Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 2 | Wednesday, March 11, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

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RESTRICTED The two persons under investigation (PUI) who were isolated at Southern Philippines Medical Center's (SPMC's) Isolation Facility after manifested symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been tested negative but one of them still needs be retested according to SPMC chief of hospital Dr. Leopoldo Vega. Lean Daval Jr

DepEd 11 allows holding of recognition, closing exercises inside campus only

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Department of Education 11 (DepEd 11) on Tuesday said it is allowing schools in Davao City to hold graduation and recognition exercises provided that these will be conducted inside the campus.

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Jenielito “Dodong” Atillo, spokesperson of DepEd 11, said they will only allow activities like graduation and recognition exercises

to be held inside the campus as off-campus activities are not allowed under DepEd Order (DO) 66, s.

2017, the implementing

guidelines on the conduct of off-campus activities for public and private schools.

“Also, school personnel and learners that have respiratory problems are not allowed to attend the recognition and graduation activities,” Atillo said.

In the latest DepEd Memorandum 034, s.2020 on coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it directed that all off-campus activities as

de�ined in DO No. 66 are suspended, effective immediately. It also stated that activities that involve congregation of learners within the school may proceed, provided that all personnel and learners exhibiting respiratory infections must not attend.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) opted to postpone its graduation, recognition, and

moving-up ceremonies as precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.

Based on the statement shared on social media, the university has decided to postpone such activities after careful consideration and consultation with key stakeholders.

AdDU’s decision also heeds the Davao City Government Guidelines No. 4

which mandates “the postponement of recognition and graduation activities until the public emergency is lifted or withdrawn.”

The statement read that each unit, from Grade School to the College of Law, will announce its new schedules of commencement exercises after the public health emergency is over. The University looks

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Villagers join lechon A boodle fight in Calinan

IMT Covid-19 clears one PUM after quarantine

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undreds of residents from Calinan partake the Filipinos fave pork lechon in a boodle �ight jointly sponsored by the Calinan Poblacion of�icials, meat vendors, and hog raisers on Thursday.

The lechon boodle �ight was organized to promote that pork meat consumption remains safe following the recent African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in the three Calinan villages.

The event themed “Karneng Baboy sa Davao Luwas Kaunon! ASF Wag-

tangon (Pork Meat in Davao, safe for consumption! Eradicate ASF)” was also attended by City Veterinarian Dr. Cerelyn Pinili, the chief of City Health Of�ice (CHO) Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, barangay of�icials, and sponsors.

Calinan Poblacion Ba-

rangay Captain Urisicio Mantiza Ungab said that due to ASF people no longer buy pork even it is still safe for consumption. That is why the barangay council decided to hold an event such as the lechon boodle �ight, he added.

“The barangay council planned to have a boodle �ight to show to the public, to show to the people of the barangay, and to show the people of Davao City that pig, especially lechon baboy, is safe to eat,” Ungab stressed.

Dr. Pinili in her speech said that pork meat con-

sumption is safe given that the meat vendors have secured the Veterinary Health Certi�icate.

Dr. Villafuerte also agreed, however, warned everyone to take caution especially those that have hypertension.

The event was sponsored by the City Mayor’s Of�ice, Teculo farm, Pigrolac, Calinan Barangay Council, Calinan Meat Vendors Association, Eve’z Lechon, Agriside, Of�ice of the Congressman Ungab, Pilmico, Dumandan Family, Lifarmco, and Lopez Farm.

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He noted that livestreaming will “promote and cultivate the cock�ighting tradition in our country.”

“E-sabong” or online cock�ighting has become popular with online gaming taking roots in the communities, even enticing bets from cock�ighting a�icionados overseas.

“This business venture shall bene�it the province through increased revenues by means of promotional tourism activities that will spur the continued growth and development of South Cotabato,” Dela Rosa said in a letter dated January 18.

South Cotabato Gov.

Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in a letter on March 2 the bid of UACOOPI to livestream cock�ighting in the province.

The Games and Amusement Board has given UACOOPI the authority to broadcast or livestream cock�ighting events held in remote areas in the Philippines.

But before they could operate in a province, the group needs the permission of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

If granted permission by the provincial board, Dela Rosa said they would broadcast cock�ighting events in commercial es-

tablishments in the province.

South Cotabato consists of 10 municipalities and Koronadal City, the provincial capital and seat of government of Region 12.

Dela Rosa said they also applied for similar permits in at least 30 other provinces, cities and municipalities across the country.

The province of Batangas and the cities of Lipa and Manila approved the group’s application to broadcast cock�ighting, he added.

Fr. Angel Buenavides, spokesperson and vicar general of the Diocese of

Online ‘sabong’ bid gains ground in South Cotabato

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group of cockpit owners in the country is seeking clearance from the provincial government of South Cotabato to allow the live streaming or broadcasting of the popular “sabong” or cock�ighting so that gamblers can place bets without having to jostle their way inside noisy and crowded arenas.

Eric dela Rosa, president of the United Association of Cockpit Owners and Operators of the Philippines, Inc. (UACOOPI), asked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to grant them a license to broadcast cock�ighting, which he described as a “sport.”

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resident of the City of Mati has recently been cleared by health authorities of infection from Covid-19 after successfully complying with the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Mati City Health Of�icer and Incident Management Team (IMT) head Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan said the resident’s quarantine ended today, March 10, and he was already given the clearance by the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit.

It was learned that the “person under monitoring” (PUM) is a seaman with United States of America as its route.

Upon returning home, the said PUM however made a quick stopover in Hong

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he cancelation of Masses amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat is up to the decision of the bishops, a Catholic prelate said Monday.

“About cancellation of Masses, it is always the decision of the respective bishops. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) can only recommend but the �inal decision is up to the bishops,” Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos said in an interview.

As for his diocese, Santos said Masses and traditional activities for the Lenten Season will push

Kong for about one hour.

The City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit said that they have to implement the mandatory 14day quarantine since the PUM passed thru Hong Kong which is among the countries known to have Covid-19 infection.

The Bureau of Quarantine informed the City of Mati LGU of the PUM’s arrival in the country on February 23. He arrived at the Davao International Airport on the 24th and directly travelled to the City of Mati.

Mati’s IMT Covid-19 readily imposed the mandatory quarantine upon PUM’s arrival in the City of Mati. The PUM stayed in his residence for the next

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through as scheduled.

“In our case, we will not cancel masses, will continue with the tradition of procession, kumpisalang bayan (mass confession), and parochial stations of cross every Friday with street masses,” he said Santos said the faithful should just instead follow precautionary measures against the disease.

“But we have provided necessary precautions: giving and providing alcohol, extra coveting cloth at the confession boxes, using face masks during confessions, spoken words of blessing instead of pag-

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NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

Work-from-home ‘possible’ amid coronavirus threat

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alacañang may consider a work-fromhome arrangement for some government workers following the local transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said “everything is possible” as long as it would be successful in preventing the spread of the highly-contagious disease.

“Well, everything that will help contain the virus, government will certainly adopt. Everything is possible; everything that will successfully restrain the spread of this virus to the communities,” he said in a Palace brie�ing on Monday.

Earlier, Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur 2nd district Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte urged the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and other company heads to “do their share in helping break the chain of local coronavirus transmission by considering telecommuting, if and when possible, for their workers”.

“Allowing our people to do their jobs in the safety of their homes would go a long way in helping prevent the spread of this virus among our workers,” he said.

Citing reports, he noted that even Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the work-from-home arrangement is “encouraged” to minimize the chances of contracting the disease.

Bello said the workfrom-home scheme could be agreed upon by employer and employee.

However, he said this arrangement is only advisable for clerical work or jobs that can be done remotely without having to go to an of�ice.

Villafuerte also urged companies to maximize Republic Act 11165 or the Telecommuting Act, a law that allows employees to work from the comforts of their homes.

“Our companies can

consider work-at-home arrangements in support of Republic Act (RA) No. 11164 or the Telecommuting Act, which I had authored,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Telecommuting Act in January 2019.

Under the Telecommuting Act, employers are required to give online workers the same rights, protection, and compensation as their counterparts who physically go to the of�ice.

No need to pressure Following the new con�irmed Covid-19 cases in the country, Panelo said he saw no need for the Palace to pressure Congress into passing the proposed PHP2-billion supplemental budget to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

“I think members of Congress need not be urged or pressured into doing that. They know the emergency and they know what to do. Everything is possible with Congress,” he said.

Earlier, Senator Sonny Angara, chair of the Senate �inance committee, assured that Congress is ready to augment funds in the government’s response to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Aside from the supplemental budget, Panelo said funds collected from POGOs could be used by the government to address the Covid-19 outbreak and raise the monthly salary of nurses and teachers On Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) con�irmed 10 new cases of Covid-19, bringing to 20 the total number of con�irmed cases in the Philippines.

Panelo announced on Monday that Duterte signed Proclamation No. 922 declaring a state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines following the report of the �irst known local transmission of the deadly disease.

The proclamation provides that all government

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Watchers gather at the watchers’ area inside Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. The hospital has implemented a one patient one watcher policy amid coronavirus outbreak. Lean Daval Jr

UN special rapporteur recognizes PH environment, climate policies

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nited Nations Special Rapporteur on Environment David Boyd recognized as good practices the Philippine government’s robust policies to realize the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

In his report at the 43rd Human Rights Council Session in Geneva on Monday, Boyd cited the Philippines as among the countries where this right is fully incorporated into national legislation, serving as a “unifying principle that permeates legislation, regulations, and policies.”

He further cited the country’s explicit legal recognition of the right to breathe clean air through the Clean Air Act that provides a comprehensive air quality management policy and program.

“In the Philippines, the Climate Change Act of 2009 requires the State to incorporate ‘a gender-sensitive, pro-children and pro-poor perspective’ in all climate change and renewable energy efforts, plans,, and programmes,” Boyd said in his report, referring to the country’s imposition of pollution fees as a good practice in effectively using taxes toward reducing environmental threats.

In the Nationally Determined Contributions that comprise State commit-

ments to the Paris Agreement, he acknowledged the Philippines as one of the few States that institute a rights-based gender-sensitive approach to climate action, and one of the even fewer states that speci�ically mainstream the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples in their national climate strategy.

He highlighted the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s identi�ication of agroecology policies in the Philippines as a winner of Future Policy Awards in 2018 “for scaling up agroecology, improving the livelihoods of small-scale food producers, ensuring sustainable food production systems and implementing climate-resilient agricultural practices.”

He also cited the pos-

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P1.6-B add’l budget for Covid-19 response hurdles House panel

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Eva’s Hotel in Kidapawan City on 09 March 2020, four months after the October 31, 2019 Magnitude 6.5 quake destroyed the building. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

itive recognition of agroecology practices in the Philippines by the World Future Council in 2019.

Positive examples Meanwhile, Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, said, “in addition to these good practices, Philippine landmark jurisprudence on environmental cases set positive examples worldwide of government leadership in ensuring access to justice and effective remedies in order to truly operationalize this right to a healthy environment.”

The Philippines introduced the writ of kalikasan or writ of nature, a �irst-ofits-kind special civil action and judicial remedy granted to petitioners of environmental cases.

he House of Representatives’ appropriations committee on Tuesday approved a measure seeking a PHP1.65-billion supplemental budget for the Department of Health (DOH) to address the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The panel, chaired by ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Eric Go Yap, approved the still-unnumbered bill as the con�irmed coronavirus cases in the country more than doubled to 24.

The original bills sought for around PHP2-billion worth of additional appropriations to combat the new public health threat, however, the National Treasury said during the hearing that only PHP1.65 billion is available in excess funds.

The DOH needs a total

of PHP3.1 billion to procure personal protective equipment, 40,000 test kits, as well as funding for the maintenance and other operating expenses and salaries for the Bureau of Quarantine.

Health Undersecretary Roger Tong-an said the DOH can source the remaining funds needed, particularly: PHP2 billion from Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), PHP420 million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Of�ice and PHP81 million from the DOH’s quick response fund and savings.

Budget Undersecretary Janet Abuel, meanwhile, said the government can also source the money from the PHP13-billion contingency fund and PHP7.5-billion national di-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

BSP chief discounts slower loan growth, NPL rise due to Covid-19

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A sidewalk vendor takes a nap while waiting for customers along Dumanlas Road in Davao City on a very humid Tuesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr

PH gov’t eyes issuance of foreign currency bonds

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he Philippine government is keeping its plan to issue foreign currency bonds this year but timing depends on developments on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said they continue to monitor the situation, citing that about USD1 billion to USD1.5 billion is programmed to be sourced from US dollar-denominated paper and about USD1 billion worth of the yen-denominated Samurai bond.

“These are things that we have to continue to watch in terms of market developments given where we are right now, and also the lingering impact of Covid-19. But we are taking advantage of the very liquid onshore market for our funding so you’ve seen

that we’ve been making full awards because of the lower rates that we’re also receiving during the auctions,” she told journalists after the Treasury bills (T-bills) auction Monday.

De Leon said the plan to issue renminbi-denominated Panda bond, originally for March this year, is also on hold due to Covid-19, as well as the direction of terms and interest rates.

“Of course, there would be opportunities for other markets to be able to make up for possible take up from the Panda issuance.

Also, we should not dis-

count the onshore market which you see is very liquid,” she said.

In February last year, the government issued 92 billion yen-worth of multitranche Samurai bond.

After two months, the government issued RMB 2.5 billion worth of threeyear Panda bond, the second for the Philippine government after its initial issuance in March 2018.

De Leon said borrowing from domestic lenders is a “good option” to date given the drop in interest rates due to expectations for additional cuts by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), among others.

“And of course, that would also mitigate foreign exchange risks on our end,” she said.

Despite the delay in the implementation of this

year’s programed foreign currency-denominated bond issuances, de Leon discounted negative impact on government �inancing, saying “we have suf�icient liquidity to be able to meet our budget requirements for the second quarter this year.”

“There could be some adjustments in the borrowing program but it would not be very huge increase in terms of the borrowings of the national government because we could still see catch up in our revenue agencies and also include additional income from our GOCCs (government-owned and controlled corporation) via dividend declarations and other fees and charges collection by other revenue agencies and of course BTr income,” she added. (PNA)

$10.91, or 24.1%, to settle at $34.36 a barrel. The contract fell by as much as 31% earlier in the day to $31.02, its lowest since Feb. 12, 2016.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $10.15, or 24.6%, to settle at $31.13 a barrel. WTI earlier dropped 33% to $27.34, also the lowest since Feb. 12, 2016.

Monday marked the biggest one-day percentage decline for both benchmarks since Jan. 17, 1991, when oil prices fell a third at the outset of the US Gulf War. Trading volumes in the front-month for both contracts hit record highs.

Energy stock prices have also fallen sharply, and shale producers began cutting spending in anticipation of lower revenues.

Exxon shares lost more than 12%, the largest oneday percentage loss since Oct. 15, 2008, the height of the �inancial crisis. Chevron's shares fell more than

15%, the biggest loss since the October 1987 "Black Monday" market crash.

"Over the weekend every company redid their numbers and basically shale goes into survival mode in terms of capital expenditure and activity," said Dan Yergin, vice chairman of IHS Markit.

Saudi Arabia plans to boost its crude output above 10 million barrels per day (bpd) in April from 9.7 million bpd in recent months, two sources told Reuters on Sunday. The kingdom slashed its export prices at the weekend to encourage re�iners to buy more.

Russia, one of the world's top producers alongside Saudi Arabia and the United States, also said it could lift output and that it could cope with low oil prices for six to 10 years.

OPEC, Russia and other producers had cooperated for three years to restrain supply in a group known as OPEC+. Other countries

in that group are likely to raise supply and cut prices to compete, adding to a market already awash with crude.

"The prognosis for the oil market is even more dire than in November 2014, when such a price war last started, as it comes to a head with the signi?cant collapse in oil demand due to the coronavirus," Goldman Sachs said.

Saudi Arabia, Russia and other major producers last battled for market share in 2014 in a bid to put a squeeze on production from the United States, which has not joined any output limiting pacts and is now the world's biggest producer of crude thanks to a rapid rise in output from the shale sector.

The global outbreak of the coronavirus prompted de facto OPEC leader Saudi Arabia to seek additional output cuts from the OPEC+ group. More than 110,000 people have been

Oil plunges 25%, hit by erupting Saudi-Russia crude price war

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rude prices suffered their biggest daily rout since the 1991 Gulf War on Monday as top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia began a price war that threatens to overwhelm global oil markets with supply.

A nearly 25% slump in oil prices triggered panic selling and heavy losses on Wall Street's main stock indexes as the rapid spread of coronavirus ampli�ied fears of a global recession.

Saudi Arabia and Russia both said they would raise production at the weekend after a three-year pact between them and other major oil producers to limit supply fell apart on Friday.

Moscow had refused to support the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in making a deeper oil cut to cope with the substantial fall in demand caused by the impact of coronavirus on travel and economic activity.

Brent crude futures fell

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno has countered projections for possible rise of non-performing loans (NPLs) and a slower loan growth for domestic banks this 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Diokno said this outlook is “unfounded” since Philippine banks are “adequately capitalized”.

He said domestic banks have capital adequacy ratios (CAR) that are higher than the 10 percent requirement of the BSP, and the eight-percent requirement set by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

“But in recognition of potentially crippling impact of certain events like Covid-19, African swine �lu and other unforeseen calamities, BSP has made available a grant of regulatory relief to some concerned banks and quasi-banks (QBs),” he added.

These regulatory aids include the “staggered booking of allowance for credit losses, non-imposition of penalties on legal reserve de�iciencies, and non-recognition of certain defaulted accounts as past due”.

On Monday, S&P Global Ratings raised the possibility of low expansion of bank loans and increase in NPLs among Philippine banks due to projections of slower trade and private investments on account of the epidemic that started in Wuhan, China since last December.

“We believe banks will be resilient to these external pressures supported by strong fundamentals,” the debt rater said in a statement.

It forecast credit growth of 8-10 percent this year, lower than the 10-12 percent forecast previously.

Last year, the country registered a single-digit credit growth for the �irst time in several years after it posted an 8.8-percent credit expansion compared to the previous year’s 15 percent.

“In our view, the impact of Covid-19 could drag on demand for corporate loans –which make up 82 percent of banking system’s loans– and sti�le momentum in the retail segment,” it said.

The debt rater has cut its growth outlook for the Philippine economy this year to 5.8 percent from 6.2 percent previously because of the impact of the virus, which has affected numerous countries.

It, however, said the reduction is lower than those of other Asia Paci�ic countries that have more exposure to people and supply-chain �lows from China.

As of 6 p.m. on Monday, the Philippine government reported the rise of Covid-19 cases to 20, with at least �ive said to have no history of travel to Covid-19-affected countries.

Health of�icials said they are now doing contact tracing of Covid-19 cases, and are maximizing all measures to address the situation. (PNA)

IMF to test working from home in case virus strikes

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ll International Monetary Fund employees will work from home on Friday, the fund said Monday, to test systems in case the spreading coronavirus epidemic makes working remotely a necessity.

The World Bank, too, has been testing remote work procedures on a smaller scale, a spokesman said.

Last week, the IMF and World Bank announced that their Spring meetings in April would become a virtual event amid the spread of COVID-19 which has sickened 110,564 people in 100 countries and killed 3,862.

As more governments and companies are encouraging work from home to contain the virus, the IMF said in a statement it would for the �irst time conduct a "fund-wide remote work exercise," as part of its "crisis preparedness efforts and in preparation for the virtual spring meetings in April."

"This exercise will allow us to further strengthen the fund's readiness to continue its operations and serve its membership during these trying times," a spokesperson said.

The World Bank is meanwhile testing remote work "department by de-

partment," and already has a "number of systems in place" to ensure staff can work remotely, a spokesman said, speaking from his home kitchen.

The development lending institutions hold meetings twice per-year, attracting thousands of of�icials, journalists and private sector participants from 180 member countries -- just the kind of gathering health authorities say should be avoided amid the outbreak.

The outbreak has caused the cancellation or postponement of a number of events, including the ASEAN summit US President Donald Trump was scheduled to host later this month.

Finance ministers and central bank governors from 189 IMF and World Bank member countries attend the Spring and annual meetings, in April and October, which also include a host of side gatherings, panels, conferences and related events all around in Washington. The of�icial participant count is about 10,000.

The World Bank spokesman said those side events will be skipped this year. Only the institutions' 2 steering committees will meet, the International

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VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

5

Night market goers choose from a wide array of street food on display at a stall at Roxas Night Market along Roxas Ave., Davao City on Monday night. Lean Daval Jr

PRRD eyes Boracay visit L to promote local tourism

Amending Public Service Act to add investments, jobs: biz groups

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on late Monday night said he is willing to visit Boracay to promote local tourism amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat as long as he is accompanied by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

In a press brie�ing after a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duterte said he wanted Puyat to go swimming with him in one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

“Yes, kasi wala ng tao.

Ito kasing si Berna eh. Wala na magpunta. Sabi ko, ‘Sige, magpunta ako pero maligo tayo’ (Yes, [I’m going] because there are barely any tourists there. Berna says very few are visiting the island. So I said, ‘Okay, I’ll go but we should go swimming),” he said.

He admitted that he has never been to Boracay, and wanted to have “something to look at”.

“If you look at the open sea, it’s endless. Mabubulag ka (You’ll be blinded).

But Berna would sit beside me on a sunset, I will stay.

Totoo, hindi pa ako nakapunta ng Boracay (It’s true, I haven’t been to Boracay),” he said.

Last week, Puyat con�irmed that Duterte will be visiting Boracay on March 12 to join efforts in lifting the public’s mood to travel around the Philippines.

Aside from promotions, he will also inspect what has been done on the island since it was rehabilitated.

Meanwhile, Duterte reiterated his vow to give Boracay back to its original settlers.

“I gave it to the natives.

Then further inside the island, pina...Sabi ko, ‘Ubusin mo. Ubusin mo ang bara --- Boracay sa mga natives.

Ibigay mo sa kanila kasi lupa nila ‘yan’ (I told them, ‘Finish it, �inish it—Boracay belongs to the natives.

Give it to them because that land is theirs),” he said.

In November 2018, Duterte led the initial distribution of six Certi�icates of Land Ownership Awards to 44 members of Aklan’s indigenous people.

The new IP landowners

received a total of 3.2064 hectares of agricultural land.

He also took pride in the Boracay Island being restored “close to its original pristine” beauty after a six-month major rehabilitation from April to October 2018.

Covid-19 protocols Earlier, Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said the Department of Tourism (DOT) would be allocating approximately PHP6 billion that will span international and domestic promotions, infrastructures and regional tourism development.

From this budget, DOT will allocate approximately PHP85 million for training for Covid-19 orientation, preparedness, response and protocols for industry stakeholders.

“Our manpower development of�ice will tweak our Filipino brand of service to include points on how to handle guest for Covid-19 and response.

This will include integration of DOH (Department of Health) guidelines in all training to be conducted moving forward,” he said.

He said the DOT has also cascaded the proper guidelines for accommodation establishments on how to deal with guests in light of Covid–19.

These protocols include the use of infrared thermometers to check one’s temperature, screening guidelines, and provision of hand sanitizers, he said.

He said the DOT will also be providing regular updates through a recently created website www.philippines.travels/safeph which will serve as a splash page both to corporate and marketing websites.

He assured that the DOT would work hand in hand with the DOH and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to craft a joint memorandum circular to establish protocols in reporting security and health measures in light of the crisis.

Aside from these safety precautions, the DOT sought the support of the country’s carriers, such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Paci�ic, Air Asia to roll out discounted �lights around the country to propel domestic tourism.

Given the reduction in international �lights, he said the vacant airport slots are being offered to local carriers to increase domestic �lights.

DOT-accredited hotels and resorts will be lowering their prices anywhere from 30 percent to 70 per-

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ocal and foreign business groups in the country have expressed their support to amend the Public Service Act, which is expected to attract more investments and create additional jobs for Filipinos.

In a joint statement Monday, the 12 business groups said amendments to the 84-year-old Public Service Act will help to reverse the declining foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the country.

The central bank will release the �inal FDI �igures later this month, but it was estimated that the country’s net FDI dropped 30 percent to USD7 billion in 2019 from USD10 billion in 2018.

The local and foreign business groups said this measure of the Duterte administration will make the Philippines become more competitive with its Asean neighbors in attracting FDIs. On February 18, 2020, the House of Representatives approved House Bill 78 on second reading, the bill amending the Public Service Act. The business groups commended the action from the lower House, and are expecting the bill will be passed on third reading.

However, Senate bills on modifying the Public Service Act are still pending.

“We strongly urge the Senate to pass this crucial piece of legislation, as its enactment into law will

enable the Philippines to lift its momentum towards economic growth and development to a higher level and improve the lives of citizens,” the groups said.

Aside from giving distinction between a public service and a public utility, HB 78 aims to ease foreign equity restrictions in several service industries.

“New FDI, attracted by the new law, will �low into domestic infrastructure in public services, improving technology, quality, and competition, bringing better pricing, and enhancing access to services for unserved and undeserved areas,” they added.

These business groups include Bankers Association of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters, Inc., and Semiconductor & Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. Foreign chambers supporting the amendments to the law are American Chamber of Commerce, Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, and Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines. (PNA)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

Prudence

At this stage of the imminent threat of coronavirus, prudence only dictates everyone not to be on the safe side and a step ahead instead of taking chances.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio made the prudent move to cancel early the events of the Araw ng Davao and then last Sunday, issued sound guidelines to government of�ices and Dabawenyos as the city takes on the dangers of the dreaded coronavirus. Truth be told, the world is struggling to contain the coronavirus spreading rapidly.

By far, it has hit many events worldwide from professional football, golf and tennis and now, even the National Basketball Association (NBA) is thinking of holding games on empty stadiums.

The Department of Education (Deped) national of�ice has also issued a directive last Sunday to suspend all students gatherings and events in the regional and national scale. The events include the Palarong Pambansa and all other regional meets serving as qualifying events.

So what is the regional of�ice of the Deped waiting for in regards to regional meets like the Davraa?

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

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

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

As of Tuesday, the host province of Davao de Oro is still in quandary whether to push through with the staging of the regional sports conclave or not. Last Sunday, the province announced that preparations are still going on pending a �inal order from the Deped national of�ice. Davao de Oro is using the event to showcase what it calls its “Golden Moment.”

However, it is unfair for the province to continue to make its preparations and spend a fortune for an event that was already announced to be suspended last Sunday. At this point, Deped has to make things clear with provinces and cities like Davao de Oro that the regional sports meet is already off. It is also imperative that Davao de Oro forego the event as there would be more risks--a more likely possibility will be staging an event with nobody taking part.

There will be a time for their Golden Moment.

An American soldier by the name of Robert Lee once said: We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

THE 7 LAST PLAGUES Don’t be scared.

Our subject today concerns the relevance of the CoVid-19 to the biblical prophecy stated in the Book of Revelations which I am hoping will enlighten you more than make you scamper.

It will be educational as well as informative because you will not be left in the dark as to why this virus has now reached global pandemic proportions.

In Italy, for instance, some 16 million people have been reported in quarantine and areas have been locked down by the Italian authorities to prevent the spread of the virus and also to help contain the disease.

Close to 100 countries and more than 4,000 have died.

Of course, you already know that China is the worst hit as the virus originated from the city of Wuhan

though rather quietly since December last year.

Here, there is little evidence – or should we say we are still safe – that the virus has infected so many Filipinos for us to rush into panic. Anyway, sit down and read on. It might help if you have a Bible in hand.

In Revelations 16:2-17 the following plagues are described as seven angels were instructed to “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on earth.”

The �irst plague concerned “ugly and painful sores that broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshipped his image.”

The second plague affected the “sea that turned into blood like that of a dead man, and every living thing in the sea died.”

In verse 4: “The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water,

and they became blood.”

Verse 8 says “the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with �ire” that seared the people with intense heat and they cursed God but refused to repent and glorify Him. “The �ifth angel (v. 10) poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast and his kingdom was plunged into darkness.” Those affected gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed God because of the sores and pains but still they refused to repent.

The sixth plague dried up the Euphrates river that prepared the way to a showdown of the great battle at Armageddon, a battle between good and evil “The seventh angel (v.17) poured out his bowl into the air and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne saying: “It is done!”

The seventh plague describes a severe earthquake that nothing like it has ever occurred while “huge hailstones of about 45 kilograms from the sky fell upon men.”

Again, they cursed God because the plague was so terrible.

May I suggest you read the following verses in these psalms to make you feel safe and comforted.

Psalm 16:1: “Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.”

Psalm 91:4-6: “He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will �ind refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that �lies by day, 6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plagues that destroys at midday.”

More assuredly, verses 9-11 give your spirit a lift,

thus: “If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the Lord, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

As the Duterte government is not leaving any stone unturned in confronting this disease, let us be con�ident that our Lord God – faithful to His promises as ever – will shield and protect us.

We need to be united, obey all government instructions – thru the DOH – and stay away from crowded places – and pray ardently.

Like the child who wanted to play but could not because of the rain, let us collectively chime: “CoVid, CoVid, go away, little Juan and sister Juana want to play.” Cheers!

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS Let’s recall some instances in the past.

In a taped interview with the GMA-7 showbiz talk show Startalk, Filipino actor Gabby Concepcion made his �irst sweeping, public apology to former wife Sharon Cuneta.

“I’m really very sorry for what I’ve done to you and what didn’t turn out to be our future plans together,” he said.

“I’m really very sorry for my mistakes to you, to the family or to anybody whom I’ve hurt along the way,” Concepcion added. “From the bottom of my heart, I’m really, really regretful.”

“I’m sorry.” This was what then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) said in 2005 when she apologized for “a lapse in judgment” for making calls to then Commission on Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano while canvassing was still going on in the 2004 presidential race.

Speaking in a nationally televised four-minute address, Macapagal-Arroyo admitted, “I recognize that making any such call was a lapse in judgment.

I’m sorry. I also regret taking so long to speak before you on this matter. I take full responsibility for my actions and to you and to all those good citizens who may have had their faith shaken by these events.”

Believe me, it’s a hercule-

an task to ask forgiveness to the person you’ve wrong. As the title of a song popularized

by Chicago, it’s hard to say “I’m sorry.” It took Concepcion more than a decade before he said those words to his ex-wife. The former president also regretted that it took her “so long to speak before you on this matter,” to quote her own words.

“When you realize you’ve made a mistake, make amends immediately,” said Dan Heist. If you have done wrong to someone, don’t let the sun go down before you ask for forgiveness.

That’s easier said than done. For in real life, it takes a lot of courage to amend you are wrong. A philandering husband, for instance, will have a problem asking forgiveness from his beloved wife. A teenager will also have the same with his parents.

Perhaps, not too many families use the word “I’m sorry” at their homes. Not so with Jean Margaret Laurence, a noted Canadian novelist. She said, “In some families, ‘please’ is described as the magic word. In our house, however, it is ‘sorry.’”

Craig Silvey, in his book Jasper Jones, gives us a thorough description of what sorry means. He writes: “Sorry means you feel the pulse of other people’s pain as well as your own, and saying it means you take a share of it. And so,

it binds us together, makes us trodden and sodden as one another.

“Sorry is a lot of things. It’s a hole re�illed. A debt repaid.

Sorry is the wake of misdeed.

It’s the crippling ripple of consequence. Sorry is sadness, just as knowing is sadness. Sorry is sometimes self-pity. But sorry, really, is not about you. It’s theirs to take or leave.

Silvey further wrote: “Sorry means you leave yourself open, to embrace or to ridicule or to revenge. Sorry is a question that begs forgiveness, because the metronome of a good heart won’t settle until things are set right and true. Sorry doesn’t take things back, but it pushes things forward. It bridges the gap. Sorry is a sacrament. It’s an offering. A gift.”

Now, if you have committed errors in the past to someone, now is the time to ask for forgiveness. Don’t wait for tomorrow for it may be too late.

Especially if the person is no longer around and he cannot hear your words of apology.

“The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and for deeds left undone,” wrote Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1865’s Little Foxes.

“Apologize,” urges Sanhita Baruah, author of Uff Ye Emotions. “That’s the least you can do to try to make right something you have wronged.” But

“apologizing does not always mean you’re wrong and the other person is right,” Mark Matthews reminds. “It just means you value your relationship more than your ego.”

Roberto Assagioli was an Italian psychiatrist and pioneer in the �ields of humanistic and transpersonal psychology.

“Without forgiveness,” he said, “life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.”

Now, consider these cases and ponder: A young man, falsely accused, condemned, and penalized by his high school principal, turns sullen, angry, and bitter. His faith in justice and authority dies. He will not forgive.

A girl, betrayed by her closest friend, is forced, becomes pregnant, then turns bitter and withdrawn. Her faith in humanity ends. She cannot forgive.

A woman, deserted by her husband, left to be both mother and father to their two sons, turns angry at life – at the whole universe. Her faith in God and everything good has ended.

She did not forgive.

“I’ll never forgive,” American General James Oglethorpe told John Wesley, an English cleric and evangelist. “Then I hope sir,” Wesley replied, “you never sin!”

“What must I forgive?” asked David Ausburger, author of The Freedom of Forgiveness.

“Not just the small things, the trivial irritations, the tactless, thoughtless mistakes others make. But everything. Even the hurts that cut and sear. There are no exemptions!”

If ever you forgive someone, forget all the troubles he or she has caused you. Theologian Frank Stagg explains: “Forgiving and forgetting are related, but forgiving precedes forgetting. To forgive, one must �irst remember the injury, the impact, the injustice done. To forget ignores the needs of the offender and injuries the offended by driving the sense of being wronged deep into one’s own being where resentment does its slow destructive work.

Forgetting is negative, passive; forgiveness is positive and creative.

Staff further says, “Before one can forgive and forget, both offender and offended must remember together, recall the wrongdoing together, �inish the feelings together, reconstruct the relationship together and then they may forget together.

In the remembering, reconstructing, forgiving and forgetting each regains the other.”

But before you say, “I have forgiven you,” the person who has done wrong to you must tell you �irst, “I’m sorry!” –

8 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

DavOr prepares I for COVID-19

Worldbex Services International announces postponement of WORLDBEX and MIAS 2020

A

s the Department of Health raised the COVID-19 Alert level to Code Red Sub-level 1 and the subsequent declaration of the President for a State of Public Health Emergency due to the con�irmed local transmission of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19, the provincial government is stepping up measures to make sure that Davao Oriental remains to be COVID-19-free.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, who called up a special meeting with the concerned of�ices earlier today, ordered the implementation of necessary measures including the monitoring of individuals, especially those coming from areas reported to have COVID-19 cases, as among the necessary measures to contain the dreaded disease.

As of today, the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC), the biggest hospital in the province, has activated its Incident Command System (ICS) since last week and is now creating a con-

tingency plan in the event that COVID-19 cases will emerge in the province.

While DOPMC has a total of six isolation rooms that currently caters measles cases, the hospital is also taking into serious consideration the possibility of the surge in cases that might exceed the hospital’s isolation room capacity. For now, the province is looking at using the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Dormitel or the Balay Silangan as a possible quarantine area to contain suspected cases, said DOPMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Reden Bersaldo, who is set to be assigned as the Action Of-

�icer of the Provincial Task Force for COVID-19.

While hospitals under the province are ordered to establish a containment area, these hospitals, including the DOPMC will only serve as transitory facilities which means that suspected patients will still be referred to bigger hospitals in Davao City, which are more equipped in terms of con�irming and managing COVID-19 cases.

Moreover, other interventions include the closure of some of the entrances at the hospital and at the Capitol; placement of sanitizers; the acquisition of infrared thermometers to be distributed to the hospitals, the Provincial Capitol, and checkpoint areas at the province’s boundaries.

Dr. Bersaldo, in his initial talks with the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police, said that the assigned personnel at the checkpoint areas will undergo an orientation or will receive guidelines on how to detect suspected cases, particularly those noted with high

temperature, and ensure the practice of proper protocols on surveillance and active tracing and screening.

Military and police personnel will also be trained on the proper donning and dof�ing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) considering their role at the forefront in terms of response whenever needed.

As of now, the hospitals are getting ready while the provincial government intensifying its information and educational campaign in terms of prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 which include proper handwashing, coughing etiquette, avoiding crowded places and conduct of mass gatherings and events, and avoiding travel to areas with COVID-19 cases.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang is set to call a meeting on Wednesday with the Provincial Health Board and the Incident Management Team of the province to discuss more measures and directives in containing the COVID-19.

(PIO)

the activity, some members of the Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) danced in women’s heels during the Monday convocation while others wore the same the whole day.

The month-long celebration will include free massage, haircut, manicure, and pedicure services for both men and women employees of the

�ield of�ice in all Fridays of the month dubbed as Pamperri�ic Fridays for Employees.

A forum on women’s rights and laws will also be held on March 27 with students as target participants.

“The series of activities lined up for the whole month of March ensures that the rights of women are protected and promot-

ed through policy advocacy and empowerment activities,” Ms. Elizabeth T. Degorio of the Community-Based Services Section (CBSS) said.

DSWD is mandated by law to develop, administer, and implement programs designed to empower the disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors including women in the communities. (DSWD XI)

DSWD XI lines up activities for women’s month

D

avao City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Of�ice XI joins the nation in celebrating women’s month with the theme “We Make Change Work for Women”, which highlights the empowerment of women as active contributors to and claimholders of development.

To of�icially kick-off

n response to the government declaring a state of public health emergency throughout the entire Philippines; alongside the recommendations of the Department of Health regarding the imposition of Social Distancing Measures in the National Capital Region, which prohibits mass gatherings and events due to concerns related to COVID-19, Worldbex Services International (WSI) announces its decision to postpone WORLDBEX and MIAS 2020.

Worldbex Services International, amidst shows that are set to be held on March 18 to 22, 2020 (25th WORLDBEX) and April 2 to 5, 2020 (16th MIAS), has made this dif�icult decision after close and careful consultation with its partners and the health authorities in charge, in whom it has full trust for their expertise and recommendations for the bene�it of exhibitors, collaborators, and visitors.

Following the recent prohibition on mass public gatherings, with direct implications for the trade shows, WSI had no other option than to make this decision.

Jill Aithnie Ang, Managing Director of Worldbex Services International stated: “We are deeply saddened to have made the decision to postpone this year’s WORLDBEX and MIAS. Indeed, both of the shows have come to be such instrumental platforms for the local industry to grow and expand their networks across a wide range of trade opportunities.

Moreover, this predicament is made all the more challenging in consideration of all the possibilities explored

and plans aligned after signi�icant time spent in dialogue with collaborators over the course of the past few months. All this progress is further attested by the impressive number of returning exhibitors and newcomers who were all eager to take part of this journey.

As expected, we have been observing promising growth across all sectors in both the construction and design trade as well as in automotive and motoring.

Joseph Ang, Founder of Worldbex Services International expressed: “In the past few weeks, I have witnessed the grit and tenacity of all who have been involved in the preparations for our two shows – WORLDBEX and MIAS. From our partners and customers to our stakeholders and very own teams, everyone has tirelessly worked to seek out the most ideal solutions to safeguard the wellbeing of the industries and its subsequent communities. It is in these moments that I am truly convinced of the value of communication and collaboration in conjuring innovative and strategic approaches to address the many issues at hand. At this point, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to everyone for their hard work, faith, and commitment to our vision.”

In the midst of all this, WSI is putting the health and safety of all attendees, exhibitors, and its employees at the top priority. With the development of the current threat and challenges, the organizer will be on top of this situation and continue working towards realizing its prodigious aspirations for the local trade industries.

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

Hyacinth Macau at the Parrot Paradise.

At the King of the Skies raptor show.

FLIGHTS OF FANCY AT

JURONG BIRD PARK

SUNDAY LUNCH with the extended family is an affair I dare not miss. Food is always good but the company and the catching up is so much better.

During one of these Sunday lunches, me and my cousins talk about travel and the many wonderful experiences we had with friends and family and then I remember a cousin talking about going to Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park and what a wonderful experience it was for her and her kids.

While I had been to Singapore quite a few times in the past, I haven’t gotten myself to visit Jurong Bird Park mainly because I was pre-occupied with exploring downtown Singapore. So on my trip to Singapore last February, I headed out to Jurong Bird Park to finally have a feel of what it was all about. Needless to say, I was like a little kid, waiting anxiously in the taxi cab, waiting to finally set foot on one of the world’s largest bird park.

All the anxiety gave way to wonder and awe as I started to explore park’s 49 rolling acres. There is the Penguin Coast which houses penguins from colder regions in a climate controlled den indoors and African penguins outdoors.

Kids will definitely love the park’s massive Flamingo Pool and Flamingo Lake with their colourful flamingoes as well as ibises, green iguanas, and cape shelducks.

There is also the colourful Parrot Paradise which features the park’s macaws, conures and cockatoos.

Beyond the bird cage One can get even closer to the birds at the park’s Lory Loft, the world’s largest walk-in aviary.

Simulating a rainforest valley, the Lory Loft is home to over 1,000 fee-flying lories, parrots, cocka-

Feeding time at the Lory Loft.

Greater Flamingoes at the Flamingo Pool.

toos and parakeets. For a small fee, visitors can get personal with the birds by offering the lories a special nectar mix.

For a more interactive experience, the park has three shows that aim to educate and entertain guests, young and old alike. I was able to catch the King of the Skies Show where birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons, and even vultures were put to their paces in a simulated hunt.

Message of conservation Talking about birds of prey, another reason why I wanted to visit Jurong Bird Park are the two Philippine Eagles, Geothermica

and Sambisig, who were loaned to Singapore last year as part of the first international Philippine Eagle loan agreement between the governments of the Philippines (through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and Singapore (through Wildlife Reserves Singapore [WRS], Jurong Bird Park is one of the zoological facilities managed by WRS).

Aside from edutainment, the Learning Jurong Bird Park is active in the more about research and conservation of enthe hornbil. dangered bird species like the Bali Mynah and Blue-throated Macaw.

With their expertise in handling and rearing birds, I hope to see Jurong Bird Park become successful in hatching the first Philippine Eagle outside of the Philippines in the near future.

While the Jurong Bird Park can be considered far from where the shopping and eating happens in Singapore, the a walk around the park and its many trails and exhibits is a welcome relief from the Lion City’s modernity while also giving a chance to learn and appreciate the beauty of nature more intimately.

Inside the Breeding and Research Centre.

The Philippine Eagle takes the spotlight.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

My favorite beach in the whole world - Dahican in Davao Oriental, Philippines.

DAHICAN TRAVEL TOP THINGS GUIDE 2020 TODO

ASK A SURFER, freediver or a photographer, and I’m sure they’ll give you different answers to what their day might be when they’re out by the beach. Like any tropical beach in the Philippines, you’re guaranteed a sunny and cloudless day— depending on what time of the year you visit.

For surfers and those whose lifestyles depend around the wind and tides, the day would depend on the tides. If you’re a photographer, you’d depend on the sunlight. As a surfer, my day revolves around the changing tides and strength of the wind.

Still, I’ve had my fair share of beach lounging and sun-worshipping when there aren’t any surfable waves around.

Here are my top activities (in no particular order) that you could do at Dahican Beach.

1. Surfing If your main goal is to try some surfing (or score more waves if you’re already surfing) is to make sure you check the swell and tides. Best times to surf in Dahican would be

during the high tide (full moon) and Amihan season which runs from September (baby waves) until April.

Get surf lessons from the best local instructors at Dahican Surf Resort (DSR). Rates start at PHP 400 per hour, including instructor and surfboard rental. If you’re looking to rent surfboards, DSR also has some shortboards to mid-length ones available for rent.

If you’re looking for longboards to rent, So Surf Mindanao has a wide variety of surfboards. They’re located just outside the main highway, right outside DSR’s gate.

Best times to surf are early in the morning and late afternoon when the likelihood of strong winds are lesser. Less wind, better surf!

2. Skimboarding For those looking for a different type of adrenaline activity by the beach but don’t want to brave paddling out to the deeper part of the ocean, skimboarding might be for you.

Skimboarding is a boardsport, similar to surfing except using a smaller board without

are d Aug

Flat_ Skimboarding is still a good option. fins. Think of skimming— skimboarding is gliding across the water’s surface to meet an incoming breaking wave and ride it back to shore.

It looks pretty easy since you run, drop and ride the skimboard, but it takes a ton of

coordination and timing of the wave. Skimboarding lessons at DSR start at PHP 250 includes skimboard and instructor.

Amihan sa Dahican offers skimboarding lessons and rentals as well.

3. Free Diving or Snorkeling For the mermaids wanting the glimpse of the underwater world, Dahican is undoubtedly one of the best beaches to do both. It’s best to go free diving is when there aren’t any waves, and the water is still. Best times

4. Fl H eye its a blan grea rain of D on-b Saga 300utes and you

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION WINS ONE GOLD, TWO SILVERS AT 55TH ANVIL AWARDS

Free diving is a great experience and exercise when the ocean is flat.

Photo by Subtle Cinematics.

GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), GMA Network’s sociocivic arm, reaped honors anew at the 55th Anvil Awards held last February 28 in Manila.

Present in the awarding ceremonies were GMAKF Founder and Ambassador Mel Tiangco together with GMAKF’s Marketing and Communications Supervisor Tracy Cruz and Senior Engineer Edgar Eniego.

GMAKF received a Gold Award under the Specialized Public Relations Programs – Advocacy Campaign category for the Rebuild Dreams in Marawi Campaign.

The said project is in partnership with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) to raise funds for upcycled chairs and tables made from 100% single use plastic by encouraging its customers to donate by adding P1 or more on top of their in-store purchases. The campaign was very successful that it reached five times the original target amount in two months, enabling GMAKF to serve thousands of public elementary schools in Marawi City.

Both earning Silver Awards were GMAKF’s Kapuso Tulay Para sa Kaunlaran Project under the Specialized Public Relations Program – Disaster Communication; and the GMA Kapuso Foundation Annual Report 2018: Rebuild Dreams in Marawi under Public Relations Tools – Publications (External).

The Kapuso Tulay Para Sa Kaunlaran disaster response feature on 24 Oras’ Kapusong Totoo segment featured GMAKF’s first two concrete and steel hanging bridges and its Operation Bayanihan disaster relief distribution.

Meanwhile, the GMA Kapuso

Foundation Annual Report 2018 is a compilation of GMAKF’s accomplishments for 2018 and highlights milestone projects such as the Rebuild Marawi Project – the building and rehabilitation of public elementary schools in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. They were the first institution to build a school in the said area, one year after its liberation from the armed conflict.

The 55th Anvil Awards is conferred by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, which honors the most outstanding public relations programs, tools, and practitioners in the country.

METRO LAUNCHES IMPRESSIVE ROSTER OF BEST DRESSED WOMEN IN METRO MOST STYLISH 2020

When it’s cloudy and raining, as long as there’s no wind, it’s good for surfing.

during summer, May to gust.

ly an Airplane Have a breathtaking bird’s view of Dahican beach and azure waters, the greenery nketing the land of the ater Mati, and the lovely tern of the rest of the expanse Davao Oriental by flying board an ultralight plane by a Flying Club. High above at -meter altitude for 15 mins will surely give you a thrill d a one-of-a-kind experience will remember in your

lifetime.

See Dahican from a different perspective. Have a bird’s eye view of the whole coastline by flying in an ultra-light plane.

Run by the Mindanao Saga Flying Club, your ultimate highflying experience starts at PHP 2700 for an open flight aircraft and PHP 3200 for a flight closed cockpit.

Watch out for the continuation of this suggested activity list and sample itinerary next week! More information on Dahican found on www.millennialmermaid.com. Check it out!

METRO MOST STYLISH, the annual best dressed list of the Metro brand, celebrates fashion in the country through the recognition of Filipinas who are admired for their style.

Now on its third year of illustrating the transformative power of personal style, Metro has included many accomplished and empowered women on their 2020 list, with this year’s roster led by cancer-warrior Mikka Padua.

Mikka, a wife and mother, is the epitome of a courageous woman, battling breast cancer for more than a year now since her diagnosis in December 2018. She also founded an online retail site offering a collection of clothing and lifestyle items that she sourced from foreign countries like Mexico and Bali herself.

Meanwhile, claiming the second spot is Marga Nograles, a social entrepreneur who established a clothing line that started as a way to provide sustainable livelihood for a struggling T’Boli weaver and her daughter, but has since grown into a representation of modern Mindanao and Marga’s passion to support indigenous tribes and local

women’s groups.

Also included in this year’s top 10 are actresses Iza Calzado and Sarah Lahbati, inarguably for their exquisite sense of style that translates to their empowering outfits.

Completing the top 10 are School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA) director Amina Aranaz-Alunan, fashion designer Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez, construction entrepreneur Charmaine Lagman, ‘advanced style’ fashion wonder Tessie Singson, fashion blogger Camille Co, and lifestyle reporter Marie Lozano.

Young actresses Kathryn Bernardo, Nadine Lustre, Maja Salvador, Julia Barretto, and Janine Gutierrez also made it to the top 50.

Ranked by fashion authorities, Metro Most Stylish is a rundown of women with exceptional style, on top of being accomplished in their individual undertakings.

Check out the full list of Metro Most Stylish and other exclusive features on this year’s best dressed on Metro.Style. For updates, like Metro Magazine and Metro.Style on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram—@metromagph and @metrodotstyle. #MetroMostStylish2020

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VOL.12 VOL.13 ISSUE ISSUE 223 •216 WEDNESDAY, 2219 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 22, 11, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,JANUARY JANUARY 14, 2020

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ka weaver naga-himo,” he said.

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

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forward to celebrating its students’ achievements soon.

The safety and well-being of all students, families, teachers, and staff are par-

amount to the university. It also asked for understanding and cooperation, and enjoined everyone to keep safe and healthy to contain the spread of the infection

14 days and was cleared Tuesday after showing no signs and symptoms of the Covid-19.

At the moment, the City of Mati remains to be Covid-19 free. (CIO MATI)

Marbel, condemned the application for e-sabong in South Cotabato and urged the provincial board to reject the proponent’s bid.

“They’re not anymore contented with holding the cock �ights in cockpits, now they wanted it online,” he lamented.

He noted the diocese opposes any form of gambling “as it erodes the moral values of the people.”

The diocese recently slammed the soft opening of a hotel casino in nearby General Santos City. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

mamano (blessing) and communion by hands,” he said.

He also urged the faithful to pray that the country will be able to overcome such a health emergency.

“Simple yet practical, easy yet effective way to prevent Coronavirus is our hand. Always fold your hands in prayer. Turn to God, and trust Him. God is always in control of ev-

erything. Pray always our Diocesan prayer against coronavirus,” he added.

Santos also urged the faithful to always wash their hands and observe proper hygiene. They also asked them to use handkerchiefs when sneezing, or coughing.

As of Monday night, there are 24 con�irmed Covid-19 cases in the country. (PNA)

agencies and local government units (LGUs) are enjoined to render full assistance and cooperation and

mobilize the necessary resources to curtail and eliminate the Covid-19 threat.

(PNA)

Another remedy, he added, is the writ of continuing mandamus that allows the court to require from government agencies a series of actions until judgement is fully satis�ied.

Other measures in place in the country include waived �iling fees to make environmental litigation accessible, issuance of environmental protection orders, and the

application of the precautionary principle, among others.

Garcia af�irmed the government’s full support for the mandate of Boyd on the environment and underscored the need for collective af�irmative action on environment and climate as these underpin the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda.

(DFA)

infected in 105 countries and territories and 3,800 have died, the vast majority in mainland China, according to a Reuters tally.

China's efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak has disrupted the world's second-largest economy and cut shipments to the biggest oil importer.

The International Energy Agency said oil demand was set to contract in 2020 for the �irst time since 2009. The agency cut its annual forecast and said that demand would contract by 90,000 bpd in 2020 from 2019.

Major banks also have cut their demand growth

forecasts. Morgan Stanley predicted China would have zero demand growth in 2020, while Goldman Sachs sees a contraction of 150,000 bpd in global demand.

Bank of America reduced its Brent crude price forecast to $45 a barrel in 2020 from $54 a barrel.

"The radical shift in policy suggests that Saudi will allow inventories to build sharply over the next three quarters," said a Bank of America Global Research report. "As a result, we now expect Brent oil prices to temporarily dip into the $20s range over the coming weeks."

Monetary and Financial Committee and the Development Committee, which involve only about 2-dozen of�icials.

The �lagship event ahead of the meetings is

the release of the IMF's World Economic Outlook, which will be in the spotlight given the warnings that global growth will slow notably due to the broadening epidemic.

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DCWD warns against illegal solicitations

D

avao City Water District warns the general public of unscrupulous individuals misrepresenting DCWD and soliciting money supposedly in exchange for favor on DCWD procurement contracts and services.

DCWD condemns such misrepresentation and categorically denies any involvement or participation in these unlawful and unconscionable acts. It is investigating reports and

will take appropriate actions against offenders for usurping of�icial functions.

DCWD abides by the standard operating procedure prescribed by RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).

This includes notifying both winning and unsuccessful bidders for a given contract through a formal letter from the Bids and Awards (BAC) Secretariat.

Thus, bidders are advised not to entertain calls or other form of communi-

cation from unveri�ied individuals transacting on behalf of DCWD Board of Directors, of�icials, BAC Committee, and employees.

Likewise, DCWD calls on the public to check the authenticity of letters or messages allegedly from DCWD asking for monetary or non-monetary donations. Those with of�icial transactions especially payment-related are reminded to transact in DCWD of�ices and pay-

ment centers only.

To report illegal solicitations and other doubtful transactions involving DCWD, customers may contact its 24/7 Central Information Unit / Call Center 24-hour hotlines 235-DCWD (3293), 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 or send a private message to its of�icial Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) or email callcenter@davao.water.gov.ph.

(Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

nology” that has the potential to reduce greenhouse gases.

“The time has come,” the joint letter said, “for those who take the threat of global warming seriously to embrace the development and deployment of safer nuclear power systems” as part of efforts to build a new global energy supply.

Nuclear power is the use of sustained nuclear �ission to generate heat and electricity. As of the middle of 2016, 31 countries were operating nuclear reactors for energy purposes. “Nuclear power plants generated 2,444 net terawatt-hours (that’s billion kilowatt-hours) of electricity in 2015, a 1.3% increase, but still less than in 2000 and 8.2% below the historic peak nuclear generation in 2006,” wrote Michael Schneider and Antony Froggatt, authors of The World Nuclear Industry: Status Report 2016.

However, there is an ongoing debate about the use of nuclear energy. Proponents, such as the World Nuclear Association, the International Atomic Energy Agency and Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions.

But opponents think otherwise. The Economist said nuclear power “looks dangerous, unpopular, expensive and risky.” Consider the following: Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union, Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania in the US and the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan.

The Fukushima nuclear disaster, which happened after an earthquake, prompted a rethink of nuclear energy policy in many countries. Germany decided to close all its reactors by 2022, and Italy has banned nuclear power.

“Nuclear power is beset by problems that go well beyond its propensity for occasional accidents,” noted Christopher Flavin, of the Worldwatch Institute.

“Technologically, economically, and politically, nuclear power faces a series of obstacles that will prevent it from coming close

to displacing fossil fuels to signi�icantly delay global warming.”

Flavin, who wrote the 1987 Worldwatch paper entitled Reassessing Nuclear Power: The Fallout from Chernobyl, cited an analysis done by the Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado. It has developed a nuclear scenario that reduces global warming by 20 to 30 percent by the middle of 21st century through the substitution of nuclear plants for all coal�ired plants.

“Analysis at the Rocky Mountain Institute found that this would require the completion of one nuclear power plant every one to three days during the next 40 years,” Flavin wrote.

“Many countries would be almost blanketed by nuclear plants, and the cost would run to as much as $9 trillion.”

A nuclear power program of this scale, Flavin said, would require not just a reversal of a worldwide trend, but a program of nuclear construction that is 10 times as large as any the world has seen. “Such an effect is unthinkable, both economically and politically,” he said. “Indeed, a democratic government that tried it would most likely soon be voted out of of�ice.”

On the brighter side, nuclear power has caused far fewer accidental deaths per unit of energy generated than other major forms of power generation. In comparison, energy production from coal, natural gas, and hydropower have caused far more deaths due to accidents.

Nuclear power plant accidents rank �irst in terms of their economic cost, accounting for 41% of all property damage attributed to energy accidents, according to Benjamin K. Sovacool, author of the study, A preliminary assessment of major energy accidents, 1907–2007.

Meanwhile, the four respected climate scientists acknowledge that there are risks to using nuclear power, but say those are far smaller than the risk posed by extreme climate change.

“We understand that today’s nuclear plants are far from perfect,” they wrote.

saster risk reduction and management fund.

Currently, there are 24 con�irmed cases of Covid-19 in the country.

President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a proclamation formally declaring a state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines after the DOH reported the �irst known local transmission of

Covid-19.

He also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in Metro Manila to minimize students’ risk of contracting the disease.

DOH has also placed the country under Covid-19 Alert System to Code Red (Sub-Level 1) to prepare for a possible increase in suspected and con�irmed cases. (PNA)

cent off the published and online rates in order to be more competitive with

neighboring South East Asian countries. (PNA)

nents. Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic had their way with the Rockets and the Magic outrebounded Houston by 11.

"Eight days ago we

were rolling and then all of the sudden the bottom fell out. We're searching a little bit for answers and we'll �ind them," D'Antoni said.

suspending all regional meets, Davao de Oro announced that its preparation for the hosting of DAVRAA remains formidable.

The rescheduled date of DAVRAA which is originally set on April 1 to 7.

Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy said on Tuesday the province will continue its preparations pending any of�icial order from the Deped.

"As host for this year's Davraa, padayon gihapon ang prep," Uy said. "Pero maghulat jud mi sa new schedule from Deped."

Uy, in a press conference held at the old session hall of the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan, said the province has created an inter-agency taskforce Covid-19 which will monitor the developments of the virus as part of the primary preparation for the regional conclave.

"Our �irst notion is to assure the optimum level of the athletes health, making sure na walay magkasakit," Uy said.

He also underscored the security preparations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police at the helm.

Uy said the province allocated P15 million for the hosting which will be

ampli�ied with another P5 million raised from the stakeholders and partners forum. The DepEd Region 11, for its part, allocated P700,000 to subsidize the technical of�icials.

Vice governor Maria Carmen "Maricar" Zamora, who serves as the action of�icer for Davraa 2020, charmed the national of�ice of DepEd to add another P5 million for the province's "Golden Moment" (Davraa 2020's theme).

"Majority of the amount allocated by the province will be used for the improvement of sports facilities in various schools which will host the games," Zamora explained.

The billeting areas which will be housed within the six municipalities of the province including Monkayo, Monte Vista, Nabunturan, Pantukan and Maco were also being ensured by the host province.

DepEd Davao Region assistant regional director Maria Ines Asuncion, on the other hand, bared that the national of�ice did not release any statement saying that the regional meet is cancelled. Apparently, she was not aware. (PNA with a report from Edge Davao)

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10 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

SHOULD NUCLEAR POWER BE PART OF COUNTRY’S ENERGY MIX? “O

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ur shortage of electricity is a real, serious problem that we cannot downplay. But if we focus exclusively on it, we run the risk of seeing just the trees and not the forest.” That was what Ru�ino Bomasang, then energy undersecretary, told community journalists who attended a media brie�ing on business and economics reporting at Los Baños, Laguna.

More than three decades later, the same sce-

nario is happening. As the country continues to pur-

sue a path of global competitiveness, it is becoming evident that securing an adequate energy supply will be ever more critical to its growing industries.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is thinking of nuclear energy as one possible option. In fact, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has included nuclear power to be part of the country’s energy mix in a proposed executive order (EO).

The proposed EO “is among the short-term and

long-term outlooks for the power sector and the corrective policy issuances being undertaking” by the energy department, according to the state-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Cusi is seeking approval of the proposed EO as the country is expected to have “a rapid growth in electricity demand, which a 24/7 power is essential and necessary.” The proposal is now in the hands of President Rodrigo R. Duterte and has not been approved yet.

It must be recalled that the country entered into a nuclear energy agreement with a Russian company when the president visited Moscow in October last year. “The president wanted to study �irst the proposal,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo was quoted as saying.

At the time when Jericho L. Petilla was energy secretary, the country was also looking at nuclear power as possible source of energy for the country.

“We’re looking at it on a long-term basis,” he said.

“At the same time, we have to look at the technical side, and then recommend later on if studies show that it’s good for the country.”

According to Petilla, social dimension — or the possible non-acceptance of nuclear energy by the public — is the limiting factor why the government is excluding it from its energy mix. In addition, under the Philippine Constitution, nuclear power plants are prohibited.

The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNNP) is the country’s �irst and only nuclear power. The Westinghouse Electric built it during the presidency of

Ferdinand Marcos at a cost of US$2.2 billion. It was mothballed in 1986 due to safety concerns, even before it could begin operations. During the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, proponents wanted the BNPP rehabilitated. But it would cost a whooping US$1 billion to rehabilitate.

“We have met the enemy; and he is us,” so goes a popular statement from Walt Kelly. This is particularly true in the case of climate change. There is “95 percent likelihood” that human activity is the cause of climate change, according to the �indings of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The 5th IPCC Report said that human activity released 545 gigatons of carbon dioxide – the main greenhouse gas – from 1750 to 2011. It is projected that if 1,000 gigatons of carbon dioxide is emitted, which at current rates will likely occur between 2040 and 2050, there is a one-inthree possibility that the 2 degrees Celsius limit above the pre-industrial level will be exceeded.

“We need to take action now because a warmer earth threatens food security and public health. It is projected to bring down gross domestic product by three percent and threatens the survival of communities,” said Loren Legarda, the United Nations Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Paci�ic.

This is the reason why Legarda renewed her call for greater climate change action, particularly through signi�icant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

and promotion of renewable energy development.

Non-renewable energy depends primarily on fossil fuels which include coal, oil, and natural gas. On the other hand, renewable energy source, which are considered to be inexhaustible, includes solar power, hydroelectric, geothermal energy, and biomass energy.

In the July 7-21, 2011 issue of Rolling Stone, former American vice president Al Gore wrote: “Renewable energy sources are coming into their own. Both solar and wind will soon produce power at costs that are competitive with fossil fuels; indications are that twice as many solar installations were erected worldwide last year as compared to 2009.

“The reductions in cost and improvements in ef�iciency of photovoltaic cells over the past decade appear to be following an exponential curve that resembles a less dramatic but still startling version of what happened with computer chips over the past 50 years,” Gore added.

But some of the world's top climate scientists say wind and solar energy won't be enough to head off extreme global warming, and they’re asking environmentalists to support the development of safer nuclear power as one way to cut fossil fuel pollution.

In a letter released to the media, the climate scientists said that “those energy sources cannot scale up fast enough” to deliver the amount of cheap and reliable power the world needs, and “with the planet warming and carbon dioxide emissions rising faster than ever, we cannot afford to turn away from any tech-

SHOULD NUCLEAR, P9

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

Organizers ban spectators at Olympics torch lighting rites

T

he Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia will be the �irst in more 35 years to be held without spectators after organizers on Monday introduced tighter measures to protect against the coronavirus.

Greece's Olympic Committee said spectators would be excluded from both the dress rehearsal at the ancient site on Wednesday and the widely broadcast ceremony on Thursday.

This is the �irst time since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics that the ceremony will be held without any spectators lounging on the grassy slopes of the ancient stadium in the tiny Peloponesian hamlet.

The ceremony -- held both for summer and winter Games -- usually attracts several thousand spectators, including Greeks and foreign visitors.

"The lighting ceremony of the Olympic �lame will be done without the presence of spectators and only 100 invited and accredited guests," the Greek Olympic Committee said in a statement.

"The dress rehearsal on March 11 will be closed to spectators and media."

The Olympic torch will be lit in Olympia at a scaled-down ceremony on March 12 before a seven-day relay that culminates with a handover ceremony in Greece on March 19.

The number of people inside the ancient stadium will also be reduced with only a few dozen representatives of the Tokyo Games

from a group of about 150 allowed access to the ceremony.

Organizers will also shut the press center following the ceremony to avoid the gathering of many people in an indoor area and will stage Wednesday's dress rehearsal without the presence of media. Tokyo had already stopped 340 children from attending.

Greece on Sunday announced a two-week ban on sporting events with spectators and on school �ield trips, as its number of coronavirus cases rose by seven to 73. The prefecture of Ilia, of which Olympia is part, is among areas of the country hardest hit by the coronavirus.

The mayor of Olympia has written to International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, proposing the postponement of the ceremony until May. "The danger of staging the torch lighting with only a handful of spectators, limited number of of�icials and delegations, and under a cloud of fear and concern will damage the greatness and prestige of this event," Olympia mayor Giorgos Georgiopoulos said in his letter.

"With a sense of responsibility, the municipal authority, all parties of the city council of Ancient Olympia, in order to secure the global radiance of the event asks the IOC which has the exclusive responsibility of organising it to consider the possibility of moving the torch lighting ceremony to May of this year."

Luck not on Nesthy’s side The Philippines’Nesthy Petecio will have to wait for another qualifying tournament to make it to Tokyo after bowing to Japan’s Irie Sena.

D

abawenya �ighter Nesthy Petecio’s dream of �ighting in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will have to wait for now.

The reigning women’s featherweight world champion from Davao del Sur fell short at the hands of Japan’s Irie Sena by split decision, 3-2, in the quarter�inals of the 2020 Asia and Oceania Boxing Quali�ication Tournament in Amman, Jordan on Monday.

The 19-year old Irie got off to a hot start as she was able to get the better of Petecio, who seemed tense. Things didn’t get any better for the Filipina

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after a play. File photo. Reuters

who was deducted a point for excessive holding. With a ticket to Tokyo at stake, Petecio picked things up in the �inal round, but it was a little too late, as Iri walked away with the close decision win.

All isn’t lost for the AIBA World Championships gold medalist, as she still has a chance to earn a spot in the 2020 Summer games via the Global Quali�iers this coming May in Paris.

Filipino �lyweight Car-

lo Paalam also missed out on securing his spot in the Olympics, losing to top-seeded Indian Amit Panghal by Split Decision.

Paalam started strong as he was able to take the �irst round on the judges’ cards, but Panghal rallied back in the second stanza, 4-1.

Panghal did just enough to take the third round to earn a 3-2 Split Decision win and earn his ticket to Tokyo.

Paalam, meanwhile, still has the chance to qualify in the Olympic box-off.

Another Filipina boxer Irish Magno also squandered her chance of ad-

vancing to the Olympiad.

India’s six-time world champion Mary Kom scored a 5-0 win over Magno in the quarter-�inals.

The pair squared off in a tight �irst round before Kom’s experience saw her comfortably take rounds two and three with a strong counter-attacking strategy.

After the bout, Kom kissed and pointed to a card she held with the words “You have quali�ied for Tokyo 2020”.

“For this only, so long...

I was working so hard,” she told the Olympic Channel.

“I had to go through many challenges... The dream is almost complete.”

ouston's losing streak hit four and the Rockets dropped to sixth in the Western Conference standings on Sunday with a lopsided loss to the Orlando Magic that left the team reeling.

Head coach Mike D'Antoni said postgame the team had hit "rock bowttom," as All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook left the Toyota Center before speaking with the media. D'Antoni said his team is in a spot where it's "questioning everything."

James Harden said it feels "strange" on the court and agreed with D'Antoni's assessment that the team had plummeted to its deepest depths.

"Yes, yep. We're not really worried, just frustrating," Harden said of Sunday's game in which the Rockets were down by 25 points to Orlando at

halftime. "Seems like it's all going bad. Only way to get out of it is keep pushing through."

READ: Sabonis, Oladipo lead Pacers past Mavericks 112-109 The Magic scored 71 points in the �irst half.

Harden was 6 of 19 from the �ield Sunday and Houston has shot just 29.1 percent from 3-point range during the fourgame losing streak.

Houston traded center Clint Capela at the February deadline in favor of a full-time small-ball approach with P.J. Tucker, an undersized forward, at the traditional "5" spot.

D'Antoni was the Western Conference Coach of the Month in February when Houston went 9-2.

But Sunday's game was the latest example of a counter punch from oppo-

Rockets lose fourth in a row H

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NO PALARO EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

Palarong Pambansa, suspended due to coronavirus, DAVRAA in limbo

T

his year’s Palarong Pambansa has been called off by host Marikina City as both the national and local governments strengthened efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The cancellation of the annual national sports conclave came after the Department of Education announced on Sunday the suspension of Palarong Pambansa’s regional meets also to prevent the spread of the Covid-19. The suspension means it includes the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet set on April 1-7 in Davao de Oro. “Putting the safety of the athletes and their families �irst, Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro suspends the

Palarong Pambansa 2020 in May because of the threat posed by Covid-19,” the city's local government unit said in a statement on Monday.

The announcement also came right after Teodoro himself con�irmed that a person living in the city was tested positive for Covid-19.

This latest development could affect the staging of the forthcoming DAVRAA regional meet.

On the same day Deped announced it is

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Davao de Oro Governor Tyron Uy and Vice Governor Maricar Zamora announced earlier on Sunday that preparations for the DAVRAA meet in Davao de Oro is still formidable. However, the Department of Education on the same day ordered a suspension of all regional and national meets.