to my mind, too: “When a man sends you an impudent letter, sit right down and give it back to him with interest ten times compounded, and then throw both letters in the wastebasket.”

If you are angry, count not just one to ten, but may a hun-

dred times. If you do that, the anger will subside and you may save yourself – and that of the person who will receive your wrath – from more harms.

“I lose my temper, but it’s all over in a minute,” a student told George Sweeting. “So is the hydrogen bomb,” the president of the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago replied. “But think of the damage it produces.”

Greek philosopher Socrates told a story that when he was still a boy, he chanced upon a man who was trying to unlock a door. The key would not work. The fellow bit the key and kicked the door. It opened. Then and there, the youthful thinker made up his mind never to give way to anger.

And it worked – years later. One day, his very critical complaining wife Xanthippe, tongue lashed him for some trivial matter. And as he was walking away from her, she threw a pail of water at him.

Instead of getting angry at her, he dismissed philosophically, “Well, after thunder, we usually do get a shower, don’t we?”

James Seals, author of Anger, has this to say: “When we talk about anger management, we are talking about how you control your emotional and physiological responses to situations that cause anger. You

cannot avoid these situations and you cannot avoid becoming angry at times; that is only natural. However, you can learn to control how you react.”

But how? Marge Power, the woman behind Anger: What’s Up With That?, shares this tip: “When you feel anger beginning to build up inside of you, let your whole body droop and relax to the best of your ability while beginning to breathe slowly from the diaphragm. Breathing in this way helps to calm both the body and the mind which leads to letting go of anger before it takes a hold.”

Dianne Kane, of Anger Management distinction, offers this idea: “The next time you feel anger rising in you, create a distance with yourself. Dissolve the ‘I’ that has got offended and you will see that all the signs of anger will disappear.”

Conquer your anger but if you can’t here’s a reminder from the Bible. The Holy Bible states, “In your anger, do not sin,” it says. “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26). Proverb 16:32 reiterated, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that controls his temper is better than someone who takes a city.”

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 18th City Council 2nd Regular Session Series of 2019 PRESENT: Vice Mayor Bernard E. Al-ag Councilor Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos Councilor Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Carmelo J. Clarion Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor April Marie C. Dayap Councilor Jimmy G. Dureza Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Leah A. Librado-Yap Councilor Rene Elias C. Lopez ABSENT: Councilor Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre -

Presiding Officer

Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Halila Y. Sudagar Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

On Domestic Emergency Leave On Special Privilege Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0679-19 Series of 2019 AN ORDINANCE PROMULGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES FOR THE PREVENTION, TREATMENT, CARE AND SUPPORT OF STI, HIV AND AIDS IN DAVAO CITY, STRENGTHENING THE DAVAO CITY AIDS COUNCIL, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, AMENDING CITY ORDINANCE 041-02, SERIES OF 2002 Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: Article I TITLE OF THE ORDINANCE SECTION 1. Short Title. This Ordinance shall be known as the “Davao City Comprehensive STI, HIV and AIDS Ordinance of 2013”.

Article II DECLARATION OF POLICY SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. The Sexually Transmitted Infection, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (STI, HIV and AIDS) are public health concerns that have wide ranging social, political and economic repercussions. As such, responding to the STI, HIV and AIDS epidemic is imbued with public interest, and thus the City Government of Davao commits itself to the fight against the epidemic. The City Government of Davao commits to make actions to (1.) prevent the spread of HIV and other STIs and mitigate any related social, psychological, and economic consequences to fight against the epidemic; (2.) To prevent the spread of the virus and mitigate any related social, psychological, and economic consequences, as follows: 1. The City Government of Davao shall establish policies and programs to prevent the spread of STI, HIV and AIDS and deliver treatment, care and support services to persons living with HIV in accordance with evidence-based strategies and approaches that follow the principles of human rights, gender equality, and meaningful participation of communities affected by the epidemic; 2. The City Government of Davao shall adopt a multi-sectoral and culturally-sensitive approach in responding to the STI, HIV and AIDS epidemic by ensuring that local communities, civil society groups and persons living with HIV and their families, are part of the response to the epidemic; 3. The City Government of Davao shall remove all barriers to STI, HIV and AIDS-related services and shall eliminate the climate of stigma that surrounds the epidemic and the people directly and indirectly affected by it; and 4. The City Government of Davao shall consciously adhere to generally-accepted principles of human rights and adopt gender perspectives in dealing with STI, HIV and AIDS as it shall even promote value formation and employ scientifically-proven approaches. The information and education campaigns shall be carried out in all schools, training centers, workplaces and communities.

Therefore it affirms that: 1. The protection, promotion and fulfillment of human rights as the cornerstone of an effective response to the epidemic; 2. The meaningful inclusion and participation of persons directly and indirectly affected by the epidemic, especially persons living with HIV is crucial in eliminating the virus; 3. Unless otherwise provided in this Ordinance, the confidentiality, anonymity and non-compulsory nature of HIV testing and HIV-related testing shall always be guaranteed and protected by the City Government of Davao; and 4. Policies and practices that discriminate on the basis of perceived or actual HIV status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, economic status, ethnicity, and disability are inimical to national interest and contrary to the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, and the City Government of Davao shall eliminate these acts of discrimination.

Article III DEFINITION OF TERMS Section 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Ordinance, the following terms are defined as follows: a. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)- refers to a condition where a body’s immune system is weakened due to HIV infection, making an individual susceptible to opportunistic infections; b. Anti-retroviral Treatment-refers to the treatment that suppresses a retrovirus like HIV; c. Children - refers to persons below 18 years of age or those over but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of physical or mental disability or condition; d. Community-based HIV Screening - refers to a non-laboratory rapid screening procedure done outside a health facility by a trained member of a community-based organizations or groups; e. Compulsory HIV Testing - refers to HIV testing imposed upon a person attended or characterized by the lack of consent, use of force or intimidation; f.

HIV Counseling and Testing Site/Facility - refers to DOH accredited HIV testing facility with HIV proficient Medical Technologist; g. Discrimination - refers to any action taken to distinguish, exclude, restrict or show preference based on any ground such as sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, disability, and ethnicity, whether actual or perceived, and which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by all persons similarly situated, of all rights and freedoms; h. Entertainment Establishments - are business establishments which include bars, nightclubs, beer houses, karaoke bars/sing-along pub houses and other similar establishments within Davao City; i.

Ethics of Care - health care providers embraces the universal values of liberty, justice, confidentiality, respect, gender equity and equality to clients; j.

Faith-based Organization- refers to a group of individuals united on the basis of their religious and or spiritual beliefs; k. Gender Identity- refers to a person’s internal and individual experience of gender that may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth; l.

Health Certificate- is a certification in writing using the prescribed form issued by the City Health Officer stating that the person applying for or renewing such certificate, is permitted by the said Officer or his/her duly authorized representative to work in an establishment. This certification is issued to the person applying for or renewing such, after passing the required physical and medical examinations, immunizations and other examinations as maybe required by the City Health Officer or his duly authorized representative; m. HIV and AIDS Counselor- refers to any individual trained by an institution or organization accredited by the Department of Health to conduct counseling on STI, HIV and AIDS, HIV prevention, human rights and stigma reduction; n. HIV and AIDS Monitoring - refers to the documentation and analysis of the number of HIV infection and pattern of its spread; o. HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control - refers to measures aimed at protecting non-infected persons from contracting HIV and minimizing the impact of the condition of persons living with HIV; p. HIV and STI Counseling - refers to the provision of information on STI, HIV and AIDS, how it is spread and how it may be prevented, risk-reduction approaches, and information on treatment, care and support for persons living with HIV, which is conducted before and after HIV testing; q. HIV Testing - refers to any facility-based or mobile medical procedure that is conducted to

7

determine the presence or absence of HIV in person’s body; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - refers to the virus that destroys the immune system of a person which causes AIDS; s. Indigent Clients - refers to clients that fit to the criteria and definition of the Davao City Social Services and Development Office; t.

Information Material - shall mean any written and/or printed material which educates the public; u. Key Populations at Higher Risk of STI and HIV Exposure or ‘Key Populations’ - refer to those persons whose behavior make them more likely to be exposed to HIV or to transmit the virus, as determined by Philippine National AIDS Council ( PNAC); v.

Medical Confidentiality - refers to the relationship of trust and confidence created or existing between a patient or a person living with HIV and his or her attending health care providers and or any person providing services or those who have access to medical records; w. Medical Practitioner - licensed Doctor of Medicine engaged in health work in hospitals, clinics, sanitaria, health stations, barangay health centers and the like; x. Partner Notification - refers to the method of finding and counseling the sexual partner(s) of a person who has been diagnosed as having Sexually-Transmitted Infection and HIV; y.

Peer Educator - is a trained STI, HIV and AIDS educator who is capable of influencing, motivating and developing healthy behaviors among his/her peers; z. Person Living with HIV - refers to any individual diagnosed to be infected with HIV; aa. Quality Healthcare - as indicated by standards set by WHO, accessibility and affordability of medical needs, ethical care, and appropriateness of provider’s knowledge on STI, HIV and AIDS, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender sensitive in their interpersonal relations with patients and adept diagnostic treatment and follow-up procedure of health providers; bb. Reproductive Health - it is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity in all matters relating to the reproductive system and its functions and processes, as defined in the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development and World Health Organization and further affirmed by the Beijing Conference of the United Nations; cc. Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) - it’s a wellness center which purpose is to achieve universal availability and accessibility of reproductive health care and services, provides HIV related services and treatment in Davao City; dd. Health Education, Promotion and Development Division - Conducts information, education and promotion campaign and training on Reproductive Health, STI, HIV and AIDS activities under the City Health Office; ee. Sexual Health - implies that the sexual drive and sexual processes are accomplished in a state of complete physical, mental and social being, not merely the absence of disease or disorder; ff. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - refer to any infection that may be acquired or passed through sexual or non- sexual means; gg. Sexual Orientation - refers to a person’s sexual and emotional attraction to, or intimate and sexual relationship with, individuals of different, the same, or both sexes; hh. Standard Precautions - are work practices required to reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens from both recognized and unrecognized sources to protect the health care worker and client; ii. Stigma - refers to the dynamic devaluation and dehumanization of an individual in the eyes of others which may be based on attributes that are arbitrarily defined by others as discreditable or unworthy and which results in discrimination when acted upon; jj. Vulnerable Communities - refer to a group of people who are suffering from social injustice making them more susceptible to STI, HIV and AIDS; kk. Work Place - refers to the office, premises and work site where workers are habitually employed and shall include the office or place where workers, with no fixed or definite work site, regularly report for assignment in the course of their employment; and ll. Workplace Policies - refer to the statement of provisions of work and health benefits and rights for workers/employees related to STI, HIV and AIDS. Article IV STI, HIV AND AIDS PREVENTION Section 1. STI, HIV and AIDS Prevention. The City Government of Davao, through the Davao City AIDS Council (DCAC), shall promote and adopt a range of measures and interventions, in partnership with civil society organizations, that aims to prevent, halt, or control the spread of STI, HIV and AIDS in the general population especially among key populations and vulnerable communities.

Section 2. STI, HIV and AIDS Awareness Campaign. The DCAC shall conduct whole year round activities on STI, HIV and AIDS Awareness Campaign which officially starts in January, highlighting the month of May , the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization (IACMM) and the month of December being the World AIDS Day prevention month and HIV summit.

Section 3. Media Campaign on STI, HIV/AIDS Prevention. In partnership with the Davao City Information Office, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the various media organizations, the DCAC shall prepare and implement a media and communications plan for a regular information dissemination campaign and advocacy.

Section 4. Sexual Abstinence and Mutual Fidelity. Sexual abstinence and mutual fidelity shall be emphasized as the most effective measures for STI, HIV/AIDS prevention.

Section 5. Comprehensive STI, HIV/AIDS Education. Comprehensive education and information strategies shall be designed, integrated and adopted in various levels geared towards the purpose of providing substantial information/knowledge, improving attitudes and skills in the prevention and control of STI, HIV/ AIDS, in both public and private sphere.

Section 6. STI, HIV/AIDS Information as a Health Service. STI, HIV/AIDS education and information dissemination shall form part of the delivery of health services practitioners, workers and personnel. The knowledge and capabilities of all public health workers shall be enhanced to include skills for proper information dissemination and education on STI, HIV/AIDS. It shall likewise be considered a civic duty of health providers in the private sector to make available to the public such information necessary to control the spread of STI, HIV/AIDS and to correct common misconceptions on HIV/AIDS related ethical issues such as confidentiality, informed consent and the duty to provide treatment.

Section 7. HIV and AIDS Education for Key Populations and Vulnerable Communities. The Davao City AIDS Council through the City Health Office – Health Promotion and Development Division (HPDD) in collaboration with Liga ng mga Barangay, NGOs, people’s organizations and civil society, shall support and ensure STI, HIV and AIDS education programs, such as peer education and outreach activities, and community-based screening services to reach target key populations and vulnerable communities.

Section 8. STI, HIV/AIDS Gender Sensitive IEC Materials and Education Modules. Information, education and communication (IEC) materials shall be designed appropriate to the needs and culture of groups being targeted in the campaign. Literatures on STI/AIDS shall utilize the local lingo to encourage and facilitate easy understanding of terms and concepts. Modules on STI, HIV/AIDS prevention and control shall not in any way be used as an excuse to propagate birth control or sale or distribution of birth control devices.

Proper consultations shall be held among heads, leaders and representatives of respective groups, organizations, institutions and individuals who are targets for application of any course content, scope and methodology.

Section 9. Age-appropriate HIV and AIDS Education in Schools. The Davao City AIDS Council through the City Health Office – HPDD shall coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education(CHED), and the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) to integrate basic and age-appropriate instruction on the causes, modes of transmission and ways of preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in subjects taught in public and private schools including non-formal and indigenous learning systems.

Section 10. HIV and AIDS Education in the Workplace. The Davao City AIDS Council through the City Health Office-HPDD in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) shall provide standard basic information and instruction on STI, HIV and AIDS, national and local HIV related laws and other related issues of stigma reduction and discrimination in the workplace, public and private, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Section 11. Compulsory STI, HIV/AIDS Education. It shall be compulsory for all owners and/or managers of all establishments to attend seminar on STI, HIV/AIDS prevention conducted regularly by any of the agencies such as the City Health Office, Davao City AIDS Council, and accredited Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), otherwise, no renewal of permit to operate shall be granted to said establishments for violation thereof. A certificate of attendance to STI, HIV/AIDS Seminar shall form part of the requirements for the issuance or renewal of Health Certificate and Permit to Operate.

Section 12. HIV and AIDS for Filipinos Going Abroad. The Davao City AIDS Council through the City Health Office-HPDD shall coordinate with the DOLE and its attached agencies the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to ensure that all overseas Filipino workers shall be provided with information on how to access on-site STI, HIV and AIDSrelated services and facilities before certification of overseas assignment.

Section 13. HIV and AIDS Education in Communities. The City Health Office- through the HPDD, the Liga ng mga Barangay, Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) and other NGOs shall spearhead Education and Information Activities for public awareness campaigns on STI, HIV and AIDS through various channels, on evidence-based, gender-sensitive, age-appropriate, culturally-sensitive and human rights-oriented prevention tools to stop the spread of HIV. Section 14. STI, HIV and AIDS Education among Out-of-School Youth. The City Health Office, through the HPDD and City Social Services and Development Office(CSSDO) and other accredited agencies shall provide trainings or seminars on STI, HIV and AIDS and other related issues on Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) to all Out of School Youth and young people in coordination with Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the barangay. For this purpose, SK shall integrate STI and HIV in their plans, programs and activities.

Section 15. Information for Tourists and Transients. The CHO-HPDD and City Tourism Office shall r.

8 EDGEDAVAO conduct Information Education on the cause, modes of transmission, prevention and consequences of HIV infection which shall be adequately provided at all domestic and international ports of entry and exit.

Section 16. Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support in Prison and Other Closed-Setting Institutions.

The City Health Office-HPDD and RHWC and other accredited institutions and organizations, in coordination with the Bureau of Prisons shall ensure that all prisons, public and private rehabilitation centers, and other closed-setting institutions shall have comprehensive STI, HIV and AIDS prevention, Treatment, Care and Support program.

Section 17. Compulsory STI, HIV and AIDS Education for Marriage Applicants. The CSSDO in partnership with CHO through the Population Division and IGDD and other implementing agencies shall integrate in the conduct of STI, HIV and AIDS, HIV testing and gender sensitivity education among marriage applicants.

Section 18.Media Campaign on STI, HIV and AIDS Prevention. The CIO, in partnership with CHOHPDD in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the various media organizations, shall implement a media and communications plan including STI, HIV and AIDS education among media practitioners and regular information dissemination campaign and advocacy.

Section 19.HIV Counseling and HIV Testing. – The City Government of Davao through the City Health Office-RHWC and other implementing agencies shall ensure that HIV testing is voluntary and confidential pursuant to existing national and local laws. The CSSDO in coordination with DOH accredited testing facilities shall ensure that proxy consent shall be provided to those minors who voluntarily submit themselves for HIV counseling and testing.

Section 20.Prevention of Mother-to-Child-Transmission. The City Health Office through Maternal Neonatal Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) shall integrate STI, HIV and AIDS Prevention Program to prevent mother-to-child transmission in its maternal and child health services and other health facilities.

Section 21. Prevention of Blood Related Transmission. The City Health Office in coordination with DOH Blood Program, PRC, Hospitals, Clinics and Laboratories shall adopt the guidelines of the Department of Health and the existing ordinance on donation of blood, tissue or organ, and surgical and other similar procedures shall adopt standard precaution.

Section 22.Standard Precaution. All health care providers implementing HIV program shall adopt standard precautions according to the existing DOH guidelines.

ARTICLE V STI, HIV AND AIDS TREATMENT, PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE AND SUPPORT Section 1. Psychosocial Care and Support to Persons Living with HIV and Affected Families. The City Government of Davao through the CHO-RHWC shall ensure availability and accessibility of HIV treatment to Persons Infected with STI, HIV and provide education on adherence to treatment. The CSSDO in coordination with other service providers shall develop psychosocial care and support programs to PLHIV and affected families.

Section 2. Care and Support for Overseas Workers Living with HIV. The CSSDO in coordination with DOLE, OWWA, POEA, DOH, CHO, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and NGOs shall develop a stigma-free comprehensive reintegration and care and support program, including economic, social and medical support for overseas workers who have been repatriated or are about to be repatriated due to their HIV positive status.

Section 3. Special Care and Support Services for Pregnant Women with STI, HIV and AIDS. The City Health Office through its Maternal Health programs in coordination with City Social Services and Development Office and other accredited agencies/ institutions shall provide special care and support services for pregnant women with STI, HIV and AIDS and shall be integrated in the development plans and activities of the department.

Section 4. Special Care and Support Services for Children Infected with HIV and Children of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) and AIDS. The City Social Services Development Office in coordination with CHOMaternal Health Children and Nutrition (MCHN) program and other accredited institutions shall provide special care and support services for children of persons living with HIV and children infected with HIV. Section 5. Special Care and Support for Abused Women, Men and Children. The IGDD in coordination with the CHO, CSSDO, Public Attorney’s Office and DCPO-WCPD Desk shall facilitate legal services to abused women, men, children and persons with disability infected with STI and HIV and AIDS. Section 6. Health Care Plans for Person with HIV. The CSSDO shall assess and refer PLHIV to avail of health care plans through the agency’s indigency program.

ARTICLE VI ADHERENCE TO SAFE PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES, TESTING, SCREENING AND COUNSELING Section 1. Safe Practices and Procedures. The City of Davao shall strictly adhere to the principles and guidelines on safe practices and procedures, necessary to protect any person from HIV transmission as mandated in Articles II and III of RA 8504. Procedures on testing, screening and counseling shall observe the ethics of care and medical confidentiality in dealing with individuals having vulnerable conditions for contracting STI/HIV. ARTICLE VII HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES Section 1. Universal Access to STI Healthcare Services. Access to STI healthcare services/assistance shall be extended to all individuals regardless of sex, gender, age, social status, political belief, tradition and religion.

Section 2. Adherence to Quality Health Care and Ethics of Care. Medical practitioners or other staff assisting or directly providing health services/ examinations/ education to clients shall adhere to the basic principles of ethics of care. They shall also be sensitive to gender and sexual orientation in their treatment to patients/clients, informing them of their rights, including the right to file charges for abuses committed against them.

Section 3. Health Care Plans for Person with HIV. The City of Davao, in coordination with the Philippine National AIDS Council, Department of Health and Commissioner of the Insurance Commission shall conduct a study on the feasibility of setting up a package of health care plans, and should the study warrant, implement the plan for persons with HIV. Section 4. Special Welfare Fund for RHWC Clients. The City of Davao shall establish and maintain a welfare fund for the clients of RHWC, which shall come from the smear check-up and from other sources of the government. Said amount shall exclusively accrue to the welfare fund of the RHWC Clients to be managed by the City Health Office, in partnership with AIDS Council and other Financial Institution.

ARTICLE VIII STI, HIV AND AIDS SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING Section 1. Monitoring, Documentation and Reporting Mechanisms. The Davao City AIDS Council shall develop a comprehensive STI, HIV and AIDS monitoring in the implementation of the program and reporting procedures on the magnitude of and progression of HIV infection in Davao City for program response and in aid of policy legislation. In addition, it shall enhance mechanisms to further implement provisions on monitoring of Article IV of Republic Act 8504 (as amended).

Section 2. Research Investigations. The City Health Office and CPDO in coordination with the Department of Health, academe and research institutions shall conduct STI, HIV and AIDS related researches and studies as basis in planning, policy making and advocacy as needed.

Section 3. Documentation. STI/AIDS contact tracing and all other related health intelligence activities may be initiated by the Department of Health, the Davao City AIDS Council, provided that these do not run counter to the general purpose of this Ordinance. Any information gathered shall remain confidential and classified, and shall not be used in any way to become basis or qualification for any employment, school attendance, freedom of abode, or travel.

ARTICLE IX STIGMA REDUCTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS Section 1: Stigma Reduction, Acts of Discrimination and other Human Rights Violations. The City Government through the Davao City AIDS Council shall ensure implementation of STI, HIV and AIDS anchored to the ethical standards and in pursuant to the National AIDS Law and other related existing laws and instrumentalities.

ARTICLE X PROTECTION OF PEER EDUCATORS, OUTREACH WORKERS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS ON STI, HIV AND AIDS Section 1. Implementers of STI, HIV and AIDS program shall abide by the rules and regulations mandated under its existing human rights laws and related local ordinances and existing policies approved by the DCAC and shall not be subject to arrest and prosecution in the implementation of STI, HIV and AIDS program.

ARTICLE XI CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION Section 1: The Davao City AIDS Council shall ensure confidentiality in all matters pertaining to STI, HIV and AIDS as provided for in the National AIDS law and other related policy issuances.

Section 2. Disclosure to Sexual Partners. – Any person who tested positive to HIV is obliged to disclose his or her status and health condition to his or her spouse or sexual partner prior to engaging in penetrative sex or any potential exposure to HIV and may opt to ask help from health providers in case of disclosure.

Section 3. Civil Liability.– A person who has obtained knowledge of confidential HIV and AIDS information and has used such information to malign or cause damage, injury, or loss to another person may face liability under Articles 19, 20, 21, and 26 of the Civil Code.

ARTICLE XII STI, HIV AND AIDS PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION Section 1. HIV and AIDS 3-year Plan. The Davao City AIDS Council shall develop a 3-year STI, HIV and AIDS Plan and budgetary allocations.

Section 2. Monitoring ,Evaluation and Reporting. The Davao City AIDS Council shall ensure monitoring and evaluation in the implementation of plans. It shall report annually to the Office of the City Mayor, City Council and its own members on the status of the implementation of the plan and STI, HIV and AIDS situation in Davao City.

Section 3. Localization of the Davao City STI, HIV and AIDS Plan. The Liga ng mga Barangay in coordination with City DILG and CHO-HPDD shall assist the barangay council develop their own local HIV

VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 and AIDS Plan, including its operationalization and investment components.

ARTICLE XIII REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE AND STI, HIV AND AIDS TREATMENT SERVICES Section 1. The City Health Office through the RHWC shall be in the frontline in the delivery of comprehensive reproductive health services, treatment, care and support on STI, HIV and AIDS program in accordance with the National AIDS Law, related local ordinances, and policies approved by the DCAC. Section 2. The City Health Office through the RHWC shall provide written reports and updates on the STI, HIV and AIDS services, treatment and trends to the Davao City AIDS Council.

ARTICLE XIV COMPOSITION, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE DAVAO CITY AIDS COUNCIL (DCAC) Section 1. Composition of the Davao City AIDS Council. The Davao City AIDS Council shall be composed of the following: 1. City Mayor or his/her duly authorized representative – Chairperson 2. City Health Office – Co-chair 3. SP Committee on Health – Member 4. City Social Services and Development Office – Member 5. Department of Education Davao City Division – Member 6. Chair of the Liga ng mga Barangay – Member 7. Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) - Member 8. City Information Office (CIO) - Member 9. City Department of the Interior and Local Government (City DILG) - Member 10. Sangguniang Kabataan - Member 11. Five (5) from the NGOs: (1) LGBT, (1) Faith-based Org, (1) PLHIV, (1) Entertainment Industry – Members, and (1) Indigenous People’s Representative 12. Five (5) from line-National Agencies working on STI, HIV/AIDS prevention that shall be designated by the City Mayor as members of the council - Members The DCAC may, from time to time, expand its membership as the need arises.

Section 2. Powers and Functions of the Council. The Davao City AIDS Council shall have the following powers and functions as Advisory, Coordinative, Lead and Monitoring and Evaluation Body and shall create working committees. a. Advisory Group to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the Executive Branch on policy formulation/ development, program conceptualization, planning and monitoring toward the prevention and control of STI, HIV/AIDS; b. Coordinative Body in establishing, mobilizing and strengthening linkages at the local, national and international agencies and other stakeholders involved in the STI, HIV/AIDS prevention programs; c. Lead Group in undertaking information, education and communication campaigns on STI, HIV/ AIDS prevention; d. Monitoring Body in the implementation of RA 8504, this Ordinance and other policies approved and adopted by DCAC. Section 3. Secretariat of the Davao City AIDS Council. The secretariat of the DCAC shall be designated by the Local Health Board. It shall ensure the implementation of DCAC plans in coordination with its existing committees and provide reports to DCAC. Section 4. Functions of the Secretariat of the Davao City AIDS Council. The secretariat of the Council shall perform the following functions: a. Coordinate the activities of the council. b. Serve as the center of communication by receiving and disseminating information from and to the members of the council. c. Document meetings and other activities of the council. d. Keep all the records of the council. e. Perform other secretariat functions as may be assigned by the Chairperson of the Council.

Section 5. Compensation and Remuneration of the members and secretariat of the Council. Members and secretariat of the Davao City AIDS Council shall perform their duties as such and shall be entitled to the necessary traveling expenses, allowance or honorarium chargeable against the fund of the DCAC subject to existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

ARTICLE XV FUNCTIONS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER (RHWC) Section 1. Renaming of the Social Hygiene Clinic to Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) and providing its functions. It shall perform the following functions: a. Be in the frontline in the delivery of reproductive health care services; b. Provide education and information dissemination activities on the promotion of reproductive health, prevention and control of STI, HIV/AIDS; c. Monitoring and evaluation of cases handled; d. Refer clients to other agencies of the city government for cases that need other health and social services such as livelihood projects, alternative home, and scholarship; e. Ensure that children with STI/HIV are given priority in treatment and are referred to concerned agencies for further assistance; f.

Conduct HIV Antibody Test in a voluntary and regular basis. Further, pre- and post-test counseling shall likewise be administered before any examination may be considered. g. Perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 2. Strengthening of the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center. The Davao City Government shall strengthen the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center through provision of adequate personnel, facilities and budget. It shall ensure provision of comprehensive reproductive health services and sexual health education, ensuring ethics and quality care and information.

ARTICLE XVI DECLARATION OF AIDS AWARENESS MONTH Section 1. Declaration of AIDS Awareness Month. The month of May is hereby declared as AIDS awareness month to coincide with the commemoration day for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS and the International Day of Action on Women’s Health. Likewise AIDS awareness should culminate on the month of December being the World AIDS Prevention Month.

Section 2. Advocacy Programs for the AIDS Awareness Month. There shall be an advocacy program for the whole month of May for the dissemination of information for the prevention and control of STI, HIV/ AIDS. ARTICLE XVII PENAL PROVISIONS Section 1. Any person found guilty of violating any provisions of this Ordinance shall be meted with the following penalties: a. First Offense – a fine of P 2,000.00 and/or imprisonment of one (1) month. b. Second Offense – a fine of P 3,000.00 and/or imprisonment of three (3) months. c. Third Offense – a fine of P 5,000.00 and/or imprisonment of six (6) months and /or cancellation of business permit.

Section 2. Redress Mechanism. – The DCAC in coordination with the City Legal Office,the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and other related agencies , shall provide redress mechanisms for persons living with HIV to ensure that their civil, political, economic and social rights are protected.

ARTICLE XVIII APPROPRIATION Section 1. Appropriation. An amount of not less than Two Million Pesos, Philippine Currency (P2,000,000.00) shall be appropriated for the implementation of this Ordinance including projects and operations of the Davao City AIDS Council, chargeable against the Annual Development Fund (ADF).

Section 2. Appropriation of Budget by DCAC Member Agencies. All DCAC member agencies shall appropriate a budget for STI, HIV and AIDS prevention program.

ARTICLE XIX IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) Section 1. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The City Mayor’s Office together with the Davao City AIDS Council shall formulate and issue appropriate rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Ordinance within one (1) month but not more than one (1) year from approval thereof.

ARTICLE XX FINAL PROVISION Section 1. Separability Clause. If for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections of provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 2. Repealing Clause. All ordinances, local issuances or rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 3. Effectivity. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval and publication in a local newspaper of general circulation in Davao City.

ENACTED, on the 8th day of January, 2019, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

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EVENT

THE Consulate General of the People’s Repoblic of China celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China last September 29 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier.

It was a momentous occasion as Consul General Li Lin noted that aside from the PRC’s founding, the event also coincided with the establishment in Davao of the Consulate General’s office.

In his speech he noted the spectacular growth of China from a developing nation 70 years ago to the second-largest economy in the world of a GDP of USD13.6 Trillion, the largest country in industry, trade and foreign currency reserves, and playing a key role in promoting economic and trade development in Asia and in the whole world.

“Over the past 70 years, China’s development has always adhered through the concept of progressing with the time, focusing on the improvement of social civilisation.

China has leaped from feudal autocracy to socialist democracy and the rule of law. From ignorance and backwardness to the awareness of education and innovation. From sacrificing the environment for development to the adoption of

AN EVENING OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA CELEBRATES 70TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY

green and sustainable development” consul Lin shared.

He also shared the friendship between China and the Philippines, “Under the guidance and disposition of President Xi Jinping and President

Duterte, China-Philippine relations is now in the best spirit. Concrete outcomes are being felt by people of both our countries. China’s social and economic cooperation with the southern part of the Phil-

ippines, namely Mindanao, are also growing, particularly after the establishment of the Chinese Consulate General in Davao.”

He shared the growing number of high level visits

between China and the Philippines in the past year with many of China’s top ministers and local government officials visiting Davao City and the visits of local Philippine officials and trade delegations from Davao to China. “These exchange of visits have undoubtedly enhanced friendship and promoted cooperation.” he noted.

China-Philippine friendship also extends to major social, business and infrastructure cooperation. “We are woerking with local and nationakl governments now to push for the early lending of coop-

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UP AND ABOUT

MEET CHARLIE, THE ALL-AROUND ONLINE TRAVEL ASSISTANT OF CEBU PACIFIC

LAST-MINUTE arrangements for flights, or an urgent concern regarding travel plans can become a worry for travelers.

Often, airline passengers want immediate answers to give them some peace of mind or assurance with regards to their flights. And as more people fly, the demand for fast and convenient customer service will increase. Airlines are turning to technology to give them the ability to instantly respond to passengers’ queries, or lead them to the right steps to take to address their concerns.

Meet Charlie: the chatbot of leading Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific. Introduced in January 2019, Charlie was taught to respond to a multitude of customer concerns. Imbued with a positive personality, he is always eager to lend a helping hand to travelers flying with Cebu Pacific.

“We’ve always talked about being an enabler of fun and accessible travels, and as part of our thrust to enhance customer experience with the airline, we created Charlie,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience at Cebu Pacific, “As we officially launch our chatbot, we hope to offer convenience and helpful information within our travelers’ fingertips.”

Charlie can assist both first-time and seasoned travelers on the entirety of their travel journey. Just message him via the Cebu Pacific website, or through the carrier’s official Facebook page, and he can assist in checking in for flights, and even provide the itinerary or boarding passes.

Charlie is also knowledgeable with Cebu Pacific promos, so seat sale hunters and jetsetters can simply ask him any question they may have regarding this.

More than that, Charlie is online 24/7 to provide answers to frequently asked questions about booking and requirements needed before the flight. Charlie may also lead you to relevant information about other offerings such as premium seat selections, inflight meals, and baggage allowance.

Chatting with Charlie is as simple as chatting with a friend.

You can type in your query in English one at a time; or you can choose from a variety of suggested topic options when you open the chat box.

Since Charlie was launched early this year, the chatbot has engaged with over 393,000 Cebu Pacific passengers. Charlie was able to address majority of their concerns and queries— garnering positive feedback from passengers.

“Charlie still has a long way to go in terms of learning – just like any chatbot. Rest assured, we are continuously working on expanding Charlie’s knowledge in order to provide our passengers with the best customer experience possible,” added Iyog.

Say “Hi!” to Charlie via the official Cebu Pacific Facebook page or website, www.cebupacificair.com.

EVENT

DEVOUR BISTRO:

A table o food. (Cl from top Samgye Kimchi F Salted E Babybac

A DEVOTION TO COMFORT CUISINE

By KENNETH IRVING ONG Davao is a fast growing city and keeping pace with the busy beat are many new dining establishments hungry to serve Davao’s often picky eaters. Enter, Devour Bistro.

Proudly serving comfort food with a dash of creativity, Davour Bistro is the brainchild of young restauranteurs Chino Pasamba and Ayessa Marie Velasquez. “All the dishes we have on our menu is the result of what we love to eat and then refined even further,” shared Chino, who confessed that he is a comfort food fan.

For the uninitiated, comfort food is the type of cuisine that is the fusion of street food and familiar dishes from different cuisines that excites the tastebuds and brings a smile to one’s face.

Browsing through Devour’s short but sweet menu, I found many familiar dishes such as Babyback Ribs, Steak Salpicao, Fried Chicken with Slated Egg, Pork Belly on Kimchi Fried Rice, various pasta dishes, and even Ribeye Steak.

“We want to serve dishes that are familiar with everyone but at the same time we want to give an innovative twist,” said Chino “Our French Porkchop is first cooked sous-vide and then finished on the grill. The slow cooking of the sousvide makes the pork soft and tender.”

“We also want to make dining

Steak Sal

a fun experience with new dishes created every week,” Ayessa added.

“Dining regulars often try a new dish and many times, these new dishes make it to the menu.”

Dining at Devour is truly a nofrills, easy affair with dishes that are big enough for two to share. I particularly liked the Babyback ribs which include a generous layer of meat and a fat cap which is normally trimmed away. The added fatty bit gives added flavour to the dish.

Another dish I like is their Steak Salpicao. Made with prime Austra-

lian beef, the Steak Salpicao is tender and juicy with generous sides of green leafy salad and garlic bread.

For dessert, I suggest trying the Chocolate-orange Mousse cake. The addition of orange zest to the dessert gives a much welcome citrus note to the, otherwise, rich dessert.

Devour Bistro is located at The Pavilion Building along V. Mapa Street and is open from Tuesday to Tursday from 11AM to 2PM and 4PM to 10PM; Friday and Saturday from 10AM to 10PM; and Sunday Salted eg from 11AM to 8PM.

EDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

ONE OF THE BAES MAKES WAVES, TOPS PH TRENDS ON PILOT EPISODE

Presenting the Babyback Ribs.

of comfort lockwise p left) eopsal on Fried Rice, Egg Pork, ack Ribs.

alpicao.

gg pork.

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Chocolate orange mousse cake.

Business partners Ayessa Velasquez and Chino Pasamba.

NETIZENS were all aboard, loving the millennial fairytale of Jowalyn Biglangdapa and Grant Altamirano as the pilot episode of One of the Baes topped the trending topics in the Philippines last September 30.

Top-billed by one of today’s hottest love teams—RitKen or Ken Chan and Rita Daniela—the latest GMA Network primetime series made waves on its first night, dominating Twitter with the hashtag #OneOfTheBaesPilot.

Returning-Kapuso actor Roderick Paulate also caught the attention of netizens. The veteran star, who in the series plays Rita’s father Paps Fernando, landed on the top 20 trends on Twitter Philippines.

Ken and Rita took to social media as well to show their gratitude over the viewers’ overwhelming support on their pilot episode. “Maramingmaraming salamat po sa lahat ng nanood at nakitrending sa ONE OF THE BAES! Samahan niyo po ulit kami bukas,” Ken tweeted, showing his and Rita’s video greet right after the first episode’s pilot airing.

One of the Baes is the latest series produced by GMA Public Affairs under the supervision of Senior AVP Neil Gumban, Program Managers Joni Mosatalla and Joseph Conrad Rubio.

It is directed by King Marc Baco and Michael Christian Cardoz.

Sail with RitKen in One of the Baes weeknights after The Gift on GMA Telebabad.

Kapuso viewers from across the

globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International.

For the program guide, visit www. gmapinoytv.com.

PREMIERE OF “SANDUGO” DRAWS AFTERNOON VIEWERS NATIONWIDE

Viewers all over the country watched the story of two brothers growing up in extreme poverty with two loving and hardworking parents in ABS-CBN’s new afternoon series “Sandugo,” which started airing on Monday (September 30).

The story began with the family of fraternal twins Julius and Aris suffering from the financial weight of Julius’ treatments for his heart condition. Because of this, Aris grows up desiring the approval and attention of their parents Eugene (Ariel Rivera) and Joan (Cherry Pie Picache).

While Aris is envious and ruthlessly ambitious, Julius is principled just like their father, kind, and is always teased for being a weakling because of his illness.

The family starts to crumble when Joan sacrifices her values and gives Aris away to a wealthy couple in exchange for a large amount of money she intends to use to save Julius’ life. This separation is only the beginning of the brother’s (Ejay Falcon and Aljur Abrenica) hostile relationship as they grow up and eventually clash with each other from opposing sides of the law without knowledge of each other’s true identities.

Catch Sandugo every afternoon after Kadenang Ginto on ABS-CBN

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VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

URBANISSIMO A1 eration agreements on major infrastructure projects like Davao-Samal bridge, Davao River bridge, and Mindanao railway, as well as the export of other tropical agricultural products.”

He also noted the launch of two direct air connections to Chinese cities, namely Hong Kong and the city of Jinjiang, in the past 12 months, increasing cultural and people-topeople exchanges between Mindanao and the respective cities making it convenient for people from both sides to experience different cultures and seek business opportunities.

He also shared the growing number of tourists from China who are attracted to Davao to experience the city’s ‘Life is Here’ promise. “Meanwhile, my visa officers in the consulate have started to ask me for more staff because of the growing number of visa applicants to my office.”

There is also cooperation in the sector of education with many universities setting up

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civil society, and the overseas VOL.12 VOL.12 IS Chinese community in Mindanao. “Let us remain true to our original aspiration and continue to promote a strong and sustainable partnership between us.”

Attending the event was Davao City mayor Sara VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019 Duterte who was guest of honour, local government officials, the diplomatic corps, welcome address by thankand members of the Chineseing friends in government, Filipino community.

VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

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memorandums of understanding between institutions in

Mindanao and China.

Consul Lin ended his

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

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COMMUNITY SENSE

DAVAO MOM... FROM2 sites including Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

Clapano, meanwhile, underscored that the culmination on Sunday, October 6 will kick off with a free medical consultation from NCCC HB1 followed by storytelling for children courtesy of PlaygoalZ. "Among the highlights of the culmination are the opening of Mompreneur booth by Ms. Jezza Damada (Associate Vice-President -NCCC Supermarket), babywearing lecture entitled "Shadrach Co: Continuing the babywearing and weaving Tradition", by Shadrachs Collection, presentation form Moringa O2 entitled "Family Care Regimen", zumba, and an exciting camaraderie games to spice up the event," she added.

A total of P50,000 worth of giveways, raf�les, and lootbags will be given away courtesy of Shadrachs Collection, NCCC Mall, Johnsons Baby, Moringa O2, Pampers, Downy, Farey Con-

cepts, Hiyang, Julia's Crib, Sweet Essentialist, Ken Ombina Photography, Carlos Estrada Photography, PlaygoalZ, Love Mama, Laurel & Co., Silver Trays, Kangaroo's Pouch, Organic Moringa Choice, Grazzi Hafna, and Balai Torrentira.

Meantime, Dawow Moms is a community-based support group which practices and promotes natural parenting in Davao City. It was established in 2015 by young moms who aspired to raise awareness and provide resources about babywearing and other natural parenting practices like breastfeeding, cloth diapering, tamang KAIN, and baby led weaning in Davao City.

The group started with 15 core members and eventually swelled to over 9,000 members.

It started organizing intimate babywearing meet-ups until it became part of the world's biggest annual babywearing conclave with the like of the IBW.

Of�ice (CSSDO) and the regional of�ice of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to bring back these mentally challenged individuals to the places where they came from.

As tjis developed, the City Council’s Committee on Health chair is following up the city’s Human Resource Management Of�ice (HRMO) for applicants for psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, and mental health social workers.

According to her, the establishment of a halfway house for persons with mental disorders and vagrants came up due to their increasing number in the city. She also

said there is a gap when it comes to health services for these mentally challenged individuals.

“When we were working with the mental health ordinance na report sa yung mga homeless ay hindi nagagamot, yun pala ang problema kasi walang owners at walang mag-alaga sa kanila at ayaw natin na hindi sila magamot.

Gusto ko rin madaliin ito kasi right now if you go around the city marami talaga sila. Nakita natin yun na merong gap sa health services sa kanila and syempre sasabayan natin ng universal health care kasi covered naman sila dahil meron package for mental disorder,” she said.

Watch Philippines (SWP) Secretary General Wennie Sancho underscored the role of the SRA “in doing a balancing act particularly on the approval of import permits in the determination of how much can be imported without any adverse effects upon the

stakeholders of the sugar industry.”

“SRA should be �irm and consistent in the enforcement of its regulating authority to protect the interests and welfare of the sugar farmers and workers,” he said in a statement. (PNA)

AN plus Japan Meeting on Women and Sports, further strengthening PSC’s push on this initiative.

In June this year, Ramirez met with with the ASEAN Secretariat Representatives Chandra Putra, Assistant Director and Head, and Larasati Indrawagita Senior Of�icer, both of the Education, Youth and Sports Division. Both visitors held a brie�ing to guide us on the country’s SOMS and AMMS hosting. Ramirez also briefed the visitors about the country’s own initiatives in grassroots sports which he hopes to

also share with the other member countries.

“We recognize the importance of sports in nation building, as the ASEAN also recognizes its role in cementing a stronger bond and cultivating a more active interaction among ASEAN neighbors.

Sports is a universal opportunity to bond and connect,” explained the sports chief, a long-time educator and coach.

PSC Acting Executive Director Merlita Ibay is Ramirez’ point person for this undertaking and shall serve as the presiding of�icer for the SOMS-9.

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9

'Bayanihan' governance grinds in ComVal

By ADAM B. MORRELL

C

ompostela Valley Province Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy is earning a reputation for his relentless drive in attaining peace in his province that was once an armed con�lict area between the reds and the government forces.

Being the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chair in Davao Region, peace and order has, perhaps, become the core of Uy's governance.

But looking deeper in to his administration, this "Bayanihan" approach the youthful governor strongly established is the heart of his administration as it essentially fuels the province's programs and directions towards development.

Last September 20, a total of 11 classrooms in �ive far-�lung areas of the province were being constructed through "Bayanihan para sa Paaralan" to accommodate displaced learners

of Salugpungan Ta"Tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. (STICLCI) that was recently suspended by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The facilities, once �inished this month, will bene�it schoolchildren in Barangays Panansalan in Compostela, Danawan Manurigao in New Bataan, Sitio Side 4 Mangayon in Compostela, Sitio Bongloy, Pagsabangan in New Bataan, and three in Sitio Sapanglubog, Tibagon in Pantukan town that are situated in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

According to Uy, the province was able to raise P9 million from the private sectors for the construction of schools through the stakeholders' forum for "Bayanihan para sa Paaralan" program held last August 27.

“If we are serious in solving our country’s prob-

lems, we must begin in investing in our youth. There is no better way to do that than to build better schools, schools that teach them that their knowledge belongs to their families and communities, schools that will not take away their innocence, schools that will teach them the ways of peace, schools that will build, not destroy and will allow them to dream and reach new horizons,” Uy said.

The Bayanihan para sa Paaralan is a program of the provincial government of Comval to address the shortage of classrooms in the different public schools of the province where they accumulated funds from the different private partners and stakeholders of the provincial government to build school classrooms.

The program answers the issue of classroom shortage even without undergoing the usual lengthy

government process of constructing classrooms.

"Di ta gusto mag taas atoang out-of-schoolyouth. Importante kaayo ang education labi na sa formative sa children nato, dapat mang skwela jud sila," Uy said.

After the construction, Uy said Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio vowed to turn over the �irst set of school supplies to 250 learners in all �ive sites.

Uy, meanwhile, called for support to vote "Yes to Davao de Oro" on the scheduled plebiscite slated December 7 to bring back the province's af�inity to Davao City that will result to a greater economic opportunity for the people in the province.

"Davao de Oro ang angay i-tawag sa atoang probinsya kay unang una, part kita sa Davao Region.

Expect pag Davao de Oro, dali rata mailhan sa turista ug investors," Uy said.

10 EDGEDAVAO

BUNAL... FROM1

ing to stop a riot recently.

Tagsip downplayed the incidents as isolated case and vowed to intensify Ronda Patrol and Sagop Kabataan programs to stop the violent acts.

The spokesperson also urged the victims to �ile a formal complaint or blotter so the authorities could maximize their duty instead of posting their bad experiences in social media.

As of this writing, Tagsip said only one formal complaint was recorded in Sasa Police Station.

This issue was raised after several individuals posted in social media citing that they were hit randomly by a men in motorcycle.

Some netizens accused the police to be the culprit of the activity. Some claimed to have seen whippers and batters wearing policemen uniforms.

associated with Putin.

"He (Duterte) is expected to give his perspective or vision of the world order as it is emerging right now and how this relates to Philippine foreign policy," Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Eric Borje earlier said.

Duterte will also hold a bilateral meeting with Putin, who he had described in the past as his "favorite hero," and a separate bilateral discussion with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

Duterte and Putin are expected to witness the signing of several bilateral agreements covering the areas of culture, health and basic research.

Aside from his speech, Duterte is also expected to give a "brief lecture" at

the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, one of the top universities in Russia for international, political, legal and economic studies.

He is also scheduled to meet with the Filipino community in Russia, estimated to be around 7,000, before returning to the Philippines.

The Philippines and Russia have pursued closer ties under the Duterte administration, with Manila receiving defense equipment from Moscow and the latter eyeing closer trade relations.

The President assigned Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as government caretaker and of�icer-in-charge until his return to Manila on Sunday, October 6.

and observed since then.

For this, a 7,000-hectare Philippine Eagle Sanctuary was set up through Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Resolu-

tion No. 365, series of 2005.

In 2014, the Mt. Hamiguitan Range was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. (CIO MATI)

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“Open naman itong opisina namin sa kanila. Kahit sino naman nga taga Davao na gustong humingi ng tulong ko at gustong marinig ang boses nila dahil yun talaga dapat as a public servant,” she said.

According to her, apart from her of�ice, Salugpongan schools also approached the of�ices of city councilors Pilar Braga and Antoinette Principe and even the of�ice of Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.

“Actually yun lang naman ang hinihingi ko sa aking mga kasamahan as public servants sa council na bigyan natin ng pagakakataon na marinig ang issue ng mga lumads,” Librado said.

Librado also recommended for the re-opening of the investigation to further know the truth.

“Gusto kong makita at gusto kong malaman kung ano po talaga ang katotohanan. Iba- iba ang version

at nire-respeto ko ang mga version ng both sides but the more na may reason na i-open and re-investigate further so that in bisaya pa makita ang kamatuoran,” she said.

Mayor Duterte said the City Government conducted due diligence in inquiring into the activities of Salugpongan schools before coming up with a CPOC resolution. The decision was based on facts, not on a whim or rumors as critics and anti-government forces want the public to believe.

She said Salugpungan clearly failed to give justice to the sacri�ices and dreams of the Lumad students who spent their time with their organization, believing the school will help them better their chances in the future. According to the lady chief executive, Salugpongan shall never operate in Davao City again because of this failure and unforgivable injustice.

is tasked with providing authority for Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to enter school and allot time for police to conduct advocacy campaign on special protection for children, provide statistical data of

children with misdemeanors, and assist the PNP in its school-based module.

Barias said the program will be supervised by the Regional Community Affairs Division of PRO-11.

(PNA)

hogs possibly infected with the virus will not be transported to other provinces.

Dar, however, said there is still enough pork supply in the domestic market

and that the government is making sure that only pork meat marked safe to eat by the government’s National Meat Inspection Service is sold to consumers.

PNA... FROM2 DAR... FROM4

DA... FROM4

Apart from information exchange, other forms of cooperation that may be pursued by the PCC and DA under the MOA include investigative and enforcement support, and creation of fact-�inding bodies for inquiries into the sector.

The collaboration of PCC and DA’s top brass brings together two recognized experts in agriculture, poverty reduction, and policy-making to create a fair and level playing �ield in the sector for the bene�it of both farmers and consumers.

“At the center of this partnership is the active contribution of know-how and expertise, with both agencies charged with the common responsibility of addressing critical constraints to poverty reduction and growth in the agriculture sector, including market conduct harmful to either consumers or farmers, or both,” Balisacan said.

DA Secretary William Dar, for his part, said President Rodrigo Duterte signed the rice tarif�ication law to make the rice farmers become more productive, to be more competitive, and prosperous.

However, Dar pointed out the situation today resulting from the tarif�ication law, "there came volumes of rice that have been imported --more than 2 million metric tons (MT)-- and at the same time, you see problems in some areas of the country where palay prices are going down."

"So, it is really necessary for us to collaborate with the Philippine Competition Commission for the very purpose of appreciating why is there such a management of imported rice products and at the same time the falling rice prices in the farm," he noted.

Even with the �looding of 3.4 million metric tons of rice by the National Food Authority (NFA) in the market, Dar said "we don't see the outcome or impact of more imports of rice. That's the reason this collaboration with the PCC is very important so that they (are) having that mandate to look at whether fair trade is happening or is there some collusion between and among importers, traders and millers."

"The PCC needs to review and come up with the result of their investigations. We will be there to help them and provide relevant information," he said.

The DA chief further assured the public that "the government is working" to lower the price of rice and at the same time uplift the lives of rice farmers.

"The instrumentalities of government is being fully and properly pursued so that at the end of the day, we shall be able to have the consuming public have the right prices for their rice in the market, and at the same time see to it that the rice farmers have the right prices for their produce," he said. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

11

Media golfers vie for 5th Plaridel Cup prizes

T

he 5th Plaridel Cup golf tournament of the Association of Philippine Journalists – Samahang Plaridel tees off October 4 (Friday) at the Aguinaldo Golf Club in Quezon City, with Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (2nd Dist. Surigao del Norte) leading the ceremonial tee-off.

Also invited to the ceremonial tee-off is Rep. Juan Fidel Felipe Nograles (2nd Dist. Rizal). Tee-off time is 7:00 AM. Media golfers and their friends – thus the two divisions: media and guests – will be vying for bragging rights and tournament prizes as well as exciting giveaways and raf�le prizes.

The Plaridel Golf Cup is the annual sporting event of Samahang Plaridel, the professional group of veteran journalists, publishers, editors-in-chief and communicators This year’s sponsors include San Miguel Corporation, First Orient In-

14 of the 15-man pool attended the first practice called by Gilas Men coach Tim Cone.

ternational Ventures Corporation, Cebu Paci�ic Air, Sogo Hotel, Ayala Land, Steel Asia, Globe, PAGCOR, Reyes Haircutters, ABSCBN, Doña Maria, Manila Water, City of Dreams, Sen. Cynthia Villar, Asia Brewery and AB Heineken Philippines.

The 18-hole tournament seeks to foster camaraderie among media golfers while raising funds for Samahang Plaridel’s projects.

Golfers from this year’s sponsors are welcome to join the tournament.

The association is led

by Chairman Crispulo “Jun” Icban (publisher-Manila Bulletin) and President Rolando G. Estabillo (publisher-Manila Standard).

Registration is still ongoing. Interested golfers may contact Samahang Plaridel through Ms. Nelly Lumbaca at mobile no.

0920-9286498 or email her at apjsamahangplaridel@gmail.com.

Unfinished business for Obiena in SEAG PSC girds for 5th

W

ORLD-CLASS Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena may have been winning a couple of prestigious tournaments in Europe the past two months, but there is still an un�inished business that needs to be done back in Southeast Asia.

Obiena was the polevault favorite for the gold in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, but he sustained an ACL injury during practice a day before he was to leave for Malaysia.

A seven-month rehabilitation period, followed by an intense training in Formia, Italy under Vitaly Petrov, who was a coach of pole vault legend Sergei Bubka, had Obiena bouncing back from his horrendous injury.

Obiena’s training was ensured through �inancial support from the Philip-

pine Sports Commission (PSC).

“We are monitoring EJ’s (Obiena) progress,” PSC Chairman William Ramirez said. “Athletics, being a centerpiece event of the SEA Games, was infused with government support as is usual in the international events our athletes take part in.”

“And lately, EJ has proved himself more in his desire to chase his SEA Games dream. We, in the PSC, are with him. Let us support EJ and the other Filipino athletes,” Ramirez added.

The proofs were his performances in the Golden Spike of Ostrava and the International Stabboc Spring Meeting in Germany, where his respective leaps of 5.45 and 5.51 in the said tournaments, erased the 5.35 meters, set by Porranot Pur-

shong of Thailand in the KL meet. This also effectively installed him as one of the favorites coming into the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games.

But Obiena netted a mere 5.30 meters for 7th place in the Asiad, and was even upstaged by his Southeast Asian rival, Thailand’s Patsapong Amsamang, whose 5.5 meters was good enough for the bronze.

A year later, Obiena has put that Asiad debacle behind as he cracked the world’s Top 10 Pole Vault rankings on the strength of his victories in the 2019 Summer Universiade in Napoli, Italy, where he leapt for 5.76 meters, followed by another gold-medal feat (5.81meters) in the Men’s Pole Vault competition of the Salto Con L’asta in Piazza Chiari 2019 in Italy.

The Chiari feat made him the �irst Filipino athlete to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“I’m just trying to look forward and see what there is this year, what happened this year, how good this year has been, “ Obiena said, looking forward to getting back at his Thai rival Amsamang, who is currently ranked no. 57 in the world.

Under Petrov, Obiena has improved by leaps and bounds, something he hopes to transform into a medal of any color, hopefully gold, in the coming biennial games, where athletics has been a goldmine for the country.

“EJ is doing okay,” said his mother, Jeannete Obiena, an IAAF Level 1 Coaches Education Course Lecturer.” He is looking forward to the SEA Games. “

ASEAN sports gab T he Philippine Sports Commission is �inalizing preparations for the hosting of the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMMS-5) on Sports which will see almost 100 delegates from all member countries and Japan who will participate in different activities from October 6 to 10 at the PICC. The Philippines serves as host and Chair of the AMMS-5 and the Senior Of�icials Meeting on Sports (SOMS-9) from 2019 to 2020.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez has expressed his enthusiasm on this hosting opportunity, seeing this is a great opportunity “to learn from our neighbors, and

have the chance to show them what we also have in sports.”

Sports Ministers, senior of�icials and delegates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, LAO PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan, will join Ramirez and team in the �ive-day event, which starts off with a working dinner on October 6.

The SOMS-9 conclave takes the whole day of October 7, where developments of all member states will be discussed along with different proposals and plans to further enhance cooperation through sports.

The country’s hosting have the distinct importance of having the 1st ASE-

PSC, P9

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

WILL UP TAKE HOME THE BACON Sports fans are beginning to take notice of the Fighting Maroons.

Not because Kobe Paras, the highly touted recruit who rose from his stellar performance in the US high school circuit, is spearheading the Diliman quintet.

The 6’6” Kobe is the son of Benjie Paras, the only pro cager who copped both the PBA ROY and the MVP honors in the same year. Very obviously, the young Paras was named after Kobe Bryant, one of the NBA’s foremost adored stars and future Hall of Famer.

UP is still having dif�iculty searching its place in the UAAP galaxy, despite its near-success-

ful stint last year. It is just regretful that �ive of its mainstays have graduated just when Kobe was about to reinforce their squad.

Well, what I’m telling you is this: Had Paras already been in the line-up last year, I would have bet my P100 peso bill for the UP �ive to win the 2018 crown.

Yes, even against Ateneo.

Sad, right?

Judging by the monstrous performance of the Blue Eagles in making a clean sweep of the �irst round, I have this feeling that Ateneo could take the two round elimination format and become the �irst �inalist with nary an effort.

But the Blue Eagles coaching

staff cannot rest on this thought.

However, as the competition progresses, the Maroons are expected to jell more, mature more and study more in referencing to their future championship match against Ateneo.

And this is a big burden for coach Bo Perasol whose ballistic reaction to the of�iciating resulted in his ejection during the �irst meeting between the Eagles and the Maroons before a jampacked crowd at the MOA. If I may assess the Maroons’ initial game versus the Eagles, I thought the Diliman boys failed to play more as a �ive-man team, electing but failing to outsmart

a well-coached, well-prepared Loyola platoon with a solid augmentation from seven-foot center Kouame.

Paras tried to do a yeoman’s job but he was defensibly crowded all the time and forced to commit turnovers by the Eagles.

UP needs to learn how to box out Kouame and force the Eagles to take outside shots. If the Maroons are successful in plotting out a defense to effectively deny the ball from getting into the Ateneans’ giant center, Perasol may �ind a reason to smile.

UP cannot hope to match the running game of a well-knit squad tutored by a well-respected bas-

ketball coach in the international circle.

A deliberate, slow-break strategy with Kobe at the receiving end will give the Loyola boys a big headache. Perasol also needs to plan how to get away from the cramping backcourt pressure defense of the Eagles which the latter have implemented quite successfully several times.

Kobe Paras is the key to UP’s success.

Yes, and everyone in the opposition knows this.

Kobe is a marked man. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 148 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

MARCHING THROUGH Brgy 10-A, Bucana stamp class in SBP Inter-Barangay 3x3

By ADAM B. MORRELL

B

Barangay Bucana, bannered by Leonella Luisa Javier, Joanne Arab, Chady Joy Bucao and Mary Jane Ortega, will advance in the regional level after winning the girls division of the one-day competition.

efore some of the Philippine basketball pros marked their names in the big stage, the popular backyard pick up game threeon-three back ignited the dream they are now living.

Leaning on that notion, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Davao goes back to the roots where the dreaming all started as they unleashed the 2019 edition of the SBP inter-barangay 3x3 basketball Davao City leg on Tuesday at the Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC).

Barangay 10-A composed of Joemarie Dela Cruz, Mark Baguio, John Renan Limboy and Vincent Troyo romped through the competition to win the boys division.

Barangay Bucana, bannered by Leonella Luisa Javier, Joanne Arab, Chady Joy Bucao and Mary Jane Ortega, will also move forward in the regional level after winning the distaff side of the one-day competition.

The barangay edition champions will compete against schoolbased teams in the Davao Region in a much tougher competition. Regional champions will represent Davao Region in the SBP 3x3 National Finals.

A total of 20 teams in the boys division and seven teams in the girls class fought for supremacy and the slot to the SBP 11 3x3 inter barangay regional championship on October 5 and 6 at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center.

Meanwhile, the back-to-barangay basketball program is the brain-

child of SBP Davao regional director and Presidential Adviser on Sports Glenn Escandor as executed by SBP Davao executive program of�icer Ronel Leuterio who genuinely intended to extend the organizations reach to less privileged yet skilled hoopsters in Davao City.

"SBP 11 organized this tournament to give the less privileged out of school youth the chance to compete and play basketball," Leuterio said.

Apart from opening opportunities and building bridges to marginalized areas, Leuterio said the competition is in line with the administration's drive to keep children away from drugs and focus on sports.

"This serves as a tool to keep the out of school youth away from vices," he added.

Leuterio, however, said the heart of this program is to pave the way for the less privileged basketeers to be discovered someday and earn a degree through the sport.

"Who knows by this tournament some of you might get scholarship grant from some schools," Leuterio said.

SBP Davao launched the barangay competitions in 2017 and it was opened to 100 barangays in Davao City. Surprisingly, the girls division champion in the barangay leg soared to the top and snared the National Finals title that year. From there the barangay edition is continuously included in the eliminations of the SBP 3x3.