Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 240 | Tuesday, February 11, 2020

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VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announces during a news conference on Monday that the 83rd Araw ng Davao events are cancelled to ensure the safety of Dabawenyos following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak.

Lean Daval Jr

NO ‘ARAW ’ EVENTS

Mayor Sara cancels 83rd Araw ng Davao skeds

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday declared the of�icial cancellation of the events commemorating this year’s Araw ng Davao amid continuing threats of the new Coronavirus pandemic.

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Following the pronouncements of the Department of Health on the

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and its February 7 advisory on public

gatherings, Mayor Duterte said in a press conference that “it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to cancel the events of the 83rd Araw ng Dabaw celebration.”

However, the city’s annual commemoration of the 83rd celebration of its founding anniversary will continue minus the public

events that are cancelled.

The city’s local non-working holidays will continue as scheduled on March 1 and March 16.

The cancelled events are Pasiugdang Pagsaulog, Reyna Dabawenya, Ginoong Davao, Sayaw Pinoy, Kalingawan sa Sta. Ana, Hudyaka, Mutya ng Dabaw, Pasidungog, Araw ng Emp-

leyado, Kanta Bidabawenyo, Parada Dabawenyo, and the Datu Bago Awards.

“The novel coronavirus situation remains very �luid and there is still no answer when it will be stabilized or its spread across the globe be fully controlled,” she said. “We have seen an increasing number of people getting

the infection worldwide.

Our health care facilities in Davao City have limitations and we cannot possibly carry hundreds of sick individuals all at the same time.”

Given these limitations, Mayor Duterte said the city government’s plan is to ensure that Dabawenyos do

NO ARAW, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

Developers and real estate firms are optimistic that Davao City will continue to grow and will become the next mega destination in the Philippines in terms of commercial and investment opportunities despite the current challenges like the African swine fever (ASF) and the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak. Lean Daval Jr

No more welcome, sendoff groups in transport terminals T

By MAYA M. PADILLO he city government of Davao is imposing a total ban on all welcome and sendoff groups at airports, seaports, bus terminals, and other transportation hubs in Davao City beginning Monday, February 10.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio told media the order is not only because of the dreaded coronavirus but for reasons of safety and security.

She mentioned that the �irst guideline is only employees, workers, drivers, and passengers who have transactions inside

these areas are allowed.

The other guidelines for airports, seaports, bus/van terminals and other transportation hubs include: no welcome and send-off parties/groups in these areas, even at the parking lots and all welcome greetings shall be made at respective

Mati City remains nCoV-free after end of 14-day quarantine

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he Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit has cleared all 29 residents of Davao Oriental who travelled to Guangzhou, China last month after having completed the 14-day mandatory quarantine.

After arriving in the country on January 27, the 14-day quarantine ended Sunday, February 9.

Of the 29, only two have been declared as “persons

under investigation” (PUI) after suffering from �lu-like symptoms while the remaining 27 were only considered as “persons under monitoring” (PUM).

The two were readily transported to the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City for isolation and observation. Samples were also taken from the two and were sent to Australia for con�irmatory test.

MATI, P9

residences; passengers can be dropped off and picked up by private or public transport drivers; and passengers who are senior citizens, pregnant women, ladies with infants and small children, and persons with disabilities are the only individuals allowed with assistants in addition to their drivers.

“Kato ning musundo unya muuban ang anak, apo, igsoon. Mag mass gather na sila magdala duha ka jeep o tulo ka jeep, magwelcome ug isa kabuok paryente nga muabot, so bawal na siya.

Didto na sila magwelcome sa ilang mga panimalay.

Kung naay sunduon na nanginahanglan ug assistance kato sa mga nakalista the same with drop-off.

I-drop lang sila ug wala nay babye-babye ug wala nay hilakay. Tanan hilak ug goodbyes buhaton sa balay,” she said.

Likewise, the convergence of people who are not covered by the �irst guideline in any part of the port or terminal is strictly not allowed.

Mayor Duterte added that high ranking national government of�icials, guests of the government,

and members of the Diplomatic and Consular groups are allowed with security personnel.

She also mentioned that taxis, Grab and other ride-sharing vehicles, bus, and van drivers must wear masks and ensure that they clean and disinfect vehicles before and after delivery of passengers to their destinations.

“Kung naay private vans dili pwede mag-converge sa parking area. Ang mabilin na lang sa airport kay taxi drivers, grab, ang drivers sa musundo na mga sakyanan,” she said.

Mayor Duterte said

they already discussed this new directive with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Davao.

Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio added that the city will still have to discuss with partner with regards to the holding of this year’s Ironman 70.3.

“We will still have to discuss what is the best thing to do,” she said.

Davao City will be making the last of the three-year hosting cycle of the international sports event which attracts close to 2,000 participants from around the world.

ukidnon, Mindanao’s top producer of hogs, is stepping up efforts to prevent the entry of the African Swine Fever (ASF), a killer disease affecting pigs, in the wake of recently con�irmed outbreaks in Davao Occidental and neighboring Davao City.

Dr. Nancy Diez, Provincial Veterinarian, told MindaNews on Sunday that they’ve been adding “more personnel and checkpoints” to ensure the province remains ASF-free.

DA Regional Director Ricardo Onate on Thursday said he had informed the provincial governments of Bukidnon and Davao del Norte to secure their areas to prevent the entry of the ASF there.

Some barangays in Davao City share boundaries with Davao del Norte and Bukidnon, a landlocked province bounded on the north by Cagayan de Oro City, on the south by North Cotabato and Davao City, on the east by Agu-

san del Sur and Davao del Norte, and on the west by Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. Mindanao has 27 provinces and 33 cities. Mainland Mindanao has 22 provinces and 32 cities.

Even without Onate’s alert, however, Bukidnon had long prepared itself against animal diseases.

Located in the heartland of mainland Mindanao, Bukidnon appears to be the most prepared local government unit to address

the problem of ASF, as it has been practicing biosecurity measures for decades.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar con�irmed on September 9 last year the outbreak of ASF in the provinces of Rizal and Bulacan in Luzon.

The presence of ASF in Mindanao was �irst reported on January 31, when Mayor Michael Maruya of Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, issued a directive that “more or less”

Bukidnon steps up efforts to prevent entry of ASF

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BUKIDNON, P9

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

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WHO warns overseas coronavirus spread may be ‘tip of the iceberg’

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he head of the World Health Organization has warned that con�irmed cases of coronavirus being transmitted by people who have never traveled to China could be the “tip of the iceberg.”

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’ remarks come as members of a WHO-led “international expert mission” �lew to China on Monday to help coordinate a response to the outbreak that has so far infected more than 40,000 people and killed 908 in the country.

“There’ve been some concerning instances of onward #2019nCoV spread from people with no travel history to (China),” Ghebreyesus tweeted Sunday, using the virus’s provisional scienti�ic name.

“The detection of a small number of cases may indicate more widespread transmission in other countries; in short, we may only be seeing the tip of the iceberg.”

While the virus’ spread outside China appeared to be slow, Ghebreyesus warned it could accelerate.

“Containment remains our objective, but all countries must use the window of opportunity created by the containment strategy to prepare for the virus’s possible arrival,” he said.

Outside mainland China, there have been more than 350 infections reported in nearly 30 places. There have been two deaths, one in the Philippines and the other in Hong Kong.

Several countries have banned arrivals from China while major airlines have suspended �lights, and Air China cancelled some of its �lights to the United States.

The WHO-led mission to China is being headed up by Bruce Aylward, a veteran of previous health emergencies, Ghebreyesus said. Aylward oversaw the WHO’s 2014-2016

WHO, P9

SolGen files quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN

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overnment lawyers on Monday asked the Supreme Court to forfeit the legislative franchises of ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiary, ABSCBN Convergence, Inc. Solicitor General Jose Calida led his of�ice in �iling a quo warranto petition against the broadcast network.

“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN bene�itting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years,” Calida said in a statement.

He alleged that ABSCBN has been broadcasting for a fee and operating a "pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior ap-

proval or permit from the National Telecommunications Commission."

He also claimed that ABS-CBN has issued Philippine Depositary Receipts to foreigners — a similar allegation against online news site Rappler, which the government is prosecuting on other charges.

Calida further alleged that ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. resorted to an "ingenious corporate layering scheme" to transfer its franchise "without the necessary Congressional approval."

"It also failed to publicly offer any of its outstanding capital stock to any securities exchange within the Philippines within �ive years from the start of its operations, which is an indispensable condition in its franchise," Calida said.

SOLGEN, P9

Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE-11) Kasambahay focal person Ed Monreal(center) together with Department of Social Welfare and Development 11 (DSWD-11) Kasambahay focal person Ma. Celina Serapio (left) and Social Security System-Davao social security officer III

and SSS Kasambahay focal person Apoleyo Torrefranca, discusses during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao the efforts being undertaken by concerned agencies to ensure the protection and welfare of domestic helpers. Lean Daval Jr

City tracking down ASF infected pork

By MAYA M. PADILLO he city government of Davao is tracking down a meat that entered in Davao City suspected to be infected with African Swine Fever (ASF) coming from Davao del Sur.

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“Karon naa ta gina-trace nga allegedly meat coming from Davao del Sur na nakasulod diri ug gipangita nato to sila.

We ask the cooperation of everyone,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in a press conference on Monday.

Mayor Duterte reminded hog raisers that if there

are pigs to immediately call the Davao City Veterinarians Of�ice.

“We will check, inspect, and conduct de-population if ASF is positive and pay for your piglets and pigs. Thereafter, you cannot grow pigs for the next three months,” she said.

She also reminded

that there is a ban on pig and pork products from the entire area of Luzon, the entire Davao Occidental and the municipalities of Malalag and Sulop in Davao del Sur. Meanwhile, the City Veterinarian Of�ice (CVO) conducted depopulation of the ASF infected pigs in barangays Dominga and Lamanan in Calinan.

In Brgy. Lamanan as of 5:55 pm of Feb. 9 there were 1,085 heads culled from an estimated swine population of 2,500. In Brgy. Dominga, as of 6 pm

first class hinterland municipality of Davao de Oro, formerly known as Compostela Province. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

CITY, P9

Glan, the ‘Boracay of the South,’ bans Chinese tourists due to nCoV

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Local tourists enjoy this aqua foot spa where pond fishes nibble at their feet. This is one of the attractions of Aguakan Resort apart from the large freshwater swimming pools, located at the poblacion of Maragusan, a

on Feb. 9 there were 398 heads culled.

“Nagpadayon ang depopulation activities yesterday (Feb.10) in the said two barangays,” Mayor Duterte said.

The city will conduct an orientation on the ways forward after the depopulation of the pigs.

Mayor Duterte said there is a “task force” created that will do tight monitoring not only for the pigs and meat and pork related products transported in the city but also of “hot

outed as the “Boracay of the South” due to its powdery white sand beaches, this town, Sarangani’s major tourist destination, has banned beach resorts from accepting Chinese tourists as a preventive measure against the spread of the dreaded 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Glan Mayor Vivien Yap issued the directive as the four Chinese tourists who sneaked recently into town and were quarantined in isolation in Alabel municipality, the provincial capital, are being treated well.

“The municipality is incompetent to handle (2019-nCoV) cases, and having in�irmary-level health care in the locality, urges resort owners not to accept guests especially coming from China,” she said in the order obtained

by MindaNews on Sunday.

The mayor, a medical doctor, noted the tempo-

rary ban against Chinese and other tourists with travel histories in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau was also in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s order in the wake of the 2019-nCoV global emergency crisis that has spread to other parts of the world.

MindaNews sought the reaction of Davao Chinese Consul General Li Lin but he has yet to respond as of Sunday evening.

The death toll from the 2019-nCoV surpassed 800, mostly in China as of Sunday.

The con�irmed cases hit at least 34,886, including in 24 other countries, the World Health Organization said Saturday.

In temporarily banning Chinese tourists to her town, Yap cited Section 16 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, which grants local government units the pow-

GLAN, P9

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

DA warns 'abusive' bizmen after spike in prices of agri products

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A truck carrying pigs is disinfected before passing through the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Toril, Davao City on Thursday. The Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of African Swine Fever

in two barangays of Davao City in a press conference afternoon of the same day. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

Asian markets fall as nCoV concerns weigh on sentiment

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tocks and oil fell while safe-haven gold rose on Monday as the death toll from a coronavirus outbreak surpassed the SARS epidemic, raising alarm bells about its severity.

As many as 908 people have so far died in China’s central Hubei province as of Sunday with most of the new deaths in the provincial capital of Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Paci�ic shares outside Japan stumbled 0.7 percent to be on track for its second straight day of loss. Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.8 percent while South Korea’s KOSPI was off 1.4 percent and Australian shares eased 0.5 percent.

The losses extended from Wall Street on Friday where the Dow fell 0.9 per-

cent, the S&P 500 declined 0.5 percent while the Nasdaq dropped 0.5 percent.

E-mini futures for S&P 500 were down 0.3 percent on Monday.

“Expect markets to be sensitive to virus headlines. In this environment, we favor defensive positioning,” ANZ economists wrote in a note.

“Markets will be sensitive to coronavirus news, as factories and ports in China reopen. The extent to which that is achievable will indicate the level of ongoing disruption,” they added.

As Chinese authorities made plans for millions of people returning to work after an extended Lunar New Year break a large number of workplaces and schools are still likely to remain closed and many white-collar employees will work from home.

Worries about the hit to the world’s second-largest economy has hurt investor risk appetite though con�idence in China’s ability to contain the epidemic has prevented sharp losses.

China’s central bank has taken a raft of measures to support the economy, including reducing interest rates and �lushing the market with liquidity. From Monday, it will provide special funds for banks to re-lend to businesses working to combat the virus.

Despite the measures, many of China’s usually teeming cities have almost become ghost towns as authorities ordered virtual lockdowns, cancelled �lights, closed factories and shut schools.

On Friday, Singapore raised its coronavirus alert level and reported more cases not linked to previous infections or travel to China.

An advance team of international experts led by the World Health Organization (WHO) left for Beijing to help investigate the epidemic, the Geneva-based agency said on Sunday.

The virus has dominated broader market sentiment with better-than-expected US jobs data on Friday failing to lift sentiment.

Non-farm payrolls in-

at the 16th International Business Awards.

Besting more than 4,000 nominations from 74 countries, the award-winning campaign was cited for its “well-thought out integrated campaign” and was praised for its “engagement from the 'inside'—turning employees into company ambassadors—to 'outside' through an engaging media launch incorporating a celebrity,” as commented by the competition’s jurors.

It also put Phoenix Petroleum in the list of only 23 Filipino companies that were recognized by the coveted international awards program in 2019, the second consecutive year the company was awarded by the organization.

“Winning awards and getting recognized for a product that we worked

hard for to improve customer experience on our services makes us feel really proud and honored. We have always been in pursuit of being the indispensable partner of everyone whose life we touch and being the credible alternative brand--and this IBA award is an af�irmation that our Phoenix PULSE Technology campaign has truly elevated our brand and offered more value to customers. This award will serve as our fuel to live up to what we were recognized for and continue improving our products and services,” Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Of�icer Henry Albert Fadullon said.

The Phoenix PULSE Technology campaign was also recognized by the 40th Agora Awards, helping Phoenix Petroleum become the Marketing Com-

pany of the Year. The campaign was also awarded by the 17th Philippine Quill Awards with an Award of Excellence in the Communication Management - Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication category.

The International Business Awards is the world’s premier business awards created in 2002 to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. It is considered as the Oscars of business.

Other winners include International Business Machine (IBM) Corporation, Llorente & Cuenca (LLYC), Manning Selvage & Lee (MSL) Group, Deutsche Post DHL Group, Dell Technologies, and Thai Life Insurance Plc., among

griculture Secretary William Dar on Saturday said the Department of Agriculture will penalize "abusive" businesses that manipulate the prices of agricultural commodities through supply control.

The Agriculture chief's warning came after the DA noticed that the average farmgate price of chicken is at P77 per kilo, but it is being sold in the market for P157 per kilo —an P80 difference or more than 100% mark-up.

The DA also noted that imported galunggong or round scad, while its wholesale price ranges from P50 to P60 per kilo, is being sold at a retail price of up to P200 per kilo and the local ones are sold for up to P280 per kilo.

This makes galunggong more expensive than pork, with prices ranging from P180 to 220 per kilo.

“These discrepancies demonstrate a gross and direct contravention of the prohibitions set forth by the Price Act,” Dar said.

"Obviously, some traders and sellers refuse to reduce prices to pre-Christmas levels, and are taking

advantage of the recent eruption of Taal Volcano," he added.

With this, the Cabinet of�icial said the DA will strongly implement Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act of 1992 that allows the DA to "penalize abusive businesses that control the supply of agricultural commodities to their advantage."

The Agriculture chief, on January 20, issued Department Order No. 3 invoking the agency’s powers as authorized under the Price Law. The law was created primarily to prevent and take action against individuals and entities that manipulate prices of primary and basic commodities.

Violators of illegal price manipulation shall suffer imprisonment for a period of at least �ive years up to 15 years, and shall be imposed a �ine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P2,000,000.

Under the Price Act, the DA is the main implementing agency in ensuring stability of prices with reference to agricultural crops, �ish and other marine

DA, P9

More firms announce rollback pump prices

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ore �irms announced on Monday a rollback in pump prices of petroleum products to take place this week.

In an advisory, Chevron Philippines Inc. (Caltex) said it will roll back prices per liter of gasoline by P0.30, diesel by P0.60, and kerosene by P1.40.

TOTAL Philippines Corp. will implement the same changes, excluding kerosene which it does not carry.

The adjustments will

take effect 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11 for Chevron, and 6 a.m. the same day for TOTAL. Petro Gazz, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., SEAOIL Philippines Inc., and Cleanfuel earlier announced similar adjustments.

According to the latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE), year-to-date adjustments stand at a net decrease of P2.85 per liter for gasoline, P3.90 for diesel, and P4.44 for kerosene.

ASIAN, P9

Phoenix PULSE campaign bags Silver Stevie at 16th IBA

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hoenix Petroleum's launch of its innovative fuel additive, Phoenix PULSE Technology, bagged its �irst international award with a Silver Stevie trophy from the International Business Awards 2019.

“The IBA award is an af�irmation that our Phoenix PULSE Technology campaign has truly elevated our brand and offered more value to customers.

This award will serve as our fuel to live up to what we were recognized for and continue improving our products and services,” Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Of�icer Henry Albert Fadullon said.

The nationwide launch of Phoenix PULSE Technology—Phoenix Petroleum’s innovative and world-class fuel additive—won a Silver Stevie Award for New Product Launch category

PHOENIX, P9

The nationwide launch of Phoenix PULSE Technology—Phoenix Petroleum’s innovative and world-class fuel additive—won a Silver Stevie Award for New Product Launch category at the 16th International Business Awards.

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

Amazon pulls out of major Barcelona telecoms conference over coronavirus

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Container ships are docked at Sasa Port in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City. The country will be able to withstand the impact of novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) to the economy particularly the import and export sector and the tourism industry, according to economists. Lean Daval Jr

Green, sustainability bond markets poised for growth

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he green and sustainability debt markets in the Philippines and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are poised for growth with the necessary foundations for their development in place, an of�icial of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said.

In a keynote speech at the Asean+3 Bond Market Forum Meeting at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila on February 5, SEC Commissioner Ephyro Luis Amatong cited the “notable” issuances of bonds worth over USD3.8 billion under the Asean Green and Sustainability Bond Standards in 2019 as positive indication of the market’s development.

Last year’s issuances amounted six times more than the USD639 million issued in 2018, when the value increased by over 50 percent from 2017.

Sustainability bonds accounted for USD1.4 billion or 36 percent of last year’s

total, up 14 times from just USD100 million in 2018.

“While Asean may still be a relatively small player in the global Green/ Sustainability debt market -- with USD330 billion raised in 2019 -- the rate of growth in Asean appears to show the necessary foundations for the development of such a Green/ Sustainability debt market have indeed been laid, including the issuance of a clear set of guidelines for issuers to follow and which investors, both international and domestic, recognize as holistic and reliable,” Amatong said.

Where Asean stands For now, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sin-

gapore and Thailand dominate the Asean green and sustainability bond market.

The Philippines has seen 15 issuances worth USD3.04 billion by a range of private sector issuers, including renewable energy �irms and banks taking advantage of both on- and offshore markets.

Philippine banks particularly have had notable success in this market.

Among them is Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), which has issued two sustainability bonds and one green bond totaling USD742 million, of which USD442 million is peso-denominated.

Bank of the Philippine Islands also issued green bonds under the Asean Standards to raise USD300 million and CHF100 million (Swiss Franc), with the latter transaction achieving a negative yield.

Most recently, stateowned Development Bank of the Philippines entered the domestic sustainability market, raising USD352 million from the issuance

of peso-denominated green bonds in late 2019.

In 2016, there were only three green bonds outstanding in Asean, for a total of USD252 million.

There are now at least 57 issues under the Asean Standards for Green, Social and Sustainability bonds for a total of USD4 billion.

In the Philippines, the private sector-led foray into the green and sustainability capital markets �irst relied on strategic support from development partners, particularly in the case of renewable energy producers.

Overall, seven of the Philippines’ 15 sustainability transactions have received some form of support or engagement by multilateral development �inance institutions, namely the ADB and International Finance Corporation.

‘Necessary foundations’ in place Amatong cited the issuance of a clear set of guidelines for issuers among the “necessary foundations”

government of Davao has yet to schedule the slaughtering of some 2,780 pigs in Barangays Lamanan and Dominga in Calinan District that also reported an outbreak last week.

Citing data from Philippine Statistics Authority, Dar said the pigs affected comprised closely one-percent of the total population at 941,000 in Davao Region.

He said the pigs within the one-kilometer radius of areas that reported an outbreak would be culled in compliance with the “17-10” protocol to manage, contain, and control the spread of the ASF.

The protocol requires that all pigs within the one-kilometer radius of infected farms will be culled, limit animal movement within seven-kilometer radius, and require swine farms within a 10-kilometer to submit a mandatory report on the disease, according to DA-11 director Ricardo Oñate Jr. “For the initial outbreak in Davao Occidental, all the tracing back analysis would point out that the outbreak was caused by swill feeding, food waste that had been contaminated with the virus in the pork or pork products, transferred this virus to the local pop-

ulation of hogs in Don Marcelino,” he said.

He added that the DA and LGUS have been closely coordinating to “really manage, control, and contain” the disease and prevent it from spreading to other parts of Mindanao.

“We have advised all LGUs to increase their monitoring and surveillance,” he said.

He said provincial veterinarians have been deployed to undertake a massive surveillance on backyard and commercial piggeries to check with the owners possible symptoms of the infection among their

GREEN, P9

P80M losses incurred due to African Swine Fever

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ommercial and backyard hog growers in Davao Region have incurred an estimated P79.81 million in revenue losses after the dreaded African Swine Fever (ASF) wreaked havoc in three towns of Davao Occidental and two barangays in Davao City since the �irst case was reported on January 28, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said on Saturday.

In a press conference at the Acacia Hotel Davao on Saturday, Dar reported that 7,197 pigs in Don Marcelino, Malita, and Sta. Maria in the province of Davao Occidental had been culled as of Saturday while city

P80M, P9

mazon.com Inc has pulled out of this month's Mobile World Congress because of the coronavirus outbreak, in another blow to one of the telecom industry's biggest gatherings which attracts over 100,000 visitors to Barcelona.

"Due to the outbreak and continued concerns about the new coronavirus, Amazon will withdraw from exhibiting and participating in Mobile World Congress 2020," the company said in a statement on Sunday.

Amazon had planned a signi�icant presence through its cloud computing arm AWS, which was due to host a full-day conference track on the �irst day of the event.

The online retailer is the fourth company to pull out of the annual gathering this week, following South Korea's LG Electronics, Swedish equipment maker Ericsson and US chipmaker Nvidia.

The Feb. 24-27 event will go ahead as planned, the GSMA telecoms industry association, which runs the Congress, con�irmed in a statement on Sunday before Amazon said it was pulling out, adding that they would tighten health precautions to guard against the coronavirus outbreak.

No visitors will be allowed to attend from China's Hubei province, where the coronavirus outbreak

started, while visitors from China must prove they have been outside the country for two weeks prior to the event, GSMA said.

Some 5,000-6,000 visitors typically come from China to the world's premier telecoms industry gathering, where companies spend millions on stands and hospitality to �ill their order books for the year ahead.

Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE have said they will attend, ordering China-based staff to self-isolate ahead of the event to ensure they are free of the illness, and drafting in European staff to cover for those stranded.

China raised the death toll from the outbreak to 811 on Sunday, passing the number killed globally by the SARS epidemic, while total con�irmed cases of the illness reached 37,198.

The virus has spread to at least 27 countries and territories, according to a Reuters count based on of�icial reports, infecting more than 330 people outside China. Two deaths have been reported outside mainland China - both of Chinese nationals.

More then two dozen large trade fairs and industry conferences in China and overseas have been postponed or hit by travel curbs and concerns about the spread of the virus, potentially disrupting billions of dollars worth of deals.

Airlines face growth warning as virus curtails Singapore Airshow

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sian airlines face "drastic" cuts in their planned growth because of the coronavirus crisis, an industry group warned, adding gloom to an already depleted Singapore Airshow as more companies scaled back plans on Monday.

The Singapore Airshow from Feb. 11 to 16 is proceeding, but the exhibition center is pockmarked with empty spaces that would have held displays from Chinese companies and others skipping the show because of the epidemic, which has killed more than 900 people.

More than 70 exhibitors, including major US defense �irms Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Co have pulled out over concerns related to the new coronavirus.

Few deals are expected at the biennial event, where the epidemic has triggered new safety measures and cast a shadow over airline pro�its and demand for airplanes.

Before the coronavirus hit, the International Air Transport Association had expected passenger numbers to rise by 4 percent in 2020 and cargo traf�ic to be 2 percent higher.

"All bets are off in terms of traf�ic forecasts for this year," Andrew Herdman, the director general of the Association for Asia Paci�ic Airlines, said in an interview.

"If you look at the

schedule cuts and the actual operations they have been cut by 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent within China. It is pretty drastic," he said.

The Pentagon reduced the size of its delegation to the air show, which had been set to include its chief weapons buyer, US Undersecretary of Defense Ellen Lord, Reuters reported on Friday.

Singapore on Friday raised its alert level for the coronavirus outbreak to orange, the same level reached during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory System (SARS) pandemic, sparking panic buying at supermarkets across the island.

There are 43 con�irmed cases of coronavirus in Singapore. The orange alert level advises organizers to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale events and recommends precautions such as temperature screening and more frequent cleaning of common areas for those that do proceed.

Health experts, however, said they were concerned that temperature screening might not be effective, given reports the coronavirus could be spread by people without symptoms.

"Temperature screening is okay to pick up people already sick - and those people should not be coming to the show anyway

AIRLINES, P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

EDITORIAL

Settling for crumbs

The change in the specs for the much-awaited Mindanao Railway project is as mind-boggling as it can get. From a modern double track electric system, the project has been downgraded to a single track locomotive system.

The change had the Davao Regional Development Council shaking its head and immediately asking the Department of Transportation for a reconsideration and revert back to the original specs. Hence, a meeting was supposed to happen in the third week of February to discuss this modi�ication as well as take up the RDC 11’s appeal.

In yet another surprising move, the DOTr said it will proceed with a single-track and non-electri�ied system con�iguration of the project notwithstanding the RDC appeal and the scheduled meeting. The announcement came out by way of a newspaper report on Thursday on BusinessWorld.

“We have an investment approval. Again, we are an implementing agency. We will implement what has been approved. We will implement it in a manner that makes it as much as possible simpler to upgrade or later on to convert it to a double-track and electri�ied system. That’s what we will do,” Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John R. Batan told BusinessWorld in a recent interview.

For everyone’s consumption, single-track means trains have to be

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directed into sidings to give way to a train coming from the opposite direction. In short, trains heading opposite directions are using essentially one railway.

According to Usec Batan, the decision to keep it as a singletrack, non-electri�ied system is an investment decision made by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board. The parameters used as guide to make the decision is economic viability and based on that, they found the single track as a more economically viable option. However, DOTr quali�ied that the project is progressive and can, in the future, be upgraded to double track electric.

The single-track understandably is more economical. Likewise, it is faster to build. And for a government eager to claim at least a partially-completed project by the time it steps down in 2022, this is the best option.

However, there are downsides to this option. First, it is outmoded.

While still a viable system, the diesel-powered single track train system is slow and old. Second, it is smaller and less environmentfriendly. Instead of progressing forward, Mindanao is bound to be locked into something that will be, for years, its railway connectivity.

Is Mindanao about to settle for crumbs?

Mindanao of�icials must keep in mind that if they settle for crumbs, they will always be starving.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

TIME TO BOLSTER MINDANAOS FOOD PRODUCTION CAPACITY BY IMPROVING LOGISTICS The recent calamities in Luzon, speci�ically typhoon ursula are a wake up call for our us, and our food supply.

The Taal volcano eruption is signi�icant since the food production areas in Southern Tagalog that once supplied about millions of residents will now lay dormant at least for the next several months.

The uncertainty over the next few months will affect their capacity to produce food, forcing areas such as Central Luzon and the Bicol region to deliver. These areas, however, also suffer from uncertainties brought about by strong typhoons. Recent ones wrought havoc on Bicol and Visayas agriculture.

I hope the Department of Agriculture takes this into

consideration in carrying our the plans of the new DA Secretary.

Moving forward however, it is clear that Luzon is the island that holds about half the country’s population, and can suffer a signi�icant food supply de�icit with the Taal eruption and major typhoons. This can push food prices up for the larger part of the Philippine populace and with it, cause in�lation to rise beyond the governments target range. We have seen it happen before. perhaps its time we do what we can to prevent it from happening again.

The domino effect is that the local economy will not be as competitive, and affect growth targets that need to remain robust if larger ob-

jectives of poverty reduction and economic growth by 2022 are to be achieved.

Fortunately for us in the Davao region, the recent earthquakes had little impact on crops and food production. Farmers in Davao del Sur could return regularly to the �ields they tend despite living in evacuation camps and harvests remain largely untouched. Earthquake damage is limited to infrastructure and access, but that’s another story that can be remedied with repairs.

Having said that, Mindanao, the country’s food basket, can produce the food this country needs, even more so with the BARMM areas now beginning their food production programs. Their

harvests, however, will need buyers and markets. Otherwise, we will be faced with localized over supply issues that can drive farmgate prices down and dissuade farmers from producing more which can in turn, boost their income.

Moving forward, this is where our desire to improve logistics is vital. The capability to affordably deliver the buffer supplies from other regions, particularly Mindanao to Visayas and Luzon, will allow the nation’s food prices to remain stable. It will also give farmers more markets where stable prices can be achieved.

Unfortunately, price of cargo is high, as much as 25% of the total cost of producing the delivering food, accord-

ing to Southern Mindanao Business Council Chair Tony Peralta, who has recently spoken about the need to revisit the amended cabotage law and whether it has realy driven down cargo costs.

Given that we are an archipelago unlike Thailand and Vietnam, achieving improved and affordable logistics is a national imperative, and in line with Agriculture Secretary Willy Dar’s marching orders.

Its time we take agriculture more seriously if we want to continue growing and if we really want to face the threat of calamities. Our economic growth, and indeed, survival as a nation will depend on how we manage our food production systems.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

2020 ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS In the acting categories, there is no surprises. But the biggest surprise of all is the winning of four awards for Parasite.

As predicted, Joaquin Phoenix �inally wins his �irst Best Actor Oscar for his tour de force performance in Joker. This is the second time the Academy Award honored an actor for playing the comic-book character; the �irst one to do so was Heath Ledger who won posthumously the Best Supporting Actor statuette for his portrayal in The Dark Knight (2009).

This was Phoenix’ fourth nomination.

He was previously nominated for his supporting role in Gladiator (2000) and two leading roles in Walk in the Line (2005) and The Master (2012).

Renee Zellweger also got the Best Actress trophy for her performance in a role based on the life of legendary Judy Garland near the end of her troubled life in Judy. This is her second Oscar though, having won the coveted award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Cold Mountain.

Like that of Phoenix’s, this was her fourth try at the Academy. Her other two

nominated performances were for: Bridget Jones’s Diary (2011) and Chicago (2002).

The Best Supporting Oscar went to the deserving Brad Pitt for his performance in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. This was also his fourth nomination. Previously, he was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 12 Monkeys (1995).

Pitt received two Oscar nominations for Best Actor: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) and Moneyball (2011). He produced The Departed (2006) and 12 Years of a Slave (2013), both winners of Best Picture Oscars.

Laura Dern, in her third try, �inally won the elusive Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Marriage Story.

She received a Best Actress nomination for her portrayal of the titular orphan in the drama �ilm Rambling Rose (1991). In 2014, she received a supporting role nomination for Wild.

With no Oscar trophy in her hand, Scarlett Johnson was the �ifth actress to receive two Oscar nominations in one year and losing both. The �irst one hap-

pened in 1988 when Sigourney Weaver was nominated for Best Actress (Gorillas in the Mist) and Best Supporting Actress (Working Girl).

Emma Thompson followed suit in 1993: she failed to win both nominations for The Remains of the Day and In the Name of the Father. Julianne Moore had the same fate when she nominated for Best Actress for Far from Heaven and Best Supporting Actress for The Hours in 2002.

The most recent who accomplished the same feat was Cate Blanchett: Best Actress for Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Best Supporting Actress for I’m Not There in 2007.

The following actresses were also twice nominated in the same year. The only thing different is that they won for Best Supporting Actress: Fay Bainter for Jezebel (1938), Teresa Wright for Mrs. Miniver (1942), and Jessica Lange for Tootsie (1982).Three stars also won for their leading roles in the two nominations they received for the same year: Al Pacino for Scent of a Woman (1992), Holly Hunter for The Piano (1993), and Jamie Foxx for

Rey (2004).

The biggest surprise of this year’s Oscar derby is the winning of Parasite, the �irst foreign-language �ilm to win the Best Picture in the 92-year history of Oscars. Many insiders thought the World War 1 epic 1917 was the frontrunner.

The South Korean thriller also earned the Best International Feature (used to be called Best Foreign Language Film).

Other nominees were: Corpus Christi (from Poland), Honeyland (North Macedonia), Les Miserables (France), and Pain & Glory (Spain).

The latter earned Antonio Banderas a nomination for Best Actor.

Bong Joon-ho also won the Best Director trophy over Sam Mendes (1917), Martin Scorsese (The Irishman) and Quentin Tarantino (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood).

Along with Han Jin-won, he also brought home the Best Original Screenplay.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin settled for Best Original Song for “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again,” which was featured in the movie, Rocketman. This was John’s second Oscar; he won before for The Lion King (1994).

1917 clinched three Oscars for Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography (for Roger Deakins), and Best Sound Mixing.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood also snatched one more award: Best Production Design. Joker, which was nominated in 11 categories, also managed to get one more award: Best Original Score (for Hildur Gudnadottir).

Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland won Best Film Editing for Ford v Ferrari, which also received the Best Sound Editing (for Donald Sylvester).

The following best picture nominees also won one award each: Best Costume Design for Little Women, Best Production Design for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit.

Bombshell likewise took home one award – Best Make-up and Hairstyling for Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker.

Toy Story 4 was declared winner of the Best Animated Feature Film.

The previous Toy Story 3 was nominated for Best Picture before. Winner of the Best Animated Short was Hair Love.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

AGRITRENDS

Virgin coconut oil vs. deadly novel coronavirus

“T

oday, people are returning to natural diets in order to live healthier and happier lives – the hallmarks of ‘wellness’ – and science has been validating the bene�its. One of the natural foods being rediscovered is coconut. Although vili�ied as a cause of heart disease, coconut oil has always shown itself to be a healthy and curative oil. Numerous studies using the tools of modern science are �inally revealing – and validating – the bene�icial effects of coconut oil.” – From the Prologue of Coconut Oil: From Diet to Therapy by Conrado S. Dayrit and Fabian M. Dayrit *** As the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was spreading from China to other parts of the world, including the Philippines, respected scientists are in frantic mode in their quest for a vaccine against the virus that is more deadly than severe acute respiratory (SARS), another viral respiratory disease which also originated from China.

In the Philippines, the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) published a paper, authored by Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit and Dr. Mary T. Newport, which suggest virgin coconut oil (VCO) as antiviral agent against the dreaded 2019nCov. “Several researchers have been designing drugs to speci�ically target protease enzymes in coronavirus, but testing for these drugs is many months away,” the Dayrit and Newport wrote in

their paper that was posted at the ADMU website on January 31. “What if there is a treatment candidate against the coronavirus that might already be available and whose safety is already established?”

Dayrit is a professor emeritus of ADMU and was elected Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology. Newport, on the other hand, is with the Spring Hill Neonatology.

Coconut oil is most potent when it’s virgin – that is, extracted through pressing without the use of heat. “VCO is a natural oil from fresh, mature kernel of the coconut,” explains the book, Compendium of Commercially-Viable Coconut Technologies, published by Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). “It can be obtained through mechanical or natural means. It can also be processed with or without the use of heat.”

Unlike the commercial coconut oil, VCO does not undergo chemical re�ining, bleaching, or deodorizing that leads to the alteration of the oil. The product is suitable for consumption without the need for further processing.

The late National Scientist Dr. Conrado S. Dayrit was touted to be the Father of VCO. His book, The Truth About Coconut Oil, published in 2005, became a bestseller and elevated coconut oil from folk medicine to a scienti�ic therapy. A renowned

cardiologist, pharmacologist, academician and researcher, he found that VCO is sort of a drug “that regulates the body’s functions and defense mechanism. It restores the normal balance of tissues or cells that have become dysfunctional.”

Studies show VCO is rich in lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) that is converted to monolaurin by the human body. “Fifty percent of coconut oil is lauric acid, a compound found in human breast milk, which makes it one of the best food sources for this nutrient available,” Ty Bollinger, a best-selling author, medical researcher, and health freedom advocate.

“Lauric acid and monolaurin, its derivative, have been known for many years to have signi�icant antiviral activity,” Dayrit and Newport wrote.

“Sodium lauryl sulfate, a common surfactant that is made from lauric acid, has been shown to have potent antiviral properties.”

The two authors explained three mechanisms as to the antiviral activity of lauric acid and monolaurin. “First, they cause disintegration of the virus envelope; second, they can inhibit late maturation stage in the virus replicative cycle; and third, they can prevent the binding of viral proteins to the host cell membrane,” the wrote.

Dayrit and Newport said that VCO and its derivatives have been found to be safe and effective antiviral compounds in both humans and livestock.

“Because of the antiviral and antibacterial protection that it provides to animals, coconut oil, as well as lauric acid and monolaurin, is used in farm animals and pets as veterinary feed supplements in chicken, swine and dogs,” they wrote. “Monolaurin has been shown to effectively protect chicken against avian in�luenza virus.”

In small clinical studies, VCO has been shown to have anti-HIV properties. HIV is human immunode�iciency virus, the microorganism that causes Acquired Immune De�iciency Syndrome (AIDS).

“The �irst clinical trial using coconut oil and monolaurin against HIV/ AIDS was conducted in the Philippines,” Dayrit and Newport wrote of the study that involved 15 HIV patients, aged 22 to 38 years old, for 6 months. “There was only one fatality and 11 of the patients showed higher CD4 and CD8 counts after 6 months.”

Meanwhile, during the First World Coconut Congress two years ago, Newport reported that VCO can also be used as adjuvant treatment for cancer.

In the Philippines, nine Filipinos are diagnosed with cancer every hour, based on recent data released by the Department of Health and the Philippine Cancer Society Inc. “Clinical trials on the use of VCO in ketogenic diet as supportive treatment for cancer has been shown to be highly promising under a clinical trial at the Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) in Salz-

burg, Austria,” said a press released circulated by the Growth Publishing.

The VCO is a recognized source of bene�icial fatty acid metabolized in the liver as ketones in ketogenic diets. In the PMU clinical trial, the target is for ketogenic diet to achieve the so-called “Warburg effect,” where cancer cells are prevented from using glycolysis in order to produce the organic chemical ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) needed in the multiplication of cancer cells.

“Based on the results of rigorous preclinical and clinical studies performed thus far, the ketogenic diet would appear to be a promising and powerful option for adjuvant therapy for a range of cancers,” the PMU study said.

The VCO may also play an important role in treating Alzheimer’s disease. This can be possible by using it for therapeutic ketogenic diet. She said VCO is a recognized source of bene�icial fatty acid metabolized in the liver as ketones in ketogenic diets.

Newport has been known in her �ight against Alzheimer’s disease after achieving milestones in helping her husband battle the disease at its early onset. She took after the early studies of Dr. Samuel Henderson who recommended medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil – derived from coconut oil which has 65% MCT – as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

“Dr. Samuel Henderson whose mother died from Alzheimer’s disease

had this brilliant idea of using MCT oil, perhaps providing mild ketosis from consuming MCT oil that could help people with the disease,” she said during the coconut congress.

Steve Newport had achieved signi�icant improvement from early onset Alzheimer’s disease after taking VCO. After few doses, he passed the cognitive test for candidate patients of a clinical trial for potential Alzheimer’s drugs – after previously failing such cognitive tests.

Just 4-5 days from �irst intake of coconut oil, Steve advanced to having a lifted mood, was more alert than before, and began conversing normally.

After two weeks, he was able to draw a clock better with a clock’s numbers and letters in a test given for clinical trial candidates.

“His physical symptoms started to disappear, his tremor eliminated,” Dr. Newport reported. “He had stiff (limbs like in) Parkinson’s disease and he couldn’t run – we saw these disappear in two months. He was able to sleep normally.”

After 3-4 months, he could read again. “Before words were shaky and he couldn’t focus on the words. That stopped in 3 – 4 months,” the doctor related.

A more signi�icant progress was when he was able to remember what he read a few hours ago. “After 9 months, he could remember what he read several hours earlier.

VIRGIN, P10

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

EDGEDAVAO WOMEN

FREEDOM OF CHANGE FATIMA D. BISTON ON ACHIEVING FINANCIAL AND TIME FREEDOM

FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY — this is Fatima D. Biston in a nutshell.

A self-made millionaire at a young age, Fatima established FWORLD, a direct selling company focused on distributing health and wellness products, and has since helped more than a hundred people achieve financial and time freedom.

“I am ambitous and determined to step up beyond my comfort zone,” Fatima said.

Her entrepreneurial skills were honed at an early age. Her lola’s little assistant, Fatima and her Lola Anita would sell homemade pineapple bread in their neighborhood with their trusty trisikad to earn extra.

From humble beginnings, she realized that there really is more to just earning.

Her journey began when she was invited to attend a direct selling business back in college.

“I fell in love with the concept of helping others achieve their financial and time freedom urged me to work hard and at the same time, be a helping hand to others who aim to live the life that they always wanted,” she shared.

Fatima has been in the networking industry for almost 15 years.

From leveraging a simple business concept, Fatima learned that one can achieve freedom — freedom from poverty, that is. “I grew up in a community where a lot of family broke up because of financial issues. And when I was in

the Middle East, I observed a number of OFW’s separating from their families because of “money”,” she said. She then thought of an opportunity to earn without the need to go abroad.

Since the beginning, many have asked her why a direct selling company? To which Fatima firmly replies with a simple answer — A direct selling company or network marketing is the best opportunity for us to achieve our true freedom.

“I am a testament of a self-

made millionaire from the industry,” Fatima shares firmly.

“From being a “mahiyain” at “nahihirapan magsalita”, I was able to develop myself into something that motivate others to aspire more in life,” she adds.

She adds that in the said industry, if one continues to persever and be a good example (of being a distributor or even a company owner), numerous individuals would benefit from.

FWORLD is a direct selling company engaged in the distri-

bution of health and wellness.

Primarily focusing on men and women energy booster and anti-aging products.

Established on July 14, 2019, FWORLD now has over 200 loyal and determined Leaders.

“I am for quality not quantity.

And I am not here to compete.

FWORLD is here to serve a greater purpose and that is we rise by lifting others,” Fatima said.

FWORLD Leaders are comprised of individuals from class A to C — from janitors to managers aiming to earn. The Leaders, according to her, is a community of dreamers and achievers.

Underestimated, Fatima and her Leaders took everything head on and continued to focus on.

“It was not easy,” she shared.

FWORLD went through challenges and hurdles but, according to her, they were able to overcome. “So far, everything is under control,” she said with an assuring smile.

“Everyone has the right to stand up and be part of the

entrepreneurship club. With FWORLD, I took a stand and saw a great opportunity to earn. I took that path and started to develop more on how to further the company I built,” she shared.

Fatima said her mentor (whom she opted to not name) taught and influenced her when she decided to establish FWORLD. “Take care of your people- train them and learn from them.”

Beyond monetary and financial freedom, FWORLD is a relationship business. It is not only about earning millions but helping others achieve their financial goals. And for Fatima, mentorship is a vital part in growing a business.

With a handful of people on deck, Fatima introduced H3RCULES — an energy booster product to the market that has since gained a positive response.

“We have a large market for energy booster. The demand is huge, especially for families,”

FREEDOM A4

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

WANDER, EXPLORE, DISCOVER

THE BIGGEST TRAVEL SALE in the city is back! The 11th Davao Mega Travel Sale, will be held on February 14 – 16, 2020 at the activity center of Abreeza Ayala Mall. Dubbed as Wander, Explore, Discover, where travelers can wander into different places, explore new destinations, and discover new attractions. This event aims to promote domestic and international destinations and travel packages.

Further, the travel sale is a venue to showcase and support travel agents, hotels, attractions and other travel related establishments and services.

The Davao Mega Travel Sale (DMTS) is organized by the Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) to promote its member agents, suppliers and other partner travel establishments. Further, this promotes the trustworthiness of its member agents and the advantages of using the professional services of a travel agent.

As the current president of DTAA, Day Uyking puts it - This 3-day event is a culmination of the hard work and long-term planning and organizing of the association and the DMTS working committee to give the travelling public great travel deals to help them achieve their travel goals.

Wander, explore and discover the world during the 11th Davao Mega Travel Sale on February 14 – 16 February, at the activity center of Abreeza Ayala Mall.

The event is co-presented by Amadeus, BPI, Cebu Pacific, Department of Tourism XI, Home Radio, Resorts World Singapore and SilkAir.

FOOD

STARTING A PLANT-BASED LIFESTYLE

STEP ONE: TRY SOMETHING NEW

YOU want to make that change in your life—to be healthier, more compassionate and conscious of what we consume.

Perhaps you haven’t noticed a slight change in eating habits since you realised you’re not growing any younger.

MARCO POLO DAVAO WINS IN T DINING BEST RESTAURANTS 2020 MARCO POLO DAVAO’S Lotus Court and Polo Bistro was included in T. Dining’s Best Restaurants for 2020 hosted by Philippine Tatler. General Manager Colin Healy together with Niña Simbajon and Amyll Macaraig, attended in T Dining’s Best Restaurant Awards Night 2020 held at High Street Lounge of the Shangri-La at the Fort Manila.

“Lotus Court is Davao’s most elegant Chinese restaurant with its contemporary Asian patterns and spacious interiors overlooking the Davao skyline,” says the Tatler review, “Polo Bistro is known for its delectable intercontinental à la carte fare complemented by a mesmerising poolside view”. Lotus Court and Polo Bistro won the prestigious award together with 203 culinary gems in the whole country.

“We are very honoured and proud to have represented not only the Marco Polo Hotels but Davao City and have two of the recognized best restaurants in the country,” says General Manager Colin Healy. He adds, “Our guests can expect another year of unique culinary adventure in the Heart of Davao.”

Lotus Court has been acknowledged

by T Dining since 2016 and Polo Bistro made it back in the list this year.

Imagine making perfectly fluffy and light pancakes that are crisp on the outside without any dairy at all_ Clean Cafe does it best so far.

You’ve been adding more vegetables and fruits to your diet. You seem to seek out the nutritional labels on each purchase at the supermarket. You ask the sellers where the produce came from. “Is this organic?” are a few questions that pop into your mind.

The next, you wonder what to eat for the next meal. You are craving for something delicious and equally nutritious. You wander aimlessly around restaurants in malls wondering if there’s anything on their menu that is proudly powered by plants, even just a little addition of plants to the mix.

It’s hard.

I’ve been where you’re at right now.

Eating the plant-based way was never part of my plans. I was one of those people who never thought I’d end up giving up all kinds of animal products, even dairy!

Like you, I’ve been stuck in this route where I still wanted to keep the rich tastes of dairy with me even when I’ve given up the rest of the animal products and by-products.

I’ve got great news: you don’t have to give up the tastes of your comfort food in exchange for a plant-based diet. Nor do you have to go far to taste culinary perfection that’s powered by plants, Davao City has a lot to offer for those wanting to get a taste of what it means to eat plant-based.

Sometimes the best way to start something new is by trying it out, step by step. Minimising the risk along the way and making the unfamiliar familiar. After all, it’s the fear of the unknown that scares us and paralyses us to take inaction.

What I’ve seen and experienced firsthand that never seems to fail is trying out something new—something that’s fun and exciting, and that gives you a challenge. Whether it’s trying a vegetable or fruit for the first time, or a new restaurant that has a plant-based menu, trying something new is always exciting and risk-free.

If you love making your own meals, then my recommendation is to try various plant-based meals from different restaurants from time to time. Here are a few restaurants you may want to try that I personally keep going back to every time I’m in Davao City.

CLEAN CAFE I’ve been back here five times this year alone (and it’s only February). My hands-down favourites are the garden pizza (PHP 495) and the tomato carrot coup (PHP 150). If you’re sharing the pizza between two people and each of you get your own big mug of soup, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal. Nutritious and delicious, it’s a perfect mix of comfort food tastes packaged in gourmet kind of way.

I need to go back and try their desserts. I end up being too full. I can’t eat anything else, but I was able to try their peanut butter pancakes. I’ve never been a great fan of pancakes, but this one made me reconsider.

It’s fluffy and light with just the right crispness on the outside. To think it’s all plant-based, no dairy at all, it’s a perfect breakfast or pseudo-dessert if you’re sharing with someone. Clean Cafe is located at The Compound in Tulip Drive, just beside Croft Bulk Foods.

BEC AND GERI’S I’d say this would be my ultimate Filipino comfort food go-to for 100% vegan meals. Try their cauliflower buffalo wings (PHP 120), it’s six large cauliflower heads fried and dressed in a sweet, buffalo wings sauce. Though it’s not as spicy as I expected perhaps I’m just biased since I can take the heat

of three chillies in my usual dips.

Order the vegan bagnet (PHP 180) for sharing as it serve six genero sized piec along wit vinegar d sharing is chicharon tastes alm (if you’re n tional frie and Geri’ and Subd DCOTT o

GREEN B KITCHE If you’r ing for he meals, go their SM Ecoland Branch as they’re now offering veganized Filipino comfort food. My favourite is their Si (PHP 240 Tocino. W more, is t farm-to-t opening i organic p fruit juice salad whi looking fo Stay tu this guide anything? ferina@m

EDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

JULIA’S COMEBACK TELESERYE TACKLES MOTHER’S LOVE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Sharing Clean Cafe’s garden pizza with a friend is best.

Here is Dr Christine Calolot trying out this delish dish for the first time.

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es ous ces th a spicy dip. Also for s their mushroom n bulaklak (PHP 120) that most like chicken skin itself too not fond of eating the tradied animal gut version). Bec ’s is located at Maya St., Ecoldivision, just the street after the or Ecoland Bus Terminal.

poor.

The powerful story will be brought to life by a powerhouse cast composed of Pen Medina, Arjo Atayde, Edu Manzano, Denise Laurel, JC Santos, Anna Luna, Joross Gamboa, Melissa Ricks, Pepe Herrera, Paeng Sudayan, Eric Fructuoso, Benj Manalo, Patrick

Sugui, Joem Bascon, Alora Sasam, Amy Austria, Meryll Soriano, McCoy De Leon, and Matt Evans. It is directed Emmanuel Q. Palo and Darnel Villaflor.

Watch out for “24/7,” a Dreamscape original series, this February on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

Bec and Geri’s vegnet, mushroom chicharon and cauliflower buffalo wings.

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LIAN KYLA PREMIERES “WHY” MUSIC VIDEO

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isig 0) and What’s that they’re table since their in 2011. They’ve even got produce and my favourite fresh e mixes. They’ve also got tofu ich I haven’t tried yet, but I’m orward to. uned for the continuation of e next week! Think I missed ? Let me know. Email me at millennialmermaid.com.

JULIA MONTES’ TV comeback has gotten fans excited and guessing about its timeslot, after the trailer of her action-drama series “24/7” hit millions of views and offered a peek into its timely and relevant story.

“24/7,” a Dreamscape original series that airs this February, follows Mia (Julia), a single mom and a security guard who will do everything to save his son from dying from a new strain of dengue.

After Mia’s son falls seriously ill and becomes one of the millions affected by the dengue epidemic, she must race against time in order to find the cure for the disease.

To her disbelief, the company is mass-producing the treatment but chooses to hide it from the public.

There begins her saga to fight an entire system in order to expose the truth and ultimately, keep her son alive.

The show’s title alludes to a mother’s undying love for her child – a love that never sleeps. The show also aims to spread awareness of important social issues and highlight the value of looking after each other – whether one is rich or

Mouthwatering healthy goodness of this 100% plant-based garden pizza with zero meat, dairy and preservatives from Clean Cafe.

PROMISING singer-songwriter Lian Kyla is ready to step into the spotlight with the upcoming release of “Why” music video, which was entirely shot in South Korea by a Korean director and production team.

A new single produced under Star Music, “Why” is a piano-based ballad complementing Lian Kyla’s angelic voice. The song and its music video, about helping friends move on from a heartbreak, sends out a reminder that a failed relationship does not diminish one’s worth.

“The little girl in the MV is supposed to represent my old/younger self—or a friend rather, supposed to represent the younger version of a friend—and how I’m offer-

ing comfort and support through the song,” Lian Kyla said.

The video is directed by Jung Min Kim with post production in the Philippines by Key Elements Creative Media.

Lian Kyla took inspiration from her own personal experience to come up with the song lyrics, while her fellow singercomposer, Trisha Denise, created the melody.

The young musician started gaining attention from the remarkable song covers that she posted on her YouTube channel. Prior to this, she took voice lessons at the University of the Philippines, where she was also a part of her college’s chorale.

Many might recognize her

voice from the strippeddown version of the song “Stay,” originally sung

by Carol Banawa, which frequently played during “PBB Otso’s” romantic moments.

She is now part of the talented artists of ABSCBN Music—home to many of the best OPM music of today from the country’s leading media and entertainment com-

pany, ABS-CBN. Stream Lian Kyla’s “Why” on all digital music platforms and watch out for the release of its music video this Monday (February 10) on ABS-CBN Star Music’s YouTube channel.

For updates, like Star Music on Facebook at facebook.com/starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

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WOMEN ARTS AND CULTURE TRAVEL TECH

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VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 223 240 •216 WEDNESDAY, • TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 11, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 219 • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,FEBRUARY JANUARY 17, 14, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINENEW ELIMINATES SINGLESONY INTRODUCES GP-VPT2BT USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET WIRELESS SHOOTING GRIP

MAYA ON THE BLOCK A1 FREEDOM A1 ka weaver naga-himo,” he said.

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focused at work and releases one from being lazy.

“Some of my clients testify that they love the product because it helps them stay awake and alert,” she said.

Aldevinco do not carry DagThough exclusive for men, may cloth.

Fatima shared that she has tried the product and loves it.

“Yes, it can be used by women and helps one sleep well.

And at the same time, once at work, it keeps one awake,” she shared.

FWORLD is not just about business and earning.

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actor and activist Jaden Smith and family, JUST takes an innovative approach to sourcing and packaging the world’s most valued resource - water. The revolutionary company focuses on an impact model, taking into consideration both how the water is sourced and packaged.

JUST is 100% spring water in a plant-based carton. The carton Fatima, at 82% an early age, saw is made of renewable matethat and the oprials – thegrabbed paper carton is made portunity.

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It is refillable and recyclable.

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EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

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not get the infection.

“Please read all available information on how you can keep you, your children, and the entire family healthy. It is important to keep your immune system strong. Avoid crowded places and activities that will propagate the spread of the virus,” Mayor Duterte said. “We have been following the pronouncements of the Department of Health and it has released last February 7 the advisory on public gatherings.”

DOH issued an advisory strongly urging the public to avoid attending, participating in and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees amid the ongoing threat of the spread of the 2019nCoV. The DOH also recommended the cancellation of scheduled major events or mass gatherings until further advice.

Mayor Duterte said that a Thanksgiving Mass will be the only highlight for this year’s celebration. She directed that all preparations made for this year are to be executed in 2021.

As an annual celebration commemorating the history of Davao City. Mayor Duterte said she leave it to the parents, schools,

government/private of�ices and business establishments to ensure that their children, students, and employees to know the history of the city’s birth.

“Where we are going with our Byaheng Do30 agenda, how we have shown the past three years that we stand tall, united, and resilient and that we shall embody discipline, integrity and competence in the next three years,” she said.

With the increasing number of people getting the Wuhan coronavirus infection worldwide, Mayor Duterte said she is wary the city’s health care facilities have limitations and cannot possibly carry hundreds of sick individuals all at the same time.

“Because of these limitations, our plans for us Dabawenyos is to ensure that we do not get the infection. Please read all available information on how you can keep you, your children and the entire family healthy. It is important to keep your immune system strong,” she said.

Mayor Duterte also urged the public to avoid crowded places and activities that could spur the spread of the virus.

On Sunday, February 9, the laboratory result came in and the two PUIs tested negative of the 2019 novel Coronavirus infection.

City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat earlier activated the Incident Management Team against the 2019 novel Coronavirus, the African Swine Fever, and the H5N1 bird �lu.

The IMT is tasked to ensure the strict implementation of all safety and

precautionary measures to ensure that the City of Mati would not be affected by the three maladies that have already hit several areas in the country and the world.

City Health Of�icer Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan said that they have also activated the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams in the �ight against nCoV, ASF, and H5N1. (CIO MATI)

response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.

WHO said in recent days there had been “some stabilizing” in the numbers of new cases of the coronavirus in China. But the UN agency cautioned it was too early to say if the virus had

peaked.

The SARS-like virus is believed to have emerged late last year in the central city of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province where millions of people are under lockdown in a bid to stop it spreading.

creased by 225,000 jobs in January, with employment at construction sites increasing by the most in a year amid milder-than-normal temperatures, the Labor Department said.

Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury notes ticked higher to push yields down to 1.5645 percent.

Euro zone bond yields fell after German industrial output tumbled in December to notch its biggest fall since January 2009, fanning concerns about the bloc’s biggest economy.

The euro held near four-month lows at $1.0950.

The dollar slipped against the yen to be on track for a second straight day of losses. It was last at 109.61 yen.

The Australian dollar, considered a liquid proxy

for China plays, brie�ly hit an 11-year low of $0.6679.

It fell 0.2 percent last week to clock its six straight weekly loss. That left the dollar index �lat at 98.662.

Oil prices slipped as Russia said it would need more time before committing to output cuts along with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers amid falling demand for crude as China battles the coronavirus.

Since Jan. 17, oil prices have fallen by 14 percent while copper has is down around 10 percent.

Brent crude futures declined 52 cents to $53.95 a barrel, while US crude futures slipped 45 cents to $49.87 a barrel.

U.S. gold futures added 0.3% at $1,577.5 an ounce.

Spot gold was higher at $1,574.4.

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1,000 pigs had died in eight of its 15 barangays and Agriculture of�icials had con�irmed this was due to ASF. On February 6, Davao City Veterinarian Dr. Cerelyn Pinili and DA regional diredtor Onate con�irmed the outbreak of ASF in barangays Dominga and Lamanan – two of the city’s182 barangays Precautionary biosecurity mesaure For decades now, Bukidnon, has been the lone province in mainland Mindanao with strict biosecurity measures, where travelers at the boundaries are asked to disembark from their vehicles and step on foot baths, essentially to ensure the landlocked province is spared from hoof and mouth disease or foot and mouth disease.

After the ASF was con�irmed present in Luzon on September 9 last year, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri issued Executive Order 22 on September 25 for a “temporary total ban of entry of live hogs, pork, pork products and by-products” from ASF areas in Luzon, citing speci�ically Rizal, Bulacan and Quezon City.

Three weeks later, however, on October 14, 2019, Zubiri issued EO 26, expanding the scope of EO 22 to include “all other provinces throughout the country” as a “precautionary biosecurity measure for the best interest of the province of Bukidnon.”

Noting that Bukidnon is “the largest pork producer in Mindanao,” Zubiri said the ASF is “a serious concern” so he expanded the coverage of the ban to include those coming from “other provinces in the country until such time a declaration is made by the Bureau of Animal Industry assuring the safety of the swine industry in the region.”

Bukidnon is also the largest cattle producer in Mindanao.

Zubiri also tasked all mayors in Bukidnon’s two cities and 20 towns to “strengthen the implementation of biosecurity measures, hygiene and sanitation standards and the information and education campaign to its constituents and to report immediately any unusual mortalities to the local agriculture veterinary of�ice.”

Zubiri’s expanded EO came two days before Local Governments Secretary Eduardo Ano urged local government units to lift the ban “on processed meat products containing pork for as long as the products meet certain conditions imposed by the Department of Agriculture.”

The province did not lift the ban.

“EO 26 is temporary total ban of hogs, pork, pork products and by products from all provinces throughout the country so covered na provinces here in Mindanao even before wala pa positive cases (for ASF)” in Mindanao, said Diez, the provincial veterinarian.

Diez said they added personnel as well as checkpoints in the boundaries.

She said cities and towns have also established their own checkpoints.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) Livestock and Poultry Situation in Northern Mindanao as of July 01, 2019, Bukidnon registered the highest inventory of swine among all the provinces in Northern Mindanao, at 555,230 heads out of the region’s 997,870.

According to the PSA’s Swine Situation Report from October 2019 to December 2019, released on January 30, 2020, Northern Mindanao ranked third highest producer of hogs in the country. Calabarzon was the highest at 103.10 thousand metric tons, liveweight; Central Luzon at 97.22 and Northern Mindanao at 56.61. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

meat” or “botcha” sold in the various markets in the city.

“We do not eat pork

contaminated with ASF. It cannot affect humans but it is also not �it for human consumption” she said.

er to exercise measures for the general welfare of their constituencies.

Yap directed the local police to set up checkpoints to prevent Chinese tourists from entering the municipality.

The four quarantined Chinese nationals, including a minor, were spotted in a beach resort in Gumasa, Glan’s white beach coastline, on February 2.

They were brought to the Dangerous Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Kawas in Alabel town on February 6, for quarantine.

The P350-million, 150-bed capacity drug treatment facility, which was donated by the Chinese government, has no in-patient clients at the moment.

Sarangani Governor Steve Solon backed the de-

cision of Glan of�icials to close the town to Chinese tourists.

The action of Mayor Yap is “just prudent,” the governor said in a statement.

Solon said the four Chinese nationals being held as “persons under monitoring” (PUM) are being “well-taken care of.”

They are given meals three times a day, are staying in an airconditioned room with bed sheets and pillow cases, and have access to television, he added.

Solon said they are abiding with the quarantine protocol of the Department of health to allow the PUMs to roam within a 100-meter radius from their room.

They are in a secluded area and they cannot run the risk of infecting others, the governor said. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

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President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which expires in March.

A bill seeking the renewal of the corporation’s franchise was re�iled before the House of Representatives last July.

9

and of expression, and the people's right to know," the NUJP said.

‘Prove independence’ Reacting to the government action, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines called on the high court and Congress to prove their independence.

"This proves without a doubt that this government is hellbent on using all its powers to shut down the broadcast network whose franchise renewal, now pending in Congress, President Rodrigo Duterte has personally vowed to block.

So much so that it would risk trampling on Congress' authority to legislate franchises," the NUJP said in a statement.

"We call on Congress and the Supreme Court to once and for all prove to the people that they are truly, as the Constitution envisions, independent and co-equal branches of government that are not at the beck and call of the executive," it added.

"We must not allow the vindictiveness of one man, no matter how powerful, to run roughshod over the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of the press

Quo warranto Quo warranto is a government action challenging “the usurpation of a public of�ice, position or franchise,” according to Rule 66 of the Rules of Court.

It may be �iled against “a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public of�ice, position or franchise; a public of�icer who does or suffers an act which, by the provision of law, constitutes a ground for the forfeiture of his of�ice; or an association which acts as a corporation within the Philippines without being legally incorporated or without lawful authority so to act.”

This was the same action used by the OSG to successfully seek the ouster of then-chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, whom the SC removed from of�ice in 2018 due to her alleged failure to �ile some mandatory asset declarations when she was teaching at the University of the Philippines College of Law. Critics of the landmark decision said the ouster was unconstitutional, arguing that impeachable of�icials, including the chief justice, could be unseated exclusively through impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate.

products, fresh meat, fresh poultry and dairy products, and fertilizers, among other farm inputs.

Under the newly-issued order, Dar is tasking all concerned of�icials and staff to regularly monitor the food supply and price situation, particularly of poultry, �ish and vegetables, as great discrepancies have been observed between farmgate and market retail prices, well-surpassing acceptable levels.

“With this latest Department issuance, we aim to protect the welfare of consumers, and farmers and �isherfolk — who are themselves consumers," Dar said.

"Thus, we warn unscrupulous and heartless businessmen, traders and retailers who take advantage of their countrymen.

Rest assured that the guilty pro�iteers will not go unpunished in accordance with the law,” he said.

livestock.

“It’s a massive monitoring and surveillance mechanism that must be in place. LGUs should really further strengthen their efforts,” he said.

In Davao City, the City Council passed a resolution on Friday declaring Barangays Dominga and Lamanan, Calinan District under a state of calamity due to ASF, and subsequently passed

a proposed measure to granting authority to the City Mayor Sara Duterte to utilize a portion of the 30-percent quick response fund out of the 5-percent disaster risk reduction and management fund of the City Government of Davao to grant P20 million as �inancial assistance to the affected hog raisers. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

15 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, and �ive blocks.

Rhenz Abando and Vince Cuajao each scored 14 points for UST, which will face San Beda Red Lions on Saturday to determine which team will join Ateneo in the Final 4.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines and Diliman College went off to a hot start in the Luzon Regional Finals at the Jesse Robredo Coliseum in Naga, Camarines Sur. Diliman clobbered An-

nunciation College of Bacon Sorsogon Unit, 86-61, while UP romped Naga College Foundation in an essential road game, 83-45.

UP will next face Annunciation, while Diliman will battle NCF on Monday night also at the Jesse Robredo Coliseum.

The top two teams after their single round-robin tournament will face off in the �inal on Wednesday to determine which team will join the Final 4. ( With a report from PNA)

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others.

In 2017, Phoenix Petroleum won two Stevie awards—Gold Stevie Award for the Best Website for the Energy catego-

ry and Silver Stevie Award from the IBA as the Fastest-Growing Company of the Year in the Asia, Australia, and New Zealand region.

Before we started coconut oil, he couldn’t �inish a sentence reading,” she said.

Having been admitted to a clinical trial, he improved even more by scoring 14 points out of a 78-point cognitive test while other patients on placebo lost a score of 6 points.

“Although Steve eventually died in 2016 after having seizures, his mental progress since 2008 has caused a recognition of coconut oil as potential treatment for early onset Alzheimer’s disease,” the press release said.

With the advancement of modern technology and breakthroughs in science, there will be more health bene�its that can be unearthed from coconut oil.

The Philippines, however, should lead such studies.

“In the Philippines, if we are to produce more understanding by the world that coconut oil is really quite safe internally and with food, we need to convince the doctors, the academics because

they are after all the opinion leaders. They are the ones who told the rest of the world that coconut oil back in the 50s, 60s and onwards was not good for the diet,” said Dr. Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, entrepreneurial founder of VMV Hypoallergenics who has published more than 150 articles in dermatology scienti�ic journals.

In the United States, VCO has increasingly become popular in natural food circles and with vegans. It was described in a New York Times article as having a “haunting, nutty, vanilla �lavor” that also has a touch of sweetness that works well in baked goods, pastries, and sautés.

The Philippines is the second largest coconut producing country in the world, after Indonesia. Of the 12 million hectares total agricultural land, 3.5 million hectares are dedicated to coconut production, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports.

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The Philippines has introduced VCO to the world in 2000-2001 and remains to be world’s number one VCO exporter. In 2015, VCO was exported to 46 countries, the United Coconut Association of the Philippines said. The top importers were United States, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, and Japan. Other destinations were Belgium, United Kingdom, South Korea, and Australia. Smaller volumes went to Malaysia, Brazil, Taiwan, South Africa, France, China, Singapore and Czechoslovakia.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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Accounting Clerks Qualifications: • BS Accountancy / Accounting Technology Graduate or any business related courses • Male/Female • Can work with minimum supervision • With or without experience

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for the development of the Asean green and sustainability debt market.

“First, we at the Asean Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) recognized early on the potential of green and sustainable �inance to attract international investors, who, generally speaking, have had more funds to invest than investible options,” he said.

Amatong further said ACMF sees this as an opportunity for Asean countries, many of whom have signi�icant infrastructure development programs, to access the untapped sources of much-needed �inancing.

“Resilient and adaptable infrastructure is particularly important to those of us in Asean since we are particularly at risk to the impact of climate change,” he said.

ACMF developed the Asean Green Bond Standards in 2017 in line with the Green Bond Principles formulated by the International Capital Market Association. Fundamentally, the standards provide a framework to ensure transparency and allow investors to make informed judgments regarding an offering’s “green-ness” and sustainability.

The Philippines adopted the standards in August 2018, as the SEC issued the guidelines on the issuance of bonds for the �inancing or re�inancing of new and/ or existing projects that must provide clear environmental bene�its, such as those relating to renewable energy, energy ef�iciency, pollution prevention and control, environmentally sustainable management of living natural resources and land use, clean transportation, climate change adaptation, and green buildings.

The Philippines also adopted the Asean Social Bonds Standards and Asean Sustainability Bonds Standards.

In April 2019, the SEC issued the guidelines on the issuance of bonds for social projects aimed at providing or promoting affordable basic infrastructure, access to healthcare and education, and food security, among others, as well as those for social projects with environmental co-bene�its.

“Asean’s commitment to a sustainable future and sustainable capital markets goes beyond the issuance of standards and the debt capital markets,” Amatong said, as six of the 10 Asean

members require publicly listed companies to issue sustainability reports.

The Philippines, for one, requires publicly-listed companies to disclose certain information in relation to their non-�inancial performance across the economic, environmental and social aspects of their organizations. The SEC issued the guidelines on sustainability reporting in February 2019.

Amatong also cited the participation of �ive Asean members in international initiatives that seek to enhance sustainability risk management and the adoption by seven members of policies to mainstream sustainable �inance.

In March, the ACMF is expected to adopt a broader sustainable �inance roadmap, which it intends to present during the Asean Finance Ministers’ meeting for endorsement.

“All this is to say that we think that Asean is off to a good start in its sustainability journey,” Amatong said.

“But there is still so much we can do, and so much we need to do to realize our shared goal of sustainable economic growth in the real economy supported by sustainable capital markets.” (PR)

- but doesn't pick up people incubating the virus," said John McBride, an infectious disease physician and professor at Australia's James Cook University.

SIA Engineering Company Ltd and GE Aviation on Monday said they had postponed plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a new engine overhaul facility in Singapore on Tuesday until further notice because of the raised alert level.

Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Military Industries withdrew from the show late Sunday, citing concerns associated with the coronavirus.

The air show's organizers said on Sunday they were expecting more than 930 companies from 45

countries and 45,000 trade attendees - down from the 54,000 at the last show in 2018. They also plan to limit public attendance.

The lobbies of major hotels, usually bustling with attendees, were noticeably quiet.

A spokeswoman for the organizers on Monday declined to provide an update on numbers and why the air show was going ahead when many smaller associated events and brie�ings were being cancelled over coronavirus concerns.

Cancelling the show would lead to refunds running into the tens of millions of dollars, a source at one of the exhibitors told Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Organizer Experia Events, partly owned by ST Engineering and government agencies, charges at least S$1,550 per square meter for space in the show's exhibition hall, according to its website.

That would equate to more than S$3 million ($2.16 million) for ST Engineering's booth, the show's largest at more than 2,000 square meters.

ST Engineering is majority owned by Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings.

Experia Events managing director Leck Chet Lam on Sunday said he could not comment on the �inancial terms of a cancellation.

"That is between us and the exhibitor," he told reporters.

AIRLINES... FROM5

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

11

WEIGHT LOSS COMPETITION. Arcadia Fitness Gym will stage its first ever weight-loss competition dubbed as Summer Slimdown 2020. The competition aims to provide inspiration in leading the way to fit, active and healthy life. The event will last for 12 weeks with 3 winners to be picked after the competition period. The competition is open to Arcadia gym members only.

Alab Pilipinas survives gallant Saigon Heat

A

lab Pilipinas prevailed at home despite Saigon Heat's brave stand in the fourth quarter with an 82-75 win in their Asean Basketball League game at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Laguna on Sunday night.

Up by as much as 23 points, 60-37, in the third quarter, Alab found themselves dropping the game against the cellar-dwelling Heat as the latter gained momentum later in the second half and

were just down by four, 75-79, with 40 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Alab escaped after Saigon conceded a dagger dunk from Sam Deguara in the next play.

Nick King put up 26 points, 12 rebounds, �ive assists, and four steals for Alab, which is now in second place in the team standings at 9-5, one game ahead of Taipei Fubon, which fell at Singapore in overtime, 99-106, earlier Sunday, and Formosa.

Sam Thompson exploded for 32 points, 22 in the second half, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block for Saigon, which slipped further to 3-10. (PNA)

First Game Singapore 106-Kwek 26, Elliott 25, Alexander 24, McClain 12, Goh 10, K. Lim 6, J. Lim 3, Ng 0 Taipei Fubon 99-Esho 25, Garcia 25, Mayo 20, J. Lin 11, Tsai 8, Tseng 5,

Kuo 3, M. Lin 2, Hung 0, Yang 0 Quarterscores: 24-17, 39-42, 67-70, 93-93, 10699 Second Game Alab Pilipinas 82-King 26, Deguara 15, Gray 13, Heading 9, Domingo 6, Brickman 5, Rosser 4, Williams 2, Vigil 2, Caracut 0, Aban 0, Rangel 0 Saigon 75-Thompson 32, Taylor 15, White 10, Tran 7, Young 5, Dierker 2, Nguyen 2, Dinh 2 Quarterscores: 25-15, 50-31, 71-54, 82-75

at the buzzer to make it a one-point game but after Walker's 3s, the Thunder never again had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead.

The win extended Boston's winning streak to seven. The Celtics have now won 10 of their last 11 games.

It was just Oklahoma City's second loss in 11 games.

Jayson Tatum scored 19 of his 26 points after halftime to help Boston come back.

There was some confusion on the Celtics side to start the third quarter as the second half start-

ed with Oklahoma City's Danilo Gallinari at the freethrow line.

Just after the second quarter ended, Boston's Marcus Smart, who had been on the bench since the opening moments of the second quarter after picking up his third foul, was called for a technical for arguing with of�icials as his teammates made their way to the locker room.

Gallinari hit the free throw to put the Thunder up 10 but then Boston reeled off seven consecutive points to get back into the game.

The three Celtics who missed Friday's win over

Atlanta with various injuries - Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward and Daniel Theis - all returned for Sunday's game.

Hayward, Tatum and Theis each had double-doubles. Brown contributed 17 points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Gallinari scored 24 points each to lead the Thunder while Paul and Dennis Schroder had 22 each. But the rest of the Oklahoma City roster combined for just 19 points.

Thunder rookie forward Darius Bazley suffered a sprained knee in the �irst quarter and did not return.

Box Scores:

Walker pours in 27 points to lead Celtics past Thunder

K

emba Walker scored 27 points to help the Boston Celtics to a 112-111 road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

Walker hit a pair of critical 3-pointers late to seal it for Boston.

With less than 3 minutes remaining and Boston up four, Walker drilled a 3-pointer to extend the lead. After a Chris Paul jumper on the other end, Walker answered a few seconds later with another 3-pointer in almost the same spot as his �irst to help the Celtics grab control.

Paul hit a 3-pointer

Taylor outplays Mickelson to win at Pebble Beach

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ormer world number one amateur Nick Taylor bent but did not break, surviving an error-strewn stretch and whipping winds to win the Pebble Beach Pro-Am by four strokes in California on Sunday.

Taylor set up victory with a chip-in birdie at the 15th hole and was �lawless down the stretch to become the �irst Canadian to win the storied event on the Monterey Peninsula.

Despite dropping four shots in four holes from the 11th, a two-under-par 70 was enough to fend off Phil Mickelson, in the process becoming the event's �irst wireto-wire winner since Mickelson 15 years ago.

"Pebble Beach, I couldn't ask for a better place to have my second win," Taylor told PGA Tour Radio after �inishing at 19-under 268 for his second PGA Tour victory in his 160th career start.

"I haven't been in contention as much as I'd like to be but I feel like my game has been really good the last year and hopefully this is a springboard for great things," said the 31-year-old.

Among his rewards will be a �irst invitation to Augusta National for the Masters in April. He was inspired to pursue golf seriously after watching compatriot Mike Weir win there in 2003.

Despite the comfortable �inal margin on Sunday, it was not easy for Taylor, who had to go head-to-head with gallery favourite Mickelson.

Mickelson, seeking a record sixth Pebble Beach victory, pulled to within two shots after Taylor double-bogeyed the par-�ive 14th, but that was as close as the American got on the back nine after having previously fallen �ive shots behind at the turn.

"That middle stretch on the back nine is really tough," Taylor said.

"Fourteen is a brutal hole. You're just trying to not make a disaster. I made a seven but it almost settled me down a bit.

"Phil made six and I only lost one off the lead but that chip in (at the 15th) was massive to get it back to three."

Mickelson faded to shoot 74 and �inish third as fellow American Kevin Streelman (68) grabbed second place.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 240 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

BATTLE OF BISDAKS

3 Mindanao teams battle 3 Visayas teams in Escandor Cup PCCL Vis/Min Finals

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Intense battle between the Holy Trinity College of Gen. Santos City and wildcard MATS Navigators of Davao City in the recent Escandor Cup PCCL Mindanao Finals. SBP 11 photo

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

t’s Battle of Bisdaks as the best of Mindanao takes on the beasts from Visayas.

Six teams led by Mindanao champion Holy Trinity College of Gen. Santos City will slug it out for the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Escandor Cup Vis/Min Regional Championship which gets going on February 17-20 at the Davao City Recreation Center in Davao City.

Joining the Wildcats, who defended their title anew in the PCCL All-Mindanao Finals last week, will tow along two other Mindanao squads from Davao City in MATS Navigators and Holy Cross of Davao College Crusaders.

The three Mindanao squads will try to snare the Vis/Min slot in the Final Four of the annual tournament featuring the country’s top collegiate basketball squads from all leagues.

The three teams from Visayas are led by two multi-titled squads from Cebu in Southwestern University Cobras and the University of the Visayas Green Lancers. Asian College of Dumaguete Cuty will be the third squad from Visayas.

Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas Region 11, which will oversee the tournament, said the teams will be divided into two brackets. The top two teams of each brackets will advance to the �inals where the winner advances to the Final Four.

Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles have booked their ticket to the �inal four after romping University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 82-71, in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League NCAA-UAAP Challenge at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City on Sunday night.

The Blue Eagles recovered in time after the Growling Tigers came alive in the third quarter of their UAAP �inals rematch.

Ateneo waxed hot in the �irst quarter, scoring 29 points while opening a 14-point lead.

UST, however, slowly recovered and cut the lead to just one, 66-65, after the third quarter.

The Growling Tigers eventually �izzled as the Blue Eagles held them to just six points in the fourth quarter.

SJ Belangel exploded anew for Ateneo, dropping 26 points on 6-of-9 shooting from long range, two rebounds, and two steals for Ateneo, which can complete the 3-0 sweep of the special mini-tournament with a win against Letran Knights on Saturday.

Ange Kouame added

BATTLE, P9