Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 256 | Saturday, February 29, 2020

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

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BOGUS DEVELOPERS Gov’t housing agency all out against illegal Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president John Carlo Tria (left) chats with Department of Finance assistant secretary Antonio Lambino at the sidelines of DCCCII General Membership Meeting news conference at Grand Regal Hotel in Lanang, Davao City on Friday where they tackled the Ease of Doing Business Law. Lean Daval Jr

subdivision developers in Davao Region

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he regional of�ice of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD 11) is running after illegal subdivision developers in Davao Region.

DHSUD OIC regional director lawyer Miguel Palma Gil told media in Connect media forum that his of�ice is going after sev-

eral illegal developers who established subdivision projects in Island Garden of Samal (IGaCoS), Indangan, and Communal in Baran-

gay Buhangin, Davao City.

Palma Gil said illegal developers subdivided the Certi�icate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAS) in a piecemeal way.

"Piecemeal ang pag-subdivide na wala development permits. Mga CLOAS sa Samal gi-subdivide I don't know why gi-allow ng ROD na i-subdivide ang smaller lots.

Muagi ka pa dapat ana sa among agency, sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA) ug local government units. So please avoid buying without license. Marami na in Davao Region.

Those are the things that I am looking into into right now," he said.

He said on February

27, he and Roy Ryan Rigor, chief of Housing and Home Site Division of the City Planning and Development Of�ice (CPDO) conducted a joint inspection in Communal and Indangan areas upon the order of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

"We were ordered by the mayor to look into the problem kasi may nag raise na resident na yung kanal

daw nila na- block only to �ind out na yung subdivision nila is an illegal subdivision project. Wala silang proper na kanal system, walang proper road networks. I really dont know the name kasi wala siyang license in cimmunal area.

Kawawa yung nakabili. Tinanong ko sino ang nagbebenta, di na daw ma locate,"

BOGUS, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Rescuers from Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incident (BARMM-READI) hold a refresher course on basic life support on Thursday. Emergency response centers amounting P10 million each will be built in all provinces of the region. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

DCPO pilots project I READY in city school T

Quake, tsunami drill inculcates culture of safety in DavOr coastal community

By MAYA M. PADILLO

he Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) has piloted Project READY in Magallanes Elementary School (MES) along Magallanes Street in Davao City to increase awareness of students against illegal drugs.

To harmonize the outcome-based approach of the Department of Education (DepEd) , the Philippine National Police (PNP) formulated Command Memorandum Circular No. 41-2016- Project READY (Resistant Education Against Drugs for the Youth) last 2016.

The PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PNP DEG) through the Demand Reduction and Education Di-

vision (DRED) coordinated with the Department of education, Region 3 for the initial implementation of project READY in order to continue the formulation and institutionalization of the preventive information and education program of the PNP. Captain Gillian Rose Birondo, deputy head of the Davao City Police Of�ice Police Communications Relations (PCR) told media

the project is being piloted to the Grade 6 students of MES. “Meron tayong Project READY and we already launched this in cooperation with DCPO station 1 to 12. Meron tayong naka deploy na mga police personnel na magtuturo sa mga estudyante sa Grade 6 ng basic rules and how to follow the rules in school and the community. We will inculcate to them that obeying the law is for their safety,” Birondo said.

Fourteen police personnel from DCPO main of�ice underwent training for the said project. “ These police personnel were trained to teach the students,” Birondo said.

In 2018, PNP DEG, DRED crafted the Spiral Mythodology framework for Project READY to ensure continuous quality education on anti-illegal drugs awareness thus equipping the READY participants and of�icers with the knowledge, skills and right attitude needed on anti-illegal drugs awareness campaign.

The READY curriculum is a comprehensive lecture crafted by a group of profesisonals in the �ield of education, with years of experience in the streetas law enfrocers. The four lessons were tailor-�itted for the youth, providing information on the danger of harm-

Jubahib said the groundbreaking will be held simultaneously at Azuela Cove in Davao City and Barangay Caliclic in Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos)--the two points interconnecting the planned bridge.

Last month, Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte bared that the project had been delayed because one of the property owners threatened to �ile a writ of

Kalikasan against the project.

A writ of Kalikasan is a legal remedy under Philippine law that provides protection of one’s constitutional right to a healthy environment.

Jubahib assured that the environment would be protected throughout the phases of the bridge construction.

“No corals will be affected and there will be no

displacement among the affected families during the construction process,” he said.

“This is long-overdue and we thank this administration for giving it a chance. Our interest is for the people who are clamoring for this bridge,” he added.

With a length of about 2,830 meters, the mayor said the bridge would pro-

DCPO, P9

Samal-Davao bridge to break ground in July

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he long-awaited PHP23 billion Samal-Davao bridge project will break ground in July this year, Gov. Edwin Jubahib announced on Thursday.

This came, Jubahib said, after the lone holdout among the several families whose properties will be affected by the project has already agreed with the terms of expropriation offered by the government.

SAMAL-DAVAO, P9

nculcating the culture of safety and disaster preparedness among all residents, especially those in coastal areas which are vulnerable to tsunamis, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice (PDRRMO) conducted an earthquake and tsunami drill yesterday, February 26.

Yesterday’s drill was held in the coastal community of Barangay Lucatan in the municipality of Tarragona, Davao Oriental, which served as the pilot barangay for the province’s Earthquake and Tsunami Orientation with Community Drill.

PDRRMO Assistant Department Head, Francis Jason Bendulo said that the activity is part of the priority programs of Governor Nelson Dayanghirang on disaster preparedness which bid to train, educate, and prepare all coastal barangays of the province from tsunami following the series of earthquakes that shook Mindanao.

The training also aims to help the barangays properly coordinate with their counterparts in the municipalities and the province in disaster preparedness while teaching them to become more resourceful in disaster preparedness efforts.

Bendulo lauded the residents of Barangay Lucatan not only for their active participation but also for the community’s resourcefulness in using what is available in the community, such as the mosque speaker, as an early warning device.

“Not all barangays are equipped with early warning devices so what they did was really impressive,” said Mr. Bendulo, saying that communities can always utilize their resources for risk reduction and that they must be resourceful and creative.

He also appealed to other communities to take the drill very seriously. “What we are doing is not to scare them. Remember, this is for their own good,” he added.

Meanwhile, Tarragona Mayor Nestor Uy, who witnessed the activity, said he considers the activity as a huge necessity for his constituents in order to be prepared in times of catastrophe.

“We are here to know what are the proper things to be done to ensure disaster preparedness. Of course, we are not hoping, and absolutely we are not expecting these calamities to happen, but the best weapon is still preparedness. We have to act before it’s too late,” he added.

Punong Barangay Manny Tambuco expressed his profound gratitude to the provincial government for initiating and bringing the drill to his barangay so his people may know the utmost importance of risk reduction management.

“I am glad that we have this. We are happy that we are collaborating in this endeavor so that the people will know what to do during disasters. Our aim here is zero casualty and minimal, if not, no damage at all to properties and livelihood” he said.

QUAKE, P9

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Duterte formally bans vaping in public places

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order which prohibits vaping or the use of e-cigarettes in public places in an expansion of his earlier nationwide smoking ban.

Executive Order No. 106, signed on Wednesday but made public only on Friday, also prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, and requires the registration of such products with the Food and Drug Administration.

Establishments that manufacture, import, and sell e-cigarettes meanwhile are required to secure a license to operate from the FDA. The latest executive

order is an expansion of Duterte’s 2017 directive to ban smoking of tobacco products in public places.

Duterte made good on his word last year of an executive order after health of�icials reported a case of electronic cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) in the central Philippines.

Over a million Filipinos use e-cigarettes according to the Department of Health, which has repeatedly called for an outright ban on vaping.

The health department has warned that e-cigarettes are not a proven nicotine replacement therapy and can cause lung illness.

opes are high that the Central Mindanao Airport (CMA) may start operating before yearend after 15 landowners �inalized Thursday the sale of their properties to the government through the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the provincial government of North Cotabato.

Governor Nancy Catamco and DOTr Assistant Secretary Jim Melo and Registry of Deeds Provincial Head Atty. Ma. Theresa Pescadera witnessed the ceremonial signing and distribution of checks at the provincial capitol grounds in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.

“When you make impossible things happen it’s more ful�illing,” Catamco said, lauding the landowners for their patience and cooperation.

The governor also thanked the of�icers and staff members of different line agencies for their unwavering support to make the CMA project push through with ease.

Melo said that DOTr

wants the CMA to be operational as soon as possible, and is willing to support the provincial government of Cotabato in all its endeavors.

Teresita Buena�lor, one of the landowners, said the signing of the deed of absolute sale has given hope not only to the people of M’lang, where the mothballed airport is located, but also to all Cotabateños who wish to see the project �inally take off.

On Feb. 14, Catamco met with the landowners and conducted an ocular inspection at the airport wherein DOTr representative Engr. Manny Lazam assured that the DOTr is ready to download additional funding for the project when the documents are completed.

The DOTr and the provincial government of North Cotabato are expected to proceed with the perimeter fencing immediately and open the airport before the end of the year.

The mothballed airport will need at least

DOTr exec: CMA to operate in 2020

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DOTR, P9

Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) research and conservation director Dr. Jayson Ibañez, together with University of Mindanao Coleoptera Research Center director Dr. Analyn Cabras, promotes during this week’s Connect media forum at SM Lanang Premier an interactive exhibit

dubbed “Wildlife is Here 2020: Biodiversity Super Year” that will kick off on March 3 in celebration of the UN World Wildlife Day and will run until March 8 at SM Lanang Premier Atrium. Lean Daval Jr

Hundreds of Davao City Hall job vacancies open for Dabawenyos

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ant to work with the government? Then the city government of Davao could be your place to be.

There are 800 vacant regular positions open for Dabawenyos, said Lemuel Ortonio, the head of the Davao City Human Resource Management Of�ice (HRMO).

“We have around 3,300 plantilla positions. But, as of now, we only have around 2,500 plantilla positions that are �illed,” Ortonio said.L And, there are various of�ices in need of professional employees, he added.

“Naa pa ta’y mga opening for doctors, lawyers, engineers — speci�ically civil

engineers and mechanical engineers to be assigned sa City Engineer’s Of�ice (CEO) and Of�ice of the City Building Of�icial, and of course nurses and mga dentist to be [deployed] sa City Health Of�ice (We have also opening for doctors, lawyers, engineers specifically civil and mechanical engineers for the City engineer’s Of�ice and Of�ice of the City Building Of�icial, and, of course, nurses, dentist for the City Health Of�ice),” he bared.

Ortonio, however, said the job vacancies will not

be �illed simultaneously.

“Dili na siya sabay-sabay na tanan naka-post (Not all are posted at the same time). We schedule our interviews for the vacant plantilla positions. As of now, we have already �ixed the schedule up until June of this year,” he said.

He said interested applicants can submit to HRMO an Application Letter addressed to the City Mayor, Personal Data Sheet, Work Experience Sheet, Transcript of Records or Proof of Educational Attainment.

He assured that recruitment would be fair and objective, citing the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence

DA eyes progressive growth rate for agri in 3-year period

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Residents of Barangay Lucatan, Tarragona, Davao Oriental joined the earthquake and tsunami drill facilitated by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The activity is part of the priority programs of Governor Nelson Dayanghirang on disaster preparedness

which bid to train, educate, and prepare all coastal barangays of the province from tsunami following the series of earthquakes that shook Mindanao. PIO

in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM).

He said compliance with the recruitment standards even earned the city government a Bronze Award in July last year.

“Gina-follow nato ang tanan nga standards that are being set by the Civil Service Commission, which includes ang atoang recruitment and appointment. In terms sa job orders and contractual services, gina-follow nato kung unsa ang requirements sa of�ices (We follow all the standards set by the Civil Service Commission which includes recruitment and appointment. we also follow the requirements of the of�ices for job orders and contractual),”

resident Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday accepted broadcast �irm ABS-CBN Corp.’s apology over his unaired campaign advertisements during the 2016 presidential elections and vowed not to meddle in its franchise renewal bid.

“Nandiyan na iyan eh (It has been done). I accept the apology of course,” Duterte told Palace reporters in a chance interview at Malacañan.

During a Senate hearing on Monday, ABS-CBN president and chief executive of�icer Carlo Katigbak said the local media giant was sorry if Duterte felt offended by the unaired political advertisements in the 2016 presidential race.

Katigbak said ABS-CBN is also willing to give back the remaining PHP2.6 million in advertisement money.

Duterte, however, told the embattled broadcast �irm to just give the money

to “any charitable institution of their choice.”

He also ensured that he would keep a “healthy distance” from issues surrounding the franchise renewal bid of ABS-CBN. “I tell you, I am not going to interfere. Wala talaga ako (I will not have a hand),” Duterte said.

Duterte also stressed the “critical move” is now up to the House of Representatives because it has yet to deliberate �irst on the pending 11 franchise bills.

“Fundamentally, really ang decision nasa House ngayon (the decision really is now on the House of Representatives), not so much of the Senate because the Constitution says all of these things must originate from the lower house,” he said.

The House of Representatives has to �irst approve the bill seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s 25-year fran-

DA EYES, P9

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

OFW remittances lower due to coronavirus

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he novel coronavirus had made an impact in the world’s economy, with a P3.6-trillion loss, according to a report on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Thursday.

Central Bank Gov. Benjamin Diokno, however, maintains that the coronavirus scare will have no effect on the local economy.

He said the country can still reach the target six percent Gross Domestic Product or GDP for 2020.

Diokno said the government is preparing a program to further the country’s economic growth.

The remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from China, Ma-

Beautederm shop owner and Beautederm Mindanao team leader Kharnelia Lariosa-Edquila, together with Beautederm ambassadress Sholai Lim, provides the details on the efforts of the company to empower and to uplift the lives of the women in Davao Region during Con-

nect media forum at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on Friday where she promoted the Beaute Caravan, a business conference on women empowerment and entrepreneurship, slated in Acacia Hotel on March 8. Lean Daval Jr

Sin taxes to help Pinoys live long, healthy lives

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he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) welcomed the enactment of Republic Act 11467 which will increase excise taxes on alcohol products, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products (HTPs). tainable future, enabling Filipinos to live long and healthy lives with an ef�icient healthcare system, as well as a safe and clean environment,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said.

RA 11467 will bene�it all 17 SDGs through the funding of programs and projects that support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It will

primarily bene�it Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being through the additional funding for the UHC. It will also help in addressing Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol as RA 11467 aims to curb their consumption.

Under this new measure, the regulatory function of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) over e-cigarettes and HTPs is reinforced.

The FDA has also been tasked to formulate a regulatory framework for the immediate operationalization of this section of the Law. In his correspondence

to the Senate and House of Representatives dated January 22, President Rodrigo R. Duterte commended “the wisdom of Congress in acknowledging the unregulated manufacture, proliferation, distribution, and use of HTPs and vapor products in the country”.

Pernia said “this will help Filipinos achieve the quality of life that they deserve by discouraging and reducing the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, lowering their risk for non-communicable and deadly diseases”.

RA 11467, which was enacted into law on January 22, amends and adds to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

(PR)

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno remains optimistic of a 6-percent economic growth this year despite the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a brie�ing Thursday, Diokno said the country remains less affected by the epidemic despite the rise of cases in more countries.

“Most of the things

that we plan to do are not heavily affected by the coronavirus like the Build, Build, Build,” he said.

Diokno said if he is still the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), he will propose for a supplemental budget to further boost state spending.

“There are many things that we should do while the whole world is in a mess. Marami tayong homework na kailangang

gawin (We have a lot of homework to do) so that when all of these settle down, we’ll be in a stronger position again,” he added.

Diokno said the government should focus more on the implementation of its infrastructure program and educating its youth, among others, since these are among the drivers of growth.

The government targets an expansion of be-

tween 6.5 to 7.5 percent this year.

Economic managers are �irm on pushing for more reforms to ensure the recovery of the domestic economy.

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) accelerated by 5.9 percent in 2019, below the government’s 6-6.5 percent target due to the impact of the delay in the approval of last year’s national budget. (PNA)

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livery tanked almost 4.2 percent to $51.20 per barrel, while New York's WTI crude for the same month dived nearly 5.0 percent to $46.31.

"Concerns that the virus will prompt a global slowdown, weaker consumer con�idence and

reduced travel has raised concerns about lower demand, weighing on prices," CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson told AFP. Investors are growing increasingly fearful about the economic impact of the new coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak.

The virus continues to spread meanwhile, with Brazil reporting Latin America's �irst case, and Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Georgia, Norway and Pakistan following suit.

Around 2,800 people have died in China and

The salient feature of the law will split excise tax revenues between the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act of 2019 (60 percent), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (20 percent), and nationwide medical assistance and the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (20 percent).

“This law will allow for a better and more sus-

Diokno confident of 6% PH growth despite Covid-19

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Oil slumps more than 4.0% on Covid-19 fears orld oil prices tumbled by more than four percent on Thursday, as traders fretted about the impact of spreading coronavirus on crude demand, particularly from key consumer China.

Brent oil for April de-

OIL, P9

cau and Hong Kong are expected to be lower said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.

He added that this is due to the grave impact of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 on China and its territorial regions.

However, the losses from these regions will be gained from the remittances from the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

The government, of�icials said, have adjusted the growth projection of the OFW remittances from 3 percent, this was adjusted to 2.2 percent, which is equivalent to $34.2 billion dollars, which is still considered a record-high amount.

PAL keeps PH-SoKor route despite travel restrictions

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ucio Tan-led �lag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said Thursday it is keeping its �light frequencies to and from South Korea despite a travel restriction imposed on parts of the East Asian nation due to rising cases of the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections.

"We still maintain the same number of �light frequencies for now," PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in a text message to reporters.

However, Villaluna said PAL may "downgrade from wide to narrowbody aircraft" for its Philippine-South Korea �lights.

On Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease approved the entry ban on travelers coming from the North Gyeongsang province of South Korea effective immediately. https://www. gmanetwork.com/news/ news/nation/727406/ philippines-imposes-travel-ban-on-south-koreanprovince-due-to-covid-19/ story/ Panelo also said Filipino tourists would not be allowed to travel to the

whole of South Korea.

Despite maintaining the frequencies of its Philippine-South Korea �lights, Villaluna said PAL is implementing the following guidelines.

-For South Korea to the Philippines: Travel ban applies to all passengers who have been to North Gyeongsang province including Daegu city (regardless of nationality and regardless of date of travel from North Gyeongsang province).

-For the Philippines to South Korea: Travel ban applies to all Filipinos traveling for tourism. Filipinos who are studying in Korea, employed in Korea, or holding a permanent resident visa in Korea are exempted provided that they show proof of identi�ication/documentation.

“Passengers transferring through Korea are not covered by the ban, while foreign tourists are allowed to take PAL's Manila to South Korea �lights,” Villaluna said.

PAL operates 21 �lights between Manila and South Korea.

The carrier has 14 weekly �lights between Manila and Incheon route, and seven weekly �lights between Manila and Busan.

Bangsamoro women undergo mushroom production training

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angsamoro women from various Muslim organizations in the City of Mati underwent training for mushroom production conducted by the City Agriculture Of�ice.

The training was conducted from February 26 to 27 at the Davao Commercial Agriculture Research Station (DaCARS) in Mati City.

The women belong to the Bangsamoro Women’s Organization of Davao Oriental (BaWOrDO), Bangsamoro Radio Assistance on Communication and Emergency Services (BRACES), and City Eagles of Mati OFW Family Circle Association (CEMOFCA).

The trainers from the City Agriculture Of�ice are Romel M. Avence, June C.

Gallego and Norosesalam M. Cambing.

The training was made possible by the City of Mati LGU in partnership with DA regional director Engr. Ricardo M. Onate Jr. and Agri Center Chief Enya B. Celoso.

The Bangsamoro women who underwent training will re-echo their newly-acquired skills and knowledge to the other members of their respective organizations on how to produce oyster mushrooms and how to turn them into crispy mushrooms, atchara and other byproducts.

DaCARS will also give starter kits to the newly-trained Bangsamoro women containing grain spawn, pvc neck, PP bag and the likes. (CIO MATI)

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

DOT ramps up tourism marketing in international, local markets

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he Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to ramp up its marketing of the country’s tourism industry amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) scare in the Southeast Asian region, an of�icial said on Thursday.

During a media launch, DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking showcased some of the department’s new advertising materials meant to bolster tourism in the Philippines and set it apart from its neighboring countries.

The DOT’s newest advertisement was dubbed “ABAKADA: Your Letter Guide to Philippine Culture”—a video ad showcasing several of the country’s natural wonders through an informative rap song.

In an interview, Uyking said the new ads will be marketed to countries mostly unaffected by the Covid-19 epidemic—including most of Europe and North America.

“We will still continue promoting especially to these countries na hindi

naman tinatamaan (that are not affected). So, if we deem a country to be a danger to the health of our citizens, dun po tayo naglalagay ng (that’s where we place a) temporary ban,” Uyking said.

Some of the networks the ads will be aired, he said, include CNN, National Geographic, CNBC, BBC, and Discovery—as well as networks catering to family-friendly content such as Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.

Aside from ramping up the country’s marketing in the international tourism sector, he said several programs of the DOT will also boost the country’s domestic tourism through March’s month-long mall sale and “seat sale” promotions.

“We’re taking the opportunity, that instead of going abroad, why don’t you come to visit the Philippines? It’s safe here. The protocols are in place for all of our airports. Nakatulong pa kayo sa ating ekonomi-

DOT, P9

ECONOMY 5

European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and Business Development Council in Southern Mindanao chairperson Antonio Peralta says the trade mission to Austria scheduled on March 22 to 27, 2020 will be postponed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) scare. Lean Daval Jr

Covid-19 threatens global economy as WHO warns no country will be spared

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ll countries need to prepare to combat the coronavirus, the World Health Organization said on Thursday, as authorities raced to contain the epidemic’s rapid global spread and Wall Street looked set for its biggest weekly fall since the 20082009 �inancial crisis.

With new infections reported around the world now surpassing those in mainland China, World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said even rich nations should prepare.

“No country should assume it won’t get cases, that would be a fatal mistake, quite literally,” Tedros said, pointing to Italy, where 17 people have died in Europe’s worst outbreak.

In addition to stockpil-

ing medical supplies, governments ordered schools shut and canceled big gatherings, including sports events, to try to halt spread of the �lu-like disease known as COVID-19 that emerged in central China more than two months ago from an illegal wildlife market.

The death rate appears to be around 2 percent, although it could be lower if there are many mild, undiagnosed cases, experts say.

By comparison, season-

al in�luenza has a case fatality rate of around 0.1 percent, said Anthony Fauci, Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, ahead of a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence, who has been put in charge of coordinating the US response.

“So therefore you have somewhat of a serious potential for morbidity and mortality,” he said, adding, “We’re dealing with a serious virus.”

There is particular concern over a case in Japan in which a woman tested positive for the virus for a second time. Second positive tests have also been reported in China and could imply contracting the disease does not confer immunity. Scientists warned that much remains unknown about this new virus.

The head of the WHO’s emergency program, Dr.

Mike Ryan, said discussions were being held with organizers about the fate of the 2020 Olympics, scheduled for July in Tokyo, although no decision was expected soon.

Their cancellation or relocation would be a massive blow for Japan, which said it was closing its entire school system for the next month in a bid to prevent spread of the virus.

The virus has so far mainly battered China, causing nearly 80,000 infections and more than 2,700 deaths, according to WHO �igures. It has spread to another 46 countries, where around 3,700 cases and 57 deaths have been reported.

“This virus has pandemic potential,” Tedros told reporters in Geneva. He said Iran, Italy and South Korea were at a “decisive point,” but still short

February 6.

To date, the BSP’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate is 3.75 percent, the overnight lending rate is 4.25 percent, and the overnight deposit rate is 3.25 percent.

Last year, banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) was reduced by as much as 400 basis points.

Diokno vowed to bring this to single-digit by the end of his term in 2023.

To date, RRR of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) is 14 percent, thrift banks (TBs) 4 percent, and rural banks (RBs), 3 percent.

“We have a lot of monetary space and �iscal space

so if things deteriorate much beyond what we have originally forecasted, we might consider additional cuts in reserve requirement or in the interest rate or policy rate. But when that will happen, of course, that will depend on our assessment of the situation and the conditions,” he said.

BSP forecasts in�lation this year to average at 3 percent, the mid-point of the government’s 2 to 4-percent target.

Diokno said he has instructed BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. to revisit the in�lation estimates but the exercise is not yet �inished.

He said although Covid-19 is less fatal than severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which also originated from China in 2002, the latest virus has more reach as shown by the number of cases in several countries.

“The center of gravity here is China. And China during the SARS incidence is much different from China now so the global link is also important. China now accounts for, I think, at least 30 percent of global growth if not higher,” he added.

Diokno reiterated their initial assessment of a “V-shape” recovery if the

of sustained community transmission.

MARKET SELLOFF

Spooked by the impact on China, the heart of corporate supply chains, and the increasing effect on other countries, stocks sank deeper into the red on Thursday and oil prices fell.

Global equity markets have dropped for six straight days, wiping out more than $3.6 trillion in value.

The S&P 500 �inished 12 percent below its Feb. 19 record close, marking its fastest correction ever in just 6 trading days, while the Dow registered a record one-day points drop, which was also its fourth 1,000-point decline in history and the second this week.

Jeremy Farrar, a specialist in infectious disease

epidemics and director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, urged �inance institutions to commit an initial $10 billion funds to �ighting the virus.

“What we are really missing is tangible, high-level funding and support from global �inancial institutions,” he said in a statement. “The possible impact of this coronavirus is far beyond a health emergency - it’s a global crisis with potential to reach the scale of the global �inancial crisis of 2008.”

Traders are betting the U.S. Federal Reserve will move aggressively to cut borrowing costs in coming months in response to the effects of the coronavirus on the economy.

Politicians are also scrambling to respond.

President Donald Trump’s administration

COVID-19, P9

Diokno keen on over 50 bps key rate cut due to Covid-19 1M products banned on Amazon

B

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno is open for the implementation of additional key rate cuts on banks’ reserve requirements if the situation calls for it amid the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a brie�ing Thursday, Diokno said he is committed to slash the central bank’s key policy rates by 50 basis points this year on back of expectations of within-target in�lation rate.

Monetary of�icials slashed by 25 basis points the BSP’s key policy rates during the rate-setting meet of the policy-making Monetary Board (MB) last

DIOKNO, P9

over false coronavirus claims

A

mazon.com Inc has barred more than 1 million products from sale in recent weeks that had inaccurately claimed to cure or defend against the coronavirus, the company told Reuters on Thursday.

Amazon also removed tens of thousands of deals from merchants that it said attempted to price-gouge customers. The world's largest online retailer has faced scrutiny over the health-related offers on its platform, and earlier this week Italy launched a probe into surging prices around the internet for sanitizing gels and hygiene

masks while it battled the biggest outbreak in Europe.

The coronavirus has caused at least 2,797 deaths globally. New reported infections around the world now exceed those from mainland China, where the �lu-like disease arose two months ago out of an illegal wildlife market. Governments from Australia to Iran have closed schools, scrapped events and stockpiled medical supplies to contain the virus's spread.

One offer comparison site showed recent examples of higher-than-usual prices for masks on Amazon made by US industrial

1M PRODUCTS, P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

EDITORIAL

Economy vs safety

Here and there, there seems to be a snowballing concern on the economic losses the coronavirus scare is impacting the world. In Davao City, the ipact of the virus scare is already deeply felt. Add to that the woes concerning the African Swine Flu (ASF) outbreak.

Amidst this scenario, it is important to draw the line between health and economy.

Which one bears more weight?

It is no secret that the coronavirus issue has put the world in a lockdown. It’s a no brainer. Safety comes �irst. However, along with it comes the price the world pays in terms of economic impact.

Based on reports, China’s economic growth is expected to slow down to 4.5% in the �irst quarter of 2020 – the slowest pace since the �inancial crisis, according to a Reuters poll of economists. Global oil demand has been hit hard as well. Factory shutdowns are slowing the �low of products and parts from China and as China grapples with the coronavirus, the economic damage is mounting around the world. Businesses are dealing with tremendous losses in revenues and disrupted supply chains due to China’s factory shutdowns, tens of millions of people remaining in lockdown in dozens of cities and other countries extending travel restrictions.

China is the world’s second-largest economy and leading trading nation, so economic fallout from coronavirus also threatens global growth. Economists polled by Reuters during the period between February 7-13, 2020 said they expected China’s economic growth to slump to 4.5% in the �irst quarter of 2020, down from 6% in the previous quarter – the slowest pace since the �inancial crisis. China is also the world’s biggest oil importer. With coronavirus hitting manufacturing and travel, the International Energy

EDGEDAVAO

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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

Agency (IEA) has predicted the �irst drop in global oil demand in a decade. Global oil demand has been hit hard by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the widespread shutdown of China’s economy. Demand is expected to fall by 435,000 barrels year-onyear in the �irst quarter of 2020, the �irst quarterly contraction in more than 10 years.

Likewise, the shortage of products and parts from China is affecting companies around the world, as factories delayed opening after the Lunar New Year and workers stayed home to help reduce the spread of the virus.

However, economists are optimistic China’s economy would recover quickly if the virus could be contained.

That eventuality is predicated to the chances of containing the virus.

Even the world’s biggest event happening every four years is threatened by the virus--the 2020 Olympiad in Tokyo. Japan is now battling the spread of the virus and according to reports, the Olympics may be cancelled if the virus is not contained by the end of May. While the world watches what happens next to China as each day goes by, back home the Philippines has to make giant steps to prepare for further economic blows.

Nevertheless, it boils down to the question again on what comes more imperative.

While the economic slump is inevitable, the only hope for the Philippines is to keep itself safe. That means, more than being concerned with economic repercussions, which actually is a global challenge, it must focus on how to keeping itself free from the virus not with standing the death of a Chinese tourist.

The economy will have its time to recover, but the more telling blow this country mist be concerned of is the threat to health of its citizens.

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 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

THE BRIGHT FUTURE OF OUR FRUITS With the NCOV scare beginning to lift, the shipments of bananas and other fruits to china re beginning to normalize. With this realization, the demand for tropical fruits may increase in China, Russia, Japan a and South Korea in order for them to stave off future viral outbreaks by building physical immunity.

This has become an opportunity for many of our tropical fruits and their producers. I am sure many companies are taking advantage of this and moving to ramp up production and ease logistics to enable

a higher volume of exports.

How can we boost this further?

Perhaps it is therefore time to ask the Civil Aviation Authority or the Davao International Airport Authority to immediately build a food export facility at the Davao international Airport to allow our producers to ship out even quick small quantities of seafood, fruits and meats to meet the demand of the Chinese, Singapore and Japanese markets, as well as the increasing demand of the Visayas and Luzon markets.

Moreover, perhaps the regional of�ice of the department of agriculture can assist in this endeavor to design it in a manner compliant with international standards. It is time for this to take shape.

Having this facility will be a boost for our fruit producers, many of which source their products from lower income regions, thereby creating new income streams for our farmers.

We must all remember that sustaining Mindanao’s 7% growth will depend on ho well our agriculture sector, particularly the food pro-

duction sector performs, since higher production theoretically will lead to stable if not lower food prices, keeping living costs low and economies competititive.

As this sector represents about a third of total growth in the region and Mindanao, it is also where majority of our poor residents derive their livelihood.

Boosting agriculture cuts poverty and makes our economy more robust and inclusive. Developing our agriculture sector increases household incomes and makes us an even more attractive market.

These two characteristics, the low food prices, and lowered poverty will allow our growth to rise even further, since lower costs allow more reinvestment, and lower poverty means a larger middle class, an expanded market, and opportunities in it for our producers, farmers and what have you.

This means a strong local market is present, and enables us to sustain our growth, especially in the era of disruption, when viruses hamper trade, and recently, have caused short term lows in global stock markets.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

SENATE ABS CBN HEARING A SHAM Watching Grace Poe chair the senate hearing on the broadcast station’s plea for a franchise renewal made me almost throw up in amusement and more of disgust.

Even an illiterate can easily discern that it was a scripted show designed to put Pres. Duterte in a bad light while placing ABS CBN in a highly favorable situation without even trying.

Indeed, Poe provided the media giant a friendly forum where her senate colleagues very clearly showed which side of their bread is buttered.

Save for Sens. Bong Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Francis Tolentino, the rest who attended the one-sided hearing – Migz Zubiri, Sherwin Gatchalian, Franklin Drilon, Joel Villanueva, Rissa Hontiveros, Ralph Recto, Kiko Pangilinan – pounced, in a quietly subtle way, on the government’s seem-

ingly abuse of authority on a hapless accused whose main excuse was its right to exercise freedom of expression.

Mebbe, the pro-ABS senators were already thinking ahead. The 2022 presidential polls are just several winks away.

Poe glaringly did not ask the correct and proper questions. She also invited only those whom she believed would give ABS a good word considering the hearing was on a nation-wide broadcast coverage.

If she intended to present the pros and the cons of the issue, she should have subpoenaed people who have something against the media company like former ABS talents Jay Sonza and Mel Tiangco and those who lodged complaints with the NLRC (DOLE) for alleged labor malpractices.

But you have to grant it to Poe who is rumored to be making a presiden-

tial comeback in 2022.

Poe needs to garner as many pogi points as possible so that in the succeeding surveys, she may popularly come out on top.

If she does, �inancial sponsors will come knocking on her doors.

I will not discuss the violations allegedly committed by ABS CBN inasmuch as these have been submitted by the Of�ice of the Solicitor General in a quo warranto petition to the High Tribunal.

What can be tackled is the issue of press freedom as ABS executives themselves enunciated during the Poe hearing.

Our constitution, as knowledgeable experts on constitutional law say, prohibits a media entity from taking sides.

That is, promoting the candidacy of one while putting down the other.

Since the 60s, I have been tuning in to DZAQ, then ABS’ public affairs radio outlet. DZMM then

was a music station where some of my DJ friends were lionized by ‘colegialas’.

After the 1986 People Power revolution, DZMM was revived instead of DZAQ, taking over the 630 AM frequency. Former senator Orly Mercado was one of DZAQ’s mainstays, if my memory does not fail me.

Poe’s senate hearing was a sham, a waste of taxpayers’ money. It was held not in aid of legislation but in the articulation of the media company’s plea for its franchise renewal.

I am wondering why Senate Pres. Tito Sotto allowed the hearing to commence when it did not hold it in “aid of legislation.” Something seems missing in the equation.

Sotto was not even present during the hearing, avoiding perhaps to stamp his support of the sham. Neither was Sen. Ping Lacson. Binay

asked only one question and was never heard of again.

The most hurting message was Bong Go’s opening statement where he frontally accused ABS of engaging in political one-sidedness in its broadcast policies which were never categorically denied and responded to adequately by the broadcast executives.

Except for the lame excuse that freedom of the press was going to be curtailed should ABS closes down due to its failure to secure a franchise renewal, there was nothing substantial that the Poe hearing achieved.

Of course, political mileage the senators who took ABS’ side got.

Ayahay. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) Philemon 1:3: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

SORGHUM: CLIMATE CHANGE-RESILIENT CROP

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is encouraging the production of sorghum as part of its advocacy to reduce poverty among Filipino farmers and increase farm production in the country’s second largest island.

“With an investment of only about P6,000 per hectare for seeds and 4 bags of fertilizer, a farmer could earn P48,000 gross per harvest,” said MinDA head Emmanuel F. Piñol. “Since sorghum could be ratooned, the farmer could harvest three times with just one planting for a prospective gross income of P144,000 a year.”

In addition, the farmer could have a suf�icient supply of silage as the stalks can be used to feed his carabao, cattle, sheep, or goats.

Even if the farmer won’t be able to provide all the recommended requirements to grow sorghum properly, he can still earn half of the projected income. “Still his gross income of P72,000 per year is enough to lift him up the poverty threshold,” Piñol wrote in a social media post.

When he was still the Agriculture Secretary, Piñol reintroduced the growing of sorghum to complement the country’s corn production.

Since sorghum produces protein-rich grains, it is ideal for livestock and poultry feeds. In fact, studies show sorghum has a higher protein content than corn.

“If 500,000 hectares of Mindanao are planted to sorghum every year with an average

production of 4-metric tons with three harvests every year, that would mean 6-million metric tons of grains,” he said.

“That’s a lot of high-protein feeds to boost the livestock and poultry industry of Mindanao,” he pointed out.

Market is not a problem either.

Two initial off-takers – Pilmico Foods Corporation and CP Foods Philippines – have agreed to buy sorghum at farm gate price of P12 per kilogram.

“That would mean an additional P72-billion a year generated by Mindanao agriculture,” Piñol said.

According to Piñol, sorghum was introduced in the country some 40 years ago but it had not taken off. “(Sorghum) never really gained popularity as a source of protein for animals because of the absence of support from government,” he lamented.

Even before Piñol re-introduced sorghum, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) was already promoting it as “the next crop that will bring income to farmers.”

A focus group discussion was convened by NAST, an advisory body of the Department of Science and Technology, in 2013 in Ilocos Norte as tobacco farmers were trying to �ind an alternative crop for tobacco.

“Tobacco farmers will lose their jobs if taxes will increase, and demand for tobacco products will slow down,” Dr. Heraldo L. Layaoen of Mariano Marcos State University was quoted as saying. “We have a ready

substitute for this – sorghum.”

According to Dr. Layaoen, the crop’s profitability can turn the tide in favour of tobacco farmers who use too much pesticides to protect the leaves. But that is just one of the many issues of tobacco growing.

Ilocos Norte, he pointed out, is ideal for growing sorghum because of its long dry season. Sweet sorghum, the recommended variety, requires less water.

Studies show it needs only 35% of the water needed by corn.

When he re-introduced sorghum production, Piñol was targeting areas that are planted to coconut, where it can be integrated as a secondary crop, as well in ancestral domain areas, and land currently planted to upland rice.

“Because of its versatility and adaptation, sorghum is one of the really indispensable crops required for the survival of mankind,” wrote Jack Harlan, an American campaigner for crop plant biodiversity conservation, in 1971.

Unfortunately, many of those who are not in agriculture industry have either never heard of the sorghum or are unsure as to what it is.

In the 19th century Ethiopia, Richard Pankhurst reported that durra – as sorghum is known in the said country – was “often the �irst crop sown on newly cultivated land,” explaining that the African grass did not require the thorough ploughing just like other crops, and its roots not only decomposed into a

good fertilizer, but they also helped to break up the soil while not exhausting the subsoil.

There are several species of sorghum, which are grown in various parts of the world.

After rice, wheat, corn and barley, sorghum is the world’s �ifth-most important cereal crop.

The most widely cultivated is sweet sorghum (scienti�ic name: Sorghum bicolor).

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), a line agency of the Department of Agriculture, described sweet sorghum as “the great climate crop.” BAR’s Rita T. dela Cruz wrote: “Sweet sorghum is a resilient crop. It is easy to grow, and is resistant to pests and weed. It tolerates soil salinity, acidity and toxicity, and can withstand extremes of tropical weather, tolerating both heat and water logging.”

And that’s not all.

“Given its resiliency and adaptability to changing climates, sweet sorghum thrives even in marginal, arid lands which cannot be planted to rice, corn or sugarcane. Hence, sweet sorghum is great solution to soil problems,” Dela Cruz wrote.

In the past, sorghum was promoted as major source of bioethanol for addressing the energy problem in the country.

Bioethanol – a form of renewable energy produced mostly from biomass – is ethyl alcohol used as a fuel, particularly as an additive for gasoline in motor fuel.

“The main source of ethanol is the stalks which when crushed

yields sweet juice that can be fermented and distilled to obtain bioethanol – a clean burning fuel with a high-octane rating,” Dela Cruz wrote.

“With this technology at hand, the Philippines can go all out for the 10% bioethanol-blended gasoline to save an estimated 565 million liters of gasoline per year.”

But aside from that, sorghum can also provide three other F’s: food, feed/forage, and fertilizer. “We consider sweet sorghum an ideal ‘smart crop’ because it produces food as well as fuel,” said Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar, who was previously the director-general of the India-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. “Sweet sorghum can help meet the country’s fuel needs without compromising our food supply.”

Food comes from the grains. “(Sweet sorghum) is a promising cereal crop that could help address problems on malnutrition, dwindling food supply, and the increasing cost of wheat �lour,” Dela Cruz assumed. “It can be milled into �lour as the main ingredient for soups and porridge, native delicacies, meals, and appetizers. The grains can be processed and used as an alternative to rice.”

In the United States, sorghum �inds its way n the gluten-free market.

In the southern part, it is popular as “staple sweetener.” Chef and cookbook author Edward Lee describes the sweetener as having unique �lavor.

“It adds a lot of depth

to what you’re cooking, more so than honey.”

Sorghum packs healthy bene�its in every grain. Britannica gives this bit of information: “Sorghum is high in carbohydrates, with 10% protein and 3.4% fat, and contains calcium and small amounts of iron, vitamin B1 and niacin.”

As feed, sorghum is commendable. “Although it is lower in vitamin A, sorghum grain is similar to corn,” Dela Cruz wrote. “When compared with corn on a per pound basis, sorghum’s feeding value ranges from 90% to nearly equal that for corn. The grain is highly palatable to livestock and its intake seldom limits livestock productivity. The grains have also been found to be an essential ingredient in the production of pre-conditioner feeds for �ighting cocks.”

The stalks and leaves are also excellent forage.

“The stripped leaves and crushed stalks of sweet sorghum are also good for large and small ruminants,” Dela Cruz wrote.

“The leaves and �ibrous residue contain large quantities of protein, making it a valuable livestock feed.”

The pulp or dry refuse left after the juice is extracted from sweet sorghum can be converted into bio-organic fertilizer.

Introducing Trichoderma harzianum, a microbial inoculant, composting time can be shortened from three months to just 3-4 weeks. A 25,000 kilograms of sweet sorghum bagasse can produce 125 bags of bio-organic fertilizer, Dela Cruz said.

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

MATTEO GUIDICELLI, KUYA KIM ATIENZA, GO FOR MORE WITH SANTÉ

SANTÉ, a provider of premier organic health and wellness products and services, formally introduced celebrity fitspiration Matteo Guidicelli, as its newest ambassador, alongside TV host and weatherman Kuya Kim Atienza, recently at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila in Pasig City.

According to Santé CEO Joey Marcelo, 2020 will be an exciting year for the brand, especially with the addition of Guidicelli to its roster of brand ambassadors.

“Aside from being an actor, singer, and a triathlete, Matteo embodies healthy living. As a company, this is what we, at Santé, are passionate about. We are glad and excited to welcome Matteo to the Santé family and, we hope that he will serve as a true fitspiration for everyone,” Marcelo added.

As an actor, model, member of the armed forces, businessman, and triathlete, he knows how important it is for him to

stay healthy so he could live more and do more things in life. And because there are so many exciting developments to his career and personal life this year, the need to stay healthy so he could enjoy the journey has become even more important to him. Matteo Guidicelli also expressed his excitement, especially that he has known Santé as a brand that promotes a healthier and more active lifestyle.

“Ever since I started join-

ing triathlons, I have seen and raced along with the Santé Barley TriTeam, Kuya Kim, and Sir Joey. I also have always dreamed of being part of the Santé family,” added Matteo.

“Santé, as a brand, also just talks about the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle. It is very positive. And so, I am excited and honored to represent the brand.”

Kuya Kim, on the other hand, is also ecstatic about Matteo, joining him as a Santé

ambassador. “I, personally, know Matteo and his family.

When he gets into something, he’s really into it. He lives a healthy lifestyle and is a good person. He’s a good son and a good husband-to-be and, he’s highly principled. I am so honored to be doing this endeavor with him,” he said.

Kuya Kim Atienza has been Sante’s ambassador for ten years. He said that he started taking Santé Barley, the company’s flagship product, a few

years ago, after learning about the health benefits of organic barley grass. Indeed, he credits Santé Barley as instrumental in how he has not only bounced back from ill-health, but more importantly, how he has maintained his health that has allowed him to stay healthy, be more active and live more.

“There is a saying that health is wealth. It may sound cliché because people use it all the time but, I know that through experience because I almost died twice—when I had a stroke in 2010 and when I got sick again in 2013. After those two health scares, it was embedded in my mind, and my heart, that I should be healthy not just for myself but also for my family and my God,” added Kuya Kim. Santé Barley is made from organic pure barley grass, an effective antioxidant, rich with vitamins and minerals that not only detoxifies the body but also aids in digestive health.

This product is also certified by BioGro, New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency.

Aside from Santé Barley, the company also offers other products and services that improve the quality of life of people around the world since it was founded in 2007.

“The whole Santé family is glad to welcome Matteo Guidicelli, as well as to celebrate the renewal of our partnership with Kuya Kim Atienza, who has been with us for ten years. We look forward to a stronger year as we continue encouraging everyone to live more and do more,” Marcelo added.

To know more about Santé, its product offerings, and other upcoming events, visit their official FB Page at www.facebook. com/pg/santeofficial.ph or their website at www.santebarley. com/ph.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

Daang Dokyu: A Festival of Philippine Documentaries, which will be screened from March 16 to 21 at the Cine Adarna UPFI Film Center, holds a press conference announcing its upcoming programs.

Festival Directors (third from left) Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Baby Ruth Villarama, Jewel Maranan, Coreen Jimenez are joined by the festival curators Teddy Co (first from left), Sari Dalena (second from left), Jaja Arumpac (third from right) and director of the opening film “Aswang”, Alyx Arumpac (second from right), along with NCCA Commissioner for the Arts Roland Tolentino.

A HUNDRED YEARS since Filipinos started capturing in film the story of their islands and their people, recorded facts, narratives, and perspectives have been shaped and developed.

This year marks a special occasion for this collection of Filipino stories as they are set to be celebrated in Daang Dokyu, the first Philippine documentary festival.

Daang Dokyu is set to present classic and contemporary titles gathered from different countries and regions from March 16 to 21, 2020 at the Cine Adarna, UPFI Film Center, Diliman, Quezon City.

The celebration of Philippine documentaries is crafted through the newly formed Filipino Documentary Society (FilDocs), which was founded by documentary filmmakers Jewel Maranan, Baby Ruth Villarama, Kara MagsanocAlikpala, and Coreen Jimenez.

Opening and closing films The six-day festival features film curations of Filipino directors as well as titles from international countries, with each showing followed by discussions. It presents some of the earliest known documentary materials as early as the 1900s as well as some of the latest and muchanticipated films to be released this year.

With the theme “Tracing The Filipino Story”, Daang Dokyu aims to reach a broader audience; stir relevant debates on current issues; and present different forms of audio-visual pieces such as virtual reality and multi-screen installations.

The initiatives energize and galvanize the importance of bringing to fore authenticity in the creative telling of stories

Festival directors (second fro Coreen Jimenez are joined by press conference of Daang D 2020, at the Cine Adarna, UPF

A CELEBRATION OF FILIPINO STORIES:

DAANG DOKYU PREMIERES PHILIPPINE DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL

painting the Filipino identity.

Daang Dokyu opens with the Philippine premiere of Aswang, a film by Alyx Ayn Arumpac telling the story of the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte to rid the Philippines of drug addicts and dealers.

Aswang follows the lives of people who are linked together by the growing violence in the country following the onset of the war on drugs. They are a photojournalist and missionary brother who comforts bereaved families and makes a stand against lawlessness; a night shift manager of a funeral home; and a street kid with parents and friends in the cemetery.

Daang Dokyu ramps up the celebration on a high note on the last day with a montage of some of the oldest existing short documentaries on the Philippines. These short newsreels, which are stored in the British Film Institute and the US Library of Congress, will be shown for the first time in the

Festival Directors Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Coreen Jimenez, Baby Ruth Villarama, and Jewel Marana at the press conference of Daang Dokyu: A Festival Philippine Documentaries, which will be held from March 16 to 21 at the Cine Adarna UPFI Film Center.

country.

Among the 35mm films stored in the London archives that are featured re documentaries made in 1911 titled Fabrication Des Chapeaux De Manille and Industrie De L’abaca A L’ile De Cebu; a film made in 1926 called Manila Street Scene; and another filmed in 1929 called Glimpses Of The Culion Leper Colony

And Of Culion Life.

Documentary films making a premiere A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution

by Nettie Wild, a Canadian documentary filmmaker, is a 1988 film that will have its Philippine premiere in Daang Dokyu. It has never been shown in the Philippines and

after 32 years, it will be making its debut.

In the film, Wild examines the left-wing revolution in the Philippines. It poses key questions facing the revolutionaries and the Filipino Left: If the people’s movement should continue the guerilla war or do they enter legal politics and reveal the hidden face of the revolution.

Making its world premiere in the country is A House in Pieces by Jean Claire Dy and Micheal Domes. The film shares the stories of some people who were internally displaced because of the war between ISIS-affiliated extremists and the Philippine government in Marawi City in May

2017 D

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by W its P film a for Am man mak few A (To shor Aro pert in th docu mie Th men Geo ning have the f eous Dut whic 20,0 Th a for a pr lead ers, expo cam

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EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

ALBIE CASINO AND VANCE LARENA STAR IN EROTIC DRAMA ANTHOLOGY SERIES “HUSH”

om left) Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Baby Ruth Villarama, Jewel Maranan, and y renowned broadcast journalists Ces Drilon and Howie Severino, the hosts at the Dokyu: A Festival of Philippine Documentaries which is slated from March 16 to 21, PFI Film Center.

7.

Dreaming in the Red Light Pabelle Manikan produced Wena Sanchez will also have Philippine premiere. The m follows the lives of Amy, rmer sex worker and Tisay, my’s daughter from a Gern customer and how women ke choices when options are and far between.

Ang Pagpapakalma sa Unos Calm The Pig Inside), a rt film by Joanna Vasquez ong which talks about Sutyphoon Yolanda’s impact he Philippines, is another umentary making its preere in the country.

The Nightcrawlers, a docuntary from the National ographic, is an oscar-wing documentary which will e its Philippine premiere in festival. It shows a hids side of President Rodrigo terte’s war on drugs, in ich some people claim over 000 people have been killed.

The film tells the story of RL, rmer staff photographer for rominent newspaper, who ds the Manila Nightcrawla group of photojournalists osing a different side of the mpaign.

e nation’s largest gathering documentary filmmakers The first-ever Philippine cumentary Forum is the minating session at the ival, providing a space for ate and dialogue in a time ake news and disinforman as well as a look back to country’s past. It will be the gest gathering of the couns community of documensts for film and television, d of leading change-makers he arts, culture, and educan.

Daang Dokyu will also hold ustry sessions during the day event. It will include ndtables, lectures, and sterclasses of renowned

INDULGE IN SECRETS and desires as Diether Ocampo and Nathalie Hart’s sensual teamup in “Sunday Night Fever” and new episodes of the erotic drama “Hush” are now streaming on iWant.

In “Sunday Night Fever,” Diether plays Mikey, a rising chef with an eccentric sexual fantasies, who chances upon the alluring Kim (Nathalie) in the next building. The two engage in an illicit, weekend affair until their desires turn into a true, uncontrollable love.

However, the pair’s love and lust-filled rendezvous takes a violent turn when Nathalie’s possessive beau (Ricky Davao) finds out about their secret Sunday meetings.

Meanwhile, “Hush” beefs up its lineup of stories about self-

documentarists in the industry on the most relevant and pressing concerns of the documentary community and industry.

These sessions are open to the documentary community, including students, enthusiasts, educators, and the general public.

A database of Philippine documentaries Researchers of Daang Dokyu have already found over a thousand documentaries for its Dokyubase, a long-term database project aimed at tracing lost and forgotten histories of documentary film and video in the country. It is continuously discovering more titles as of late.

The documentary festival is still open to looking into films that resonate with Filipinos, provoke convention, or question existing taboos. They are also hoping to discover hidden films that emerge from different regions.

Daang Dokyu is made possible with the support and partnership of the Office of Senator and current Representative Loren Legarda, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, UP Film Institute and Probe Media Foundation.

The event is also sponsored

by Purin, Japan Foundation, Quezon City Government, British Film Institute Archive, Viva, Central Lab, Grupo Sorbetero, Light & Space, Butch Jimenez, QCinema Foundation, University of London School of African and Asian Studies (SOAS), British Council, and Vista Cinemas.

Media partners include GMA Network and ABS-CBN. Updates on the Daang Dokyu Festival are available at daangdokyu.ph and on its various social media platforms.

For direct inquiries on film submissions, email info@ daangdokyu.ph.

discovery and intimacy with new, exciting episodes.

Its “Xcammer” episode, starring Albie Casino and “Bagman” actress Thamara Alexandria, follows an online scammer trying to get out of the syndicate she works for by fooling perverts on the internet.

Her plans are hindered, however, when she meets her match—a mysterious, seductive gentleman— and falls in love.

“Story Of My Life” star Vance Larena and former “PBB Otso” housemate Abi Kassem also star in the series’ “Engkanto” episode, where a reserved young woman’s

fear of not keeping up with her husband’s sexual appetite leads her to having an encounter with an ‘engkanto.’ Her sexual needs suddenly grow grotesquely, but her relationship with her husband suffers.

Live your fantasies through “Hush,” streaming from 11 pm to 6 am and catch “Sunday Night Fever” for free on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or iwant.ph.

For updates, like www.facebook. com/iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial on Instagram, and subscribe to www. youtube.com/iWantPH.

JULIA’S COMEBACK SERIES “24/7” AN INSTANT HIT JULIA MONTES’ return to television was an instant hit among viewers nationwide as her weekly action-drama series “24/7” became the number one show last Sunday (February 23).

The series’ pilot episode recorded a national TV rating of 27%, compared to its rival show “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko” (17.1%), according to data from Kantar Media.

Praises also poured in on social media for the series’ fast pace and the cast’s impressive portrayal.

“Dreamscape (unit’s) take on a scifi material for a series is impressive: the plot twist was mind blowing, the timeslot was refreshing, the story was fast paced, great cinema-

tography, powerhouse casting, and it is led by THE Julia Montes? Now that is how we define a world-class series,” said Twitter user @maraxschnittka.

“24/7 is the show we all ever wanted. It raised a high standard at what we should expect for a Filipino show. For international (release)!

Julia Montes is so good,” said fan @ gilperez365.

“I love the story and what surprised me the most is the end part of this episode. It’s not just about a parasite or dengue epidemic, but it’s also about time and a chance to change the tragic story of her mother,” YouTube user Prince Jay Amper commented.

The series’ first episode saw Mia (Julia), a security guard who died after attempting to get the vaccine that would save her dying son Xavier from the new strain of dengue.

However, a puzzling twist surprised viewers because as the all-grown up Xavier, played by Tony Labrusca, presented his invention at an event in the year 2045, time suddenly travelled back to 2020 at Mia’s home, a few days before her death.

How will Xavier’s invention help Mia fix the truth?

Watch the first weekly actiondrama on TV “24/7” on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

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UP AND ARTS AND ABOUT CULTURE TRAVEL TECH

EDGE DAVAO EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 223 256 •216 WEDNESDAY, •219 SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 22, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,FEBRUARY JANUARY 17, 14, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINENEW ELIMINATES SINGLESONY INTRODUCES GP-VPT2BT NATIONAL USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET WIRELESS SHOOTING GRIP AWARDS 2020 PHL WINNER ANNOUNCED 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.

“Mas mudaghan pud ang NORWEGIAN Cruise order sathe Dagmay if they will Line, innovator use cotton threads,” he said. in global cruise BUILDING on travel the Limon also seeshistory the to with a 53-year growing lineup ofneed camtapbreaking theand artisans in this endeavof boundaries, eras accessories or now to givesingle-use theirfor clients fresh is plasdeveloped modern andbeverage new designs. tic bottle free creators, Sony today “We really need tothe tap new the across its fleet. has announced artisans directly before man GP-VPT2BT wireless The brand announced last gud ga-agi pa ko saIdeal middle shooting grip. year that it partnered withfor man since wala’y sa many different types JUST Goods, Inc.,access which encommunity,” he Line said. to replace of content creation abled the Cruise wants tovlogs show ranging from to all Limon single-use plastic wateroff THE WORLD PHOthe beauty of Dagmay asfleet, travel photography /he bottles across its 17-ship TOGRAPHY ORGAhas clients with who its are looking for videography tomost simple beginning recent NIZATION and clothes and accessories made everyday use,Encore. the Sony new ship, Norwegian Philippines is delighted byThe theoffers Mandayas.

He saidof they grip optimum achievement is one the to reveal North Gevero noticed thatand some Pasalubong stability comfort latest sustainable steps forward as the including Philippines’ Nacenters Davao City’s combined with cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In tional Award winner free and for a 2018, connectivity the Company eliminated the Sonydust World Photogreliable and moissingle-use plastic straws across raphy Awards 2020. ture its fleetresistant and privatedesign. destinaThe National Awards Compatible with aofvariety tions, and as a result this program is an initiative set of Sony’s latest digitalitcamermost recent initiative, will up the by the World Photography as, GP-VPT2BT connects replace over six million singleOrganization and Sony to easily via Bluetooth, allowing use plastic water bottles every support local photographic creators to simply aim and is year.

In addition, the brand communities across 63 shoot without interfering working to eliminate single-use countries from around the cables or exposed inputs.

The plastic shampoo and condiworld.

The program awards new grip includes useful tioner bottles later athis year.tilt one photographer from feature that allows for flexible These efforts are driven byeach nation for a standalone imvertical angle adjustment as the Company’s Sail & Sustain age and presents them with well as the ability to switch Environmental Program, which theitsopportunity totoshowcase from normal to self-shooting is commitment minimize their work to a global audimode with ease.

Additionalwaste to landfills, reduce its ence at the renowned Sony World Photography Awards

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

JUST is 100% spring water in a plant-based carton. The carton is made of 82% renewable mateNorth Gevero, rials – the paper carton is made Philippines, from trees grown in responWinner, National sibly-managed forests and the Awards, 2020 cap andSony shoulder World are made Photography from a sugarcane-based plastic.

Awards.and recyclable.

It is refillable JUST has a global presence with bottling facilities in Glenn Falls, NY; Ballymena, Northern Ireland; and Ballarat, Australia, thus allowing the company to meet demand around the world without shipping water from a single production source. JUST takes care to use the most efficient shipping options available.

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCLCRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

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2020 exhibition at Somerset House, London from 17 April to 4 May. North Gevero was anonymously selected judges Aldevinco do notbycarry Dagfor photograph Master, maythe cloth. submitted for the Portraiture category of the Open competition. To share more details about the winning shot, Gevero said, “This shot is a stitch panorama character portrait of a friend”.

Over 345,000rate, images were CO2 emissions increase submitted the Sony World sustainableto sourcing and invest Photography Awards 2020 ly, has an adjustment wheel initemerging technologies. competition andorspecial over 190,000 can be loosened tightened “This is a very and theseamless Open competition toentered allow for operavery proud moment for us,” for – the highest tion with cameras of different saidPortraiture Harry Sommer, president number entriesThe to date. sizes weights. gripof and and chiefof executive officer As Philippines’ National also includes a flip button, inNorwegian Cruise Line. “As Award winner, Gevero dicator light andNorth lock we switch, a leading cruise line, are will receive a Sony A7R IV and SEL2470GM.

“Wala man gud kaayo Mandaya na pieces and mostly T’boli products ang sa Aldevinco. Sa Manila T’boli lang mostly makita nako na ginahimo accent ug Yakan, beads sa Bagobo, balud from Lanao and Inaul. Walay something from the Mandaya community,” hetosaid. thrilled make such an impact cotton Dagmay design

by The eliminating single-use beverclothing not yetchanged available and can beisquickly age bottles across our fleet. in theajust market as Limon into tripod simply exIt’s one by of the waysand wehis are group are in the immerpanding the bottom portion, working tostill preserve our oceans sion the stage ofstable, the project. enabling easy handsand destinations we visit.

“Wethis willisevaluate their free shooting.

While just the pa beginning Tien Sang Kok, capacity and kung willing sila The GP-VPT2BT Wireless of what we and others can do, Malaysia, Winner, makipag-collaborate,” he said.

Shooting Grip will be availwe are incredibly committed National Awards, 2020 Sony World Photography Awards.

to our Sail & Sustain program and believe wholeheartedly in the importance of preserving our natural resources. We will continue to strive towards making environmentally conscious decisions to benefit our earth.”

Envisioned and founded by American rapper, songwriter,

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 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

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he said.

Palma Gil said there is a need to strengthen Task Force Presidential Decree 957, a law that seeks to regulate the sale of subdivision lots and condominiums in view of the increasing number of incidents wherein “real estate subdivision owners, developers, operators, and/ or sellers have reneged on their representations and obligations to proved and maintain properly” the basic requirements and amenities, as well as “reports of alarming magnitude… of swindling and fraudulent manipulations perpetrated by unscrupulous subdivision and condominium sellers and operators.”

"This is to go after those illegal subdivision developers and to �ile criminal complaints against them because they are mandated by law to provide min-

imum standards set by PD 957 para sa ilang mga buyers and clients. Unfortunately daghan illegal karon piecemeal ilang ginabuhat subdivide. Two meters lang ang dalan, walay linya sa tubig ug kuryente," he said.

Palma Gil said they already initiated the �iling of cases of administrative and crminal cases against these illegal subdivision developers.

"Rest assured I will go after these illegal subdivision developers. Dumami na silq ngayon. Ang uban lote lang ginabaligya, beachfront kunuhay sa samal. Rest assured that in the following months we will update you on this issue. Sa mga nag co-comply na developers medyo lenient ako, I allow them to submit documents. But huwag binili ng projects na walang license to sell, " Palma Gil said.

ful substances as well as methods to keep them safe and free from illegal drugs.

The Project READY is a four-day course, spread in four weeks for Grades 1 to 12 students presented by a uniformed police of�icer trained in the �ield. At the end of each lecture, the

students are expected to learn and develop the following life skills: obedience to the law and considering consequences, combatting pressure to use drugs by saying no, learning moral values and building self-esteem, and making decision during risky situation.

vide a vital link for trade and tourism for the island and mainland Davao City through reduced transport costs and faster �low of people, goods, and resources.

Conceptualized 40 years ago, the project has been identi�ied as among the big-ticket infrastructure initiatives under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. (PNA)

The provincial government reiterated its desire for a calamity resilient province and envisions the time when residents themselves do the planning, including identi�ication of possible evacuation sites.

“Afterall, safety is everybody’s biggest concern and everybody’s concern has always been pursued by

the province,” said Mr. Bendulo.

Giving premium on disaster preparedness, the national government has set a National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on March 12 wherein the coastal Barangay of Zaragosa in the municipality of Manay will be the regional pilot area. Neela Duallo

PHP2.6 billion to rehabilitate and put into operation, said Mindanao Development Authori-

ty chairman Emmanuel Piñol early on, citing an assessment from the DOTr. (PNA)

place of Fox. Baskets by Giles and Barnes allowed Sacramento to move within 110-108 with 9.9 seconds left. Paul hit two free throws with 9.5 seconds to play before Hield air-balled a 3-pointer and Oklahoma City ran out the clock.

The Kings scored the �irst six points of the third quarter to open up a 67-50 lead. Bjelica knocked down two 3-pointers during a 33-second span to push the Sacramento advantage to 78-59 with 7:03 remaining.

Oklahoma City dominated the rest of the quarter with a 22-4 burst to move within 82-81 entering the �inal stanza.

Gilgeous-Alexander knocked down an 8-footer 27 seconds into the fourth quarter to give the Thun-

der their �irst lead since the opening period.

A 3-pointer by Gallinari and layup by Gilgeous-Alexander gave Oklahoma City a 100-97 lead with 4:12 left. Paul then drained a 3-pointer to cap an 8-0 burst and give the Thunder a six-point lead with 3:32 left.

Giles scored 15 points to help the Kings hold a 6150 lead at the break.

Sacramento used a 17-3 run that began late in the �irst quarter to take a 38-28 lead with 8:40 remaining in the half. The Thunder pulled within 47-43 on Gallinari's threepoint play with 4:11 left before the Kings closed strong with Bogdanovic's 3-pointer with 0.5 seconds left accounting for the 11-point halftime bulge.

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chise before the Senate can approve a similar measure.

The bill, once rati�ied by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, will then be transmitted to Duterte’s of�ice for his signature.

Quizzed if he is willing to sign into law the bill seeking the extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise, Duterte said: “I will cross the bridge when I am there.

Maybe I will call the media to help me out. It would be a dif�icult decision really.”

SolGen can’t be stopped Meantime, Duterte said he cannot dictate on Solicitor General (SolGen) Jose Calida to drop the quo warranto petition earlier �iled before the Supreme Court (SC), seeking the invalidation of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

Duterte explained that he has no control over Calida, the government’s top counsel.

“The SolGen can always announce that there is violation of law. And he’s going to investigate it. Wala na

akong ano. Hindi ko masabing (I can no longer stop him. I cannot tell him), ‘Do not do it. Stop it’,” he said.

Calida earlier asked SC to revoke ABS-CBN’s franchise due to its alleged violation of the 1987 Constitution when it allowed foreign ownership of the Philippine media entity.

Under Section 11(1), Article 16 of the 1987 Constitution, ownership and management of mass media shall be limited only Filipino citizens of the Philippines, or corporations, cooperatives or associations, wholly-owned and managed by such citizens.

ABS-CBN’s franchise expires on May 4 this year, in case Congress and Duterte do not give consent for the local media giant to proceed with its broadcast operations.

ABS-CBN’s congressional franchise was granted on March 30, 1995, but only took effect 15 days after its publication -- April 19, 1995 -- in newspapers.

(PNA)

ya (You’ve even helped our economy),” Uyking said.

By the beginning of next month, he said, seatsale promotions—as well as bargains for hotel accommodations—will be more available as the DOT has started to negotiate prices for these services with the Philippine Hotel Owners Association and other commercial groups.

“We’re getting a lot of tour packages. By March 1, dadami pa ‘yan (there will be more),” Uyking said.

He also reiterated that through joint discussions with the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, public gatherings--especially in commercial establishments like malls—are generally safe since such establishments have put up necessary precautionary

measures such as temperature checks.

“It’s been safe, it has been more than two weeks already since the last case, and itong mga cases na ‘to, hindi naman locals (these cases, they’re not locals). So, there’s no local transmission here,” Uyking said.

Last week, the DOT announced its plans for a month-long national mall sale in March dubbed as the �irst Philippine Shopping Festival.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the promotion was meant to increase spending on the most common tourist activities in the Philippines—shopping, and travel—to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic in the country’s top tourist sources—China and South Korea. (PNA)

was considering invoking special powers to rapidly expand US production of protective gear, two of�icials told Reuters.

California’s governor complained that the state was monitoring over 8,000 people but had only 200 test kits.

President Emmanuel Macron attempted to rally the nation as France’s number of reported cases doubled.

“We have a crisis before us. An epidemic is on its way,” Macron said.

Germany, too, has warned of an impending epidemic. And Greece, a gateway for refugees from the Middle East and beyond, announced tighter border controls.

There is no cure for the coronavirus, which can lead to pneumonia, and a vaccine may take up to 18 months to develop.

and conferences for another week and called off Friday prayers in some cities.

The WHO’s Ryan said Iran’s outbreak may be worse than realized. It has suffered the highest death toll outside China, with 26 dead, suggesting there are likely many more cases than the 245 reported, which includes some senior of�icials.

Italy, desperate to stave off a probable recession, warned that an “epidemic of misleading information” could do worse harm than the virus itself.

The coronavirus has played havoc with global aviation and tourism as airlines cancel �lights, countries ban visitors from hot spots and nervous passengers put off travel.

Chinese authorities said the number of new deaths there stood at 29, its lowest daily tally since Jan. 28. There were 439 new cases in mainland China as of Thursday, the WHO said, compared to 746 elsewhere.

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MISINFORMATION ‘EPIDEMIC’

Iran extended closures of cinemas, cultural events

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9

more than 80,000 have been infected. There have been more than 50 deaths

and 3,600 cases in dozens of other countries, raising fears of a pandemic.

conglomerate 3M Co. A merchant Thursday offered a 10-pack of N95 masks for $128, a Reuters reporter saw when clicking through the buying options on Amazon. That was up from a recent seller average price of $41.24, according to the tracking website camelcamelcamel.com.

The item was no longer available in a check later in the day.

A two-pack respirator was offered new at $24.99 earlier this week by a third-party seller, up from a recent average of $6.65 when sold by Amazon, the price-following site showed.

"There is no place for price gouging on Amazon," a spokeswoman said in a statement, citing the company's policy that product information must be accurate and that Amazon can take down offers that hurt customer trust, including when pricing "is signi�icantly higher than recent prices offered on or off Amazon."

It declined to specify the exact threshold at which an item is considered unfairly priced.

The company said it has monitored for price spikes and false claims through a mix of automated and manual review of listings.

impact of the virus will only be for one quarter, which will hit domestic growth by about 0.2 percent.

If the epidemic will last for two quarters, the impact on growth is projected to be 0.4 percent with the

average impact placed at 0.3 percent for the �irst semester this year.

“But I think, now, the feeling is there’s not going be a V-shape recovery.

It could be an elongated u-shape,” he added. (PNA)

straight possessions and Warren followed with a driving layup to push Indiana's lead to 94-82 with 6:58 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Whiteside's emphatic dunk gave Portland a 72-67 lead with 3:15 remaining in the third quarter before Indiana provided a swift response. Justin Holiday's brilliant pump-fake created space for a 3-pointer and Brogdon added a short jumper to cap a 13-3 surge as the Pacers seized a �ivepoint lead at the end of the

quarter.

Indiana shot 61.9 percent from the �loor to take a 30-24 lead after the �irst before mustering just 13 points in the second to tie a season low for a quarter. McCollum scored eight of his team's 25 points in the second quarter to give Portland a 49-43 lead at intermission.

The Trail Blazers pushed their advantage to 60-51 before the Pacers scored the next nine points to forge a tie, capped by Oladipo's 3-pointer.

has already caused serious disruption in Japan, forcing the cancellation and delay of everything from football matches to rituals marking the opening of the March sumo tournament.

the data you are getting is reliable.

"To act precipitously without the right information and to do so too early would be just crazy."

Pound added that the IOC would more likely explore the possibility of staging the Games up to a year later, rather than order a blanket cancellation of the Olympics.

"Cancellation is the worst outcome," Pound said. "If it got to that stage my guess is there would be a concerted effort with all parties to see whether or not postponement would work.

"You'd have to sit down with the Tokyo organizers and probably the Japanese government as a whole and say 'Now look -- are you going to be able to hold this together for a year?' Are we going to be able to get into the facilities? Can hotel reservations be pushed for a year? Can you manage with ticketing? Do you want to do this?'

"Because you don't want to lose an Olympics if you can avoid it. So cancellation, nobody wins. Postponement -- you might win and there'd be some mitigation of the overall damage by doing that."

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CANCELLATION 'WORST OUTCOME'

On Thursday, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged schools nationwide to close for several weeks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Abe's call comes after the Japanese government encouraged organizers of major events to consider cancelling them, and called on businesses to allow employees to work from home.

Pound, meanwhile, said there was no �ixed timetable for when any decision concerning the future of the Tokyo Games might be taken.

"At some point, though, whether it's two months out or one month out, somebody is going to have to decide 'Yes' or 'No'," Pound said.

"A lot may well depend on the data that comes in as we go farther down the road. You've just got to wait and see and make sure that

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VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

ORGAN DONATION:

SO THAT OTHERS CAN LIVE AGAIN

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

S a teenager, Jonathan (not his real name to protect his privacy) was one of the most active members of his family. But at age 34, he observed there was something with him as he always got easily tired and sleepy. From time to time, his blood pressure went up.

At one time, Jonathan visited his physician brother in a hospital. He told him about his problem, so the younger brother checked him. After some thorough check-up, the doctor came up with a diagnosis: his brother had a kidney problem.

“I did not know how I got this problem,” Jonathan admits. The doctor tried to trace up what may be the reason why his brother would have such kind of disease. He surmised that it may be due to an infection that resulted from a wound he got when he was a kid.

For three years, Jonathan was under dialysis.

But his family knew that he had to undergo a kidney transplant.

Fortunately, family members and some relatives were willing to donate his or her kidney to him. They were all tested but only his sister, Marianne, was a match. “I loved my younger brother and wanted to save his life,” she reasoned out.

When Jonathan knew about it, he was hesitant at �irst. “I told him that if the time comes that he wanted it already, I might be too old and unhealthy to undergo an operation,” recalled Marianne, who was then 38-years-old.

So that week, the siblings were operated. The operation took six hours and was successful. Today, Jonathan said he feel

like the same before he had his kidney transplantation. “This is my second life,” he says. “The experienced I had to go through has deepened my thoughts about life and to accept things given to us by God.” Marianne’s generosity saved the life of her brother. It is inspiring but, sadly, not typical. Dr. Enrique Ona, who was then chief transplant surgeon at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), told this author: “About 5,000 Filipinos are undergoing dialysis all over the country, but only about 550 kidney transplants are performed annually.”

Data from the World Health Organization showed that deaths caused by various end-stage organ diseases involved up to 230,000 Filipinos in 2017. “This may have been prevented by organ transplantation,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque was quoted as saying. “Unfortunately, organ donation from brain dead patients remains dismally low in the Philippines.”

But the good news is: there are reputable doctors in the country that can perform organ transplantation, the only treatment for end state organ failure.

“We have the expertise to save more lives, but many patients die because of lack of available donor organs,” laments Dr. Antonio Cayco, nephrology chief at the Makati Medical Center. “It is a tragedy for everyone.”

One major reason for shortage of transplantable organs is that the relatives of people who have died simply haven’t been asked.

“Doctors and other health professionals are reluctant to bring the subject of donation to the bereaved family,” Dr. Enrique Ona

told this author when he was still NKTI chief transplant surgeon. “In some instances, they do not think of organ donation when brain death occurs in their patients.”

Another reason is fear.

“There is a fear among the living that organ donation (kidney, for instance) might make them weak, shorten their lives, and affect their sexuality or child-bearing,” pointed out Dr. Ona. There are also those who are morti�ied by operation or even death. In the Philippines, for instance, some people consider organ donation as a death wish. To think of, the Philippines has passed the Organ Donation Act of 1991, which authorizes “the legacy or donation of all or part of a human body after death for speci�ied purposes.”

The United Nations health agency says “the procurement of organs for transplantation involves the removal of organs from the bodies of deceased persons.” Human transplantable organs include the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, intestines, and pancreas, in addition to human tissues such as eye tissues, bones, skin, and blood vessels.

In the Philippines, the passage of Republic Act No. 7170, otherwise known as the Organ Donation Act of 1991, as amended by Republic Act No. 7885, organ and tissue from donors who have been declared brain dead has been allowed.

A report from Philippine Daily Inquirer said that kidneys and livers are the only ones that are transplanted from donors with beating hearts who have been declared brain dead. The only organs harvested after death for

transplantation, it added, are the eyes.

Myths about organ donation, however, continues to persist. Many people, for instance, believe their religion will not allow organ donations. Virtually all major religions support organ donation as a humanitarian act. In the Philippines, “the Catholic church allows it,” informs Dr. Cayco.

There are those who believe that organ donation will dis�igure a dead person and delay his funeral. One doctor offers this explanation: “The organs are removed in a sterile operation undertaken by skilled surgeons. The donor is treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

When the procedure is �inished, the wound is closed, just as in any other operation. The entire process is done quickly to preserve the organs and will therefore not delay a funeral.”

Doctors who perform organ transplantations do not become involved until all efforts have been made to save a patient’s life, the patient has been declared brain-dead, and consent for organ and tissue donation has been con�irmed.

“For a patient to be an organ donor, he has to be con�irmed brain-dead by two medical specialists,” informs Dr. Ona. Confusion about brain death among the families of potential donors, doctors and hospital administrators is another hindrance of donation of organs. To grieving loved ones, the person looks alive. “People think there might be a miracle, so they hold on,” one doctor contends.

Be a hero even after your death by donating your organs, advocates urge.

“Organ donation

saves lives and it is very important that every person has the power to save a life by becoming an organ, tissue or eye donor,” says Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, former undersecretary of health.

“It is a noble gift because you can give someone a second chance at life.”

But even if you are still alive, you can still be an organ donor – by giving one of your kidneys to save another life. “Kidney transplantation is by far the most frequently carried out transplantation globally,” the WHO says.

“Patients who receive a kidney transplant become fully rehabilitated and have optimal quality of life and the highest survival rate,” says Dr. Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete, NKTI Executive Director.

The health department is advocating and conducting educational campaigns on deceased organ donation. “We recognize the noble and altruistic act of saving a life through committing one’s organs or tissues upon one’s death,” Dr. Duque pointed out. “This can be done by signing up as organ donor cardholders and providing consent to organ donation.”

“But signing a donation card isn’t enough,” stressed Dr. Ona, who is one of the top surgeons of the country specializing in the �ield of vascular and transplant surgery. “Potential donors have to tell their families of their wishes.” Doing so takes much of the pressure off both the family and the hospital’s transplant coordinator at a very dif�icult time.

In addition, unless a donor’s family agrees with their loved one’s wishes, surgeons will not perform the process. “Even if the brain-dead patient had

signed a donation card before, we still ask the consent of the nearest of kin before harvesting the organs,” Dr. Ona said.

There was this case of an overseas contract worker in the Middle East, who was in comatose condition.

But before it happened, she told her friends that if something bad would happen to her, she wanted to donate her organs.

But it didn’t occur. Her family in the Philippines changed their location site.

By the time, the hospital found them – in order to ask for their consent – it was already too late. The patient died few days before the hospital traced where her family was living.

“Every day, people die waiting for a suitable organ donor,” deplores Dr. Ona, who has been the president of Transplantation Society of the Philippines since 1989. “The sel�less act of organ donation can save lives. Let us all work together to raise awareness and encourage more Filipinos to give of themselves by signing up to be an organ donor.”

Age doesn’t matter when it comes to organ donation. “Anyone can donate, living or deceased,” pointed out Dr. Romina Danguilan, deputy director for Medical Education and Research of NKTI. “All religions allow it.”

Until more people agree to donate, and doctors become more consistent about asking families for a loved one’s organs, seriously ill people will continue to die unnecessarily.

“We may be the cure for the problems these people are facing,” says Marianne.

“Organ donation plus God's intervention equals life extension.”

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

11

OKC rallies from 19 down to clip Kings

D

anilo Gallinari scored 24 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 as the Oklahoma City Thunder posted a 112-108 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings on Thursday night.

Chris Paul added 17 points and seven assists and Steven Adams contributed 15 points and seven rebounds as Oklahoma City won its �ifth straight game and 14th in the past 17.

Dennis Schroder recorded 13 points and seven assists and Nerlens Noel had 10 points and seven rebounds for the Thunder, who connected on 48.8 percent of their shots and were 9 of 26 from behind

the arc.

Harrison Barnes scored 21 points and Harry Giles III added 19 as Sacramento had a three-game winning streak halted. Nemanja Bjelica recorded 18 points and nine rebounds, Buddy Hield had 15 points on �ive 3-pointers while Bogdan Bogdanovic and Alex Len added 11 points apiece.

Sacramento played without point guard De'Aaron Fox due to lower abdominal tightness, according to the team.

The Kings shot 45.1 percent from the �ield, including 12 of 35 from 3-point range. Len collected 11 rebounds and Cory Joseph had 11 assists in

OS ANGELES -- Olympic chiefs will not consider cancelling or postponing this summer's Tokyo Games over the coronavirus unless the World Health Organisation or other regulatory body advises to do so, a senior IOC of�icial said Thursday.

Senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound told AFP there had been no discussion about a possible cancellation of the games over the COVID-19 outbreak.

Pound said the IOC would only seek to rearrange the Tokyo Games if given speci�ic advice to do so by international authorities.

"The IOC and the Tokyo organisers would not cancel or postpone or do anything else regarding the games absent some very serious and speci�ic admonitions or regulations stemming from the WHO or the appropriate regulatory authorities," Pound

told AFP. So far, Pound said, the IOC had not discussed the possibility of axing the games.

"The IOC is equally committed to going ahead with the project that has been planned for the past six and a half years," he said.

"Unless there is a world situation that is so serious that the games cannot be held or that the regulatory authorities prohibit travel or that sort of thing, we're carrying on.

"But it would be irresponsible to carry on without having at least in the back of your mind that something might happen."

Asked for a message to athletes preparing for the July 24-August 9 games, Pound replied: "Keep training. We're still committed to Tokyo this year.

"But understand and be aware there may be a possible elephant in the room."

The COVID-19 outbreak

Davao booters L salvage third Davao South FA defeated Mount Apo FA 5-1 in the battle for third place in the PFF U15 Boys National Championship.

OKC, P9

IOC ‘committed’ to Tokyo Olympics despite virus scare

T

he team from Davao South Regional FA concluded their PFF U15 Boys National Championship on a high note, salvaging third place after a dominating 5-1 after extra time win over the team from Mount Apo Regional FA at the PFF National Training Center last Friday 28 February 2020.

An all-Mindanao clash saw both sides grinding it out, before the squad of coach Alex Adolfo pulled away, with three goals scored in a six-minute span in the �irst half of extra time gave them the

�inal place in the podium.

“The tournament had a big impact on the players, from the quali�iers, until here the players have changed for the better,” said Davao-South head coach Alex Adolfo. “It has

omantas Sabonis overcame early foul trouble to collect 20 points and 11 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers recorded a 106-100 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday in Indianapolis.

Sabonis, whose father Arvydas played for the Trail Blazers, posted his 45th double-double of the season after playing just nine minutes in the �irst half. Sabonis picked up his third foul early in the second quarter following a charge against forward Caleb Swanigan.

Indiana's Malcolm Brogdon had 17 points and Victor Oladipo added 15 in his return from a two-game absence due to a back injury. T.J. Warren also had 15 points for the Pacers, who have won four of their past

�ive contests following a season-long six-game losing streak.

CJ McCollum scored 28 points, Gary Trent Jr. had 20 and Hassan Whiteside collected 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who have dropped �ive of their last six overall and �ive in a row on the road.

READ: Kobe Bryant handprints, other memorabilia up for auction Trevor Ariza's 3-pointer, Whiteside's emphatic dunk and McCollum's short jumper trimmed the Pacers' lead to 103-100 with 30 seconds left. Indiana's Myles Turner answered with a 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down to double the advantage with 9.1 seconds remaining.

Sabonis worked the interior to convert on three

Sabonis, Pacers hold off Blazers D

SABONIS, P9

helped the development of players. Competition has improved and it will lead to the search of the next national talents.”

Davao captain Uriel Dalapo had his 11th minute opener canceled out by Almaigne Kurt Sarip’s free kick in the 52nd minute, sending the game into extra-time.

“If there is another tournament, it will greatly bene�it the players,” added Mount Apo RFA head coach Carlo Yalung.

“We hope that it will lead to a promising career for the players in the future.”

However, Davao’s

timely substitutions was instrumental in their breakaway, with Saidamin Bacol struck in the 96th minute for their goahead goal.

Dalapo completed his brace two minutes after that, and Gian Paolo Sartirani added two more in the 102nd and 119th for the �inal score.

“If not because of my teammates, we wouldn’t have gotten this far. Even if I have scored two goals, it’s for the team,” said Man of the Match Dalapo.

“The tournament was a memorable experience to all.”

IOC, P9

Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis (11) looks to shoot the ball while Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony (00) defends at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Reuters

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

BATTLE ROYALE

VOL.12 ISSUE 256 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

2 RMC squads in Philam Life 7s finals GRASSROOTS TEAM STANDINGS AS OF FEB. 25, 2020 MIXED 9 TEAMS ROVERS FC 8 0 RMC 6 2 TAMASAK PANABO 6 2 PANABO UNITED 5 3 CROCS FC 4 4 AMIGOS UNITED 4 4 SOUTHSHIELD FC 3 5 DAVAO HYENAS 1 7 FAMAH 0 8 *end of eliminations

MIXED 11 - BRACKET A NUFC-A 6 0 AMIGOS UNITED 4 2 TAMASAK PANABO 4 2 ROVERS 3 3 FAMAH 2 4 AMSAI 2 4 SOUTHSHIELD RED 0 6 *end of eliminations

MIXED 11 - BRACKET B DAVAO HYENAS FC 5 1 SOUTHSHIELD BLUE 5 1 PANABO UNITED 5 1 CROCS FC 3 3 BLACK KNIGHTS FC 2 4 RICSPEED BUKAS PALAD 15 NUFC-B 0 6 *end of eliminations

YOUTH TEAM STANDINGS AS OF FEB. 25, 2020 BOYS 13 TEAMS RMC FC 5 1 DAVAO HYENAS FC 5 1 NUFC 2 4 AMSAI STALWARTS 0 6

BOYS 15 TEAMS SOUTHSHIELD FC BLUE 4 0 ATENEO JHS-A 4 0 AMSAI STALWARTS 2 1 ATENEO JHS-B 4 1 NUFC 0 4 RICSPEED BUKAS PALAD 03 OPEN TEAM STANDINGS AS OF FEB. 24, 2020 MEN’S OPEN RMC DAVAO UNITED 5 1 ORLANDO FC 4 1 CR7 FOODTRUCK 4 2 SOLIDO FC 4 2 DAVRAA 3 3 RMC ROOKIE 2 4 CATHIANA HEARTS 0 5 FCFC 0 6 *end of eliminations WOMEN’S OPEN CR7 FOODTRUCK 5 0 SOLIDO FC 4 1 RMC FC 3 2 D’DS KHANJ 2 3 ATENEO 1 4 REBELS 0 5 *end of eliminations

RMC will take on Hyenas FC for the Boys 13 championship of the AIA Philam Life 7s Football Tournament Davao set on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

The �inals showdown is set at 11:00 a.m. at the Azuela Cove pitch.

Results in the Boys 13 Semi�inals showed RMC beat Amsai 2-0, Hyenas beat Nabunturan 5-2, Amsai will face Nabunturan FC for third place in the Boys 13.

In another championship showdown, the Mixed 9 title will be disputed by Rovers FC and RMC while the third place trophy will be a toss up between Tamasak Panabo and Panabo United.

In Mixed 11 division, Nabunturan will face Southshield while Hyenas FC will meet Amigos United in the semi�inals also on Sunday. NUFC beat Crocs FC 2-0, Southshield FC blanked Tamasak Panabo 5-0, Hyenas FC drubbed Rovers 7-0, Amigos United shutout Panabo United 3-0.

In the Women's

Women's football action in the ongoing AIA Philam Life 7s Football Tournament at the Azuela Cove.

Open league leader CR7 Foodtruck will battle DDS

Khanj in the �irst semi�inals while RMC will go up

against Solido in the other semis encounter.