Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 6 | Sunday-Monday, March 15-16, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

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WE’LL SURVIVE Construction workers install the metal structure of New City Commercial Corporation-Victoria Plaza's The Dome Activity Center at the mall's parking area along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr

Dabawenyos will overcome Covid-19: Sara

By MAYA M. PADILLO avao City will survive.

This was the bold assessment of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who on Friday made the assurance that the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a challenge that will be overcome by Dabawenyos.

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Through a video announcement on Friday, the mayor said the public is facing a public health emergency on two fronts: the Covid-19 and the lim-

itations of the city’s health facilities to respond to a huge segment of the population getting infected with the coronavirus.

She reiterated there

is no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Davao City as of the moment, but it will not be long before the reality of the disease will reach Dabawenyos’ doorsteps.

“Many of us get sick and our city will be paralyzed and will be at a standstill. We need to ensure that no one gets sick and if we do get patients, we need to be able to respond to them and at the same time, prevent the further spread of the dis-

ease,” Mayor Sara said.

The city has outlined three things for the public: Do not leave Davao City, stop unnecessary travels and stay home; distance yourself from everyone else and do not go near other people; and wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

“The city government of Davao, in coordination with other government agencies and the private sector, is preparing for the possible influx of Covid-19

positive patients,” she said.

Mayor Sara also urged the public not to panic.

She said hoarding of food, toothpaste, tissue papers, and other grocery supplies is not a guarantee that one is protected from Covid-19.

“Hoarding is a futile attempt and a total waste of your money. Again, we ask for your support and cooperation. We ask for your help in making sure no one gets sick. If we stand together, strong and resil-

ient will be able to overcome this health emergency,” she said.

Meanwhile, in line with the guidelines on Covid-19 recently issued by the city government of Davao, the Sangguniang Panlungsod also announced that there will be no committee hearings for one month.

Also starting next week it will be “No ID, No entry for all” and only employees with ID will be allowed entry at the 2nd floor of SP.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

Duterte, Go test negative for virus

P President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go during the meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday night.

Duterte and Go both tested negative for 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19). PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

resident Rodrigo Duterte remains “fit and healthy” to fulfill his mandate as the country’s highest elected official after he tested negative for 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19), Senator Christopher Lawrence Go announced on Friday.

Go made the announcement, a day ahead of the anticipated release of the test results.

In a text message sent to Palace reporters, Go said he also tested negative for Covid-19. ”The results of the tests for Covid-19 conducted on President Rodrigo Duterte and I turned out negative.

We are fit and healthy to perform our duties,” he said.

Malacañang has yet to issue an official statement.

Duterte and Go underwent tests for Covid-19 at Bahay Pagbabago in Malacañan on Thursday.

The two decided to have themselves tested

after they recent meeting with some Cabinet members who have direct exposure to a Covid-19 patient.

The tests by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine was supposed to be released on Saturday.

Go assured that he and Duterte would continue to “seriously” take precautionary measures and comply with the advice of health officials for them to “remain healthy” and avoid the spread of the Covid-19.

"Now more than ever, we as elected officials should do everything we can to be of service to the Filipino people. The government as a whole should still do its job in a manner that will not put the health of others at risk. Hindi pwedeng ipagpaliban ang tulong sa kapwa Pilipino, tuloy tuloy dapat ang serbisyo. (We cannot stop assisting Filipinos. Public service should continue),” he said. (PNA)

BOC to fast-track release of face masks, alcohol One PUI, 24 PUMs in

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Davao has assured the public that the release of shipments containing face/surgical masks, isopropyl alcohol and other emergency medical supplies will be facilitated expeditiously.

BOC-Port of Davao district collector lawyer Erastus Sandino Austria said the Port of Davao will expedite the release whenever shipments of the said products will arrive in Davao City.

He also assured that there will be no delays during the process of the customs’ clearance in

case of emergencies.

“As of now wala pa’y niabot sa amoa but if naa na, we will fast-track the release. When it comes to the distribution of the products, dili kami ang naga-control. Depende na sa importer or entity,” he said in a text message.

Austria also urged the public to directly get in

BARMM task force against Covid-19 drafts guidelines

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embers of newly-created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) against the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) met for the first time on Friday to create the general guidelines intended for the safety of BARMM constituents against the disease.

BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua said the guidelines should be strictly complied by the constituents, government employees, local government units, and private sectors within the BARMM area.

"Once finalized, the guidelines will be translated to local dialects and will be disseminated across the entire region," Macacua said.

He said the guidelines shall take effect until President Rodrigo Duterte lifts his proclamation of the State of Public Health Emer-

gency earlier this week.

BARMM remains Covid-19 free so far, Macacua told a press conference following the IATF meeting.

"One of the measures undertaken by the Bangsamoro government is to provide you with correct and accurate information regarding our status now on Covid-19," Macacua told reporters.

He advised the public not to rely on misinformation or fake news as it will only cause panic among the people.

In a separate interview, BARMM health minister Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan said they have partnered with the Department of Health Region 10 in implementing the investigation and contact tracing of the first confirmed Covid-19 case in Mindanao at a hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.

Dipatuan also said the Ministry of Health-BARMM has already equipped referral hospitals in the re-

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touch with the BOC- Port of Davao’s public information and assistance division in case of queries on customs matters. ​ Meanwhile, in the interest of ensuring availability of supply and reasonable pricing of alcohol, hand sanitizers, hand gels, and other basic disinfectants, the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao (DTI-Davao) strongly encouraged all retailers to strictly implement a “two bottles per transaction policy” in all stores.

This measure aims to mitigate the risk of artificial shortage of supply, panic buying, and prevent

hoarding for resale at an overpriced rate.

DTI-Davao also recommended to the supermarkets and groceries to manage and stretch current inventory to accommodate all consumers as much as possible.

DTI-Davao also reminded retailers that pursuant to Proclamation No. 922, Series of 2020 by the President of the Philippines dated March 08, 2020, declaring the entire country under a state of public health emergency, the prevailing prices of basic necessities shall remain as the price ceiling in Davao City until May 8, 2020 unless sooner lifted.

Mati being monitored A person under investigation (PUI) and twenty-four persons under monitoring (PUM) are now being closely monitored by health authorities in the City of Mati.

The PUI reportedly attended a convention in Metro Manila on March 4 and returned home on March 8. The said PUI is now under home quarantine and closely being monitored after the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City and the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City refused to accept the PUI since both are already in their full capacity.

The 24 PUMs meanwhile travelled to Metro Manila, Tuguegarao, Pampanga and Baguio to attend different conventions. All 24 have not manifested any flu-like symptoms and are undergoing home quarantine at the moment.

City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat meanwhile issued a guideline on Friday, March 13, imposing stricter guidelines for everyone to follow amidst the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

In the City Government of Mati Guidelines No. 1 for Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) issued on

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Catholic devotees attend a Holy mass at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City in this undated photo. The Archdiocese of Davao has suspended public mass starting Saturday afternoon due to Covid-19 crisis. Lean Daval Jr

VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

Curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to take effect in Metro Manila

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uthorities will enforce a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. in Metro Manila to limit non-essential movement during the month-long community quarantine that begins Sunday, March 15, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Saturday.

Workers and those involved in essential services will be exempt from the curfew, MMDA chief Jose Arturo Santillan Garcia Jr. said in a press conference.

"Hindi naman po dadamputin ito. Pagsasabihan lang na nandito ang PNP na umuwi na kayo kung hindi importante ang lakad ninyo," he added.

(Violators will not be arrested, just warned to go home if their appointment is not important.)

The MMDA also urged business establishments such as shopping malls to close down to limit the movement of people during the quarantine period.

Only groceries, pharmacies, banks, restaurants

with home deliveries, and other essential establishments should be allowed to operate.

"The bottomline is people are advised to stay home. Kung wala kang gagawin stay home," said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

(The bottomline is people are advised to stay home. If you have nothing essential to do, stay home.)

Residents are still allowed to go out if they are getting groceries, food or medicines, he added.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Metro Manila mayors unanimously approved the resolution to impose a curfew in the Philippine capital region to arrest the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Metro Manila will undergo community quarantine starting Sunday, March 15 until Tuesday, April 14 as government aims to curb the spread of the virus.

Under the restriction,

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Iligan declares state of calamity due to threats of coronavirus

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he Iligan City Council unanimously approved on Friday an ordinance placing the city under a state of calamity due to threats of a spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID -19) in the city.

Mindanao’s first confirmed COVID-19 case, a 54-year old male from San Juan in Metro Manila who went home to Lanao del Sur and was admitted in a hospital in Iligan City on March 3 before the patient was moved to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City on March 8.

Hospital staff in direct contact with the patient have been placed under quarantine, Dr. Edgar Nadal, President of the Adventist Medical Center said.

The ordinance was

sponsored by Councilor Lamberto Macapagal, chair of the Committee on Health and Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction Management.

The City Council also passed an ordinance reviving curfew for residents – minors and adults — from 12 midnight to 4 in the morning, Councilor Ian Uy, chair of the Committee on Peace and Order told MindaNews by phone.

He said drinking liquor is also prohibited from 11 in the evening to 6 in the morning.

Uy said the move will be enforced until the state of public health emergency is lifted.

Mayor Celso Regencia issued a memorandum suspending classes until further notice. (Richel V. Umel / MindaNews)

A park goer sits on an empty and quiet Quezon Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr

‘Don’t panic, we have enough food’: DA chief

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the public that there is enough food in public markets and through outlets of DA-initiated “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita,” and “FishDA on the Go” as some areas in Metro Manila are placed under community quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We call on the general public to buy only their daily or weekly food requirements and refrain from overstocking or panic buying,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in a statement on Friday.

“We at the Department of Agriculture will ensure the sufficient and continu-

ous supply of basic necessities and perishable commodities, and make these available in public markets, and Kadiwa stores for the benefit of all family households, particularly in depressed communities,” he added.

He said he current inventory of rice at various

National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses nationwide is good for at least 80 days.

“It will be further augmented by the incoming palay harvest this current dry season, providing additional stocks for another two to three months,” Dar said, noting that rice stocks held by private sector and households would be good for nine months.

Under the Food Resiliency Action Plan, Dar said the DA has gathered the initial commitments of the private sector and DA regional offices to amply supply the needs of Metro Manila residents.

He said the plan includes the strategic positioning and efficient

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NAIA international flights still allowed

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A shelf carrying canned goods in a grocery store is almost empty after Dabawenyos went panic buying due to the Covid-19 threat in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr

distribution of basic food commodities, including the monitoring of suggested retail prices of the same in public markets in Metro Manila.

Other than rice, the other basic food items include pork, chicken, eggs, other poultry products, fish, vegetables, fruits, sugar, cooking oil, and other coconut by-products.

The action plan will be further expanded and updated in partnership with the private industry, local government units, and farmers’ and fishers’ groups.

Dar said this is also an opportune time for Metro Manilans to consider engaging in food production

alacañang on Friday clarified that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City can still accommodate international flights during the month-long community quarantine in Metro Manila.

“Regarding international flights, flights from Metro Manila going to and coming from abroad will be allowed, subject to travel restrictions,” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said during the “Laging Handa” press briefing at Malacañan.

Nograles made the clarification, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila beginning March 15 until April 14.

Imposing a travel ban is part of the government’s efforts to stop the spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Metro Manila.

Nograles said Filipino citizens, their foreign spouse, and children, as well as holders of permanent resident visas and diplomatic visas issued by the Philippine government, are “welcome to the Philippines.”

He, however, said they would be subject to “strict” quarantine guidelines.

He added that foreigners would be allowed to return home by taking international flights through NAIA. Nograles, meanwhile, said “very strict and stringent” travel restrictions would be imposed on travelers from countries with

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5 ECONOMY PHILEXPORT seeks aid for Coconut products maker biz amid virus outbreak netted P775.6M in 2019 T VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

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XELUM Resources Corp., the country’s largest fully-integrated manufacturer and exporter of world-class premium coconut products, reported a net income of P775.6 million for 2019, up 113 percent from PHP364.8 million the previous year.

“We also achieved a record level in terms of profitability despite encountering various headwinds brought about by an overall challenging environment.

We were faced with global price volatilities of vegetable-based oil, rising input costs, and a stronger peso currency, amongst others. Looking ahead, we are determined to sustain this growth trajectory in 2020,” company President

EDGEDAVAO

and Chief Operating Officer Henry Raperoga said in a statement Thursday.

For 2019, topline decreased by 10 percent to PHP5.3 billion from PHP5.9 billion in 2018.

This was primarily due to the global decline in vegetable oil prices that heavily discounted average selling rates combined with the strong finish of the Philippine peso.

Gross margin signifi-

cantly improved to 29 percent from 23 percent as a result of on-going efforts intended to leverage on operational efficiencies, streamline processes and optimize production costs.

For 2020, Axelum has earmarked capital spending at about PHP600 million to expand local and overseas distribution channels, upgrade production equipment, and develop new products.

As to its manufacturing operations, the company expects core products namely desiccated coconut, coconut water, and coconut milk powder to drive its growth momentum this year.

For its coconut water segment, Axelum is ontrack to sell around 25 mil-

lion liters of coconut water in 2020.

Similarly, the company has also seen a boost in its coconut milk powder business driven by a robust order pipeline complemented by continuous inquiries from new customers, particularly from the cosmetics and nutrition industries.

The surge in demand can be attributed to innovative and broader commercial applications of coconut milk powder specifically as a key ingredient for nonfood items.

Moreover, Axelum is actively engaged in preliminary discussions with select strategic targets for potential acquisition.

“From our end, this represents a unique oppor-

support the stock market by at least doubling their daily average purchase volume of last year,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told reporters in a Viber message Friday.

Volatility was high on Thursday, with the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) losing more than 10 percent mid-trade, which resulted in the temporary halting of trading in line with PSE rules.

The main index recov-

ered a bit after the trading stoppage and ended the day with a 9.71 percent, or 616.99 points, lost to 5,736.27 points. This drop was registered after the main index’s two-day rally.

On Thursday, Dominguez said, “the country and the government have all the tools – medical, financial and monetary - to successfully handle the situation.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has de-

clared Covid-19 as a global pandemic after about 118,000 people in 114 countries have been affected by the virus thus far.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 52 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with five deaths as of Thursday.

Dominguez and some economic managers have also decided to go on self-quarantine after being

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he Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) is urging the government to provide assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as economic activities are also affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.

In a statement Friday, PHILEXPORT President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. has called on the government to provide collateral-free loans and issue a moratorium on loan and interest payments and tax breaks.

“Facilitation of whatever transactions are still possible will also help mitigate mounting business losses,” he said.

According to PHILEXPORT, its members have incurred negative impacts on business amid the Covid-19 outbreak such as late shipments, cancelled

orders, and loss of buyers and suppliers.

Costs of logistics and raw materials are also rising while their sales are declining.

The business group also reported that four of its members are planning to downsize the number of their employees.

Ortiz-Luis said assistance to displaced workers will be another welcome government intervention, with funds possibly coming from their local governments.

In a press briefing in Malacañang Palace Friday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez considered the measures announced by President Rodrigo Duterte Thursday evening to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as “balanced” as these also aim to avoid a more drastic impact on economic activi-

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Sec. Dominguez directs GSIS, SSS to help lift local bourse Peso weakens to P51:$1 level

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tate-owned pension fund firms have been tasked to increase their equities holdings to help bolster the local stock market, which, on Thursday, posted a huge drop to the 5,700-level due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19) worries.

“I have instructed GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) and SSS (Social Security System) to take advantage of the low stock prices as well as to

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over NRC quarantine concerns

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he Philippine peso depreciated further against the greenback on Friday as concerns over the impact of the community quarantine placed in Metro Manila dragged the local unit.

The local currency shed 18 centavos to close at P51:03:$1 from Thursday’s finish at P50.85:$1.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort

said the weaker peso also “came a few hours after the announcement of the community quarantine of Metro Manila vs. the coronavirus (COVID-19) as this could lead to slower economic growth and some stockpiling by households of food and other basic commodities could lead to some pick up in prices/ inflation...”

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

EDITORIAL Crab mentality virus As coronavirus continues to sow fear among every Filipino, the most fearsome threat does not appear to be this dreaded virus.

It is ugly politics and discord that looms as the biggest threat to this nation.

When an obviously exasperated President Rodrigo Duterte went on live broadcast to announce the resolution made by the inter-agency task force on the coronavirus, not everyone took the gentle reminders and precautionary measures sincerely.

It was not the gist of the message, not its purpose that rang a bell amongst part of the audience, specifically the critics of the Duterte administration and the opposition.

The reactions vary from the absurd efforts by grammar Nazis to try to poke fun of the language and pronunciation of the messenger. President Duterte spoke like a father reminding his children what to do during challenging times. It didn’t matter that he might not have the perfect eloquence and mastery of a second language to Filipinos. Even his Tagalog is sluggish, him

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NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

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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

being Cebuano speaking. And this was where some fault-finding people took to the rostrum of argumentation. The fools tried to denigrate and discredit the man for his words. They ganged up on the messenger, not the message. And when some of those critics and grammar Nazis did attack the message--the content of the resolution--even their argumentation bordered on the fact that their dislike for a person will never convince them to like even the wisdom of measures made to protect people including themselves.

Where bigotry rules in people’s hearts and minds, not even the sincerest actions can be well-meaning.

In this time of the public health crisis, the mist virulent disease is not the coronavirus. It is the “crab” virus.

Yes, the Filipinos’ undying crab mentality will be the biggest threat to the country’s safety from this health risk. And for as long as bigotry rules in some people, no one will have the right solution to tide us over this threat.

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)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

THE BAJAUS OF DAVAO Davao City, in a political move, has recognized eleven tribes which the local government has divided into two classifications, the lumad or indigenous, and the Islamized, tribes that had for centuries embraced the Moro religion.

Categorized as the “original” inhabitants of Davao with Islamic affiliation are the Sama, Maranao, Kagan, Iranun, Maguindanaon, and Taosug, tribes. Meanwhile, the Bagobo-Klata, Ata, Obu-Manuvu, Matigsalug, and Bagobo-Tagabawa, whose forebears had migrated to occupy Polynesia long before Islam reached Mindanao, are classified as endemic or indigenous.

Interestingly, the city has yet to include in its official roster the Sama-Bajaus from Sulu or the Badjaos, who have permanently settled in Davao.

Though there is no definite census as to their number, the Bajaus, in the last fifty years, have multiplied and created a community of their own.

Some of their kind are now settled in chiefly migrant areas in the city.

“Modern Sama-Bajau,” Wikipedia avers, “are generally… peaceful, hospitable, and

cheerful people, despite their humble circumstances. However, a significant number [of them] are also illiterate, uneducated, and impoverished, due to their nomadic lifestyle.”

The Sama-Bajau tribe is divided into subgroups: (i) Sama Lipid, those living along the shorelines; (ii) Sama Darat, those who live on land; and Sama Dilaut, those who live in boats. Those who live on shorelines build their houses from fronds, wood, and bamboos, and on stilts.

The Bajaus of Davao City live in the coastal village of Seaside 2, in Matina-Aplaya, and Isla Verde, at Purok 4B, in barangay 23-C. The Matina-Aplaya community, called Canaan, is home to 150 families while Isla Verde, which was burned down in April 4, 2014 fire, is host to 200 families. In 2019, the Isla Verde was again hit by another blaze.

Instead of being greeted with heartwarming developments, the Bajaus, after the 2014 fire, were greeted with bad news: Two Malaysian investors wanted to develop the 8.8-hectare Isla Verde for a mixed-use facility. Fortunately, the shoreline area is covered

by a presidential proclamation which declared the Bajau settlement a human settlement area.

While efforts are made to protect the Bajau villages and the tribe’s heritage, upgrading their educational knowhow remains a challenge which non-government organizations, socio-civic groups, and religious sects are working on with enthusiasm. Aoyama Waka, in ‘Social Inequality among Sama-Bajau Migrants in Urban Settlements: A Case from Davao City’ (2012), wrote: “People tend to think that the ‘Bajau’ poverty is due to their ‘laziness’ or ‘apathy.’ In fact, people commonly adopt a negative image of the ‘Bajau’ way of life and attitudes and attribute their poverty to ‘poor’ or ‘bad’ culture. In this social milieu, even if the Sama-Bajau were selected as a target group for any poverty eradication program of the government, it might be simply treated as part of the urban poor with no specific cultural traits to appreciate.

‘Besides, resources for the urban poor are not only limited but also unevenly al-

located. Because most of the Sama-Bajau still do not vote, they lack connections with politicians, and this deprives them of access to various resources. Small in number and politically unimportant, the Sama-Bajau are disadvantaged in competing with more dominant ethnic groups over the distribution of the government budget and resources that aid agencies from the outside bring in.”

Also known as the sea gypsies because of their way of life, the Bajaus primarily reside in littoral areas where access to the sea, one of the chief sources of food, is easy and practical. Ethnohistorians called them the ‘dispersed people’ for having been uprooted from their original settlements, sailing across the seas that brought them from Malaysia to Sulu, and then to other regions of the archipelago, many of these along the coastlines of Mindanao.

Exactly when the then boat-dwelling Bajaus migrated to Davao City is an interesting subject of research. Residents first observed their presence when they showed up in the streets begging, diving coins

cast by ship passengers at piers, and tapping doors asking for any item of use. Though some conceited individuals treat them with disdain, these passive tribesmen are content with their place at the fringes of society. In recent years, some have moved from fishing and selling marine catch to peddling second-hand articles and fancy jewelries.

This seafaring tribe used to live on land but was later forced to dispersed. American anthropologist Harry Arlo Nimmo suggested in 1968 that the Sama-Bajau is indigenous to the regions of Sulu, Sulawesi (Indonesia), and Borneo (Malaysia), and their boat-dwelling lifestyle started to evolve with their ancestors.

The total Bajau population in Davao region, including small communities outside the city, according to 2017 estimates, is around 12,000, which makes them, more than ever, deserving to be recognized as the 12th tribe of the city. Appreciating their customs and traditions with public support is a pivotal backing that can elevate the tribe’s status into a well-informed society.

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

COVID-19

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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ll around the world, people are taking necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from coronavirus,” said Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, deputy executive director for Partnerships of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in a statement. “Sound preparation, based on scientific evidence, is what is needed at this time.”

Unfortunately, she lamented that many people are sharing information about Covid-19 – as coronavirus disease 2019 is known – which “only some of that information is useful or reliable.”

“Misinformation during times of a health crisis can spread paranoia, fear, and stigmatization,” Gornitzka stressed. “It can also result in people being left unprotected or more vulnerable to the virus.”

She cited the case of an online message which she said is “erroneous” and has been attributed to UNICEF. The coronavirus reportedly “cannot survive hot climate” and as such it urges to “avoid eating ice cream and any other cold food.”

“This is wholly untrue,” the UNICEF official pointed out. “Avoiding ice cream and other cold foods cannot help prevent the onset of the disease.”

Gornitzka urged those who created such “erroneous” messages to stop.

“Sharing inaccurate information and attempting to imbue it with authority by misappropriating the names of those in a position of trust is dangerous and wrong,” she said.

In these days of information-rich society, she admitted that is difficult to know exactly where to

go for correct knowledge.

“But it is critical that we remain as diligent about the accuracy of the information we share as we are about every other precautions we take to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe,” she concluded.

The Department of Health recently raised “code red sub-level 1” after the first localized transmission of Covid-19 was reported. The alert level was a “pre-emptive call” to ensure that “all human and material resources must be made available for duty and deployment.”

In response to the alert level, Malacañang declared a state of public health emergency “to facilitate the sufficient and immediate access to funding, particularly for local government units, and ease processes on procurement, mandatory reporting, mandatory quarantine, and travel restrictions, among others.”

Although there are some speculations as the source of Covid-19 virus, the DOH in its website said that animals are most likely the source of the novel coronavirus. “Coronavirus are a large family of viruses that are common in animals,” it explains. “At times, humans get infected with these viruses.”

The coronavirus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was associated with civet cats while Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus was identified with dromedary camels. Covid-19 and SARS-CoV are genetically related to each other but they are different. SARS is more fatal and deadly but less infectious than Covid-19.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) says the current incubation period – the time between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms – of Covid-19 ranges from one day to 12.5 days. But based on what have been known about other coronavirus diseases, the incubation period may reach up to 14 days. “With Covid-19,” DOH says, “WHO recommends to monitor contacts of confirmed cases for 14 days.”

The Covid-19 virus is transmitted from one person to another via droplets, contact, and fomites. “It is transmitted when one individual talks, sneezes, or coughs producing ‘droplets’ of saliva containing the Covid-19 virus,” the DOH says. “These droplets are then inhaled by another person.”

According to the United Nations health agency, other people can catch the Covid-19 virus by touching infected objects and surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

The WHO says Covid-19 transmission usually occurs among close contacts, including family members and healthcare workers. As such, it is very important to maintain a distance of more than one meter away from any person who has respiratory symptoms.

Unlike the dengue virus, Covid-19 virus cannot be transmitted by a bite of a mosquito. “To date, there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes,” WHO says.

The risk of catching Covid-19 from the feces of an infected person seems to

be low. “While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in feces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak,” the WHO says.

Despite what you have read, there is no confirmed timeline how long a Covid-19 virus survives in surfaces. “Most likely, it behaves like other coronaviruses,” DOH claims.

“Studies show that coronaviruses can survive on surface for a few hours up to several days depending on varied conditions (examples: type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).”

Symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to flu or the common cold. The most common symptoms, according to WHO, are fever, tiredness, and dry cough.

Few patients experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. “Patients usually have mild symptoms that start gradually,” the DOH informs.

“Most patients recover without needing any special treatment. Only around one in six patients manifest with difficulty breathing and become seriously ill.”

But what is alarming about Covid-19 is that some people, who become infected, don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. “The risk of getting Covid-19 from a person without any signs and symptoms is very low,” the DOH assures.

As Covid-19 virus is only spread through respiratory droplets coughed by an infected person, so there is a tendency that an infected person who doesn’t cough cannot infect others.

“However, many infected persons only experience mild symptoms,” the DOH states. “This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to get Covid-19 from an infected person with mild cough but is not feeling ill.”

According to reports, older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes are most likely to develop severe or critical form of Covid-19.

Although Covid-19 is fatal, it happens rarely.

Studies conducted by WHO showed 82% of infected patients will have mild presentations, 15% will have severe manifestations, and only 3% will be critical.

“About 2% of peopled infected with Covid-19 have died,” the DOH says.

There are several ways a person can avoid the risk of being infected, UNICEF says in its website. Below are the four precautions people can take to avoid infection: (1) washing hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub; (2) covering the mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing; (3) avoiding close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms; and (4) seeking medical care early if a person has a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

Other things a person can do to avoid being infected with Covid-19 are as follows: avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth,

unless you’ve just recently washed your hands; eating and drinking from safe, clean and reliable sources; and getting enough rest.

Taking a hot bath does not prevent you from catching the Covid-19 virus.

“Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower,” the WHO explains. “Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you.”

What about wearing a medical mask? It is advisable only if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) to protect others. “If you don’t have any symptoms, then there is no need to wear a mask,” UNICEF advises.

If masks are worn, they must be used and disposed of properly to ensure their effectiveness and to avoid any increased risk of transmitting the coronavirus.

“The use of a mask alone is not enough to stop infections and must be combined with frequent hand washing, covering sneezes and coughs, and avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms,” UNICEF reminds.

How effective are thermal scanners, where are used in airports, hotels, and malls? “Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (that is, higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus,” the WHO says. “But they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever.”

Antibiotics cannot protect you from Covid-19.

“The new coronavirus is a virus and therefore antibiotics (which works only against bacteria) should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment,” the WHO reminds. “However, if you are hospitalized for Covid-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.”

Are you at risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus? “The risk depends on where you live and where you have travelled recently,” the WHO says. “The risk of infection is higher in areas where a number of people have been diagnosed with Covid-19.”

Now, if you not in an area where Covid-19 is spreading or if you have not

FCOVID-19, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

WE’LL SURVIVE... FROM1

Only members of the City Council will be allowed entry during sessions and one staff may deliver pertinent docu-

ments for the respective councilors during session.

Staff and audience are strictly prohibited at the gallery.

March 13, Mayor Michelle ordered for the cancellation of all school activities.

All tourism-related establishments and accommodation facilities are also directed to submit a weekly list of guests including their place of origin to the City Tourism Office.

Religious gatherings are also advised to take precautionary measures to maintain social distancing.

Visitors coming from areas with known local transmission like Metro Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Pampanga, and Bulacan will be subjected to a mandatory 14day quarantine.

All agencies, both private and government, are also directed to submit a list of their employees with recent travel history in areas with known local

transmission. They are also advised to regularly disinfect their respective workplaces.

Mati residents are meanwhile advised against traveling to areas with known local transmission of Covid-19. Everyone is advised to refrain from going to public places.

A 10 p.m. curfew will also be enforced for minors which will end at 4 a.m. the following day.

All Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERT) are also directed to do daily reporting to the Incident Management Team-City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (IMT-CESU) for Covid-19 any related incidents especially information of person with travel to places with local transmission.

(CIO MATI)

ties.

Lopez said that despite the community quarantine in Metro Manila starting March 15, operations of offices, banks, and factories shall continue.

“We encourage flexible work arrangement, especially in offices,” he said.

Flow of goods in and out Metro Manila will not be disrupted, he added.

(PNA)

On Thursday night, President Rodrigo Duterte

addressedthenationthat the Philippine government is restricting travel to and from Metro Manila starting March 15 until April 14 as part of communityquarantineinabid to contain the spread of coronavirusdisease2019 (COVID-19).

“Major lead/catalyst next week is the next

monetary policy-setting meetingoftheBSP(Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) on March 19, 2020, when there is a possible cut in localpolicyratesofatleast -0.25,” Ricafort said.

“Peso exchange rate could also be affected by latest developments on coronavirusaswellasany furthergovernmentmeasuresvs.thecoronavirus,” he said.

travelled from one of those areas or have not been in close contact with someone who has and is feeling unwell, your chances of getting the virus are currently low.

“It’s understandable that you may feel stressed and anxious about the situation,” the WHO says. “It’s a good idea to get the facts to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions.”

The WHO reminds that the following measures are not effective against Covid-19; in fact, they can be harmful: smoking, taking traditional herbal remedies, wearing multiple masks, and taking self-medication such as antibiotics.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for or vaccine against Covid-19.

“Many of the symptoms can be treated based on the patient’s clinical conditions,” the DOH says. “Supportive care for infected persons is highly effective. Most of those infected have recovered with only supportive care.”

Vaccines and specific drug treatments are cur-

rently being developed and are tested through clinical trials. The London-based The Guardian reports: “Commercial pharmaceuticals and biotechnology labs have preventive vaccine prototypes in development, some of which will soon be ready for human testing (although their efficacy and safety will take time to establish.”

In addition, more than 80 clinicals trials were under way for antiviral treatments, according to Nature magazine. Most of these have already been used successfully in treating other illnesses.

The WHO and DOH are coordinating with those who are developing the vaccines and medicines to determine possible availability of these resources.

Again, “the most effective ways to protect yourself and others against Covid-19 are to frequently clean or wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough with a tissue or the bend of the elbow, and maintain a distance of at least one meter from people who are coughing or sneezing,” the DOH points out.

ONE PUI... FROM2

PHILEXPORT... FROM5 PESO... FROM5

COVID-19... FROM8

BARMM... FROM2

gion that have dedicated wards for proper isolation and treatment of possible Covid-19 cases.

The hospitals include the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao; Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato

City; Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; Sulu Provincial Hospital in Jolo, Sulu; Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Lamitan District Hospital in Lamitan City; and Basilan Provincial Hospital. (PNA)

via urban gardening or aquaculture in their respective backyards, veran-

das, rooftops, and designated areas in the barangay, school or community. (PR)

tunity to further enhance our value-chain, extend our product line, future-proof manufacturing capacity, increase market share and

derive additional operating synergies across the business. Hopefully, we can close a good deal within the year,’’ Raperoga said. (PR)

exposed to a confirmed Covid-19 patient last week.

"Still symptom-free.

Had myself tested at 3 p.m. yesterday (Thursday) & was told that I could expect results in 24-48 hours from then," Dominguez said when asked on the current condition of his self-quarantine.

On Thursday night, President Rodrigo R. Duterte raised the Covid-19 alert system to Code Red Sub-level 2 due to the rise of confirmed cases.

He also explained the details of a resolution adopted by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Disease, which recommended the placing of entire Metro Manila under “community quarantine.”

He said that while the task force does not want to use the term lockdown for the current situation the reality is it is a lockdown but clarified that “there is no struggle of power here.”

“It’s just a matter of protecting and defending

you from Covid-19. That’s about it. It has nothing to do with the power of the military or the power of the police nor my power or these guys beside me.

It’s just an issue of protecting the public interest and public health,” he said.

The resolution extends the suspension of classes in all levels in Metro Manila until April 12 but students must fulfill their education requirements.

Among others, the resolution prohibited mass gatherings, advised people to ensure social distancing, suspended work under the executive branch but there should be a skeletal force and advised all manufacturing, retail and service establishments to remain in operation.

However, the resolution suspended land, domestic air and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila from March 15 until April 14, 2020 “subject to the daily review by the inter-agency task force.”

(PNA)

DON’T PANIC... FROM4 COCONUT... FROM5

SEC.DOMINGUEZ... FROM5

NOTICE OF AUCTION

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES

DAVAO Sasa Maa Panabo Main Panabo Branch

DAVAO Sandawa Matina Ulas

DATE PAWNED

Sept.

01-30, 2019

Sept.

01-30, 2019

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION March 20, 2020 (Fri) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sandawa Branch VGM Bldg., Sandawa Rd. SIR New Matina, Davao City March 30, 2020 (Mon) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Matina Branch VGM BLDG. Km. 6 Matina Davao City

CURFEW... FROM2

land, domestic air and sea travel to and from Metro Manila will be banned with exemptions, mass gatherings will be prohibited,

while those going out for basic necessities are required to observe a 1-meter radius from the next person.

localized Covid-19 transmissions.

“Again, strict quarantine restrictions will be imposed on foreign nationals coming from countries with localized Covid-19 transmissions,” he said.

Nograles said details of the government’s policy for foreign travelers would be ironed out during the meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease.

He also advised travelers to take domestic flights in other airports like Clark International Airport in Pampanga and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu.

“If the ultimate destination is in the provinces, we

suggest you fly in via Clark, Cebu and other airports not under quarantine so you can proceed to your ultimate destination in the provinces,” Nograles said.

Nograles said the travel ban in Metro Manila would be reviewed on a daily basis and “maybe lifted earlier if the situation allows it or extended further if the situation requires it.”

Duterte on Thursday announced the imposition of Metro Manila-wide community quarantine to combat the threat of infectious disease after the Covid-19 code alert system was raised to Code Red (Sub-level 2).

The Philippines has 52 confirmed cases of Covid-19. (PNA)

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2020-3-1631 (2016-XI-01631)

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2020-3-1604 (2016-XI-01604)

NAIA... FROM4

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

JOSEPHINE D. GALLEGO, Petitioner.

x----------------------------------------------------x

3/12,13,16

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

LEONARDO A. SASING, Petitioner.

x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL ORDINARY REGULAR service on the route: MINTAL and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on July 8, 2021. In the petition filed on March 11, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 15, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 12th day of March 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: CIRCULATION ROUTE 10 and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on February 9, 2021.

In the petition filed on March 5, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same units previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 15, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 6th day of March 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

THE MANAGEMENT

9

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Josephine D. Gallego Counsel, Atty. Napoleon F. Sango

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Leonardo A. Sasing Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco

NOT DONE YET A4 EDGE A4 INdulge!

INdulge!

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO DAVAO Davao (SPCD) Saints and with 3-0 card, followed Mats College of Technol- by JMC Kings (2-0), Asian ogy (MCT) Navigators at International School of 6:00 pm.

Aeronautics and TechnolAt 7:00pm, the un- ogy (AISAT) (1-1), Atebeaten University of Min- neo de Davao University danao (UM) Wildcats Knights (1-2), Mannywill Pacquiao(Addu) says evenBlue at 40, he is not finished yet. stake its clean slate against BCD (0-1), UM Penaplata DMMA College of South- (0-1), and Rizal Memoern Philippines (DMMAC- rial Colleges (RMC) SP) Mariners to wrap up Bulldogs (0-2).

Saturday's quadruple header sponsored by The

14 12 10 ARTS AND CULTURE TECH TRAVEL

EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

Collegiate Sponsors League (CSL) Escandor Cup resumes at the Davao City Recreation Center. Escandor Cup/CSL photo VOL.11 VOL.12 ISSUE 241 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 6VOL.12 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 17-18, ISSUE 51 •FEBRUARY TUESDAY, 21,2019 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAYMONDAY, MAYMAY 12 -13,

SEE STORY ON P11

VOL.12 ISSUE 223 •216 WEDNESDAY, 22, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 219 • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,JANUARY JANUARY 17, 14, 2020 VOL.12 ISSUE 21• SUNDAY-MONDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE MAY 26-27, VOL.13 ISSUE 6 •55 SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINENEW ELIMINATES SINGLESONY INTRODUCES GP-VPT2BT USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET WIRELESS SHOOTING GRIP MAYA ON THE BLOCK A1

ka weaver naga-himo,” he said.

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

“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 beauty of Dagmay travel photography /he bottles across its 17-shipasfleet, has clients with who its are looking for videography tomost simple beginning recent clothes and accessories made everyday use,Encore. the new ship, Norwegian byThe theoffers Mandayas.

He saidof they grip optimum achievement is one the noticed thatand some Pasalubong stability comfort latest sustainable steps forward centers including Davao City’s combined with cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In free and a 2018, connectivity the Company eliminated reliable moissingle-use dust plasticand straws across ture its fleetresistant and privatedesign. destinaCompatible with aofvariety tions, and as a result this of Sony’s latest digitalitcamermost recent initiative, will as, the GP-VPT2BT connects replace over six million singleeasily via Bluetooth, allowing use plastic water bottles every creators to simplythe aim and is year.

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

The plastic shampoo condinew grip includes useful tioner bottles later athis year.tilt featureefforts that allows for flexible These are driven by vertical angle adjustment as the Company’s Sail & Sustain well as the ability to switch Environmental Program, which from normal to self-shooting is its commitment to minimize mode to with ease. Additionalwaste landfills, reduce its

A4 INdulge!

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 materials – the paper carton is made from trees grown in responsibly-managed forests and the cap and shoulder are made from a sugarcane-based plastic.

It is refillable and recyclable.

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.

A4 INdulge!

Aldevinco do not carry Dagmay cloth.

“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.

CO2 emissions rate, increase thrilled make such an impact cotton Dagmay design sustainable sourcing and invest by The eliminating single-use beverclothing not yetchanged available ly,initemerging has an adjustment wheel and can beisquickly technologies. age bottles across our fleet. in theajust market as Limon can“This be loosened tightened into tripod simply exis a veryorspecial and It’s one by of the waysand wehis are group are in the immertovery allow for seamless operapanding the bottom portion, proud moment for us,” working tostill preserve our oceans sion the stage ofstable, the project. tion cameras of different easy handssaidwith Harry Sommer, president enabling and destinations we visit.

“Wethis willisevaluate their sizes gripof free shooting. and and chiefweights. executiveThe officer While just the pa beginning capacity and kung willing sila also includesCruise a flip button, inThe GP-VPT2BT Wireless Norwegian Line. “As of what we and others can do, makipag-collaborate,” he said. dicator light and line, lock we switch, Shooting Grip will committed be availa leading cruise are we are incredibly

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.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

Aeon Luxe Properties Inc. President and CEO Ian Y. Cruz (center) and PAREB officers led by their President Samuel Lao (5th from the right) during the event at Aeon Towers Showroom on March 7, 2020.

PROPERTY

11

Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. representative William Braza discuss reasons to invest in Davao City and in Aeon Luxe with the members of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards, Inc.

Aeon Luxe hosts PAREB contingent

S

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

ome 30 members of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards, Inc. (PAREB) recently visited Davao City and was hreated to the Dabawenyo hospitality through Davao-based developer Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. Aeon hosted a luncheon for the visiting PAREB entourage at Aeon Towers Showroom, J.P. Laurel Avenue, in Davao City on March 7 (Saturday).

The contingent from the country's largest real estate service organization, was welcomed by Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. headed by its President Ian Y. Cruz.

During the event, a Product Knowledge Seminar was conducted among the guests to inform them about the company, its iconic 33-storey project Aeon Towers and future

development Aeon Bleu.

Aeon Luxe also invited guest speakers to share relevant information to the PAREB members. Matias Regis, Jr., Unit Head of Investment Promotion and Generation Unit of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), addressed the PAREB members on behalf of DCIPC Chief April Marie Dayap and talked about the various developments in the city. BPI Family Savings Bank led

by Mr. Rommel Geyrozaga, Market Head for Housing Loans of Davao and Gensan Retail Loan Center Bank, discussed on bank financing.

After the presentations and socials with Aeon Luxe sales representatives, the PAREB members led by their President Mr. Samuel Lao were given a tour of Aeon Towers.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the participating members from the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards, Inc. for giving us the time and opportunity to present to them our promising properties, most especially our flagship project Aeon Towers.

We hope that this business partnership will take us to greater heights in the future,” Mr. Ian Cruz, Aeon Luxe President and CEO said.

This partnership is just the beginning of Aeon Luxe’s expansion program to gear up with a stronger and larger sales force with a nationwide reach. The company envisions to extend beyond the Mindanao market and tap other key cities across the Philippines.

Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. aims to be a market leader in building inno-

Representatives from BPI Family Savings Bank led by Rommel Geyrozaga (left), Market Head for Housing Loans of Davao and Gensan Retail Loan Center, receive

a token of appreciation from Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. Marketing Communications Director Almira Mariano (2nd from left).

vative developments and creating unique transformative communities.

PAREB Inc. President Samuel Lao (3rd from right) and members enjoy an exclusive site visit of the 33rd level at Aeon Towers, which is overlooking Davao City and Samal Island. Together with them is Aeon Luxe Properties Business Unit Head Fauziah Jamsuri (center).

Matias Regis, Jr., Unit Head of Investment Promotion and Generation Unit of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, with Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. Marketing Communications Director Almira Mariano.

12 SPORTS

NO KICKOFF EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2020

PFL's new season is also off due to Covid-19 T he Philippines Football League (PFL) moved the opening of its upcoming season a month later due to the continuous scare of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and Philippines Football League (PFL) have decided to postpone the Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways kick-off originally scheduled on 21 March 2020 to 18 April 2020 tentatively," the PFF, which operates the PFL, said in a statement on Friday.

The development came a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a community quarantine around Metro Manila as the number of people tested positive for Covid-19 in the country surges.

"Utmost priority

must be accorded to the safety, health, and welfare of the players, coaching staff, match officials, sponsors, and others who are involved in the organization of the matches," the PFF said.

The PFL was the latest club sports league to announce the postponement of matches due to Covid-19.

The Philippine Basketball Association, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball, and the National Basketball League have already postponed their games earlier in the week.

The Philippine Rugby Football Union also announced the postponement of the JML Luzon Cup, the PRFU Premiership Shield, and the Santos Knight Frank Junior Festival.

Like the PFL, the PRFU looks to resume action on April 18.

(PNA)

Action during the finals day of the 2020 AIA Philam Life 7s football tournament which drew to a close recently at the Azuela Cove pitch. Meantime, the Philippine Football League has declared to postpone its new season due to the outbreak of coronavirus.