Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 247 | Wednesday, February 19, 2020

DAMOSA LAND LAUNCHES AGRIYA INDULGE A1

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

DRIVER FITNESS

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

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@EdgeDavao

HPBS aspirants to go through TESDA's NC III driving course

By MAYA M. PADILLO

www.edgedavao.net

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edgedavao@gmail.com

he city government of Davao is opening 3,000 slots to bus drivers to enrol in the National Certi�icate (NC) III bus driving course under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in preparation for the implementation of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS).

Bus driver aspirants of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) must �irst secure a level 3 competency bus driving course certi�icate to qualify for employment. As of February 14, there are 365 applicants who have applied for NC3 bus driving at TESDA. More than 7,000 jeepney drivers and operators will be affected once the operation of the mod-

ern bus system starts.

However, the HPBS is expected to open up new job opportunities as it will need drivers for the initial 1,000 buses.

For drivers and operators who will be affected by the transport modernization program, TESDA also offers various skills training, the top priority for which is a NC3 level course for bus driving and other automotive related

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courses.

“We are looking for bus drivers kay dili man pud 24 hours mag drive ang isa ka bus driver.

Kinsa pa man diay ang among pangitaon so kato jud mga drivers. We are looking for about 3,000 bus drivers,” said Norman Baloro, Philippine Commission on the Urban Poor (PCUP) head and HPBS spokesperson.

Baloro said the cost of the training of the drivers, which will run for 20 days, will be shouldered

by TESDA. Each driver will receive P350 per day as allowance.

“Para walay reason na dili sila mu-eskwela,” Baloro said.

HPBS, in cooperation with TESDA, is also offering welding program

DRIVER, P9

A signage reminding the public to refrain from throwing garbage into the river is mounted near Tamugan River in Baguio District, Davao City. A local environmental group is urging Dabawenyos to protect one of Davao City's sources of drinking water, the Panigan-Tamugan watershed and its immediate waterways including Tamugan River as its water quality is now downgraded from "Class AA to Class A" due to some factors surrounding it. Lean Daval Jr

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

Water service interruptions in some areas of San Rafael (Poblacion Side), Bucana, Toril

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Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (ANFLOCOR) Group chair Linda F. Lagdameo (3rd from right), ANFLOCOR Group agri operations president Vicente Floirendo (2nd from right), ANFLOCOR Group real estate and livestock operations president Ricardo Floirendo (rightmost), Industrial Group president Anton Lagdameo (center), Department of

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (3rd from left), Damosa Land first vice president Ricardo Lagdameo (2nd from left) and Panabo City Vice Mayor Biboy Gavina lead the cutting of ribbon to mark the launching of DLI’s Agriya in Panabo City on Thursday. Contributed photo

6 terminals eyed for HPBS buses

By MAYA M. PADILLO t least six terminals will be established in the city once the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) is fully implemented.

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Assistant city administrator for admin lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo told media that the city government of Davao will create six terminals. Of the six, there will be three major terminals and three depot terminals which will be smaller. The three major terminals will be established in the areas of Toril, Calinan, and Bunawan.

“The plan is also for

these provincial buses nga didto na lang kutob.

Karon man gud ang tanan provincial buses gasulod sa Davao City Overland Transport Terminal,” Domingo said.

The smaller terminals will be stationed inside the city in the areas of Buhangin, Bago and downtown area. Domingo said these depot terminals will be temporary only.

“We have to understand how bus operations work. Pag peak hours tanan buses nato managan ug kung muhinay na kinahanglan mu-parking na tong uban. Kung maabtan sila sa Calinan didto sila sa Calinan, kung diri sila sa downtown, diri sila para in time sa peak hours na pud mudagan na pud sila,” he said.

The construction of the bus terminals is part of the P650-million social pension budget from the city government of Davao secured by City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

HPBS aims to improve the mass public transport and to address the worsening traf�ic congestion in the city. More than 7,000 jeepney drivers and operators will be affected once the operation of the modern bus system starts.

In a press release, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the bus system is scheduled for implementation from 2020 to 2023, which aims to “provide an ef�icient and affordable mode of transport for Dabawenyos through the delivery of a modern HPBS.

Reservoir which can store 1,500 cubic meters of water, piping system, treatment facility, and control house.

The new facilities which costs around PhP141.9 million are among the many projects that DCWD has lined up for its water supply system improvement and service expansion. Initially, the project can serve wouldbe customers from Sitio Lomboy in Brgy. Binugao to Davao-Cotabato Road and along Davao-Cotabato Road (from Inawayan Bridge to corner Marapangi Road). Aside from these areas, DCWD is also currently conducting technical evaluations for the possible expansion of the service coverage of the newly completed facilities and the construction of

additional production well to serve more areas including Brgy. Sirawan.

DCWD Chairperson

Eduardo A. Bangayan in his message thanked barangay Binugao and Sirawan councils for welcoming DCWD’s

avao City Water District advises the public of three separate sets of water service interruptions.

The �irst set of no water is on February 20, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in some San Rafael areas (Poblacion side), particularly in, Purok 9 Sitio Balete and Purok 9 Riverside.

DCWD needs to temporarily shut off water supply in the affected areas to give way to the tapping of a newly installed pipeline to DCWD’s existing pipeline for the mainline improvement at Sitio Balete in San Rafael (Poblacion side). Once completed, this will accommodate additional service connections.

Second set of no water is on February 20, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in some Barangay 76-A areas, particularly in, portion of Bucana (San Pedro Extn. Nograles Avenue, Sanasa, Bolton Isla, Kabacan, Kasilak, Bilusa, Busna, Sto. Niño, Savina Compound, Manggahan, and Saint John), portion of Bolton Ext. (from corner Alley 1 to Bolton Bridge), and portion of Quimpo Blvd (from corner San Pedro Extn. to Bolton Bridge including Alley 1, Felcris Centrale, and Almendras Gym).

DCWD needs to temporarily shut off water supply in the affected areas to give way to the tapping of a newly installed pipeline to DCWD’s existing pipeline for the mainline improvement along Seawall Bucana in Brgy.

76-A. Once completed, this will accommodate additional service connections.

Third set is composed of two separate schedules. The �irst schedule of no water is on February 20, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and the second schedule of low water pressure to no water is

from 9:00 PM of February 20, 2020 until 5:00 PM of February 22, 2020. Affected are some areas served

by Toril Water Supply System, particularly in, Purok Pagkaka-isa, Toril Executive Village, Manggahan, Crossing Bayabas, Paradise Village, Ilocano Village, Davao Housing Subd., B.B. Homes Subd., Sitio Saypon, Salsa Village, Bangoy Compound, St. Jude, Santa Clara Village, Prudential Village, St. Michael Village, San Roque Village, Duha Village, Rovical Village, Nakada Village, Doña Manuela Subd., Doña Rosa Subd., Gutierez Village, APLA Village, Kalambuan sa Katawhan HOA, Samantha Homes, Kristina Homes II, Nenita Farms, Tukbisa Village, and Toril Proper.

Upper Piedad is also affected but only for Schedule 2.

For the �irst schedule, DCWD needs to temporarily shut-off water supply in the affected areas to give way to the installation of isolation valve along the discharge line and replacement of appurtenances installed in the valve chamber of Toril Production Well No. 1 for preventive maintenance purposes.

For the second schedule, DCWD needs to temporarily shut-off water supply in the affected areas to give way to the replacement of discharge line assembly of Toril Production Well No. 1 with a new one with electromagnetic �lowmeter and motorized actuator, and construction of additional height for the pipe support foundation to elevate the discharge line assembly. A new discharge line will4 make the line less susceptible to damage while the installation of electromagnetic �lowmeter and motorized actuator is in preparation for the Supervisory Control

services.

DCWD General Manager Edwin V. Regalado added that DCWD is working

tirelessly to look for more water sources to expand service coverage and ad-

WATER SERVICE, P9

DCWD inaugurates Binugao-Sirawan WSS facilities

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avao City Water District blessed and inaugurated facilities of the newest addition to DCWD’s water supply systems, the Binugao-Sirawan Water Supply System (WSS) on February 10, 2020.

The blessing ceremony was of�iciated by Local Superior of Blessed Sacrament Community, Our Lady of Assumption Parish Rev. Fr. Froilan R. Briones, SSS and attended

by Sirawan local barangay council headed by Brgy.

Captain Khalil A. Deporos, DCWD Board of Directors, of�icers, and employees.

The Binugao-Sirawan WSS consists of Binugao Production Well No. 1 which can produce up to around 4,000 cubic meters of water per day, Reinforced Concrete Ground

DCWD, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

NEWS 3

3 Soccsksargen cops included in new "narco-list" of Duterte

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hree policemen in the Soccsksargen region are under investigation after being included in the latest “narco-list” of President Rodrigo Duterte, a police of�icial said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus, Police Regional Of�ice (PRO)-12 director, said the three are among the 357 police personnel named in the drug list and were ordered to report to Camp Crame in Quezon City earlier this month.

Corpus said the policemen submitted themselves to the investigation ordered by the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Archie Gamboa.

“There are three policemen in PRO-12 (included) in the list but I can’t give you the names and can’t give you any more information about it,” Corpus said in a text message to PNA. He assured that the involved policemen will be given due process and a chance to clear their names. He added that

the three will be subjected to an adjudication process and considered “innocent until proven guilty”.

Corpus said they will conduct a separate validation process and will submit a recommendation after a month.

“In case they will be cleared, their names will immediately be taken off the President’s watchlist,” he said.

Corpus said the inclusion of the three policemen in the drug list should serve as a warning to their colleagues, especially those linked to illegal activities. He said it shows that the current PNP leadership is serious in cleansing their ranks of rogue policemen.

In 2016, at least �ive policemen under the PRO-12 were named in the initial drug list released by President Duterte. These included a police of�icer with the rank of Senior Inspector (Captain), and a town police chief in South Cotabato province. (PNA)

Mati, DILG conduct orientation, training for implementation of CBMS-APP

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he Department of Interior and Local Government, together with the City of Mati LGU, is conducting an orientation and training for the implementation of the Community-Based Monitoring System-Accelerated Poverty Pro�iling (CBMS-APP) in the city.

Thirty-three data enumerators and eight CBMS �ield editors are participating in the said training which will run from February 17-21.

The training is being held at the Mati City Hall’s conference room.

Participants are barangay of�icials from all 26 barangays of the city.

CBMS-APP is one of the recent innovations in line with the development of the community-based monitoring system (CBMS).

CBMS APP entails the organized, systematic and ef�icient combined use of latest information and communication technology tools e.g. tablets, and the standard CBMS instruments for data collection (core household pro�ile and village questionnaire), processing (STATSIM), poverty mapping and data management instruments.

The CBMS APP was also developed to respond better to the growing demand from various users of the community-based monitoring system (CBMS), particularly local government units, to fast track the generation of data for use in the preparation of development plans and budgets, and use of data for various development program initiatives. (CIO MATI)

A young child refuses to receive an oral anti-polio vaccine from a health worker during the extension of “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio” campaign in Davao City on Tuesday. The Department of Health (DOH) has

said another child has been reported to have polio in the country, bringing the total number of cases to 17. Lean Daval Jr

SolGen asks SC to issue gag order vs ABS-CBN

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he Of�ice of the Solicitor General has asked the Supreme Court to issue a gag order against ABS-CBN Corp. after his of�ice �iled a quo warranto petition to forfeit the legislative franchises of ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. In a very urgent motion, the government's top counsel wanted to prohibit "parties and persons acting on their [network's] behalf" from releasing statements surrounding the quo warranto petition �iled by OSG to invalidate its license.

After the network issued a statement, ABS-CBN allegedly "engaged in propaganda," the OSG said.

OSG had earlier asked the high court to forfeit the license of ABS-CBN, which operates free TV Channel 2 and radio DZMM, due to several violations.

Calida’s quo warranto

petition alleged that the company had issued Philippine Depository Receipts (PDRs) to foreigners, the same issue raised against news website Rappler.

ABS-CBN, in a public statement, said Calida’s allegations are “without merit” as the organization “complies with all the pertinent laws governing its franchise,” saying the quo warranto case was an “effort to shut down” their operations.

It said PDRs issued by ABS-CBN Holdings were “evaluated and approved” by the Securities and Ex-

change Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange prior to public offering, noting other broadcast companies used them “to raise capital for the improvement of services.”

The Calida petition also claimed that ABS-CBN Corp “abused” its franchise privilege by operating a payper-view channel without approval from the National Telecommunications Commission.

ABS-CBN said: “All our broadcast offerings, including KBO, have received the necessary government and regulatory approvals and are not prohibited by our franchise.”

ABS-CBN’s ownership in ABS-CBN Convergence, the company said, was “undertaken under the same law and structures that have been utilized by other telecommunications companies.”

The ownership transfer

was approved under the Public Telecommunications Policy Act and “fully compliant with law,” it said.

“KBO remains one of the cheapest forms of entertainment that we can provide to the public,” ABSCBN said.

Calida’s petition came despite 11 pending bills seeking an extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which will expire on March 30.

President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly said he would oppose ABSCBN's franchise renewal, complaining of the network's supposed failure to air a campaign ad that he paid for before the 2016 presidential election.

Malacañang has distanced itself from the franchise ordeal of ABS-CBN Corp, insisting that the company’s fate relies upon Congress and the Supreme Court.

Drug Retail Price (MDRP) scheme. The last time a price cap was imposed was more than a decade ago in 2009. It only included �ive medicines.

But the EO signed on Monday only included 87 of DOH’s proposed 122 medicines that address leading diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung diseases, major cancers, and other diseases.

“We also have to consider the position of the industry. These are medicines that (will have a price cut) of more than 60 percent, more than 70 percent,” said Dr. Anna Melissa Guerrero, program manager of DOH’s Pharmaceutical Division.

“We’re trying to make

it equal with the prices abroad (that’s why the price cap is that low). So this will be studied by us and the Department of Trade and Industry and we will have a workable solution together with the affected stakeholders,” she said.

UNREASONABLE PRICES? The DOH of�icials pointed out that prices of medicines in the Philippines are signi�icantly higher than even those in developed countries.

Guerrero said sometimes it is even twice or thrice as high as medicine in other countries.

“First, there is limited competition,” Duque said.

“Second, the disease burden — demand is high so

companies increase the prices because those who are sick are desperate.”

Duque said pro�it is also added throughout the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the wholesaler.

“In the Philippine market, we are heavily dependent on imports,” Guerrero explained, “These are mostly patented, single-source.

Most of them if not all of them imported, mostly from the multinational companies.”

Guerrero said there has been a lot of discussion on the global level about the lack of transparency about how multinational companies are pricing their medicine. She said some claim that they are simply includ-

Church activities continue amid Covid-19 threat: CBCP DOH reviewing 35 other medicines for price cut ctivities of the falls on February 26 this

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church will continue amid concerns on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), an of�icial of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Monday.

“This coming Holy Week, there is no need to cancel masses and other activities for the season as we have implemented several measures,” said CBCP vice president, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.

Instead of marking foreheads with a cross using ashes on Ash Wednesday, David said they recommended that these will only be sprinkled over their heads.

Ash Wednesday, which

year, marks the start of the 40-day Lenten season.

Likewise, churches were advised not to put holy water at their entrances. The faithful can just wait for the priests to sprinkle holy water.

Earlier, the Diocese of Hong Kong and the Archdiocese of Singapore have suspended church activities such as the holding of mass due to the threat of Covid-19.

Earlier, the CBCP has ordered clergy members to give communions in the hand during mass.

It also discouraged the faithful from holding hands while singing “Our Father” and shaking hands during the sign of peace.

(PNA)

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he Department of Health on Tuesday said it is working to include more medicines in the recently approved executive order that cut the retail prices of critical medicines by up to 58 percent.

“DOH, together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and stakeholders, was also tasked to review the price reduction of the remaining 35 drugs to �inalize the list covered by the EO,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said during a press conference a day after Executive Order no. 104 was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The DOH initially proposed 122 medicines to be included in the second phase of the Maximum

DOH, P9

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

TOURIST ATTRACTION. A view from atop Mount Maagnaw (elevation: 2,742masl) in Lantapan, Bukidnon, which forms part of the Mount Kitanglad Range. MindaNews photo by ARIES SANDINO M. MORDENO

DOT lauds Damosa T Land’s Agriya project T

Virus outbreak hurts Asia Pacific economy: APEC

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Department of Tourism (DoT) has lauded Damosa Land Inc. (DLI) for its newly-launched agri-focused development Agriya in Panabo City, Davao Del Norte, which is envisioned to be the �irst of its kind in Asia.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who was the guest speaker during the launch, commended DLI for highlighting the merits and importance of agriculture for a great number of people right in the community where they live and work.

Poised to become the next prime agri-tourism address, Agriya offers a rare opportunity for investors to own a piece of the country’s food basket. The agropolis is composed of a nine-hectare residential, 24-hectare commercial, nine-hectare agri tourism space, and another nine-hectare institutional component, occupying 40-hectare of the property for its �irst phase.

Agriya is DLI’s latest township offering which aims to strengthen the region’s tourism growth. It exudes a unique design and masterplan, highlighting its various amenities

and agro-tourism features.

Championing sustainability through urban farming, the township has in-house agriculturalists that aim to educate its residents on backyard farming and showcase the region’s wealth in products such as banana, high-value crops, and aquaculture.

“Banana farming, as we were going around, we looked at 67 varieties of bananas, which I, myself, didn’t know existed. And then yung isa walang puso.

Yun ang hindi ko rin alam.

Yung isa malaki ang puso.

And I’m so happy also that this will be the future home of, this year, University of the Philippines Professional School for Agriculture and Environment. I also taught for 14 years in the UP School of Economics. So parang this is like a culmination, it’s like full circle. I taught 14 years Economics at the UP School of Economics, I was in the DA for

12 years, now I’m [in the] Tourism. It’s like I’m home,” Puyat said.

Agriya is set to have the country’s premiere agricultural institution, the University of the Philippines Professional School for Agriculture and Environment (UP-PSAE). Around 31,900 sqm. of land area is donated by DLI to the university to be constructed within the property, offering agricultural courses to potential students and granting them lucrative professions in the future.

Developed with focus on agriculture, Agriya’s theme park “Naturetainment” offers tourists a real and �irst hand take on agriculture, stimulating a sense of adventure and ingraining to children its importance.

With 177 detached houses, working crop and aquaculture farms, and a theme park, DLI aims to boost Davao’s growing tourism and establish Panabo City’s agricultural wealth, fostering a culture of residents and tourists thriving in agriculture.

“The DOT has actively campaigned for the promotion and propagation of farm tourism all over the Philippines. We further strengthened the IRR of the Farm Tourism Act

which we achieved. We have a new IRR, we have dialogue with farm tourism stakeholders, DOT and its regional of�ices, regional farm tourism associations, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and other relevant organizations,” she said.

Puyat also mentioned that as of December 2019, the DOT has accredited 203 farm tourism sites and counting. I think, when I entered, there was only 20.

“If you’ve eaten today, please thank a farmer. So I’m very happy Cary (Lagdameo) decided to make this a farm tourism project.

Mindanao, and especially Davao Region, is an agriculture province. When I entered the Department of Agriculture, the GDP was I think 13%. Now I think it’s just 9% but Tourism is 12.7%,” she said.

DLI �irst vice president Ricardo “Cary” Floirendo-Lagdameo said Agriya is the �irst mixed-use property development for Damosa Land that boasts Davao’s richness in agriculture. Since the project is anchored on tourism, he said it also aims to strengthen DLI’s position as a developer that innovates the real estate sector through her-

DOT, P9

he Asia Paci�ic Economic Cooperation (APEC) Policy Support Unit (PSU) has released its statement on Monday regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and its impact to the region’s economy.

The APEC-PSU said the current sentiments of consumers and investors amid the virus outbreak could translate into “signi�icant economic and �inancial risks” in the Asia Paci�ic.

Although the APEC unit said it is still early to quantify Covid-19’s effect on region’s economy, it said the impact is larger than the experience during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) 18 years ago.

“The world today is a different arena. China accounts for 21.4 percent of world GDP (gross domestic product) compared to around 4.5 percent during the SARS outbreak,” it said.

As the global supply chain and economy are deeper and more interconnected, the epidemic ampli�ies the already-fragile global economic environment due to trade tensions, Brexit, and environmental catastrophes in the region, the APEC-PSU added.

“There is already an observed decline in travel and tourism. An associated adverse impact on retail and hospitality receipts as well as transport sales are expected to reverberate

VIRUS, P9

PH T-bill rates decline

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ates of the Philippines Treasury bills (T-bills) dropped across-the-board Monday partly on concerns on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and expectations for another cut in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key rates.

Average rate of the 91day paper fell to 3.072 percent from 3.115 percent during the auction last February 10.

The tenor received tenders amounting to PHP21.798 billion, more than thrice the PHP6-billion offer. The auction committee made a full award.

Rate of the 182-day paper averaged at 3.420 per-

cent, lower than its 3.461 percent in the previous auction.

Bids totaled to PHP20.792 billion, more than threefold the PHP6-billion offer, which was also fully awarded.

Average rate of the 364-day T-bill declined to 3.836 percent from 3.908 percent last week.

Tenders reached PHP35.755 billion, nearly six times the PHP8-billion offer. The auction committee made a full award.

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said aside from the anxieties on the Covid-19 and hopes for a BSP rate cut as early as the

PH T-BILL, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

Coronavirus dampening exports to China: PBGEA

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ork stoppages and market closures in China stemming from a coronavirus epidemic are hurting small- and medium-sized banana growers in the Philippines, the world’s second largest exporter of the fruit, an industry group said on Monday.

Mainland China is one of the Southeast Asian nation’s biggest buyers of bananas, its top agricultural export. Together with Japan, it bought more than half the Philippines’ exports of the fruit last year.

The Philippines’ banana shipments last year were valued at $1.93 billion, up roughly 40 percent from the previous year, and accounting for 3 percent of overall exports.

Representatives of the Pilipino Banana Growers & Exporters Association met farm ministry of�icials on Monday to tackle the industry challenges, including the virus outbreak.

“The China problem is not as serious for the big

exporters because of their existing contracts with the importers,” said Stephen Antig, the group’s executive director.

The hardest hit are the small- and medium-sized growers who deal with spot buyers, he added.

“Their shipments cannot be readily delivered, because of the work shutdown and closure of markets,” Antig told Reuters in an email. “Chances are, some of the fruit will get rotten on the piers sooner or later.”

The initial impact of the shipment woes on banana exports is likely to show up in January trade data to be released next month, he said.

“For now, it is very dif�icult to come up with �igures, even rough estimates.”

Talks with logistics providers and efforts to identify other potential markets were among the key steps the ministry plans to help resolve the problem, Antig said.

he Philippines' main retailers group has reported a slowdown in sales as consumers cut back on shopping and eating out due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus in China.

Retail and restaurant operators are reporting a "30 to 50 percent drop" to the "total retail environment," which generates P20 billion in sales daily, said Roberto Claudio, vice chairman of the Philippine Retailers Association.

"That drop will go down into billions in terms of lost sales and revenues,” said Claudio, chairman of the athletic goods chain Toby's Sports.

Manila has so far reported 3 cases of COVID-19, all Chinese tourists from

Wuhan where the virus was �irst reported. China reported on Tuesday that its death toll surpassed 1,800.

Claudio said his group would not reduce manpower. However, he appealed to mall operators to cut rental rates.

"If this goes on toward the end of the year, it is going to be devastating for most retailers and malls," he said.

The PRA counts among its members, SM and Robinsons malls, Rustans, Suyen Corp which operates local clothing giant Bench and Mercury Drug.

On Friday, SM Supermalls said local sales fell by 10 to 20 percent in the �irst 2 weeks of the outbreak

Pilipino Banana Growers & Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig gestures as he interacts with members of the press in this undated photo. Antig has disclosed that work stoppages

and market closures in China stemming from a coronavirus epidemic are hurting small-and medium-sized banana growers in the Philippines. Lean Daval Jr

PH to mount 'nationwide sale' PH retailers flag sales drop due to coronavirus with virus safeguards: Puyat T T PH RETAILERS, P9

he Philippines will hold its �irst ever nationwide shopping mall sale in March, seeking to lure local and foreign tourists, and with measures to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus strain, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Tuesday.

It will be the Philippines' version of other countries' "great sale" wherein people �ly in just to shop. Shopping malls across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will participate in the month-long retail event, Puyat told ANC's Headstart.

"We actually planned this months ago but we decided to continue it for the whole month of

March," Puyat said.

Puyat said participating malls would implement all measures required by the Department of Health to prevent the spread of COVID-19. She said shoppers who don't feel well should refrain from joining the sale.

"Again, with the Department of Health, as long as precautionary measures are in place it's

okay to have that nationwide sale," she said.

Shoppers will be screened for body temperature before they are allowed inside the malls.

Disinfectant will also be made available, she said.

The nationwide mall sale is just one of the moves of the DOT to spur tourism. In a meeting last week with President Rodrigo Duterte, Puyat said local airlines and hotels agreed to lower rates.

Manila has imposed a travel ban to China and its special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macau due to the coronavirus scare.

"Unlike the SARS, H1N1 and the MERs there was no ban just precautionary measures, be

BDO remit Spain sets up donation drive for Taal eruption victims

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DONATION DRIVE FOR TAAL VICTIMS. BDO Kabayan savings account holder Lee Mababangloob (far left), together with other members of the Filipino community in Barcelona, do their part in donating in kind to the victims of the Taal eruption, as facilitated by BDO Remit Spain.

Assisting them is Marissa Manonson (far right), a BDO Remit Spain representative. Among the items that were donated include towels, mats, toiletries, and Euro coins, among others.

careful. But now there's a travel ban that automatically removes China market, Hong Kong market, and Macau market," she said.

Only Filipinos and permanent resident visa holders are allowed to enter the Philippines. Filipinos are also temporarily barred from traveling to China.

"It is more of intensifying your marketing promotions to those countries that are not affected for them to know it's safe, no local transmission here in the country," she said.

China is the Philippines second largest source of foreign tourist arrivals after South Korea, according to DOT data.

ARCELONA, SPAIN— BDO Unibank’s remittance of�ice in Barcelona, Spain has organized a donation drive to the distressed victims of the Taal eruption by putting up drop-off boxes for Filipinos who want to donate in kind.

These donation boxes will then be delivered to BDO’s corporate social responsibility arm, BDO Foundation, in the Philippines for distribution to the affected areas. Filipinos living in Barcelona are mostly from Batangas and Cavite, areas that continue to bear the brunt of the volcanic eruption.

Of�icers and staff of BDO Remit Spain have also visited Filipino communities in Barcelona including Filipino Asian stores, restaurants, medical providers, clinics, freight forwarders, travel agencies and grocery stores to promote their donation campaign.

The St. Agustin Parish

in Barcelona has likewise utilized the parish community to spread the word on the said charitable efforts.

They posted BDO Remit’s materials about the donation drive within church premises and regularly announced during the Sunday mass that drop-off donation boxes were put up.

“We have already �illed up the �irst box of donations and is now on our 2nd box. More people are now donating and sending as a result of our info drive,” said Gerard Ian M. Belarmino, marketing of�icer in BDO Remit Spain. “We are receiving positive responses from our Kabayans for our efforts especially the waived fees for those who want to donate anonymously. Filipino community leaders are also grateful to us for accepting coin donations to be remitted to the Philippines.”

Local banks in Spain

BDO, P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

EDITORIAL

Big buses, big responsibility

The move to upgrade from jeepneys to buses on Davao City streets as public transport under the much ballyhooed High Priority Bus System (HPBS) is essentially a smart move for a growing city with a growing transport problem.

However, it comes with a caveat.

Bigger vehicles mean bigger risks to safety. Hence, the need to prepare safety procedures and hone safety skills and competencies for drivers. In Metro Manila, accidents involving buses are a commonplace. And where bigger objects collide with one another or with a smaller object, the damage and injury is of bigger proportions. It’s a smart but also a risky shift.

Anticipating this, the city government is preparing the competency requirements for all those who will be behind the wheel when the HPBS goes full throttle. There is a regulation since 2013 requiring all public utility bus drivers to be trained and certi�ied by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) before ferrying passengers. The Land Transportation Of�ice (LTO), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) requires each bus driver to possess a National Certi�icate (NC) III and the only way to acquire it is to pass the TESDA

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

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

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

assessment.

The certi�ication will ensure that public buses plying the roads are being manned by responsible and skilled drivers. With the Tesda certi�ication, appropriate skills and adequate pay, we believe that there will be less, if not zero accidents, on the road.

Bus companies who hire drivers without certi�ication may be suspended or have their franchise revoked.

For those aspiring to be employed under the HPBS, the city government has announced it is offering 3,000 slots to bus drivers to enroll in the NC3 bus driving course. Bus driver aspirants of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) must �irst secure a level 3 competency bus driving course certi�icate to qualify for employment. As of February 14, there are 365 applicants lining up for NC3 bus driving at TESDA. More than 7,000 jeepney drivers and operators will be affected once the operation of the modern bus system starts.

The course will focus on safe, economical, and environment-friendly driving (SEED) as well as assessment moderation and conduct.

Today’s jeepney drivers have been observed to be mostly untrained and driving recklessly. Under the HPBS, these kind of drivers must be extinct.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

POSITIVE CREDIT RATINGS AND WHY THEY ARE NOT MERE AWARDS The recent decision of �itch ratings and a japanese ratings agency to upgrade their outlook on the Philippines only means one thing: the country’s economy is strong and therefore, attracti ve for investors.

For the bene�it of international investors, they also explain why this is so. Fitch Ratings in particular also projected the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth to accelerate to 6.4 percent and 6.5 percent in 2020 and 2021, supported by strong private consumption and rising public infrastructure investment.

The Japanese ratings agency RIC also is able to communicate its reasons to

the Japanese market and its various investment houses and conglomerates.

In all, these ratings upgrades are a strong vote of con�idence in our economy.

This con�idence is well deserved due to the various reforms initiated that allow better taxes to be collected from the right people, indicating an ability to generate revenues internally and avoiding uncessary borrowings that create leverage against the economy.

With that, our debt to gdp ratios are actually improving, which means we can pay our obligations, both the old debts and the new ones we use to fund our infrastructure expenditures.

Our reformed tax system will allow us to do so, while freeing up many of our countrymen from paying taxes. At the same time. Yes, we have achieved that balance. The positive ratings af�irm this capability.

Now to answer the next question. Why do we borrow anyway?

As i have written before, borrowing is by itself not bad. We need to borrow to fund large expenses like the bridges and airports we need to build. We cannot allocate taxpayer money right away since there are other vital expenses like health and education. Borrowing at comfortable terms is what will help us build what we need. Any

entrepreneur knows that.

The ratings upgrade and the positive sentiment generated on the econony may also indicate that measures that broaden the participation of more people in investnents such as the Real Estate Investment Trusts, the personal Security Property Act and the infrastructure build up that creates avenues for trade to �low, and job opportunities to be created. It makes growth more inclusive, and increases total growth as more sectors from the regions join in.

This vote of con�idence is also critical in this age of disruption. Recent earthquakes, the Taal volcanic eruption, the African Swine Flu and the NCov scare will cause dis-

ruptions and possibly, create panic among our countrymen. Yet our economy will remain strong so long as the growth of local consumers is strong.

The feared “massive cancellations” of tourists and visitors is not apparent. Planes still �ly from Manila and Cebu to Davao, which is still the major air route. The locals will buy the products we produce and keep our economy humming. This, in particular, will strengthen our economy to deal with disruptions giving us a strong base upon which recovery is going to be achieved.

Resilience is what matters. We should not panic and despair.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

OF CINEMA AND PORNOGRAPHY Today’s cinemas, unlike in good old days, are nestled in air-conditioned malls. Around Davao City, the few third-rate, bug-infested, gay-frequented movie houses that puked moralists had all been, many of them overtaken by the economic book that has overwhelmed the city.

In those days, these move houses looked like dark corners for sexual tryst than entertainment houses where families and lovers enjoyed each other’s company. They were, to say it bluntly, houses of pornography! But not all of them were sold to sex-oriented offerings.

Once upon a time, letter G, which stood for Garcia family, was a most familiar �irst letter among the city’s modern cinemas: Golden, Garmon, Galaxy, and Garnet. The theaters got their �irst letter from Garcia, while Garmon was the corruption of Garcia and Monteverde.

These out�its, being the most up to date, were the very �irst to show the topof-the-line movies from Manila. During Holy Week, towering blockbusters like the Bible, Benhur, Exodus

and Ten Commandments were shown to capacity crowds.

The reign of the G’s, however, did not take too long. The rise of malls, supermarkets, and similar establishments, alongside with the popularity of home movie entertainment, irretrievably made movie business not viable. With taxes going high and the number of patrons declining, the inevitable closure did not come as a surprise.

Speaking of G, there was Gem, a landmark at corner Bolton (now Paciano Bangoy) and San Pedro Streets that was incinerated in the February 10, 1964 �ire that burned down six blocks of the city’s central business district. Slowly, one by one, the curtains had to fall.

Before the rise of the Garcia cinemas, the city was territory of 20 or so movie houses, each exhibiting a menu of �licks, from bold to for general patronage.

During this time, before the advent of tarpaulin printing, screening schedules were painted on plywood with action �igures.

The rise of bomba �ilms in the seventies had a drastic shift when it came to cin-

ema offers. In fact, most of the establishments, at one time or another, banked on popularity and pro�itability.

For instance, Garmon made pro�its from the movie entitled Language of Love, a 1969 Swedish sex educational �ilm. And who can forget the �ilm titled Soylent Green, a 1973 American dystopian thriller �ilm based on a 1966 science �iction novel?

But second-rate cinemas were more daring.

Uhaw kicked off the Pinoy bomba generation and started a trend. Later, semi-porno �licks started to be exhibited almost regularly.

South China Morning Post, in its February 17, 2019, issue made a brief review of the period when sex was staple for movies alternately called as bomba and quickie: The ‘bombas’, as they were known—the term best translates as “bold” and roughly means scandalous—were a mix of softcore and hard-core pornography, and their female stars became well-known celebrities who frequently graced the covers of newspapers and magazines. Al-

though the bomba �ilms became increasingly explicit, they were a mainstream phenomenon, and attracted students and regular audiences to cinemas, as well as men in search of a cheap thrill….

Hundreds of bomba �ilms were made over the years, with titles like Climax of Love, Unfaithful Wife, Scorpio Nights and White Slavery. Although frequently attacked by the church, the bombas and their stars became a �ixture of Philippines cultural life which was only ended by the increasing availability of home VCR (video) players in the 1990s… In spite of their trashy quality, the bombas also often represented the hardships and misery of everyday Filipino life during the Marcos dictatorship.

Popular movie houses such as Avenue, Rey, Ideal, Roxy, Davao, Center, Eagle (later Odeon), Clifford, Ace, Roxy and Tagumpay (later President) joined the sex bandwagon. Of course, there was Ours theater.

That open space beside the Imperial Hotel, was Life theatre. Along San Pedro street, Lyric and Crest,

were deemed trendsetters along that busy commercial district.

Queens, just across the Guino-o compound, would later join the sex trend, but the lack of patrons would compel the management to rent out the space to a religious sect before �inally deciding to close it. Of course, the list of old, surviving movie houses is now nil.

Years ago, in a visit of Recto where the last of old movie addresses still operated, only Davao and Lawaan were erratically opened. Sans air-conditioning, maintenance and showing only old, scratchy �licks, their demise was predictable. Today, movie houses carry alphanumeric names, mostly nomenclatures that carry the name of out�its where they are situated: SM1, Gaisano Mall 2, Victoria 3, or Southmall 4.

With the advent of Betamax, laser disc, digital video disc, and other innovations gave way to new technologies such as the universal service bus, bluetooth, Youtube, and wi�i that have better capabilities to show movies that can viewed anywhere the user wants.

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

MARIJUANA: TO BE OR NOT TO BE

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

M

arijuana (scientific name: Cannabis sativa) is the news again not because of its illegal use but due to its medicinal properties.

The Dangerous Drugs Board has approved “in principle” a resolution which allowed the use of cannabidiol (CBD) “for alleviating severe forms of epilepsy,” according to a news report by Philippine Daily Inquirer. CBD is a non-psychoactive component of marijuana. Unlike the real thing, it won’t get a person high.

Epilepsy is the name for a group of disorders of the brain characterized by a tendency to recurrent seizures or convulsions or “�its.” In the Philippines, an estimated 750,000 people have epilepsy.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) estimates some 50 million people around the world with epilepsy. “A vast majority of people with epilepsy in many resource-poor regions do not receive treatment,” the United Nations health agency points out.

Without treatment, people with epilepsy can suffer psychological distress, physical injuries and social stigma. “More than 70% of patients who are treated with anti-epileptic drugs are fee from seizures within 5 years of diagnosis,” the WHO says.

One of those identi�ied treatments is CBD. “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential,” the WHO says.

“To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated

with the use of pure CBD.” A couple of years back, when asked by a television reporter on the subject of marijuana, President Rodrigo R. Duterte replied: “Medical marijuana, yes, because it is really an ingredient of modern medicine. There are medicines being developed, or are now in the market, that contain marijuana for medical purposes.”

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo explained that the president was in favor of “controlled” and “regulated use of marijuana for medical purposes.” The president strongly, however, opposed to the use of marijuana as a recreational drug.

Should the use of marijuana for medical purposes be legalized in the country? This was what the author in his social media account recently.

There were several who shared their thoughts.

The �irst person to make his comment was a medical doctor. “Medical marijuana is used for ‘palliative care’ (for chronic pain, nausea for patients undergoing chemotherapy, certain seizure disorders, etc.),” he explained.

“There are ‘conventional’ medicines with fewer side effects that can address these conditions. Legalizing medical marijuana is going to create more problems that it seeks to treat. We must be careful what we wish for.”

A friend, whose father had a cancer, shared this sentiment: “There are regulated drugs that you can buy in pharmacies that require prescription from

doctors. I just can’t remember the color codes but when I was at the pharmacy, I was interrogated. Strict veri�ication was done before I was given that strong pain reliever for my dad.

Should marijuana be legalized for medical purpose, it should follow the same regulation?”

A journalist from Cagayan de Oro City seemed to go for it. “If it’s for medication, why not?” To which another one added, “As long as it is used for medical purposes.”

Another journalist from Manila, a female, also voted for the legalization of medical marijuana.

“A lot of cultures, including ours, have long used marijuana for its medicinal properties. It’s just like a cough syrup; it’s bad if you take too much.

It’s time we harness marijuana’s medicinal properties.”

But there are also

those w h o oppose it.

“So, you want more drug abuse in the Philippines?” one inquired. Another contemplated: “Cigarettes are more harmful than cannabis. So legal is not always ethical.”

It must be recalled that in 2014, Isabela representative Rodolfo Albano III �iled House Bill No. 4477 – the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. The Philippine Daily Inquirer described

the bill as a “hotly-debated topic.”

“We are at this stage, we have Filipinos who need care, we should give them compassionate care - this medical cannabis.

There are a lot of medicines, but they are expensive,” Leah Paquiz, one of the bill’s co-authors, was quoted as saying.

The bill was rejected during the 16th Congress.

But in 2017, the House of Representatives Committee on Health approved House Bill 180 or the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. “The legalization of HB 180 has a long way to go,” the website, marijuanadoctors.com observed.

“It will likely be revised countless times and go through a series of debates and amendments.

Then, it will go to a vote in the House of Representatives, and a counterpart will be voted on by the Senate. Only once it’s approved by both houses will it go before the president to either sign or veto.

The bill has some vocal detractors, so it may take a while to pass.”

The website said that only the Medical Canna-

MARIJUANA, P10

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

DAMOSA LAND LAUNCHES AGRIYA THE FIRST AGRI-FOCUSED MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY IN ASIA

IMAGINE a masterplanned community where sustainable living is the norm. Where people can grow their own food from their backyards, children play in parks with a sense of adventure and learning.

This is the idea behind the only mixed-use, agrifocused development, Agriya.

Located in Panabo City, Davao Del Norte, and just a short 30-minute drive from Davao City, Agriya was recently launched by premier property developer, Damosa Land Inc. (DLI) last February 13 in simple ceremonies attended by the company’s executives, Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, members of the Floirendo family, and the press.

Envisioned to be the first “agropolis” in Asia and poised to become the next prime agritourism address, Agriya offers a rare opportunity for investors to own a piece of the country’s Food Basket. The agropolis is composed of a nine-hectare residential, 24-hectare commercial, nine-hectare agri tourism, and another nine-hectare institutional component; occupying 40-hectares of the total 88-hectare property for its first phase.

Different from any township development, Agriya aims to strengthen the region’s tourism growth by exuding a unique design and masterplan, highlighting its various amenities and

agro-tourism features. Championing sustainability through urban farming, the township has in-house agriculturalists that aim to educate its residents on backyard farming and showcase the region’s wealth in products such as banana, high-value crops, and aquaculture.

“The Philippines agricultural sector has taken a backseat among all the industries that we have despite our wealth in resources. Armed with our strong presence in agriculture, we endeavored to reverse the whole trend through leveraging the country’s robust growth in tourism.” says DLI Head Cary Floirendo-Lagdameo.

Predicated on agriculture, Agriya’s theme park Naturetainment equips tourists a real and first hand take on agriculture; such as its banana park where various varieties of bananas are displayed, and a pick-and-paygarden featuring various high value crops and herbs; stimulate a sense of adventure for young and old alike.

Gracing the event is Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat of the Department of Tourism, who is a guest of honor and speaker in the event.

Among those who were present in the ribbon cutting are [L-R] Mr. Ricardo F. Lagdameo, First Vice President, Damosa Land; Biboy Gavina, Vice Mayor, Panabo City; Hon. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Secretary, Department of Tourism; Mr. Anton F. Lagdameo, President, Industrial Group; Mrs. Linda F. Lagdameo, Chairperson, Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (ANFLOCOR) Group; Mr. Vicente R. Floirendo, President, Agri Operations, ANFLOCOR Group; Mr. Ricardo R. Floirendo, President, Real Estate and Livestock Operations, ANFLOCOR Group.

Poised to be the country’s first agritourism city, Damosa Land Inc. a premier, agroindustrial property developer, launched Agriya, a mixed-use property composed of residential, commercial, agritourism and institutional components created to cater to the needs of the people in Davao. Pictured above is Ricardo “Cary” F. Lagdameo, Head of Damosa Land Inc. as he welcomed everyone in Agriya’s launch.

“Agriya is the first mixeduse property development for Damosa Land that boasts Davao’s richness in agriculture.

As we anchor this project with tourism, we aim to strengthen our position as a developer that innovates the real estate sector through our heritage and technology, and enhancing the

lives of the community” adds Lagdameo.

Agriya is also set to have the country’s premiere agricultural institution, the University of the Philippines - Professional School for Agriculture and Environment (UP-PSAE).

Around 31,900 sqm of land area is donated by DLI to the univer-

sity to be constructed within the property, offering agricultural courses to potential students and granting them lucrative professions in the future.

DLI hopes to retain talents in Mindanao with the upcoming institution as this will be a good opportunity for students to thrive in a sector that the Philippines is rich in.

With 177 detached houses, working crop and aquaculture farms, and a theme park, DLI aims to boost Davao’s growing tourism and establish Panabo City’s agricultural wealth, fostering a culture of residents and tourists thriving in agriculture.

Unveiling the master plan, from [L-R], are the members of the Floirendo family, Mrs. Tina Lagdameol; Ms. Victoria F. Brias; Ms. Caterina F. Lagdameo; Mr. Anton F. Lagdameo, President of the Industrial Group of the Anflo Group of Companies; Ms. Reena F. Lagdameo; Mr. Ricardo F. Lagdameo, First Vice President of Damosa Land, Inc.; Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat of the Department of Tourism; Mrs. Linda Floirendo-Lagdameo, Chairperson of the Anflo Group; Mr. Ricardo Floirendo, President of the Real Estate and Livestock Operations of the Anflo Group; Mr. Vincent Floirendo, President of the Agri Operations of the Anflo Group; and Mr. Oscar Grapa, President of the Management, Investment, Financing and Security Companies of the Anflo Group.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

VCDC CEO Victor Consunji tries out the Globe CONNECTED HOME security cameras inside one of M Residences’ premiere units.

BUILDING THE MODERN, CONNECTED HOME

STEADFAST in its commitment to powering more Filipino homes with high-quality Internet connectivity, Globe at Home embarks on a strategic partnership with one of the country’s most renowned property developers, Victor Consunji Development Corporation (VCDC) in making the vision of a truly modern and connected home a reality.

The partnership proves to be a milestone in the local real estate industry by making one of VCDC’s flagship projects, M Residences located at Acacia Estates, Taguig as the first residential townhouse property in the country to have built-in fiber internet connection upon purchase powered by Globe At Home. With this high speed connectivity, residents can opt to equip their homes with Globe CONNECTED HOME devices powered by Samsung SmartThings for enhanced comfort, security, and entertainment inside their households.

Connected Home is Globe at Home’s range of intelligent home devices that provides whole home coverage and automation which allows customers to experience worry-free and convenient living. To provide a firsthand experience of this technology, Globe at Home and VCDC recently co-hosted VIPs and select media partners in an experiential tour of one of the property’s premiere units installed with Globe Connected Home devices. The exclusive event was led by CEO Victor Consunji and Globe VP and Head of Digital Home Barbie Dapul.

The tour made use of intelligent or IoT (Internet of Things) devices to let visitors experience a digitally-powered home where you simply use your voice, an app, or even scheduled commands to help on your day to day activities. At the core of this experience was a Globe at Home Fiber connection and WiFi Hubs to eliminate WiFi dead spots, and to ensure stable, high-speed connection all over the house for smooth automation of all devices.

Globe Connected Home Outlets and Multipurpose Sensors, also powered by Samsung SmartThings, were installed in the main rooms for the automated remote control of lights and small appliances to simulate that much needed relaxed ambience perfect after a long week of hustle. And to keep a peace of mind throughout the night, full HD Cameras were also installed in select areas to allow you to remotely monitor your home 24 hours a day by just using your mobile phone.

“The rise of faster and more advanced Internet connectivity has also led to more opportunities in using intelligent devices inside the home,” shared VP and Head of Digital Home Barbie Dapul at Globe. “We are glad to take the first steps in showcasing the power of connected living for the benefit and appreciation of more Filipino families hand-in-hand with an esteemed property developer like VCDC.” Globe At Home’s latest Unli Fiber Plans start at only 1699 and have varying speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Starting at just P547 per month, you can bundle your plan with a Globe Connected Home powered by Samsung SmartThings package complete with a WiFi Hub, Multipurpose Sensors, intelligent Outlets and free installation by the Globe Tech Squad -- inhouse experts who can help you set up your own intelligent home. You can even add an additional Samsung SmartThings camera on top of your bundle for as low as P250 per month for a 24-month lock in period.

STYLE

Gifts of timeless style from The SM Store – Parisian Blair Bag, Kenneth Cole Watch, Clarins Joli Rogue Lipstick, F&C Jewelry Love Necklace, and MyBurberry Eau de Perfum.

VALENTINE IS FOR EVERYONE AT THE

SM STORE

SHARE THE LOVE MONTH with gifts for everyone at The SM Store.

There are classic forever pieces for her - jewelry, fragrances and beauty essentials to gifts of style - accessories, shoes and bags. He, on the other hand, will love the laid back luxe of elegant timepieces, weekend warrior backpacks and shoes.

Check out The SM Store Real Beauty catalogue filled with great gift ideas in-store this Valentine month. Don’t forget the voucher next time you’re in the store to get the special discount.

Visit The SM Store today and share the love this February. Follow The SM Store on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Saying it with flowers: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette, SM Accessories blossom earrings, and Parisian Avery shoes.

Athleisure glam. Vans Retro Sport Style Sneakers, Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste Eau de Toilette, and MAC Extra Dimension Skin Finish in Double Gleam. Check them out at The SM Store today.

DAVAO VOL.12 ISSUE 247 •WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA NEWS PILLAR MIKE ENRIQUEZ CELEBRATES 25TH YEAR AS A LOYAL KAPUSO

GMA NEWS PILLAR and multiawarded news anchor and radio host Mike Enriquez marks his 25th year as a loyal Kapuso by renewing his contract with GMA Network on Thursday, February 6.

Present during the contract signing were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, and Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores. Also in attendance were Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz and Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Jojo Aquio.

A certified Kapuso through and through, Enriquez, who also serves as RGMA President, has been with the leading broadcast company since 1995. He only has kind words to say about the Network that has been his home for more than two decades.

“Lubos tayong nagpapasalamat sa GMA at syempre sa top management dahil sa patuloy nilang pagtitiwala sa loob ng dalawampu’t limang taon The blush brigade: SM at higit pa. Kaya sa mga susunod Accessories bag, Dickies pang taon, asahan ninyong patuloy girl sunglasses, F&C pa rin tayong maghahatid ng Serbijewelry heart pendant syong Totoo at mas paghuhusayan with chain, Bobbi pa natin para sa ating mga Kapuso,” Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation, and said Enriquez.

Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise At present, Enriquez co-anchors Intense Satin Lipstick GMA’s flagship primetime news profrom The SM Store. gram 24 Oras and hosts the investigative public affairs program Imbestigador. He is also seen daily on GMA News TV’s Dobol B Sa News

Casual and cool presents for guys – Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette, SM Accessories Bucket Hat, Sunnies Studio Sunglasses, Kenneth Cole Classic Watch, SM Accessories Belt Bag, and Givenchy Gentleman Only Eau de Toilette.

Laid-back luxe: Travel Basic Quill Backpack, Ralph Lauren Polo Eau de Parfum, Kenneth Cole Transparency Silver Watch, SM Accessories Blue Tracker Watch, and Sprint Quavo Basketball Shoes. Catch the hottest men’s fashion essentials at The SM Store today.

INdulge! A3

TV. On radio, he banners Super Radyo DZBB’s Saksi sa Dobol B and Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide.

GMA Network, through its top management, expressed its gratitude and appreciation to Enriquez’ continued loyalty to his home network and his work, citing his unparalleled competence throughout the years.

“Si Mike Enriquez ay talagang matagal na dito sa GMA. In fact, ang loyalty niya at ang loyalty ng GMA sa kanya are unquestionable.

Hindi lamang iyon, Mike is already an institution at siya ay isa sa mga pinakadisenteng journalist at anchor na nakilala ko dito sa broadcasting [industry],” Atty. Gozon shared.

Likewise, Duavit emphasized Enriquez’ contribution to the Network. “We do not see life without Mike and we are grateful and happy that he sees it the same way. Kaya’t pagkakataon din ito na pasalamatan siya sa patuloy na pagtitiwala, patuloy na pakikiisa, at patuloy pang pagpapatibay ng ating samahan,” he

mentioned.

Aside from his unrivaled expertise in news reporting and “Serbisyong Totoo”, Enriquez is known for his honest and straightforward commentaries on various socio-political issues. He is the first Filipino to win the Best Newscaster Award in the Asian Television Awards. He has also been recognized as a “Media Icon” at the first-ever Media Icon Awards organized by the Media Specialists Association of the Philippines (MSAP) held last November 5. The award recognized Enriquez’ invaluable contribution to Philippine media that paved the way for more Filipinos to appreciate news.

At the same time, he is also a recipient of the Media Icon Award during the Gawad Filipino Awards 2019 by EUROTV Philippines. Last January 27, he was also named as the Most Outstanding Male News Anchor at the 3rd Gawad Lasallianeta organized by the De La Salle Araneta University.

MIGUEL ODRON TO DEBUT UNDER ABS-CBN MUSIC INT’L FORMER “Idol Philippines” contestant Miguel Odron is poised to introduce his unique sound with the upcoming release of his debut single under ABSCBN Music International titled “Chevy Cruze.”

Miguel teased fans with the very first performance of “Chevy Cruze” at his first ever concert he headlined alongside JMKO, Jeremy G, and Sam Mangubat titled “Song Feels” held at the Music Museum last January 24.

The young artist first gained attention when he joined the first season of “Idol Philippines” and placed in the Top 5. Fans value his striking sound,

which he attributes to a childhood of listening to unconventional singers such as Amy Winehouse and Nai Palm.

“I’ve always been drawn to nostalgic confabulation. I’m not old enough to have lived through the 70s, but I can try to tell you what I think that must have been like. . . . That feeling often ends up injecting itself into my music,” he shared.

Miguel is also active with gigs. Early this month, he performed at the “New Rules Live in Manila”, the British boy band “New Rules’” first tour in the Philippines. His voice was also heard in the new Kapamilya teleserye “Love Thy

Woman” in the song “Each Day With You”. Late last year, he did the opening number for the Manila show of Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer.

Miguel is one of the fresh talents under ABS-CBN Music International, ABS-CBN’s music label that seeks to introduce the exceptional artistry of Filipinos to global audiences.

Watch out for his debut single, “Chevy Cruze,” available in various online music platforms starting February 28 (Friday). For updates, like Star Music on Facebook at facebook.com/ starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

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A4 UP AND ARTS AND ABOUT CULTURE TRAVEL TECH

EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 247 223 ••216 WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 219 • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,FEBRUARY JANUARY 19, 17, 14, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ELIMINATES SINGLETIPS TO PROTECT YOUR BANK SONY INTRODUCES NEW GP-VPT2BT USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET ACCOUNT THIS LOVE MONTH WIRELESS SHOOTING GRIP MAYA ON THE BLOCK A1

ka weaver naga-himo,” he said.

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

WHAT’S WORSE than get“Mas mudaghan pud ang NORWEGIAN Cruise ting heart broken? orderyour sathe Dagmay if they Getwill Line, innovator ting your bank account broken use cotton threads,” he said. in global cruise BUILDING on travel the into!

Limon also seeshistory the to with a 53-year growing lineup ofneed camindividuals will spend tapSome theand artisans in this endeavof breaking boundaries, eras accessories time effort in modern tugging or now to and givesingle-use theirfor clients freshat is plasdeveloped your heartstrings until you andbeverage new designs. tic bottle free creators, Sony today reveal your informa“We really need tothe tap new the across its personal fleet. has announced tion. they will useman this to artisans directly before GP-VPT2BT wireless TheThen, brand announced last break intoit your account gud ga-agi pa kobank saIdeal middle shooting grip. for year that partnered with and your money. mansteal since wala’y access sa many different types JUST Goods, Inc., which enThey allLine too well how community,” he said. of content creation abled theknow Cruise to replace to manipulate and take adwants tovlogs show off ranging from to all Limon single-use plastic water vantage of human sentiments the beauty of Dagmay asfleet, travel photography /he bottles across its 17-ship during Valentine’s Day. In the has clients who its are looking for videography tomost simple beginning with recent United States alone, Federclothes and accessories made everyday use, thethenew ship, Norwegian Encore. al Commission reported byTrade theoffers Mandayas.

He said they grip optimum The achievement is one of the about 21,000 incidents transnoticed thatand some Pasalubong stability comfort latest sustainable steps forward lating toincluding financial losses worth centers Davao City’s combined with cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In $143 in 2018, higher free connectivity and a 2018,million the Company eliminated than the 8,500 orand $33 moismillion reliable dust single-use plastic straws across accounted in 2015. ture design. its fleetresistant andfor private destinaThere however, Compatible with aofvariety tions, andare as ways a result this to protect you from theseitcamerheartof Sony’s latest digital most recent initiative, will breaking scams.

Read up and as, the GP-VPT2BT connects replace over six million singlelearn what to do bottles when you easily via Bluetooth, allowing use plastic water every encounter loveis creators to them simplyduring aim and year.

In addition, the brand month. shoot without interfering working to eliminate single-use cables or exposedand inputs.

The plastic shampoo condiSigned, sealed, delivered—to new grip includes athis useful tioner bottles later year.tilt your inbox! feature that allows for flexible These efforts are driven by You may receive anSustain SMSas vertical angle adjustment the Company’s Sail & message from aProgram, delivery serwell as the ability to switch Environmental which vice informing you from normal to self-shooting is its provider commitment to minimize that bouquet a Valentine’s modea to with ease.or Additionalwaste landfills, reduce its

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ing messages with website links. Remember that BDO will never send you emails or SMS messages asking you to verify or validate your account. When in doubt, report to ReportPhish@bdo.com.ph.

How sweet it is to match with you!

You may have matched with someone on a dating app. Your match will have an impressive profile and spend time getting to know more about you.

If he deems you a good target, he will work hard to impress you and earn your trust. He will tell you about his educational background and source of income, which may be through a gainful employment or successful business.

When trust is established, he will reveal a money problem. It could range from a business deal gone wrong to a fatally ill relative. He will spin a story based on his knowledge about you, whatever it takes to get your sympathy and compel you to offer financial help.

He may ask you to transfer money to a bank account or share your personal information. Don’t fall for it. to our Sail & Sustain program Love Note #2: Never share in and believe wholeheartedly your personal information. the importance of preserving is too trusting ourAnyone naturalwho resources.

We will with people he or towards she meets continue to strive makonline is a potential victim. ing environmentally conscious Local police authorities say decisions to benefit our earth.” that there is noand shortage of by Envisioned founded modus operandi the counAmerican rapper,in songwriter,

try. Scammers will not spare anyone even during the season of hearts. They remind everyone to be more cautious and discerning, especially of requests that involve down payments or money transfers.

There is an urgent need to be wary of people, whether you meet them online or in person.

While sharing your hangouts actor and activist Jaden Smith and family, hobbiesJUST is okay, sharing takes an inyour personal information novative approach to sourcing is not.

Personalthe information and packaging world’s most includes bank account valued resource - water.userThe names, passwords, or Onerevolutionary company focuses Time (OTP). on an Passwords impact model, taking Never share your personal into consideration both how the information, no and matter the nawater is sourced packaged. ture quality of your relaJUSTand is 100% spring water in a tionship with the person.

This plant-based carton.

The carton includes members, is made ofyour 82%family renewable mateclosest friends, even is somerials – the paperor carton made one is from BDO. fromwho treessays grown in responRemember thatforests the bank sibly-managed and and the its will never caprepresentatives and shoulder are made ask your personal informafromfor a sugarcane-based plastic. tion.

It is refillable and recyclable.

JUST has a global presence Love Note #3:facilities Always in be Glenn vigiwith bottling lant scam. Northern Falls,against NY; Ballymena, Scammers are ruthless.

Ireland; and Ballarat, Australia, They do not discriminate thus allowing the company to against their victims.

They will meet demand around the world prey on anyone without shippingwhom water they from a sense be vulnerable to single could production source. JUST their They cunning takes attacks. care to use theare most effiand couldoptions strike anytime cientthey shipping available. and anywhere.

For more information about You however areLine not ships powNorwegian Cruise erless against them. You and their itineraries, or tocan book outsmart scammers fora as long a cruise, please contact travel as you stay vigilant and protecprofessional, call 888-NCLtive of your personalorinformaCRUISE (625-2784) visit tion. www.ncl.com.

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Aldevinco do not carry Dagmay cloth. gift is on its way to you. The message will include your name, an order tracking number, and a link to a website.

When clicked on, the delivery service provider’s website will and request for your CO2open emissions rate, increase information to verifyand your sustainable sourcing invest so adjustment you can receive ly,identity has an wheel initemerging technologies. your Itor may also offer can bedelivery. loosened tightened “This is a very special and aproud special gift after you toyou allow for seamless operavery moment for us,”put in your credit cardofnumber. tion with cameras different said Harry Sommer, president sizes gripof and and chiefweights. executiveThe officer Love Note #1: Don’t click“As on also includes a flip button, inNorwegian Cruise Line. those fake websites. dicator light and line, lock we switch, a leading cruise are

“Wala man gud kaayo Mandaya na pieces and mostly T’boli products ang sa Aldevinco.

Sa Manila T’boli You may be attacked bylang a mostly makita nawebsite. ginascammer usingnako a fake himo ugisYakan, beads A fakeaccent website an exact repsa Bagobo, balud from lica of a legitimate and Lanao trusted and Inaul. Walay something company’s website.

It is used to from the Mandaya commugather personal information, nity,” he which scammers use an to access thrilled tosaid. make such impact cotton design and steal fromDagmay bank accounts.

by The eliminating single-use beverclothing not yet available in When inisquickly doubt, visit the and can be changed age bottles across our fleet.comtheajust market as Limon pany’s official website. into tripod simply exIt’s one by of the waysand wehis are group are in the immerTo combat this kind of panding the bottom portion, working tostill preserve our oceans sion the stage ofoften the project. technique, known as enabling easy stable, handsand destinations we visit.

“Wethis willmany their phishing, free shooting.

While isevaluate justcompanies, the pa beginning capacity and kung willing sila including banks like BDO, The GP-VPT2BT Wireless of what we and others can do, makipag-collaborate,” he said. have from sendShooting Grip will be availwe arerefrained incredibly committed

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 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

GONE SOON... FROM1

Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Health (DOH).

Under the DOLE program, the driver, operator or their designated bene�iciaries can avail the onemonth cash-for-work program and get paid at least P11,000. This is on top of the �inancial assistance that will be given to them.

DTI, on the other hand, is offering livelihood kits and capacitate individuals to become entrepreneurs while CHED offers a fouryear course education grant of P15,000 per year for four consecutive years for one bene�iciary of the driver or operator.

On top of the health assistance that the bene�iciary can get from PhilHealth, Lingap, Malasakit Center, DOH will give those who are affected by the HPBS implementation an additional P5,000 to P10,000 as medical assistance.

“Dili pa nato ihatag ang

cash assistance until dili pa ma-apektuhan ang ruta sa mga drivers because they can still drive. Ang nakanindot sa atong programa gi-stretch nato ni in terms of eligibility ug wala ta nagfocus sa PUJ drivers and operators only but we extended the eligibility to the fourth degree af�inity buot pasabot kung ako driver dili ko gusto mu-eskwela pero akong asawa gusto mu-eskwela ug baking, akong siyang pa-eskwelahon ug baking because we are also giving them the alternatives nga dili lang driving ang ilang skills kay puwede iyang asawa magdressmaking or mag-farming to make sure nga wala jud ma-left out sa program,” Baloro said.

Drivers and operators who want to avail the assistance of the city are encourage to visit the of�ice of Baloro at the second �loor of the Pasalubong Center from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm.

and Data Acquisition system to make the operation more ef�icient by providing real time data and remote access monitoring and control.

On behalf of the DCWD management, General Manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the water service interruptions. Water supply may be restored earlier if

DCWD’s works go smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

DCWD conducts �lushing after service works are completed. However, once water is restored, customers are advised to open all faucets and allow water to run for at least two minutes. Do not drink tap water immediately but if needed, boil water beforehand as safety precaution.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.

ph) and of�icial Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ davaowater) for the latest water service updates.

They may also call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24hour hotline 235-DCWD (3293) and press “4” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates or contact 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 09084410653 for any matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jason J. Demonteverde)

dress the growing water needs of the city.

On behalf of his constituents, Sirawan Barangay Captain Khalil A. Deporos

expressed his happiness and thanks to DCWD for bringing its services to their barangay and pledged to support the residents

for their water connection applications by providing the necessary certi�ications and barangay resolutions.

(Katrina Belen M. Roble)

ing their cost for research and development but it does not always add up.

“Even other governments are complaining because they can’t afford the medicine through their insurance system,” she said.

Asked if companies are further exploiting the situation in the Philippines, Guerrero said, “Perhaps there is because why did they increase prices if there is already VAT exemption?”

“It’s unacceptable for a country like the Philippines, we are not even a high middle-income country, that prices (of medicine) are higher than European countries, for example,” she said.

IMPLEMENTATION in 90 DAYS In the meantime, Duque said the DOH will have an administrative order for the implementation of the price cap.

“Violations of the price caps will be dealt with in accordance with the Cheaper Medicines Act and other relevant laws together with the DTI and the FDA,” Duque said.

Duque also emphasized that the new prices will still be subject to special discounts to senior citizens and persons with disability.

He cited a Pulse Asia survey last year, which showed that 99 percent of Filipinos are not buying

their prescribed medicine because of the unaffordable costs. Only 24 percent said they are willing to spend up to P5,000 for a month’s supply of medicines while 71 percent said they can only spend up to P1,000.

“With the limited ability of many Filipinos to support even their basic needs, how can they even pay for expensive medications which could amount to Php 5 million to treat cancer, for example? We cannot accept these sky-high prices as the norm. The industry and health institutions must be socially responsible and ensure that medicines are within reach of the ordinary Filipino,” Duque said.

second quarter this year, investors also noted Fitch Ratings’ decision to revise its ratings outlook on the Philippines’ ‘BBB’ credit rating from “stable” to “positive”.

“I think those are the expectations. They see the �light to safe haven. Of course, that’s the Treasury bond so we are seeing that

our liquidity is going back to government securities market,” she said.

With the strong demand for the one-year paper, de Leon said they decided to open the tap facility for this paper.

In a memorandum to the 11 government securities eligible dealers (GSEDs) and market mak-

ers posted on the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) website Monday, the Bureau said the tap facility window was opened for the one-year T-bond for PHP8 billion at a rate of 3.836 percent.

Tap facility is another window where BTr sells government securities.

(PNA)

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PH T-BILL... FROM4

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

for the maintenance of the buses.

“Because Mayor Sara has already anticipated na kailangan ang maintenance pud sa bus. Ang importante quali�ied ka kay kung dili mu-prepare karon ug diha pa mo mu-prepare sa time na i-implement na ang HPBS sayang kayo ang panahon that is why we are offering this program to them,” said Baloro.

To ensure that there will be no drivers and operators left out with the implementation of HPBS that aims to decongest traf�ic woes in the city, the city government of Davao is offering �ive social compensation packages such as educational assistance, skills training, and cash-for-work assistance.

Apart from bus driving skills training from TESDA, other packages offered are programs of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),

WATER SERVICE... FROM2

9

is in need of

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

Account Executives Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate or any related courses • Male/Female • With pleasing personality • With or without experience and willing to be trained

Marketing Assistant Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate or any related courses • Male/Female • With pleasing personality • With or without experience and willing to be trained

Social Media Lead Qualifications: • Candidate must be creative and enjoys social media • Experience in creating social media post for news, business and organization • Good command of English • Experience in graphic design is a plus Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

DOT... FROM4

itage and technology, and enhancing the lives of the community.

DLI also hopes to retain talents in Mindanao with the upcoming institution as

this will be a good opportunity for students to thrive in agriculture sector.

around the world,” it said.

But the APEC-PSU further said the region’s learning from the SARS experience is that the Asia Paci�ic can bounce back in this challenge as long as economies cooperate and introduce the right measures.

“Authorities must start thinking about the long term to minimize lasting harm to the economy and society alike. During this

time of heightened uncertainty, monetary and �iscal authorities could consider maintaining accommodative policies to support economic growth. In the medium to long-term periods, economies could look at structural reforms that ensure immediate action by governments, build stronger healthcare systems, and allocate resources for research and surveillance

of infectious diseases,” the APEC-PSU said.

APEC is composed of 21 member-economies, including the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. (PNA)

but it was nonetheless bullish about its expansion locally and in China, where it plans to build its eighth

mall.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said the

virus could slow in�lation and dent �irst half gross economic product growth by 0.3 percentage point.

charge commissions for coin transactions. By remitting this through BDO instead, every Euro cent would be sent to the Taal victims.

These coin donations have totaled 700 Euros to date.

Last January 14, BDO waived its remittance fees on cash donations sent through the different BDO Remit of�ices abroad for the victims of the Mt. Taal eruption. This campaign runs up to March 31, 2020.

Cash donations sent through BDO Remit of�ices will then be coursed through different foundations namely BDO Foundation, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc., GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc., and Philippine Red Cross. In turn, these foundations will facilitate the purchase and distribution of relief goods in evacuation centers that temporarily house the Taal victims.

BDO has extensive re-

mittance coverage across the globe, with overseas remittance of�ices and partners across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Aside from the different BDO Remit of�ices, the Bank’s global remit partners are also receiving cash donations for the bene�it of the Taal eruption victims, including Remitly, Small World, WorldRemit, Azimo, UAE Exchange Centre, and Xpress Money. Regular remittance charges apply.

VIRUS... FROM4

PH RETAILERS... FROM5 BDO... FROM5

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

Cotabato City seeks exclusion CLEAN SLATE... from BARMM until June 30, 2022

A

year after it voted ‘yes’ to inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Cotabato City now wants exclusion from the BARMM until the end of the transition period on June 30, 2022.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi in a February 7 position paper addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte, a copy of which she sent MindaNews, asked the President to “hold in abeyance the turnover of Cotabato City to BARMM.” At the end of her eightpage position paper, Sayadi, who campaigned for a ‘No’ vote in the January 21, 2019 plebsicite to ratify the Bangsamoro law, said they are “ardently appealing for a Status Quo until such time that the three-year transition period has been completed and the BARMM bureaucracy would have been fully operational.”

The transition period of the BARMM, which is presently governed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), ends on June 30, 2022 when the �irst elected BARMM of�icials shall have taken their oath of of�ice.

But lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM Minister for Local Government and concurrent BARMM spokesperson, said the inclusion of Cotabato City in the BARMM “is settled already by the Constitution and the Bangsamoro law and that is upon rati�ication in a plebiscite.”

“The people of Cotabato City have spoken and no one can stop that,” he told MindaNews.

Sayadi, a lawyer, told MindaNews over the weekend that they were “given extension until December 2020” to maintain the status quo.

Asked who granted the “extension,” she replied in a text message on Sunday: “I was informed in Malacanang in the presence of SILG Año (Secretary of Interior and Local Government Eudardo Año). I understand he was given the order to implement it.”

MindaNews asked who gave the order and when but the mayor sent no reply.

But in her Facebook video post on Saturday night, the mayor said “Secretary Año of DILG said hindi pa time na ilipat ang Cotabato City as of this time – i-defer muna pag-transfer sa December 2020” (it’s not yet time to transfer Cotabato City as of this time and the transfer would be deferred until December 2020).

Mohagher Iqbal, BARMM Minister for Education and concurrent cochair of the Inter-Governmental Relations Body (he for the BARMM, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez for the national government) told MindaNews on Monday they are not aware that a decision has

been made on the appeal of Cotabato City. “We have yet to receive a copy of the decision,” he said, adding that President assured he would give a “fair decision” as the BARMM maintained that the vote of the people in the plebiscite must be respected.

President Duterte met with Sayadi and Iqbal and other BARMM of�icials and Cabinet Secretaries on February 4 and February 12.

Duterte, according to MindaNews sources present during the meeting, asked for a legal basis for the city’s appeal.

Cotabato City voted for inclusion in the BARMM on January 21, 2019, with 36,682 in favor and 24,990 against. The mayor said then that they would �ile a protest, claiming threats and intimidation prevented voters who opposed inclusion in the BARMM from casting their votes. A voter �iled an electoral protest.

Constitution, Bangsamoro Law, Jurisprudence Sinarimbo explained that since the rati�ication, Cotabato City has been part of the BARMM but “we could not supervise and regulate because the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) �ield of�ice in Cotabato City has not been transferred to the BARMM, contrary to the mandate of the Bangsamoro Organic Law which is within three months” form the organization of the BTA. “It is now more than three months and we must comply with the provision of the law,” the BARRM said, citing Article 16, Section 11 of the Bangsamoro law. in its seven-page position paper submitted to President Duterte, dated Februrary10.

The BARMM took over from the ARMM on February 26, 2019 but it was formally inaugurated on March 29, 2019, graced by President Duterte. Three months from March 29 would have been June 29, 2019.

Thus far, only the Department of Transportation and Communication and, partly the Department of Public Works and Highways, have complied with the provision of the law.

The position paper argued that the BARMM is a constitutional mandate that must be obeyed and the territorial jurisdiction of the BARMM, including Cotabato City, “took effect upon rati�ication of Republic Act No. 11054.”

RA 11054 is the Organic Law for the BARMM, rati�ied in January last year by the then �ive-province,

two-city Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 63 villages in six North Cotabato towns, and Cotabato City, where the seat of the BARMM and its predecessor, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is. Sulu voted against inclusion but is still part of the BARMM because the law provides that the ARMM votes as one geographical area.

Aside from the Constitution and the Bangsamoro law, the BARMM also cited jursiprudence, reiterating that its creation “contemplates the grant of political autonomy and not just adminisitrative autonomy.”

It also cited the case of Disomangcop vs Datumanong where the Supreme Court ruled that regional autonomy is the “granting of basic internal government powers to the people of a particular area or region with least control and supervision from the central government.”

The BARMM said that based on RA 11054, “rati�ication in a plebiscite is the operative fact that determines the establishment of the territorial jurisdiction and no further act is necessary for the inclusion of provinces, cities and geographical areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.”

Status Quo Sayadi’s position paper claimed as legal basis for the President to consider their appeal is that implementation of the law is “inherently executive in nature” and the President has the “full power” to hold in abeyance the turnover of the city to the BARMM. She also cited the general supervision powers of the President in the Constitution, the Local Government Code, and the Bangsamoro Law’s Article VI which provides that the President shall exercise general supervision over the Bangsamoro Government “to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed.”

Sayadi claimed her city would be placed in a “critical and dif�icult sitaution” and that the momentum of the city for progress and development “will be unduly derailed” if they would be under BARMM. She cited several issues to push for status quo until 2022, among them, that the turnover of the city to BARMM is “not urgent.. not exigent.. not necessary as of this time,” claiming the BARMM has yet to pass its Administrative Code; that the system of governance in the BARMM is parliamentary and the BARMM is still “learning its craft.”

The mayor also claimed that after a year, “BARMM has no signi�icant achievement,” that it has “no transition plan” and cited other issues pointing to the alleged incompetence of the BARMM and that the turnover of Cotabato City to BARMM now “will im-

peril the development and growth and bring confusion in Intergovernmental Relations of the City.”

She also claimed peace and order “would be seriously sacri�iced,” adding the incidence of crimes has “signi�icantly increased” since the BARMM was set up and that investors are “withdrawing their investments because of this perceived threat to peace and political stability.”

She cited four cases pending in the Supreme Corut – three on the issue of constitutionality of the Bangsamoro law �iled by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan vs Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Constitution Association vs Senate, and Congressman Dimaporo vs Commission on Elections, and a petition for nulli�ication of the plebiscite results in Cotabato City (Amil P. Sula vs Comelec).

Sinarimbo said the Administrative Code is “not a requirement for the inclusion of Cotabato City in the BARMM or the transfer of national agencies located in Cotabato whose functions have been transferred to the Bangsamoro.”

He said the Bangsamoro law provides that “subsisting regional laws, including the Administrative Code, continue to operate unless revoked by the Parliament.”

Still with Region 12?

Sayadi’s reference to a “status quo” is apparently for Cotabato City to remain with Region 12 where it was a part of before last year’s plebiscite on the Bangsamoro law.

But is Cotabato City still part of Region 12?

Teresita Socorro Ramos, Regional Development Council-12 (RDC-12) acting chair told MindaNews Monday that the region’s highest policy-making body considers Cotabato City already part of the BARMM. “Following the rati�ication of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, RDC-12 reorganized and no longer includes Cotabato City as its member. Since then, we have not been inviting Cotabato City to attend RDC12 meetings,” Ramos, also the director of the National Economic and Development Authority-12, told MindaNews in a telephone inteiew.

She, however, said that several national government line agencies in Region 12 that have no counterpart in the BARMM as yet, continue to include Cotabato City in their budget items “so as to avoid stunting the growth of the city by depriving it of budget.”

Ramos sad the budget allotted by national government line agencies in Region 12 “can be turned over to the BARMM once the new Bangsamoro region has completed its transition process.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas with a report by Bong Sarmiento / MindaNews)

FROM 12

Foodtruck nipped Cathiana Hearts 4-3, Orlando FC beat Solido FC 5-1, Davraa defeated RMC Rookie 4-1 and CR7 1-0, RMC Rookie edged FCFC 6-5 and Solido turned back Cathiana Hearts 8-4.

In the Women's Open, CR7 remained undefeated with wins over Ateneo 9-0 and Solido FC 3-0. DDS Khanj beat Rebels 3-1, Solido clobbered Rebels 5-1, and RMC blanked DDS Khanj 2-0.

bis Compassionate Centers (MCCCs) and Medical Cannabis Research and Safety Compliance Facilities licensed by the Department of Health “will be authorized to cultivate medical marijuana.” In addition, “only MCCCs can distribute cannabis medications to patients. If the new law passes, only these facilities, medical marijuana patients and caregivers will be exempt from civil and criminal liability.”

The Cannabis Act has set number of conditions to qualify patients for medical marijuana treatments. Among the debilitating conditions included are cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage or intractable spasticity, post-traumatic stress disorder, human immunode�iciency virus and acquired immune de�iciency syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic autoimmune in�lammatory disorders, and admission to hospice care.

It must be pointed out here that marijuana isn’t legalized yet in the country. The penalty for possession has some serious consequences, depending on the amount a person carries. If the authorities catch a person carrying ten grams or more, the penalty ranges from life in prison to the death penalty and a �ine ranging from half million to 10 million pesos.

If it is between �ive and ten grams, the penalty ranges from 20 years to life imprisonment and a �ine ranging from P400,000 to P500,000. If it is less than �ive grams, the penalty is 12 to 20 years in prison and a �ine ranging from P300,000 to P400,000.

By just possessing a drug paraphernalia and equipment, the penalty is six months to four years in prison and ranging from P10,000 to P50,000.

Historical records show the use of marijuana dates back as far as 12,000 years, according to information in the book Marihuana: The First Twelve Thousand Years.

This makes the plant among humanity’s oldest cultivated crops.

“For the most part, it was widely used for medicine and spiritual purposes," during pre-modern times, said Barney Warf, a professor of geography at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. The Vikings and medieval Germans reportedly used cannabis for relieving pain during childbirth and for toothaches.

Newsweek, the American weekly news maga-

zine, reported that hash, the potent form of marijuana, was a common cure for lockjaw and other nagging, painful diseases throughout the 19th century. It was also used as an anesthetic. “An archaeological �ind in the city of Beit Shemesh uncovered hashish in the stomach of the 1,623-year-old remains of a 14-year-old girl who had died in childbirth,” it said.

“The idea that this is an evil drug is a very recent construction,” and the fact that it is illegal is a “historical anomaly,” Warf said.

“The history of cannabis prohibition in the Western world is a long one, often interspersed with tangents into the history of race and class relations, economics and military history,” the Newsweek said. In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte made it a crime for his French soldiers to smoke hashish they had developed a taste for while conquering Egypt.

Cannabis plants are believed to have evolved on the steps of Central Asia. The plant was introduced into the United States at the start of the 20th century – no thanks to Mexican, who were �leeing from their country during the Mexican Revolution of 19101911, according to Agata Blaszczak-Boxe, contributing writer for Live Science.

“Many early prejudices against marijuana were thinly veiled racist fears of its smokers, often promulgated by reactionary newspapers,” Warf wrote in his report. “Mexicans were frequently blamed for smoking marijuana, property crimes, seducing children and engaging in murderous sprees.”

Two years ago, when the year was about to end, Newsweek carried a special report believing 2018 will go down in history as “a year of global change” – as far as marijuana was concerned.

“We’ve seen massive changes overtake a global cannabis culture already establishing itself at a remarkable pace,” the American weekly magazine pointed out. “Canada has joined Uruguay as the second country in the world to legalize cannabis for adult use, markets in the U.S. are growing with every election season, and even countries like Lebanon – whose long-standing diplomatic efforts with the West and its drug warriors caused a long tradition of excellent cannabis to fall by the wayside – are rethinking their relationship to the plant.”

MARIJUANA... FROM8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

11

GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL. (Left photo) Crocs FC Coach Christian Ea dishes out instructions to his team. (Right) Two players go for the pigskin in this intense action during the AIA Philam Life 7s Football Tournament at the Azuela Cove over the weekend.

GRASSROOTS TEAM STANDINGS AS OF FEB. 17, 2020 MIXED 9 TEAMS W L PTS ROVERS FC 4 0 12 RMC 319 PANABO UNITED 339 TAMASAK PANABO 3 2 9 CROCS FC 226 FAMAH 040 SOUTHSHIELD FC 123 DAVAO HYENAS 123 AMIGOS UNITED 123 MIXED 11 - BRACKET A NUFC-A 5 0 37 TAMASAK PANABO 2 1 6 ROVERS 133 AMSAI 13 3 FAMAH 04 0 AMIGOS UNITED 2 1 6 SOUTHSHIELD RED 0 2 0

DAVRAA moved to April 1-7

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he provincial government of Davao de Oro has postponed the staging of Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet in the province next month amid the Corona Virus Disease 19 (CoViD-19) scare.

Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyrone L. Uy said the postponement of the annual regional sport-

ing meet is due to the advisory of Department of Health (DOH) refraining the local governments to host events that will gather crowds He said the event is supposed to be staged on March 15 to 22 but they proposed to the Department of Education and later on approved to move the DAVRAA on April 1 to 7.

“Hopefully, the status of the virus or CoViD-19 will not become worse that time,” he said.

But, he assured that the regional meet will go in his province this year.

He said aside from the postponement of DAVRAA, the activities for the for Araw ng Davao de Oro was also canceled also due to the health scare.

“As much as we want to proceed with the scheduled activities, we cannot risk your health, safety and well being, all these remain as our utmost priority,” he said.

Uy said all activities and celebrations intended for this year’s founding anniversary will be merged instead with the Bulawan Festival 2020.

MIXED 11 - BRACKET B PANABO UNITED 4 0 12 BLACK KNIGHTS 24 6 CROCS FC 23 6 RICSPEED BP 13 3 DAVAO HYENAS FC 3 0 9 NUFC-B 050 SOUTHSHIELD BLUE 3 0 9 YOUTH TEAM STANDINGS AS OF FEB. 17, 2020 BOYS 13 TEAMS RMC FC 309 DAVAO HYENAS 206 NUFC 133 AMSAI 030 BOYS 15 TEAMS SOUTHSHIELD BLUE 4 0 12 ATENEO JHS-A 4 0 12 SOUTHSHIELD RED 3 1 9 AMSAI 21 6 ATENEO JHS-B 13 3 NUFC 04 0 RICSPEED BP 030 OPEN TEAM STANDINGS AS OF FEB. 17, 2020 MEN'S OPEN RMC DAVAO UTD 4 0 12 ORLANDO FC 31 9 RMC ROOKIE 226 SOLIDO FC 226 CR7 226 DAVRAA 226 CATHIANA HEARTS 0 4 0 FCFC 040 WOMEN'S OPEN CR7 SOLIDO FC D'DS KHANJ RMC FC ATENEO REBELS

4 0 12 319 12 3 12 3 12 3 030

Alvn Pasaol Joshua Munzon, Moala Tautuaa and CJ Perez has been named to the Philippines' 3x3 squad.

Davao's Pasaol picked for Gilas 3x3 squad

D

avao boy Alvin Pasaol was named to the "Final Four" players for the FIBA 3x3 Olympic qualifying tournament next month.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Tuesday named Pasaol along with Joshua Munzon, Moala Tautuaa and CJ Perez to the Philippines' 3x3 squad.

The four were selected

by SBP, upon the recommendation of the Selection Com-

mittee, chaired by executive director Sonny Barrios, with coaches Jong Uichico, Pat Aquino, Ronnie Magsanoc and Eric Altamirano.

Leonard Santillan and Karl Dehesa round up the group as reserves.

Serbian coach Stefan Stojajic and conditioning coach Darko Krsman are overseeing the day-to-day training program of the team.

Munzon and Pasaol are

among the top-ranked 3x3 players in the country, while Tautuaa and Perez are part of the Philippine team that won the 3x3 gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games last year.

The team will compete in the FIBA 3x3 Olympic qualifying tournament on March 18-22 in Bengaluru, India.

There are 20 con�irmed participating teams, divided into four pools of �ive squads each.

The top two teams from each pool will advance to the playoffs, and the top three teams will qualify to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"It is an honor for the Philippines to be with the top 20 countries vying for seats at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. We ask our countrymen to rally behind our team in its quest to be part of the Olympiad," SBP president Al Panlilio said in a statement.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

CLEAN SLATE

VOL.12 ISSUE 247 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

Nabunturan, Davao Hyenas, Southshield Blue, Ateneo stay unbeaten

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

N

abunturan United FC-A streaked to three wins over the weekend to lead the big gainers on Matchday 2 of the AIA Philam Life 7s Davao Football Tournament at the Azuela Cove pitch.

NUFC-A remained unbeaten in �ive matches in the Under 11-A Bracket with three wins for the day after clobbering Rovers FC 11-0 and then returned to the pitch later to beat Amigos United 5-3 and Southshield Red 2-0. Amsai edged FAMAH 4-3 and Southshield Red 2-0 for two wins, Amigos United then came back with back to back wins over Rovers FC 6-3 and Famah 6-0.

In the Under-11 B Bracket, Davao Hyenas also went perfect three for three for the day with wins over Black Knights 2-0, Crics FC 5-0 and NUFC-B 7-0. Other results showed South-

shield Blue beat Crocs FC 5-0, Panabo United over Ricspeed BUkas Palad 2-1, Southshield Blue blank NUFC-B 8-0, Black Knights edge Ricspeed 2-1, Southshield Blue blank Black Knights 2-0 and Panabo United drub NUFC-B 5-0.

In the U-15 division, Southshield Blue and Ateneo JHS-A stayed atop the standings with 4-0 records after scoring a pair of wins each. Southshield Blue defeated Ricspeed Bukas Palad 6-0 and Ateneo-B 4-1 while Ateneo A turned back Ricspeed 4-0 and NUFC 4-3.

Southshield Red beat NUFC 1-0 and Amsai Stalwarts 6-0 to stay at 3-1. Amsai got one W after beating Ateneo B 2-0.

In Men's Open action, RMC United scored twin wins to tow the �ield. The Bulldogs beat FCFC 6-2 and Orlando FC 6-3. CR7

CLEAN SLATE, P10

FLYING KICKS. Two players dispute the ball in mid air during Matchday 2 of the AIA Philam Life 7s Football Tournament at the Azuela Cove over the weekend.